Day 10 of my new vegan lifestyle

I cant believe its been ten days!! I wanted to give myself a few days to see how things were getting on, how it effected me any notable changes etc.

Before I started on the first of June, I was worried my health that had got to a certain level of greatness, had dipped!! I couldn't work it out, was it stress and yes part of me thinks this did play a part in it, but something I had also been considering was too much protein being consumed.

I noticed a type of grease slick after urination!! I know I put the randomness stuff on here but hey lets be honest, as honesty will out!! I worried am I eating to much grease fat and animal protein, then I had some vegan cupcakes and though wow this is nice and perhaps I could do this way of life if I looked into it so that's what happened.

What came next was my body just rejected meat, I had eliminated dairy nearly a year ago due to intolerance, and suddenly I was faced with the fact my tastes buds no longer liked meat, my body was taking it into its own hands.  I was faced with the truth about where my meat came from and the products associated with it...I was shocked and seriously grossed out!! Being grossed out was the final straw, I started my new vegan plan and just got on with it.

So how am I feeling ...well my body things light to step and I am not sluggish, I am eating very well my diet is immaculate really, although I have had one night at a Chinese take away they specially made me foods to stick in with being a vegan and I am impressed with them. I have a higher nature B vital complex every day and also Spirulina in my smoothie every day.  I still take my omega oils and multi vits and mins, I try to have at least 8 fruits and veg a day and make all meals with vegan alternatives which is making a transition much easier.  For me it is not about what I'm eating its about good spices and herbs for flavour, so eating soya mince is cool if I have the correct flavours and tofu cheese is excellent.

The one thing that has stayed from before turning Vegan is a headache I'm wondering if this is tension related and that the move which goes ahead next week is causing slight insomnia and headache.  Once this is over I shall report.

Not only am I taking the supplements a lot of the foods are fortified with calcium, B12 and Vitamin D.  I will continue with this and see how it goes, one great thing is my gut hygiene seems cured.

Veganism

I have gone of meat - the whole look what they do to animals has got to me, plus I'm craving veg more and more each day.  Mums reaction "are you pregnant"!! funny enough I did think of this and took a test, like always it came out negative, so no Mum not pregnant just changing in my thoughts, likes and actions.

My first thoughts were looking into vegetarianism, as I thought that seemed like a good start as most of the meals I have are very veg orientated and all I would need to do is not add meat.  Then I realised that the only item of food separating me from Vegetarian and the Vegan lifestyle was Eggs.  I decided too look further and found P.S its Vegan which turns out to be Jen from the flat above as previously document this world is a small world.  This inspired me to explore this lifestyle change further!!

I don't like seeing animals in pain!!
I don't agree with how they are treated to provide us with food and products!!
I don't agree with hunting!!

So It makes sense that I start to live a Vegan lifestyle!! I do agree animals are equal souls to us and should not be exploited.

Fruit and Vegetables provide lots of nutrients and will restore my body to good health, along with water, and my supplements which are all vegan friendly apart from the fish oil.

This is causing me a few ums ad arrs, as do I try Chia seeds again and see if the body will get on with it as I never got to the bottom of the pains in my heart area the last time I tried them....Or do I try Udos choice ultimate oil blend which is also vegan friendly as long as you have the tonic.

Its going to be a bit trial and error for a while me thinks, but watch this space x

Stooopid Move

Well I have not felt up to talking about my feelings at the moment, as I have been to upset!! I hate owning a property what a load of parlava!! the buyer and I signed our contracts about 11 days ago and still we have no completion date.

Yesterday afternoon there were rumours of it being the 10th June which is next Friday.  To be confirmed !! story of our lives at the moment.

We decided to go for the new little red cottage to rent for 2-3 years happy days etc!! not to be as the letting agents said the couple will not return there calls, and I have the contact number of the lady who owns it and left to lovely messages on her voicemail to which she has not responded to.  I think this is rather rude, I would have called and said sorry not on the market anymore, or sorry we let it privately.

So we tried for a property out of our range offering a price 65 pounds lower then the stated PCM, which has been excepted, we are viewing it again tomorrow at 6.  The parking is rubbish down the road and I can see this being annoying to Lee but it is a beautiful detached property and has a lovely garden.

The stress of all this has knocked me back a lot wit my ME, I can now see that this will always be a juggling game for me in theory, stress makes me deplete, which makes me tired, which makes me not eat well or drink well, which ruins my health.

I need to handle stress better, but I have never encountered something so annoying as having to deal with solicitors and estate agents, no offence but why cant they do it quick like other countries or be nice to people.  My Plan of action - A new way of Life!!

Mum's Big Op!!

I have had an emotional couple of days, on Thursday we were informed that my mum will be admitted to Queens Hospital for a major operation.  This Operation, needed to be done in three stages, first stage they removed part of the leg bone which has a cancer tumour in it.  The next stage they needed to remove pins and bars from previous operations, and then re-pin it.  The third stage is a complete hip replacement operation.  Mum was very frightened, as were we all, we new this was a big operation that was very uncertain.  My mother has been a great fighter with her illness, Bone Cancer, an a complete inspiration with what she has gone from to date already.  Living with someone who has this disease is hard as you need to live your life normal as if its not going on, yet knowing that it is and certain things need to be considered.  It brings very scary times, as I was only 13 when she was diagnosed.  I remember  the day my mother told me it was Cancer, I was standing in the corner to two work tops joining, I was jumping up and swinging at the time I heard the door go.  My parents came into the kitchen and I sensed they had some bad news, I asked to be told as I was not a little girl any more, I said I was old enough to deal with whatever it was and be supported.  Silence met my words, and I just announced  "its cancer isn't it", my mum then said quite simply "yes" and that's when my little world collapsed. I spent many years helping out during these times of sickness, I helped my mum up out of bed to vomit, holding her hair back, I confronted my tomato phobia which back then I had, and made her bacon and tomato sandwich's (she lived on this during her chemo days).  I was there when her hair fell out, I was there for hospital trips for appointments and for emergencies, I saw this illness destroy, my mother and I watched her rebuild her life.  I saw her mobility get restricted, and reactions good and bad to medicines, it really has been a emotional roller coaster and that was just my side of it.

I believe this is what made me grow up faster, along with my previous loss, my younger brother, felt I left a lot of people my age behind and did not really part take in the adolescent silly fun they all got involved in.  This may have been a blessing, as at least I didn't get involved in drugs and teenage pregnancy, as that would have really changed my life and I am happy to keep my life lessons.

