Motivation & Positivity Questionnaire....Get involved! x x x

Motivation & Positivity Questionnaire

Two weeks ago I was in quite a lot of pain from my cystoscopy as quite a few of you read and probably know already, well i was still trying to sort out my recipes and thought i'd stop and see how the rest of the world was getting on... I found whilst looking there was alot of negativity and people putting other people down and this was meant to be humourous?! also I found alot of help forums and support groups not very up-lifting nor did they look on the bright side. 

Until I came across a blog that was uplifting and gave me motivation again:

 Here is the post about this lovely lady Aly 

So after this ladies inspiration, I decided to put together a questionnaire and asked various people with Endometriosis / IBS / Fibromyalgia Etc.. for their answers, to boost motivation and positivity and to look at what problems they have from a different angle, and hopefully help themselves and other people deal with their problems differently and also I hope this questionnaire will promote happiness and inspire everyone too. 

I am going to start posting the answers / photos and inspired recipes soon... 

If you would like to be involved, All you have to do is email the answers to the following questions to:

Josephineeliza@rocketmail.com

*What keeps you motivated?

*Can you give me one positive thing/thought that having endo/fibro/IBS..etc has given you?

*what is your go to thing that will make you  instantly happy every single time you do/go to/have/are with it?

*If you could give advise/motivation to a fellow endo/fibro/IBS..etc sister what would it be?

*One thing/person that is inspirational to you and why?

*What is your favourite excersize to do that you find eases your endo/fibro/IBS..etc pain?

*And finally have you a favourite endo friendly recipe you'd like to share that makes you feel great?

Your name: (whatever you want to be known as)

Your websites: twitter/fb/website

(Optional) Please send a photo of you, smiley/crazy/normal/funny, Your pet, Your inspiration ....  Anything I don't mind, which ever you wish

Thank You for your help to keep everyone happy and motivated

x x x

  

Motivation With Aly at Kickinglife.wordpress.com

Inspirational & Motivational

 Aly's Fitness: Endo-Sisters Story

I came across Aly's blog when i was in search of motivation after my Cystoscopy, Everyone needs a bit of a pick-me-up after a surgery or when they are in pain, and help sites and forums were just not doing it for me,

I needed uplifting talk something to get me out of the slump i was in...

Well this is where Aly's Fitness Endo Story came in. Like most of us Aly had been suffering for quite some time before she was finally diagnosed with Endometriosis, But she hasn't let Endometriosis get the better of her, she is a fighter! Aly sucks in the good positive energy rather than the bad. She is a focused determined woman. 

Aly talks about empowerment and how we should be encouraging each other, I love her idea about starting a power group that will talk about each others achievements whilst having the disease and motivate other women to go and get their dream and to inspire each other rather than getting more and more depressed with what has unfortunately been dealt to us. Aly has gone through and still goes through pain like the rest of us But she focuses on being happy and everything that motivates her instead of the bad.

She also talks about what vitamins work for her, they include: Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, Fish Oil, Flax Oil and Ginseng.

 These are all great for endometriosis! 

Women with Endometriosis should add Vitamin B Complex included into their diets because we produce too much oestrogen so with taking Vitamin B Complex this helps turn oestrogen into a less harmful form, it also helps with the production of good prostaglandins and helps with pain during the time of the month. 

Vitamin D is also good for lessening the effects of pain when periods hit us, and also for various painful diseases like endometriosis. It also (as everyone will probably know from the adverts) helps calcium absorb into the body for healthy bones.  

Most importantly Aly talks about EXERCISE, Which i think is extremely important to talk about and get involved with and this lady has done so very well.

 It is important for an endometriosis sufferer to embrace exercise when ever she can as it stretches parts that can cause us pain, so by stretching we can relieve the pain and make it easier along the way and with a good diet you could make your pain minimal or even stop it, you do not have to do everything at once, or an hour long workout, just little bits everyday will build up strength to make it easier to do more with less pain. 

This lady has some powerful words and is an inspiration for all of us

Check out her blog and Her story

Click HERE:   THE ENDO WAY!  

x x x

A Special Welcome to our New Yoga Experience Blogger! Amanda Small

Welcome: Amanda Small

Amanda Small is going to take us on her journey with the ups and downs of Endometriosis and Exercise mainly Hot Yoga which is her favourite, She will be writing here every month! So you can find out what she gets up to and what knots she can get into...

First Chapter: An Intro Into Yoga!

Yoga has changed my life, and it can change yours too!

