Thrive With IBD

Cassie and Chelsea talk about their experience in the fitness industry, their reason for diving headfirst into the chronic illness sphere and more. They emphasize the importance of not only physical healing but also spiritual and emotional work as well. Nat discusses the importance of community with chronic illness and how  that can be brought to fruition in your own life.They are Aerie Real Changemakers and they talked about how that happened and what they are doing to make a change in the world."The biggest thing I realized for myself was that I had felt better, and I could get back to that point""When we realized that no one had created a community space for chronic illness we just knew that it was something we needed to do."Find Cassie and Chelsea: @therealspooniesunite

Nat dives into drinking culture and her experience with a chronic illness. She gives you tips to find the right balance for your life and being confident in your choices that help you live your best life. A choice to drink or not to drink doesn't define you and being able to live authentically is the number one priority. Alcohol is a huge part of culture and the pressure to fit in and managing a chronic illness on top of that is a huge struggle. KEY QUOTES:"Just because you make a choice not to drink doesn't mean that you can't go out and have fun with friends...""The most important thing you can do is do what makes you feel best- even if that's not how other 20-something year old spend their twenties.""Define each stage of your life how you want to define it...what other people think does. not. matter.""It is possible to fully not care what others think, and have the best emotional and physical health."FOLLOW ALONG:Follow along with Nat on instagram @plentyandwellwithnat Find her coaching services, blog posts, recipes, and more on her website plentyandwell.com 

Natalie breaks down the morning routine that absolutely changed her life. A morning routine is more than just rolling out of bed and getting ready for the day. She dives into what has helped revolutionize her life and the steps you can take to do the same. While not every morning routine is the same, there are keystones for every routine to make it successful. She dives into a step-by-step way to dive into creating your own routine to set yourself up for success and fall in love with your morning rituals. "There are so many ways to make your morning routine right for you: be it meditation, journaling, movement, coffee, tea, or so much more""Having a routine every morning allows you to set yourself up for success and give you the best chance at creating the life of your dreams by approaching each day with a centered focus with your intentions and actions.""While not necessary, a mug of something warm in the morning makes everything better for me, basically a hug in a mug!"

Eli dives into his story of being diagnosed at 18 years old and how it affected his career and life choices. We dive into how to cope with a diagnosis and communicating with family members to create a line of open communication and trust. Eli talks about his experience as a therapist in New York City and how his chronic illness has shaped how he approaches his practice and his lifestyle. We also get into the nitty-gritty about dating in chronic illness, and the highs and lows that come navigating the dating world while battling a chronic illness. He also talks about learning to give yourself grace and that accepting help is not a sign of weakness. He mentions his transformation from total confusion to thriving with his chronic illness through radical acceptance of his life and his body. Find Eli on Instagram @Elivation_Therapist and @thedudetherapist or at Elivation.org! "It felt like I was in so much pain- curled up in a ball- and I had no idea what was going on..." "It's about taking the time to spend with family and friends when you are feeling good enough and have the energy- and then taking the time for yourself to rest when your body needs to slow down.""I pack a pharmacy in my suitcase when I travel-it's just a part of chronic illness- and to thrive means learning to accept that somethings in life need extra preparation." 

Terry discusses her personal journey with studying nursing but not becoming a nurse, going through an eating disorder, and eventually finding herself in yoga and human design. She breaks down what it means to be a manifesting generator and the importance of understanding what you need as a person. She explains the importance of learning to listen to your body even when it's difficult. Terry also discusses her relationship with her husband, the pros and cons of being married young, and how the two of them grow together. Terry's main focus is on encouraging people to live in alignment and learning to find alignment in all aspects of life. She empowers people to make the changes needed to discern what alignment is for them, and the importance of constantly learning about yourself. Terry also explains her struggle of learning to make decisions and finding confidence in who she is and what her passion is. Through all of this she dives into her spirituality journey from growing up in a strong Catholic home and how she has made her spirituality journey her own through yoga, human design, and astrology as well.You can find Terry on Instagram: @alignwithterryYou can follow Natalie on Instagram @plentyandwellwithnat and find her on her website: plentyandwell.com

