'One Step, One Roll, One Rep: My Journey Back to Health

Back on the Healthy Eating Wagon – And So Much More!

It feels like I'm hitting my stride again, and I have Dr. Terry Wahls to thank for the spark that reignited my focus on healthy eating. If you're familiar with the Wahls Protocol, you know it emphasizes nutrient-dense foods to fuel and heal the body. For me, it’s a lifeline—a tangible way to take back some control over my health and well-being after my MS diagnosis. I fell off the wagon for a bit, but I'm happy to say I'm back on it, feeling the effects of clean eating already.

But this isn't just about what’s on my plate. I’ve been making big moves in my physical activity too—rebuilding strength, endurance, and consistency one step at a time.

Back on the Mats

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been a lifeline for me—a combination of therapy, workout, and confidence booster all in one. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve returned to the mats more consistently, and it feels so good. MS sometimes tries to throw a wrench into things, but being back in that environment reminds me of my strength, both physical and mental. Jiu-Jitsu challenges me to push past the limits I sometimes think I have and proves that my body is still capable of incredible things. It means the world to me that my training partners are patient and understanding.

Lifting and Running: A New Rhythm

Last week, I added running training and weightlifting to my routine, and let me tell you, my body is feeling it in the best way. Running brings me a sense of freedom, a reminder that my legs can carry me forward. It’s not easy—some days are slower than others—but each run is a step forward, and that’s what matters most. My general pace is slower than it used to be. I refuse to let that stop me from continuing to put one foot in front of the other

Weightlifting, on the other hand, is helping me rediscover my physical power. There’s something deeply satisfying about picking up heavy things and setting them back down—progress is measurable, and every rep is a tiny victory.

Cycling Is on the Horizon

To round out this new fitness mix, I’ll soon be adding bike training. The goal? To keep building endurance, keep moving, and keep showing my MS that I’m still in charge here. Cycling has always been a great low-impact option for me, and I’m looking forward to feeling the wind in my hair again while logging those miles. Not to mention Bike MS is a few short months away!

Why This Matters

Staying active, eating well, and showing up for myself aren’t just physical goals—they’re about reclaiming my life. After my diagnosis, it was easy to slow down, but I’m now choosing to do the opposite. I’m choosing to fuel my body, strengthen it, and keep pushing forward.

This journey isn’t perfect. I still stumble. I still have tough days. But I get back up, back on the mats, back in my running shoes, back in the kitchen, and back to being the best version of myself.

Here’s to moving forward—one clean meal, one step, one roll, and one rep at a time. If you’re in a place where you feel like you’ve fallen off, know this: you can always get back on.

Let’s keep going—together.

Back On, Moving Forward

I fell, for a moment, off course, off track,

Lost in the noise, but now I am back.

The wagon rolls steady, its wheels firm and true,

Fueled by the greens, the purples, the hues.

Each meal, a promise, each bite, a vow—

To honor my body and nourish it now.

The kitchen’s my canvas, my fork paints the way,

A lifeline of healing, day after day.

Back to the mats where my spirit ignites,

Grappling my doubts and winning those fights.

My body’s a warrior, bending, not breaking,

Strength in each roll, resilience awaking.

The pavement calls softly, my feet answer clear,

One step at a time, away from my fear.

The run isn’t perfect, but forward it goes,

Freedom is felt in the rhythm of flows.

The iron awaits me, the weights in my hand,

Heavy, yet steady—they help me to stand.

Lift after lift, I’m reminded of power,

Of progress that grows, rep after hour.

Soon comes the wind as my wheels will spin,

New roads to conquer, new breath to take in.

Onward I ride, no limits, no chains,

Only the freedom that movement sustains.

I stumble, I falter, but still, I arise,

Strength isn’t flawless, it’s where the heart tries.

One step, one roll, one lift, and one meal—

A path back to me, to the power I feel.

So here’s to the stumbles, the falls, the restart,

To rising again with a fire in my heart.

Back on the wagon, back in the fight,

Forward I move—toward strength, toward light.

Much Love,

E.P.