Join me on my journey on how to live well while being diagnosed with lupus.
Vegan Banana Oatmeal Bars! This is a simple recipe I got from Fernanda Mello´s Instagram: it has no added sugar, it is nutritious, made ....- Findings from a Lupus Foundation of America study show a high level of burden with current treatments and unmet needs in managing lupus symptoms. ....
- As I spoked about the benefits of matcha in the latest blog, today I brought 10 evidence-based benefits of green tea, which is touted to ....
- Did you ever drink matcha? I’m in love with it! It is super healthy, and you can invent many shakes using the powder as an ....
- There is no special diet for lupus, although an anti-inflammatory diet can help to manage inflammation symptoms. You can find a lot of healthy recipes ....
- This is a message translated from an Instagram post of Ana Furtado, a Brazilian TV host. I found it very inspiring. Please read it and ....
- Creating balance is often a significant part of what goes into cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sweets, on the other hand, aren’t typically held to ....
- No matter the area of expertise, our achievements and accomplishments in the workplace contribute to our self-image and identity. It’s not surprising that people with ....
- Anxiety and depression are stress- and mood-related disorders that are common and can be potentially severe. They’re predominantly treated with prescription medication, therapy, or ....
- How about a Low Carb Dinner? Try this simple combination: endive with ricotta (mashed with olive oil and fine herbs) + smoked salmon. You ....
- I am not sure if there is any scientific proof that spirituality can make us happier, but I can speak about myself. The answer is ....
- Today is social media day, and besides the opportunity to connect with my old and make new friends, learn and share knowledge, they are vital ....
- “Stress and anxiety are the most common combined symptoms that I treat and see,” says Rachelle Robinett, herbalist and founder of Supernatural. That has been ....
- Lupus is a chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body and affects more women than men. It is estimated ....
- Summer is finally here to remind us that the sun is always shining – even when we don’t see it! Somedays, it is ....
- My husband and I have been married for 21 years. So much has happened since I said yes. We lived and worked in 3 ....
- Even before my lupus diagnosis, I always advocated for a healthy life and incredibly healthy nutrition. Recently, I read that researchers say a ‘5-a-day ....
- I love Thai-style coconut soup! It has everything I need for a nourishing meal in one bowl. Since I avoid gluten, dairy, and ....
- Curious to know which are the world’s healthiest foods? The George Mateljan Foundation published a list of the 100 healthiest ones. They selected ....
- I posted some weeks ago about polyphenols – what they are and which foods are rich in them. Despite that, you know that I ....
- Everybody talks a lot about the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. And we know to protect ourselves outside with wide-brimmed hats, ....
- As today is National Cancer Survivors Day, I am here to write about gratitude. Last year I posted a series of blogs about my ....
- I’ve been avoiding gluten for years now because it worsens inflammation. When you have an autoimmune disease, like me, you usually need to maintain ....
- I have been managing anxiety for some years now, especially after I got my Lupus diagnosis. At that time, besides taking care of my ....
- As we are closing Purple May, a month dedicated to the awareness of inflammatory diseases, including lupus, I wanted to finish my series of posts ....
- Buying organic fruits and vegetables is super important for our health, but it can get costly pretty fast. A visit to a high-end grocery store ....
- For us, diagnosed with lupus SLE, the story of fatigue and cognitive dysfunction is what Dr. Melanie Harrison compares to the tale of the “chicken ....
- When it comes to wellness, many people commonly set individual health goals, such as engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, ....
- What is the Best Workout to Uplift the Mood? Unlike many people think, people with autoimmune diseases not only can – but should – exercise ....
- 6 Delicious Gluten-Free Pasta Recipes! Since I have been diagnosed with lupus, integrative and naturopath doctors recommended an anti-inflammatory diet. So, since 2013 I stopped ....
- Lupus and our Bodies May is our lupus awareness, so I decided to talk about the symptoms once again, as I am in the middle ....