Lauren uses her own personal experience to drive her passion for intuitive eating and helping others while pursuing her PhD for counseling and as an intuitive eating coach.  She breaks down the rules that society has established that creates warped views in our mind of how things should be and what we think we need to do to be 'healthy'. Intuitive eating isn't just eating to stay alive but also enjoying food and nourishing the body and soul. Lauren creates a space where we can free ourselves of rules about food and give ourselves "unconditional permission to eat" because the body will always  tell you what it needs if we listen. We talk about the one size fits all movement and how being skinny doesn't equate to being healthy.  Lauren also explains how her viewpoint has changed over time and she has gone deeper into intuitive eating and the emotions behind why we do what we do.  We also dive into how food rules affect our daily lives and how to find freedom in life and enjoy food without the baggage that comes along with it. You can find Lauren on Instagram  @living.as.lauren And also on her website and blog with posts and resources:https://www.liveasyouwellness.com/ 

Shawn dives into her Crohn's journey and how she found healing with herself. Shawn also discusses the importance of mindset in healing and how it has helped her develop her platform in which she is an advocate for social justice, chronic illness, dating and so much more. Shawn also discusses her hopes for a more inclusive IBD community in the future.You can check out Shawn on instagram, youtube, and her blog. She is also on my 'takeovers' highlight on my instagram @plentyandwellwithnat.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShawnBethea/featuredInstagram: @twofourth_Website: https://twofourth.com/Key Quotes from the Episode:"I love creating art and I really feel like it is an art form. I'm taking a vision, and I'm turning it into a tangible and a visible statement. I love being able to create a story behind that post, or that picture..""It's been unintentional performative actions by healthcare providers...and not realizing the change starts in the doctors office at a very young age.""I think sometimes we go into relationships thinking we are lucky to have this person because we are broken or damaged but that's not true, we are all equal, we are all worthy."

Do you ever feel like most of the talk surrounding IBD is around diet and "bathroom issues." In this solo episode, I dive into experiences that aren't talked about as often as the two above mentioned topics - hair loss, sex drive and body image - all things that many individuals with IBD struggle with.  I remember standing in my shower pulling out handfuls of hair and shedding an ungodly amount of hair on the bed of the guy I was seeing. I remember being 22 with no interest in sex. I remember staring at my body at it's lowest post-flare weight and later staring at my 20+ pound heavier body - hating both bodies the same.I felt so alone in these experiences thinking I was the only one. My hopes for this episode is to not only help you feel less alone but to provide some tips and knowledge that helped me move through  these struggles.Key Quotes From This Episode:"Being open with people is so important if you are feeling self-conscious. It takes time to find a healthy balance.""Hair loss is normal. Focus on getting healthier and your hair will follow.""OMG I'm a 22 year old girl and I could not care less about sex...I finally realized that the reason I had no sex drive was from being so extremely underweight after my flare and eating disorder."Instagram: @plentyandwellwithnat

You can check out Gali Health here at: https://galihealth.app.link/NatalieKelley as well as downloading the Gali Health App on the app store with an android app coming soon! Instagram: @galihealth IBD Footprints Study: https://galihealth.com/footprints-press-release/Email: Arielle@galihealth.comKey Quotes from the Episode:"Gali Health is a complete in-house research and development operation, everything we learn will stay at Gali and drive our research in order to better serve people with chronic illness by partnering with academic research facilities.""The representation of the entire patient community is generally lacking in most research but Gali focuses on community and every member's experience and demographic  representation is embraced and celebrated and acknowledged." 

