Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Happy Jump Day!

I’m all for setting goals, fresh starts, and planning (Coach always says, “plan your work, and work your plan”).


But if you find yourself not starting, not knowing when, why, or how to start, then why not just start today?


It doesn’t have to be this big thing you do. Start small, move in a manner that feels good, and do that today. 


It’s the moving that matters ♥️

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Lipedema Fitness: Percussion Massager Reviews

I've been talking about using a hand-held percussion massager to help break up fibrotic tissue for a while now. I started in March of this year when I purchased the Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Massager and I mostly use the 4-finger attachment, to replicate fingers from a Massage Therapist.

The PROS of Wahl Massager:

  • Inexpensive ($27.99 on Amazon)
  • Long Handle = Long reach capabilities (bottoms of feet, and can work on my back easily)
  • 4-Finger Attachment helps with Self Myofascial Release (SMR)
  • Long 9Ft. Cord - no running out of power
  • Light weight, only 1.6lbs.
  • One dial to adjust the power (2000-4000 pulses per minute)
I use mine about 5 minutes per lower leg/foot each morning before applying my lotion and compression socks.

I immediately started to notice my lower legs not being so hard. Typically with Lipedema the lower leg can feel tight, and hard (more like one solid piece of rubber); the massager began to change the pliability of my lower leg. My leg went from feeling like rubber to being able to feel my actual calf muscle (which is huge for someone with late stage Lipolymphedema); I really noticed the difference after the Lipedema Triathlon in June, usually I cannot distinguish the discomfort in the days to follow, but this year I could feel the calf muscle, I could stretch it out and feel it release and heal from all I asked of it during the triathlon. It was pretty amazing really. 

There were other things I added to my self care routine this summer.
In June I started using the Lympha Press Optimal Plus Compression Pump,
and I believe this helped with the positive leg changes I have been experiencing. 

In October Amazon had the Opove M3 Pro Percussion Massage Gun on sale, and lots of members in my group have been using these Gun style massagers for breaking up fibrotic tissue, and having a lot of success, so I wanted to compare to see how it would work vs. the Wahl. 

Some examples of higher end Gun style massagers include: TheraGun, HyperVolt, TimTam - and I am a huge Kelly Starrett fan, so almost went with this one.

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links (at not additional cost to you). As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The PROS of the Opove massager:
  • POWERFUL - goes from 1800 - 3200 RPM (30 pounds of force)
  • Changes power with the press of a button, and the button is in a place I don't accidentally turn it higher.
  • Carrying Case for it, and all the attachments, which is great for travel.
  • Cordless, as it has a rechargeable battery
Let's start by saying my husband LOVES this massager, it is powerful and he has been able to workout some knots that he has had for years. He uses this every day, and I'll repeat it, he absolutely loves it.

There really are no CONS for either of these massagers, I think it just depends on your personal needs. The Wahl does have a plastic connector piece where the attachments screw in and out, and other reviewers had that plastic area break. I do hear a very tiny piece of what I assume is plastic rattling around at times. I’m mindful not to put too much of an angle on the attachment but so far I have not had any  issues. I did opt for the extra warranty from Amazon just in case, and it was only a few dollars.

For me the Opove is really powerful, actually a little too painful on some of my Lipedema tissue, but I have experimented with using the massager at an angle, and that seems to help ease the pain. Lipedema is known as the painful fat disorder, and someone without Lipedema should not experience the level of pain that I do when using it.

Other things to consider - it is 2.5lb. and while the extra pound doesn't seem like a lot, after a while it does make my hand sore. But I do not have good grip strength, so again, that could be something with me only. The other thing that comes to mind is the shorter handle limits my ability to use on my back, but does an awesome job on my tight trap muscles after a hard workout.

I have been using the Opove a lot less, since it now resides on my husband's nightstand, but hope to try it some more and see if I can continue to break up the fibrotic tissue and improve the pliability of my legs. This will in turn help me gain more range of motion and improve my mobility.

I still use the Wahl massager every morning as part of my self care routine. I even took it on vacation to the beach. Great to use after a long car ride!

I’m beginning to now feel similar pliability in my thighs, which is pretty amazing in my book.

My morning routine: gentle ankle pumps, rotations, etc, followed by some stretching and yoga poses, ten minutes sitting on my WBV machine, then ten minutes standing on it (with more stretching and self MLD to keep the lymph moving); followed by an hour in the Optimal plus pump, and then I use the massager and then lotion my legs before putting on my Juzo graduated compression knee highs to start my day.

What are your favorite self care tips?

Here is a link to an earlier blog post on using an orbital buffer as a massager, did you know athletes have been doing that for years?





Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Gua Sha for Lipedema

Using gua Sha to break up fibrotic tissue in Lipedema patients
Recently we have heard Lipedema is possibly a connective tissue disorder, and focusing on breaking down our fibrotic tissue can help reduce our pain.

There are deep tissue techniques that your PT or CLT can help you with, such as ISATM (instrument assisted soft tissue massage). 

You can even learn how to do these at home on yourself, and one of these is called gua sha.

The gua sha tool comes in all different materials, and some popular, lower cost, options include those made from jade and rose quartz.

As someone who likes the meaning behind stones, I like to use them in my energy work, and rose quartz is soothing and helps promote self love.

Have you tried gua sha or other ways of breaking down your fibrotic tissue, and has it helped?

Deep tissue can be very intense and painful, please seek advice from your physical and/or certified Lymphedema therapists to make sure it is not counterintuitive for your condition.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

LIPEDEMA FITNESS: ALL OR SOMETHING CHALLENGE (PELOTON)

Another busy work day, and was feeling like my ride wasn’t going to happen. But I looked at my family and said I’ll be right back, and off I went.

Tried out a new trainer for my 2nd Peloton ride @codyrigsby and worked on upping my resistance in his beginner class (to level 6). Great ride.

I’ll be trying all the trainers’ beginner classes, so I can see which trainers I vibe best with. 