So Friday my mother was in theatre from 2pm all the way up till 8pm, with us all on tender hooks, my father was a recluse during this time and I distracted myself with research for my future.  I tried to remember the fact that worrying was not going to change the out come and that I just had to have faith and trust in it all turning out ok.  They confirmed last night she was doing good and in the recovery HDU ward, and today she has been moved back to the normal ward.

I am visiting tomorrow, as my father and aunt did the two slots today, Lee was doing all day training and an exam which is why I was not there.  I now hope to help optimize her nutrition and help her recovery further.

Me on ME Awareness day in Yellow top and blue jeans showing support x

Finally its a Meal Idea!!

This... meal is chicken shroved in the oven -then a measuring cup of chopped bacon, mixed veg, cup of peppers all frozen, cup of mushrooms, cup of onion and cup of gluten free Pasta, some lacto free cream cheese sold in sainsbury, 2 gluten free chicken stock cubes, some spoons of mixed herb, smidge of cayenne pepper and chilli flakes, garlic - most ingredients chucked straight in the wok to cook then add the cheese, herb, then cooked pasta, it really only takes 30 mins so a stool will help x

ME My Statement on ME Awareness day

Today is officially ME awareness week, as you may have guessed from the links I have been sharing ( again I am sorry if this has bugged anyone) and if you could share them I would appreciate it, to share and make the awareness of the illness a little more known. If not no worries x
I obviously have a personal reason for jumping on the ME band wagon, due to also being a ME sufferer - it was confirmed that I have had this since my child hood from a virus. Those that know me from school, you will probably remember that I was a serial part timer due to illness sickness - I was always on antibiotics. Those of you who have known me from a working perspective - also know that My attendance was a joke, I'm not under any illusion, I worked hard but I was always off ill and again on anti biotics.
December 2009 is when my life truly fell apart due to this illness - and July 2010 is when I was officially diagnosed after all them years. Unfortunately many doctors do not know anything about treating this illness and it does go undetected and fobbed off as to being many other illnesses.
My symptoms were - IBS - swollen tummy crippling pains, Asthma, Eczema, debilitating Fatigue, swollen glands around the body and painful nodes in my throat and cold and flu symptoms, heart palpitations, restless leg syndrome, anxiety, pale complexion with dark rings around my eyes, Candida, Coeliac disease, Lactose intolerant, deficiency in vitamins and mineral.
I have dealt with my ME with - Diet - a massive change avoiding sugar and processed as much as possible, Supplements, avoidance of certain foods and daily used chemicals and toxins, counselling, Meditation, and Pacing.
I am not perfect and fall of the wagon but I am determined and get straight back on the horse again and can say I'm feeling so much better, and its hard work but anything worth achieving in life is, so therefore I stick at it x
I'm not ashamed of this Illness although the stigma surrounding it is cruel - I hope people will educate them selves on the importance of food they put into there mouths and toxic products they use on there body - and I hope ME will be better understood and treated correctly, instead of saying exercise will fix it bollocks mate it makes it worse!!

This is what I posted today on facebook and Twitter, I feel I have freed myself by opening up to friends and family about my journey with this illness.

I really don't care what anyone thinks in a judgement way I have made a few people more aware - and if everyone did this there would be a better understanding of the illness, I would hope anyways.  It feels good and I am happy with the way my life is going x

Last night me and Lee had a huge heart to heart about how we are coping with all the new stuff and old stuff going on in our lives, this really cleared the air and helps to see our way forward in the situation.  It helps us to understand what we have said, for instance a  sentence may annoy the other person and be missing a whole lot of explanation out of it, when you explain the meaning behind what you are saying no to or yes to they can begin to see the whole picture to make a decision, rather then dismissing it immediately without thought or understanding.

Mum has to go into hospital today for an operation tomorrow, this bit I no like, and Lee and I are off down there this afternoon to see her before she has to have it x Its rather a big op that has 30 big wig Dr's involved and could get bigger depending what they find once in there ....to say my knees are knocking is an understatement and I cant imagine what she is thinking/going through right now:-(!!

Monday 9th of may

Is it me or is this month simply flying by... I believe its because we shall be moving in the next 3-4 weeks but wowsers it will be here quicker then I could have hoped for.

The last few days have been mostly me.  Lee has worked and only had Saturday evening and Sunday off, he was shattered bless him, but we still went to the BBQ at his parent Saturday evening.  I'm getting good at keeping to my diet when out and away.  Its quite lonely when he works days and evening, weekends, as expected but I do see that it keeps us so in love with each other as we miss each other dearly.  I understand that If I was working it would take the pressure off  from doing the displays although he would still do a couple if he wanted to.  We have discussed that due to the effects doing voluntary office work, I had an anxiety panic attack which I had not had in such a long time, that this type of work is not for me anymore.

I took on a huge responsibility, as the business owner did not know how to do any of the office work, nor did he know how to do the VAT, Corporation tax and end of year employer forms...Well I had not had much experience of the latter either but was learning via my mum in law battling through it with me.

Mum in Law had run her own business, but the lack of knowledge by the owner meant this was going into a blind situation and scrabbling to keep it functioning.  Although it was all completed the stress just hit and made me realise I was running a business in effect, just not partaking in the labouring part of it!!

I do wish to have my own business, but this was too soon and I did not know what other things were going to pop up and have to be dealt with, as it is a business in full flow!!

I hope to read up and learn how to go about starting my business and learning to grow with it and all the necessary legal requirements met, as it will be my responsibility that papers get filed and payments get made.  If I do not make this my priority and make sure all aspect have been met, it is me that suffers and the business, however I was not ready to take on this responsibility for someone else.

Its easy for a person to say "I don't know", and shrug off the responsibility of life but where does that get you, you wont grow as a person, but be stuck in an ignorant world of everyone taking charge of your life instead of you dealing with the hard decisions, protecting yourself against lessons and failures that teach and make us as people.  Its a childish attitude to have really, and does not show a strong character but a cowards way.  Life is for the living, that includes the tough times, hard times, scary times and all the great brilliant if Carlsberg made it moments all together as a package.  Picking and choosing your moments is a half life, and playing it safe means you never know yourself fully and what you are capable of actually achieving, who you could grow into.