"At the beginning I thought my diagnosis was going to define me and that I didn't deserve my own love, but through The Path to Empowered Acceptance I know I deserve love and I am there for me and that makes me feel like I have power over my disease." Marissa is a crohn's warrior and recently a part of the Path to Empowered Acceptance. Marissa works for an environmental non-profit in Maryland and loves self-care and believes self-worth, self-love, and taking care of yourself are the most important things you can do in your life.You can follow Marissa on instagram @mindbodycrohns and also @mcspratleyKey Quotes from this episode:"My diagnosis and my journey have come full circle. The connections I have made with truly incredible women are invaluable and the lessons I learned from the conversations and modules were so eye opening. Through all of that is where I began to find love for myself again.""I hadn't valued myself or loved myself enough to take care of myself...I now know I am strong, and capable, and worthy of living a great life""I deserve to feel happy, strong, and loved and then I win over crohn's disease, my IBD, and chronic illness when I come from a place of love and make empowered decisions." 

I realized, although I have shared snippets of my own experiences through the other episodes, I have never share my FULL story on the podcast. And since this platform is some of your first pieces of contact with me, I thought it would be helpful to put the story behind the voice where all of you could listen. I think we all have a "story" in our head when people ask "so what's your story?" We have puzzle pieces that fit together in a messy, complicated way that show the world why we are how we are, what we've been through, what we've dealt with in life. So this is my version of that "story."My story begins about three years before my actual IBD diagnosis. It starts with heart-wrenching loss and grief my freshman year of college that led me to developing an eating disorder and exercise addiction. Through it all, every memory is riddled with stomach pain and discomfort - leaving sorority meetings early, calling in sick from work, missing out on social plans. Finally, after years of being told "nothing was wrong," I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis on August 4, 2017 (and the rest is history as cliche as that sounds). After months of being naive and dealing with denial and a traumatizing flare and hospitalization, I finally made it to where I am today - sharing my story and experiences with the world, coaching other women with IBD to lean into acceptance + confidence despite their diagnosis, and ultimately being who I had needed on my own journey. I hope you enjoy this episode and learning more about me! Xx Read the full-length blog post about my story.Follow along on Instagram:@PlentyandWellWithNat@ThriveWithIBDPodcastVisit my website: plentyandwell.comChronic Illness Mindset + Lifestyle Coaching

“I’m trying to give it all to you, each day I’m just getting by, and I need you, I just want to live my life, trying to make it through day by day.” 21-year-old Anna Tope will have you sitting with chills and tears in your eyes as she sings two of her original songs about her Crohn’s Disease journey at the end of this moving episode. Anna went through a rollercoaster of misdiagnoses, strange speculations, and hospital visits before finally getting her Crohn’s diagnosis, all while juggling college and trying to be active within her music major. Her strength and determination to help others through her struggles is truly inspiring and shows the power of the mind. From her personal journey, tips for others living with IBD and her beautiful singing, you’re in for a treat with this episode!Follow along on Anna's journey on Instagram: @myvoice.myjourneyFor more about the podcast and the host head to: @thrivewithIBDpodcast and @plentyandwellwithnat

I’m back!!! I took a mini hiatus from the podcast to focus on other aspects of my business, as well as my mental health, the last couple of months. The start of 2020 was a rough one for me mentally, but after making some necessary changes in my life, seeking more regular therapy, and focusing on self-care, I’m on the up and up! Another reason I took a hiatus was because I felt… well… ~weird~ (in a way) being so integral in our chronic illness community. Let’s just say I was dealing with a major case of THRIVER’S GUILT. Thriver’s guilt is when someone feels guilty for doing better than others they know who may be struggling. This is seen often if, for example, one person survives a car accident and the other person doesn’t. But this is also common in the chronic illness space. When we start feeling physically better, perhaps go into remission even, we start to feel guilt for how well we’re doing because we know so many who aren’t doing as well. For me, especially, I’ve felt this guilt because I play such a big role in our community with my Instagram, podcast, coaching, etc. I thought – “If I’m doing so well right now physically, will the community still find my words valuable?” Thankfully I sat with these feelings, did a lot of personal development, and realized that that’s EXACTLY why I need to keep sharing and advocating! Because I’m doing well physically right now, I can show up even better for our community. I can work more, help you all more, produce more meaningful content. So, I’m back. Not as frequently (because ya girl is BUSY), but I’m back. In today’s mini solo episode, I dive into what I’ve been feeling lately, thriver’s guilt and why you shouldn’t feel guilt for doing better! Not following along on Instagram yet? Follow the podcast @thrivewithibdpodcast and follow me @plentyandwellwithnat!Photo for this cover taken by Danielle Knapik Photography (@danielleknapikphoto).

