The Squeegan Transition
Last week I explained what and why I’m trying to eat a mostly plant based diet. This week let me explain to you my non-scientific, experiment of one experiences as I made the transition.
The first thing that happened as I started eating a boatload of kale and lettuce and other leafy greens is that my stomach started to ache. My guts were sore as hell for a full two weeks. It got to the point that I thought I might have some sort of blockage and called the doctor.
I’ve discovered that this is due to eating large quantities of raw kale. Kale is a superfood but I need to go easy or cook it because my body works hard to digest it.
I was advised by the nurse to start a course of heartburn medication. I did and it eventually got better.
I could see that my belly was distended like some sort of African relief commercial. I could feel the food moving through. I actually slipped a belt loop.
Along with this my body’s regularity and digestive rhythm got all bungled up. There was much more volume in certain key processes and a certain amount of inconsistency as my innards tried to figure out what I was doing.
There was lots and lots of natural gas production. I think I probably produced enough gas to fuel a small country. This has remedied itself a bit as time goes on but is still a few ticks above normal.
At first I did not lose weight, but gained a few pounds along with all the discomfort and bloating. Then, after 2-3 weeks it started to turn the corner and I have maintained and even lost a couple pounds while I have been working through my current injury.
Energy-wise I have seen no change in either direction. I’m not light headed but I do notice I’m having trouble recalling facts and figures that would normally pop out of my grey matter. This may just be my normal senility or due to lack of running. I’m not befuddled at all in any other way and have had no mood issues.
I’m not sure how much of this is due to my change in eating habits or just because I don’t know what I’m doing. I have not felt hungry at all and have had no cravings for any of the forbidden foods.
I have felt no impact on the workouts I’m doing. The weightlifting, swimming and pool running have felt the same as usual. I don’t see any impact on recovery, endurance or any of those things but I’m not pushing the needle very hard these days. We’ll have to see what happens when I get back on it.
I’m about 6 weeks or so in and seem to have normalized.
I know it sounds a bit negative, but besides the initial cramping it’s been nothing out of the ordinary either way. We’ll talk again when I start training.
Hi, Chris,
I also read “The China Study” earlier this year. I agree that it was a very long book and got a bit repetitive.
My diet has always been rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains. The book has affirmed my choice of eating a primarily plant-based diet. I do eat fish and eggs once or twice a week and low fat or no fat dairy products because they are a good source of calcium. My weight has not changed, nor has my energy level. My marathon time has remained in the same range. I used to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which has led to the discomfort of bloating. I learned to eat even nutritious foods in moderation, enough to give me my daily requirements, but not so much to make me uncomfortable.
Good luck with your dietary experiment. I will share your story with Sabrina.
Hanju