I tested myself, realised I was a strong, inspiring individual who can be trendy, bit hippy, and  very nice person to boot, yep I'm good with that and long may it continue.

I have got half way through my big assignment and am happy with the work achieved so far, I also love the extra work I put into this, my case studies, extra reading materials and watching documentaries and interviews of people with eating disorders or using diet for illness.

I have been gathering ideas for when I have qualified, and starting up my business, I am really excited and will be glad to get it up and running with Lees help.  He believes I shall overtake him as the bread winner but we will see.  I just hope to help me, others and provide for my family, I have simple requirements, and If I can help other family members both health wise and financially that will be rewarding to.  Hope to start end of this year beginning of next depending how the course and I plod on together.

My fish died yesterday bless him poor Merlin hope he is resting in peace now x

Glamping, me and the Cheeky Boi's Team

The Cheeky Boi's Team have 4 meets a year, in which they compete against other teams for cups and awards, its really good for them to just have some fun and laughs.

The evenings are good food and drinks, chats around the campfire. There was myself, hubstar, mum in law, father in law, sis in law to be and her partner, his bro - we then meet up with the Jock's - not to offend anyone this is just what they like us to call them!! The jocks are three men who are great friends of hubstar and his family, supporting them through tough times etc etc!! each of the three are different and all good hearted and I am thankful that they helped my lovely hubby overcome his depression, suffered before our actually meeting.

This meet brings about a great group of people who have fantastic characters, and there are major laughs to be had, and ages vary greatly with a good mix all round.  I have mostly stayed away from the alcohol this time as I like to limit my intake due to my health, but I also have not been to one since I was officially diagnosed with ME.  We arrived Friday at 4pm after 8 hours of travelling, we set up the caravan and its awning, our changing tent, mine and hubstar's sleeping tent... cooked food and joined in at the camp fire.

I went to bed early, but they all partied hard with other teams wow the noise was loud, lots of merriment and jollies, but I was not bothered it was nice to lay down, but was rather chilly that first night even with thermals on !! man do I sound old and boring just now!! but I tweaked the blankets from then all on was cool. Saturday  was boiling and I had a cider some sunbathing, good food water, naps, toilet tantrums, shower with LUSH, and good chats with everyone then stayed up late and joined in the banter but with out further alcohol - seriously I don't need it to be mad I already just am!!

Same for Sunday apart from being woke up at 4.30 by a chorus of Mustang Sally outside the tent - then it died down again and I fell back to sleep.

There is something very beautiful and spiritual about Cumbria and we are based within a Quarry that has rocks and greenery so pretty - the Sky has no light pollution and is an amazing site in which you can see all the star's and their constellations, satelites, shooting stars.  You here nature at night and have fresh air all around you, you sleep with the dark and you rise with the light its back to nature at its best and that part of Glamping there I love - Why do I call it Glamping well I can still be me with my GHD's, fake tan and makeup - thanks to the caravan and Geni!! mum in law had a fright when sis in laws black lab broke in and stole the Biscuits she could only see the whites of its eyes it was hilarious.

My body likes to be away from all the electric energy at home, and fresh air really helps me clear my head and lungs.  I feel quite normal when camping not many symptoms what so ever I hope when we have the caravan we can pop away for little breaks that would be fab.... had some issues up returning to normal life, with stress from people, money and back to the sale of property cant wait for all this to be cleaned up now x

Poop issues, tears and tissues

Guess who's back, back again QBC tell a friend guess whos back guess who's back nanananana, Yep the five day break was glorious apart from one nightmarish aspect.

POOP !!

Seriously I have no taboo talking to anyone out there right now about poop, but I just cant go when I'm away from HOME!!

So I follow a fab fruit and veg included diet I go completely fine at home, making me think wahey I have mastered my IBS side of ME go me ... Then as soon as I stay away from my trusty safe bathroom, I bung up quicker then a concrete mixer!! I had my diet to a T apart from the end of the break when I gave up and carbed out !! hell ya I did chips chips chips - as I was already suffering the toxins of my non movers, thought F*&% it!! See how normal I am, Told ya!! I had smoothies, good meat and veg meals with fruit snakes, water to drink, and still nada...so why then?? even when it was happening I knew it was my own mind stopping me poop.  It mean putting on 6lbs - my stomach grew so large we were all awaiting meltdown!!Booom!!

From an early age I have not been able to poop if people other then my close family were around the home, and also never ever outside of the home...although unless emergency situations proved that to be some what difficult!! The feeling that heaven forbid people actually knew what I was doing, could hear, or be laughing at me as ridiculous as that sounds..I don't like people knowing that I am doing it!!! I mean other people do not have this embarrassing hang up, I was in the shower block and it sounded like the titanic had sank, but others don't care! its a natural occurrence which helps purify the body and heal it, so why the hell can I not let lose!!

I have a plan anyway my mum in law has said when she buys her new caravan this year we shall have her lovely little caravan - yay my own toilet woohoo, I shall be fine but am thinking maybe some hypnosis might help with the fear of toileting out of my own safe spaces - I get that this is a bizarre topic to blog, but I do know a few in the same boat if this helps you realise that your not alone maybe we can overcome this silly ass phobia x and since I have been home no worries what so ever in that department.

Never say Never part two

So right ok ya - where was I ...meh..ok yesterday made me realise that the Diet I follow to lead a normal life ain't half bad and in reality I am lucky and am truly blessed, with the options, support, people, and stuff in my life. that cliche saying of there is always some one worse off then you in the world hits home kaboom!!

I thought I was not wrapped up in my own bubble, that I saw the world and what goes on in it and didn't take my life for granted - but my eyes were truly pulled wide open yesterday, I had fallen into the pity party for one Ill have the steak medium rare cycle, that I so strongly wanted to avoid and realised how easy it was to slip there.  Well I want to appreciate my diet, the blessing that I have good food available to me most days except the last day before shopping day, that day is a little bit sucky food wise - but still good food that I can consume and others are not that lucky.  I'm thankful to the animals that died so I can have the nutrients required to live and function and that there sacrifice was not in vain, I glad for the sun and rain that helped my fruit and veg to grow helping me to again have the nutrients I need.  I appreciate the springs around the world which provide my mineral water which I drink every day, and for all the forgotten functions of the earth that give us life, its precious, its short, it has many lessons and I am glad for my part in it.

