Beating ADHD and dark under-eye circles, anyone else?

[Guest]

I started the Whole30 yesterday, and I already had a dream about sugar last night! Funny how the addiction and the subconscious mind work, huh?

I’ve recently decided that my #1 priority is my overall health and wellness, and I know that in order to achieve optimum health I need to face and overcome my food addictions. I’m on ADHD medication, and my hope is that this program will lead to the same benefits (increased energy and motivation, improved cognitive function/focus) without the side effects (racing heart, insomnia, occasional anxiety attacks). Don’t worry, I won’t abruptly stop taking my meds; my plan is to wean myself during the 30 days under my doctor’s supervision.

 

Other health issues include: mild allergies, gas and bloating, and body aches and stiffness. My most troubling symptom of dis-ease is dark and puffy under-eye circles . . . because I’m vain, and vanity is more compelling to me than physical pain! In fact, my eyes were the straw that broke the camel’s back, leading me to the bookstore in search of a detox diet, or something similar, to reduce inflammation. That’s where I found Whole30 .

I don’t need to lose much weight (only about 10 lbs.), but again, wanting to feel good about my appearance is a big factor. I’m happy to report that after just one day, my tummy looks a little flatter and I have zero gas or bloating, and slept like a baby last night. Other than that dream about sugar. 

 

Following the wisdom of the authors, I understand that the success of this program depends on three things: 1. Planning 2. Planning 3. More planning!  So I shopped for all that I would need for the first 3 days of the 7-Day Meal Plan on page 196. I’m reorganizing my kitchen to make meal prep simpler and more efficient, and planning to move all the non-compliant foods to one cabinet, away from the foods I can eat. The book advises us to do this before starting the 30 days, but I wanted to begin now, so as to finish before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving falls on Day 5 of my reintroduction phase-which I realize could be problematic, but I wanted to get started sooner than later. I may have to modify reintroduction, or just do the Whole30 all over again in January! At least I will have had plenty of practice J

 

As an act of self-love, I cancelled plans to go to a party this evening. It’s just too difficult to be around all that off-limits food and alcohol, especially on Day Two. But I’m replacing the party with a different social plan, because I think it’s important for my overall health that I continue staying socially active and involved. Instead of the party, tonight I’m joining friends at a poetry reading. I’ll eat dinner beforehand so I don’t have to worry about the temptation to “grab a bite” afterwards.

 

Is anyone else with ADHD starting the Whole30 around now, or recently? I’d love to start a support group.  

[SugarcubeOD]

Good for you!  Welcome here!

One thing I would suggest is talking to your doctor about staying on the meds (even at a reduced dosage) during the Whole30... You want to keep most everything you can the same during the 30 and then reintro so you really know how food affects you... you could be someone that may always have to be on meds (I am, for something different) and may find you have poor symptoms when you reduce them too greatly... I wouldnt want you to be disappointed in the Whole30 for something that is med related if that makes any sense?  Perhaps let your doc know you're doing the 30 and that you'd like to revisit your med dosage when you're done?  

[Guest]

SugarcubeOD that TOTALLY makes sense. If I change other variables besides food, it is impossible to know what's causing what. OK, so I will take your idea to my doctor (I have an appointment on Thursday) and see what he says. Thank you so much!