“SCD to me is an expansive diet.” Dr. Ali Arjomand’s (PhD in nutrition and certified nutritionist) life was controlled by Crohn’s Disease for over 15 years. He tried every medication available and kept being met by failure. Over and over and over again, he tried medications that left him still feeling sick, fatigued and unable to live with full quality of life. After many hospitalizations and two intense surgeries, as a last-ditch effort in 2016, Ali began the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and reached remission one year after starting SCD. Ali found such success with SCD that he is still in remission and medication free to this day. Ali, seeing his own success, now runs his own nutrition clinic, Modulla Health, where he sees clients in person and via telehealth to help them with their gut issues. Ali helps clients identify and customize the right plan to fit their specific need and help them implement these changes and guide them through the stages in order to better their health, their energy and their life (while still understanding and respecting that some patients still do need a mixture of medication and diet – like me!). In today’s episode we discuss Ali’s personal experience with the Specific Carbohydrate diet, what the Specific Carbohydrate Diet really is and how it helps, how Ali sees it as an expansive diet, the mindset to go into the diet with, in order to stick with it and so much more! If you’ve ever been interested in SCD, never even heard of SCD or are interested in the healing benefits of nutrition in general, this episode is for you!You can learn more about Dr. Ali Arjomand at modullahealth.com and on Instagram @ali_arjomand_phd.Key Quotes From This Episode: “If you can make it through one year of SCD and when you see pogress, when you see healing, when you see energy coming back, you’re like ‘I’m sticking with this, this is amazing.’”“SCD to me is an expansive diet.”“At some point, if its healed, you should be able to add in [new foods] carefully and thoughtfully… it’s not a lifelong sort of restriction that you stay on. No, it’s a healing prescription.”

"It’s easy to have a strange relationship with food when it seems like food is the enemy and is causing symptoms." Brittany Roman-Green, a registered dietician specializing in individuals with Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis and IBS, shines light on how she helps transform her clients' mindsets around food by helping them figure out their trigger foods and start living with less symptoms and more energy. In today's episode we talk all about foods to eat for energy and fatigue relief, what to eat and avoid during an IBD flare, as well as how to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Although lifestyle changes and dietary changes can be one of the the hardest parts after an IBD diagnosis, they're also one of the most important. If you've ever felt the need for guidance on these changes - this is for you!You can follow along with Brittany on Instagram at @brittanyb_therd and on Youtube.Key quotes from this episode:"With suffering comes the gift of appreciation.""I honestly think the lifestyle changes are one of the hardest parts because you’ve had a certain lifestyle for so long and it’s habitual.""Give yourself some grace because you’re healing your body right now. You’re healing wounds."

“focusing on my lifestyle helps me feel in control.” In today’s episode, Eli Brecher, a nutrition student, recipe developer, owner of Eli’s Granola and Crohn’s Disease warrior, shares about her journey with IBD since she was 8 years old. Despite it being difficult and wanting to “fit in” during her beginning college years, Eli realized how big of a role lifestyle factors play in her feeling and staying well. That’s why, right after graduating from her first four-year degree, she dove into her next one – nutrition. When she isn’t studying, Eli is running her granola business – giving others with gut health issues the ability to enjoy delicious granola without the gluten, refined sugar and other ingredients Eli always wished granolas on the market didn’t include so she could enjoy it despite her Crohn’s Disease. From focusing on diet while in college and studying abroad, to running your own business with a chronic illness, to accepting her diagnosis, Eli dives into it all – sharing her story, her wisdom and her biggest tips for others with IBD.Follow along on Eli’s journey at @elibrechernutrition, @elisgranola and https://elibrecher.co.uk.

