For years, the smell of sardines made me leave the room. Not because I didn't know better — I knew perfectly well they're packed with good stuff. Omega-3s, vitamin D, protein... the kind of food that does your body a favor from head to toe. My problem was just that I didn't like them. End of story. Until the day I stole a bite from my Lebanese partner's plate. He was eating his sardines with hummus, and curiosity got the better of me. Total revelation. It doesn't even taste like fish. The hummus wraps around everything, softens everything, and you end up wondering what took you so long. I threw in some fresh baby carrots for crunch and suddenly you've got a complete, filling, genuinely good meal — and genuinely cheap. What's actually in your plate without realizing it Canned sardines are one of the best sources of omega-3s out there — the kind of fat that supports your brain, your heart, and helps bring down inflammation in the body. Add hummus and you're getting plant-based protein and more good fats on top of that. The carrots bring fiber and crunch. It's not a diet thing, it's just a lunch that actually makes sense. So if you never liked sardines either — try them with hummus. You'll have to tell me about it.

When the cold comes back (again) I don’t know about you, but as soon as fall arrives, I start feeling cold again.And not just outside. My nose is cold, my hands are cold, my feet are frozen… even indoors.Sometimes I just make a cup of hot water (yep, plain water) and press it to my nose.It feels like it melts the chill. I could laugh about it, but honestly, it gets annoying.So I try to find simple ways to stay warm. Nothing scientific — just real life stuff. My weight changed, and so did my body For a long time, I carried more weight — up to 180 lbs, and I was 209 lbs when I gave birth to my first. (I’m 5’1’’.) Today I’m around 115 lbs  (about 52 kg), and I feel good at this weight.Sure, I’ve got a bit of a belly (I’m 57, let’s be honest lol), but it’s nothing like before. I started feeling colder when I lost weight while doing the Wahls Protocol.Even now that I eat carnivore (not religiously, just mostly), I still feel the cold a lot. What actually helps me (without going nuts) A cup of hot water (or herbal tea), several times a day. That alone helps. My hot bath in the evening, with Epsom salts. Non-negotiable. Moving a bit. If I sit too long, my feet turn into little ice blocks. Good socks. Real ones. Wool. Not cute — warm. Listening to a meditation or just relaxing while the water heats up. Going outside without a coat for 5–10 minutes when it’s cool (not freezing). I’m from Quebec — I can handle it. 😄 And the infamous cold shower? They say ending your shower cold activates brown fat. Honestly? I hate it. My legs start shaking if it’s too cold. So no, I don’t rinse off with freezing water. I’m not a Nordic warrior.  😅 Sometimes I lower the temperature a bit at the end, just so I don’t come out too limp.And even then — not every day. What about you? Got any real cold-fighting tricks that work? Tell me in the comments or message me on social media.I’ll do a little post soon with your ideas (and tag you if you want).We all freeze a little differently — so let’s share what works! 💐

When you get a diagnosis like multiple sclerosis, life shifts. But for me, it was also the moment I decided to take the reins back — in my own way. 💛 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 50. Honestly, I believe my first symptoms started in my twenties. You can’t go back… so I decided to look forward. In June 2017, my family doctor told me she wanted me to see a neurologist because she suspected MS. I was with my partner that day — we share the same doctor, so we always go together for our yearly checkups. She had me do a simple little test : feet together, arms out, eyes closed. OMG. I felt like I was on a ride! I lost my balance and she had to catch me. Then she started typing frantically on her keyboard…I knew something was wrong. What I didn’t know yet was that she had already noticed me walking down the hallway — with one foot dragging behind. It was like a flashing sign saying “MS alert!” When I got back to the car, I immediately searched online. I found a questionnaire called “Do you have multiple sclerosis?” My score: 9 out of 10. But you know what? I was relieved. Finally, there was a name for all those symptoms I’d been told were “in my head.” For years, I went to doctors and they said everything looked fine…But I was going through a bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol every month. I knew getting an appointment would take forever — I’m from Québec, and our system has been overloaded for at least 30 years! 😅 I’ve always been the curious type, someone who likes to understand things. So I dove into research. I read, I explored, and I discovered testimonials, forums, and people talking about food, inflammation, natural approaches… a whole world of others searching — just like me — to feel better. I started with the simplest and most accessible thing.I didn’t have the budget for an infrared sauna in my living room, so I began by changing my diet. I followed the Wahls Protocol . At the same time, I discovered The MS Gym , a workout platform designed for people living with multiple sclerosis. I started moving differently, learning my limits, and reconnecting with my body.And honestly, I managed to get rid of a neck pain I’d had for 30 years — one that was always blamed on swimming and computer work. And then, revelation: within just a few weeks, my symptoms eased up. Fewer cramps, less pain, fewer “MS hugs.”And on top of that… I was losing weight at a crazy pace! A pound a day at one point. 😅I went from 150 pounds (68 kg) in the summer to 115 ponds (52kg) by the following spring. Four months later, I finally met the neurologist. He told me I needed a lumbar puncture because, according to him, I was “too old” for an MS diagnosis. I told him about my new way of eating, and he said: “Yeah, that’s just a trend.” That’s when I knew. The best person to take care of my case was me. Since then, I’ve kept adjusting how I eat. I’m closer to a carnivore-style diet now, and I keep listening to my body. I still don’t want medication — the side effects scare me more than my symptoms do. I don’t need to add more to the list. The only time I agreed to a treatment that didn’t feel right was the COVID vaccine…And let’s just say my body made its opinion clear. I had a flare of symptoms I had previously managed to eliminate  through my lifestyle and nutrition. That’s when I truly realized how much my choices directly affect my symptoms — in both directions. I’m not saying this is the right path for everyone. But it’s mine. And it keeps me standing. 💛

