Going Vegan in... Asda

Now there are literally tonnes of products in Asda that you can buy vegan - But I've picked out the products that I think would fit very nicely in a shopping basket for a newly turned vegan!
(Not a gluten free post - But I will be making a post for us gluten free vegans soon!)

Most jarred bolognese sauces are vegan! 

Like I said before - There are just So many products to choose from!
 it's really not that difficult these days to be vegan :-)

I hope this little post helps!

If you are interested in more vegan products head over to the Vegan Womble Where products are updated often!

M.E/CFS Relapse Action Plan

This guide has been made by me from my own experiences whilst suffering with this disease.
I am not a professional/Qualified Doctor - Please consult your doctor before changing any routine, or before taking any new supplements. 

Relapse plans are never easy 

(you've just had a relapse, what is easy?!)

Here is a list of things I do when I am having a relapse, I try to be as strict as possible, so I can get back on track to being as well as possible, as soon as possible. 

Diaphragm Deep breathing for 10minutes, 3x a day (upon waking, afternoon, and before sleep)

Water:
Whilst sleeping our bodies don't produce saliva  - So our bodies will want us to drink about 8 hours after sleeping, which can be a problem for someone who could easily sleep for 12 hours straight!

This is the most important rule - to drink a medium to large glass of spring/mineral water
after 8-9 hours of sleep. Sit up for a little while after and start the deep breathing exercise. After this you can choose whether to get up or to sleep a little longer.

Second most important rule
Fresh air! - Getting fresh air is really difficult when enduring a relapse, but no matter how hot or cold it is outside, stepping into the garden for 5 minutes will really help clear your head. Even better if you can walk/sit on some grass bare foot as this will help drain away any excess electricity that can build up from technology use (which can make us feel rather unwell) If you feel that you really cannot leave your room, open a window for a good 20 minutes in a couple of rooms to air the house (and you) out.

Supplements:

Lots of supplement aren't always best with a relapse.

Here are the basic ones I take (to reduce risk of detox)

Bcomplex liquid 1-2 times a day

Milk Thistle by Viridian - 2-3 times a day

Liquid magnesium 50% rda before bed

Evening primrose oil - 1000mg - 2-3x a day

Our lymphatic system needs movement to circulate properly.
The easiest way to do this is to body massage with an oil of your choice (I like coconut oil as it's anti viral) Massaging in circular motions moving up towards your heart.

Stretches in bed will help keep joints from stiffening up and also help the lymphatic system. Choose whatever gentle yoga stretches you feel you can do. 

Raw juices
Obviously eating healthy is always going to help!
I find drinking raw juices made from fruits I'm not intolerant to can help ease my brainfog and that horrible sluggish feeling. Make sure you only use organic fruits and veg, if you haven't got the energy to make juices, there are lots of places these days that will make them for you, it's a service worth paying for!

It's very easy to munch on junk food, but that's the last thing your body needs whilst relapsing. I hope you find this Vegan Food craving guide useful!

Gluten Free Vegan Rogan Josh Curry

Curries can be so easy to make, especially if they're vegan!

This curry is super quick and shouldn't take longer than half an hour to make.



Rogan Josh Curry

Total cost not including rice - £3.88
Serves 6 (freeze left over portions up to one month)

2 Large Onions chopped (4 large onions 89p - Lidl)
1 can Butter Beans (29p per can - Lidl)
2 tins chopped tomatoes (35p each approx)
1 400g pack mushrooms (89p approx Lidl)
1 aubergine - optional - (55p approx Lidl)
Half a jar of Patak's Rogan Josh Curry Paste (Asda/tesco £2 per jar - the other half will last in the fridge for ages!)
1 clove garlic (optional)


In a large pan Sauté the onions in a little sunflower oil til soft. On a medium heat,  chop aubergine and mushrooms into desired sized chunks and add to the onions on . Once mushrooms and aubergine have browned drain, rinse and add the butterbeans to the mixture then stir through the Patak's curry paste - when everything is covered in the paste, pour in the chopped tomatoes, stir and leave to simmer gently for about ten minutes - Season to taste, serve with rice and vegan poppadoms!

