Not long after arriving in Japan, I started to have digestive issues. I thought my changed diet was a shock to my system but as the months went by things got worse. After extensive research, trips to the doctor and allergy tests it turns out I am lactose intolerant (which I knew) but also intolerant to… BEEF?!?!? but but I love beef. I was also “getting up in age” and my eating habits had to change.
Sugar!
Before now, I didn’t have the economic means (or discipline) to give up meat. I decided to do a one week experiment to not only give up meat but also dairy and to greatly reduce my sugar intake – a pescatarian diet technically. April 1st to 7th lined up perfectly – It was spring break from school. I had already hardly consumed dairy so that was easy and surprisingly I didn’t miss meat much but sugar, sugar, sugar. I had some serious cravings for sweet things and had to get used to not adding sugar to anything or eating certain snacks.
Positive Results
By day three my stomach felt so much better, no more constipation and gas, regular easy trips to the toilet and honestly more energy. Although I have started to eat meat again I have decided to be more mindful of how much I consume. I want to only cook chicken at home and when eating elsewhere I will try to opt for things with no or less meat.
Next Challenge – One Month
I did seven days without much stress so next time I want to do a month! The next big break from school is in August and I think I am going to go for it. It wasn’t the intention but maybe one day I will be able to take on the pescatarian lifestyle fully. We shall see. Got any tips and recipes? Tweet me @Jamaipanese or leave a comment below