Testing the Boundaries
In the beginning of going AIP, I debated over and over in my mind as to which food I would introduce first. Some days I’d think chocolate would have to be it and others, I would feel less cravings and more practical and pick eggs. As the weeks progressed and I got closer and closer to the minimum amount of time I was supposed to be in full elimination mode, reintroductions of foods became less and less important to me.
My husband and I were taking out my dad and stepmom at the end of their two-week visit to our house. I decided this would be a great time to a) drink wine and b) see what eating out would be like for me. I’d already looked over the menu and saw that I should be able to avoid all the obvious no-nos on the list. However, I decided I also would not be a stickler when it came to oil, cross-contamination or spices like black pepper.
The Consequences
About half-way through dinner my stepmom told me she hoped that I wouldn’t feel too many consequences from dinner. That’s when I had to inform her that 3 out of 4 of my problem joints were already in pain. It was minor and short-lived pain. There were no lasting results the following day. I had no issues continuing to adhere to the diet 100% when I was at home.
It is hard to ignore the fact that I went from virtually pain-free to multiple site pain when we weren’t even finished with our meal. Was it worth it? In the short-term, I’d say it was worth it that night to have a nice dinner out with my family. I have to wonder though, if the wine and/or the food could cause an issue that quickly, no telling what kind of havoc it could wreak over the long-term.
Lesson Learned?
Short answer to that is: no. Instead of learning a lesson and steering clear, I drank wine excessively. What I experienced the next day was far too reminiscent of my not-so-distant past. My legs were heavy and my joints were sore. I had more trouble breathing. I still felt alert, but super dehydrated. I was able to get it together after a half day. Thankfully, I’ve also been spared any residual effects.
What’s the take-away? I did not like being reminded of what it felt like to be trapped in bed. It was different than having just a regular hangover It felt more like a relapse. I’m sure, at this point, I will drink again. I will also keep in mind the repercussions and only save that kind of excess for special occasions. I can see how one day I could decide to swear it off once and for all. I’m not there yet. Are you?
I have had similar experiences with AIP and dining out – not being a stickler about oils and spices and then pay for it for a few hours. I have an occasional 5 ounces of Merlot at home and that doesn’t seem to do any damage! Yay! Also a little of the Enjoy Life dark chocolate gluten, dairy, egg, soy free candy bar or baking chips. Definitely worth it to be 100% AIP as much as I can!
Thanks for sharing! It is hard sometimes to be 100% compliant 100% of the time. It is worth the effort and for many, I’m sure a necessity. I try to not beat myself up over it as I find that to be counter-productive. I just do the best I can in any given situation. Thankfully I live in a town that doesn’t seem to mind making adjustments for me and not being offended when I pull my own salad dressing (or meatballs, as the case was the other night) out of my bag.