- For more than one year, many of us have struggled through feelings of isolation and loneliness because of COVID-19 restrictions and enforced physical distancing to ....
- Do you know why greens or produce deep in color are an essential addition to your plate and vital for optimal health? Polyphenols are ....
- Today is World Lupus Day, and we are currently at Purple May – the Lupus Awareness Month. In honor of these dates, I am ....
- For many people, wealth, power, and beauty are their primary goals. Living in Silicon Valley showed me the power of money with so many successful ....
- Mother’s Day is coming up, and if you haven’t bought a special gift for your mom, or if you want to do it yourself and ....
- Since I have been diagnosed with lupus, I started reading about nutrition as my doctors told me that my diet would make a massive difference ....
- People around me usually ask what are my lupus symptoms and how I discovered I had lupus. I look fine, why don’t I look sick? ....
- Café Gratitude is a small chain of organic, vegan restaurants in California. Their vegan key lime pie is almost too good to be true. You’d ....
- As the vaccine rollouts continue in the coming months, friends and families living in different states and countries are experiencing vaccination discrepancies. It is already ....
- Did you know that there are three major categories of lupus erythematosus (LE)? Acute (A)CLE, subacute (S)CLE and cutaneous (C)CLE. As the Lupus Awareness month ....
- It’s time to talk about lupus. The immune system usually fights off dangerous infections and bacteria to keep the body healthy. An autoimmune disease ....
- I am falling in love with Ayurveda. The more I read, the more fascinated I get. Ayurveda is not about a diet; it is a ....
- I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get confused about health and nutrition. Even qualified experts often seem to hold opposing opinions. Despite ....
- Like me, you’ve probably read a lot about new strains of the coronavirus cruising around the world these days, from Brazil to South Africa, and ....
- I love my dog. Cooper is always by my side. Rain or shine. Sweet and cuddly, he is the best buddy in the world. I’m ....
- Moussaka is a popular dish in Greece and beyond; it has layers of ground meat, eggplant, and a bechamel sauce. There are variations of ....
- Today is World Health Day, a time to be grateful for our health, body, and wellness. Be thankful for the food, sanitation, and healthcare we ....
- This year, more than ever, Easter arrives both resonant and relevant, prompting us to consider the costs of human folly and delusion and what a ....
- In Brazil, where my whole family is, the pandemic is going wild. Therefore, I decided to write this post. I know a couple of people ....
- A few days ago, I read an article from Elisabeth Lesser that made me feel so understood, that I started wondering if you are ....
- Last week I posted about the Earth Hour and commented how contact with nature can be healing. How looking at a beautiful landscape can ....
- Tomorrow we will present the Earth Hour. And 2021 is a special year for that. Over the years, the lights-off moment saw entire ....
- On my darker days, especially when I am facing a lupus flare or any other health problem, I use meditation mantras that can bring ....
- Setting goals is an essential part of being a healthy and successful adult. But I am pretty sure it is easier said than done. ....
- Spring is here, and that means it is time to shift your plant-based ingredients to ones that are in season – doing so is ....
- Did you know that alcohol contains about seven calories per gram, more than proteins and carbohydrates? So, the guidance I received as a lupus ....
- Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease messes with one’s head. Besides the physical symptoms and flares, the uncertainty about how it would be living ....
- Besides the lupus condition itself, another awful situation everyone with an autoimmune condition face is the lack of sensibility and empathy from people in ....
- One challenge I face every day is maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet. Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, lupus, I have my doctors repeatedly recommending me ....
- Today it is International Women’s Day, and I could not fail to register my gratitude and admiration for my mother’s, sister’s, and friends’ friendships. ....
- At this point, it’s an understatement to say that the COVID-19 has taken a toll on our mental well-being. The coronavirus alone has tripled ....
- Since I have been diagnosed with lupus, I’ve implemented many changes in my routine, especially in regards to eating and exercising. An anti-inflammatory diet is ....
