So, you’ve just been diagnosed with a health condition and you’re not really sure where to start. Whether it’s coeliac disease, PCOS, high cholesterol, diabetes, IBS or any other nutrition related condition, it can be incredibly confusing knowing where to start. We see you!
We get how complicated and downright wild the online world can be when it comes to nutrition and we want to help guide you throughout this next phase of your journey. Our goal is to help you to become confident, knowledgeable and empowered; because after all, you should be the expert in your own health.
You are not your health condition
No matter what you have been diagnosed with, you are not your health condition; this is a really important distinction to make. We are all so much more than the status of our health and while it’s up to us to do what we can to optimise our health, more often than not you didn’t cause this. Remove the guilt. Remove the ‘what if I’d just…’. These thoughts are not helpful and only reduce your desire to make a positive change.
Start by learning about the condition and management techniques
Knowledge really is power! Start by exploring where your knowledge gaps are and where you may need further help. Do you need to see a dietitian to gain a deeper understanding? Can you join a reputable association such as Coeliac Australia to gather some suitable resources and answers to your questions? Every bit of information you are able to gather and understand helps to reduce the fear around the condition and improve your self-efficacy.
Find other people with the condition that you can connect with
Sometimes knowing you are not alone can really make you feel a whole lot lighter. Reach out to support groups, start to look around for relevant associations or just talk to your family and friends about what is going on for you. You might be surprised to find someone in your wider circle has/is going through this exact thing! There really is strength in numbers.
Develop a plan and goal for yourself
Everyone feels better when they have a plan. Invest in yourself enough to do the research and gain enough knowledge to make a plan for how you’re going to tackle the next week, month, year, 10 years! Maybe you need to do a bit of a diet shake up or learn some new safe recipes, maybe it’s just a few regular but intentional tweaks to your current meals that are going to make a world of difference to your symptoms and health. Whatever it is for you, spend some time to really get clear on your why and how!
In summary, it’s important to recognise that things WILL get easier, sooner than you think. Everything is scary at first - your first time driving a car probably feels like a distant memory but once upon a time that was all new and scary for you too! With a bit of time, patience, education and practice you will soon be navigating your nutrition and health condition with ease and owning this next chapter in your life.