A taste of ‘elimination’

  • By Aaron Swaney
  • Tuesday, March 1, 2011 12:01am
  • Life

I have a confession: I hate mung beans.

Oh I’ve never tasted them … at least not knowingly. But in my mind they taste like a cross between mushrooms and dung beetles.

What do I like to eat? Oh, I don’t know, how about steak, salmon, pasta, nachos, Reuben sandwiches, omelets, beer, scotch, coffee and basically anything that comes from what Homer Simpson would call that “wonderful, magical animal.”

That’s my diet. But what else would you expect from a guy who works in the sports department and considers a vegan diet akin to Communism.

So why am I telling you this? Because I’ve decided to go on an Elimination Diet. Well, “decided” is a strong word. Because of some health issues, my wife is going on an Elimination Diet she was recommended and I’ve agreed to lovingly support her by joining her on this month-long adventure. She’d tell you that it’s because she shops for the food and makes all the meals in the house. The fact that my last doctor’s visit went eerily similar to this didn’t hurt.

An Elimination Diet is used to try and pinpoint what foods you might be allergic to by eliminating nearly all of them and adding them in one at a time. At first blush the roster of foods looks like the shopping list of a picky vegan. But it’s not that bad … it’s much worse. No beer or coffee to start, which kills about 90 percent of the liquids I put in my body throughout the day. Anything with gluten and all meats are forbidden in Phase 1, leaving all the veggies and fruits — except all the good ones — to enjoy in the first nine days.

There are smoothies. In fact veggie slurries — my wife laughingly referred to them as the runoff from our garbage disposal — are all you can eat for the first two days. Bottoms up!

And let’s not even mention how much this is going to cost me. My wife recently brought home $175 worth of groceries in just two bags and they weren’t even full! I’ve brought home bigger bags of food from Wendy’s!

For the next 28 days I’ll keep a journal of my anguish and I’ll update you on this blog once a week. I’ll be trying all kinds of new foods like quinoa, teff and amaranth, which is called the grain from antiquity. What? Then there’s the Popeye Special, or smoothies in which spinach is the main ingredient.

Oh, I can’t wait for tomorrow.

I do know one thing. I’m drawing the line at mung beans.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Image from Canva.com
Say “I Do” to these stunning wedding venues

From rustic barns to elegant halls, discover where love stories in Snohomish County begin.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.