- A little planning to turn your healthy eating goals into life-long habits can help! I know … it is easier said than done, but it’s ....
- Cold temperatures call for warming soups! This incredibly delicious sweet potato soup is a 1-pot, gluten-free recipe. Ingredients: 1/4 cup water, plus more ....
- Matcha and Moringa are two of my favorite superfoods. They’re antioxidant-packed, boost some fabulous health perks, and can be made into super cozy morning ....
- A long-term study conducted at the Oslo Rheumatism Hospital showed that following some dietary principles can be “healing” in some individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis and ....
- I know it isn’t easy to deal with so many responsibilities. Family, marriage, work, and money usually take all our attention, and many people view ....
- Are health and wellness the same thing? Each one of these two words has a unique definition that has evolved throughout history. According to the ....
- A friend of mine asked if I could remember the most challenging moment in my life. I said, yes. That was back in the ....
- Sometimes, lupus flares prevent us from doing the most simple things we love. For those who are not able to get down onto the ....
- Are you a tea lover like me? If yes, you probably know the soothing influence that accompanies a good cup of tea – and ....
- Valentine’s day is approaching, and it can be even more fun if you demonstrate your affection making a homemade gift for your beloved ones. ....
- Did you know that are different types of Lupus? When people use the term “lupus,” they usually refer to systemic lupus erythematosus, or “SLE.” ....
- A sweet sugar-free, and gluten-free muffin recipe? You can find it here! For those who need to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet, especially because have ....
- A month has passed; it was fast! Good time to do a time check on our new year’s resolutions. A few days ago, I ....
- For those with lupus, like me, a good night of sleep is among the most important activities to engage in staying healthy and avoiding ....
- I can assure you that lupus has a profound effect on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. After diagnosed, you are likely to have ....
- Winter combines with… Blankets, Netflix, hot tea, hot cocoa, and for eating… Soup! This Classic Potato Leek Soup is just delicious and will warm ....
- I would like you to answer a brief question about yourself. You can send me your response below in the commentaries. I really would like ....
- During the pandemic quarantine, it became evident the significant importance that friendship plays in our lives. Forced to stay separated from most of the ....
- Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day (referred to as MLK Day), an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr ....
- Inflammation is one of the ways that the body protects itself against harm. However, some people suffer from chronic inflammation, which persists in the ....
- Life with lupus can be challenging, and winter plus COVID-stress do not help. I feel like living on a roller coaster: disease flares and ....
- The Real Social Network Some of us cannot be with our extended families this year, including me. It’s too much risk for both – us ....
- There’s nothing better to heat the wintertime than soup! I recommend you to prepare this Butternut Squash Apple Soup recipe! Plus, it is gluten-free ....
- A new year brings new opportunities to think, be grateful, and demonstrate our love and affection to the people we cherish. How about ....
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition, which means your immune system isn’t working correctly. If you have lupus, you might be ....
- 2020 reminded us of the importance of unconditional love to ourselves and how we all connect to each other. For me, this mindset change reflects ....
- A new year brings the opportunity for new beginnings. We have the chance to start over, with renewed energy, and try to be an even ....
- 2020 was not an easy year. For most of us, dealing with a pandemic, staying home in quarantine, social distant from our friends and ....
- I can’t believe the new year is here! How did that happen? 2020 passed by, and honestly, I have a blurred memory of all the ....
- Winter is a tough time for many lupus warriors. Cold weather can bring lupus flares with it, causing painful flare-ups as blood vessels constrict ....
- Lupus is a lifelong disease that can affect many parts of your body. But, many women with lupus live long, healthy lives when following ....
- Merry Christmas! I wish all my followers and your families a merry and healthy Christmas! Although it is not easy to cope with holiday ....
- We have heard Dr. Fauci loud and clear: travel increases our chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to ....