We are off Glamping tomorrow in the great outdoors of Cumbria - hoping the weather will be nice for the next five days, although to day looks fresh to say the least I'm sure we will have a good time.  We shall have good wholesome foods and drinks - fresh air and no electrical items to distract us ooooh !!

I am excited about the Royal Wedding, I think Kate Middleton is a lovely girl and have also admired the two princes, as there mother was a really great person, whom my late brother met at Great Ormond St Hospital.  I hope this match will usher in new positive energy into the royal family, and wish then every success in their future happiness.  Like most girls I'm excited to see her in all her beauty and attire - although I had been concerned I would miss it due to camping - but good ole mum in law has scheduled a stop at a good ole English pub to watch and drink to there good health as you do.  So like yay for that then we can take a happy festivities to the site and partay!!!!!

Random mention - we are trying for a baby, I really am confident this is now the right time and that I am at optimum health to do so - and shall advise any further developments.  It will also mean diet played a big part in sorting out my infertility issue that I had pre Jul 2010 - my last miscarriage was September 2009 and it looks as though Hugh's syndrome played a part in all the past chances I had.  Weirdest thing is it was sad but now I know it was not healthy and would not wish that on a child and trust that was the right destiny and that my time will come when I am a healthy person.

My mum told me the other day, she is glad I am a positive person that does not give up on life, like others that are told there is no hope and become defeated and live a half live, I continue to try, as she would hate to see me go through what others are currently experiencing, again I think this is a life lesson you get to a point where you think enough of this shizzle - I want better for myself, there must be a better way and then following your heart.

Enough of these QBC ramblings today me thinks - have a great holiday talk Wednesday x

Never give up on yourself - were there is a will there is a way - writing yourself off gets you no where!!

Yesterday was  a strange day to say the least!! I had a friend come to me regarding diet for a young man who is suffering with PKU disorder.  I went into over driver on this one, as this is a rare disorder which is so very sad.  Most sufferers have mental issues and some levels of special care required to function some form of relatively normal life, although others who have done the correct diet have gone on to do degrees.  I believe we have natural growing ingredients which can help the body fight, balance and regulate issues in the body, aiding the medical industry as such.  To  me the diet for a PKU sufferer, which is a low protein diet, is harder then it sounds as it is found in high amounts in most foods, its a amino acid within the protein that causes the trouble and although it is still required for healthy function and growth must be limited stopping dangerous levels affecting the brain. But it is required!! and therefore a sufferer really needs to be on a formula to make sure the body is receiving nutrients and the other safe amino compounds required to function at all.  Products are available in some areas, or used to be available to sufferers via prescription, as we are all aware the NHS funds are very short at the present time - do I blame Mr Cameron, No I don't as forgive me if I'm wrong but didn't the past inchargers fuck up our countries financial state of affairs by dishing out money willy nilly instead of to the necessary sick elderly and services required.  In our own lives when money is tight we tighten our belts to help it stabilise then re grow and let us have funds again and this is what our new gov is trying to do - unfortunately it is stinging us and they are taking the flack for it ....I can be hard on the NHS due to some of there choice but mainly as always it come down to funding. 

The Low protein Pasta, bread, and other required products can knock the sufferer back £7- £38 per item so many are living on junk, which is ensuring high levels of Phenylalanine into the blood leading to disastrous consequences.  Learning will be slow, knowing what is right and wrong will not be recognised, mood swings and attacks on loved ones or strangers and general unsociable behaviour - is this there fault - No - this is illness.  This means a lot of sufferers will be deemed unfit for work and having to look for help via the government and this will not pay for the products needed to keep healthy, as if they were on the correct diet and supported I believe they could work and have normal lives as I have read stories and seen evidence of sufferers leading a life like you and myself.

Although some may be counted upon the grams of protein so not to go over recommended daily amounts, Vegetables and fruit can be used in meals in amazing tastetastic dishes!!spices and herbs are good for the body and make most meals taste super amazing.  Some foods are called free foods so the idea is to have that as your main bulk then adding in a small amount of high quality protein as per your specialist or doctors daily allowance recommendation.

Some Ideas but must stress checking levels with your doc and spec, and counting as you go a little bit of effort can bring so many rewards to you.

A small bowl of cornflakes with rice milk - fried courgettes mushrooms tomatoes and onions - low protein flour pancakes - cantaloupe melon - oats with rice milk

curry - coconut milk tinned from tesco, turmeric and garlic, tin of chopped tomatoes or fresh - onions - mushrooms - peas

small portion of rice or jacket potato - sweet potato

Chili veg - can of chopped tomatoes - mushrooms - onions - broccoli - french beans - chili powder,garlic, mixed herbs - grated carrot - peas

fajitas veg - can of chopped tomatoes - spoon of cumin, cayenne chili pepper, onion powder, garlic, paprika - mixed - fry in a pan peppers mushrooms onions grated carrot peas to saute then add the mix to it and cook - this is lovely each will go with sides

Butternut squash fries - chop into fry shapes and coat with olive oil and sprinkle cumin and cayenne chili over them and over roast

water helps the body

fruit for snack although banana should be halved and split over two days

If the levels in the head can be balanced via diet then the brain in theory should function close to normal in my opinion.

Bank holiday wonderfulness

Wow what a wonderful bank holiday we have just had!! I went to stay with my parents for Friday, Saturday and Sunday - with my sister and nephew to, Lee joined us on the Sunday.  We had the huge pool up, with sunning on the garden chairs and good meals and BBQ's galore.

The Sun is so invigorating, healing and I just love to be out in it - My friend holly would be proud that I'm not wearing a house any more, depleting me of my precious Vitamin D hehehe. I have only gone and got myself some colour ....me who was the colour of pale so grey even I wondered if I was transitioning into a Vampire - was just waiting for my fangs to grow Mwuhahahaha!!!!

I was starting to be reminded of the cartoon from my younger day which I hated, called inside out boy - yucko - as my transparency was ridiculous -  but all is saved by sunshine in April, gosh if it stayed all the way through to September I would be in my element!!

I am excited that the flat sale is pludging onwards ( don't no if that is a word but it definitely describes this crappy zone of the sale), and I am busy house searching for our next home 'sweet as' home.

I'm half way through my course and have great ideas about the business I shall be starting up once completed, which is amazingly exciting and my hard work will be rewarded.

