Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by Cathy
November 2024 marked my 20th anniversary of eating healthy to manage my multiple sclerosis (MS). It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. I started one week before Thanksgiving. Crazy, I know. Why would I start then?
Several years back, my neurologist kept trying to get me to start one of the “ABC drugs” for MS. I’d been avoiding them because I didn’t like the thought of giving myself a weekly shot. Plus, the side effects scared me.
I did eventually start and hated it. My neurologist told me to take the shot in the evening so I could sleep the symptoms off. But, that just caused me to wake up around 3:00 am with a massive headache and flu-like symptoms.
It also caused me severe depression that I’d never experienced before. I actually thought about killing myself. Thankfully, I had two young sons and they kept me from doing something stupid.
While I was on the interferon, my exacerbations (flares, attacks) were getting more frequent and intense. After a horrible flare that left me looking like I had a stroke I knew there had to be something better.
Back then there wasn’t a lot of information. The internet was new in our home so I spent hours searching for something that could help. I remember dialing up the internet and listening to the modem make that weird annoying noise. Are you old enough to remember that? – haha
When I discovered the Swank diet I started it immediately. That’s why I started one week before Thanksgiving.—It was due to desperation. I wasn’t sure what I could eat that day so I had a pitiful salad.
Now I’m sharing what I know now, I wish I had known back then.
1. Embrace Your New Diet Lifestyle
Image from Freekpik
The food I eat today is delicious, I would never go back to eating the standard American diet again.
Even so, eating before my diet then was a lot more convenient. Hungry? Pull into a fast food restaurant and within 10 minutes you’re eating something. Getting that afternoon sluggish feeling at work? Go to the vending machine to wake yourself up with a sugary snack.
Now when I drive by a fast food restaurant all I smell is grease.—Yuck! Unknowingly, these foods lead to chronic inflammation. They cause heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and more. MS is caused by chronic inflammation due to environmental factors which include a poor diet.
According to the USDA, 90% of Americans don’t meet the recommended amount of vegetables. And, 80% don’t meet the recommended amount of fruit. Fruits and vegetables are healing. They include antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
The food I eat today is homemade, delicious, and nutritious. Eating healthy is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term well-being.
2. You Feel Awesome
Picture of me and my boys in 2004.
The first couple of months when I started my healthy diet I was depressed. Not only was I recovering from a flare I wasn’t sure what I could eat. It was during the holidays and everywhere I looked there were sugary treats. It was depressing knowing I couldn’t enjoy them like I used to. Looking back, I was feeling sorry for myself.
After a few months of eating healthy, I was feeling better. I no longer looked like I had a stroke. After one year I had zero flares and felt great!
Imagine waking up feeling refreshed and energized. Picture yourself thinking clearly, with no more brain fog slowing you down. Chronic fatigue? A thing of the past. You’re in control of your body again, not the other way around.
3. Form Healthy Habits Now
Image from Freekpik
I grew up your typical American. Sugary cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, then dinner which rarely included vegetables. Snacks were chips, crackers, and candy. I rarely drank water. Sounds weird, I know, but city water tasted disgusting so it was sugar-flavored water.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to improve your health. It’s not just about avoiding flares—it’s about thriving. Every small, healthy choice you make is a step toward reclaiming your life. You might find yourself doing things you thought were out of reach. Hobbies, socializing, or simply enjoying a beautiful day without worrying about your symptoms.
Exercise is important for staying mobile and strong, especially when managing MS. It helps maintain muscle strength, improve flexibility, and support balance. This is important to reduce the risk of falls. Regular movement also keeps joints healthy and prevents stiffness, making daily activities easier. Exercise also boosts mood and energy levels, helping to combat fatigue and stress. Even gentle activities like stretching, yoga, or walking can make a big difference. Staying active is key to preserving independence and boosting your quality of life.
I enjoy using the online gym OptimalBody Personal Fitness. The owner has MS, so he understands firsthand which exercises are most effective. They even offer exercises tailored for people with balance issues or those who use a wheelchair.
The best part? The more you stick to your new lifestyle, the more your confidence grows. You’ll realize that you have the power to change your health and your life. That’s a feeling worth holding onto.
Don’t underestimate what’s possible when you commit to yourself. Start today and experience the transformation. You’ll thank yourself later!
4. Keep Pushing Forward
Image from Freekpik
You have no idea how much strength and potential you carry within you right now. In time, you’ll do incredible things that feel out of reach today—things you can’t even begin to imagine yet.
You may have already heard from friends and family that you’re strong. It’s true! Everyone living with MS is a warrior.
Having MS doesn’t mean your life is over. It means making adjustments so you can keep enjoying life. Fighting fatigue? Take breaks. Struggling to walk? Use walking devices.
Living with MS means finding new ways to keep moving forward, even when the path looks different. Celebrate the small wins. Lean into what helps, and never underestimate your ability to adapt. Each step, no matter how small, is proof of your strength and determination. Keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!
5. Believe in Your Power
The most important thing you can do on this journey is to believe in yourself. MS may present challenges, but it doesn’t define you. You have the strength to face each day and the resilience to keep going, no matter what. Trust in your ability to adapt, grow, and create a life that’s meaningful to you.
Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Every choice you make brings you closer to a stronger, more empowered version of yourself. Keep believing—you are capable of more than you know.
Keep Going, You’ve Got This
Image from Freekpik
Eating healthy is a powerful way to support your body and manage MS. Nutritious foods fuel your cells, reduce inflammation, and give you the energy you need to face each day. By choosing whole, unprocessed foods, you’re not only improving your physical health but also boosting your mental and emotional well-being. It’s more than just a diet—it’s a lifestyle that helps you stay strong, resilient, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Living with MS definitely comes with its struggles. However, it also brings out incredible strength, resilience, and courage. By believing in yourself, staying positive, and making the necessary adjustments, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. Every day is an opportunity to move forward, to grow stronger, and to live the life you deserve. Remember, you are never alone on this journey. Keep pushing forward, stay true to yourself, and trust that amazing things are ahead. You’ve got this, one step at a time.
Ready to Eat Your Way to Better Health with MS?
Transform Your Diet, Transform Your Life: Explore My Cookbook! Discover delicious recipes designed for MS wellness! To learn more click here: Eating Healthy With MS.
Want to remember this health tip? Pin it to your Pinterest board!
The top image is from Freekpik
5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was First Started Eating Healthy
Leave a Reply