- I can’t believe it is winter solstice! You are probably safe inside at home trying to figure out creative ideas on what to do with ....
- While lupus and fibro may have some symptoms in common, they are ultimately distinct conditions with very different causes and treatments. Lupus is an ....
- This year Christmas will be very different. In my case, it will be away from my extended family in Brazil. For my family, this ....
- There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions. Not everyone knows what an autoimmune disorder is. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune ....
- A little planning goes a long way to help a Christmas meal come together quickly and decrease the holiday’s stress. Try this Scalloped Potato Gratin, ....
- Today Hanukkah begins. It is the celebration of miracles and light. Still, it is also a reminder of what it means to live together with ....
- Some of you may know that lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are both autoimmune diseases. In fact, the two conditions are sometimes confused or ....
- In stressful times, there are few things more soothing than a homemade dessert. But if you have an autoimmune disease, like me, and seek anti-inflammatory ....
- Anxiety is a common problem for many people – including myself. It characterizes by constant worry and nervousness and is sometimes related to poor brain ....
- In North America, we often call the November full moon the Beaver Moon or Frosty Moon. This November’s full moon shines directly in front of ....
- I have written in the last weeks that my sense of time has shifted. Days pass, but the sense of nothing changing gives a very ....
- At school, we’ve met at least one kid who has a super mind. Some people are born with bright brains that can easily navigate through ....
- Today is one of the most awaited days of the year! While some things we all wish could be different, life brings little blessings every ....
- Gaining weight during the holiday season is pretty common. But for someone with an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, an extra pound on the ....
- It’s that time of the year—my birthday. Eight months have passed since COVID entered my life and started to teach me what really matters – ....
- In the past few weeks, my sense of time has shifted. Days pass, but the sense of nothing changing gives a very awkward feeling. While ....
- I am not sure if there is any scientific proof, but I can speak about myself. The answer is, “yes. I guess the magic trick ....
- Most folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be. Period. – Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln was right on this one. ....
- I watched last weekend a new documentary on Netflix called The Social Dilemma. It really shook me. Our super advanced, hi-technology, self-service culture seems to have both ....
- Prioritizing What Really Matters I have been taking short breaks from blogging; I’ve been trying to give myself permission to breathe more often and rush ....
- Do you know why people talk so much about detox? What is the goal? As a lupus patient, having chronic inflammation can be painful and ....
- For a couple of weeks after the cancer diagnosis, I lost our rhythm at home. There was more silence than laughter. The vibe that once was light and happy turned into heaviness.
- My Mood Amid so much disruption in our routine, I have seen myself and my friends lagging the positiveness we all need to live life ....
- Lupus and Long Term Disability
- My Best Friend Has Cancer It was a big shock. Not the type of surprise that causes one to jump around in happiness. I lost ....
- We all need to heal ourselves. Invisible wounds are as painful as physical ones.
- Gratitude, COVID-19 and I Gratitude should be part of everyone’s self-care goals. As you may know, science shows it can boost our immune system and ....
- Step Up to Your Truth The last weeks of June have been pretty intense emotionally for myself and many of us. I could sense the ....
- "We cannot end our differences; at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."- John F. Kennedy Black lives matter, and we have an unique chance to make our voices heard.
- Living with a chronic condition means having to look at our bodies with systemic eyes.Exercising can help in different areas, including depression, self-esteem and sense of well-being, sleep quality, weight among others.
- "Food is really and truly the most effective medicine.” ― Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Plant Based Doctor
- eople say that setting challenges to ourselves can make us stronger. Amid COVID-19, controlling our minds is probably the hardest work we ever had.
- Mental Health Stress and anxiety trigger a potent hormone in our body called cortisol. This is part of our ‘emergency call’ or the fight/flight response ....
- We all have the power to choose. Traumatic events such as COVID-19, loss os a beloved one, can leave deep scars, but we can control our mindset and emotions.