When I looked down at my bike display at the end of class, it had me realizing when all is said and done I’m already going over 20 minutes (when you add in the ride countdown, and the amount of time I’m pedaling before the class starts, it is closer to 23 minutes), so why not try for 30 next time?

I’ll see how my recovery goes, as Lipedema can give you a wake up call real quick. 

But I love that my mind is feeling ready to go a little longer ♥️

Takeaway… put you first, it is ok to sneak away to get a ride in; it doesn’t have to be all of nothing, it can be all or something - whatever you are able to do in the moment, is enough. You are enough!

I’m LipedemaFitness on the @onepeloton app, if you ride, share your app name in the comments and I’ll find you.

Will be figuring out how to do a group Lipedema Fitness ride soon!

#lipedemafitnesschallenge  #allorsomething 

UPDATE: post ride recovery and my knees were not happy with level 6 resistance, so I will be dialing that back a bit. With Lipedema (and hyper mobile EDS) my joints can twist really easily, and I have to be mindful of how my body moves. 

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Dry Brushing for Lipedema

Sunday is usually my rest and recovery day. 

That might mean taking a nap, but always includes various self care treatments.


Caring for Lipedema can be quite expensive, both in cost and time. 


So when we find things that are low cost, and have a low time commitment, we might question if they really work.


Dry brushing is one of those things. 


Typically a brush is under $15, and only takes about 5-10 minutes to brush your body.


Just like MLD (manual lymphatic drainage), it really moves our lymphatic system, which in turn boosts our immune system.


A win, win, as we head into the winter months, during a global pandemic.


What is your rest day, and what At Home self care do you gravitate towards?

Friday, November 6, 2020

LIPEDEMA FITNESS: PELOTON APP IS A WINNER

Did you know you don’t need a Peloton bike to use the Peloton app? 

You can use your own bike; mine is an entry level stationary bike I picked up this summer, so I could participate in the 5th Annual Lipedema Triathlon.

You can try out the Peloton app for free, for 30 days, and then it is $12.99 a month.

AND there is way more than awesome bike classes; there are walking, strength, meditation, treadmill, etc.

I’m excited to take my first ride with @alextoussaint25 in a few minutes (because my sister just finished her 500th ride, and he is her favorite)! 

Go sister, you inspire me!

Look me up in the Peloton app, would love to follow you, and will be wanting to do a group Lipedema Fitness ride! (I’m LipedemaFitness in the app).

Going to get my first ride in! Stay tuned! #peloton #lipedemafitness…


So How Did I Do?

I took a 20 minute beginner class with Alex Toussaint., and learned not to bounce when I pedal (hard with such great music), engage my core, keep those shoulders down, and pull up on the pedals. I don’t have clip in style shoes, like a regular peloton bike, but my bike has pedal straps, so that helps.

But the biggest thing I learned, is riding my bike could be fun again! Riding a bike should be fun! Reclaiming that joy I had as a kid, when I would feel so free, roaming around my neighborhood.

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Getting Up/Down Safely with Lipedema

The following is a compilation of posts and videos I have shared with my Lipedema Fitness Facebook support group; each showing various methods of how I get down to, and back up off, the ground. 

Safely getting off the ground is a big deal in later stage Lipolymphedema patients, our balance becomes more and more challenging as we advance, and carry more fluid in out bodies.

Some cannot manage getting up, 

A big part of my workouts include getting down (and back up) from the floor. Which was my initial goal when starting to train after my Lipedema diagnosis and after listening to wrong advice being given to us about exercise being bad for our symptoms early on in my diagnosis.

When I began training again I had lost nearly all my mobility and could barely stand. I am grateful to the strength training and improved core strength that allowed me to achieve this goal, and I try to do some ground work as often as possible, to keep being able to do so.





Tried a new getup from the ground, using no knees (after watching the Dr. Jo video I posted earlier today, my brain was like “I wonder if I could do that?”)... and my body said YES WE CAN!

This is seven years in the making, lots of core work, and lots of pushup progressions - from doing standing pushups against my kitchen sink, to gradually going lower in what I used to modify (table, bench, stacked mats to finally being able to do them on the floor, which also started me on my getoff the floor work). 

Then I started being able to hold a plank, and worked up to how long I could hold it, which involved lots of walking out with my hands from a piked position, then walking my hands back in.

This is not a move I’m suggesting people do, you can really hurt yourself, it is a post to show progression, and how important the body weight moves we do are, especially for functional fitness. 

Being able to move our bodies through space is such a gift, one we need to continually work on and try to improve, especially as we age, and/or advance in our Lipedema. I use my upper body strength so much in moving my body throughout the day.




Last video of getting up off the ground from a seated position. I typically turn over and use my knees, but have been working on other alternatives. Learned I could do this after Turkish getups last year. Love learning new things.








Monday, October 26, 2020

What is Your Fitness Focus

What do you focus on when doing cardio? 

Distance? Time? Intensity?

I used to love cardio; I would spend hours at the gym using the treadmill, the elliptical, and the bike; plus weight machines (which I always liked, but was not so familiar). 

I would put my headphones in and spend 2-3 hours enjoying the time to decompress and be active. 

I felt strong, I felt coordinated, and I had fun.

Since my Lipedema has progressed, cardio has become more and more challenging, and something I don’t feel strong in any more. 

Add to that the balance issues that come with later stage Lipolymphedema, and I’m surprised it took me until today to solve the cardio puzzle.

I was baffled why it has been hard to get into a regular cardio routine, when I used to love it. 

But today was an aha moment, in talking it out with Coach, I realized the emotional aspect, the feeling vulnerable in the work. I no longer felt strong doing cardio, like I do lifting weights, flipping tires, swinging sledgehammers, etc.

