Phase One of GAPS is Like a Cuddly Kitty… That Bites Between Meals

Daddypotamus here. Or, should I say, there [look up]. That’s me. Or it could be. Because this kitty represents how I’ve felt all weekend. Only not as content. And with less back hair (promise).

Our house feels so very cozy.The grey skies are covered in a light blanket of chilly mist, but that’s not why I feel so sleepy. Credit for that goes to the Introduction Diet, i.e. phase one of the GAPS Diet. The purpose of Phase One is to heal my damaged gut lining before we begin work on changing the ecology in my digestive tract.

All I can confirm at this point is it makes me narcosleepy all day long.

Many of you are closely reading each new GAPS post, wondering whether the GAPS Diet is for you. And I commend you for that. If you decide this is for you, I want you to know what you’re getting into. Down the road I hope to be sharing about all the ways it has improved my life, but for now these first few days are just . . . hard.

THE UPDATE

We’re sleepy. We’re lethargic. Heather has modified her diet in order to keep up her milk supply. But she was really smart to start us off on a Saturday. That gave us a two day adjustment period before I felt the pressure to perform at work.

If you’re interested, I’ve lost about 10 pounds these past three weeks since I started GAPS. I’ve temporarily stopped doing P90X due to a lack of energy AND the fact that I wake up too relaxed to make it happen.

Do I feel any different mentally? It’s too early to tell. I think there’s a distinct difference since I switched from full GAPS to the formal Introductory Diet. I’m noticing I can breathe easier at night and my sinuses are clearer. There seems to be a bit more mental clarity, but that could simply be the result of the weekend off work. I’ll keep you posted.

THIS KITTY BITES

Two days into Phase One and I’m hearing the voice of Jack in the Box tempting me, luring me, calling me as I drive past.

Did I mention the biting? This weekend our children decided to attempt a whining chorus. I was not my friendliest self a couple times, which led to additional cuddles and hugs. Heather handled it better than I did… probably she was just so amazed that I was actually following through with this that the rest was no biggie.

Okay, so it’s really NOT that bad, except for between meals. Soups and stews can be hearty and satisfying at meal times, and that’s great. But between meals, when you get the munchies? There are no snacks right now. Just more stew. And tallow. Don’t get me started on the tallow. Trust me. Some things are better just left unsaid. **Gag.**

SHOULD YOU DO THE GAPS DIET?

Maybe you want to reverse the effects of autism in your child, or heal depression, ADD, schizophrenia or any number of things in your own life (or a spouse’s). The stories coming from families experiencing healing through GAPS are amazing, but is it right for you? Only you can decide that.

If you don’t mind, though, I’d like to offer some advice. If you are considering GAPS you have to REALLY want it. Either be SO SURE you’re doing the right thing (reading the book did this for us) or SO DESPERATE for change that you’re ready to commit for at least a few months.