A few weeks ago, I realized something that seems ordinary…but wasn’t ordinary for me. My right hand is no longer numb like it used to be. It had been that way for at least ten years. It wasn’t dramatic. I lived with it. It was just… there. Background noise. And one morning, I noticed that the noise was gone. I can’t prove that it’s because of my diet. But it’s been over a year since I’ve been eating carnivore, without sugar. Not perfectly. Not in a dogmatic way. But consistently. Over the past year, several things have stabilized: Less energy fluctuation Fewer crashes Less perceived inflammation A clearer brain most of the time And now… one less numbness. It’s not spectacular. My legs didn’t suddenly go back to how they were at 30. It’s just one small ache less. But when you live with MS, one small ache less is huge. If the numbness came back? I wouldn’t throw everything out the window. It would simply tell me there’s still something to adjust. Because my approach isn’t based on a miracle. It’s based on an accumulation of quiet improvements. I’m not trying to convince anyone. I’m documenting what I’m learning along the way. And what I understand this winter is this: When I consistently take care of my health,things change. Slowly. Subtly. But they change. And that confirms I’m on the right path.

A Diet to Support Your Health If you’re living with an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Crohn’s disease, you’re likely searching for ways to reduce symptoms and improve your well-being. The Best Bet Diet, originally designed by Ashton Embry for his son, Mathew who had an ms diagnostic. This dietary approach that may benefit various autoimmune diseases. By focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet, this plan aims to support your immune system and promote overall health. Discover what the Best Bet Diet is, its benefits, limitations, and how it compares to other approaches like the Wahls Protocol. What Is the Best Bet Diet? The Best Bet Diet is a meal plan designed to reduce inflammation and support individuals with autoimmune diseases, with a specific origin for multiple sclerosis. Its core principle? Prioritize healthy foods and eliminate those that can worsen inflammation. Here are its key pillars: Whole, unprocessed foods: Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins (fish, poultry), nuts, and seeds rich in healthy fats. Avoid inflammatory triggers: Saturated fats, gluten, dairy, refined sugars, and processed foods. Nutrient density: Emphasis on vitamins (like vitamin D), minerals, and antioxidants to strengthen the body. This diet is accessible, requires no expensive ingredients, and is suitable for those seeking a natural approach to managing autoimmune symptoms. Why Adopt the Best Bet Diet for Autoimmune Diseases? The Best Bet Diet can be an appealing option for individuals with autoimmune diseases due to its many benefits: Reduced inflammation: By eliminating pro-inflammatory foods, this diet may help calm overactive immune responses, a central issue in conditions like lupus, MS, or rheumatoid arthritis. Optimal nutrition: Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3s support overall health and boost immunity. Simplicity and accessibility: No need for costly supplements or exotic foods. This diet relies on everyday ingredients, making it easy to incorporate. Positive testimonials: Although created for MS, some individuals with other autoimmune diseases report less fatigue, improved mobility, or a general sense of well-being. Results vary, but these stories inspire hope. Balanced nutrition: This diet promotes a varied diet, ideal for maintaining a healthy weight and boosting energy. Limitations of the Best Bet Diet The Best Bet Diet is not a one-size-fits-all solution and comes with some challenges: Restrictive nature: Eliminating gluten, dairy, and processed foods can be restrictive, especially if you have dietary preferences or other restrictions. Limited scientific evidence: While anti-inflammatory diets show promise for autoimmune diseases, specific research on the Best Bet Diet is still scarce, particularly beyond MS. Need for customization: Every autoimmune disease is unique, and this diet may not suit everyone. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential. Best Bet Diet vs. Wahls Protocol: Which Diet to Choose? You may have heard of the Wahls Protocol, another popular dietary approach for autoimmune diseases, developed by Dr. Terry Wahls. Here’s a quick comparison: Commonalities: Both diets prioritize whole foods, eliminate processed foods, and aim to reduce inflammation to support immune health. Differences: The Best Bet Diet is simpler, focusing on eliminating saturated fats, gluten, and dairy with an accessible approach. The Wahls Protocol is more specific, emphasizing foods like organ meats, seaweed, and fermented products to optimize mitochondrial and neurological health, which may benefit conditions like MS or lupus. The choice between these diets depends on your needs, lifestyle, and your doctor’s recommendations. How to Adopt the Best Bet Diet for Your Autoimmune Disease? Ready to try the Best Bet Diet? Here are practical tips to get started: Plan your meals: Incorporate colorful vegetables, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) rich in omega-3s, and gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice. Make smart substitutions: Choose plant-based alternatives (almond milk, coconut yogurt) and healthy snacks like nuts or fresh fruit. Consult an expert: A nutritionist can tailor the diet to your autoimmune condition and prevent deficiencies. Track your progress: Keep a journal to note your symptoms, energy levels, and well-being to assess the diet’s impact. A Dietary Approach for Autoimmune Diseases The Best Bet Diet, though originally created for multiple sclerosis, offers a promising strategy for managing autoimmune diseases through a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet. It’s not a miracle cure, but it can be a valuable tool for reducing inflammation and improving your quality of life. Compare it with approaches like the Wahls Protocol, discuss it with your healthcare team, and find what works best for you. Your journey with an autoimmune disease is unique, and every step toward better health matters. Have you tried the Best Bet Diet or another diet for an autoimmune disease? Share your experience in the comments or visit FitFuelChronicles.com  for more health tips!