Now that I have verbalized it, recognized it, I can begin to navigate cardio with a new understanding.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Lipedema Fitness Product Review: Cubii Pro (under desk elliptical)

Move your Lymphatics and stay mobile with the Cubii Pro under desk elliptical - check out this review from Lipedema Fitness, and see if this can help you with helping you get and stay more active.
Recently a member of the Lipedema Fitness support group shared that Good Morning America had a Cubii Pro ergonomic elliptical on their #dealsandsteals segment for $218.

Since ankle pumping is a great way to move our lymphatics it peaked my interest. Not to mention working from home can create challenges for staying active.

I purchased it, because I am the Queen of trying things for my group. To see if something our Lipedema bodies can do, and if I find it helpful for caring for our condition.

This was a great deal, as the Cubii Pro lists for around $350. The Cubii Jr. runs around $250. Pro comes with Bluetooth connectivity that wirelessly connects to a mobile app to help you keep track of your progress. Please note that this post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase the item (at no additional cost to you). It does in no way alter the review I provide for any item.

The Cubii came well packaged, included a screwdriver and 4 small screws to put it together (which took under five minutes). It has a handle and weighs about 25 pounds. The deal I purchased came with (2) Therabands, which you can feed through the handle on the Cubii to add in arm movements (again, great for moving our lymphatics and reducing swelling).

It fits under my dining room table, and my knees do not hit the table when using it, although the center support beam on my dining room table does prevent the Cubii from sliding back as far as I would like - an easy fix is to move my chair back, but ideally I would not have to adjust my chair, so I could use effortlessly throughout the workday.

It definitely pumps your ankles, which is great for moving our lymphatics, which reduces the swelling in our legs. It also targets your core (use good posture), calves, quads, glutes and hammies.

Try pedaling forwards and backwards for targeting different muscles, as well as varying your foot positions (having your foot further forward vs. further back on the foot pedal - each will engage difference muscles and parts of the foot). I was surprised at how quickly my muscles felt the movements, especially my quads, I could tell my body was not used to moving in this direction, similar to a seated knee lift, and it was nice to feel those muscles getting a good workout.

There is a resistance dial on the front (goes up to an 8), the higher the number the more resistance, and it is pretty challenging on 8, I am using at a 5 most of the time, and bump up the resistance if I want a more challenging experience.

I began using Cubii while checking emails, then when watching TV (after work) I would use during commercials. Fitting in small increments keeps you active.

PLUS: it really helps move those hip flexors! Key when you have a desk job.

I have not charged it once, I just use it manually. Mainly because the cord does not reach the Cubii while it is under my table, so I would have to move it out and charge it, then move it back in. Not a too heavy thing (again about 25 pounds), but more a convenience thing, and I don't have a need to track my friends on the bluetooth, but I would like to know stride, mileage, time, etc. So eventually I'll plug it in and give it a go.

The bonus on the weight of the machine, is it doesn't seem to move while you are using it, the weight keeps it stationary, which is a good thing. It is built solid.

There were (2) other pieces in the box, 2 wheel stabilizers, if you use while seated at a chair that has wheels, the front two wheels would sit in the stabilizers and thus not roll when you pedal. Smart!

Summary: I think this is a good option (if in your budget) for those with limited mobility, like many with later stage Lipedema, or if you are just starting to get active, or recovering from an injury (knee, hip, ankle). It is very easy on your joints, especially those knees. But if you are looking to replace gym (cardio) type workouts (treadmill, bike or standing elliptical), this will probably not give you what you need. This is a seated option only, they include warnings to not stand on it.

I am dealing with some plantar fasciitis (heel pain), and using the Cubii does not seem to cause any additional pain, like standing seems to do.  

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) for Lipedema - foot positions

When on vacation I use a traveling whole body vibration plate. I don’t have access to my main high end model, so this less expensive option has really come in handy for traveling.

Today I noticed the marking on the platform...

Running / Jogging / Walking

Meaning if you place your feet to the outside of the platform it simulates running (you feel the most vibration). Bring your feet a little closer inward and it simulate jogging (feel less vibration). And bringing your feet closer to the center of the platform simulates walking (feel least amount of vibration).

This is a great way to turn up (or down) the intensity of your self care treatment. It is also a way to help with balance. A wider stance (especially with wider hips of Lipedema) can feel more stable. As with everything we try, you have to experience it for yourself and determine what feels best to you.

Do you use a vibration machine? And if so, do you play around with your feet position?

Tip: if you are concerned about balance, try placing between a door opening or next to the wall and hold on, or sit down and just put your feet on it.

Friday, September 11, 2020

Lactic Acid is NOT the Enemy

Debunked scare tactics cause harm, educate yourself about lactic acid

Myths and misconceptions are not only frustrating, but they can make living with a chronic and progressive  illness like Lipedema even more challenging.

Even though the myths and misconceptions about Lactic Acid were debunked 40-50 years ago, it is still being used as a scare tactic.

It was one of the reasons those of us diagnosed with Lipedema were told not to exercise early on.

We had to go against what we were told, we had to try various exercises to find what worked for us, and thankfully we changed that advice!

New patients are far less likely to be told not to exercise out of concern their condition could get worse because of it, but some still are being told this incorrect info.

So do your research, if something doesn’t make sense, dig a little deeper. The human body is so incredibly amazing at all it can do, we just need to learn to listen to it better.

I Look up George Brooks, he is a UC Berkeley professor of integrative biology and an exercise physiologist, and one of the people who debunked the lactic acid role. It is quite fascinating stuff, and I wonder how we might be able to dig deeper to find out why our bodies behave the way they do with Lipedema.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Food Sensitivity and Lipedema: Week 4 Elimination

And just like that the 4 week elimination of highly and moderately intolerant foods (based on the hair test I took in July) is done.

