Heart Over Endo

Happy Holidays from your friends at Heart Over Endo. Wishing you lots of love, peace and healing this season and beyond. ❤️

Here's a refreshing and romantic non-alcoholic beverage recipe that's not only delightful but also mindful of women suffering from endometriosis: 🍹

Berry Bliss Mocktail 🍓🍇

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup fresh raspberries
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
1 cup sparkling water (unsweetened)
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Berry Base:
In a blender, combine the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.

2. Sweeten to Taste:
Add honey or agave syrup to the berry mix, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Remember that less sugar is better for managing inflammation, so use sparingly if you opt to add it.

3. Combine with Sparkling Water:
Fill a glass halfway with the berry mixture. Top it up with sparkling water and gently stir to combine.

4. Serve:
- Add ice cubes to the glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

5. Garnish:
Optionally, add a few whole berries on top for an extra pop of color.

Why It's Endometriosis-Friendly:
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Berries: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemon Juice: Provides vitamin C and adds a zesty tang without relying on artificial sweeteners.
Mint: Aids in digestion and adds refreshing flavor without added sugars.

This Berry Bliss Mocktail is not only visually appealing for Valentine’s Day but also considerate of the dietary needs of someone with endometriosis. Enjoy a moment of indulgence with this lovely, healthier beverage option!

❤️ Happy Valentine's Day! 🩷

Here are a few potential experiences following excision surgery. Despite being labeled “less invasive”, it remains a major surgery. Everyone’s recovery and pain levels vary, but it’s crucial to rest and take care of yourself, as your body has endured a lot. I found trapped gas pain particularly challenging. Drinking Fennel tea was the best tip I received as I found it worked better to relive gas than peppermint tea. I highly recommend it for anyone undergoing surgery!

Here's a nourishing soup recipe that's gentle on the stomach and incorporates anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing ingredients.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
2 carrots, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup spinach
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 cup chickpeas, cooked
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
1 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

2. Add Vegetables:
Stir in carrot slices, zucchini, and sweet potato cubes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Spice It Up:
Add turmeric, cumin, and black pepper, stirring well to coat the vegetables with the spices.

4. Simmer:
Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

5. Add Chickpeas & Spinach:
Stir in the cooked chickpeas and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
Add spinach and cook until it wilts.

6. Finish with Coconut Milk:
Lower the heat and add coconut milk and lemon juice. Stir well and let the soup warm through without boiling.

7. Season & Serve:
- Taste and adjust with salt as needed.

This soup is packed with nutrients! The ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties, chickpeas provide protein, and the vegetables are full of essential vitamins. Coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy, making it easier on the digestive system. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious soup, perfect for warm weather and gentle on those with endometriosis.

This is an endometriosis struggle that we don’t talk about enough. Can anyone else relate?