A post shared by Emily Cutshaw (@emilydaniele09) on Sep 1, 2017 at 11:28am PDT

Diets, sadly, do not come in a “one size fits all” package.

Our bodies are unique, therefore they require a unique form of nutrition. Some of us find success within certain lifestyles, while some will notice no major differences. Getting to learn your own personal needs, what makes you feel best, and practicing mindful eating is the key.

That being said, eating gluten free has worked tremendously for me. So, here are the 10 things my unique body noticed when I went gluten free:

1. Weight Loss: I could tell even without getting on the scale that I had lost weight within the first month. I felt less bloated and my jeans were becoming looser. I didn’t, however, eat very many gluten-free breads or substitutions, as these can sometimes carry a heavy calorie or carbohydrate load.
2. Mental Clarity: This one did not come right away. I actually noticed some mental fog while transitioning into my new lifestyle. But, after my body had adjusted, I noticed myself having an overall clearer head space. Meditation was easier for me, I felt less forgetful, and I had an easier time staying focused—which has always been a huge struggle for me.
3. More Energy: After a full shift at work, I noticed that I no longer felt the need to come home and cuddle up for a nap. I had more energy to accomplish more around the house, at the gym, and on my days off.
4. More Regular Bowel Movements: I have Crohn’s disease, so my bowel movements are rarely predictable. Sometimes I would run to the bathroom seven times a day, some days not at all. But, after I cut gluten out of my diet, I noticed my bowels starting to work on a sort of “schedule” and working in a much more healthy healthier way.
5. Better Skin: I noticed a big difference in my skin after a couple of weeks. My breakouts cleared up and the texture seemed to become more smooth. Overall, my skin just became more predictable.
6. Better Sleep: I have always suffered from constant fatigue, but also with the frustrating inability to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. After being gluten free for about two weeks, I noticed it was much easier to go to sleep and stay asleep. I thought this could be from taking less naps, but was also interested in researching it further. I found that many people that go gluten free experience better quality sleep. Doctors are hypothesizing that those who have gluten intolerance or sensitivities may experience disruptive sleep because the lining of their gut is irritated, therefore when those people cut out gluten and the gut begins to heal, the quality of rest improves.
7. Less Body Aches: After a full work day on my feet, my body and feet used to ache so bad. After changing my lifestyle, I noticed that this was no longer an issue for me. Once again, I was curious if others experienced this change. So, I took to the internet and found that this is something extremely common. When someone does not digest gluten correctly, it becomes an inflammatory food, therefore causing inflammation within the body.
8. Better Quality Days: Maybe it’s because my body hurt less and I was more well rested, but overall I felt mentally better. I would wake up and just be in a better head space naturally. Being more productive outside of work also played a large part in me just feeling better. I felt useful outside of my job. I had new energy and less body aches and pains—so, naturally, I was happier.
9. The Cravings Stop: I used to love bread. It was something I probably had with at least two of my meals everyday, so switching wasn’t the easiest thing for me. The benefits far outweighed the challenges, but in the beginning I did have to fight through a lot of cravings. My body was used to eating a lot of bread, and dammit, it wanted it again. But, I knew I had to be strict. And after a few weeks of cravings, they ended, and I never really craved it again.
10. Remission: As I mentioned earlier, I have Crohn’s disease. After a few months of eating gluten free, I was at a routine Gastroenterology appointment and was finally diagnosed as “in remission” and was able to stop taking the plethora of pills I once had to.

As I mentioned earlier, diets are not “one size fits all,” and I don’t believe that gluten free is necessarily for everyone in the world. But, for me, it was my saving grace and these are the things I experienced with the gluten-free lifestyle.

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Author: Emily Cutshaw
Image: Emily Cutshaw/Instagram
Editor: Travis May
Copy Editor: Nicole Cameron
Social Editor: Waylon Lewis