Carbohydrates are our main source of energy when exercising at a level which takes us out of breath and the fuel that fires the brain.

Starchy carbs comprise oats and oatcakes, yams, potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, noodles and cereals.

When I got the results through with a long list of intolerances, which appeared just about impossible to manage, I nearly threw the results in the bin.  However, I decided to manage the intolerances the best way I could.  My symptoms were vast, including unstable blood sugar levels, anxiety, serious fatigue, palpitations, digestion issues and poor sleep.  I didn’t initially associate these with food intolerance but rather tiredness from working very hard, however, I am beginning to believe that the food intolerance is playing part in the way I have been feeling.

I have 26 foods listed that I am intolerant to including yeast, dairy, beef, gluten, wheat, corn/maize, soya, eggs. I also have another dozen that I should not eat more often than once in 4 days.

Over the past 3 weeks I have got better at working within the intolerances but it’s not easy.  Eating out is a nightmare.  Anything packaged (even a lot of healthy foods) is usually unsuitable. Getting variety isn’t very easy but I am working on it. 

In terms of how I feel now, definitely better at 3 weeks in.  My blood sugar levels seemed to have stabilised more.  It’s made me realise just how bad this was and also how long I’ve had this issue - years rather than months.  We cope with not feeling great because our deterioration is often so gradual we don’t notice a huge difference. 

The plan with the food intolerance is that after a while we start to reintroduce foods - so it’s not always for life.  Depending on interolance levels, some within 3 months and some up to a year later.  A retest will show what impact the change in diet has made and of course how I feel.

For me it feels like a bit of an experiment.  It will also mean that I will be able to help people with food intolerances by sharing my own experiences and having a good understanding of the difficulties of working within these new parameters.

I’ll keep you informed.

Some of the benefits of consuming lettuce include improved circulation, reduced risk of some cancers, heart attack or stroke.  It also helps to level out blood sugar levels and is a good addition to the diet of those that suffer from anaemia.  Due to its fibre content, lettuce is good for those that suffer from constipation.  It provides anti-oxidants and contains minerals which help with bone health.

Vitamins and minerals found in lettuce includes A, C, E, K, folate, chromium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese.

If you have a very manual job or do lots of weights, then you will need more protein than the average person.  It might be wise to seek assistance from a nutrition adviser.  Children need protein to help them grow.  You should also consider whether you are consuming sufficient carbohydrates.  If you lack adequate carbohydrates along with dipping into fat stores, it will effectively cannibalise itself and use your protein stores for energy, which means there would be less protein available for repair and build muscle.

Recommended protein intake for the average person is between 0.75g and 1.25g per kilogram of body weight.  However, for endurance and strength athletes, the recommended intake of protein can be up to 2g per kilogram of body weight.

“They can say whatever
I’ma do whatever
No pain is forever
Yup, you know this

Tougher than a lion
Ain’t no need in tryin’
I live where the sky ends
Yup, you know this 

Never lyin’, truth teller
That Rihanna reign, just won’t let up
All black on, blacked out shades
Blacked out Maybach

I’ma rock this shit like fashion, as in
goin’ til they say stop
And my runway never looked so clear
But the hottest bitch in heels right here

No fear, and while you getting your cry on
I’m getting my fly on
Sincere, I see you aiming at my pedastal
I betta let ya’ know

That I, I, I, I’m so hard
Ah yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m so hard
That I, I, I, I’m so hard
Ah yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m so hard
That I, I, I, I’m so hard
Ah yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m so hard
So hard, so hard, so hard, so hard”