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Living with a stoma, ostomy doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favorite foods—it’s all about finding what works for *you* and your body. Spoiler alert: the “off-limits” list isn’t as long as you think! 💃 And it shouldn’t be, if you have food intolorates then of course these have to be thought through but still that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the food you enjoy.

First things first: strength starts from what goes in your mouth, so don’t shy away from fueling your body. Every stoma, ostomy is unique, so if you’ve heard blanket rules like “no nuts, no seeds, no fun,” let’s bust that myth right now. What works for one person might not for another, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s about trial and (tasty) error. I have found that I can have a small amount of seeds, nuts and fresh fruit and raw veg but I can still eat them. I have found that when I eat veg, salad and fresh fruit eating some carbs help with my output and slowing down the food traction.

Here is the link for accessible toilet apps  https://bit.ly/43DnL6g

Don’t Fear the Festive Feast!
Ah, the holidays—a time of joyous eating… or is it? Staring at a table brimming with treats shouldn’t fill you with dread. Sure, some foods might need a little finesse. Chew well is one of your best forms of ensuring that your food is digested better, introduce things gradually, and maybe keep an eye on portions at first. One thing you can do is keep a food diary and don’t forget to write how your body responded to it.

For instance:
– Meat? Go ahead, enjoy it! Just maybe skip the dry piece no one wants anyway. 😉 Remember to chew, chew, chew.
– Veggies? Cook them well, and you’re golden. Soft, roasted carrots or buttery mashed potatoes? Yes, please! To start with cook veg until soft then you could in small amounts have them a bit more crunchy. Again this is a bit of trial and error, sorry but you can do it.
– Desserts? Yes, even a little pie can fit in your plate. Just savor it slowly.

Are you unsure what is needed in your bathroom here is the link to see what matches my list https://bit.ly/3yyyJiv

Keeping It Real
Living with a stoma, ostomy isn’t always smooth sailing, but let’s keep it simple: food is joy, nourishment, and connection. If something doesn’t sit right, your body will let you know. But don’t stress—there’s always room to tweak and adapt.

Need help figuring it all out? I’ve found a fantastic specialized guide to support your journey (link below👇). It’s packed with tips for introducing new foods, meal ideas, and advice for navigating those tricky moments.

Let’s make food your friend not the foe, https://bit.ly/3RBSE76

This season, let’s replace food fears with curiosity and confidence. Comment below or share your experiences—what’s one food you’re so glad you didn’t give up? Let’s cheer each other on! 🌟

✨ Join “Stoma, Ostomy What a Bag!” for more tips and support. https://bit.ly/3tpiv5s

In 2013, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. After battling through surgery and treatment, I received a second chance at life, but it came with a new reality—a permanent ileostomy. Navigating the emotional and physical challenges of living with a stoma was not easy, but it has shaped me into the person I am today: resilient, compassionate, and determined to help others on similar journeys.

As a trained clinical therapist, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my work. I understand the mental toll conditions like cancer, anxiety, stress, and grief can take, especially when compounded by living with a stoma, ostomy. My passion lies in breaking the barriers and stigma surrounding stoma care, providing support, and empowering individuals to embrace life with confidence. Life with a stoma can be challenging, but it is still precious, and I believe in helping others discover that they can still live fully and thrive.