“That’s the thing about motherhood and IBD - you need to stop trying to be a superhero.” Natalie Ann Hayden was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age 21, right after her college graduation and right before going into her dream career of being a television newscaster. Fast forward through years thriving in this career despite the ups and downs of Crohn’s, and Natalie is now married and has two beautiful children that are her biggest inspirations and motivators to fight through the difficult times that come along with IBD. Natalie now focuses on her blog, Lights Camera Crohn’s, and IBD advocacy work. She is a huge inspiration for other IBD moms or moms-to-be and provides so much valuable insight in this episode. From breastfeeding while on biologics, to resources for IBD parents, to navigating the fear or whether your children will develop IBD or not, Natalie shares all of her knowledge. Whether you are a soon-to-be IBD parent or not, this episode will teach you so much about prioritizing yourself, accepting help from others, and standing strong on your journey.You can follow Natalie’s journey at https://lightscameracrohns.com/ and on Instagram at @natalieannhayden.Key quotes from this episode:“That’s the thing about motherhood and IBD - you need to stop trying to be a superhero.”“Embrace help and take it one day at a time.”“Instead of beating yourself up and thinking that you’re less than or not as good of a parent because of your illness, I think IBD mothers and fathers need to see what their children see which is a resilient warrior.”“As you mature as an adult, you mature with your disease.”

I was diagnosed with IBD when I was 21 - a month before beginning my senior year of college. So while everyone else I knew was gearing up to go out as much a often, pound as many shots as their 21-year-old bodies could (sort of) handle and soak up their last year of college in a very stereotypical way, I was weighing options for medications and treatment plans, starting the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and learning to navigate life with an autoimmune disease. I had struggled with horrible stomach issues and food intolerances for years at that point, so navigating college with some degree of health issues wasn't new, but having a diagnosis made it all that much more important to be navigating it in a specific way. Balancing college and IBD is no (gluten free) cake walk, but through my experiences I learned some extremely helpful tips and tricks that I want to pass on to all of YOU. From learning to put up boundaries around social plans and alcohol, using your coverage under the American Disability Act and letting go of the pressure to be "perfect," this episode is packed with everything that helped me navigate college while also honoring my body and its needs.You can follow along with my journey on Instagram at @plentyandwellwithnat and on my website at plentyandwell.com.

What does balance look for you? For Tatiana Skomski, an ulcerative colitis fighter since 2015, balance looks like prioritizing herself and her needs with chronic illness, even while working full-time, running a blog and getting her health coaching certification. After waking up from her first colonoscopy after being severely sick, Tati heard her doctor tell her she had one of the worst cases of ulcerative colitis he had ever seen. Over the months and years that followed, Tati took time to grieve, reflect and blossom into the strong warrior she is today. In today’s episode we talk all about that in-between phase post-diagnosis, how we must learn to let our old lives go and embrace our new reality. Also, being as busy as she is, Tati shares her insight on prioritization and planning ahead to ensure she’s taking care of herself first always. With that we dive into banishing guilt while taking care of ourselves and knowing when to ask for help. From her own personal diagnosis journey to her success with biologics to everything in between, Tati shares her whole heart with us in today’s episode! Follow along on Tati’s journey at @simplybalancedwithtati on Instagram and on her website at simplybalancedwithtati.com.Key Quotes From This Episode: “You have to have enough self-respect to say goodbye to certain people in your life when you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness”“At the end of the day you’re living your life for you and you come first no matter what. Your health and you come first.”“Having a chronic illness shows you that you just can’t do everything on your own and that that’s okay.”

