My Dad suffered from Crohn's disease from his early 20s until his passing 2 years ago.

There were times when he was in remission, and we almost forgot that he had it. We went on holidays, went on walks and would go out for normal meals. There were also times where he would get very ill, and have to go into hospital.

The reason I have chosen a food-based challenge is that my Dad, and people with Crohn's disease have to alter their diets to help with symptoms. I remember having to boil tomatoes to get their peels off, cooking vegetables into mushy oblivion, and picking any seeds out of bread! If they have to alter their diet, then I will change mine too (albeit to a different one).

For 21 days, starting 28th July, I will live as a modern cave-woman. I will follow 'The Primal Blueprint' guidelines as outlined here: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-primal-blueprint-21-day-challenge/. In short, these are the rules:

Diet

- I will not eat any food which would have been unavailable to be consumed by paleolithic humans 1 million years ago. So no processed food, sugar, ready meals, grains (including rice) or legumes (beans, peas or peanuts);

- I will aim to eat only seasonal vegetables and fruit;

- I will only eat locally sourced meat and eggs;

- I will not drink beer (normally my tipple of choice!), spirits, cocktails, white wine or soft drinks.

Exercise

- I will walk at least 10,000 steps a day, monitored with my Jawbone UP;

- I will sprint once a week as if being chased by a saber-tooth tiger;

- I will perform weight-lifting and body weight exercises a few times a week, as if transporting firewood/taking down a gazelle.

Other

- I will only use natural cosmetics, soaps and deodorant;

- I will aim for 8 hours of sleep a night (monitored with my Jawbone UP);

Check out my progress here: http://blondeandgrainless.blogspot.co.uk/ where I will be posting my journal entries regularly.

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