day 64: the naturopath – follow-up
Yesterday I had my one month check in with my Naturopath. I LOVE her, by the way.
I had some good and bad news.
The bad news is something that I’ve already discovered through the first part of my reintroduction of foods after my cleansing diet. I’m sensitive to dairy.
The first food that I reintroduced was milk for 2 days. No reaction.
Then yoghurt for 2 days. 1 pimple on day 1 and 1 pimple on day 2.
Then cheese for 1 day. 1 more pimple.
Evidently I have a small tolerance level for dairy before my body reacts. I’ve decided I’m going to try as best as I can to stay away from dairy foods and Dr. Natasha agreed that this is a good idea.
Damn. I heart cheese.
My next reintroduction was gluten containing grains which I added back into my diet on Monday and Tuesday. I didn’t have any reaction, but as I write this I found another pimple is starting to surface on my face. Hmmm…
But on to the good news: I’m more fit than I think!
I had a bioimpedence analysis (BIA) done. The doctor attached electrodes to my right hand and right foot which ran an electric current through my tissues and fluid to determine my body composition. Apparently this method is more accurate than my home foot-to-foot BIA scale because when the current sent up one leg, across the belly, and down the other it’s basically measuring body composition in the belly and thighs — my fattiest areas. Not pretty.
When she printed out the results she said, “Wow! This looks good.” That’s always a relief.
I learned that my body fat percentage is actually 25% which is normal, and my muscle mass is 40% which is high. I also learned about the phase angle which measures cellular health, a factor that helps determine longevity. Apparently my phase angle is quite high (7.3, if I remember correctly), meaning I have a LOT of healthy cells! She told me that taking Omega 3’s can help to improve this number cell membrane health.
The whole outcome of my appointment with her was that she placed me on a diet for 6 weeks that is specific to my caloric needs (based on my BMR of 1541 and my activity level) which she simplified by giving me specific numbers of servings of each food group to eat per day. In 6 weeks I go back to see if my BIA results improved.
I’m stoked!
Don’t for get to stay tuned tomorrow for my giveaway post 
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That’s awesome, Sam. Those results sound good to me!
I find sticking to 1200-1300 calories a day super difficult. I’m always confused about beans and lentils — do they count as an alternative protein source or as a carbohydrate? Both?
Sam, it’s so wonderful that you’re doing so well. I’m amazed at how healthy you are! But the dairy sensitivity is such a tough one. I don’t know how I’d fare with that- I love yogurt, cheese, milk, and frozen yogurt so much.
Can’t wait to hear more about your plan!
Congrats on being so healthy – wow! Your body percentages sound spot on (the muscle is especially impressive!). I’ve been wanting a BIA done. Where did you get it done?
I’m sorry to hear about the dairy
You’re such an adventurous cook that I’m sure you’ll come up with some fun dishes to distract you 
what good news! the dairy thing is a little sad, but most people have some dairy intolerance so youre not alone! yay healthy cells!
Congrats on the good news
A naturopath was the first person to tell me I had a gluten intolerance, and she was right! I also try to avoid too much dairy and its not to hard, just a treat once in a while! I’m glad you had such great results! What kind of calories did she tell you to consume?
I got the bioimpedence analysis done at the naturopath. My BMR is 1591 and I’m supposed to consume 1900 cal or 1600 cal on days I don’t workout.
Wow, super interesting! Naturopaths are the best! I think I’m sensitive to dairy too (although, like with you, it didn’t kick in until the 2nd or 3rd day!) But mine is more the lactose-intolerance, gut-troubles kind :s.
Sounds like it went really well for you, and I am looking forward to hearing how your new program goes!
Hi! I just came across your blog. First I have to say how much I love your dog Bagigis- so adorable! I’m intrigued by your bikini goal and look forward to following along.
Hi Samantha! It looks as though you are making great progress toward your goals. I totally sympathize about giving up dairy… it was a challenge for me, too, initially. I hope that you will find, as I did, that the rewards of kicking the dairy habit will allow you to let go of the idea of dairy. There are so many creamy, delectable foods available in the plant world! Good luck!