The last few months I’ve been paying extra attention to what foods make me tick, and what foods make me tock. I have become somewhat of a walking science project.
All this time I just assumed the broccoli was to blame, and I learned to live with it. We all know what happens when broccoli and gut bugs dance together.
Come to find out, it wasn’t just the cruciferous vegetables. I’ve been keeping my eats very simple lately while I try to decipher the codes my stomach bugs are trying to tell me. Fruits and seeds all morning, and vegetables galore at night.
Typical dinner plate.
This has made it easy to figure out what foods are causing problems. So far I’ve noticed problems with peanut butter, walnuts, most soy products, and chocolate.
Hang on, I need a moment of silence for that last one.
My simple eats have kept me feeling great, but once every few days I notice I need somewhat of a “refuel.” Different carbs, more protein, and some kind of treat.
Like a cookie.
I’ve been running every day this month, which has added to the insatiable hunger every few days. My lower mile days (3 miles) I get by just fine with fewer calories, but after a 5 miler last week I couldn’t get enough food in my face fast enough.
I drove to one of my favorite lakes for this run, and the weather was perfect. The thing about running everyday is that it becomes somewhat…easy. My pace has already improved in the mere 18 days straight I’ve been running.
Post run I had one thing on my mind: scones. I made my way to Whole Foods only to find they had no scones. My soul and stomach were empty and cold, like the inside of an ice cave. Instead, I ate potatoes and veggies from the hot bar, and braced myself for the tornado I would soon become in my kitchen.
The moment I walked in the door it was game over. I ate enough to put my daily intake around 3000 calories, and I was completely satisfied. Refuel complete.
It looked like this, multiple items sprawled in front of me, and pure determination on my face.
It’s a magical thing when you discover what foods cause inflammatory, lethargic, and skin irritating reactions, like walking through the doors to Narnia. Does this mean I’m never going to eat chocolate again? Heavens no I still have my dignity, but it will be minimal and as close to raw as possible. Let the experimentation continue!
Oh, and I finally got my scone. Plus another.
Q: Do you stay away from certain foods that cause you problems? Knowing some of the culprits makes it much easier to stay away from them.
Blissfulbritt 
57 thoughts on “Tic -vs- Toc”
di @ life of di.
I’ve been throwing around the idea of cutting out gluten for a month. I know, I know, it’s the trendy thing to do right now; however, I’m still curious. What is this amazing feeling people are claiming to feel? I don’t eat much gluten anyways so will I really feel the benefits? I guess I’m just wondering if my body could get to a point of feeling better than I already do? I think it’s definitely worth experimenting with cutting out different foods and seeing what works best…
Brittany
I don’t eat gluten often. I actually don’t eat most grains or breads often. If there is a small trace in something that I have once every blue moon that’s ok, but it’s not a part of my daily intake and I feel great without it, fad or not! I say give it a try!
dhewitson
Have you taken a look at FODMAP? It’s designed for people with Celiac and Crohn’s, but can also be beneficial to people with IBS.
briana1010
Learning about FODMAPS changed my life! There’s only a few high fodmap foods that bother me, it turns out, (edamame, brussel sprouts) but I never would have figured it out without testing out a low fodmap diet.
Natalie Katharine
I am going to look at this. I am battling chronic tiredness and after numerous negative tests I am looking at food now….kind of a last ditch attempt before I admit perpetual tiredness…..
Brittany
I’ve never heard of this, will check it out thank you!
Amy
I am a living, breathing, walking science experiment just like you described, and it’s been that way for a year now. It’s insane! I’ve been to 4 doctors, taken multiple tests, and they still haven’t figured out what’s wrong. I’ve been tested for food sensitivities, but sticking to the “safe” foods that shouldn’t cause any irritation in my gut made things worse. Now we’re wondering if I have some sort of bacteria or parasite problem in my gut… Because it’s the only thing we can think of right now that explains my severe reactions to literally anything I eat. Oof. In other words… I feel your pain, and I really hope you figure this out soon!!
Brittany
My goodness, this is just insane! I hope you get some answers soon because that is tough!
B
Is there really anything worse than craving something, getting to a place where you expect them, and for that place to be sold out? UGH.
Brittany
It is one of the most heart crushing things. Just thinking about it makes my soul cry.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I feel like I’m constantly trying to figure out what causes my stomach to go nuts, and while I’ve managed to pinpoint a lot of things, there are soooo many other factors that make the experiments super frustrating. Stress and sleep are big ones for me. Too much of one and not enough of the other can give me a lot of stomach problems as well.
