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 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.

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!

Done with Phase 1 of 75 hard !!

I couldn’t be happier lol. This one was so mentally hard! I don’t know whether it’s because I did it in January in New England or it’s just plan hard lol

Thought I would start today’s message with a professional picture of me thinking I was in a really good Yoga pose. It is amazing what you think you see in your mind and what it really looks like. But I digress because it really doesn’t matter. What does matter is doing something good for you no matter what it really looks like. You get better with practice and time.

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I cried a little this morning in a good way. Finished 75 hard yesterday and feel so accomplished. I woke up one Sunday morning after watching @mrsdukesfitspo for a few weeks and said that’s it I’m doing this and starting today. It was my grandsons birthday party day, I knew there’d be cake and celebratory food but made that commitment to myself. ⠀

Happy Thursday and day 5 of me doing the 75 Hard! Yikes, lol. I love doing things that stretch me, I have come to realize that I am a better person, wife, mom, grandmother and leader when I do. We have been back in NH for 7 months now and I still miss living in NYC. There is nothing like waking up to the hustle and bustle of the city. That said there is a calm to waking up in NH and being around that family, I am back here for them and they are the only thing that matters. So I am very happy about that.

I have talked about this a lot, and with my Ostomy, it is hard to eat too many leafy greens. So a great way to get the nutrients from them is to make a smoothie with them or juice them!

Here is a recipe that is delicious and full of vitamins and minerals. Plus you can run this through the juicer, or make it into a smoothie!

I always loved a big ass salad and ate one practically daily!
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But now with Ivan, I can't do that.
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Now I have to eat small amounts otherwise I would end up with a blockage.

Happy Tuesday and welcome to LeeAnne‘s kitchen!!!

This week is a bit different as you’re getting my photos of my oats and fruit that I had for breakfast instead of a video! Lol

Last week I chatted a bit about how there are a lot of foods I cannot eat now that I was able to eat before my Ostomy. 

So I wanted to give you guys some recipes and meal ideas that I make that are okay for me to eat without any issues! 

Tonight we are putting together a delicious pork loin dinner cooked in the crockpot with a side of cooked spinach (I am unable to eat this raw, but cooked is ok!) and garlic & onion smashed potato bites!!