“Everyone’s journey is so different. What someone else is doing is taking might help you, but at the end of the day you have to do your own research and consult your own doctor.” In today’s episode I’m chatting with Chen Kirchenbaum, also known as @chens_plate on Instagram. Chen was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2015 while she was in college and after ignoring the necessary lifestyle changes for a while, she dove headfirst into the world of wellness. After taking her love for wellness a little too far, Chen now values balance in every aspect of her life. Chen works for herself, running her blog and Instagram, and also works for Core Power yoga, a journey we discuss deeply in this episode. Get ready to hear about what it’s like working for yourself with chronic illness (uhhh health insurance anyone!? Don’t worry we chat about that), how 10 minutes can truly change your day, prioritizing stress relief and Instagram comparison when it comes to a chronic illness journey! The chronic illness community, and specifically the IBD community, has started booming on Instagram which brings with it so many positives – a sense of community, feeling understood, getting help and inspiration. But it can also bring with it the inevitable comparison – wait, should I not be eating this with IBD if she isn’t? I’m not struggling as much as him… is my struggle valid? Ugh, how can they work out when I can’t!? It can get exhausting and doesn’t help us on our own healing journeys. Chen and I dive into this topic and the importance of staying in your own lane on your IBD journey while still gaining inspiration from social media. It’s a PACKED episode and I can’t wait for ya’ll to listen. Follow along on Chens journey at @chens_plate on Instagram and on her website at https://chensplate.com/Key Quotes From This Episode: “It’s been this trial and error the past four years of my disease, figuring out what the domino pieces are that make it all topple over and how to keep the dominos standing”“Remember that you are your priority. Do what it takes to put yourself first and to fight for yourself.”“Know that you may not know more than a doctor, but you do know your body better than anybody else. If you feel like something is wrong, say something.”

When was the last time you thought about everything else that defines you OUTSIDE of your diagnosis? In today’s episode with Renee Taylor, a Crohn’s disease warrior and voice of inspiration on Instagram, we explore the importance of focusing on the other passions and characteristics that define us, along with so many other thought-provoking topics. From balancing work and friendships with IBD, taking things day by day with fitness and prioritizing open communication, Renee covers a lot of ground with high energy, humor and realness in this episode. Get ready to laugh along with us, hear us nerd out about our favorite bands and books, and feel inspired to keep fighting. You can follow Renee’s journey on Instagram at @killinitwithcrohns.Key quotes from this week’s episode:“Don’t live your life in fear of others knowing that you have this and struggle with this because I guarantee it will connect you with people in ways you did nothing was possible.”“The more you embrace it the more you can serve your body because you’re not trying to live a life that used to serve you but no longer does.”“Having IBD you have to find reward in any space.”

“My [ostomy] bag gave me my life again. Why should I be ashamed of that?” Krista Deveaux, a kindergarten teacher from Calgary, Alberta, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a young child, experiencing feeding tubes growing up, resection surgeries as an adult and many ups and downs that came along with her diagnosis. After years of feeling sicker and sicker despite her surgeries, Krista knew it was time for an ostomy and time to reclaim her life. Despite her gastroenterologists’ reservations, Krista stood up for herself and her decision and she hasn’t looked back since receiving her ostomy. In today’s episode we talk about Krista’s Crohn’s Disease journey, her experience with an ostomy, living confidently with her ostomy and her top tips for individuals thinking about an ostomy or who already have one. Krista also shares her experience on Instagram (@my.gut.instinct), bringing together the ostomy community and showing how her ostomy has given her freedom and hope once again. Key quotes from this week’s episode:“Asking for help, seeking medical advice or counseling or therapy - there’s no harm in that.”“Since my surgery, I haven’t looked back. It’s like I found myself again. I feel like when I was young. I feel young again and happy. I have my spark again.”“This is MY bikini body and I’m just going to be happy with it. My bag gave me my life again. Why should I be ashamed of that?”Follow Krista’s journey on Instagram at @my.gut.instinct.Follow the podcast on Instagram @thrivewithibdpodcast for more information on episode guests and daily inspiration!

“Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to know that it’s only up from there.” In this chill-worthy episode, Rachel Straining, also known as the @noglutengirl on Instagram, explains her journey with Crohn’s disease - from being diagnosed in high school after thinking she had a terrible case of the flu that just wouldn’t go away, to a phase of denial in college that landed her in a flare, to the present day - working full time, fostering an amazing relationship with the “no gluten boyfriend” and being a source of inspiration, hope and real talk for the IBD community. We dive into accepting a diagnosis, balancing a full-time job with IBD and finding and keeping supportive relationships while going through hard times. You can follow Rachel’s journey on Instagram at @thenoglutengirl and thenotglutengirl.com.Key quotes from this week’s episode:“A diagnosis is validating for your symptoms and your feelings. And it gives you some clarity and direction.”“The second I began to own the fact that “hey yeah I have Crohn’s disease and I need to make these changes for myself and my health,” that’s when everything began to shift.”“Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to know that it’s only up from there.”

Who says you can’t do it all? Gaby DuFour sure challenges this idea - ulcerative colitis warrior, student, trauma technician and cross-fitter/marathoner/fitness junkie. In this episode Gaby discusses being your biggest advocate when it comes to doctors and other medical professionals, her journey following her passions of fitness while dealing with chronic illness and how IBD helped her find her true calling. Follow Gaby’s journey on Instagram at @fitfourtitude.Key quotes from this week’s episode:“IBD helped me realize what I want and who I am as a person. It’s like I found a part of myself I may not have found without IBD.”“It’s  about being patient and understanding that it’s going to be a different journey every day and as much as we like to plan thinks we have to try to let go just a little bit and go with the flow.”“You’re on your journey, I’m on my journey. Our journeys are similar, sure, but they’re still different.”

Nitika Chopra spent 15 years of her life resenting her diagnosis and living in a state of depression because of it. Now? Now, Nitika is a thriving entrepreneur and recently launched an incredible event in partnership with Healthline, Chronicon, aimed at bringing individuals with chronic illness together. In this episode Nitika and I dive into the grief that is experienced when diagnosed with chronic illness, prioritizing self love and self care in a chronic illness journey and her journey from depression to entrepreneur superstar. Follow Nitika’s journey on Instagram at @nitikachopora and nitikachopra.com and follow Chronicon on Instagram at @chroniconofficial and https://chronicon.co. Key quotes from this week’s episode: “We have to really own ourselves and own our truth and our story no matter what that might be” “There is that grief that happens and we have to own who we are and let go of what you thought you might be or what you thought society wanted you to be or what your parents wanted you to be” “We’re not just our illness. Our illness is just one part of us but we have multiple other parts of ourselves that are just as valid and important.”

What do you do when your body doesn’t feel like your own? Sarah Herman of Starving to Strong has known this feeling all too well over the past years of battling ulcerative colitis and an eating disorder. In this episode we dive into how her eating disorder has played a role in her ulcerative colitis journey (and vice versa), how to battle bad body image days and ways to support your body and the inevitable IBD bloat. Follow Sarah’s journey on Instagram at @starving_to_strong and at https://www.starvingtostrong.com Key quotes from this week’s episode: “It’s something you have, it’s not something you are" “See it as ‘this is part of me, but it doesn’t have to be all of me’” “It’s a lot of reminding yourself that this body image is not permanent, it changes. your body image is an image - it’s just something you see. It’s not permanent.”

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, but just couldn’t quite figure out the exact calling you were being called to do? Been there, done that. I’ve been called to start a podcast for at least 2 years now, but I could tell the universe was whispering, telling me, “wait, just wait. It’s not your time yet.” I knew it would become clear one day what exactly my heart was being called to bring in to this world in the form of a podcast. And then it hit me one day that this world needed a bigger voice to be brought to the IBD and chronic illness community - a raw, real, positive, vulnerable voice that would help others feel less alone on their own journeys. So welcome to the Thrive with IBD podcast. I can’t wait for all that’s to come. Listen to the first mini episode to hear more about my inspiration behind this new project and follow along for more fun and updates on Instagram at @thrivewithibdpodcast and @plentyandwellwithnat and on https://www.plentyandwell.com.