Food sensitivity meal ideas during the elimination period; learn what foods you are sensitive to, and how you can have less inflammation by staying away from them.
Basically I ate the same meals from week to week, and lunch was usually some combination of a Ground Chicken Stir Fry. I would saute the chicken in olive oil and various things on my non tolerant list, like: baked potato, onion, jalapeño peppers, bell peppers, kalamata olives, etc. and I would sometimes add Kimchi (huge fan) and more recently found spicy Wholly Guacamole, a great topper (I use as a sour cream substitute)!

Week 2 went very similarly to week 1, I kept my focus on the positives, the things I could eat, especially the things I had not been eating by following a low carb way of eating, things like potatoes and apples.

Week 3 was going along well, but by the middle of it, I was DONE WITH CHICKEN!

Another delicious meal idea during an elimination diet to avoid foods that you are sensitive to and to reduce your inflammation.
That was my concern from the beginning, I'm not a huge chicken fan, and I was about to crack when my lovely husband pulled out a blast from the past; something he had made me when we were dating, homemade, best I have ever had, Sweet and Sour Chicken

Did you know pineapple is a great source of bromelain, and bromelain is good for reducing inflammation and swelling? Very good when you have Lipedema!

It saved me for real. It was delicious, it brought back amazing memories, and kept me on track with the things I could have.

It gave me the boost I needed, and then the last week went back to being very tolerable.

So what does that mean, when you finish the 4 weeks of elimination? It means you slowly start to add in (one item at a time) from your moderate list and keep track to see if you notice an intolerance. 

Can you guess what my first item was? 

If you said a big juicy steak you would normally have been correct, but I opted instead to try to help out my hubby/chef, and the item I added back in was GARLIC. It just makes cooking easier and opens up more options for meals. And honestly, who wants a steak made without garlic?


So what did I notice?

  • I didn't miss dairy as much as I thought I would - a huge shocker
  • I did miss butter and cheese, but nearly as much as I thought I would
  • I did find myself feeling guilty eating carbs that I had grown used to not eating
  • I did see a 5.6lb. loss, but I hated having to weigh myself every morning
  • I did have more gas (bloating) than eating low carb, didn't love that

I think this was a huge eye opener for me, especially combined with fasting (18:6 - I would eat between 1pm and 7pm); I have learned so much about my body.

Physically and emotionally. I liked feeling empty right before my first meal, I liked being able to feel what drinking a cold glass of water felt like going into my body and how it really cooled me down from the inside. I liked being able to understand food as fuel. That is something coach/hubby has talked about a lot, but something I got a much better understanding of after this experiment.

I might go back to a more low carb way of eating and eliminate those high tolerant foods (so no dairy, etc.) on a more regular basis. As I am curious to see how my body would respond. I have become very interested in experimenting to learn more and more about my body.

Another big change I have seen is a real improvement to my skin texture. I have seen my fibrosis softening, so now I can literally see the Lipedema beads and larger nodules, and realizing I have them in places I didn't realize I had Lipedema; and while I don't think it was because of the elimination way of eating alone, it might have played a part.

I am curious. Curiosity about our bodies is good. I am looking forward to keep learning more about how my body responds to different foods and truly looking at it as fuel for my wonderful Lipedema Body.

Monday, August 10, 2020

Food Sensitivity and Lipedema: Week 1 Elimination

Using an ingredient like fresh mango to turn your elimination meal into something special. By avoiding foods you are sensitive to, you can reduce your inflammation.
Fresh Mango Salsa
So I am at the beginning of week 2, so let me do a quick recap of how week 1 went.

The biggest surprise so far, I have not killed anyone.

I'm only half joking about that, asking someone to totally flip their way of eating is asking a lot; so if you choose to go this route, be gentle with yourself, and be patient as you try something new.

The second biggest surprise, my husband didn't kill me (he's the chef in our family, and at the same time I mentioned I was going to be switching up my own way of eating, our daughter decided it was a good time to go vegan, too). Yes, my husband is a saint, and one hell of a cook.

As I mentioned last week, my focus was going to be on the things I can eat, and I would start from there. Here are some of my green light foods...

Peanut butter and apples saved my week one elimination way of eating; reduce the foods that you are sensitive to and reduce your inflammation.
Apple & Peanut Butter
Most Fruits (with the exception of Bananas) seem to be good for me, and I started with an apple and peanut butter for my lunch and so far that has been a life-saver. I love peanut butter but had foregoing it and apples on my prior way of eating. This combo is healthy and satisfying and so far this week I have not had any issues show up, so yay for that!

Most Vegetables (with some exceptions); those exceptions start off as bummers (moderate sensitivity to every type of mushroom, and tomatoes - both I love, and corn, which I like, but haven't eaten due to low carb lifestyle I was following), and end with a pain in my heart (garlic - WHAT??? How does one not use garlic).

Meat - the only meat I can eat, that I like, is Chicken. Chicken was always my least favorite meat, I prefer Beef and pork over it, but I'm making due. A way to help out with only eating one meat is get it in various preparations (grilled breasts or thighs, ground as a burger or in soups, etc.)

I say meat I like, because of course my test results say I can eat almost every fish/seafood out there, with the exception of Shrimp and Prawns. I like lobster and crab, but I like it with BUTTER, something I also cannot have during my elimination WOE. I do like it with fresh lemons, so we are planning a lobster/crab night soon. I wish I liked fish, it would make this a lot easier, but I just don't like the taste, trust me, I've tried.

I'm such a texture person when it comes to food, so finding crunchy, creamy, savory, and spicy, etc. are all super important to my satisfaction.


So what did I actually eat, here are some ideas...

Grilled Chicken, Sweet Potato and Kale Soup with Quinoa (left), and

Ground Chicken Taco Salad (right) with a Fresh Mango Salsa.


When I began to think about Taco Salad (one of the meals our family enjoys most) and how was I going to eliminate Cheese, Salsa and Sour Cream (all on my highly sensitive food list) and still think of it as a Taco Salad? Well thankfully my husband worked his spice game into the normally bland ground chicken, and I reached out to the Lipedema and Food Intolerance Group with a question about ideas for a no tomato salsa option and the words rang out... MANGO Salsa!

