Photo by Autumn Luciano

First of all, let me say what an honor it is to speak on behalf of all of my hardcore femmes with IBD out there. When I had my first surgery, I couldn’t stand the thought that anyone could understand what I was experiencing. I felt very isolated. I grew resentful of anyone who claimed to understand my position in life. I owe a great debt to supportive women in the IBD community, for it is through them that my resentment passed and became acceptance. For anyone struggling with these feelings, know that you are not alone.

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in January of 2007. At 17, I had absolutely no way of comprehending what that meant at the time. Looking back, I envy my own naïveté at the time. In many ways, I think it saved me a great deal of emotional agony. It wasn’t until after my first surgery in 2011 that I began to understand that Colitis was a very destructive, very permanent diagnosis. I thought I knew what “tired” meant. I thought I knew what dying felt like, prior to my first surgery.

With four years of flare-ups under my belt, I was no longer a candidate for Remicade. My lymph nodes were swelling, and a major concern was Lymphoma. Imuran, steroids and various other medicines I can’t recall, were also no longer options. Immunodepressed and exhausted, I was 22 and living with a houseful of my closest friends. After several trips to the ER, I was greeted by a surgeon who coldly explained that I could either have surgery or die within the next few days. She left the room after explaining that I would “Never feel normal again.” And that I would have to get used to it, which would be hard for a “Pretty girl.”

Let’s be real. I was far from feeling like a pretty girl. I was on steroids for senior prom, and my boyfriend at the time (now husband) had to nair my back so I didn’t look like a chipmunk. I had bloated until my skin hurt, broke out into acne hell, and now I was expelling blood at a rate that was both horrifying and fascinating to my doctors. I was already pretty used to not being a pretty girl. I was the girl who cried watching the Olympic gymnasts because they could move.

Three surgeries, a surgeon change, failed j-pouch, two ostomies and an astronomical amount of pain drugs later, I came out on the other side. I do mean that literally. I had lost 40 pounds and weighed a mere 90 pounds soaking wet, fully clothed. You could count every bone in my body, and the surgeries had ravaged my once adorable tummy. I didn’t just have a thigh gap, it was the Grand Canyon. My hair had fallen out from lack of nutrition, and I could barely walk to the bathroom, only feet from my bed. My skin was sallow and pale, my body was limp and fragile. But I was alive.

Being pretty was the last thing on my mind, I felt like I had been thrown into battle without armor. You didn’t make it out pretty, much less alive, without armor. But I did.

Being who I am, with some authority issues, being told what I couldn’t do was a challenge. After waking up every day for a year thinking you might die, nothing seems beyond your reach. So I started to play again. I ran, I worked out three hours a day and started to kick box. I taught dance at a summer camp. I got married. I started killing it with my dream job. I had a normal life.

It wasn’t just good enough to have a normal life. (Even though that was all I begged for all through my surgeries. Just a chance to be normal.) I wanted so much more, being finally capable, three years later. Looking at my body, and knowing that it hadn’t really been mine for nearly 10 years, I wanted ownership of it again. I had eaten well, I had trained it, groomed my muscles and rewarded years of struggle with a strong and healthy body.

Pinup was an unknown universe to me at the time. I had grown up with a love of old things, partially raised by my grandparents. It was well known that I enjoyed dressing in vintage clothing, and I had begun experimenting with my hair and makeup. I was starting to feel like myself again. Blow drying wasn’t exhausting. Getting ready was fun again, not a daunting tedium.

I was invited by a high school friend of my husband’s to a Retro night/Pinup competition at a local bar in the winter of 2013. I was prim, in a vintage 40s silk dress, with modest and frazzled victory rolls. I watched the girls (who were all so perfect in every way) compete, and I knew I was so in love with their culture. Everything about what they were saying and doing spoke to my core. After the competition, the musicians began to play and I noted that nobody was dancing. Since my health had been regained, dancing had become one of my very favorite things. I walked to the table to girls and leaned in over the shoulder of the dainty pin up who had won. “You know, everybody here will dance if you do.” I said, and we launched the dance floor. There I was. The very first night I had been able to do everything the doctors told me I would never do again. Dancing merrily and embarrassing the heck out of my introverted husband.