Want to try something different? Try Millet instead of rice!

If you don't eat onions, substitute with a leek, or veg of your choice

Want some vegan naan bread? Ask your local whole foods store, or check out http://www.veganoo.net for vegan naan options. For a cheap, healthy alternative -
serve pita bread instead.

Finally! Deodorants That Work!

This is a very personal topic for me, but I'm so amazed, I have to share this!

 Ever since I was a child I my parents and I have always struggled to find a deodorant that controls my problem perspiration, and the annoying odour that goes with it!

I remember when the problem first started. It was the beggining of a 6 week holiday, and suddenly my sisters started complaining (as every 10 and 13 year old would do) "Oh my God Natasha how do you still have friends!?"

This is quite funny to look back on now, but at the time, while it was grossing out my sisters, it had me, and my mum in a panic! I didn't want to be the smelly one at school!

Over the holiday we tried. Every. Single. Deodorant. Even mens!
We came to the conclusion that despite nothing really worked - I was to use a soap stick type antiperspirant and deodorant wipes. I suffered so bad, I had to take a spare t-shirt, and the deodorants with me so I could reapply after lunch. Then the same again after school.

This was my new routine for the next 12 years. It was a pain, but it the only solution we could find!

When I turned 20, I started looking into a chemical free lifestyle. I was intrigued at how many harmful chemicals that were in deodorants! So that was the first thing to go (thinking that now I'm an adult, I might not be so bad)

  For the first 3 weeks I was actually fine! Not much sweat, barely no odour. The bliss didn't last long...

Once those blissful few weeks had gone, I was noticing a bad problem. Perspiration like a dripping tap, and the not so good ol' body odour.

Urgh!!! When will this end!? Never... obviously..

So for the past 3 years, I have been searching for once again, a solution to my problem.

And I think I may have finally found one..Or 2.

The first year I had no luck. All natural deodorant just disn't work. It was hell. Embarrassing. The only thing I found at the time that helped, was the Pitrok wipes, but they were expensive.
The second year I was delighted to find Salts Of The Earth Spray, which although doesn't work great on my odour, it helps slow down my excessive perspiration.
 I was happy to carry on in a similar way to my old routine, only this time it was a natural, less harmful product.

This year, 6 months in, I discovered a new product at The Allergy and Free From Show in London. A deodorant named Fresh Kidz.

This deodorant does not slow down perspiration, however it does control odour.

When I saw this product, I immediately thought of my partner, because he doesn't use antiperspirant. This would be perfect for him!

He agreed to try it, and after a few, not so 'phewy' sniff tests (lovely)
I was pleasantly surprised with the result of this product,

so I thought I would try it myself in conjunction with my salt spray.

And you know what? It's the best deodorant combination I have found to date!

It's not the most pure of products I must admit, BUT it is a lot less harmful and reasonably priced products I can find that actually work.

The salt spray controls my perspiration. I use about 6 sprays, using my hairdryer to to dry the liquid on every 2 sprays. I then apply a small amount of the Fresh Kidz deo'

It's still not perfect, but it works better than my old regime, so I'm very happy! 

This combination works extremely well considering how problematic this, well, problem has been.
And if you have a similar problem, it might just help you too!

Both products are alcohol free, zero aluminium, Fragrance free, not tested on animals and are vegan friendly. Yay.

The salt spray is available in Holland and Barrett, whilst the Fresh Kidz is available at Boots.

Blogs You Might Like to Explore

Hope everyone is as well as possible today!
 I can't believe it's Friday already!

For this evening, seeing that I feel too flopped to do anything (as in pop to the shops to gorge on some crisps...) I thought I would recommend a few blogs :-)

Talking about chronic health can get a bit much from time to time, so reading about anything that isn't to do with it helps keep me ticking!

