By Dr Susan Plank
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January 8, 2025
What Are Your Health Pain Points? Feeling tired, bloated , and frustrated with your weight? You’re not alone. There are so many people frustrated that 43% of those who made New Year’s Resolutions will give up on them by the second Friday in January, it’s known as Quitter’s Friday. Many of us wake up every day feeling like our bodies are working against us—dragging through the morning with low energy, battling cravings by midday, and ending the evening wondering why the scale won’t budge despite our best efforts. Here’s the thing: it probably not be your willpower or your workout routine that’s the problem. It could be the foods you’re eating. Even the so-called “healthy” ones. What if some foods you eat frequently are quietly triggering inflammation, disrupting your digestion, and messing with your blood sugar—without you even knowing it? What Is the Elimination Diet? That’s where the elimination diet comes in. Think of it as a reset button for your body—a chance to stop the guessing and finally uncover which foods are helping you thrive and which are holding you back. The elimination diet is a 31-day guided process that helps you identify hidden food sensitivities and inflammation triggers. By temporarily removing the most common culprits—like gluten, sugar, dairy, and processed foods—you give your body time to heal and reset. Then, you’ll systematically reintroduce these foods to discover how they truly affect you. The result? You’ll feel lighter, more energized, and in control. Bloating will fade, cravings will calm, and your weight will finally shift in the right direction. Best of all, you’ll have a deeper understanding of your body and how it responds to what you eat. When quick fixes or crash diets no longer work—it’s time to think about a long-term solution to reclaim your health, restore balance, and feel your absolute best. Are you ready to find the foods that work for you, not against you? Let’s get started! The Gut-Blood Sugar Connection How the Gut Impacts Blood Sugar Regulation Your gut isn’t just about digestion—it’s a central player in how your entire body functions, including how you manage blood sugar. Whether by digesting food for energy or specifically the pancreas’ function to release insulin as part of the endocrine system, your gut organs working synergistically is a must. From sufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach to billions of good bacteria in your colon, a healthy gut, means a happy life. When your gut is healthy, this system works smoothly, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels after you eat. But when your gut becomes inflamed or imbalanced—often due to stress, processed foods, or hidden food sensitivities—the effects accumulate and seem to go off track suddenly. Here’s how: Inflamed Gut Lining : Inflammation can interfere with nutrients, including glucose, absorption. This can lead to erratic blood sugar spikes and crashes. Symptoms can be burping or heartburn soon after eating leading to antacid use. Gut Microbiome Imbalance : An overgrowth of harmful bacteria or a lack of beneficial ones can disrupt how your body processes sugars and starches, leading to intense cravings, especially for carbs and sweets. Symptoms can be foul-smelling gas. Leaky Gut : When the gut lining is damaged, harmful substances can pass into the bloodstream, triggering further inflammation and hormonal imbalances that affect blood sugar regulation. The Result? You’re stuck on a blood sugar rollercoaster—experiencing energy highs and lows, struggling with uncontrollable cravings, and feeling like you’re always reaching for another quick fix, like a sugary snack or coffee. A healthy gut is the foundation for stable blood sugar, better energy, and fewer cravings. That’s why supporting your gut—by removing inflammatory foods and feeding it the nutrients it needs—is the key to resetting your health and regaining control. The Impact of Unstable Blood Sugar Have you ever reached for a sugary snack or a carb-heavy treat because you just had to have it? That overwhelming craving isn’t just about willpower—it’s a sign that your blood sugar might be out of balance. When your blood sugar isn’t stable, it creates a vicious cycle that’s tough to break. Here’s how it works: The Spike: You eat something sugary or refined, like a muffin, candy, or even “healthy” snacks like granola bars. These foods cause a quick surge in your blood sugar, giving you an immediate energy boost. At first, it feels great—your brain lights up with a rush of feel-good chemicals like dopamine. The Crash : That spike doesn’t last long. Soon, your blood sugar levels plummet, leaving you tired, cranky, and foggy. Your body interprets this crash as a crisis and craves another quick fix to bring your blood sugar back up. The Craving: Your body sends powerful signals urging you to grab something sweet, starchy, or processed to stabilize your energy. The cycle starts over again, keeping you trapped in a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Over time, this constant cycle of blood sugar spikes and crashes can lead to: Energy dips that leave you feeling fatigued or “hangry.” Intense cravings for sugar and carbs, making it harder to stick to healthier choices. Weight gain, especially around the belly, as your body stores excess sugar as fat. Mood swings and irritability due to hormonal imbalances triggered by unstable blood sugar. But here’s the good news: you can break the cycle. By identifying the root cause—what you’re eating—you can stabilize your blood sugar, calm cravings, and regain energy. It all starts with identifying the foods that might affect your health and replacing them with nourishing options that keep you balanced. How an Elimination Diet Works The Process of Removing and Reintroducing Foods Think of my elimination diet as a 31-day experiment—a journey to