It snowballed from there. I didn’t know then that the winner that night would become one of my best friends, Ada Vice. Or that Gabbey Music, joined at her hip, would fold me lovingly into the world of Pinup. With the help of those two, and the lovely Alfie Jean, I had begun practicing the art of vintage beauty. It wasn’t until a year later that I would realize I had not only reclaimed my life, but all of the things fate stood to take from me before I ever knew I wanted them.

My body has become such a beautiful thing to me. Not because it seems to fit the societal standard, I feel very much that I won the genetic lottery there. I feel that way because it has carried me through some of the most terrible and devastating things a human can live through. With more resilience that I had ever given it credit for previously, it stretched, and it shrank. It is beautiful because it is mine. Scarred, tired, radiant, strong, and mine. It is through pinup that I realized this, and I continue to model for me. For the girl who dreamed of a normal life, and got so much more.

xoxo,

Stella Swoon

Originally published on  http://www.girlswithguts.org/2016/01/14/your-stories-stella-swoon-pinup-model/

My diagnosis

I was the original “diabetes diva” before being a diva was cool!  I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before it was called that. It was 1975 and I had all the classic symptoms: excessive thirst, excessive urination, excessive fatigue, and weight loss (without trying). My diagnosis was “juvenile diabetes.” I was insulted by that diagnosis because I was in college and didn’t appreciate being called “juvenile.” Prior to my diagnosis, I actually dated two young men (not at the same time) who had diabetes, but they never explained what was involved in diabetes management. It was like belonging to a club that was a big secret. My uncle (not blood-related) also had diabetes. He was the best example of what not to do.  Everybody told me, “Don’t be like Uncle Henry!” Like my two boyfriends, my uncle never discussed his diabetes with me or gave me any advice. Other than my family’s words of warning, I was on my own.

I accepted my diagnosis without much emotional drama. My mother, a college professor, had a student in one of her classes who was ill (not the same symptoms as me) and went for medical tests at the same time as I did. When her student’s diagnosis came back as a brain tumor, I was grateful to have a chronic illness that I could live with. My brother, who was very wise, congratulated me on my diagnosis, explaining that he knew I would always take care of myself. He was right! But, self-care in those days was bereft of all our modern technology. I was lucky to use disposable syringes (and not have to sterilize my needles).  Blood sugar meters had not yet been invented nor was carbohydrate counting. The biggest regimen advancement of the day was taking insulin twice a day. When my regimen was adjusted to “multiple daily injections” four times a day, some people felt sorry for me that my diabetes had gotten “worse” requiring the additional injections. I was not like my uncle and two previous boyfriends who kept silent. I was always explaining to people about the improvements in diabetes management. I called myself the “Johnny Appleseed” of diabetes education and saw myself as an unofficial diabetes educator.

Diabetes and psychology

I had no idea when I studied psychology as an undergraduate student, and later as a graduate student (earning two Master’s degrees: one in Applied Behavior Analysis and the other in school psychology, and then my PhD in clinical psychology) that my two worlds – diabetes and psychology – would one day collide together. After my children were old enough to be a little more independent, I went back to pursue my career goal of having a private practice. I had no idea what my focus should be. Again, my very wise brother was helpful. He asked me a simple question: “If you could choose to do anything, what would you like to do?” My answer was easy: I would like to work with people with diabetes. His reply, “Then, go for it!” was all the encouragement I needed. At first, I started working, part-time, at my local hospital’s Counseling Center. Every patient with diabetes was assigned to be seen by me. (I also saw patients without diabetes too.) As time went on, I was invited to make presentations to various Diabetes Support Groups. In 2007, I was invited to present the Keynote Address to my local JDRF’s 1st Annual Educational Seminar “Living with Diabetes.”  Also in 2007, I was the recipient of the LillyforLife Achievement Award in the category of “Professional Hero”, which included a check for $1500 to be donated to a charity of my choice.

