I wanted to share 10 things I wish I knew before I started No Plant GAPS (NPG).

1. I wish I wasn’t afraid to remove all plant matter from my diet. I wish I knew that my body can heal and fulfill all nutritional needs and actually eradicate all nutritional deficiencies by following No Plant GAPS. I actually wish I had started it earlier. Removing all plant matter from the diet can be daunting at first, but it’s essential to trust the process and understand that animal-based foods can provide all the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
2. I wish I knew about the importance of maintaining electrolyte balance. When we remove carbs and plant matter from our diet, our kidneys start flushing sodium and other electrolytes follow. It’s crucial to replenish these electrolytes through foods like meat stock and by adding salt to meals to prevent symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and headaches.
3. I wish I had explored different types of meats to provide a broader range of nutrients and enhance the overall nutritional profile of the diet. Incorporating a variety of meats such as beef, poultry, fish, and organ meats ensures that you’re getting a diverse array of nutrients essential for health.
4. I wish I knew that No Plant GAPS is one of the most healing and detoxing spectrums of the GAPS protocol, and starting it “cold turkey” may not be a good option for many. Transitioning gradually into Np Plant GAPS allows the body to adapt to the changes and minimize detox symptoms, making the process more manageable and sustainable.
5. I wish I knew that following all the steps as outlined by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride in the No Plant GAPS protocol is critical for healing. Otherwise, eating animal-based foods that are suitable once the body heals a bit can contribute to slowing down or hindering the healing process. Strict adherence to the protocol ensures that you’re addressing underlying issues and supporting optimal healing.
6. I wish I knew that blessing food would have a tremendous impact on its healing aspects, and resenting it would have the opposite effect. Taking a moment to express gratitude for the food we’re about to eat can enhance its nutritional value and promote overall well-being.
7. I wish I knew that in the first few weeks, I would be very tired and my physical performance would be worse. That would be followed by a surge of energy and increased vitality. Understanding that fatigue and decreased performance are common during the initial stages of No Plant GAPS can help manage expectations and stay committed to the process.
8. I wish I knew how to behave appropriately in social interactions where I didn’t have to feel like an outsider and being attacked for my health choices. Developing strategies for navigating social situations and communicating your dietary choices effectively can help alleviate feelings of isolation and judgment from others.
9. I wish I knew that kitchen preparation and cooking are so easy and not time-consuming on No Plant GAPS, comparing to the other spectrums of the GAPS diet. With a focus on simple, whole animal based foods, meal preparation on No Plant GAPS can be straightforward and efficient, allowing for more time to focus on other aspects of life.
10. I wish I knew how to troubleshoot some of the problems without panicking and thinking that I am hurting myself. Educating yourself on common challenges and solutions on Np Plant GAPS, as well as seeking support from experienced health professionals, can help address concerns and ensure a smooth transition to the diet.

If you can resonate with any of these, or perhaps have other “I wish I knew…” moments, for these reasons, I created the No Plant GAPS online training. It was an outcome of a collaboration with Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. Please check out our training here and/or chat with me to see if No Plant GAPS is the right option for you.