I  have suffered with symptoms of endo since I was 19 where I first spent 4 days in hospital with what was considered to be IBS. Little did I know then that I would continue to suffer and not be diagnosed until I was 32. Once I knew what was wrong, then the heavy research began. I spent most my time educating the doctors about the disease as they seemed to not know much about our condition at all. I tried their way, with meds that sent me round the twist. I had no quality of life. Then I came across the lovely Josephine Eliza's website, I merely stumbled across it, and boy am I glad. 
The endo diet has changed things for me completely. I am practically medication free now. I have a little way to go as I have to come off fluoxetine due to bad pms, but apart from a bit of codine/paracetomal mix that I have on the first day of my period, that's it! 
 
I also have yoga to thank as well as the diet. This time 6 months ago, I was a shell of a person, walking flesh and bone with no spirit or sole. Merely existing. The pain was so bad that most days I would be in tears. My boyfriend has been my rock but it was getting tiring for us both. I had to do something about it, for both of us. I Had addressed my diet, but something was missing. 

 A friend of mine recommended I did yoga, but I really didn't think I would be up to it. I had to give up the gym a year previous due to severe pain whilst working out. The  pain got so bad at times that it made me vomit. At the time I didn't know what it was, and that's where I started the long winded process of trying to find out what was up with me. I knew it wasn't normal...anyway, I digress....So, I thought what have I got to loose, I can only try Yoga, and see.
 

I fell in love with yoga!

 

It's one of the best things I could have started. I started at my own pace even though the group had various levels, its not pretentious, there's no pressure to keep up so you can work at your own pace, in fact you're encouraged not to over assert yourself and just relax and breath into it! Perfect, exercise that is good for the mind and body, enjoyable and feels better than taking a nap! I was buzzing from my first session and could not wait to go back. 

I have only been practicing yoga a few months. Initially I had absolutely no balance or core strength. I was in pain most days, particularly pelvic and leg pain. Since the first day I started yoga, the pelvis and leg pain decreased until...zilch! Zero! 0! No pain at all, well apart from a day or 2 on my period. 
 
I feel so amazing. My mood is better, I feel energized, I sleep brilliantly now (I was the insomnia queen), I'm far more flexible not to mention being able to have a normal sex life again. 
 
Yoga can be practiced by anyone, of any age, fitness levels or ability. Even engaging in Yoga breathing and relaxation poses is going to have an effect and is a great place to start. You don't have to go to classes either (although it can help to have someone put you right). When I'm not feeling like trekking out, or I've had a busy day, I practice with a DVD. There's some great ones out there. 
 
I'm not wanting to portray I'm some yoga expert/guru, I just want everyone to feel the benefits yoga can give ...and believe me, the benefits are endless.
 
I have made a promised to Josphine and now also to all of you, that I will take you through my yoga journey, highs, and lows, if any, so you can all see how I come along. 
 
Namaste.

The Bow - Great for digestion and helps with bowel disorders such as constipation

The Plough & Shoulder Stand -  one of the most important asanas in classical yoga. Stimulating and regulating the thyroid & parathyroid glands. Regulates menstrual cycle as well as helping with healthy blood flow through the neck & chest, curing respiratory ailments as well as preventing colds & sinus problems. Daily practice cleanses the bowels & eliminates toxins.

Motivation & Positivity Questionnaire Answers Features: Aly Hollewijn's x PLUS recipes x

Motivation & Positivity Questionnaire

Featuring: Aly Hollewijn

Recipes Below:

Aly's Protein Shake

&

JE's Frozen Blueberry Protein Smoothie 

Aly Hollewijn is the First to be featured on my Motivation & Positivity Questionnaire, As she helped inspire me to create this to boost Happiness, Power, Motivation, Inspiration & Positivity in EVERYONE!

*What keeps you motivated?
Staying motivated can be tought but I love knowing that I am beating out all odds. When I see a small amount of abs (endo sisters you know just as well as I do that seeing abs is a big deal because of the abdominal swelling and bloating! I love seeing them) and or wake up feeling somewhat normal I know that I could have decided to give up and let this thing take over my life and it is proof that I am a fighter. I want to fight and prove to the world that it can be done and I want other endo sisters to see it and know that no matter where they are with their health they can do it too! Knowing that I am motivating others really pumps me up! 

*Can you give me one positive thing/thought that having endo has given you?
Wow it has actually given me a lot of positive thoughts! I dont think I can give you just one. It has eventually given me a more powerful and positive outlook on life. 

*what is your go to thing that will make you  instantly happy every single time you do/go to/have/are with it?
I think most people reading this would think exercise and my mind goes there too but it actually isn't the answer because some days are really hard and putting a true smile on my face after a painful workout feels almost impossible. I love working with teenagers and I am a soccer coach. Going out on the field and being able to influence and work with those girls never fails to turn any day around...even if they are being typical teenage snoots! :)

*If you could give advise/motivation to a fellow endo sister what would it be?