Lions Clubs International

That charity which I supported then (as well as currently) is Lions Clubs International. Lions Clubs is an international organization whose members provide help at all levels of need from local community support to global disaster relief. Lions Clubs accepted the challenge, made by Helen Keller in 1925, to become the “Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness.” The Lions accepted her challenge and our work has included sight programs aimed at preventable blindness. Since people with diabetes are at risk of losing sight due to diabetic retinopathy, Lions are involved with programs for diabetes awareness, education, prevention and research. Throughout my years of involvement with Lions, I was elected to serve on the board of the Nassau County Lions Diabetes Foundation, Inc. for two two-year terms, served as co-chair for our fundraising project Lions Strides Walk, which raised money for diabetes awareness and education, and currently serve as secretary for my local club. In 2010, I was honored to be the recipient of the “Melvin Jones Fellowship Award” – a Lions award for dedication to humanitarian service.

Diabetes is a blessing in disguise

I’ve written many articles (in print and online), as well as made numerous presentations, about diabetes topics, always from the psychological perspective.  In 2011, I published my first book: “MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes.”  The book is a collection of 24 life stories (including mine), each chapter written by a  highly respected and successful woman with diabetes. The diverse group of women share their heartwarming stories and insights about finding balance between their personal, professional, and spiritual lives.  One year later, I published my second book: “MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Men with Diabetes.” Again, the second book is a collection of 25 life stories written by a diverse group of successful men with diabetes.  The men’s stories are filled with honesty, humor, drive and determination that are inspiring. The theme which runs through both diabetes self-help books is that “diabetes is a blessing in disguise.” Had it not been for my diabetes, I don’t know if I would have made this the focus of my career. Had it not been for my diabetes, I don’t know if I would have chosen to live a healthy lifestyle. I believe that diabetes was my destiny’s plan. I understand the ups and downs of living with diabetes (quite literally). I love what I do and feel that I am uniquely qualified to treat the emotional issues of people with diabetes.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy and a spiritual approach

Known as “Dr. Bev” in my private practice, I focus on strongly endorsing and empowering the lives of people with diabetes. I’ve described the approach I take as “T L C Therapy: Talk, Listen, Counsel” which was published in the AADE (American Association of Diabetes Educators) journal In Practice (in September 2014). T L C Therapy can be broken down as follows — Talk: teaching patients about diabetes and its management; Listen: supporting patients and validating their feelings when they speak; Counsel: utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help my patients develop healthy coping strategies so they can achieve the goal of diabetes acceptance.  As a clinical psychologist, I have seen my patients go through various stages of emotional adjustment, such as denial, anger, bargaining, and depression/diabetes distress. It should be noted that not all people go through those stages, nor do they necessarily occur in the same order. Learning how to recognize what is not within your power to change – your diagnosis – and learning to recognize what is within your power to change – your thoughts and your actions – can help you accept your diabetes. People with diabetes can learn how to survive with diabetes, but more importantly, how to thrive with diabetes.

In addition to Cognitive Behavior Therapy, I also include a spiritual approach to the therapy I provide. As I said earlier, I believe that diabetes can be viewed as a blessing in disguise. I am a big fan of the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

A belief in God is not required to benefit from this approach. What is needed is an open mind and a positive attitude about life. If you interested in further information about me and the work that I do, please visit my web site at: www.AskDrBev.com.  You can also follow me on Twitter @AskDrBev.

In conclusion, here’s some helpful thoughts to keep in mind:

• “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” – Eckhart Tolle
• “Remember, happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have, it depends solely upon what you think.” – Dale Carnegie
• “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Max Planck
• “Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you’re going to live your life.” – Joel Osteen
• “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
• “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
• “Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage does.” – Anonymous
• “A bad attitude is like a flat tire – you don’t get anywhere until you change it.” – Anonymous

Alone time.

One of my favorite questions to ask my clients as a survivorship coach is: “What will it take for you to care for yourself in the way that you care for others?”

What comes up for you when you hear that question? I see a common theme among survivors, including myself in the past, of not exercising self-love and self-care and always seeing the need to care for others first. There are times when we don’t even know what serving ourselves really looks like until we dig deep to find the answers. Yes, for me a blowout and getting a mani-pedi makes me feel better, but that is external. What makes us feel good on the inside?

