Ban the Bloat!
Three weeks ago I took a giant nutritional leap and stopped eating milk products and consuming gluten. I had reached a point where I was frustrated with no longer being able to lose that “last ten pounds” when I was doing EVERYTHING right! I was also tired of feeling bloated, gassy and like my abdomen was ready to bust at the end of a day of eating. Not to mention frequent bouts of constipation and “the runs”.
I gave myself 3 weeks to try this new nutritional lifestyle out, see what happened with my body, and decide if it was “worth” not consuming some of the foods I LOVE, hello bread and cheese!!! It was honestly the BEST decision I’ve made in a long time! Not only did I lose weight, body fat and bloat but I feel digestively comfortable again! See for yourself!
BEFORE
AFTER
So you might be asking, why cut gluten and lactose (milk products)? Both are commonly known to cause inflammation in people with sensitivities or allergies. In simplest terms, inflammation is the body’s immediate first-aid reaction to heal itself from some type of damage caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, environmental toxin, or an injury. Without the crucial process of inflammation, the body cannot restore itself in the face of damage.
Reasons to GIVE UP Gluten
Gluten sensitivities are not only known to cause inflammation of the gut. A gluten sensitivity or allergy may also contribute to the inflammation that leads to joint pain. If either applies to you and you eat gluten, your body responds as if it were a harmful substance. The inflammation that occurs is supposed to serve a positive purpose by alerting the body that something is off, setting in motion a series of actions to protect the body. If you are regularly consuming gluten, you are experiencing prolonged and frequent inflammation that serves no positive purpose and is actually harmful.
Rheumatoid arthritis results when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Gluten allergies and sensitivities have been increasingly linked to autoimmune conditions such as this – others include lupus. In fact, an article for the naturopathic medical school Bastyr University reported cases of individuals with celiac disease being misdiagnosed as having lupus. Research has uncovered possible links between gluten allergies and exacerbating symptoms of the condition.
Avoid: Wheat, spelt, triticale, semolina, rye, matzo, barley, bulgur, graham flour, durham, farina and kamut (and their by-products)
Reasons to GIVE UP Milk Products
Dairy allergy: An allergy is an immune response that results in inflammation and tissue damage. Such a response to food can be exhibited in any part of the body, therefore it can cause a wide range of problems. Food allergies also interfere with nutrient absorption, resulting in conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis and fatigue.
Lactose intolerance: Lactose is an enzyme found in milk and other dairy products. Some people have issues consuming products that contain lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, your body lacks or has deficient amounts of lactase. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down and helps your body process lactose. As a result, you can experience a variety of symptoms, including some that contribute to stomach inflammation.
Avoid: Dairy includes all types of cows’ milk (yes, even skim!) and its by-products: cheese, butter, half and half, yogurt, cottage cheese and ice cream. It also includes the proteins casein, whey and lactalbumin, which are found in many processed foods.
My Mini-Challenge to You!
I challenge you to experiment with “giving-up” one or both of these common inflammatory agents for just ONE WEEK! That’s 7 days. If you find that your body does not feel better, you haven’t seen changes, go right back to it, maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who can process these items with no issues at all 
I’ve been so fortunate to have had such amazing personal results and also awaken a cooking creativity in me that has me excited about food all over again! It’s a whole new world out there playing with gluten and dairy free options and it’s soooooo yummy! You do NOT have to feel deprived and I’ll prove it throughout this week 
I dare you to try it!
Always living with passion,
Sammie
Comments
Gotta be honest with you, in the before image, you looked just fine- healthy in fact.
I’m sure physically you feel better now- which is what this post is really about. I agree wholeheartedly about the benefits of eliminating milk and gluten from a diet. Great information!
With total respect, was it necessary to put your before and after images in this post? I honestly don’t see anything wrong with your body (appearance-wise) in the before image.
Hi Natalie,
I definitely agree that I looked fine before, that’s not the point of these images. These images are to display the amount of excess bloat, water, etc that my body was carrying around due to inflammation. To demonstrate that similar inflammatory issues may be plaguing other ladies as well. I’m not a large person and rest assured I eat very healthy, and follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle of exercise and nutrition. All of the information I have ever provided demonstrates this. I am not promoting a crash diet here or even a certain look, weight, size. What I am promoting is making choices about what your body may or may not need in order to live optimally and healthfully.
Sammie
Sammie
I actually liked you better in the before image too. i mean having an intolerance sucks big time i have friends who are having severe problems with gluten but they get sick and throw up and their cramps stop them in their tracks. i think im a lucky one i guess cus i dont get nauseous or have any pain when i eat them.
Hi Sammie – just wondering what the difference in weight and measurements were in your before vs after? It looks significant.
Hey Jenny,
I’m certainly not taking a stance as to which photo I believe is better looking, or that one physical appearance is better than the other. However, the point I am trying to demonstrate is that inflammation caused by dietary issues is relatively common and inflammation (whether it makes me thinner in the end or not) is an unhealthy process to continuously have in your body and linked to many long term and potentially life threatening diseases such as cancer. I am a person who has always eaten healthy and obviously exercises regularly, however a part of that healthy relationship with my body does include listening to it and exploring new ways to maximize health and fitness, partly through what it is I am ingesting. My personal stance is that there is minimal nutritional value particularly in consuming gluten and lactose that cannot be achieved through consuming other whole food options without the detrimental health effects that those inflammatory components may cause. I see it as a way of increasing health not “losing weight” and every person’s journey and choices are their own. My objective is to provide “food for thought” for my readers on exploring these avenues for themselves if they choose to.