uncover the foods that truly make you feel amazing and the ones that might hold you back. It’s about hitting the reset button, giving your body a chance to heal, and then tuning in to how it responds to different foods. Here’s how it works: Step 1: The Elimination Phase (Days 1–24) For the first three weeks, you’ll temporarily remove the most common culprits behind inflammation, bloating, fatigue, and cravings. These include: • Gluten • Dairy • Sugar and artificial sweeteners • Processed foods • Alcohol • Soy • Certain oils and additives This phase gives your body time to calm down, reduce inflammation, and heal. During this time, you’ll focus on nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods—like lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of colorful veggies. You might notice incredible changes during this phase: • Reduced bloating • More energy • Fewer cravings • Better digestion • Clearer skin Step 2: The Reintroduction Phase (Days 25–31) After the elimination phase, it’s time to reintroduce foods individually. This is where the magic happens—you’ll finally see how your body reacts to specific foods. Here’s how: 1. Choose One Food Group at a Time: Start with something you’ve missed, like dairy or gluten. 2. Reintroduce Slowly: Add the food back into your diet for one day, then wait two days to observe an increase in symptoms. Watch for changes like bloating, fatigue, skin issues, or mood swings. 3. Keep a Journal: Write down your observations. Did you feel energized or sluggish? Did your digestion change? This is your body’s way of telling you what it can and can’t handle. If a food doesn’t cause any symptoms, it’s likely okay for your body. But if you notice bloating, fatigue, or other reactions, it’s a sign that food might be better avoided—or enjoyed in moderation. The Result? A Personalized Roadmap to Better Health At the end of the 31 days, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of which foods help you thrive and which ones trigger discomfort. This isn’t about following someone else’s rules—it’s about listening to your body and creating a way of eating that works for you. Ready to discover what foods fuel your best self? This process is key to unlocking more energy, better digestion, and lasting weight loss. Let’s start this experiment together and see how incredible you can feel! Common Foods Removed During an Elimination Diet To give your body a true reset, the elimination phase focuses on removing foods that are most likely to cause inflammation, digestive issues, or other sensitivities. These are the culprits that can trigger bloating, fatigue, cravings, and even weight gain—often without you realizing it. Here’s what you’ll set aside temporarily during the elimination diet: 1. Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners • Includes: Table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, agave, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. • Why: Sugar and sweeteners disrupt blood sugar levels, fuel cravings, and may alter your gut microbiome, leading to imbalances. 2. Gluten • Includes: Wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and all products made with these grains, like bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods. • Why: Gluten can be hard to digest and is a common trigger for inflammation and digestive discomfort, even in people without celiac disease. 3. Dairy • Includes: Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cream, and anything made with cow, goat, or sheep milk. • Why: Dairy is a common source of bloating, sinus congestion, and skin issues like acne, as well as a potential inflammatory trigger for many. 4. Soy • Includes: Soybeans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, soy sauce, and products made with soy protein isolate (often found in processed foods). • Why: Soy contains compounds that can interfere with hormone balance and may cause inflammation in sensitive individuals. 5. Alcohol • Includes: Beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks. • Why: Alcohol taxes your liver, disrupts digestion, and destabilizes blood sugar, making it harder for your body to heal and reset. 6. Processed and Packaged Foods • Includes: Chips, crackers, frozen meals, fast food, and anything with a long list of ingredients or artificial additives. • Why: These foods often contain unhealthy oils, refined sugars, and preservatives that can promote inflammation and hinder nutrient absorption. 7. Certain Oils and Fats • Includes: Vegetable oils like canola, soybean, and corn oil, as well as margarine and shortening. • Why: These oils are often heavily processed and high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. 8. Eggs (Optional) • Includes: Whole eggs, egg whites, and anything made with eggs. • Why: While highly nutritious, eggs can be a trigger for some individuals with food sensitivities, particularly in cases of digestive or skin issues. 9. Caffeine (Optional) • Includes: Coffee, energy drinks, and black or green tea. • Why: Caffeine can affect sleep, stress levels, and digestion, making it harder for your body to rebalance during the reset. By temporarily removing these foods, you’re giving your body a chance to heal, reduce inflammation, and reset. Don’t worry—this isn’t about deprivation. You’ll replace these foods with healthier nutrient-packed options that satisfy and energize you. Plus, it’s only for a few weeks, and you’ll have the opportunity to reintroduce them one at a time to see how they truly impact you! 4 Benefits You’ll Notice from an Elimination Diet What You Can Expect: The Benefits of an Elimination Diet Embarking on an elimination diet isn’t just about cutting foods—it’s about gaining control over how your body feels and functions. By removing common triggers and focusing on nourishing, healing foods, you’re giving your body the chance to reset and thrive. Here’s what’s waiting for you on the other side of these 31 days: 1. Improved Digestion Say goodbye to that constant bloated feeling, gas, or discomfort after meals. When you eliminate foods that irritate your gut, your digestive system can finally operate smoothly. • Why it matters: Foods like gluten, dairy, and processed ingredients can inflame your gut lining, leading to symptoms like bloating or indigestion. Removing these culprits allows your gut to heal and function properly. • What you’ll notice: Regular, comfortable digestion, less stomach discomfort, and that flat-belly feeling you’ve been missing. 