Life is a continual journey for all of us. Over the last few years I have realized for myself that if I don’t do something for myself on a daily basis that feeds my soul and frees me up internally, I get angry or resentful later in the day. It took me a long time to realize that all of the excuses and stories I was creating in my head for not having some alone time were detrimental to my health. Some of my excuses were: “I have to clean the house before I go out for my walk.” Or “I just need to get this file completed or that phone call made before I went for my walk.” Little did I know these were excuses I was making based on old patterns and beliefs that went something like – you need to take care of everything else before you take care of yourself.  This is a load of BS!

During the winter months I got off track from taking my walks because it was too cold out, but when spring and summer came I knew something was off.  I needed to take a step back from all of the “doing” that I was involved and just Be with myself and nature. When I started going for my walks ALONE again, I felt so much lighter and I felt like my whole world began to open up again.  It was the physical part that I needed to light me up again and just being outside and one with the Universe and throwing all of my heaviness out to the Universe was what finally opened me up again. I began to feel clearer and lighter again. I just have to stay committed and not revert to my old patterns. We all need reminders.

What can you do today to recharge your inner being to get back to who you are at your core?

I look forward to your comments. Xo Gina

 

Gina Costa CPC, ELI-MP

Certified Professional Coach

917-882-2402

New Beginnings Coaching Services, LLC

http://www.newbeginningswithgina.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ginacostacoach

My names Alishia Mancinelli. I am a Type 1 diabetic. I have had this chronic disease since the age of 4. I’ve been living with this for 23 years, I’ll be 28 in August. September of 1992 was when I was diagnosed and ever since then life was a much more challenging experience but I been getting through it.

I am an older sister of 7 and unfortunately I was the only one who was given this disease. During school I still did things children did but I couldn’t eat my candy after trick or treating, or beg my parents for a dollar to get ice cream from the ice cream man. So it took some getting used to as a child and eventually was easier. Once my teenage years hit was when life started to become a little more difficult. I started drinking and then getting sick to the point where I would wind up in the hospital. I would go through times where if I didn’t take my insulin and thought that if I ignored my diabetes it would miraculously go away, well that didn’t help either. So I struggled with this vicious cycle of hospital visits, family fighting and me being extremely unhealthy. This went on for a few years and finally I moved in with my Father, where I was given the comfort in checking my sugar levels every time before meals or if I was sick more frequently. From there I had then visited doctors more often and improved my health tremendously! My A1c was a 14.1 and within the past 3 years of proper control I’m now at a 7.1. Still work for improvement but it’s nothing like what it used to be like. With insurance issues being on a CGM is something my father and I plan to pay out of pocket for, but will get me a little bit closer to improving my glucose control. The money is and will be worth it.

I am on an insulin pump and it helps me because when I get the urge to binge on junk food I have a little leniency. However, there are a few things that we struggle to overcome but we don’t back down, I am a diabetic who doesn’t know when her sugars are low because my body doesn’t react to them properly. So what happens is I get mood swings or start to act funny, my boyfriend is attached to my hip he has to calm me down and check my sugar. He is always on the ball with catching my lows but there are times when it gets too late and I start seizing and an ambulance needs to be called. This is called unaware hypoglycemia. It’s very scary because when it happens and I am unaware of it, and I wake up in the trauma room or just in a hospital bed with no memory of what happened.

Then there’s the opposite I get with high sugars. As soon as my sugar level hits anything over 300 my body feels it and I again get moody and I’m nauseous, but I’m alert and aware of everything going on, I’m just in pain and discomfort. With every step of the way I can say without my boyfriend I don’t think I would have as much of a push. He makes it like there’s nothing wrong with me and what I go through is nothing out of the ordinary. He has learned over the few years of being together what it is to treat a diabetic in any way! He is a full time college student and full time Doctor. We have our difficult times with my diabetes and it causes us to fight, but we know we love each other so we get past it and yes it’s scary but I have an amazing support team which includes not only my boyfriend, father, but my doctors as well.

Although the years of not taking care of myself to caring for myself now upset me, I take my feelings and turn them into strength. I use that strength to keep myself going and wanting to make myself better. My future involves nothing more than to become an amazing wife and awesome mother! With that being my future I will not let this diabetes get what’s best of me and live the future I see myself living!

