The Restore Method: Pilates Studio

MY GASTRO JOURNEY! Diet has been one of the most important changes I’ve made since being diagnosed with EDS. ⁣
⁣
As anyone who has struggled to obtain a diagnosis will understand- receiving a diagnosis itself does nothing to change your physical symptoms; but, it does give you the knowledge to make the appropriate changes in an attempt to ameliorate those symptoms. ⁣
⁣
Finding out I had Gastroparesis, after struggling with digestion issues since infancy, was a game changer. I had known for some time that I was lactose intolerant and celiac; however, there was no explanation for why I was unable to tolerate certain foods, that I should have ostensibly been able to digest. Or, for why I would be able to digest a food one day, but not the next.⁣
⁣
Gastroparesis gave me the answer. My digestive tract is broken, it doesn’t move food along like it should; therefore, I find it impossible, to digest anything that would be even slightly difficult for those without motility issues to digest; and, what I was able to digest one day might not be digestible the next. ⁣
⁣
With this knowledge I cut out large swathes of food groups: no more raw nuts, no more uncooked vegetables or fruits, no more vegetable skins or seeds, nothing high in fat or oil, no red meat, no white meat that wasn’t pureed (later removed), only well cooked fish (later removed entirely and only recently reinstated, due to a need to increase my protein intake and in consideration of the fact that vegan proteins are by nature harder to digest), no alcohol or caffeine (recently reinstated- HARD), no soy, no lactose, no uncooked grains…. the list is long; but, it’s worked for me. That’s not to say it will work for everyone with gastroparesis. But sharing is caring- so hopefully this will resonate or help someone else, struggling with the essential act that is eating. Fingers and gut crossed. BUT most of all, hoping that everyone can approach their journey with more self compassion and patience than I did mine!!!

MY GASTRO JOURNEY! Diet has been one of the most important changes I’ve made since being diagnosed with EDS. ⁣
⁣
As anyone who has struggled to obtain a diagnosis will understand- receiving a diagnosis itself does nothing to change your physical symptoms; but, it does give you the knowledge to make the appropriate changes in an attempt to ameliorate those symptoms. ⁣
⁣
Finding out I had Gastroparesis, due to my EDS, after struggling with digestion issues since infancy, was a game changer. I had known for some time that I was lactose intolerant and celiac; however, there was no explanation for why I was unable to tolerate certain foods, that I should have ostensibly been able to digest. Or, for why I would be able to digest a food one day, but not the next.⁣
⁣
Gastroparesis gave me the answer. My digestive tract is broken, it doesn’t move food along like it should; therefore, I find it impossible, to digest anything that would be even slightly difficult for those without motility issues to digest; and, what I was able to digest one day might not be digestible the next. ⁣
⁣
With this knowledge I cut out large swathes of food groups: no more raw nuts, no more uncooked vegetables or fruits, no more vegetable skins or seeds, nothing high in fat or oil, no red meat, no white meat that wasn’t pureed (later removed), only well cooked fish (later removed entirely and only recently reinstated, due to a need to increase my protein intake and in consideration of the fact that vegan proteins are by nature harder to digest), no alcohol or caffeine (recently reinstated- HARD!!!), no soy, no lactose, no uncooked grains…. the list is long; but, it’s worked for me. That’s not to say it will work for everyone with gastroparesis. But sharing is caring- so hopefully this will resonate or help someone else, struggling with the essential act that is eating. Fingers and gut crossed 💋💋

If I didn’t believe in Pilates. If I didn’t believe that it could change people’s lives the way it’s changed mine; I wouldn’t do it, teach it, live it, advocate it. HOWEVER I can’t refute the irrefutable, it has changed me. From the moment my pain doctor and rheumologist told me in no uncertain terms I needed to do it. I dove in whole heartedly and adopted it as a lifestyle. ⁣
⁣
Within weeks, not years or months, it changed my pain levels, medication spending, as well as dependence; and, most importantly, my quality of life.⁣
⁣
I don’t want to advocate it as a cure all. I’m not a doctor; and, we are all at different places in our health and journey. But what I advocate is what I practice. I advocate the change of lifestyle and the standard of life i’ve achieved, through Pilates. ⁣
⁣
When I took my yoga teacher training, what fees like yonks ago, they talked of letting the practice live within you. That HAS TO BE the case with Pilates. if your trainer isn’t excited, if they aren’t living it, if their practice isn’t more dedicated that yours, if they aren’t passionate, if they don’t embody it BE CONCERNED. Find an advocate, find a fiend, find a friend and change your life 😘⁣
⁣
(And ps. I’m back from vacation, so get in touch!)

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of an installation, waiting for everyone to f**k off so I can take a photo” 📸 at Olafur Eliasson

There have been so many times over the last year where I’ve been quizzed, often by strangers, intrusively and repetitively, as to interventions sought, diets attempted; or worse, regaled with the personal experiences and choices of those without Gastroparesis and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome- whether well meaning or not. It has been exhausting and has left me feeling that my disorder is not capable of accommodation, or quiet acceptance; by a partner, or by friends. ⁣
⁣
My experience is not unique. There is a fundamental lack of understanding that while the effects of and might be public, and while the effects of malnutrition are clearly visible; that it’s not something that may want to be publicly discussed, or discussed at that time, or with that person. ⁣
⁣
The rise of food intolerances in North America, has seemingly created a culture where a vocal majority feel that they are an expert, or entitled to an opinion, on the choices and afflictions of others; and, unfortunately, current obsession of political correctness and tolerance seems to have bypassed the realm of food entirely. ⁣
⁣
However, over the last week I have experienced a consistent and complete lack of judgement and a willingness to quietly accommodate; which has been beyond amazing. ⁣
⁣
Moreover, the silent support of acquaintances new and old, regarding my Gastroparesis, has been a welcome respite from what has seemed like endless and constant questioning regarding my intolerances, health; and, weight- usually from strangers (and literally every date!); over the last year. ⁣
⁣
That is not to say I am against discussing these issues or sharing, but to say that I should have a right to dictate to whom and when I discuss them. ⁣
⁣
This week has been a reminder that a stiff upper lip, quiet support; and a respect for the privacy and choices of others, is something we could all benefit from remembering- particularly when it comes to discussing deeply personal health and medical issues.