First stage of recovery take responsibility for your body and health

I know I have said about this before but seriously, people need to stop making and hiding behind excuses and waiting for the NHS to come up with a magic pill to fix everything. Cants, wont's shouldn't have to's will not see you back to health being able to run again, swim and relax in the sun again.  A lot of people will not see results if they are trying new approaches one at a time this is not enough, this is when they say it didn't or doesn't work for them....they tried and didn't like it or excluding it....I just cant live with out it ...its all crap and you may say its easy for me to be talking like this but REMEMBER I was a normal person hooked on eating crap, drinking crap, chocoholic, Chinese muncher, workaholic push myself stress head, exercising diet yoyo in mad hormonal women myself back in the day!!!!!Part of my lungs collapsed, rushed in hospital for stomach issues so on so forth so please do not be little my illness as it got as low as it could go....both my hubster and close family no this!! yet people think well you just couldn't have been that ill or bad with it like my loved one or me!!!


Don't kid yourself people can and do recover from ME/CFS and FM etc etc - ITS HARD WORK -  but in life the best lessons are learnt by not giving up and learning and believing in your self to get there in the end - My difference to the other person who is sick is my determination and belief, which lead me to where I am today and I feel great, I now love fruit and veg and the effect's its having on my health - and relaxing meditating is pure lush indulgence for me....I took responsibility for what I put in my mouth - how I handle life's challenges - sticking strong to my beliefs - and all that jazz and now like a butterfly I am setting myself free from my cocoon onwards and upwards ....


I truly want to help others and have a few people still following my eating suggestions and are still reporting good success and so thankful for my time and effort - I have others enquiring now also via the CFS Forum -  I don't wish others to suffer this dreadful illness!!!


Imagine the Horror of the enemy being a lot of foods and drinks we consume - if they were banned - the economy would heavily suffer - restaurant's, super markets, take aways, pubs all would crash and burn - although what we eat is our decision, a decision heavily influenced by high priced advertising initiated to do so.  More and more people are going to get ill - all for the sake of money and power, its so sad :-( !!


Remember that the higher power knew cigs were bad back in the 60's but only now there are campaigns and bans to try to cut it out - why did it take this long - it paid to well that's why!! The NHS is controlled by the Gov, Due to money the people we trust do not have our best interests and hopes at stake - we need to see through the deception that doctors can help cure all - they just stick plasters over every thing as best they can - I for one prefer to see if the old ways - food that are natural to our digestions, herbs and spices which heal via natures way can work - and so far so good people that's all I can say - look into this working along side your medicines and advice and good luck.

I love fridays whether employed or not!!

I have no idea why but Fridays to me are to be treasured and adored, the general atmosphere surrounding a Friday is an Euphoric one.  Everyone tends to be jolly no matter what happens on a Friday, you can slate someone on a Friday and they laugh likes its a joke so good times and all that ;-)!!


So I have done my voluntary hours doing accounts, which I hope will help when I eventually go to launch my new business be it the end of this year or start of next..who knows, must complete the course then things will really start happening.  I have 3 People suffering with ME/CFS as case studies I suppose you would call it, they asked for help I suggested dietary changes, in which I am very pleased to announce that it is helping with there symptoms and is great experience for my chosen career.


Today I watched Kay Gilderdale, on This Morning - trying to promote the cruelness of the Illness which is ME/CFS/FM what ever you wish to call it - by promoting a book she has written in memory of the Daughter she lost to it.  A tragic story in which Suicide/assisted suicide is involved.  Any person with a heart would know how traumatic and awful this decision would have been for a mother to do, I wonder just how many people could stand to see there loved one suffer so, every single day.  I have been through a tough journey I was at a point where I was losing the ability to leave my bed and function the speech process of my body this is damn scary, you are alert that without help soon who knows what else will stop...... my savior was my Iphone and the knowledge uploaded to the web and a forum run by a kindly, admirable lady.  A forum with members who will upload there struggles, goals and recovery therapies for others to grab at for hope!!!I owe my sincere gratitude to these people and I hope more awareness on this terrible illness is soon out there for everyone to be able to be more understanding, knowledgeable and be able to heal those that seriously need it.


At this moment in time I can only see this illness growing due to the western diet, abuse of chemicals in everyday use, stressful lives, and general rush rush rush lives.  We are subjected to so much which is actually bad for us, maybe individually they are safe as houses but come on added all up creates such a toxic overload and deficiency, intolerances its so sad so awful....why cant this be out in the open and dealt with in honesty.


Maybe if honesty was out there like what is on my beloved forum, Kay's daughter may have had a chance, before things got to bad, we need awareness, we need more knowledge - until then I will do my up most to help others with this illness. I send love, hugs and healing thoughts to all you fellow sufferers out there.


Today I received a letter from Bob Russell MP of colchester in reply to my letter regarding my concerns on the changes of DLA - I'm actually rather impressed by the response I got and have let others know.


Genuine people who require benefits should be allowed to claim and not suffer, this is why we pay our taxes - so far I should be returning to work at the end of the month, and I question why do we pay our taxes I know others will say that I should be grateful as other countries are really expensive blar blar so on so forth BUT!! we pay for the NHS who are over worked and under budget - but the tests are a little out of date and the ones we need are not funded by them - so lots of people go do this basic tests - get all clear - then left to rot!! Told its depression or worse all in there head.  Had the correct tests be made available on the NHS then surely the results would then be a whole different story!! testing just the bloods does not always show the demon, testing the cell can speak volumes - you can only get this done with certain private doctors...


We pay for benefits to help if we get sick, disabled or unemployed - But genuinely ill people are suffering whilst benefit riders are playing the system and get everything they want - yes I want the riders to stop or be stopped - but I also want the money my tax will go towards to, will help actual people who really need it.  My experience of being on JSA for approx 2 months - was awful, I hated being on it and gave it up as I thought if I stayed on it and followed all the do's and dont's of it I would never get a job!! They demoralise you, degrade you, look down on you, treat you like your special (not in a good way)!! For instance a meeting held I was told voluntary work would look good on my CV and make employers find me approachable to handle a working situation.  I went twice to sign on and was told all ok, then given forms to log it each week then at the next meeting berated that it was the wrong kind of voluntary work - you have to go work in a charity shop!! but I do Account!! I thought their rules and regs would retain me on to this crappy system rather then be able to get my butt motivated to be employed again.  I now have a valid job offer and I am pleased with myself.


country's financial mess at the moment  - this is all so frustrating so yes I think when I am working as a fully qualified - Nutrition, Health and well being Coach/consultant and have to provide my money to the system I kinda think - What is the point - what will I actually benefit from it other then shoddy services!! - This country needs re organisation and I really hope to see improvements and better help - I'm just ranting and think the services should be priority for improvement action plans.