I have an Instagram account and follow diabetics and put things about diabetes on there; I can be found on Instagram @diabeticdivaa

What is your newest favorite healthy recipe? Kale and Peppers is mine!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil

4 cups sliced mini peppers

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

14 cups chopped kale, stems removed (about 1 pound)

1/2 cup organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic)

1 garlic clove, minced

Lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a pan oven over medium-high heat. Add red bell pepper, , salt, and black pepper; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add chopped kale and broth; cover. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 10 -20 minutes or until tender, stirring on occasion. Stir in garlic; increase heat to medium. Cook, uncovered, for 2 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Gina Costa CPC, ELI-MP

Certified Professional Coach

917-882-2402

New Beginnings Coaching Services, LLC

http://www.newbeginningswithgina.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ginacostacoach

I don’t remember a time in my life when I was healthy. I was born with asthma (I spent a lot of time in oxygen tents), allergies (including anaphylaxis), and eczema (with sandpaper hands that meant no one wanted to hold my hand in gym class).

I thought this was the worst of it, but when I was fourteen years old I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I endured two and a half years of chemotherapy treatment (including more lumbar punctures, transfusions, and other various medical testing than I could say) and when that was done I thought that was the worst of it.

I finished high school and went off to university completing 3 degrees in 5 years while working various jobs to pay for tuition. This was my time! I spent a lot of time with friends and really enjoyed these years! The world was mine to conquer!

I began feeling pain in my hands when I was twenty two years old. I knew there was something going on but I figured I was okay and pushed through. I met with my family doctor when I noticed swelling in my hands and was referred to a rheumatologist for testing. I received a diagnosis of seronegative inflammatory arthritis and began treatment at twenty three years old.

After years of bouncing from one medication to another with no ease of pain I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at twenty five years old.

More pills, more side effects, more fatigue, more symptoms.

I began my dream job working with children with special needs and thought life was going to be okay after all. I still had pain but it was nothing I couldn’t deal with. Life was looking good!
Until my back broke.

Several MRI’s, physiotherapy, and a meeting with a neurosurgeon after mind blowing pain resulted in spine surgery number one. I felt so much better after the first surgery and was ready to get back to my life, yet again.

As I was leaving my physician’s office with my “Back to Work” forms signed I was in a vehicle accident injuring my back yet again! It felt like a nightmare.

What it led me to, however, was the Spoonie Community.

I realized that I had things to say and as I was enlisting my cousin to help me set up a Tumblr blog we came across the term spoonie and immediately The Spoon Theory came rushing back into my mind. I remembered watching it on YouTube years ago and suddenly it meant so much more to me!

I began conversing with spoonies on Tumblr and Instagram and everything made so much more sense. My symptoms weren’t strange anymore. I learned how to advocate for myself and about different treatments that may be beneficial for me to try.

I was excited with this new found community and felt like I belonged somewhere, finally! I wasn’t alone!

I had a second spine surgery that was far less effective, unfortunately, and was then diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease. Unlike my other illnesses, this one has no effective treatment.

I also have a few other chronic conditions that impact me a little less severely, but now I have so much more hope and support in dealing with everything, thanks in large part to my support system, on and offline.

I used to feel so isolated in my own little medically impaired bubble, but now I realize that bubble is so much bigger than I could have imagined. I am not in this alone. I have thousands of friends around the world all fighting alongside me every day. I can use my voice to raise awareness for these invisible illnesses, and that’s what I intend to do!

This is my story. But it’s really every spoonie’s story. A story of when things went wrong and when we found our community, because finding this support system is the very best part of being chronically ill.

Social media:

Instagram : chronically_courtney

Twitter : @chronicallycori

YouTube : Chronically Courtney

Website : www.chronicallycourtney.com

http://cdn.totalcomputersusa.com/butyoudontlooksick.com/uploads/2010/02/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf

Today is the first day of summer!  One of my favorite summertime snacks is guacamole, and nothing is better than making it from scratch and enjoying it outside in the sunshine.  It’s also very easy to make, and you can control the acidity and spice levels to suit your taste.

