Surviving GAPS Intro: Stage 3
For the next 6 weeks, I’ll be chronicling my journey through the GAPS Intro Diet with a little self-made questionnaire.
What did I eat on Stage 3?
Hooray for Stage 3! Eggs and avocado are back!!
- Scrambled Eggs in Tallow (so glad to have my whole eggs back!)
- More meatballs.
- Cauliflower Soup, Squash Soup
- Beef and Broccoli Soup
- Beef Vegetable Soup
- Swirly Crustless Quiche (pictured above, recipe via Practical Paleo)
- Crockpot Cilantro Chicken with Onions, Green Beans and Avocado (pictured below, recipe below)
- Pancakes (made with squash, eggs and homemade walnut butter)
- Poached Salmon with Celery Roots/Cauliflower/Onion Mash
- Lots of Bone Broth and Tallow and Salt and Garlic and Sauerkraut
Did I see any changes or patterns in my symptoms?
I started taking some supplements this week for support. I was already taking my pre/probiotic and fermented cod liver oil, but I added some digestive enzymes, some hydrochloric acid and some Gastrazyme for extra support. I have seen a difference and I’m hoping the trend continues! I really think my gut lining needs help healing before the pain will disappear, but I was only ready to tackle all of the supplements after I had a few weeks of solid foundation on the diet.
Any practical advice from Stage 3?
Take your time adding in the new foods. It is really exciting that in Stage 3 you get to add whole eggs, pancakes made with nut butter and avocado- but you don’t want to go overboard or try them all on the same day. Slow and steady is best- try scrambling 1-2 eggs or mashing just 1-2 tablespoons of avocado and eating it with your soup; or try just adding one pancake until you’re sure you can tolerate them.
Also, don’t forget to keep up your bone broth! I have gone a little slack with it since I’ve been adding foods. Make sure it stays a central part of every meal!
Any encouragement for people in Stage 3?
You are strong, you can do this! Don’t be discouraged if this stage takes a little longer as you work to introduce new foods to your diet. It may be the first time that you try a food that doesn’t work for you- that is okay! Every person is different- what you are trying to do is find out what works best for your body. Keep at it, day by day.
- 4 large onions, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- a handful of cilantro, chopped
- 8-10 chicken bone-in chicken pieces (I used thighs, but bone-in breast and drumsticks would be great, too)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1-2 avocados, mashed or pureed
- more cilantro, for serving
- Combine onions, garlic and cilantro in a slow cooker and top with the chicken pieces. Pour broth over top and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on high for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender and onions are soft.
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, cook the green beans- if the liquid in the crockpot is boiling, you can add them to the crockpot. If not, steam them or boil them in broth and then add to the plate afterwards.
- To serve, spoon the onions and chicken into a shallow bowl, add the green beans and top with the avocado and more fresh cilantro.
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where is the recipe
The quiche recipe is from the book Practical Paleo.
Hi Natalie, Thank you for posting your story. It really helps to see real-life testimonials! I noticed you used walnuts in your pancakes instead of the recommended almonds. Did you have a reason for this, or is it just what you had on hand? We are starting the Intro in a couple of weeks, and just recently we made the connection that almond make my husband cough like crazy. I was a bit concerned about Stage 3, but this might be an option for us. Any advice? Thanks!
I think original recipe called for walnuts- go for it!