- People need to know that being down with lupus is not a cold or the flu. It’s not contagious, it won’t improve, it won’t go away, a nap won’t help, there is no magical treatment, and it does not have a cure yet.
- To say, “The past few weeks have been strange” is an understatement. Many of us are blessed as we can stay inside our home instead ....
- COVID-19 is making us live a different life. Living under emotional stress, is causing trauma in many of us.
- In a world that seems to be falling apart, we can be the ones working to reassemble it. Last week, we talked about things we ....
- Coronavirus has hit a pause in the world. With COVID-19 out, the safest place to be is within our homes. It's time to look at ourselves, and evaluate who we really are.
- 10 easy ideas of what to do to stay mentally healthy and protect our health while in social isolation because of CONVID-19.
- My story as a lupus warrior.
- Coronavirus may damage our minds more than our body health. We need to control our answer to fear, and the best first step is to get closer to our thoughts.
- COVID-19 and I Everywhere, I hear people talking about COVID-19 and how fast it is affecting people across the world. Millions of messages of fear ....
- My health has been unstable since the beginning of the year. The end of year festivities and stressful schedule did take a toll on me. ....
- I don’t know about you, but it is still hard for me to talk about lupus with people around me. I feel exposed when I ....
- Project 20|20 – Week 9: Transforming Reality On my week 8 blog, A Surprising Way to Better Your Days, I talked about ways to improve our ....
- Time, Kindness and Courage This week, as I talked to one of my best friends, I kept thinking about the value of time and the ....
- Preventive Care Works We can learn a lot about ourselves by paying attention to what we think, focus, and do every day. Last week, I ....
- Life Happens We all have our ups and downs. Happiness is temporary, and we need to adjust our expectations day-by-day to what it is and ....
- Are You Unstoppable? I have been thinking about habits and how I model life in a way that brings me joy while keeping my health ....
- The first 30 days of 2020 are gone, and we are now in February! Many times, we lose the momentum and the new year’s energy, ....
- Mindset Last few weeks, we talked about how to create and implement new habits. I can’t emphasize how helpful it was for me to acknowledge ....
- Do You Know Your Calling? Earlier this week I was thinking about how I get tangled in my thoughts of must-haves and should-haves. My old ....
- Fitting in New Habits Last week we discussed the importance of identifying habits that are not beneficial. We look at things we do daily, that we ....
- White Winter The winter season in the NW has been cold and wet. Lots of rain, with some white here in there. It is a ....
- First Step to Change a Bad Habit In my last two blogs, my focus was to look at goals we wanted to reach, and things ....
- I am not sure what this new year will bring. I am curious to see what secrets life will unveil this time around as I continue my journey to reframe my identity. To be able to receive the blessings this year, I need to let go of the past and be grateful for what is.
- Project 20|20 – Week 2: Gratitude Last week, I suggested a self-reflection exercise to identify what types of goals we want to achieve in 2020. ....
- In the United States, when we go to an optometrist to check our eyesight, the goal is to have a 20|20 vision. This is a term ....
- The Time Is Now I can’t believe it’s over — another year of living with lupus, another life chapter with learnings and milestones. Just one ....
- The Real Present Everyone is busy. Decorating homes, planning a big meal, buying gifts, and getting new outfits for parties and pictures. Last Friday, my ....
- Gemstones and Healing Regardless of the belief people may have about gemstones – magical, psychic energy, healing, or none; I decided to get a book ....
- Are you ready? Last week, a mega-fit friend who helps me be in shape and on my tiptoes, asked me a million-dollar question. What are ....
- Letting Go I can’t believe we are in December. For Christians, it means we started the advent phase, which is counting down to Jesus’ birth. ....
- Wake-Up Call In my last blog, I mentioned how I have been out of pocket for a few days with all the cold/flu symptoms plus the usual ....
- being thankful when having lupus
- If today was your birthday, what would be your wish?
- 5 Steps to Practice Self Awareness Practicing Self Awareness is something I have been trying to do for the past year. Understand my new life ....
- Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. Talking to a friend this week, we remembered how many things we have been through in the past few years. How our ....
- Before you die I am so used to live the present moment, that some times I forget to focus on what is critical instead of ....
- Hello God, It’s Me! On my previous blog, “Do You Have The Power To Heal“, I mentioned a letter/prayer I wrote God while I was ....
- Do You Have the Power? I joined a retreat last week with one of the healers from the Netflix documentary, Heal. It was supposed to ....
- Is This Real? For many of us, to believe something is real, we have to be able to touch or see it. Well, not for ....
- Do You Walk the Talk? Why is Walking a Great Way to Help Solve the Mystery of Lupus? In a couple of weeks, I will ....
- 10 Ways to Be Unstoppable Earlier this week, a friend of mine told me the history of a cancer survivor. While that young woman has ....
- What we tell ourselves is as important as our actions. Everything is energy, and we craft our lives with the thoughts we have. Our opinions ....
- Saying Yes to life means reframing our choices.
- Priorities I know not all of us lupies are female. Nevertheless, the majority is. As a woman, I tend to take care of others despite ....
- When I got up this morning, I began thinking about all the choices I make every day. Life fills our days with so many options ....
- What Are Your Roots? Life keeps molding me as time goes by. My personality and priorities have been different since my lupus diagnose. While so ....
- 5 Rules of Wellbeing This week, I was able to meet a few friends who helped put the Lupus Benefit Event together, here in Portland. ....
- We all have our dreams, and in my case, I have worked very hard to reach them, even though not always achieved. Some days I ....
- Choices Last week, I was talking to some book club friends, and one of them raised a thought that spoke deep in my heart. He ....
- How Grateful Are You? Last week, I had one of the most touching experiences since we moved to Portland. Many friends helped me organize a ....
- Pride Month This month, I have seen everywhere the colors of Pride, showing the importance of acceptance and respect for people’s differences, gender, and sexual ....
- Why do we label it? Have you ever thought why we tend to label things, as good or bad? For me, it goes from organizing ....
- Our Mindset “Our thoughts create the life we seek through the reflection of ourselves.” – Emmanuel I had a few a-ha moments as I was ....
- Healing with Love and Faith After watching the documentary “Heal” at Netflix, I decided to attend an energy healing session with one of the guests, ....
- Lupus and self-love. Be kind to yourself!
- Period. The End. This blog is about an end. A very long and important period of my adulthood, which now is in the past. My ....
- Lupus opens new opportunities in life.
- Lupus for me has developed over time, and numerous chronic symptoms have appeared depending on my life style and stress level.
- An autoimmune condition like lupus, allow us to stop and think about our beliefs and priorities. Above all, being thankful for the little blessings and achievements.
- Magic Wand Have you ever dreamed of having unbeatable powers, and to be able to change things with a wave of a wand?
- Monkey Mind I have a toddler’s span of attention. Technology has made me become comfortable multitasking at work and in my personal life, but because ....
- Roller Coaster My health has been unstable for the past few weeks. I know this is the nature of the “beast”: on-going lupus flares, body ....
- Spring Cleaning Time! This week, I would like to talk about deep cleaning, but in a different home – our soul!
- Sharing My Story “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are ....
- Be Seen I don’t know about you, but it is hard for me to talk about lupus with people around me. I feel weak when ....
- 7 Day Challenge To be strong, we need to feel powerful. While I am not always positive, neither I believe everything is possible, the difficulties ....
- It’s Valentine’s Day. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with people you love and care! While Valentine’s Day is a holiday to celebrate love and friendship, it can ....
- Lupus is an invisible, autoimmune disease that all warriors need to help the community to understand what it is.
- Legacy While we live day by day, many times surviving the daily churns and ups and downs; our conversation today is about the invisible legacy ....
- Suggestions on how I cope with Lupus during winter