It was perfection and so delicious. I chopped up the following and then squeezed the juice from one lime into it and woo hoo was that delicious (would be amazing over grilled fish, too, if that is your thing)...

  • 3 ripe mangoes (we used 1 bag of frozen, as no ripe mangoes to be had) - frozen can save a step, they are pre cut into chunks and was super easy to microwave for a minute at a time until they softened up and then pretty easy to more finely chop them. You could also sub in strawberries, peaches,  pineapple, or even cantaloupe would be tasty.
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • jalapeño pepper - remove everything out of the pepper to keep the flavor more mild, then dice finely
  • 1 red onion (we prefer vidalia so went with that).
  • Cracked black pepper and pink Himalayan sea salt to taste.

The members in that group steered me to many other options I'll be trying, here are some links...

Watermelon Salsa: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/watermelon-fire-and-ice-salsa/

Pineapple Salsa: https://thrivingonpaleo.com/pineapple-salsa-paleo-whole30-aip/

Creamy Jalapeño Salsa: https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/creamy-jalapeno-salsa/


This one is very good with chicken. Try with canned Chipotle and you can use cashew yogurt (notes from one of the members)...

Chipolte Sauce: https://www.laylita.com/recipes/creamy-chipotle-sauce/amp/


Good option when making tamales, enchiladas or chicken for tostadas (another note from a member of the group)...

Guajillo Sauce: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/guajillo-sauce/


This one looks like a quick option for a red salsa sub using canned carrots and beets...

Nightshade Free Salsa: http://hewontknowitspaleo.com/recipe-items/nightshade-free-salsa/


So not much else to report, I tried staying focused on the good stuff, and I really am not pulling my hair out trying to not eat the things on my highly and moderately sensitive list. I'll keep updating as I go along.


I did try pasta one night as is on my green light list of foods, but immediately my stomach was not happy with it, has been years since I had pasta, so that will stay out of my way of eating for now.


If you decided to try the hair test, what have you found to be the most challenging?

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Food Sensitivity and Lipedema: Results are Ready!

Received my Food Sensitivity Report on July 28, that is completed using a state of the art Bioresonence machine, and four strands of your hair (more will be needed if hair is under 1" in length). 

I find this data fascinating, and I am looking forward to my experiment with an elimination diet of the foods listed as ones I am highly and moderately sensitive to.

An elimination diet is for four weeks, and then you start to add in items (one at a time) from your moderate sensitivity list, and see how your body responds to it over the next couple days.

I could choose to focus on all the things I cannot eat, but instead I’m going to focus on all the things I can eat. Make recipes based on those, and start tracking how my body responds over the next four weeks. 

It will be a little weird, as I’ve been low carb and intermittent fasting for a while now, I have not seen results other Lipedema patients have by following that way of eating, and come to find out, my hair test results show I don’t have issues with lots of the foods that are limited (or eliminated) in a low carb way of eating, so it will be an adjustment to try new things I am used to avoiding, and forgo old things I relied on.

My biggest surprise was dairy, the entire category is on my highly sensitive list. I love 🧀 so that will be a challenge, but one I know I can do for four weeks to find out how my body responds.

Some of the things I am hoping for, reduced swelling and reduced pain. I've also heard dairy free can also help with sinus/allergy symptoms, and that is definitely something I suffer from on a regular basis.

When you add in Lipedema, and how different we all seem to present and respond to different treatments (including ways of eating), this could be a very enlightening experiment.

#strongertogether is a code for 30% off on their website right now. My maxi health test (which tested 970 items) was originally $80, but it came down to $56 with the 30% discount. They also offer a smaller mini health test (400 items) for $55 before discount.

I would like to thank Cheryl Scoledge, and her Facebook support group: Lipedema and Food Sensitivities - Take Control of your Lipedema, for the great support and recommendation of this test. Here is a video of Cheryl talking about her experience.

I will be sharing here more as my experiment continues. Off to the store this weekend to stock up on all those yummy options that are on my list of no sensitivity. Wish me luck!

Lipedema: Break the Habit of Negative Self Talk

Don't be your worst enemy, stop the negative self talk and learn to live a healthier life with lipedema
Sometimes we can say and/or think poorly of ourselves; sometimes internally; sometimes in our homes, when we are the only ones there; sometimes with close family and friends; and sometimes with total strangers; not knowing the damage thinking and saying those negative words can have on ourselves (and on others).

It can be hard to break that habit. 

I get asked often how I changed this behavior. For me it was changing what I saw everyday by following people on Instagram that looked like me, by joining plus size fashion, and plus size fitness groups, who had strict rules about no diet talk, no weight loss talk, absolutely no negative self talk. I never thought about any of them, what I thought about myself. What society had taught me to feel about myself. It took years of re-teaching myself what I found appealing, that all bodies are good bodies. And yes, I still have low days when I need reminders, too.

This morning reading an artist I follow talk about self doubt, not in her body, how she looks, but her artistic talent. She questioned if her making art was worth the sacrifice of time, time she could be doing laundry, etc., she questioned if what she made was worth it. This artist even gets haters on her page trying to shame her for how much paint she uses. Can you believe that? But those thoughts creep in when her guard is down and add to her own self talk about her art, her process.

This comment was amazing. I think it works for negative self talk, too. So I thought I would share it, I love the physical, the active way this person deals with these words that surface.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Lipedema: Sharing Vulnerability with Your Support Team

Sharing your vulnerability with your Lipedema support team
My family headed to a local lake for canoeing and relaxation this past weekend, and it was glorious.

Before we left I confided in my husband that I wasn’t sure about going. 

I wasn’t sure I would find a place to feel comfortable, because I knew I was not able to get into the canoe due to my legs progressing this past year as I transitioned through menopause, I was unsure of a place on the shore where I would be able to get out of the direct sun, and I knew an extended time period sitting in my folding chair would cause some leg pain as it cuts into the back of thighs.