On a Lighter note


I have been looking at house to move to three so far, unfortunately they are not suitable but I know the right situation is just waiting for the right time for us.


when I am ready to start my business I long for a lovely cream and peach office shed - three rooms first is an office for consultations, the second with loungey comfortable things in for meditation, therapies and the third private for me and lee, a Layzee spa room lush woohoo - yep I have it all planned not just your normal shed!! hell no!! it will be well insulated and warm and appropriate for all weather conditions... I'm so excited.  I saw some great examples, on a great blog via a facebook friend, her blog is mannmade.


Ok this is me done have a great weekend xx

Sunny Thursday

Well Howdy,


I have been AWOL, Computer issues, ladies issues and stuff stuff....Lee started his new job, we accepted an offer on the flat and now we have to home hunt as the person who may have had a property, does not have anything suitable which is fine, unfortunately nothing else seems suitable which is available....well I trust a suitable property will be in the pipeline when actually required just such a shame there is so much pansying about when it comes to buying selling and renting properties!!


So I have had a rubbish Uncle alberts this month took me of my feet for 3 days and today im feeling human again thankfully....I have fallen in love with a red diablo peugeot 206 convertible ...wowsers...its so prettttty!!!


Im so not patient I truly wish I was but I hate waiting for anything, I know this is bad for me and this I try to rectify and chill more, but house selling is boring, end of....


I have not done an assignment for 2 weeks I needed a break for my brain and will start with it on monday...I dont see lee much at the moment which is weird, I am quite alone and lost but will find a way to amuse myself I spose..


On a fab note its hot and sunny so lovely ...have I been out in it nope but its nice to look at.


Gosh Im whingey but im blaming albert oh well ta ta for now x

Tuesday and its unpredictable to say the least

Today started as a normal day, did 1.5 hours of voluntary work at Dave's due to a visitor going there.  Got on really well and I said to her that great things will happen in April, and I truly believe that, and gave hope to another person which is a great feeling.

Then I did some of my coursework, as I am so excited about nutrition and how I am progressing its awesome to say the least, then out of no where I got a call.

The lady that viewed our flat has put in an offer of £118000, which is far to low we just can't except that what with all we need to do....

So I can only have faith in the last lady to view on Thursday coming, to see if anyone will pay what we actually need, Patience and Courage is what my cards read and I truly will stick to my guns x

I avoid Sugar, Wheat/Gluten and Dairy and this is why??

I have to avoid Gluten/ wheat - why - because it stops my body absorbing nutrients it irritates my colon and causes a host of complaints;

    * Diarrhea

    * Constipation

    * Chronic indigestion

    * Chronic bloating

    * Poor appetite

    * Abdominal cramping, pain, and distention

    * Mouth ulcers

    * Lactose Intollerant

Its also know as Celiacs disease, now many have the test and are told it comes out negative, even though they are displaying symptoms.  There is a form of this which is related but shown with eczema, dermatitis, and other skin rashes or symptoms along with the tummy troubles, which will not show up on a normal test given....an exclusion diet will solve this if worked hand in hand with a dairy exclusion diet as together dairy and Gluten/wheat causes lots of issues if you are indeed intolerant - candidates most likely to be prone to the intolerance, are those suffering with ME, CFS, FM, and Autism, ADHD and other illnesses of the same nature.

I also have to avoid Dairy but not Eggs, Dairy intolerent symptons;

    * cramping of the stomach

    * bloating and gas

    * diarrhea

    * nausea

    * headaches

    * constipation

    * asthma

    * skin rash or hives

    * eczema

    * nasal congestion

    * blood in urine or stools

    * rectal itching or fissures

    * anaphylactic shock

I have also got to avoid Sugar although Im not diabetic, it causes me a lot of issues.  Issues that can occur are;

    * May suppress the immune system.

    * Sugar may upsets the mineral relationships in the body.

    * Sugar may cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.

    * Sugar may produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

    * Sugar may contribute to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection

    * Sugar may cause a loss of tissue elasticity and function

    * Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.

    * Sugar may increase fasting levels of glucose.

    * Sugar may causes copper deficiency.

    * Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.

    * Sugar has been suggested to weaken eyesight.

    * Sugar may raise the level of a neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

    * Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.                               

    * Sugar has been suggested to produce an acidic digestive tract.

    * Sugar can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline levels.

    * Sugar malabsorption may be frequent in patients with functional bowel disease.

    * Sugar can cause tooth decay.

    * Sugar may contribute to obesity

    * High intake of sugar may increase the risk of Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

    * Sugar might cause changes frequently found in people with gastric or duodenal ulcers.

    * Sugar may lead to the start of arthritis.

    * Sugar may cause/worsen asthma.

    * Sugar greatly affects the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans as they feed of Sugar and of      high GI fruit/veg, products.

    * Sugar may contribute to saliva acidity.

    * Sugar may decrease growth hormone.

    * Sugar may be the cause food allergies.

    * Sugar maybe enemy #1 of the bowel movement.

    * Sugar may cause headaches, including migraine.

    * Sugar may adversely affect school children's grades and cause learning disorders..

    * Sugar may bring on depression.

    * Sugar may contribute to hormonal imbalance; some hormones become underactive and others  become overactive.

    * and many more

MEAL IDEA - BEEF STEAK IN MUSHROOM AND PEPER SAUCE

STEAK IN A MUSHROOM AND PEPPER SAUCE - WITH HOME MADE HEALTHY CHIPS OR BROWN RICE

PLACE THE STEAK IN THE OVEN DISH - THEN MIX GF FLOUR WITH PAPRIKA, CAYENNE PEPPER AND BLACK PEPPER AND GARLIC - CHOP MUSHROOMS AND ONIONS AND PLACE IN AND AROUND THE STEAK - THEN MIX WATER IN THE FLOUR MIX AND MAKE A RUNNYISH PASTE TO POUR OVER THE STEAK AND VEG - COOK FOR ABOUT 40 MINS AND SERVE - SO YUMMY I FORGOT TO TAKE A PIC OR IT SERVED UP OPPS!!

