Less CRAP

For those of us with IBD we would love to live with less CRAP!   The reality for many of us who are challenged daily with what to eat, when to eat, how often to eat, and the 'what if' what we ate will affect us.  Finally, after eating, where to find the nearest facilities, if necessary!


A healthy balance diet, for everyone, is important!  Sadly, there is no IBD diet.  All IBD folks need to evaluate, and find what foods are most helpful, and healthful for healthy living. Basically, what suits them the best, and suits them to their specific needs, and health challenges.


I saw the below in a photo other day.  Love it!   The CRAP list is when I get into tummy trouble!  Not sure who wrote it.  I don't take the credit, but it sure makes sense and I can certainly a test to it's helpfulness in my own gut life.

If anything, it's a great reminder when you find yourself wondering if you should eat that donut.

Best!

Eat less CRAP:

C - carbonated drinks

R - refined sugar

A - artificial sweeteners &colors

P - processed foods

Eat more FOOD:

F - fruits & veggies

O - organic lean proteins

O - omega 3 fatty acids

D - drink water

Powerful!

http://lat.ms/YnH4LS 

"One verse read, "Encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." The other verse read, "Be strong and courageous and do the work, do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God, my God, is with you.""

Be well,
Cynthia

Hello Friends,

Hope your year has been joyful, thus far!  And - Has it been since December since my last communication?  Forgive me....

I hope for your 'joy' (deep and abiding), alway, but not your 'happiness' (temporary and dependent) that which depends on your circumstances and your mood, but that which goes beyond happy, but that which takes you beyond circumstances, over and above, to a peaceful situation that no matter what, you can smile and live at peace with your momentary circumstances.  

Sharing in our concerns can be a great way to be encouraged, and encourage others in same circumstances.  And also, sometimes when we complain, or bare all, about what we must bare, isn't healthy at all.  Sometimes it can stir up more challanges.  Be wise.  Excercise discernment.  Share that which encourage others.  It will ultimately encourage you, too! Yes, indeed, chronic disease can bring about a great deal of distress to the body and our thinking, our hope for the future, seems distressed, but complaining about it does no good.  There is much to be thankful, even in the midst of illness 

With that said, the following link was forwarded to me.  Be an encourager.  Seek encouragement, and also, don't camp out on complaining, it only breeds resentment.  

'Social networks are a means for patients living with IBD who are located across the globe to reach out to and communicate with one another.'


http://www.healthline.com/health-news/crohns-warrior-patrol-charity-sponsors-hospital-visits-031313

Be wise, friends!   You know your body best, no two IBD suffers are the same.   Educate, evaluate, execute to your needs.

Be Well!

Article

Thought this was a good read.

Maybe, highly possible, you've had the same experience at one time.  Don't let your disease control the way you live.  Always be prepared, always be gracious when in need, don't live expecting special treatment, and also, nice to know some things are being changed to help those in need of a necessity!

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/12/20/the-grassroots-movement-to-change-the-nations-public-restroom-laws


A very Merry Christmas to all, and here's to a Happy Healthy New Year!

Be Well,
Cynthia

Happy Holiday's Does Not Mean...

... over indulging!

The holiday season is here, right now, and we've already dashed beyond the 'trick or treat' sugar high.  
  
...it is just the beginning, there is more to come!  

Be careful friends, don't over do it.  Be wise about your choices. Quick momentary enjoyment (to the tongue), could mean days of pain, discomfort, and peril to the gut.

Be encouraged, the holiday's can be a wonderful time of year when we know how to pace ourselves.  Rest in the knowledge of what you know about yourself, and what you already know about what your body can tolerate. 

Have a Plan B.  I always have a Plan B.   Plan B's always includes the word, NO. That's right, NO. It's incredibly helpful. Practice saying it, 'NO'.  Pretty empowering.  

From time to time when you know you just cannot make another activity, eat certain foods, or even try to keep up with the pace of the expectations of the holidays, NO is incredibly helpful.

Some of my Plan B activities include; hanging out at home, quiet walks, resting on my comfy couch, light meals, a hot bath by candle light, peaceful music, an old B/W movie, or a good ole' classic read, my Bible.  

When you find the holiday foodies, parties, activities and all the fan fair getting to you, have your Plan B set it out ahead of time. The 'GO TO, NO', already familiar to you, ready for those times you cannot, or unable to be available to others.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stay well,
Cynthia

tip:  You don't have to eat everything, or fill your plate, to enjoy your time with family and friends!  Eat smaller meals!   Minimize 'white sugar' intake.  

Article of Interest

Good Morning!

I think you might be interested in this article on Crohn's Disease that I found at http://www.gihealth.com/html/education/crohns.html. 

I especially appreciated the statement made by the writer about the immune system in IBD sufferers.  Recently, my ten year old son was interested in more details about my Crohn's, and what it did inside my body.  Many of you have tried to explain to others your disease too, and it's difficult to put into words without going into gory detail.  I like what this writer noted about the immune system, and 'friendly fire'.  Read below. 

'In Crohn's, it seems that the immune system gets confused and begins attacking the good cells that make up the digestive system.  Like "friendly fire," the immune system in Crohn's is fighting the wrong side and eventually the walls of the intestine become damaged.'

Also, many of you have been writing me about different diets, supplements, and digestive helps which have been working well for you!  This is great! I am glad you are finding relief.  I absolutely believe a healthy diet and vitamins supplements play a big part in our over all health and wellness.  The right Crohn's diet is highly individual.  What might be working for me, may not work for others.  It is up to every individual to make those decisions.  Much of my success has been trial and error.  

Thank you for your comments, and posts.  I may not publish all, but I read all comments and appreciate your taking the time to share.

Be well,

'Road Ahead'

My husband found this iPhone app.  

This little ditty of an iPhone app "Road Ahead" was a great tool for us while traveling this summer!     We took several ROAD TRIPS through various parts of the country this year... and it came in handy on more than one occasion, ;-)

iTunes review notes the following; 

'RoadAhead™ helps you find the best exit ahead on the highway for all your travel needs. RoadAhead automatically locates you on a highway, searches based on your categories, and displays merchants at upcoming exits - with user ratings, gas prices, distance from exit, and other helpful info.'

Check it out... 

Be well,