Celebrating day 30 of my anti-inflammatory diet with banana pancakes for breakfast! 🥞
Journey update: This past Friday, I had blood work done after one week of tapering down to 40mg of prednisone, and… drumroll… my C-reactive protein came back at a 1, down from a 2 on my previous blood work from 6/13! 🎉 This is the absolute lowest it has EVER been!!! I’m sure the prednisone is helping, but tapering down while embracing this new lifestyle has to be a factor in my test results! My sedimentation rate went up a smidge from 6 to 8, but with Takayasu’s arteritis specifically, you have to taper steroids slowly and give your body time to adjust.
Things I’ve changed in the last 30 days:
• Prioritized protein in the morning
• Drinking a ton of water! 💧
• Invested in a sleep mask for better-quality sleep 😴 • Stopped eating (most days) before 5 PM to give my body time to fast and heal
Results I’ve seen:
• My mood has increased drastically 🌈
• I’m not quite at my desired energy level, but I have way more energy than I did 31 days ago
• My brain fog is starting to lift
• I’m naturally losing weight (which I couldn’t be happier about) 🎉
Goals for the next month:
• Focus on trying new foods and recipes because, let’s be honest, 30 days of the same food can get boring
• Start cold plunging 🥶
• Walk and exercise more frequently
• Make July all about slowing down and focusing on healing my body naturally
I’m eager and excited for the next 4 weeks to see how my body changes and adjusts!
Just remember: “Every small step you take brings you closer to the person you want to be. Stay consistent, stay focused, and trust the process.” 💪✨
#healthjourney #antiinflammatorydiet #vasculitis #takayasuarteritis #cleaneating
Hitting milestones like "day 30" on an anti-inflammatory diet feels amazing, and it truly shows that consistent effort pays off! After seeing such positive changes, the next step is often wondering how to keep this momentum going and make it a sustainable lifestyle. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with the same few meals, but expanding your culinary horizons can make all the difference in keeping things exciting and ensuring you get a wide range of nutrients. One of the biggest game-changers for me has been exploring new anti-inflammatory recipes. Instead of just banana pancakes, I've found joy in nutrient-packed breakfast smoothies (think spinach, berries, plant-based protein, and chia seeds) or savory egg scrambles loaded with bell peppers and turmeric. For lunch and dinner, it’s all about focusing on abundant vegetables, lean proteins like wild-caught salmon or organic chicken, and healthy fats from avocados or olive oil. Think vibrant salads with homemade vinaigrettes, hearty lentil stews, or baked cod with roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes. Spices like ginger, garlic, and cayenne aren't just for flavor – they're anti-inflammatory powerhouses! Finding a few go-to recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare is key to long-term success. Beyond food, the small lifestyle shifts really amplify the benefits. Prioritizing protein in the morning, for instance, isn't just about feeling full; it helps stabilize blood sugar, preventing those mid-morning energy crashes. Try adding a scoop of plant-based protein powder to your oatmeal or smoothie, or opt for Greek yogurt with berries and nuts. Hydration is another simple yet powerful tool. Keeping a large water bottle handy and aiming for specific hourly targets can make drinking a "ton of water" feel less daunting. Sometimes, I add a slice of lemon or cucumber to make it more appealing. Improving sleep quality has also been transformative. That sleep mask really helps block out light, but creating a consistent bedtime routine – dimming lights an hour before bed, avoiding screens, and perhaps a warm bath – can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. And for those interested in time-restricted eating, like stopping meals by 5 PM, starting gradually can help. Maybe push your dinner back by 30 minutes each week until you reach your desired window. This allows your digestive system a longer rest period, which many find beneficial for healing and energy. Remember, this anti-inflammatory journey is deeply personal. It’s about listening to your body, experimenting, and finding what truly makes you feel your best. Celebrating every small victory, whether it's trying a new anti-inflammatory food or making it through another "day 30," fuels motivation. And don't forget the power of movement – even a daily walk can significantly contribute to reducing inflammation and boosting your mood. Stay curious, stay committed, and enjoy discovering new ways to nourish your body and mind!






























































love the quote ❤️