My Experience Cutting Out Onion, Garlic, and Rice: A Festive Season Detox

 With the festive season fast approaching, I decided to make some dietary changes to keep myself from indulging in unhealthy food. My solution? Cutting out onion, garlic, and rice from my diet. It may sound a bit extreme to some, but I wanted to share this experience as a way to give a genuine perspective on what it's like to make such changes—especially for those considering a similar move.

Why People Avoid These Foods

While my reasons were tied to avoiding festive season indulgence, many people eliminate onion, garlic, and rice for a variety of reasons:

1) Digestive Health: Some find onion and garlic cause bloating or other digestive discomfort due to the presence of fructans, which can be hard to digest for those with sensitive stomachs.

2) Ayurvedic Practices: In certain traditions, garlic and onion are considered tamasic foods, which can affect mental clarity, and thus are avoided for spiritual or meditative reasons.

3) Low-Carb Diets: Rice is often cut out in low-carb or ketogenic diets because of its high carbohydrate content.

The Challenges I Faced

The most challenging part for me was the fatigue and tiredness that set in during the early days of this diet. It’s important to note that I’m currently recovering from an ACL reconstruction surgery, so my body likely needed the nutrients that I suddenly took away. Research suggests that cutting out carbohydrate-rich foods like rice can cause temporary tiredness as your body adjusts to alternative sources of energy. Onion and garlic, which are natural sources of vitamins B6 and C, might also be contributing factors to energy levels .

However, I was determined to stick to my decision. I took supplements and increased my fruit intake to make up for the nutritional gaps. After a while, I started feeling more refreshed, and my fatigue began to fade.

How I Adapted My Diet

As someone who is quite strict with my decisions, I stuck to the diet. To satisfy cravings without breaking the rules, I found alternatives. For example, I started making Cheese Kulchas at home like twice in15 days, which became a great cheat meal considering I wanted to avoid food from outside as well. 

Here’s a simple recipe I followed:

Ingredients:
•1 cup all-purpose flour
•¼ cup plain yogurt
•¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
•Grated cheese (any of your choice)
•Butter and herbs for garnish

Instructions:
1. Mix flour, yogurt, baking soda, and salt into a dough.
2. Roll out a portion of the dough, stuff it with grated cheese, and fold it over.
3. Roll it out gently into a kulcha shape.
4. Cook on a heated skillet until golden brown on both sides.
5. Brush with butter and sprinkle with herbs.

The Positive Changes I Experienced

As I adjusted my diet and introduced more fruits and supplements, I noticed significant changes. Not only did my fatigue disappear, but I also started sleeping better—a great improvement considering my history of insomnia. This makes sense since cutting out heavy foods like rice may improve digestion, which in turn can aid sleep. Additionally, reducing onion and garlic, which can cause gas and bloating for some, might have contributed to my improved comfort levels throughout the day.

Interestingly, I found that I needed three proper meals a day. According to experts, meals high in simple carbohydrates like rice can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which lead to fatigue. By cutting down on these, I maintained a more consistent energy level, which likely contributed to my increased appetite for balanced meals.

My cravings for fast food gradually faded over time, which is common as your body adjusts to healthier, whole foods. However, I do still occasionally crave my favorite ramen—but that’s something I can wait to enjoy later!

Final Thoughts

I realize that not everyone might be up for such a drastic change in their diet. Many people are accustomed to the strong flavors of garlic and onion, and rice is a staple in many cultures. However, scientific studies suggest that reducing or eliminating certain foods can benefit digestion, improve energy levels, and even reduce inflammation. For those with digestive issues, cutting down on foods high in FODMAPs like onion and garlic can offer relief.

I highly recommend giving it a try, even if just for a short period or by skipping these foods on alternate days. Research shows that taking breaks from certain food groups can reset your body's response to them, and even help with sensitivities over time. After doing this for about two months, I’ve seen real benefits in my energy levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being. I’ll likely continue this for a while longer but plan to take short breaks here and there to prevent my body from completely rejecting these foods when I reintroduce them.