Q&A: Heather Poire
Nearly a decade ago, Heather Poire was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Now, the woman behind Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes credits a plant-based diet with turning her health around.
Nearly a decade ago, Heather Poire was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Now, the woman behind Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes credits a plant-based diet with turning her health around. Her popular, inspirational blog has been used to document her love of food and the power of plant-based foods, along with some drool-worthy recipes. We chatted with Heather about her story, who she’d most love to cook a vegan feast for, and all the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
Tell us a bit more about your health journey. You were diagnosed with Crohns.
In 2008 I became very ill — Doctors were not 100% certain what was wrong. I was given several different medications, which I reluctantly took, but I wasn’t getting any better.
After six months of “trying to figure it out,” the doctors had diagnosed me with Crohns. All of a sudden, my world came crashing down and with it came a chronic illness with no foreseeable cure and an endless list of medications. I thought to myself — this can’t be right- there has to be something more, a better way to beat this thing.
What was your healing process like?
I stopped my medication and began researching more holistic means of treatment – herbal supplements and probiotics. Honestly, I think I tried to convince myself I was getting better, the reality of the situation was I was a lot sicker than I wanted to believe.
I headed down to Boston to meet with a new team of specialists — for the first time I really felt as if I was being heard. It was determined that I did have upper Crohns, which only 3% of people with Crohns are diagnosed with. Dr. Makrauer placed me on Prednisone and 6MP which I stayed on for 1 1/2 years, finally I began to feel my true self again.
How did adopting a plant-based diet impact your health?
My stomach was no longer angry and I felt like I had my life back. September of 2010 I became vegan. My health improved 10 fold, I went off of all my medications. For the most part, I have been in remission. I truly believe I have my plant-based way of life to thank.
How has your diet impacted your mental and emotional health?
Every day I feel good about what I am putting in my body and that what I choose to eat doesn’t take a life or cause suffering.
Any advice for someone recently diagnosed with a chronic illness?
Never give up and there is always hope. Be an advocate for yourself –speak up or find someone different who will hear you.
What one person would you like to cook dinner for, and what would you serve?
Woody Harrelson – a massive vegan feast!
Secret to keeping a positive attitude?
It takes so much more effort to be angry and negative. You have the power to choose each and every day to be happy or not.
What’s your current favourite recipe on your blog?
In your opinion, what are the other benefits of a plant-based diet?
You are treading more lightly on the Earth, [have] glowing skin and know that your plate is full of love at each and every meal is something pretty special.
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