The importance of healthy eating!

So...just as a good 'SCI' girl should be doing, I have just finished my rather healthy lunch of chicken breast on wholemeal bread followed by grapes and strawberries and a non option drink of movacol  

I have finally understood the importance and advantage of eating healthy!

I can remember the never ending repeated reminders from nursing staff in my spinal unit stating how everyone needs to eat healthy for their bowels and to prevent weight gain. Whilst I was a patient within the unit, this way of eating was easy to maintain although i did sneak a supply of chocolate for feel good purposes only. Once i was home it was a different story, no one was cooking for me, telling me what i can and cant have and the fish and chip shop was nearby   but this honeymoon period of eating pretty much what i wanted could not last. My bowels certainly suffered for it and so did my weight, not being mobile enough and eating what I wanted was not a good combination. I was and still am on a bowel program that relies on me taking stool softeners, laxitives and eating healthy. If I eat too much fat and carbs I tend to struggle even more than usual and get very bloated and a backed up feeling. My unit has wanted me for some time to go on to Peristeen to empty my bowels but i have been keen to avoid this for as long as possible so its even more important that i take more care.

I have learnt that its so important to start the day with a healthy breakfast, cereal being the ideal. Our bowels need kick starting with something that is easy to digest and move along the bowels and this is what cereal will do.

Since i learnt a better way of being with regards to my diet, I have felt so much better within myself. I have lost weight and its great feeling 'lighter' when mobility is reduced. Easier to transfer, self catheter, get about on my crutches and wheel about the shops when i use my chair.

The only downside is that not eating what you want, is sometimes boring  ....but..not if you vary your diet. I eat lots of fruit now and I actually enjoy it, Iv'e cut out crisps and chocolate and eat low fat food. I give myself a day off on a Saturday and on that day I just eat what i want and I don't feel guilty, ever!

One important must is drink drink drink lots of water!! This will help with your bowels, bladder and your general well-being.