I'm quite new to writing, even though I got an average GCSE in English, I was often too unwell and foggy to write anything. But since some fog has lifted, I am starting to really enjoy writing at my own pace. I have no idea if I'm any good at it, but nonetheless, I enjoy it.

Another Made Idea Blog has a post about how to improve writing skills. It was an absolute joy to read and very helpful.

ThriftyDee is exactly what the blog title is. A student that's on a mission to save money. To be Thrifty. Everyone needs tips on how to save money on a number of topics, I'm sure she will cover most of them over time.

Nikki Miles Illustration is a colourful, artistic website with lots of lovely arts and crafts to read about. I love her work, it's so original!

Katie eats vegan is a great blog for, you guessed it, Vegan Food!
She writes about her vegan food missions round the UK (and anywhere else that takes her fancy)
And has found some amazing little places that I hope I can visit one day. She has some wonderful recipes too!

Vegan Beauty Review is a beautifully made blog with some brilliantly written reviews. If you're looking for some new beauty products, this is a great place to start 

Angel Numbers - I love this blog, it is ram-packed with spiritual information. I am fascinated with angel numbers as mine have always been amazingly accurate.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Pacifica - Vegan, Natural Beauty Products

I have used products for a while now that are as plant based as possible, I hate harmful chemicals! 

I have known about Pacifica perfume for a while, and it smells divine! 

Well, recently (for me at least) I discovered their make up range (uh oh!) 

I bought 2 tinted lip balms, and 2 solid perfumes.

OMG 

They all smell amazing! 

None of their products so far have given me a headache (yaay!)

The lip balms are more like lipstick, but super moisturising at the same time. 

Pacifica, for me, is not a cheap brand - But you really do get what you pay for. 

superior quality...

A Guide to Keeping your well being in balance with M.E

Hello!

Living with M.E or any other chronic health condition is always a real bastard, All of the time!

What bothers me is when doctors tell me that 'I'm just depressed'

How many of you have heard that one before??

So before you really do get depressed by all these awful obstacles you have to deal with, read these tips. I hope they help. 

Supplements that help my wellbeing are;

St Johns Wort - for depression caused by PMS and hormones

And

Lemon Balm + L Theanine  - for anxiety and heart palpitations

I do not take any prescription medication so these are safe for me to take. Please consult your doctor before taking any supplements if you are on medication, or consult a holistic doctor if you are unsure. 

Essential Oils

There are so many essential oils, there is bound to be one for you!
Because it's difficult and stressful living with a chronic health condition, the ones I find most helpful are calming and energizing.
Mint: A fresh scent, it will help clear your mind
Lemon: Uplifting and fresh, smells like lemon cheesecake!
Litsea: Although energizing, it's also good for calming anxiety, aiding good quality sleep, and helps digestion.
Lavender: Good for headaches and stress.
Grapefruit: Smells like cheesecake and is very uplifting!

Add essential oils to unscented massage oils or products; Use them as a foot or bath soak - just be careful as oils are slippery.

I have recently purchased a aromatherapy humidifier, it's one of the best things I have ever bought!
They have no heat element, and change colours whilst on, you can also have the light turned off. Just put a few drops of your favourite oil in the water and it will fill the room with its delightful scent!
I have this one 

Keep your sugar content low 

It's always so tempting to gorge on sugary foods when you're feeling stressed, but it really is the worst thing you could do! Sugar causes highs, and lows, and can really affect mood swings, and if you eat too much, you'll get a headache too. 
A treat once in a while is great, but try not to make it a habit as your stress levels may rise over time. Honey, Coconut sugar, stevia and xylitol are good alternatives to sugar that helps to cut down sugar without feeling restricted. Also, Chromium is a great supplement that helps regulate blood sugar levels, which I have found beneficial.

Opt for Dark Chocolate 

Who needs an excuse to eat chocolate?? Dark chocolate triggars serotonin production, which can make you feel happy, even if it's for a little while!
if you need a fix, and trying to keep that sugar content low. Dark chocolate is often lower in sugar. You can even buy Raw chocolate which uses coconut sugar, much lower Gi than regular sugar!