2. Better Blood Sugar Control No more wild energy swings or uncontrollable sugar cravings. Stabilizing your blood sugar means consistent energy throughout the day—and a lot less stress on your body. • Why it matters: Foods high in sugar and refined carbs cause spikes and crashes in your blood sugar, leaving you tired, cranky, and craving more unhealthy foods. Removing these foods helps your body maintain stable energy levels. • What you’ll notice: Fewer cravings, less “hangry” moments, and steady energy to power you through your day. 3. Weight Loss When your body isn’t battling inflammation or responding to constant cravings, it can finally focus on working the way it’s supposed to. That includes burning fat and shedding extra pounds. • Why it matters: Inflammatory foods can disrupt your metabolism and cause your body to store fat. By reducing inflammation and stabilizing blood sugar, you’re creating the ideal environment for healthy, sustainable weight loss. • What you’ll notice: Slimmer, more comfortable clothes, reduced puffiness, and weight loss that feels natural—without deprivation or extreme dieting. 4. Better Mood and Sleep A calm gut equals a calm mind—and the elimination diet helps you get both. By addressing food sensitivities and stabilizing blood sugar, you’ll notice improvements in your emotional and physical well-being. • Why it matters: The gut and brain are deeply connected, meaning an inflamed or imbalanced gut can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and poor sleep. By supporting your gut health, you’re also supporting your mental health. • What you’ll notice: A brighter, more balanced mood, reduced anxiety, and the ability to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This 31-day journey is about so much more than removing foods—it’s about giving your body what it needs to heal and thrive. Imagine feeling lighter, more energized, and completely in control of your health. That’s what’s possible with an elimination diet, and it’s all waiting for you! How to Start an Elimination Diet on Your Own 3 Simple Prep Steps to Get Started Starting an elimination diet might sound overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you think! With just a little preparation, you’ll be on your way to uncovering the foods that help you feel your best. Here’s how to set yourself up for success: Step 1: Clean Out Your Kitchen • Go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer to remove foods you’ll be avoiding during the elimination phase. • Focus on removing processed foods, sugary snacks, and trigger foods like gluten, dairy, and artificial sweeteners. • Replace them with whole, nutrient-rich options like fresh veggies, lean proteins, healthy fats, and gluten-free alternatives. Step 2: Plan Your Meals • Take a little time to map out your meals for the week ahead. Knowing what you’ll eat makes it easier to stay on track and resist temptations. • Stick to simple, whole-food recipes with easy-to-find ingredients. Batch cooking and prepping snacks can save you time and stress during busy days. • Need ideas? My program includes recipes, meal plans, and shopping lists to keep things easy and delicious! Step 3: Set Your Mindset • Remember, this isn’t about restriction—it’s about discovery. Think of it as a chance to learn what works for your body and what doesn’t. • Journaling your food intake and how you feel after meals can help you tune into your body’s signals. • Approach this journey with curiosity and self-compassion. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress. Conclusion This isn’t a fad diet—it’s a step toward long-term health and vitality. Take time to reset and understand your body’s needs, you’re setting yourself up for more energy, fewer cravings, and sustainable weight loss. Ready to take control of your health? Join my 31-day elimination diet program today! You’ll get everything you need to succeed: • A clear step-by-step plan • Delicious, anti-inflammatory recipes • Expert guidance and support • The tools to discover what foods truly work for your body Don’t wait—let’s start this journey together and uncover a healthier, happier you! Join My 31-Day Elimination Program and Remove the Guesswork About What to Eat Our Journey Starts January 20th It’s time to take the first step toward feeling your best. If you’ve been battling fatigue, cravings, bloating, or frustration with your weight, this is your chance to hit the reset button. By committing to these 31 days, you’re giving yourself the gift of clarity—finally understanding how your foods impact your energy, digestion, mood, and overall health. You’re not just following a diet; you’re rediscovering the vibrant, energized version of yourself waiting to shine. Think about how you want to feel a month from now: • Waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day. • Feeling light, comfortable, and confident in your own body. • Having the energy to do the things you love without relying on caffeine or sugar. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every meal, every choice, every day brings you closer to the healthiest, happiest version of you. Are you ready? It’s time to reset, rediscover, and reclaim your health. In just 31 days, you can feel like yourself again—stronger, healthier, and more energized than ever. Let’s take this journey together. Your health is worth it, and so are you.