The heaviness in my legs matched the heaviness in my heart.

It is sometimes hard to share the vulnerable days. Those of us with Lipedema can feel pretty vulnerable from day to day, and even moment to moment.

Sharing when we do can help take the sting out of it. Can help shed some light for your loved ones so they know what might be going on behind the scenes, and voicing it can help lessen the power it can hold over you. 

Rest days are necessary for everyone, and especially so, for those battling a chronic and progressive illness like Lipedema. 

It’s ok to have vulnerable moments, it’s ok to decide there are not enough spoons today and a rest day means a lay down, get some much needed sleep in.

I was grateful I shared with my husband. I was grateful he shared with me his feelings, and grateful I went and could see this beautiful river up close and personal, and watch my daughter paddle with her best friend on an adventure they are sure to remember always. 

Here is to your rest days! May they be healing, reflective, and bring you peace in whatever way you need ♥️

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Lipedema: You Do You!

Lipedema presents and responds differently in each of us, you have to learn what works for you and know you are your own best resource.
What does that mean?

It means each of us with Lipedema can present with different symptoms (Ex. I may have pain to the touch, but you might walk around with constant pain; or I may have lymphatic concerns, but you may not, etc.). 

It also means that we respond differently to treatments, like I might do really well with weight lifting, but you might do better with cardio.



One of the biggest controversies is what way of eating works best for Lipedema.

Guess what? Yep, that is different for each of us, too. 

Just like supplements, surgery, and on and on.

Living with Lipedema becomes about finding what works for you.

So a word of caution, anyone saying their way is the only way, is someone to be cautious of. 

No one thing is good for everyone. Those “if it worked for me, it will work for you” people may mean well, but it is your job to figure that out for yourself.

Sharing what you try and how it works is still the best way to figure out where to begin, and is how we find the common helpers that work for many - like changing the bad advice of we should not be exercising into exercise is good for us!

Keep trying new things, keep sharing what you do/learn about your body. ♥️ we are stronger together.

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Picnic Table WOD

Using what is around you to get a great workout in; like deadlifting a picnic table!
Saturday in the park (we are back baby). Our WOD today was socially distanced and at the dojo, but in the lovely park area outside the dojo.

We started with our regular warmup (3 rounds of 10 each: sit-ups, pushups, squats, Samson stretch and good mornings).

Followed by 10 rounds of 10 wall ball Sit-ups (10lb. Medicine ball); 10 rounds of 5 picnic table deadlifts; and picnic table clean and presses. Swipe to see the movements.

The biggest challenge today was the humidity, it was hard to breathe before we even began. 

Did you know exercising in high temperatures and humidity increases your core body temperature, and in an effort to cool itself, your body sends more blood to circulate through your skin. This leaves less blood for your muscles, which in turn increases your heart rate. (Mayo Clinic).

So go slow, get plenty of fluids so you don’t get dehydrated, and keep an eye on what you notice with your body. 

Working out first thing in the morning and seeking shade can be a big help when working out outside.

With Lipedema we have to be extra careful, especially when we are wearing several layers of compression. So don’t try pushing yourself as hard when heat and humidity are not an issue.

Also, remember if you haven’t been working out like you are used to, due to Covid, you will need some time to build back up to where you were at.

Happy Saturday!

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Lipedema is not Lipidemia

Lipedema is not Lipidemia - one is a fat disorder the other is high cholesterol
One of the most frustrating parts of having Lipedema is that most doctors still don’t know what it is.

Currently there is no blood test for Lipedema, so chances are if your doctor says “let’s run a blood test” they heard you say Lipidemia (not Lipedema), and think you are concerned about your cholesterol.

It is one of the reasons Europeans say Lipoedema.

To add to the frustration, a lot of doctors stop listening to you, talk over you, can’t see beyond your size, and just start talking gastric bypass surgery (which they also don’t know - bypass surgery will not do anything for Lipedema tissue).

Don’t give up. You can fire your doctor and find one more knowledgeable, or at least one more open to learning more about Lipedema.

UPDATE: Platelet factor 4 is a new breakthrough, so hopefully there will be a blood test for Lipedema soon (probably a couple years from now).

Saturday, June 27, 2020

OFFICIALLY 5th ANNUAL LIPEDEMA TRIATHLON FINISHERS!

Don't let Covid stop you from staying active and crushing that triathlon you had been training for.
Tomorrow we tackle the 5th Annual Lipedema Triathlon! #athome changes it up a bit, no pool, no gym, but we make it work!

750M SWIM: I started the day with a half hour on the rowing machine, in place of my 750M swim, since the YMCA pool was not open due to Covid.

20K BIKE: I rode my stationary bike for the 20K bike portion of the event. Here is my live post right after I finished it...

“ Holy smokes I did the full 20K bike portion! 
In prior triathlons (at the gym) I would average about an hour for the 20K, but I haven’t been training like past years, due to gym closings.

Cardio is my biggest challenge, and I just did a 30 minute row before getting on the new stationary bike I purchased for this event. 

This bike is different than the high end bikes at the gym, but I have been trying to do 5 minutes at a time (about a mile) during the day to stay active.

My goal for today was so 12.4 sessions of 5 minutes, started with the first one, and then stood where I was, stretched out, and tried to keep my stretch to 30 seconds.  Before I knew it I was half way done!

Once I get to the half way point of a workout, I’m usually pretty stubborn and try for one more mile, then one more, etc.

At 11.2 miles my pedal fell off! Literally. Thankfully my road crew (best husband and coach in the world) hops out of the shower and got me back up and running in about 5 minutes!”

5K RUN/WALK: Typically I use the treadmill at the gym, partly so I can hold on, so the #athome version was mowing the lawn! I was exhausted and took a small breather in between the bike and the mow, but coach timed me, I pushed hard and got a half hour in. Not sure the distance, I assume about half a 5K, since it normally takes me about or won in the treadmill.