Legs in the Air!

Sounds silly, but this is a great exercise to do (not for severe sufferers) 
Simply lay down, and rest your legs against your bed or wall for up to 10 minutes - Lower your legs (do not sit up) lay flat for a couple of minutes, then slowly sit up without making yourself dizzy. 
This exercise helps blood flow to the brain which could help brainfog, and helps remove toxins hanging around in your legs.

Stop Reading Negative Articles 

I know sometimes it is unavoidable, but if you can, stop reading anything negative. You have enough to deal with, and reading something upsetting, or stressful will only impact your energy more. Try reading more positive things that make you happy.

Don't get caught up trying to prove yourself

You have nothing to prove! You don't need to prove to anyone that you have a chronic illness! I understand that family members can be tough, or old friends don't understand. But really, if they don't understand already, stop wasting your precious energy trying to get through to them. There are many more people out there that will understand what you're going through. 

Deep breathing for 10 minutes, 3 times a day 

It's relaxing, easy, and free!
breathe in, feeling your tummy rise (not your chest)
Lower torso breathing is more relaxing and energising, helping the body to regenerate quicker. Breathing chest first is very tiring and can leave you 'air hungry' so doing this exercise 3 times a day could help you feel a little better (little is better than nothing right?!)

CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is often shunted at, probably because some people have claimed that it's 'cured them'

Well fear not - I'm not claiming that!

CBT is a really good tool to have as it will help keep the mind demons at bay that can occur when dealing with a long term health condition.

Isolation, depression, anxiety... countless mental health problems can sink in when one has been unwell for a very long time. This is actually pretty normal, but it doesn't mean that you have to accept it, as it will just make your quality of life worse if you don't fight it. CBT caould help you fight these horrid symptoms that can occur with chronic health conditions.

It will not improve your energy, it will not get rid of pain - But, it will help you cope better mentally and it will give you professional support through the tough things that living with chronic health can throw at you.If you think you would benefit from CBT - Just speak to your GP and they can refer you to a cbt counsellor for free, or in some counties you can refer yourself.

Keep one room tidy 

If you struggle to to tidy up - Don't stress about it. No one likes living in a mess, so I decided that if I can keep just one room tidy, I can go to that room if I need to escape from reality.
The room I keep tidy is usually the spare room, as it never gets used! If I need to relax, but my bedroom is a mess, it's the place I go to.
When I have got a little bit of energy to tidy, I simply tidy in 5 minute bursts a day so I don't overexert myself.

Himalayan salt lamps 

A stagnant house is an unhappy house, so it's really important to keep the place you spend the most time in naturally fresh and positive. 

Nature 

Listening to nature can be naturally calming. birdsong, rain, the sound of the sea...
It's the only form of noise that I consider to be therapeutic. So if you're struggling to shut your mind of for some quiet time, invest in a nature cd and listen to it at least once a day.

Happy outings 

You want to spend your time wisely. So days when you're not visiting the doctor, and have rested enough, going out needs to be therapeutic.

Going to parks, cafes, restaurants, the beach is a great way to get some lovely fresh air and that much needed vitamin D from the sun. Or going to shops like The Range, The works, or other hobby shops can be really fulfilling and fun to go to.
What's better is that most of these places are wheelchair friendly!

Rescue Remedy 

A brilliant little remedy that can help anxiety and stress levels for those days when these emotions become too dominant. Using this along side the other stress management methods is always a good idea!

Probiotics
An imbalance of good bacteria in your gut can surprisingly have a big affect your moods, as well as your weight, energy, and nutrition absorption.
If you're unsure about what to do, a CNM qualified Holistic Nutritionist should be able to help.

Air out your home daily.

It's a brilliant routine to have - Opening the windows each day (preferably in the morning) to bring in lovely fresh air whilst ushering out the bad, stagnant stuff. I always feel much more uplifted and positive after airing out my home for a good 20 minutes.

  Fresh air is always good, even when it's cold! Blow out those cobwebs!