Standing on my head

Can I make it for 30 days?

Throughout my journey with celiac disease, I’ve been my own guinea pig, testing the effects of coffee or corn products, for example, to see if they bring on celiac symptoms, which I frequently “enjoy,” even though I believe my diet is completely gluten-free. Currently I’m trying out the Whole30 diet, giving up all grains, dairy, sugar, and alcohol for 30 days—the month of May—to determine whether or not I am sensitive to foods other than wheat, barley and rye. As my dad used to say when I was facing a particularly difficult period of time, “Hell, Linda, you can stand on your head for 30 (or whatever the number) days.”

I’ve thought about trying this diet before, but I couldn’t work up the resolve to stick with it—or even to start, really. But last week, after having some mysterious celiac symptoms, I dusted off my copy of It Starts with Food by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig and reread the entire book. I also ordered The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom (also by Melissa Hartwig). While this plan may seem a bit extreme, I’m certain that “clean eating” is healthier than my current modus operandi, and hopefully I’ll make some helpful discoveries. If I seem a little grouchier than usual during the next 30 days, therefore, you’ll know that I’m missing the cream and sugar in my morning coffee—and I’m probably getting a little tired of standing on my head.