Hash Meets Disney: Recovery Days Blog Post #3

I used to think if I ate off-plan, my body would react immediately. That is not always the case; this time it took about 36 hours for the inflammation to hit — and when it did, it showed up like a full-body override. I had no control over my body, but instead of causing an internal struggle of pushing through, I slowed down to hear what it needed.

This is what a body flare looks like for me: temperature chaos (I cannot regulate hot/cold, and once I am cold, I feel it in my bones), heavy fatigue (the kind that steals brain capacity), body aches — specifically in my lower back and hip flexors — and of course, all of that is coupled with anxiety. The frustrating part is that trying to manage one symptom can aggravate another — push through fatigue and anxiety spikes, calm anxiety and the exhaustion feels heavier. We are learning this balance in real time.

This is why I built Hash Eating Project — because I want to be curious about my body, learning what supports it, what it can tolerate, and what helps it thrive. At 47, I am done fighting against my body like it is the enemy. That story is one I am unlearning.

So recovery started with what I used to resist: honoring the fatigue. I allowed myself to take a painfully slow start — heated blanket, deep rest, zero negotiation. I let my husband and son know momma was barely functioning, so they were on board with what was occurring. It took about four hours to feel somewhat human again, and only then did I add gentle movement — walking laps around my house — slow paced, nothing workout-level, and not a punishment, just to get the blood moving. Throughout the day I drank water and returned to my food norms — clean, supportive — but most importantly, I gave myself permission to recover without shame.

This is what real life healing looks like in my house: my kid on his iPad, my husband working in the kitchen, and me managing a flare-up I knowingly chose when I prioritized memories and regulation over perfect food.

And I will say it plainly: it was worth it, and I would do it again.

This lifestyle is not about being perfect. It is about learning — and coming back to what you know is supportive, one shift at a time.

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I'm so glad you're here.

Elena