Category: Face and Food

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Three weeks, rash free. And fingers.

So I’ve made it three weeks without more than 20g of carbs a day.  And I have not had any rash this entire time.  This is the longest I’ve gone with clear skin in more than 18 months.  I’m impressed.  But I still want to eat toast.

Also, my fingertips are too sore to play the Uke tonight.  Must rest them.

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Today’s low-carb meal

Cream of Chicken Soup – Homemade, with whatever was on hand in the fridge version.

I’m still hanging on to the Keto diet.  I’m still in Ketosis. And I have now been more than 2 weeks without a facial rash.  Yay to less dermatitis!

In the soup:

  • PC broth carton, Ramen flavour (I had never seen this flavour before)
  • A small bit of onion, celery and carrot (mirepoix)
  • Zucchini noodles
  • Cauliflower
  • Garlic
  • Dash of fish sauce, dash of soy sauce
  • Chicken breast, cooked and chopped
  • Spicy hot pepperette (one small one sliced very thin)
  • Table cream (18%) – enough to whiten the soup, not to make it thick.
  • Fresh pesto (drizzle on top before serving)
  • Shaved parmesan (just a bit on top)

It’s actually very tasty.  And filling.  But I still miss toast.

 

 

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Doctor’s Advice

I had an appointment with my specialist for my skin on Thursday past (it’s now Wednesday, almost a week later) and while discussing the remaining options for turning the battle again my rash in my favour, we touched on food. I have already tried going dairy-free. I did a full six months avoiding all my favourite foods (cheese, mostly, but butter too), and after my facial rash continued to gain ground, becoming more insistent and more consistent, I admitted defeat.

So. Dairy isn’t the answer to my woes. Next up: Gluten. Yup. Straight out of my doctor’s mouth came these words, “Since you’ve already tried giving up dairy, with no success, it’s time to try eliminating gluten. In fact, I’d recommend you give up almost all carbs and try the Keto Diet. The most recent studies show great results, including reduced mortality.  I’m not kidding. The science is pretty sound.  Look it up for yourself and if you’re willing, give it a try. I bet you’ll be feeling better, running longer and experiencing fewer skin issues within a couple of months.”

So, after my appointment, I had my last carb binge, eating 4 slices of toast, and vowed to myself that I’d at least give it a try. I figured I could do a week of gluten-free eating at a minimum and I’d see how I feel about going on a Keto Diet (there are quite a few to chose from these days).

I posted about my doctor’s advice on a social media page (my personal account, not linked to this site) and heard from a few friends who’ve had great luck with going Keto, and I admit, I was curious.  So.

So now I’m on day 6 of a Keto Diet.  I hate the word diet, but there it is. I’m on a diet.  A fat eating, carb-avoiding diet. I bought the book, “The Keto Diet” by Leanne Vogel, and a container of Ketosis Test Strips, so I can test my urine for ketones, and lo – I am in ketosis. That means that I’ve eaten enough fat and few enough carbs that my body is burning fat and using ketones for energy rather than glycogen.  Note: It’s not ketoacidosis, which is a bad thing that can happen to diabetics.

Many years ago I tried the Carb Addict’s Diet, which was also a Keto Diet.  I didn’t last very long on it. My love of bread is great. This time I have more hope.  My hatred of my dermatitis is strong and a great motivator.