Welcome back to another captivating episode of The Beautiful Bag Podcast! I'm LeeAnne Hayden, your host, and today we're delving into a topic that resonates with us all – confidence. In this blog post, we'll explore the insightful conversation from our recent podcast episode, where we discussed how to build, nurture, and harness the power of confidence in our lives.

My friend, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity when it comes to maintaining and boosting your confidence. It's time to prioritize your well-being and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life. By engaging in activities that rejuvenate and energize you, you'll create a solid foundation for confidence to thrive. So, let's explore the transformative power of self-care.

The last seven years of my life have been a rollercoaster, grappling with the challenges of both Breast Implant Illness (BII) and living with an ostomy. In the midst of this difficult journey, one practice has been a constant source of rejuvenation and resilience - yoga. The transformative power of yoga has not only contributed to my physical recovery but has also played a significant role in improving my mental and emotional well-being. In this blog post, I will share how the holistic practice of yoga has been instrumental in my healing journey, providing a sanctuary of hope and positivity.

In today's fast-paced world, it's all too easy to rush through meals without truly savoring the experience. Mindful eating offers a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with our food, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nourishment it provides and enhancing our overall well-being. By cultivating awareness during meals, we can transform the way we eat, finding joy and contentment in each bite. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of mindful eating and share six practical tips to help you embrace this mindful approach to your meals.

It's time to break free from the cycle of downplaying our accomplishments, my friend. We have a tendency to focus on our failures and overlook our wins. But no more! It's time to shift our perspective and start celebrating every success, no matter how small it may seem. Recognize your achievements and give yourself the credit you deserve for your hard work and dedication. By celebrating your wins, you'll fuel your confidence and create a positive mindset that propels you to reach for even greater heights.

In our quest for better health, it's easy to get tangled up in a web of nutrition myths. These misconceptions can derail our wellness journeys, preventing us from reaching our optimal health. This is especially true for individuals facing unique health challenges, such as living with an ostomy or dealing with the symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII). Proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in managing these conditions and improving overall quality of life. This article aims to debunk some common nutrition myths, providing reliable, evidence-based nutrition information that can be particularly helpful for ostomates and those suffering from BII.

Today, I want to give a special shout out to all the girls like me who are working hard on loving their bodies. It's a tough journey, fraught with societal expectations, the pressure of media, and self-doubt. It takes a lot of strength and courage to navigate this path, but we're doing it. I am so proud of us.

In a world consumed by societal beauty standards and unrealistic body ideals, cultivating a positive body image has become essential for personal well-being. Embracing self-acceptance and developing a healthy relationship with our bodies can significantly impact our mental and physical health. In this blog, we will explore the power of positive body image and provide practical tips to help you build self-acceptance.

As the sun shines bright and the temperatures rise, summer is the perfect time to savor the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce. Whether you're an ostomate with specific dietary considerations or someone who values holistic nutrition, finding recipes that are both delicious and nourishing can be a delightful challenge. Fear not, for we've curated two delightful summer recipes that cater to a range of dietary needs and will tantalize your taste buds. Let's dive into these mouthwatering creations that are not only suitable for ostomates but also embrace the principles of holistic nutrition.

In a world where living with an ostomy can sometimes feel overwhelming, embracing new avenues for wellness and fulfillment is crucial. One such avenue emerging as a game-changer in 2023 is Multisensory Integration. This practice harmonizes the five senses – sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing – to foster a richer and more positive life experience. But how does this relate to the ostomate community? Let's dive in!

Hey there, beautiful souls! Are you on the hunt for that ever-elusive inner peace? You're not alone. Life is a whirlwind, and finding our calm in the storm is essential. I’m here to share my journey as a cancer survivor, and how meditation turned my life around. Not the cross-legged, “ohm” chanting type? Don’t worry! We’ll explore what meditation really is and how you can make it work for you. Buckle up, friends; we're diving into the enchanting world of meditation.

Greetings, beautiful souls! It's been six incredible weeks since I bid farewell to my breast implants and embarked on a transformative journey towards reclaiming my health and well-being. Today, I wanted to update you all on my progress and share the amazing changes I've experienced post-surgery. The decision to remove my implants was driven by my struggle with Breast Implant Illness (BII), a journey that has enlightened me to the profound impact our bodies can have on our overall quality of life. So, let's dive right in!

Superfoods are nature's nutritional powerhouses, packed with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other valuable compounds. I have included a recipe below using all 5 ingredients. So let’s explore the world of superfoods and how they can benefit individuals with an ostomy, as well as those suffering from Breast Implant Illness (BII) and those just wanting a healthier lifestyle. Discover how incorporating these nutrient-rich ingredients into your diet can support overall health, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Get ready to embark on a flavorful and nourishing journey, unlocking the potential of these superfoods. YUM!

Hey there, fellow health enthusiasts! Today, let's dive into a fascinating topic that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in our overall well-being: gut health. Our digestive system is home to trillions of microorganisms, and maintaining a healthy balance of these microbes is vital. Enter probiotics and fermented foods—two incredible allies in the quest for a happier gut. In this blog post, we'll explore the role of probiotics in gut health and discuss why incorporating fermented foods into your diet can be a game-changer. So, let's embark on this gut-friendly journey together!

Hey, fabulous peeps! I'm back with an exciting update on my journey after undergoing an explant surgery to bid farewell to those breast implants. Week 2 had been a game-changer filled with progress, freedom, and healing vibes yup! From soaring through the skies without a care to experiencing remarkable improvements in my symptoms, let's dive into the empowering details of this transformative week!

Start your day right with a creamy and nutritious breakfast that's not only delicious but also supports your overall well-being. As a Holistic Nutritionist and ostomy advocate, I'm excited to share with you a simple and nourishing recipe: the Creamy Banana Oatmeal Bowl. In this blog post, we'll dive into the benefits of this ostomy-friendly breakfast and how it aligns with a holistic approach to nutrition.

Welcome to my blog, where I dive into the realm of self-discovery, personal growth, and embracing authenticity. Today, we embark on a deeply personal journey—one that unfolded just four days ago when I made the courageous decision to remove my breast implants. Join me as I share the triumphs, challenges, and moments of empowerment that have shaped this transformative chapter of my life.

Did you know that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and communicating with the brain? That's right! The trillions of microorganisms in our intestine need to be fed with the right nutrients to keep our gut healthy. I recommend a diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. But remember, everyone's body is different, so it's important to test what works for you.

I just got done with a 10 minute run well actually 10:24 minute mile jog but who cares I was out there. I am not sure why I started wanting to run again after so long but I did and I am enjoying it. I started running in 2002 and did a half marathon back in 2009. Right after that marathon I stopped running and would only do it here and there over the last 13 years. But something in me a few weeks ago said to get back out there, so I have been doing a few walk/runs so that I do not injure myself.

I had this for dinner the other night and HAD to tell you about it. It is SO simple to make and had such great flavor to it! I am getting ready to go away on a girls trip, so I wanted to use up what I had in the fridge for vegetables. I even have the macro count for this at the bottom for those of you that count your macros :)