After the Row

After the Bike

After the Mow


YAY, WE ARE OFFICIALLY 5th ANNUAL LIPEDEMA TRIATHLON FINISHERS! Congrats to all who participate in any way, and to those who helped us spread awareness.


Monday, June 22, 2020

5th Annual Lipedema Triathlon

It's OK to modify a workout - Creative At Home ideas for your Triathlon
June 27th  will be our 5TH ANNUAL LIPEDEMA TRIATHLON, and even Covid-19 can’t stop us.

The gym/pool may be closed but we are pressing on. All participants will be virtual, so make sure to say where you are participating from and what event(s) you want to do.

Biking and running/walking are easier to do from home, but what about swimming? What if you are like me and no access to a pool? How about rowing or rebounding? Or come up with your own version of what it looks like for you.

This event is our ALL OR SOMETHING challenge. One lap, one, mile, one step forward to your goal!

Not sure how much the following info applies this year with Covid-19 social distancing, So follow your own instincts and the guidelines in your town...

As I found out in our first year, triathlon races vary in distance, the one we focus on is the Sprint: 750-meter (0.47-mile) swim, 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) bike, 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run/walk. 

Here is a break down of what we will be doing come June 27:

Swim - The most common pool sizes built today are either 25 meters or 50 meters (Olympic size) so 750 meters will be 30 lengths in the smaller pool and 15 lengths in the Olympic.


Bike - Most bikes (road or stationary) calculate mileage, but if not, just calculate your speed (MPH) by your duration to get you to 12.4 miles.


Run/Walk - Most treadmills calculate mileage; or if using a standard indoor track (200 meters), you would need to do 25 laps for a 5K. If using a standard outdoor track (400 meters), you would need to do 12.5 laps.

A big part of our efforts to include as many people as possible, is to make the event virtual (meaning you can do it anywhere - in your own hometown, in your local gym, in the park, etc.). You can choose to do it as a relay as well. Just get a friend or two and each take a section of the race. Or get a group and each take a lap of the swim and/or a portion of each section of the race. 


It's a virtual race - you can do it anywhere!

If you want to do the entire race, but not sure you can complete it in the 9am-1pm time-frame, spread it out over the entire weekend, week, rest of the month. However you want to be involved, we want you to do so.

Here is a link to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080448abad2fa57-lipedema4

Want to help, but not able to participate? You can donate to either the Saratoga Springs YMCA or Fat Disorders Research in honor of the Lipedema Triathlon. Both are great charities doing a lot to help us spread awareness and fight back. Thank you!

Thursday, June 11, 2020

June is Lipedema Awareness: Learning to Love Your Body

Lipedema can change your body into something even you don't recognize, but hating your body won't make it any better, in fact, it makes it worse, much, much worse.
One of the biggest reminders during Lipedema Awareness month, is to find a way to love the body you have, right now, in this moment.

That is not always easy, but starting from a place of kindness towards yourself can change the outcome of all the efforts you put in to living with Lipedema.

Whatever we are thinking about ourselves, saying about ourselves, that is what our potential becomes. We are limited by our own thoughts.

So when you hate your body, when you live in negativity, then your body cannot improve. 

No matter how much effort you put in to “Fixing” it, until you change how you see yourself, you won’t improve, and no change will ever be enough.

Instead of focusing on what you dislike about your body, focus on something you do like. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, slowly start changing how you see yourself, slowly change the way you talk about yourself. 

I know this because I used to feel that way. Then one day I was in a seminar where the presenter said “treat yourself how you would treat a two year old child”; she asked us if we would talk to a child the way we talked about ourselves.

Tears streamed down my face, because I had a two year old child at home, my beautiful baby girl, who lights up any room she enters. I would never say the things I was saying regularly about myself to her, and I would jump all over anyone who tried to. So why was it ok for me to say those things to myself? It wasn’t. It isn’t.

So even though I have advanced Lipedema, that changes how my body looks, how society sees me, how I am able to move, and it sure tries to take away so much from those who have it, I had to stop hating my body. It is not my body's fault I have Lipedema. 

I needed to refocus my attention, my anger and frustration, because what I was truly angry and frustrated about, is that Lipedema was first diagnosed in 1940 and little has been done in eighty years to help those with it, EIGHTY YEARS!

Then I began learning to love myself by stopping the negative self talk, It took time, it was not easy to break this habit. I started changing what body images were in my Instagram feed, by following body positive people instead of what society told me I should be seeing. By doing so, I could see bodies like mine wearing gorgeous clothing, I could learn where they shop; I could see bodies like mine being active, and see how they made modifications to do what they love.

I started finding ways I could improve my own body image. I love feeling strong, I’ve talked about this before, by strength training and getting stronger, I feel like I’m fighting back against Lipedema, like it doesn’t have all the control.  I’m no longer a victim of it.

I cant change that I have Lipedema, so I can either give up and let it consume me, or I can take action, I can do something, every little effort I make towards my self care, makes me stronger emotionally, and physically.

The choice is yours, continue to live in self hatred and negativity, or start finding ways to love yourself. Show your two year old self how wonderful it is, right now, in this moment, and redirect your anger towards how little has been done for Lipedema. Start spreading awareness, in whatever way you can, take action!

Huge shout out to my dear sweet friend (and fellow Lipedema sister), the amazing Kathryn Max (formerly Kathryn Hack) for creating such beautiful body positive art. Contact Kathryn here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FatMystic

Trust me, seeing yourself as art will change your perspective, and it just might change your life ♥️

...and yep, if you didn’t already guess it, that is me in the picture.

Thursday, June 4, 2020

When I Wake Up: A Day In The Life of Lipedema

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links (at no additional cost to you). As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 


My morning typically begins around 6 or 6:30am with a mad dash to the restroom to urinate, which is a good thing, it means my lymphatic system is still working.

