Adapting Your Diet for Better Health
I heard this phrase recently: “Accept the unacceptable”.
This resonated with my journey of eating over the last 12 years. I have adapted and changed my diet over and over again to help support my body. Changes with aging bring new challenges and adjustments to your body, making it essential to find the right diet to support conditions like inflammation, arthritis, osteoporosis, and dietary issues. Sometimes we have to accept the unacceptable!
Some people thought that my way of eating was just too extreme! However, what was really extreme was that the embarrassing gas and uncomfortable bloating caused by taking a bite of food or drinking something that could result in me becoming a permanent fixture on the toilet at whatever party or event I was at… That was unacceptable!
If I wanted to be social, I would just eat something in advance of going out so as not to take any risks. Besides, I didn’t want to burden my hosts or organizers with my ever-changing dietary requirements:
- Gluten free
- Dairy free
- Soy free
- Corn free
- No saturated oils
- No sugar
- No nightshades
- No combining of meat and carbs
- No combining of fruit with anything else
- And organic where possible!
You get the picture and that’s only a fraction of it!
Aging & Your Changing Body
Recently, I discovered that I likely have a condition called lipedema. Lipedema is characterized by swelling symmetrically in both legs. Legs feel soft and dimply, and appear column like from the hips to the ankles. I have had the symptoms since the onset of puberty, but it has worsened since my knee replacement surgery. My legs are swelling more and becoming more painful than ever when I am on my feet, even for short periods of time.
Dietary Adjustments for Changes with Aging
I have discovered there are certain foods that can trigger and worsen the swelling and inflammation in my legs. I have also discovered there are foods I can eat that HELP! Due to my lipedema, now I have to keep my sodium intake under 1500mg per day, or extend my intermittent fasting window to 13 or more hours.
Grief & Gratitude
Living with dietary requirements and health conditions can feel defeating. After learning about my lipedema, I feel a sense of grief. It is hard, I have to make even more adjustments in my life and changes to my diet. At times, I struggle to show myself love and compassion. If you feel similarly, please know you are not alone. It is normal to feel this way. When I am in a bad headspace, I try focusing on what I can be grateful for rather than feeling hate towards these parts of myself: I am grateful to even have legs and access to food that I CAN eat. What is something you can be grateful for right now?
Find Support & Resources
A great resource for me has been this online course facilitated by Jean LaMantia. Jean is a nutritionist with an evidence-based program for people with lymphedema and lipedema. A recent eating tip that I learned from Jean:
- Imagine your plate divided into 3 equal parts
- Eat the protein part first
- Eat the vegetables
- Leave the carb portion for last and gauge whether you still have room for the carbs or if you are fully satisfied and can stop eating.
Embrace the changes with Aging
Ultimately, changes with aging offer more than just physical challenges—they can bring emotional and mental shifts as well. As you navigate your journey, remember that it is okay to feel a range of emotions. Embrace these moments and allow yourself to fully engage in the holistic benefits of dietary adjustments and self-care. Your body and spirit are interconnected, and nurturing both leads to a more balanced and healthier life. We are here to support you every step of the way, honoring the trust you place in us and celebrating your journey towards wellness.
I am grateful to learn from Jean and the group. If you need support, please don’t hesitate to email me at hello@heatherskoll.com – I am always happy to chat and support you on your wellness journey.
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