Sharabelle bakes

Bella Italia - Gluten free/Dairy free Review Normally when planning to eat out with friends, it's not a case of where do you want to go.  It's where can you eat? Then there may only be one thing on the menu that's suitable.  Restaurants seem to think that all vegetarian food must contain some form of dairy, normally cheese.  Which is not great for those of us that are lactose intolerant or for vegans.  I'm a gluten and lactose intolerant pescatarian, which makes it even more difficult when eating out. Bella Italia is different though they have gluten free pasta and pizza dough alternatives available on there menu.  I've eaten at my local restaurant several times and the staff are always friendly. They are also great at advising what meals I can eat.  I always double check when ordering that no dairy is used in a meal, for example the fish dish I love has salsa Verde which contains cheese. Bella Italia Lenticchie  - Vegan w it...

The last 6 months has been hard on me.  My Depression has gotten worse, since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  So I thought I would share some posts that have helped me.  Some times, we all need a little reminder of things we already know.Just to get us through the bad times.  1.  Let it go Tiny Buddha There are a lot of little reasons that contribute to my mental health problems, and sometimes it's hard for me to move on.  Through counselling I've learnt it's better to view them as a learning experience.  If I find myself in any of those situations again, I'll deal with them better.  As someone told me, why focus on the past when it upsets you.   2. Who are we to judge People are quick to judge.  I do not ever want to make people feel the way I have felt.   There is a negative stereotype about people that have mental health problems or other invisible illnesses.   The experience ...

The way I eat has changed since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  I just don't have the energy to cook the same way that I used too.  I would make all my meals from scratch and cook one freeze one for another day.   My blog should really be changed too Sharabelle doesn't bake anymore.  Due to the chronic fatigue I've had to adapt my cooking habits, sometimes I get to the point when I don't want to eat.  My hands also occasionally shake, making chopping vegetables a nightmare.   Adapt So I've changed the type of food I buy and how I shop.  I buy frozen vegetables instead of fresh.   I still like to shop around for the best prices.  I also now shop every few days, instead of doing one large shop.  It's easier for me to carry, and gets me out every day for a short walk.  Which is great for both my mental and physical health.   Shopping List  Morrisons Nairns fine oatcakes - £1.00 Rice Dre...

Depression and me Weight I'm 5 ft 2 inches tall, at my heaviest I was 13 stone.  Looking back now I realise I comfort ate.  Another factor was I was afraid of not having any food in my digestive system, as not eating always set off a flare up of my IBS. I had tried losing weight in the past, however it always went back on.  That was until I was diagnosed with depression, and finally got help.  I started seeing a mental health nurse for therapy.   A friend at work started the weight watcher diet, and I joined her.  For the first time weight started to come off and stayed off.   Negative Stereotypes What people don't realise is being overweight is not just about being lazy or unhealthy eating.  This type of stereotype has caused prejudice in society.  Just telling someone they are fat or commenting on their weight is not really helpful. One experience I had meant I stopped eating for 3 days.  Others led to mor...

I always check out ingredient lists of food, to find those that are accidentally dairy free.  It's a bit harder for me now since I have to avoid Gluten as well.  However it's worth while, as Free From food is usually more expensive. Iv just discovered a great site that lists a lot of these types of food.  Accidentally Vegan UK Here are a few of my favourites that I regularly buy.   Aldi Chocolate coated orange Rice Cake bars This is one of my Aldi favourites, You get a great hit of chocolate and the bar is really crispy. Ruffle Raspberry Bar Pound stretchers sell these coconut raspberry bars for £1.00.   Morrisons Own Saves Dark chocolate Always check out the Saver range own brands, there the ones most likely to be dairy free.  My mum and I both love Dark Chocolate.  We ate a lot but Iv got to say this is the one we always end up buying.  

See Me Scotland Even if you're not from Scotland, check out their website.  There aim is to end Mental health stigma and discrimination.  For my part Iv decided to be more open about my own mental health problems with depression and anxiety. Many of us with long term medical illnesses like IBS, also have issues with depression and anxiety.  Not having control of your own body, never knowing when the next episode will be triggered.  Being scared to eat out, and apprehensive about travelling long distances without access to a toilet.  IBS is a hidden illness, talking about digestive problems like mental health is not seen as the "done thing."  However if we don't talk about them, we are left feeling isolated and lonely.   My mental health problems became worse last year when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  Dealing the IBS and mental health problems is hard enough, but adding on the extra health problems has overwhelmed me. Fibromyalg...

For the most part this blog is about living with IBS and food intolerances.  However people with IBS and other chronic illnesses also have problems with depression and anxiety. I feel this is something Iv neglected.  I'm a big supporter of talking about mental health problems, in the hope of breaking the stigma.    So those of us with mental health problems no longer feel they need to hide it.  Or in some cases feel ashamed.    So as part of the  See Me Scotland  campaign I'm going to start sharing my own experiences. THE DARKNESS  Hollowness fills me, it feels like a bereavement.   One minute I'm angry, the next deadened. Eyes open but not seeing, all emotions turn numb for my own protection. My mind keeps turning, I don't know or ever have seen the point in living.  The purpose of existing. Yet we are all pre-programmed to survive.  Sadness slips in, I mourn.  Then it occurs to m...