Getting back on the wagon

Dear Readers,

I have fallen off the wagon...once more. Life's been very busy and a wee bit stressful the past few weeks and I have let my health take the back seat. This is the WORST time to be neglectful of yourself. Times of stress are the most important time to look after yourself, because stress is the biggest factor in IBS flare-ups. I preach yet I am victim to this easy trap myself. No sense dwelling, just have to get back on track! My week is only going to get busier so now is the time to make a plan.

Step 1: Exercise. Find one measly 1/2 hour to get in some exercise. I'm riding my exercise bike as I write this (laptop on the handle bars) Cardio is crucial to maintain a good bowel rhythm, but don't forget some strength training (core is a big one), and stretch afterwards!

Step 2: Plan meals. A few days or a week is good so you don't have to think about it when you're in a rush. Since I've been bad the last few days (read: weeks) I'm going to start with a gluten free week. For myself gluten in not off limits just not good in large doses, or too frequently.  Don't forget to include snacks in your plan, those are just as important as meals, and an area where people tend to let themselves slip.

Step 3: Supplements: I've been having a hard time getting out of bed lately, and one big factor is my lack of B12. I've been only taking it sporadically as of late and it's taking its toll on me. Also, I know I haven't been getting enough fiber so I'm going to add that back in slowly. If you just start piling on the fiber supplements and fiber rich foods too suddenly, your digestive system may get a little wacky. Gas and bad bowel movements can result if you don't give your body time to adjust.  If your bad with remembering to take your vitamins and supplements, leave yourself notes in a place where you'll see it at a time of day when you want to be taking them. Or put a reminder alarm in your phone. Remember if you're a coffee drinker, caffeine can inhibit the absorption of some minerals, especially iron, so maybe take that one with dinner.

Step 4: RELAX!!! Give yourself either 1/2 at the end of the day or 2-3 10-15 mins breaks throughout the day to do some form of relaxation training. Deep breathing or meditation are good examples. Slow the mind, slow the nervous system and the gut will follow.

Ok, my 30 mins are about up so keep working at it friends!

love,
Jennifer

Cherry tomatoes on hashbrowns, with squash, a hearty breakfast :)

Ps WATER! Don't forget to always be drinking lots of water, it's what our bodies are made of!

Penis Cupcakes / Wedding Cake

Last night was my best friend's bachlorette party. As the maid of honour I organized a lil pre-party get together at her place (closer to the night's destinations). The usual taco dip made an appearance. Georgette (bridesmaid and sister to the groom) brought some veggies and dip, broccoli in the taco dip = awesome. In the tradition of penis everything at a bachlorette party I made penis cupcakes. I used the same recipe from my wedding cake. It's the only cake/cupcake recipe I know, and it's ultra easy, you just need the proper moulds, courtesy of Krista Rey.

1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
3/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup soy milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup veg oil
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. Mix the wet ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Mix the wet into the dry until smooth. Fill the greased penis moulds a lil more than half full. I put a bit too much in the moulds and it only made 10 instead of 12. Bake for 15-20 mins.

While the cupcakes are baking or cooling, make up the fleshy icing. Apparently I kinda blew this part....not enough icing sugar. I've adjust the measurements to correct that I hope, but if it's still running off the cupcakes, just had some more icing sugar until it's thick.

3 cups icing sugar
1/4 cup softened vegan margarine
1/4 cup soy milk
1 drop red food colouring
7-9 drops yellow food colouring

Whisk all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl until smooth. Add in more icing sugar and yellow food colouring until you get the right consistency and colour. Let the cupcakes cool for a least hour before applying the icing. 

Whether for a wedding or naughty party, cake or cupcake, these are a delicious treat. If your not making the icing coloured, you could add a tsp of vanilla extract, or the clear kind if you have it. On behalf of Destini's bridal party, and all her friends, I hope you had a night to remember (not to regret, lol ;) ) and congratulations!! Love you both!!

Getting Moving: The Bowel Massage

This past week my sister and I's roles were reversed. She was taken to hospital on Monday for severe abdominal pain. What the what??? That's my territory. I have to say being on the other side, seeing your loved one in pain in a hospital bed and not knowing what's going on, SUCKS! Anyways, she's home now, recovering from an appendectomy. The surgery, pain meds, and week of IV fluid left her with a very bloated belly. As I was showing her the bowel massage to help relieve the pressure I realized I haven't talked to you about it's wonders. The bowel or colonic massage is a wonderful method of self massage for getting those stubborn bowels moving, breaking up blockages and relieving gut pressure. I was looking online late last night for some YouTube videos and learned something I didn't know about this technique. I was always under the impression that it was only for IBS:C sufferers; moving an immobile bowel. However, as you will hear in this video, it can also be used for the IBS sufferer who has too many movements. Please take a look if you aren't not already familiar it, and remember it is up to you to look after your own health.

Happy tummies :)