Being Challenged

So yesterday, I started the 21 Day IBD Challenge by TCJF (The Crohn's Journey Foundation) and so far I feel pretty amazing. Not necessarily only my body but also my soul really like this challenge because it gives me an aim right now, a finish line that I've been looking for ever since my diagnosis (because where is your finish line going to be when there is no cure, eh?). I took a lot more time for myself each day in order to follow the diet and exercise plan of the challenge. It makes me more relaxed and less stressed even though I'm back to University and hell, it ain't no fun at all because I have to take way too many classes. In addition, even though a lot of activities by foundations as TCJF only take place in America, I feel more part of the group of IBDlers around the world. And, which by the way makes me really really happy, I found out Horst doesn't necessarily have to be a threat to my love for food. This is why I'm planning on a new section in my blog about food that I love and which is good to my belly, what could be more suitable for a blog by a person like me? 

So that's what the challenge is about: 

NO GLUTEN, NO DAIRY, NO SUGAR

EXERCISE THREE TIMES A WEEK FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES

Did sound tough in the beginning, but well it isn't actually. Here's what I ate/did so far:

Tuesday, 22nd April

 Breakfast: Self made gluten-free banana bread 

Lunch: gluten-free noodles with garlic sauce & few slices of Chicken

Dinner: Bowl of fresh Tuna Salad 

Exercise: 2 hour soccer practice 

Tuna Salad 

Wednesday, 23rd April

Breakfast: Slices of a fresh orange

Lunch: - none - (wasn't hungry at all due to late breakfast)

Dinner: Leftovers of the Tuna Salad & Blueberry-Banana-Shake

Exercise: 40 Minutes Bike Ride (I admit it - only to get to University and back)

Blueberry-Banana-Shake 

So far I'm pretty proud of myself and can only recommend this to everyone - ill or not. Give your body from time to time the chance to recover from all the shit you give to him everyday, he will be very thankful and peaceful in return. 

Happy Flaring

I wish I could continue my positive vibes from the last post but guess what, I can't. 

Hell yeah - I'm trying. 

Just like everybody else I get really excited coming close to any festivity because of the enormous amount of food, family time oh and no university! And until yesterday, it has been simply amazing. I had a friend from Austria visiting and staying with me last week and we spent a lot of time together sightseeing through Hamburg. I stayed there to have a good time with friends at the Easter bonfire right at the beach, which i definitely had! Unfortunately an autoimmune disease comes with a rather weak immune system which I tend to suppress. However, my body didn't which is why I felt terribly sick since yesterday morning. Yesterday evening then was the night! Easter Barbecue with the family, beautiful weather, and still me being sick. SUCKS! Well and then me being really silly. Eating too much food, food I shouldn't be eating anyway. So coming back to my flat share I had a terrible night of only a tiny amount of sleep, headaches, throat hurting.. (just general cold things, however a cold is nothing so easy and simple to handle with an immune system like mine) and FLARES. I. Hate. It. And as if this wasn't bad enough already, I had something one might call a date today.. I must have looked terrible because this is what i felt like. Wondering if this guy ever will be wanting to see me again.. Just being honest, this is what I hate most about this disease, it brings you down when you're expecting it the least, when it is most important for you to be healthy. Well and it kind of ruined my Easter. Everybody who knows me, knows me as a person with an unconditional love for food. UC really takes a hard hit on that love. Fortunately I came a along this challenge (and if I'm able to work this out, it'd be pretty sweet) https://thecrohnsjourneyfoundation.org/21-day-ibd-challenge/ , so Horst (yes, i named my UC Horst, couldn't think of an uglier name) be ready for that! Just started with a huge amount of tea my best friend gave me when I visited her. And tomorrow I'll be out for a run, at least that's my plan when my body will agree on doing so. 

Always remember to do something for yourself each day.