Dont let the negative effects of endo run your life. Chose to look at it as an opportunity to become healthier and get to know your body! You will have really tough days or workouts take what is going on, process it and be angry or sad but dont let it last feel what you need to feel and move on. It will be hard, really really hard but you will see a large benefit from it in the long run! 

*One thing/person that is inspirational to you and why?
Every Endo sister that is out there is a motivation for me. The ones who have worked hard to kick its ass and the ones who are struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Every one of them inspires me to be healthy and strong. I want to prove that it can be done and knowing that I am not the only one suffering helps me stay motivated to fight to help represent every one of the endo sisters out there. 

*What is your favourite excersize to do that you find eases your endo pain?
Oh tough question! During a flare up it seems like NOTHING eases the pain!! haha!! But during the other days weight lifting, medium cardio, and deep stretching really do the trick for long term effects. If there is ONE exercise it would be yoga style stretching, deep and intense but it will also help strengthen you. But let me be totally honest, I just love weight lifting and it has done a lot for me but I am educated in how to do it. 

*And finally have you a favourite endo friendly recipe you'd like to share that makes you feel great?
I love to eat as clean and simple as possible and it can be done in such a tasty manor. Shakes really do the trick for me, my favorite simple recipe is:

-Scoop of Egg White protein

-Coconut milk

-Flax seed oil with lignans

-handfull of spinach (cant taste it)

-Half of an avocado (cant taste it)

-Honey greek yogurt

Your name: (whatever you want to be known as)
Aly Hollewijn

Your websites: twitter/fb/website

Instagram: kickinglife

I am going to be setting up a twitter with hopefully the kickinglife handle soon!! But for now it is Alyfitness (I dont use it too often but I am making some professional changes soon which will allow me to focus more on my fitness and endo blogging)

Blog: kickinglife.wordpress.com (I will be blogging more soon)

A recipe inspired by Aly's answers 

Frozen Blueberry Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

6 Frozen Strawberries

Handful of frozen Raspberries

Three Handfuls of frozen Blueberries

100ml Coconut Milk (sub with any other milks quinoa/nut/seeds)

1 Scoop of Pea Protein

Start with your frozen fruits and add them to your blender.

Add your protein and milk to your high speed blender.

Whizz everything from low to high then keep it on high until you get a lovely smooth consistency.

Enjoy!

x x x

Simple Pasta Salads: Mix of Vegan Spaghetti ideas

 Simple Pasta Salads

Mix of Vegan Spaghetti ideas

Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Rice Free, Refined Sugar Free, Red Meat Free, Soya Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free.

Curry Peppered Mayo Pasta

Ingredients:

A portion of corn spaghetti (or any alternative rice, buckwheat..)

2 Tbls Mayo 

1 Tsp Cracked Pepper

1/2 Tsp Cumin

Sprinkle of Mixed dried herbs

Cook your spaghetti.

Mix into your vegan mayo the pepper and cumin.

Place on top of the spaghetti and sprinkle with mixed herbs. 

Red Cabbage Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

A portion of corn spaghetti (or any alternative rice, buckwheat..)

3 Tbls Red cabbage slaw
A handful of torn spinach leaves
2 Tbls Vegan Mayonnaise 

Cook Spaghetti. 

Stir in your mayo.

Add the slaw and torn spinach.

no tomato: BBQ Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

A portion of corn spaghetti (or any alternative rice, buckwheat..)

2 Tbls no tomato BBQ Sauce

A handful of torn spinach leaves

A sprinkle of dried herbs

Cook your pasta.

Whilst the pasta cooks, make your no tomato BBQ sauce.
(you can warm the sauce if you wish)

Mix in the torn spinach leaves in the spaghetti.

Spoon your sauce on top.

Sprinkle the mixed herbs over the top.

x x x 

Simple Salad Kale Tuna Mayo Nutty Madness

 Simple Salad

Kale, Tuna Mayo Nutty Madness

Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Rice Free, Refined Sugar Free, Red Meat Free, Soya Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free.

Ingredients:

Handful of Kale

6 Raw Cashews

5 Raw Walnuts

1/2 Avocado 

2 Tsp Raisins

1/2 Tin Tuna

2 Tbls Vegan Mayo

First slice your kale

Next mash you avocado up and mix in the mayo and tuna.

Throw in your raisins, cashews and walnuts.

Toss together. 

Enjoy!!

This is gorgeous on Gluten Free Nairn Biscuits.

x x x

Simple Salad Chinese Smoked Mackerel Puy Lentils & Quinoa

 Simple Salad

Chinese Smoked Mackerel Puy Lentils & Quinoa

Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Rice Free, Refined Sugar Free, Red Meat Free, Soya Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free.

