Hi! I am Carrie – a Jesus-lovin’, homeschooling mama and wife to an amazing man who cooks AIP compliant food for me! I have been plagued with skin problems for as long as I can remember – scalp psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, along with a plethora of other symptoms: migraines, insomnia, brain-fog, irritability, memory loss, hair loss, and some very strange allergies.
I went gluten free in 2013 in hopes of kicking my psoriasis to the curb. I learned about food triggers and was able to decrease the occurrence of migraines by changing my diet just a little. It wasn’t enough. I was MISERABLE and could barely function. If you are a migraine sufferer, you know what I mean.
By 2015 I had been gluten-free for two years and had cut out all processed foods. My husband had made some spicy shrimp etouffee that was sooo good I ate it for 3 days in a row. My psoriasis when NUTS. Bleeding, burning, raw….and it was spreading. He mentioned that maybe spicy foods caused it. I was desperate and went to Dr. Google and learned that nightshades are a trigger for psoriasis. Night what? Yea – I didn’t even know what nightshades were – but I cried when I learned that tomatoes were on that list. Like, for real – I cried.
It was at this point that I sought out a nutritionist who put me on the Autoimmune Protocol. She was smart – she said it was “temporary” and told me what I had to avoid for 6 – 8 weeks. Here I am over a year later…still on AIP with only a couple of successful reintroductions. Had she told me it would be for an unspecified amount of time, I likely would have just suffered through it. AIP can be very daunting and intimidating when you realize all of the foods you love have to hit the door and may never come back.
My life now barely resembles the pre-AIP gal who was 45 lbs. overweight, cranky, and miserable. My psoriasis is still not in remission, however it is MUCH better and I avoid flare-ups unless I have a re-intro go bad.
Look at what AIP has done for me:
Pre-AIP
- Migraines
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Severe back acne (I know, TMI)
- Seasonal Allergies
- Insomnia
- Hair Loss
- Irritability
- Brain-fog
- No energy
- Bathroom issues
- Hypoglycemia
- Overweight
- Pre-diabetes
Post-AIP
Migraines- Psoriasis – still a problem, but much better! A bad re-intro gives me a major flare-up.
EczemaRosaceaSevere back acneSeasonal Allergies- Insomnia (I still struggle with this.)
Hair LossIrritabilityBrain-fogNo energyBathroom issuesHypoglycemiaOverweightPre-diabete
My hair is really fuzzy on top because it is GROWING BACK and I feel more like myself everyday. Before AIP I was 178 at my highest weight, was classified as obese (I am 5’2), and wore a size 14/XL. I am now a healthy 135 lbs. and in a size 3/4 – 5/6. I had blood sugar problems and was headed towards diabetes. I am the healthiest I have EVER been and I love what I eat!I still miss tomatoes terribly, but I am thoroughly enjoying having a clear head with no pain. I am super blessed with a husband who loves to take care of me and makes the most amazing meals for me to eat.
Before & After Pics
Let me just preface this by saying I do not like pictures of myself (I know, who does?!) but I love looking at before and after pics of others, so I will share with you a couple here.
On the left is a picture of what my psoriasis looked like before AIP and the one on the right is what it looks like now. I do have a few spots, but they are not bothersome and barely noticeable unless you are up close and looking for it.
I could not find a good full-body shot when I was at my heaviest because I avoided the camera at all costs – so this is all I have for you. You could even see my rosecea through my make-up on my cheeks!
Here is a picture of what I look like now.
I am very grateful I discovered the AIP way and thankful for all of the helpful blogs out there that have been my go-to for recipes, encouragement, and re-intro tips. I look forward to partnering with Jen to do the same for you here at myBIGFATgrainfreelife.com.
You can also find me at my homeschooling blog www.homeschoolgiveways.com where I have all things FREE for homeschooling!