When we sleep, we are elevating our legs, which gives the edema a chance to more easily move out of our system (i.e. the need to urinate). If you find yourself needing to get up in the middle of the night, I have found elevating my legs a couple hours before bed to help.

While in the restroom, I brush my teeth and wash my face. Then I start my Lipedema Self Care...

6:30am Pneumatic Pumping: 1 hour session, but to get it setup, get in the garment, and then get back out and put it away again, it is about 1.5 hours. If I have extra time, I can also do a pre and/or post treatment, but that can add up to 2 additional hours, which I have yet to find time for.

Using a vibration machine to treat Lipedema; self care ideas and a day in the life of a Lipedema patient.
7:45am Vibration Platform: I do (2) 10 minute sessions totaling 20 minutes, but I do some Lymphatic Yoga posses and stretching before and after, so lets call this 30 minutes. I purchased the Vibra Pro in 2014 after an FDRS Conference Vendor showed us how it could help our condition.

8:15am Percussion Massager: I do 5 minutes on each lower leg with my Wahl Massager, I really wanted the Hypervolt, but it was priced out of my budget; I start with some reflexology between my big and second toe. This is to try to break up fibrotic tissue. I also apply Lymphoderm Lotion to my lower legs after the massage, in an effort to keep them healthy and free from any Lymphedema complications like wounds or worse case scenario, Cellulitis. Let's call this 15 minutes.

8:30am Get Dressed: This is pretty self explanatory, but I have to first put on my Juzo Dynamic graduated compression, luckily I have been doing for years, so I've gotten pretty quick with it. But it can be challenging to get on; I had to make the decision to wear knee high garments for everyday, the full legging style I could not keep up, so I need more practice with doing so, but that will add in a fair amount of time to your day. Let's not forget I have to do my makeup and hair, that can sometimes get shortened if I'm running behind.

8:45am Leave for work: I am lucky in that I live 5 minutes away from work, and during the social distancing requirements I can do more self care before starting my work day at 9am.

9-3:00pm Working: This is typically my work schedule whether in the office or working from home. When in the office, I live in a beautiful town and have a nice walk into/out of my office, and a huge flight of stairs that helps keep my active during the day. 

Finding a good (but low cost) option to riding a bike, this one comes with a comfortable seat, too!
While at home I am thankful to have a dog that needs to go out regularly, and I have setup some at home movement options. Like a Rebounder (mini trampoline), a medicine ball for some slam ball in the breezeway, and recently a stationary bike that I can do a few minutes on.

3:00pm Dog Care: Whether I'm working and home by 3:30pm or working from home, she knows when it is her time. A fun time playing in the backyard, throwing the ball, that she doesn't retrieve, but instead makes me chase her around the yard (think she and my husband, who is also my coach, have a game plan to keep me as active as possible). Then feeding her and cleaning the kitchen/dining room. Luckily the cat seeks me out when she needs love, and my daughter takes care of her needs (liter, food, water, as all are in the basement, and it is difficult for me to do the basement stairs, they are narrow and the backs of my lower legs hit the steps as I go down, which is incredibly painful).

4:00pm Workout, Art, Read: We also have battle ropes, which I found I can attach to the garage door and get an excellent workout in, or do an At Home CrossFit workout, or dance around the kitchen listening to music (all movement is good movement). I love art and watch lots of art shows, learning new techniques, and sometimes even making something, or reading (I started a book club to help deal with the emotional side of the pandemic) It is called The Flu Fighters Book Club (see what I did there), and I have regained my love of reading, what a great escape during this social distancing time.

I also have a teenager at home, and spending as much time with her as possible is high on my list, so adjust all the above for that.

6:30pm is typically Dinner: I am super blessed that my husband loves to cook, and he is the maker of of our dinner. We sit at the table as a family every night and catch up and enjoy a nutritious meal together. Typically watching Bob's Burgers, Trevor Noah, Life Uncontained, or some interesting YouTube video our teenager wants to share with us.

8:30pm back to the start: I am getting ready for bed, or should I say round 2 of the pneumatic pumping. It is harder to do at night, when trying to spend time with your family, but don't want it to go too late so that you are keeping your husband up. You have to wear loose fitting clothing, so no compression, and socks, which I had to borrow from my husband, as when you wear compression you have little need of socks, so another component of pumping is changing your wardrobe before and after. It is not a huge deal, but it adds time, and when you just want to go to sleep it can become overwhelming.

Now all that being a typical day, I also like to try to get in some dry brushing, cupping, more stretching, reiki, etc. So any additional self care that my condition needs is on an as-time-permits basis, and on the days I am able to squeeze a shower in, something else has to be adjusted (aka, omitted). So regular self care is often a balancing act.

10:00pm Sleep: If I'm lucky I can get to bed by 10pm to try for that 8 hours of sleep, which is really important when you are battling a chronic illness like Lipedema. I usually read a little and hopefully fall asleep by 11, not quite the 8 hours, but typical of what occurs. I take vitamin D as prescribed by my doctor and do so before bed on an empty stomach.

The thing about Lipedema, is it zaps your energy normally, just living with the extra weight in your body, trying to go about your regular day (not to mention all the self care involved); then the added Lymphedema I have means I also have the toxins that do not get flushed out of my body like a healthy lymphatic system can do, so that also causes you to feel tired. But I am lucky, I don't have the restless leg symptoms others with Lipedema have, so they are constantly tired and trying to manage this self care diagnosis (which means we are responsible for the care and treatments we receive).
Lipedema Fitness has been spreading awareness for years, we even created the only Lipedema Triathlon in the world - with participants from all over the world!

Lipedema is a chronic and progressive condition. There is currently no cure. The sooner you can get diagnosed the better, as treatments work better on earlier stages, and you can do all you can to not progress to later stages. So I spread awareness as much as I can so nobody has to be diagnosed late stage Lipolymphedema like I was.

For more info: www.facebook.com/LipedemaFitness