Eating Clean

9 months ago I was diagnosed with Lupus.  What is Lupus?  Lupus is a chronic disease that effects the skin, joints, or organs inside the body.  Chronic meaning it can last weeks, months, years, or a lifetime.  Mine effects my joints.  It started 5 years ago when I gave birth to my daughter Adelaide.  I could barely pick her up at times and I felt like an 80 year old woman.  My doctor sent me to a Rheumatologist, but he did not know what was wrong and did not believe I had Lupus.  The symptoms went away for a time, but then 2 years ago they were something fierce.  I was constantly tired and beyond normal tired for a mother of 5 soon to be six children.  My doctor sent me back to a new Rheumatologist  and he made a few blood test and sure enough I had the markers for Lupus.  I knew it wasn't all in my head which by the way is the worst when maybe you think you are making it up all in your head or no one believes you.  He started me on some medications which have helped tremendously, but now I want to take it to a new level by eating clean.  He has advised me that if I changed my diet that I would feel much better. I have been asked to limit sugar, red meat, and gluten. Very hard for this girl who loves food and loves sweets, but I am tired of feeling sick.  So wish me luck !  And say a little prayer because I know it isn't going to be easy.  I am addicted to sugar!  I will be posting my progress over the next couple of weeks and months.

BBQ Chicken Salad ( serves 2)

1 chicken breast grilled salted and peppered.  BBQ sauce is optional

2 hard boiled eggs peeled and chopped

1 cucumber chopped into bite size pieces

1 large tomato

1 avocado chopped into bite size pieces

1 head of romaine lettuce washed and chopped

1 ear of grilled corn

Toss all ingredients together.

dressing 1/2 cup of plain yogurt

1/4 cup of mayo

salt and pepper to taste

a teaspoon of vinegar

a splash of milk

3-4 basil leaves washed and chopped

salt and pepper to taste 

A couple sprigs of chives chopped

1 teaspoon of dill 

whisk all ingredients together and thin out with additional milk if dressing is to thick.  Spoon on top of salt.

Enjoy!  So refreshing on a hot summer/fall day!  

Do you eat clean?  If so what are your favorite recipes?  I really trying to eat the paleo diet,but mostly just gluten free.