Giving Up Processed Foods

NY Biker- I usually have extreme fatigue with my migraines, the next day I feel absolutely hungover and like I didn't sleep. This would be the first time I ever got physically sick but I know those evil migraines don't play fair. This is also the first time I have had migraine type symptoms without the aura, I have always gotten an occular migraine first usually gives me a warning so I can get home and not have to drive during the worst part. The after effects seemed to last longer than normal but it could be dehydration on top of it.

I like the suggestion of a headache journal and will be starting one, already found an app for my new Iphone. :)

My sympathies with the migraine. I HATE HATE migraine.

+1 with all those who said about the soft drink and artificial sweeteners. High Fructose corn syrup included.

Also did you change your sports drink or Goo to a different brand? I don't trust many of the sport supplements with synthetic sounding names of the ingredients and additives. My body is okay with Cliff bars, Luna bars, Fig Newtons and hate Goo, shot blocks...

You may want to check out your sport supplement.

Smiling Cat- I can't do anything in sports drinks with artificial sweeteners. Nuun uses sorbitol and it causes my stomach to cramp. I only do Gatorade, which the low cal does not have HFCS or artificial sweeteners. But my resolution (ot really because I am just doing this at the start of a month, any month would have worked) is to first give up artificial sweeteners and also cut back then eventually eliminate HFCS.

In the race the day before the migraine I had nothing but Gu and Gatorade. I think it was a combination of dehydration and then something else. I will keep focusing on tracking that. ;)

Incidentally I had a Mexican Coke last week (my first) which is not made with HFCS, it was amazing. Tasted much better, worth the calories.

I'm very conscious of processed foods because I have an autoimmune desease and, apart from cutting any Gluten, I also have to try and eat as little processed foods as possible. I don't know if this will help you, too, but I recently downloaded an iPhone app called "E numbers". It's become my main shopping guide. You just have to read the label, punch in any E numbers and the app tells you if it's safe to eat or not! Brilliant!

That App sounds interesting, I may have to check it out.

Incidentally, first week with no artificial sweeteners and no headaches except the day I forgot my allergy meds. I was taking Excedrin several times a week. It has been a stressful week with my grandma hospitalized and a big project at work. I hope I may have found one of the key migraine/chronic headache triggers.

Amanda-

Crossing my fingers that you have figured out the trigger, and that you have more migraine free days. I expect they may be one of my triggers as well. Best wishes to your grandmother and good luck with the project!

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Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama

That App sounds interesting, I may have to check it out.

Incidentally, first week with no artificial sweeteners and no headaches except the day I forgot my allergy meds. I was taking Excedrin several times a week. It has been a stressful week with my grandma hospitalized and a big project at work. I hope I may have found one of the key migraine/chronic headache triggers.

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I hope your grandma is getting better quickly. And that your headaches stay away.

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Originally Posted by GrooverBrisbane

I hope your grandma is getting better quickly. And that your headaches stay away.

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+1 !!



This is going to sound flip, but I'm serious. As I'm smelling a lovely chicken friccasee simmering on the stove, I'm wondering, without bread or pasta or rice, how do you sop up the sauce? Just drink it like soup?

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

This is going to sound flip, but I'm serious. As I'm smelling a lovely chicken friccasee simmering on the stove, I'm wondering, without bread or pasta or rice, how do you sop up the sauce? Just drink it like soup?

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Cauliflower mashed? Quinoa (if you're comfortable eating that)? Or yeah - drink it:) I've been known to lick a plate of sauce:D:D (of course, only in the privacy of my own home!)

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

+1 !!



This is going to sound flip, but I'm serious. As I'm smelling a lovely chicken friccasee simmering on the stove, I'm wondering, without bread or pasta or rice, how do you sop up the sauce? Just drink it like soup?

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I don't think there is anything wrong with rice, brown rice I mean. Is there? :confused:

+1 for the Quinoa. That's a very yummy grain, no gluten, and extremely versatile.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

+1 !!



This is going to sound flip, but I'm serious. As I'm smelling a lovely chicken friccasee simmering on the stove, I'm wondering, without bread or pasta or rice, how do you sop up the sauce? Just drink it like soup?

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With more chicken? Or with other veggies?

Quinoa!!!!!!

Thanks for the well wishes on my Grandma, unfortunately she will likely be in a nursing home now for the rest of her days. She is turning 94 on the 19th and has been at home until now, living with her oldest daughter. Unfortunately her hips are so arthritic that managing the pain is very hard and she will probably not be able to walk any longer. She also has swallowing issues and has to supplement with a feeding tube. But she is still smart and full of dry humor. Love her.

Great news is after my epic race Saturday I did not follow with a migraine. Still eating HFCS but I have been making soups for lunch instead of tv dinners. It is nice to not have had a headache!

I just joined a CSA for the first time. The farm is still figuring things out themselves, and this is the first time they've offered a program that fits with our schedule.

Holy @#$%, three dollars a day buys a LOT of beautiful local organic vegetables for two people. And since they're already paid for, there's nothing to do but eat them all up!

That's why we've never joined one. It's always too much food. Even the ones that say it's a share for 2 people. We have tons of local farms around here, so I just make it a point to buy all fruits and veggies there from June-October.