"But You Look So Good! Before You Know It..."

Are you familiar with an invisible illness?  Do you find yourself feeling ungrateful for being upset when someone tells you how much better or good you look, yet inside there is still the daily struggle of pain, nausea, fatigue, and so on?

Baby Steps

Have you ever seen the movie with Bill Murray, "What About Bob?"  I recently suggested this to a friend to bring in some giggles and help cheer her up with the good belly aches.  A part that always makes me laugh is his (Bob's) interpretation of what his psychologist suggests doing, taking baby steps to improving his crazy mind.  Throughout the movie, whenever he feels overwhelmed he literally shuffles his feet forward, repeating "baby steps, baby steps."

I might not be that crazy but whenever moving a tiny step forward with my health, this becomes my mantra, even if previously moving many steps in reverse.  Sort of like looking at the glass half full.  It may not be where I want to be but it's something!

With TPN, I'm supposed to gain around 1-2 pounds a week.  The first month I went up 6 but the last 2 weeks it has remained the same, 99 lbs.  The plan is to increase the formula (even though between current formula and food intake I'm getting 2000 calories a day!) next week.  That said, I was just ecstatic when I weighed myself this morning and finally, finally it said 100.00!  As my mother keeps saying, soon you will hit the century mark.  Well mom, it happened, and though I still have a long ways to go, this is a baby step I am grateful for!

I'm going to celebrate with a brisk walk on the beach with Luna and her pal Rocky.  Then back to rest and relaxation, possibly a GP friendly chocolate smoothie for a treat ;)

Moroccan Spiced Sweet Potatoes

This morning I posted on the Journey with GP Facebook page about my simple breakfast for the day and of course a recipe was requested!

"Small cup of Perfect Energy tea, 1 egg + egg white scramble with a few pieces of leftover Moroccan spiced, steamed sweet potato."

The spice blend used includes some wonderful digestive aids and releases a sweet, exotic aroma in the air.  I was inspired by a dish I used to make years ago, Moroccan chicken with almond couscous, when we engaged more in dinner parties, entertaining friends through food and drinks.  For my best friend's surprise 30th birthday party, I had the entire stove top covered with multiple pans, simmering mounds of spiced chicken in broth, shallots and fresh dates.  She still talks about that dinner to this day!

Bieler Broth - Nourishing Green Soup

Looking for a way to incorporate more vegetables in your GP diet?  After a long fall/winter of potatoes, yams, squashes and carrots, this is a refreshing and light soup that digest easily.  It was created by Dr. Henry Bieler, author of Food is Your Best Medicine.  I've adjusted the recipe to include the taste of celery but not the actual blend, as it is often not well tolerated on our stomachs.  Both zucchini and green beens are excellent sources of potassium and sodium.  
When prepared and cooked right these green veggies digest surprisingly well.  Add in some simmered ginger and fresh parsley, both wonderful digestive aids, and you have a nourishing soup. 

Help Make a Difference!

Loving and laughing are necessary to feeling our best and should most definitely be a part of the treatment plan!  You might ask though, how can I make a difference?  Well, here are a few simple things you can start with:

1.  As a result of past persistance from the community, the Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act has been reintroduced into the U.S. House of Representatives.  This means that there is another chance at not only raising awareness for disorders such as gastroparesis, but also gaining initiative for increased research, treatment options and programs to support us.  In order to make this happen it is crucial to have as many individuals possible contact local Representative and asking them to support H.R.842.  Please click here for detailed information.  At the bottom of the page is a place for you to enter your zip code and get started.  Share this link with your friends and family in person, by email, Facebook, etc. and let's get this passed!

2.  Brainstorming has begun for the 2nd Annual Awareness Walk for GP.  Last year we worked with the Digestive Health Alliance, a total of around $13,000 raised specifically going towards research for gastroparesis.  Interested in being involved?  Here's is what you can do:

• Though months away, it is a good idea to get started early with plenty of time for ideas and planning.  The DHA were a fantastic group of people to work with last year and most likely will go with them again.  However, I am open to options and exploring what organization would be best to raise money for.  If you have some thoughts on this and/or would like to possibly host your own walk with us, contact me through email (see below).  

• How about sporting the awareness t-shirts we created last year?!  If you don't have one already, I still have some in stock and would like to offer you the chance to have one.  Last month I had numerous comments and emails with those really wanting to try the new Macrobars and I was so sad I could not send samples to everyone!  So, I thought of a way to incorporate a great snack/meal and raising awareness!  For $10 total I can package and send 1 t-shirt (size xs-xl), 1 Protein Purity and 1 Protein Pleasure (previously Chocolate Protein and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip).  This price covers both bars, which I order in bulk, as well as shipping.  If you would just like the t-shirt I can also send that for just the $5 shipping.  Here is what someone recently said about wearing her shirt: "I have had quite a few comments on it, a good way to spread the word on what Gastroparesis is and start a dialogue!"  

If you are interested please contact me at stephanie@journeywithwellness.com.  Also, if you would like more than 1 t-shirt or additional bars let me know and we can work something out!