As some of you know, I've been under a great deal of stress the last year. So perhaps we should talk about stress and MS?
Many people experience bodily woes when under stress. Things like headaches, nausea and general aches are considered normal reactions to internal stressors. People with MS don't have any escape from this human ailment. Some even argue that their symptoms of MS get worse when the are stressed out. The thing is...while I completely agree with that theory... deep down I also know that there isn't any real evidence proving MS is made worse by stress alone.
It's hard to remember that sometimes.
It's also hard not to stress about current stress levels. You know that circle right? You worry about being sick even though you are not sick which sometimes manages to make you sick. UGH!
Shortly after my diagnosis I received a long-winded letter from a family member saying that I had given myself MS because of the stress I put myself through. While I know that is not true, it's hard not to wonder if I could have done things differently.
Did I GIVE myself MS?
There is a
great article that I found through the MS Society website that I recommend you read. Even if you don't have MS, my guess is that you either know someone (or will one day) and they'll benefit from your wisdom, or at least your kindness.
And for heavens sake, take this lesson to heart: Even if you are 200% certain that someone caused themselves to have a serious illness, do not rub that in their face. I don't care if you know for a fact that the reason they grew a tiny baby arm out of their back is because of the summer the spent swimming in the glowing pond. Do NOT write them a letter about how it is so clearly their fault.
{le sigh}
So back to why you are here...
I knew (as did EVERYONE around me) that it was time for a break. And thanks to the generous friends in my life I was able to run away for the weekend. No kid. No dog. No grown up worries.
It was glorious!! I love camping, and the feeling of freedom that comes with it. Without proper planning it can be difficult to eat responsibly while away from home. Here is one of my favorite camping recipes that can be adjusted for everyone in your group.
Campfire Pizza Sandwich
Take your whole wheat sandwich thins or whole wheat English muffins (or similar vessel that meets your health needs), split it in half and place on heavy duty tinfoil. Apply a layer of marinara or spaghetti sauce to each side.
Add your toppings. We chose turkey pepperoni and reduce fat mozzarella.
Fold together....like a sandwich.
Wrap in tinfoil.
Place away from the flames on some hot coals or on a grill grate. Flip occasionally and cook until too hot to handle. USE YOUR TONGS to remove it. PLEASE!
Peel apart and enjoy.... or eat like a sandwich.
This picture here is with a regular English muffin because I INHALED my whole wheat one. I left it to show how easy it is to modify this dish for the whole family. After all, when on vacation stressing about food is simply not allowed.
By the way, my favorite way to de-stress is to spend some time by the water. I love how it helps me slow down and re-prioritize.
Regardless of the connection between MS and stress, we should all be doing things to help us cope better under pressure.
What do you do to de-stress?
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
So take care of that, and set them to the side. Then, combine your olive oil, garlic, cajun seasoning and mushrooms, saute over medium heat until the mushrooms start to soften. Add the prepared shrimp to the pan and cook until they begin to lose their transparency. Add cream, Parmesan and nutmeg, and continue cooking until the shrimp are no longer transparent. Salt and pepper to taste. 
