Main » October 2005

October 28, 2005

IBS Quashing My Dreams & Aspirations

This is a story of a girl...a strong independent woman who, at five, saw herself as the future U.S. president. At thirteen, she was determined to be the future head of an international corporation. At nineteen, she was content with the VP of marketing. At twenty-six, she wanted to have her own business.
As days grew longer and the rungs on the corporate ladder sometimes faltered, the journey to the top seemed impossible - yet never improbable. There was no amount of work politics, overtime, abysmal salary that was going to conquer her determination and drive. She could handle the shouting bosses, learning new programs, seemingly working harder than anyone else. There was nothing that would wane her spirits.
She didn't count on the power of IBS...
IBS is a physical pain, an emotional depression and an internal blender that chops up your insides. The pain is so intense that it floods into your mental psyche and brings you to a level of depression where nothing is longer possible. Every step closer to your dream becomes exponentially harder as you face issues of travel, demanding performance, and having to explain your health. You try even harder to create the facade of strength and independence. Inside you feel like a weak fraud, running to the bathroom doubled over in agony.
It’s Friday. Another week has ended. My IBS attack last evening has left me in shambles. I cried in my recovery just wishing it would all end. I don't know how others do it. I can't keep living my life within a physical and emotional roller coaster. 90% of the time I deal with it and brush it off as if I'm the stronger entity - but deep down, I know who's really in control.

Posted by Christine at 9:08 AM | Comments (6)

October 27, 2005

Death by Chocolate

Granted it wasn't the best combination of foods for lunch, but it really started out quite innocently. Instant vegetarian chili in a cup from Ralphs. Add water, stir, microwave and repeat. I should have known when they requested I leave it marinating for at least 10 min. So after the chili I was still hungry.
Microwaved instant rice with instant curry - mild. Mix together on paper plate. I wasn't feeling too great at this point but then my boss came around the cubicals and tossed thankyouverymuch See's candy boxes. I was hoping for the cheap box of assorted options that could possibly include nuts and caramel. Instead I got the pricier dark truffles - so yummy but after one I started in with sharp cramps. Doubling over at my desk I considered sneaking out early but was in the middle of a group project.
Gives death by chocolate a whole new meaning.

Posted by Christine at 3:48 PM | Comments (82)

October 11, 2005

IBS Testing: Vegetarian to Vegan to Raw

Last week, after another day of agonizing pain and nausea, I decided to take another step forward into the abyss of dietary restrictions. Go raw. Go raw. Go RAH! My feigning excitement of a cheerleader was comforted by the precursor of an hour and a half massage.

So I visit Juliano’s Raw on 609 Broadway at the corner of 6th. A calming little retreat, the décor reminds me of a Venice canal café. I settled in the back patio that is hidden by overgrown plants and orchids, promptly ordering glasses of double filtered water – my roommate swears by the Japanese ultra filtration technology that makes regular H2O taste like smooth silk.

My choices for the evening:
MEAT 'N' POTATOES $13.86
A savory mushroom walnut loaf served w/ cauliflower, "mashed potatoes" & sides.
STRAWBERRY MILK $9.24
Frozen strawberries, activated almond milk, vanilla & love honey.

An expensive meal in any region for any single working woman, but was downright delectable. The strawberry milkshake was topped with pomegranate seeds and raw cocoa bits finished with a sprig of mint. The ‘meat’ was nutty and beef-like (though it’s been over 15 years since I’ve had a steak) and cauliflower mashed potatoes could almost pass for potato salad.

I felt revitalized and a bit high. Two days later, my system ‘cleansed’ itself, very much triggered by this raw stimulation. I’m not ready yet to embrace the high maintenance diet change, but one taste and you’ll realize why some base their entire wellbeing around raw foods.

Posted by Christine at 3:06 PM | Comments (4)