SOUP OF THE DAY!!

THIS IS MY VEGETABLE BROTH/SOUP

I BOIL VEG LIKE SWEDE, ONIONS, TOMATOES, PEPPERS, CARROTS OR WHAT EVER I HAVE IN THE KITCHEN, AND WHEN DONE I PUT THE WATER IN THE SLOW COOKER FOR THE NUTRIENTS AND THEN PUREE THE VEG - I THEN ADD IT INTO THE WATER AND ADD MORE VEG LIKE SWEETCORN, BROCCOLI, PEAS CAULIFLOWER ECT ADD SOME GARLIC, MIXED SPICE, PAPRIKA AND CAYENNE CHILLI AND LET IT COOK - WARMING AND LOVELY X

Meal Ideas - My take on Hunters chicken x

BBq chicken with non dairy cheese and Brown Rice

BASICALLY THIS IS CHICKEN WHICH IS STARTED OF COOK IN THE OVEN TO BROWN THEN IN A WORK I ADDED MUSHROOMS PEAS PEPPERS ONIONS SWEETCORN AND GARLIC THEN BALSAMIC VINEGAR, AND BLENDED TOMATOES, SOME FENNEL, AND SOME CUMIN, I THEN PUT CHOPPED CARROTS AND BROCCOLI IN WITH THE CHICKEN AND POURED THE MIXTURE ON TOP AND OVEN COOKED FOR ABOUT 30 MINS - BOILED RICE AND GRATED CHEEZLY - I HAD MEANT TO COOK SOME BACON BUT FORGOT DOH HEHEHE WAS REALLY TASTY X

gosh Monday again wowsers!!

So I have left it a few days to post again as I dont want to be boring!! I am back to feeling tip top and had another lovely weekend.  I have been advising my mother in law about Adrenal burn out, as she described some symtoms to me which clearly ring alarm bells that this is the case and of course if this is left I fear she may suffer with ME/CFS in ten years time.  I can see the decent towards bad health, I spelt it out clear as day as to what to do to help I feel she partly took it in and may make some changes so fingers crossed we can start to reverse the affects.  In this day and age we forget all that is really important, all that our bodies need to maintain health and vitality.  We are easily led via the big glossy adverts and stars telling us what is good for our bodies when in fact they are actually selling stuff that damages, and even poisons our bodies.  Obviously they are misinformed as well, most people do not know what is good for them and what is bad for them and who are we going to believe, the NHS arn't really making a fuss about our diet, the government does just enough with the jelly baby plaster-cine people to get us thinking a little about what we are doing...but it still is not enough information to help us help ourselves.

Fizzy drinks leave us poisoned and dehydrated - dehydration leaves us with the promise of illness and disease

Sugar - messes with our hormals, helps to burn out our adrenal and thyroid organs/glands, messes with our blood leaving us with the promise of illness and disease.

Pesticides and preservatives - upset and disregulate out bodily systems/functions, poison us, and causes the organs to get stressed and damaged....

And why is this, which is only a few items I could have mentioned, allowed to continue, like always it so do with greed, MONEY talks people, it means more to some people then our health and our environment.  We, like our planet is dying due to these actions....think about what you are putting into your bodies, healthy food = healthy you = healthy mind and good ideas, thoughts = more energy = make better decisions = treat the earth better = better foods with nutrients = healthier foods = healthiery you!!

Monday again but off to see mum x

I have had a better weekend, I seem to have conquered my stress although I really suffered from indigestion in my heart area and down my left arm scary I know but sometimes I get it there and have to wind myself geez 31yrs old and having to be winded like a baby but hey the body needs to do what it needs to do have done a lot on rest Sunday, and Saturday was a town visit in which I had an awesome time in Lush Colchester as there were having a club themed day with DJ and everything.  We both had a minty cocktail alcohol free which was Divine and got some free toothy tabs which are great must get more.

I also went into a health shop in Colchester which was next to the dollhouse shop, I have an idea that it would be good to work in a shop like that to learn about the products I may be interested in when I qualify!!! Well I have never been treated so badly in all my life this shop, were so rude to me I did not realise people could be so unprofessional.  Now I'm a very respectable clean looking woman, I use Lush for goodness sakes and have a polite bob newly cut and this woman looked at my CV looked at me and said I don't think I will keep this there is nothing suitable, their are no vacancies.

Now I have always know that if there is not a vacancy the polite thing to do is say we will keep this on file even if they throw it when you leave.  It was insulting and I got to thinking if they can treat me like this and I have been there a few times previously and I believe this other lady that I have been served by may be her daughter, seemed a bit rude so maybe they have no people skills, and do not actually care about the people that walk in there shop for advice and hope.  The other girl made me feel she was judging me when I explained about my ME and my journey to here, she seem cold, maybe they are only after the money there expensive products brings them. 

Now round the corner there is another health shop and my nan by marriage even recommended them and said how nice, friendly, helpful like they really care and want to help, were a complete opposite and I shall be buying my bits and pieces from there from now onwards x

We had a meal for Lisa, my sister in law's birthday in which I had ham egg and fries, as I just fancied it and seemed to fit as close to my diet as I could get it x

Wednesday but not feeling very me ish!!

So anyhoooo...I have left it a few days to blog, as I didn't want to churn out the same old same old.  I had an eventful weekend off to northamptonshire to see my sister and my nephew, things are tough as my sister has separated from her husband just this Sunday gone.  Its sad but if its getting heated then separating and not subjecting the boy to it is best.  Sometimes relationships drift apart, people can become like ships in the night just passing by honking at each other as they pass through the rippling water.  Even though someone may love the other person, that person may need more then they can give them emotionally, or the love just dies....its not any ones fault really if you start to dissect a relationship there is usually signs on both sides as to why the damage has been done and how long for.  Sometimes a person needs to be alone to realise what mistakes they have continued making in life, and addressing the cycle and reversing the affects and learning who they are what scares them and to confront that fear and move forward.  This is an area I have been in myself before, I took time out to remember who I was, who I wanted to be and how to make changes to get there also learning new things about me along the way - so yes I have experience and can have an opinion.