Laur
I am on the hunt for stomach issues and woes, too. I have a feeling I might have a touch of lactose intolerance, but the jury is still out for this one. I’m the opposite way in the fact my rest days/low activity days are my HUNGRIEST. I’m like a garbage disposal.
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
I completely and totally miss the insatiable hunger that comes with running! And this may sound naive, but I’ve tried to figure out things that hurt my tummy. To be honest, I’m not sure much does. I think I have an iron stomach. Or maybe I just pass things off as OK and deal with discomfort too much?! I dunno. Props to you for figuring out your tic vs toc foods.
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy
I feel like I can handle almost any food… but I could be wrong! I would love to do the Whole 30 one day and see if I feel better when cutting certain foods out.
Jess
I was a vegetarian in high school and college but with work, school, and no one else eating what I was and not much time to make my own food I fell off the wagon. For years no tummy problems. But after I had my second child I stared spending more time in the bathroom. Played science experiment with myself and found meat was the problem. I went back to being a vegetarian and so much happier. My kids eat 90% of the time that way too. You have to experiment some times. Love you blog!
Brittany
I love that you figured out the culprit! Thank you for stopping by and commenting! ❤
Kelsey
I feel like I could be better about figuring out my tick and tock foods. I know dairy is definitely a tock food for me, but I’m sure there are many more! My skin would like to know what foods are causing it to break out as well. I haven’t worn any make up for about a week and a half (except mascara today), and while it has improved…it isn’t as much as I would like. Here’s to searching for the tock foods!
familyrulesbyplainjane
I had to seriously reduce my chocolate intake due to emerging old lady issues, ahem. (I am 51 and had high cholesterol. Note the use of “had.” Sigh.) Very sad….But I have to eat it sometimes or else what is the meaning of life?
Brittany Lesser
The one thing that I’ve found causes me stomach problems is oatmeal 😦 so sad. I still eat it once in a while if I’m ready to suffer hahah
Brittany
I hear ya, chocolate is my “willing to suffer” food at the moment and I will happily suffer for some soon.
Choc Chip Uru
My stomach is super sensitive to just about anything, but it is so hard to pinpoint the exact foods that make it cry!
For me, too much chocolate actually isn’t good, but it’s good for the soul so I’m just like whatever 😉
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Arman @ thebigmansworld
argh our stomachs are cray sometimes! But that cookie..solves all problems!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
Chocolate AND peanut butter?! NOOOOO! Ha. Stomach issues can be so annoying. Girl, I can relate to your post-workout crazy hunger. Sometimes I’m just like shoving handfuls of cereal in my mouth standing in from of the pantry figuring out what the hell to eat!
kathy at real talk
thankfully i have a pretty good stomach but i know what foods work well and what doesn’t. by “doesn’t”, i mean make me gassy (broccoli, cauliflower etc) but that doesn’t stop me from eating them because delicious!
Joe Newbold
Chocolate!!!!! I’m glad I was relaxed and sat down when I read this, haha. Have you tried making your own raw chocolate?
I often finish a run and have to eat while I’m making something to eat, get in my belly!!
Brittany
I know, it’s a sad fact! I have some raw cacao nibs, along with a giant slab of the stuff, but even the raw pure cacao upsets my stomach. Not as much though, and not enough to keep me away forever. 😉
Joe Newbold
Haha that sound like no pain no gain, remember it’s good for the soul
Jess @hellotofit
No, not the chocolate!!!! Spicy foods upset my stomach, and I’ve had to learn (and re-learn) my lesson.
Hayley
Scones are the bomb. I would have cried a little bit if they were out of them and then prob got a donut instead. Have you had the Whole Foods vegan donuts? I always eye them but haven’t tried one yet. Boo about chocolate but glad you’re maintaining your sanity and still eating it sometimes. Life without chocolate is just not fun. My sister hates chocolate and I think she may be slightly insane.
Brittany
I’ve had vegan donuts from Whole Foods, but they are a local donut from Seattle. The WF in my area usually just carry those ones. They are so effing legit.
Jessica
3000 is like my daily life goal. Well done!
I too often attack my food with a similar fervor – you are awesome. Although, I am giving a moment of silence to the loss of chocolate.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
It does feel great when you figure out what the problem is. Even if it does suck that it is something that you love so much.
willrunforpizza
Oh gosh. I don’t know how people still breathe if they can’t eat chocolate…I really don’t. I have noticed that meat makes me…um…gassy. 🙂 The last year and a half, I started eating meat again more and more and that’s when I REALLY noticed it, but i’ve been trying to REALLY cut back again.
I’m SURE there are other foods I should probably really get rid of, but I don’t have the willpower right now, haha.
