My Crohnstipated Life

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy. But for those of us with Crohn’s, they’re more like an Olympic event.

First, there’s the food. The tables overflowing with rich, greasy, fibrous, dairy-laden dishes that scream DANGER to our guts. Then, there’s the stress—family drama, travel, and the pressure to be “on” even when we’re barely functioning.

So, how do we survive? Here’s my strategy:

• Bring a safe dish – That way, you know there’s at least one thing you can eat.
• Don’t let food guilt get to you – If Aunt Karen insists you try her casserole, it’s okay to say no.
• Take breaks – Sneak away for a moment if the chaos becomes too much.
• Listen to your body – If you need rest, rest. The holiday will still be there when you wake up.

At the end of the day, the holidays are about connection. And trust me, the people who love you care more about your presence than whether you ate the stuffing.

Stay Strong!