I’ve been meaning to share an update on my life post-LEAP Dietary Program, and can you believe it’s been 7 years since I wrapped up the LEAP ImmunoCalm Dietary Program in 2017? Time flies! I think it’s about time I fill you all in on my health journey since my last blog post, “My Life 3 Years After the LEAP Dietary Program.”
First, let’s recap what the LEAP dietary program, an anti-inflammatory eating plan, is all about.
What is LEAP?
LEAP, which stands for Lifestyle Eating and Performance, ImmunoCalm® Dietary Program, is a groundbreaking approach developed by a team of registered dietitians, physicians, immunologists, and other health experts. It’s tailored to address health issues related to food sensitivities, aiming to swiftly reduce inflammation and symptoms. And just to clarify, LEAP is not a diet—it’s a scientifically backed approach to identifying which foods are safe for you through a patented blood test.
Food Sensitivities vs. Food Allergies
Food sensitivities and food allergies are often used interchangeably but are not the same. Food sensitivities go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and relate to difficulties digesting certain foods or chemicals, impacting various organs. This can be due to poor diet, imbalanced gut flora, chronic stress, genetics, or chemical exposure. On the other hand, food allergies involve the immune system overreacting to food proteins. In the U.S., common food allergens include milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame. Allergies can be severe, even life-threatening.
Common Chronic Health Issues Linked to Food Sensitivities
- Digestive issues like bloating and gas
- Headaches and migraines
- Joint and muscle pain
- Persistent fatigue
- Weight fluctuations
Reasons I Chose the LEAP Dietary Program
Three major concerns led me to try the LEAP program:
1. Excessive hair shedding and breakage
2. Severe acne
3. Fatigue
How LEAP Transformed My Life
Fast forward seven years, my hair is thicker and I don’t have the excessive shedding and breakage. My skin is much clearer. Occasionally, I’ll get a blemish, if I eat a sweet treat but not nearly as often as before. The small fluid-like nodules on my thyroid have significantly shrunk. Plus, I’ve regained my energy and no longer need those midday naps!
Now, I’m more mindful of my food choices, opting for whole, minimally processed foods to nourish my body and maintain a healthy gut. I rotate a variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to prevent new food sensitivities from developing. Overall, I feel fantastic! Choosing the LEAP dietary program was truly one of my best health decisions.
2017 MRT Results
Foods I’ve Cut Back On
I’ve significantly reduced or eliminated these foods from my diet over the past seven years:
- Salmon
- Almond
- Dairy products (except cheese and plain Greek yogurt)
- Rice (except wild rice and black rice)
- Corn
- Wheat
- Caffeine (only decaf)
- Quinoa
- Onion
These foods are healthy and nutritious loaded with vitamins and minerals however I’ve realized I can’t eat these as often as I used to because my body may negatively react. Instead of salmon, I’ll eat tuna, cod, flounder, and other fish. Instead of almonds, I eat pecans, walnuts, or peanuts. I don’t feel deprived because there are a variety of different foods to eat.
Becoming a Certified LEAP Therapist
Inspired by my own experience, I became a Certified LEAP Therapist in 2018 to assist others struggling with food sensitivities and chronic health issues. I’ve had the privilege to help my clients experience improvements like reduced abdominal pain, back and joint pain relief, migraine-free days, improved lab values, and weight loss. The best part? Learning how to adopt a sustainable, healthy eating pattern for life.
If you’re struggling with any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out! Schedule a free 15-minute phone call with me to see if the LEAP ImmunoCalm® dietary program could be your path to better health.
Nutritionally Yours,
Jerlyn