"This is perfect for those random picnics or busy people"

Ingredients:

4 Leaves of Lettuce

1 Shredded Smoked Mackerel

2 Tbls Chinese Sauce (Recipe Here)

1/4 Packet of Merchant Gourmet Puy Lentils 'Ready to eat'

1/4 Packet of Merchant Gourmet Red & White Quinoa 'Ready to eat'

Really quick and simple salad today: 

Rip up your lettuce and fork shred you smoked mackerel.

Mix in your puy and mixed lentils.

spoon on your chinese sauce and mix together.

And eat!

x x x 

Raw Simple Smoked Salmon Salad

 Simple Salad

Raw Smoked Salmon Salad

Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Rice Free, Refined Sugar Free, Red Meat Free, Soya Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free.

Ingredients:

3 Slices of Smoked Salmon

2 Big Handfuls of mixed leaves (or salad leaves of your choosing)

1/2 of a Romano Lettuce

1 Tbls Vegan Mayonnaise 

5 Chestnut Mushrooms 

 (optional) a couple of twists of the pepper grinder

Slice your smoked salmon.

Chop your mushrooms.

Rip your Leaves and lettuce up.

Mix it altogether...



Crack that optional pepper

Finished!

Even a person with 3 minutes could do this easy! 6 mins if you have to make the mayo too.
There is no excuse not to eat because you are busy.

Chomp on a cucumber if you need to just don't go hungry...

x x x

Cauliflower, Broccoli & Turkey Bacon Cheese

 Cauliflower, Broccoli & Turkey Bacon Cheese 

Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Rice Free, Refined Sugar Free, Red Meat Free, Soya Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free.

"Mushrooms would go really well with this dish too!" 

Ingredients:

15 Brocolli florets 

 1/2 Cauliflower Head in pieces 

Frozen Peas (as many as you wish)

4 Turkey Bacon (Dalehead)

2 Tbls Sorghum Flour ( or another gluten free flour)

1 Tbls Pure Sunflower Spread (or another vegan spread)

approx 220ml hazelnut milk (or any other vegan milk)

2 Heaped Tbls Nutritional Yeast 

1 Tsp Vegan Bouillon Stock 

2 Tsp Mixed Herbs 

 First boil all of your vegan and grill your turkey bacon.











Once cooked place to the side whilst you make your sauce.

First put your butter in the pan to melt.
Next add your flour and mix.

Add your milk and stir on a medium to low heat.
The sauce should be thickening.

Now add your stock and nutritional yeast and stir in. Keep stirring until your mixture is to your liking in thickness.

Place your vegetables and turkey bacon into your souffle dish.

Next pour your sauce over the top.

Add your herbs, you could add any herbs or spices you want here.

Put your oven on gas mark 5 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

YUM!

Now its ready you can just plate up and eat!

Bon Appetite!!

x x x 

Raw Breakfast Oats

Raw Breakfast Oats 

Vegan, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Rice Free, Refined Sugar Free, Soya Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free.

"Simple and Easy"

Ingredients:

Gluten Free Oats

Hazelnut Milk (Or any non Dairy or non Soya Milk it fine)

Handful of Blueberries

a couple of Walunts

a couple of Almonds

Handful of Gluten Free Mixed Fruit

a couple of dried apricots 

I haven't given any exact measurements for this recipe as your portion sizes can vary greatly.  

This breakfast is simple a real throw it together recipe.
Simply pop all the ingredients into a bowl and mix.

You can eat it straight away like that, But i find it is best when it is made the night before.

Put it into the fridge and get it out in the morning to find everything
is juicier.

Great for people who skip breakfast because time isn't on their side.

x x x

Vegan Turkish Delight Blancmange

Vegan Turkish Delight Blancmange

Vegan, Wheat Free, Gluten Free, Soya Free, Rice Free, Refined Sugar Free

Crohns, Coeliac & Endometriosis Safe 

If you have IBS it may cause a little discomfort but will make things move in your intestines. 

As Agar Agar is great for bulking but it great for regulating. Maybe try a little first and see how you get on.  

Ingredients:

1.5oz cashews

3 Tbls Beetroot Juice

2 Tsp Lemon Juice

3 Dates 

2 Tsp Vanilla Paste

1 Tsp Rose Water

100ml hot water

220ml water

2 Tbls Agar Agar

First of all put all of your ingredients except for the agar agar and 220ml of water, into a blender.

Blend until nice and smooth.











Next in a saucepan mix your water and agar agar together on a medium heat.

When it comes to the boil turn down to simmer until your agar agar has dissolved into the water.

And now add the blender mix to the agar agar.

Pour into any shaped pan or tray or glass mould.

When it has cooled put it into the fridge for around an hour until it has set.

It will not take very long at all.

Now you can serve the blancmange any way you please.

I sliced mine into little cubes for a snack.

And the best part is that it helps with digestion.

 x x x