Sammie
Hi Carlie,
In the three weeks of giving up gluten and lactose I lost approx 3 inches from my waist and 1olbs. That is a significant drop however consider that a large portion of that was inflammation such as water weight and bloating. I have not continued to drop in size or weight despite continuing with these nutritional practices as I believe the inflammatory processes were the main reason for the drop.
Sammie
Hi Sammie
I was just wondering
what type of foods you eat for that.
and what stores in toronto can we get them
i find it so hard to find healthy food at normal stores
im always in such a rush to make something to eat
Hey Melissa,
Most major grocers such as Loblaws have a health food section with options such as brown rice cereal, alternative pastas like corn pasta, whole grains such as rice and quinoa. That being said, you’re generally safe just sticking to the perimeter of the grocery store and eating whole foods. Grabbing mixed greens and protein is a solution to a quick salad. I usually cook my chicken in 3 day batches and refrigerate. Toss with some cherry tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies are a great “on the run” breakfast. Keep tuned on my blog as I highlight many gluten free recipes in the weeks to come like this quick and easy meal http://www.sammiekennedy.com/2012/01/17/breakfast-lunch-or-dinner/
Sammie
Hi Sammie,
I couldn’t agree with you more!
I have been a vegetarian for 2 years however only last month I decided to become fully vegan and cut off Dairy products form my diet.
I follow a strict diet plan so I can have all the nutrients that I need on a daily basis but I have to say that in the past month in combination with only 3 BOOTYCAMP sessions my belly has fully disappeared! I want to mention that I never starve myself what so ever! I even have carbs! Brown rice, quinoa, Couscous basically whole grains only. There are many products like Daiya vegan (Lactose free) cheese that I use on my homemade pizza!
You look amazing by the way!
Nessa
Priceless information and testimonial, … I couldn’t stop reading !!! Also, you look amazing Sammie!!!
Hi Sammie,
In mid-November I weighed 150 at 5′4″ and had about 30% body fat. I was working out regularly and eating, what I thought was, very healthy! Whole grains and all of that crap. Anyways, I decided to take the same leap and cut out gluten and dairy products and felt incredible in no time! Within five weeks I only lost 6lbs, which wasn’t the number I really cared about, and 3% body fat AND 8″ over my whole body!
I started this as a five week challenge and don’t feel I can ever go back to eating these products. I also believe that people who don’t believe gluten has a negative effect on your body should consider this lifestyle more than someone who wishes to lose weight! That’s just an amazing “side effect” of this lifestyle.
I think you look amazing Sammie, and I love that you achieved a new passion for cooking!
Thanks Sonia. I’m honestly amazed at how little I crave or desire those products that i used to love to eat (i drank milk more than juice or water growing up) but that used to make me feel so gross. I am so happy and don’t miss them at all!
Thanks Nessa! Like yourself I never starve myself and live a balanced lifestyle but these two minor changes have made such a profound difference. I’m gonna have to check out that Daiya cheese
think posting the photos was irresponsible. Since when is posting emaciating looking photos a good marketing tool? Perhaps you are comfortable in your own skin and body but I would bet that most women find it difficult to accept themselves for the way they look and then you post photos of a body we will never have. You are not selling healthy alternatives you are selling a huge plate of weightloss accompanied with booty camp class all of which you benefit from. I think society as a whole have women believing if they aren’t thin they aren’t “in”. You just compounded that belief. Shame on you.
Hi Willow,
I’ve posted a blog in response to your comment and some of the others above. http://www.sammiekennedy.com/2012/01/22/a-different-angle/
I still find your photos somewhat shocking which compelled me to post. Perhaps your intention was not to shock but that’s exactly what it did for me anyway. I reacted negatively to how I interpreted your post where as other commended you for the results.Right or wrong we all have our own opinions. That being said, I appreciate the fact that people have intolerances and that Gluten free and non dairy may work for some people as it did yourself to relieve bloating. I do think that prior to commencing any sort of trial as you propose, that individuals should see their physicians as they would prior to starting a rigorous work out plan as bloating is not always a sign of dietary problems. People tend to self diagnose before researching anything and that in itself can sometimes be detrimental. All too often women especially will try anything to achieve weightloss. For the most part that’s why we join camps such as yours, to lose weight and to feel better about ourselves. But, what may be a healthy food choice for you may not be for someone else. As promoter of health, exercise and well being, you are certainly aware that women in your camps are looking to you for guidance and I’m sure some have a goal of attaining a physique such as yours. Anyway, I still feel the same about the photos, but after reading your response I do believe your intentions were good and not self serving.
Sammie,
I congratulate you on cutting out dairy and gluten. Good for you – we all now hard it is to avoid these foods. Yes- you looked great in the before picture, but you look even better in the after. I have lactose intolerance and experience that same gross bloated feeling at the end of each and every day. You’ve motivated me to be more diligent about cutting out dairy products.
Good for you! Keep it up!!!