I like to combine the following:

1. a finely chopped shallot
2. a finely chopped jalapeno pepper
3. a chopper up tomato
4. two chopped avocados
5. a lemon or a lime for acidity
6. salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste

What makes it taste even better is to serve the guac in a volcanic bowl (you can find them at William & Sonoma).  Also instead of eating the guac with chips, you can replace them with cut up veggies like cucumbers or carrots to make it a diabetic friendly low carb, high fat treat!

Enjoy, and happy summer!

Life is a fragile thing. In an instant it can be destroyed by a circumstance beyond your control; the existence you knew shattered like glass beneath your feet. No matter how hard you attempt to piece back the fragments of that previous life there is no restoring it to exactly the same as before.

I remember my life fracturing moment vividly; it consisted of one hour that changed the entire course of my being. October 21st 2011 I was diagnosed with an incurable, and fatal illness called Systemic Scleroderma. I remember walking into that Rheumatologist office equipped for the worst, but still being unprepared for the news I received. In that hour I was told I would be fortunate to live another ten years — and that was only if my circumstances were favorable.

At the age of 20 I should have had engagements such as college, relationships, and my career swirling through my mind, instead I had my own mortality. I left that office with pamphlets to read, treatments to start, and a new way of life to begin. I was warned of the path my disease would take, and of the horror I would soon endure. My health forced me to watched idly by as my fellow high school graduates left for college, received their degrees, started budding careers, and even began their families. As they progressed through the natural events of life I was alternatively attached to events such as chemotherapy, long hospital admissions, support group, and never ending chronic pain. Slowly over a course of three years my body began to deteriorate, vital systems starting to shut down, and organs beginning to fail. By the age of 23 I was being kept alive by a surgically placed feeding tube, supplemental oxygen, dangerous chemicals, and a team of specialized physicians.

As a young adult you have so many goals for your life, and you honestly believe you have 100 years to achieve them. Suddenly I was given a sliver of that time, and a body that could not handle even the simplest of tasks. I focused on nothing but reclaiming my shattered pieces, of sweeping up and attempting to place them exactly the same as they had been before. I believed I could attain that pre-diagnosis life if I just situated all the shattered pieces back together — but I quickly found out that that is not the way life works. Many of my pieces no longer existed, crushed beyond what I could realistically repair. Just like shattered glass I found I could not perfectly align the fragments to resemble the flawless and unbroken product. I however during my journey discover that those splintered pieces could be fashioned into something quite new and extraordinary. While this current finished product may have cracks, protruding edges, and be held together by messy glue, it has certainly never been more dazzling.

True joy is letting go of what you believe your life is intended to be, and instead revering all that it is.  Once I accepted this new existence, alone with every alteration and imperfection, I began to enjoy my life again. I began to enjoy who I was again. I no longer focused solely on recovering what I had lost, but on creating something new. I focused on the small victories and minute satisfactions found in my day to day routine. I took the time to enjoy every breath, every word, and every moment. Although my existence doesn’t seem like anything to be cheerful about to the typical observer, I have found so many incredible moments to revel in. My life may not be glamorous, or as long as I intended it to be, but it is one full of simple pleasures and an understanding of how broken things can still be beautiful.

Chanel White

thetubefedwife@gmail.com

thetubefedwife.blogspot.com

“Advocate•Blogger•Speaker”

It’s 3:00 PM at the office and your afternoon cravings begin to kick in. You start looking around for a filling snack but only find leftover cake from your co-worker’s birthday. Having a healthy snack on hand is key to power through your workday and stay focused. Since cake won’t do the job, we compiled a list of healthy yet filling snacks you can easily make at the office to beat the hunger crash.

Sliced Banana with Almond Butter: Bananas are certainly a filling fruit; a medium banana has about 110 calories and 25g of carbs. They are an excellent source of vitamin B6 and a good source of potassium and fiber (1). Not only will they help fill you up, pairing it with almond butter gives you the healthy fats and extra protein boost you need for the rest of the workday.

Avocado on Whole Wheat Toast: Does your office have a toaster? Great! You will be using it now. Bring in a few avocados along with a few slices of whole wheat bread for an easy snack. Just toast the bread, smear half an avocado on it and there you go! This snack is packed with fiber as well as heart healthy monounsaturated fats (2).  Add salt and pepper for taste.