On Saturday we went sledding in the dome at Milton Keynes OMG!! its great for the kids and adults who can free themselves of there inhibitions...at first this was not me ...I started down the slope not moving much trying to push my self off when it catapulted me out of the round flat sledge, hence me not impressed!! then I whooshed of and fell out of it again...but the reason I'm actually promoting this rather then saying negative things is it was due to my fear that stopped me enjoying and relaxing into it..I was so rigid no wonder I slomped out twice lol everyone got a giggle anyways.  At the bottom of the hill I stood for a while collecting myself while the others whizzed by me with joy and delight on their happy little faces, and lees big face hehehe!! I then decided who do I want to be a quitter scared of anything that I'm not in control off?? or give things a general chance and feel OK with the freedom of it all, its OK not to be in control all of the time and this appears to be an issue I have stumbled across with myself.  Yes I got up that slope again and again and boy would my physio be proud of that GET session I gave myself, hard to believe a year ago no chance any of this happening unless some one dragged me up there, of let me use a ski lift! In fact last year I went down one in the real snow on a small slope but it was that I was at the top anyway and hubby had to drag me back up!! oh and I fell out side our flat in the snow and slid down involuntary on my ass!! but that's a whole other story now.


So yes we did chains and we down in twos and fours, we had lots of fun in the snow within the dome, it was great.  We looked around the shops and restaurants and many other activities it had there, so yes I will go again and I do recommend it, maybe one day I will learn how to ski there hehehe!!


Sunday I went to a wedding fayre to hold a stall for our uncles business, it was great I was please by the way I was handling all this activity it was a long day but I held it together.  In the evening we were treated to a Toby carvery, which I really do enjoy there veg I have tons of it with turkey and gammon always.  This is where I let myself down though I had a small white wine and a Ice cream, hence my moods have be chaotic these last few days and its only today I realised why.  So yes I'm not perfect but I still learning even now thankfully I have not had fatigue but have been sleepy by 9pm, so I am playing it by ear.  Mainly my stress levels have gone up due to JSA, and trying to sell the home, 1) I hate being on JSA and truly hope it stops soon, going into that building is soul destroying, demeaning and gives you a complete sense of hopelessness I dread it each two weeks I have to sign on, so fingers crossed I am giving a job soon, a proper job. 2) my neighbour stitched us up and now it looks we could wait a while to sell and quite frankly I'm ready to move on now - I know I'm impatient I tried for ages to go with it but now I'm fed up and getting quite down about it!!


At  least now I have been back to my normal routine and hopefully the moods will even out today, I can now say Lee has a new brilliant job which will help us and I hope that my time will follow and the flat will sell, so we can have that great house with prospects galore..OK this is me signing of today peeps have a good one x

Fish Pie - GF and Dairy free

In a work or big pan heat veg like spinach, onion, brocoli, carrots, sweetcorn, peppers, or any others which take your fancey, when softened add fish portions of your choice - with either soya milk or rice milk mix some in a cup with flour either rice flour, corn flour, millet flour into a paste like consistency - place some of the milk in with the fish then add the past to the mixture stiring until it makes a nice thick sauce add garlic rosemary tyme and a pinch of mixed herbs and a pinch of chilli to warm it up  - again boil the veg to mash as above - put fish mixture in the tray or bowl and lay the mash on top x cook for about 30 mins

Feel free to great some cheezly non dairy cheese of top to enhance flavour.

Monday mayhen

Well the first 2 pictures are actually from last nights dinner, for me Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables with Carrot,Swede, and Sweet Potato mash yum !! Lee had brown rice with his and I'm told it was equally yumtastic!! the picture below is our Mixed nuts and dried fruit trail mix, for snacking on.

This bit really shouldn't be mixed with food but anyhoo its my story hehehe!!

Well today I had to go to the Doctors, as I had a follow up Smear (the Joy!! not) test to be actioned, as last Feb I had abnormal cells show up, then Oct said clear and again we will see.  Now I find it interesting that the second one, displayed normal cells after 2 months of my lifestyle changes in placed.  I wonder if that had something to do with righting the problem. 

The problem that remains is I cant cope with the pain of the actual test which apparently needs addressing and next week I'm off to see my doctor.  I thinks its muscular pain like bruising, and it has gotten a bit better, I there fore wonder is continued good health measures with sort that out as well, alas I will let the medical professionals test to make sure there is nothing sinister before I just get on with it.

The more important fact I walked to the Dr's, then went the longer way home, as Lee is walking to and from work to tone up and I don't want to be left behind and flabby, therefore I know I am supposed to be upping my fitness anyway but I don't want to go jogging in the rain around the block as agreed with my physio, I dusted off my Davina workout DVD and did the warm up and part of the boxing routine.   Wow what a difference when I used to try working out before my diagnosis and before realising at that stage I was only making things worse, doing a workout felt like I could not get of the ground and that when I did do a jump I would snap my own legs with the weight and gravity mixed !! but today there was me with a spring in my step jump jump box box, ya get me hahaha!! I enjoyed it and It was a truly different experience.  My face did not go red, I didn't sound like a rotty on a hot day, nope nope no panting at all, I did not drown in sweat  - I could tell my body was heating up to the workout and it just felt right, no collapsing in a heap thereafter needing a clean up on isle 4, I actually have faith I will be able to do this 3-4 times a week to build my stamina up now and will keep my blog posted on my progress x

I still have my fingers crossed that we will get an offer any day now, and am really looking forward to the next stage in my future x

FACT - You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink!! this is so true people ask for my advice I speak honestly and they nod and smile, as a friend said "I can have my gluten free dairy free nasties free cake and eat, enjoy it !!" - and - Rome was not built in one day ....

Scrumlette or Omble anyone hee hee hee

This is inbetween a Omlette and fancy scramble egg!!

It is really tasty, an excellent Paleo/Stoneage diet breakfast or brunch.

Fry in a wok onions, mushrooms, sliced ham, good quality gluten free sausages, peppers if you have any - then add mixed herbs, garlic - cook until sausages display a cooked colour then add in two whisked eggs and stir and scramble the whole mixture - then when egg is cooked add grated cheezly - toss about then serve.

Its so yummy I love it x

Liver and Bacon - full of goodness

Again I must mention that the bacon must be without any chemicals, I find basic bacon or value is just what it is bacon no tampering, so this is my tip for you.

Fry in oil liver chopped into bite size pieces, along with chopped bacon, onion, mushrooms until veg are softened and meat is cooked and changed in colour - then add gluten free gravy and some garlic to enhance the flavour once gravy thickens it is ready - this goes nice with steamed veg, jacket potato or mash x