Clearing Acne: My 60-Day Journey Without Dairy and Sugar

Introduction:

I decided to embark on a 60-day challenge of eliminating dairy, gluten, and sugar from my diet. As a YouTuber, I aim to motivate others to become the best versions of themselves, and I cannot preach that without conquering this challenge myself.

The Initial Challenges:

The first few days of the challenge were tough. I had to eat clean and resist strong cravings, which often resulted in headaches. Drinking only water instead of sweet beverages was a significant adjustment for me. I struggled with meal ideas as my cooking skills were not the best. This led me to eat out frequently, where I had to request gluten-free and dairy-free options. Thankfully, many restaurants offer such alternatives, making it easier to stay away from cravings. On days when I cooked at home, my meals consisted of eggs with gluten-free bread and avocado for breakfast, fruits as snacks, chicken or steak with salad for lunch, and a turkey sandwich with gluten-free bread for dinner. The availability of gluten-free and dairy-free options in stores was a lifesaver throughout the challenge, despite being more costly than regular alternatives.

Understanding the Link to Gut Health:

Around two weeks into the challenge, I started noticing improvements in my acne. Curious about the connection between food and skin, I delved deeper into the topic. I discovered that gut bacteria play a significant role in acne and skin health. When the gut bacteria are imbalanced, it can lead to various symptoms, including acne, bloating, constipation, weak immune system, and weight management issues. This newfound knowledge prompted me to explore gut health testing. A company called Ombre reached out to me to sponsor their gut bacteria testing kit. The kit would provide an exact report of my gut health. Excited by the opportunity, I followed the easy instructions and sent the sample back for analysis.

Gut Health Results and Customized Probiotics:

After a couple of weeks, I received the results of my gut health test. The report indicated that my gut score was 53, which was not ideal. One of the symptoms highlighted was high skin inflammation levels, confirming the link between my gut and skin problems. The report also listed the different bacteria found in my gut, highlighting areas that needed improvement and those that were overgrown. Based on these results, Ombre created a customized probiotic to help me heal my gut. If you are experiencing gut-related symptoms and want to try the testing kit, you can visit tryombre.com/brandonwilliam or click the link in the description to get 30% off your first test kit.

Additional Benefits and Challenges:

Throughout the 60-day challenge, I experienced additional benefits beyond clearing my acne. I noticed an improvement in my sleep quality and an increase in energy levels. Surprisingly, I also observed an increase in self-discipline. Following a diet that required significant willpower influenced other areas of my life, making tasks like working out and exercising feel easier in comparison. Although there were many positives, I also faced challenges. The low-carb nature of the diet, due to the absence of gluten and sugar, affected my workouts. I felt weaker and struggled to maintain muscle mass. Additionally, consuming enough calories to support muscle growth became difficult with limited food choices.

Dealing with Cravings and Coping with Stress:

The foods I used to enjoy constantly occupied my thoughts during the challenge. To distract my brain from cravings, I decided to get a puppy. While the puppy brought joy and served as a positive distraction, the happiness was short-lived. Unfortunately, the puppy fell ill with a deadly virus called parvo. We rushed him to the emergency vet, but despite their efforts, he did not survive. Dealing with the loss of the puppy was incredibly stressful, and stress is known to contribute to acne. I did my best to manage the stress through breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

Unexpected Help from Illness:

A week after the loss of the puppy, I fell ill. While being sick was unpleasant, it inadvertently aided me in the challenge. The illness suppressed my appetite, making it effortless to avoid sugary foods. Despite feeling under the weather for a couple of days, I was grateful for the unintended assistance it provided in sticking to my diet. After three weeks of stress, I was amazed to see that my skin continued to heal, proving the effectiveness of the diet.

Conclusion: Consistency and Patience:

After a full 60 days on the dairy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free diet, I can proudly say that my skin has almost completely cleared up. The remnants of acne are faint, and even the eczema on the inside of my arm has disappeared. The purpose of sharing my journey is not to convince you to follow the same diet but to emphasize the power of consistency and patience. Consistency helped me achieve good physical shape, build a successful YouTube channel, and now clear my acne. Regardless of the challenges you face or the goals you strive to achieve, starting today and staying consistent will lead you to success.

Remember, your journey may look different from mine, but with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. Take the first step towards your goals today and commit to them wholeheartedly. Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and watch as positive changes unfold in your life.