I’ve been working on a “Getting Diagnosed” workshop, and I have to say, getting diagnosed is tough! How do we maneuver the medical system to work to our advantage? It’s not easy, especially if you don’t feel well and are limited in time and money.
With this disease, we need both. And yet, we are so resilient and determined to understand what is happening with us. Somehow, we continue to forge ahead to get the treatment we need to feel better.
The collective effort is not lost on me. I feel a strong desire to educate and advocate for Lipedema women. I understand the barriers we need to break down for doctors to hear us and get them to want to treat us. At times, it seems impossible.
However, there are little wins every day. And when I look back over the past few years, I see our progress. It is genuinely mind-blowing if I look at the big picture.
We are making progress.
This momentum is what keeps me going. It’s a long haul, and I see that. I hope you see it too. And if you don’t, if you feel like you’re fed up with all of this, take a break. Rest and do some self-care. Then, when you’re ready, get back on it.
I’m here for you, and I know many other women are there for you, too.
Have you ever tried using AI for a recipe?
Instead of scouring the internet for a Lipedema diet-friendly recipe, I went to ChatGPT asking for an exclusive recipe. My prompt was, “Give me a recipe that is keto, dairy-free, and RAD diet with a lot of protein and is a hot dish.” Here’s the recipe:
Spicy Thai Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
For the Stir-Fry:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas or green beans
1/4 cup sliced scallions (green onions)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges for serving (optional)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons coconut aminos (a soy sauce alternative)
2 tablespoons fish sauce (check for RAD diet compatibility)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1-2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon honey or a keto-friendly sweetener (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, fish sauce, lime juice, Thai red curry paste, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken and cook until it's no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas or green beans. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with sliced scallions and chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve the Spicy Thai Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry hot, with lime wedges on the side for added flavor.
This Spicy Thai Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a protein-rich, dairy-free, and RAD diet-friendly hot dish that's packed with vibrant flavors. Adjust the spice level and sweetness to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy!
Resources!
Here’s a free event for Kimberly Rose for a Guided Well event.
Are you interested in becoming a part of the progress in Lipedema treatment? Go to The Lipedema Foundation project called ‘Legwork,’ which connects you to clinical studies happening in the U.S. and worldwide.
Want a downloadable handout about Lipedema? Go to the Lipedema Treatment Guide Website. They also have other fantastic resources too.
Not a resource, but I found this NIH article looking at non-surgical Lipedema management in a case study of five Lipedema women. If you’re interested, take a read!
Thank you for reading Lipedema and Me. Without you, I wouldn’t be doing this!
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Take Care,
Michelle