Brittany
YES it’s been making me gassy too, it’s bizarre. I won’t cut it out forever, but it will need to be moderated. 🙂
Rach @ This Italian Family
Oh man, chocolate is a tough one to give up! I have to really limit my sugar intake so I don’t eat a lot of processed chocolate, but I do love adding cocoa powder to oats or a smoothie to give it that chocolate taste without all the sugar. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to give it up entirely. I’m glad you are figuring out what is causing the problems, though!
P
Chewing gum is the worst for me! Intestinal problems galore, haha.
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
Such fun experimentation! I really applaud your discipline.
Also, I really hate to do this to you (#tease) but there’s a place here in Chicago called “Scone City.” So….when’s your flight here?
GiGi Eats Celebrities
BROCCOLI & GUT BUG DANCE….. I kinda wanna come up with an actual dance and show you what that might look like?
GiGi Eats Celebrities
PS: Vanilla is so much better than chocolate!
Britta
Not the chocolate!!!! ahhhh… but, thats okay – you can experiment away. I’m still daydreaming about the treats you brought me from Whole Foods. OH YUM. I ate like such an asshole while I was in Seattle… I think I need to turn my body into a science experiment right about now too. And what I really mean is I ate great food in Seattle, but not necessarily healthy food… whoops 🙂 So happy you got your scone fix!
Brittany
I would have been disappointed if you hadn’t eaten allllthefood in Seattle!
wheremyfeetare
I would be very sad if chocolate or peanut butter bothered my gut and might eat them anyway. I run regularly and am always hungry. Need to make sure I eat enough protein. And, usually the day after a longer bike ride I’m famished for the day. When I’ve got a taste for something (ie: scones) there’s really nothing that will do. Glad you got your scone.
On the Go Jo
Oh no! PB & Chocolate are my faves!! I find that dairy will sometimes give me some stomach issues when I eat a lot of it late in the day. (Think – an entire pint of ice cream before bed) Although that may give anyone a stomach ache… 🙂
Brittany
I like your style, stomach ache and all. 😉
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Oh no, not peanut butter and chocolate. Say it ain’t so Joe. Sigh….alright give me a moment. I think we need to bow our heads and pay a little respect to the departed foods.
God Speed my friend.
The Vegan 8
Since I’ve become vegan and cut out oils, I live a completely different life! Dairy and meat gave me the biggest stomach pains, constipation and continual nausea that I just dealt with. Now, that I’m vegan and cook pretty much my own food most of the time, it is soooo much better. I LOVE chocolate, no aversions thank God, lol. But I will get a headache if I eat something with too much refined sugar. It sucks, so I stay away for the most part. I’ve also noticed that sleep gives me the best feeling over anything else…sounds so simple but it’s amazing how much better I feel when I really get good rest, which I don’t do often enough.
Luv What You Do
I need to do an elimination diet to figure things out. My tummy has been giving me troubles.
In high school, I had big trouble with peanuts and PB. Gave them up for years and have been able to add them back. I discovered that I do best with the pure stuff from Whole Foods. I’ve been loving the Scones lately too : )
Brittany
I usually just grind my own too, like the one from WF but from a local company, but even that was upsetting my innards. I’ll stick to almond butter at home, and splurge on PB when out and about ha.
Kayse
I used to have a hard time with dairy, but that’s not a problem after going veg. I can’t digest wheat or soy well. They also both give me terrible migraines. But suddenly, over the last month or so, brown rice hasn’t been agreeing with me! Brown rice is one of my favorite foods. I’m going to have to bring it up at my next NAET treatment.
loraww
Stomach issues are the worst! I have gone to multiple doctors and have done tons of testing just to receive back negative results and stump everyone (including myself). At one point I was wrongly diagnosed with acid reflex because I have all the same trigger foods as someone who has gerd. I also love dairy but it really dislikes me 😦
dave379
Deciding not to eat meat makes me feel better physically and in other ways. For scones if you’re ever in NJ, you’ll have to go to the Sergentsville General Store! or aka the deli in short form. We always stop there mid-ride and get a scone…Come around 10 am tomorrow that’s where I’ll be for another one!
jennifer prod
jon has a number of allergies, and so he’s learned to watch closely what other foods make him tick and tock. as for me? i keep my diet pretty simple, and stick to foods i love – both for taste & feel good reasons.
Food, Booze, & Baggage
I’ve been thinking about starting a food journal for a few months now, to try to figure out what makes my tummy happy or not. OMG the horror of the chocolate discovery 😦
Natalie Katharine
I did the same a few weeks ago. The hidden sugar horror!
Natalie Katharine
What does happen when broccoli and gut bugs dance?
Brittany
Scary, scary things. Odorous things. 😝
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