Sticking With My Diet While Flaring

I thought figuring out a diet plan that didn’t increase pain and inflammation was tough, but it was a walk in the park compared to trying to stick with it while flaring. When my energy level plummets, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. While frozen meals, packaged foods, and take-out are convenient options, they also add to my pain. To avoid adding insult to injury I implemented a plan to help me stay on track.

The plan

It helps that my body requires that I mostly eat raw food. While not having to cook often is a bonus, my diet requires frequent visits to the grocery store. Since flares rarely come with a warning, there were a few times when I found myself without the food I needed and no energy to go shopping. To prevent that from happening again, I began stocking up on jarred fruit and other natural foods that have a longer shelf life. One of my favorite meals consists of two apples and a couple tablespoons of natural peanut butter. Typically, I slice the apples and spread peanut butter on them. However, when my hands hurt too much to cut them up, I just take bites and lick the peanut butter off of a spoon. Not an attractive sight, but it gets the job done. I also prepare and keep bags of premeasured produce in my freezer to make smoothies. This way all I have to do is toss it into my blender with a little yogurt.

Comfort comes after the flare

In the past, I would allow myself to indulge in my favorite sweet and fatty treats while flaring. I still do, but only once or twice throughout my flare depending on how long it lasts. The reason for this is because while those indulgences may comfort me at the moment, they also increase my pain and extend the duration of my flare. A few months into my plan, and I have come to realize that the comfort I experience after a flare is far more enjoyable than a piece of cake, pizza, or a bag of Cheetos. Having more good days than bad and more energy to enjoy them has turned following my “diet” into a reward instead of a punishment.

How do you stick to your “diet” plan while flaring?