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: Need we say more? This classic combination is great for achieving that sweet yet salty taste and provides you with a good amount of protein and fiber.

Veggies and Hummus: Hummus contains a decent amount of protein and a number of essential vitamin and minerals. While it can be high in fat, it is mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fat. And we all know how healthy vegetables are! Some popular veggies to combine are:

–       Carrots

–       Celery

–       Red or Green Bell Pepper strips

–       Sugar Snap Peas

Greek Yogurt with Granola: Add some sweetness to your day with Greek yogurt and nut-based granola. You can even try out non-dairy options like soy or coconut milk based Greek yogurt. Filled with important macronutrients like protein and carbohydrates, one cup can help fill you up for the rest of the afternoon.

Content Checked Holdings, Inc. has a family of health apps – ContentChecked, SugarChecked, and MigraineChecked that help users make more suitable choices at the grocery stores, based off of their personalized dietary needs. Download all three apps for free in the App Store or Google Play. Have questions about Nutrition, Weight Loss, Food Allergies or Migraines? Get your Nutrition questions answered by our team of Nutritionists by connecting with us on social media: @contentchecked, @sugarchecked, @migrainechecked.

References

1.) https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-through-seasons/seasonal-produce/bananas

2.) https://authoritynutrition.com/12-proven-benefits-of-avocado/

When we started Girls With Guts almost 4 years ago (wow!), we wanted to share stories here on this blog about empowerment. Right from the beginning we knew the power of shared experiences and connecting with other people who can related to you. It wasn’t until our first retreat in 2013 that the idea of a “sisterhood” became a common phrase when used in relation to Girls With Guts. The best part about this term being used in conjunction with GWG is that we (the board) didn’t associate that term with ourselves, but it was you, our clients who started referring to yourselves as a sisterhood.

I consulted a lot of sources on the meaning of a sisterhood for this post and this is what I found:

Merriam-Webster defines a sisterhood this way:

1a :  the state of being a sister  b :  sisterly relationship

2:  a community or society of sisters; especially :  a society of women in a religious order

3:  the solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns

When I asked my friends this is what they said:

“A collective, global community of women supporting, empowering, and backing each other up.”

“Group of women who support each other.”

“With a common thought or to attain a common goal.”

“Love, support, and honesty.”

“The Shared experience, common voice, and innate bond.”

“Love, support, understanding, non-judgmental. Open communication. Not intentionally hurting one another. Trust. Solace. Forgiveness. Acceptance.”

Wow! That is some powerful stuff! The resounding commonality is that a sisterhood is a support network of women working together. “A solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences and concerns.” That sentence alone could practically be our mission statement. Girls With Guts is based in the idea of supporting each other, sharing experiences, loving one another, and most importantly empowering each other through our diseases. The foundation of what we were built on is that women have a different journey than men do when it comes to IBD (and life in general). Women are taught from a young age to fight against each other as opposed to supporting each other and that is something that we are working adamantly to change. But we need your help! I encourage you all to look at your interactions with the women in your life. All of the women in your life, not just your IBD friends, and consider if you are building them up and if they are doing the same for you in return. It’s no secret that I am a modern day feminist and believe strongly in the power of a sisterhood. Girls With Guts would not have gotten this far if it wasn’t for the sisterhood of my friends and family, as well as our wonderful clients who created the sisterhood we have here. Girls With Guts belongs to you, it is yours. It is your gift and responsibility to make sure that it stays a supportive and nurturing space.

For me, sisterhood is beautiful thing because we create it and therefore we control what it looks like. I am apart of a few sisterhoods that are supportive, encouraging and full of love. In the end, I know that a sisterhood is what I make of it, what I put in is what I get out and all of that jazz. It is an entity based in honesty, it’s free of judgement and negativity because that is the energy that I put into it. Much like most of life, and Girls With Guts in general, it is your journey and you will get out what you put in. This not only encourages us to take care of ourselves but also one another. In a sisterhood, we are also responsible for our sisters.

I’d love for you to write in the comments what a sisterhood means to you and why it is powerful.

Originally published http://www.girlswithguts.org/2016/02/17/the-power-of-a-sisterhood/