My Journey from Frustration to Freedom
I’ve been in a lifelong relationship with inflammation — and not the good kind.
Long before I knew what it meant to eat “clean” or “anti-inflammatory,” I was just a little girl who couldn’t eat chocolate or even blueberries off the bush in the yard!
Imagine that — living in a house with blueberry bushes in the front yard, watching your siblings and neighbors eat fresh berries right off the bush… and not being able to taste a single one. That was me. And we won't even go into not being able to eat chocolate as a kid.
Then came the fish. All of it. My husband said I probably reached my lifetime quota - and honestly he might be right. Growing up, we ate a lot of fish. My mother cooked very Mediterranean-style meals, and seafood was a staple. I even remember her making escargot! She was an amazing cook, and I truly loved everything she made. Eventually, it boiled down to shellfish as the main culprit. But by that time, I was used to being the odd one out at the table.
In my early adult years, I was finally able to enjoy chocolate and berries again — and it felt like a win. But then life threw in new challenges. Nuts became a no-go. I didn’t just get hives or feel bloated — I went into anaphylactic shock after eating them over the holidays. ER, epinephrine, fear… the whole scary ordeal.
Gluten was next. Same deal. Back to back ER visits before anyone figured it out — and it’s not even celiac disease! Just my body’s way of waving the white flag.
And just when I thought I had navigated that storm, here came the next: Coffee!! That one stung. That was how I started each day! Ugh. I had to switch to herbal teas since not only coffee but caffeine was an irritant for me. Herbal tea became the replacement — but then I was told: no dairy. Seriously? Tea with sugar and milk was what made it palatable - ok, so honey - but wait for it - NO sugar of any type... my world was getting darker by the minute. So, I'm back to no chocolate, no yogurt, and no ice cream? (Those who know me, know my dad worked for Sealtest "Ice Cream" and he stocked our freezer with Heavenly Hash to the brim!) Again, maybe I had reached my lifetime quota... 🤔 This = NO FUN!
And then came — no alcohol? Seriously? My martinis? Plus, Jay and I loved to road trip to wineries and enjoy slushies after we spent a beautiful vacation on the Finger Lakes in NY. Now — nope.
I grew up in an loud Italian kitchen where we ate and drank 'til the heart was content and everything was based around good food, great wine and even better conversation. This was a bad joke — and I was not laughing.
There were moments — many — where I felt like Eeyore. “Woe is me…” “How many more things can be taken away?”
I needed to make sense of it. Starting with my mornings... I know a lot of people enjoy tea as-is, but I just couldn’t get into it. Thankfully, honey became something I could have once I removed the others — and it became my saving grace. No reaction, and a little sweetness made all the difference. But then what...
Here’s where everything started to shift.
I found joy in the things I could have. I started making vibrant anti-inflammatory mocktails and healing elixirs — and I genuinely love them. And as for alcohol? I knew I didn't need it to have a good time. Anyone who knows me knows — I bring my own fun! 😉 I even ask the restaurant to serve my drinks in a pretty glass. Let’s be honest — it’s the presentation that counts. **Full disclosure - I am not saying I never drink alcohol, but getting my body back into balance was the priority, then... once I had a baseline, I can "cheat" every once in a while, as long as I get right back into focus. Let's face it, when you deprive yourself everything you love, you will fail. The elimination period was difficult - yes, but necessary. Then, as they say, moderation is everything. 80% on point, and 20% for indiscretions.
Somewhere along the way, my sadness turned into determination. I began checking my ankles daily (yes, obsessed!) — because I could see the inflammation going down. I started feeling lighter, more energized, more me.
I still love to cook - that will never change. And yes, being Italian... we love our conversations over food. It's how we connect, how we love, and how we heal. These days, I focus on healthy, vibrant meals made mostly from live, whole foods that support my anti-inflammation journey. I want my meals to look good - colorful, appealing and full of life. I get creative with spices, herbs and textures. Food should still bring joy - and now, it also brings healing.
Is it easy? Not always. When you're in the middle of it, it feels overwhelming — but I promise you, there is another side. And I am living proof.
Movement:
I move my body every day — even if it’s just 15 minutes. I’ve got a short routine for the days when life is busy and every time frame in between. I gauge how much time I have and adjust, 15/20/30/45 and 60-minute routines for training at least 5 days per week. I’m a proud 5AM’er now, and I love how I feel. I don't train to lose weight — I do it to lose the inflammation around my organs, because I know it was damaging my body from the inside out.
I actually learned the power of early mornings years ago while working with personal trainer Billy Beck. That experience shaped my entire outlook on training, mindset, and discipline. He taught me something I’ve never forgotten: I’m a lion — not a lamb. That shift in identity stuck with me — and now, I embrace my mornings like the fierce woman I am.
Working with Billy was the best gift toward better health and alignment I could have ever given myself. It wasn’t just about workouts — it was about stepping into my power, honoring my body, and committing to the version of myself I was always meant to be.
I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. Everything I do today — the choices I make, the habits I stick with — stems from the foundation he helped me build. (More to come on that...)
Why I fought it for so long is beyond me.
I often think of my mom — now one of my angels. She was the strongest woman I had ever known. Her nutrition was very important to her, and if she made a vow not to touch something, that was it — pure willpower. I still miss her deeply, but I love my quiet conversations with her. And I know she’s the one helping guide me through this journey.
We all have guides, angels and guardians. They’re there — you just have to ask them to help you.
You got this!
Be well,
Mary-Anne
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