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    “Creamy” Spaghetti Squash Bake (AIP, Paleo, Whole 30, Dairy Free)

    October 3, 2019

    Creamy and delicious, this spaghetti squash bake makes for the perfect weeknight dinner and hits all the markers for a great comfort food recipe. Ok so….spaghetti squash.  It really is one of the most versatile vegetables to cook with and is the perfect substitute for pasta! I love pasta as much as (maybe even more…

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About

About Me

Hi! I’m Nadia. I’m a UC warrior, mama of 2, and a foodie! I’m here to share my story, raise awareness and empower others to live fearlessly with IBD . Here you will find gut healthy recipes and strategies to help you on your journey to personal wellness!

Latest Posts

  • Simple Chicken Salad on Rice Cakes (Gluten Free)

    February 6, 2024

  • Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon (Gluten Free, Lactose Free)

    September 18, 2022

  • Pumpkin Spice Loaf with Maple Glaze (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

    September 16, 2022

  • Chocolate Covered Dates (Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free)

    September 14, 2022

  • Healthy recipes

    Mango – Coconut Popsicles (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free)

    August 16, 2022

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IBD•Colorectal Cancer•Ostomy Advocate📍Toronto

gutsygirldiaries

Here’s my two cents: Sometimes the bravest thing Here’s my two cents: Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is bet on yourself. 💛

Even when the odds feel stacked, your strength will carry you through.

Just breathe, have faith, and let it unfold. 🌿

As always  #StayGutsy

Much love 💜xo 

Ps ..this song is one of my favourite feel good songs 🎶

#gutsygirldiaries #twocenttuesday #breathe
✨ Cozy One-Pot Orzo ✨ If you’re craving som ✨ Cozy One-Pot Orzo ✨

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes — this is it. 🥣💛

This one-pot orzo with ground meat, spinach, and creamy cheese is pure comfort in a bowl. Easy to make and packed with protein, carbs, veggies + healthy fats = weeknight dinner goals 🙌

📋 Save this recipe for when you need:

✔️ Comfort food without the fuss

✔️ A quick balanced meal

✔️ Leftovers that taste even better the next day

You’ll need:

•1 lb ground meat (I used veal)
•2 tbsp olive oil
•½ yellow onion, chopped
•2 cloves garlic, chopped
•2 tbsp tomato paste
•2 large tomatoes, chopped (or canned)
•4 cups chicken stock
•1 cup orzo
•⅓ cup Parmesan (+ extra for topping)
•1 cup cottage cheese, blended
•4–5 cups spinach

How to make it:

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven, brown meat.
2. Add onion + garlic, cook till soft.
3. Stir in tomato paste + tomatoes.
4. Add broth + orzo, cover + cook 8 mins.
5. Turn off heat, stir in cheeses.
6. Add spinach, cover till wilted.
7. Top with extra parm + chili flakes 🌶️

That’s it — one pot, easy cleanup, max comfort. Who’s saving this for dinner this week? 🙌

Much love 💜xo 
#cozy #sweaterweather #easyrecipe #onepotmeal
I missed “Two Cent Tuesday” with back to schoo I missed “Two Cent Tuesday” with back to school, so here’s my two cents..but on a Friday 😉

The truth is, part of living fully means knowing when to hold on—and when to let go. Whether it’s people, expectations, or how you thought life was “supposed” to look, releasing what weighs you down makes space for more joy, more love, and more of the moments that truly count ✨

One life, one shot..live loud, love big ..and always #staygutsy

Much love 💜xo
Off to grade 9 and grade 6 💕🥹 Wishing all th Off to grade 9 and grade 6 💕🥹
Wishing all the kids, teachers, and parents an amazing first day back!
Looking back at old pictures is crazy! After my o Looking back at old pictures is crazy!

After my ostomy surgery, my body went through so many changes. Wrapping my head around this new reality was a daily battle.

I was always tired, bloated, inflamed. I felt unmotivated and nothing like myself.

But slowly, with small changes and consistency, I started feeling like me again:

✨ My inflammatory markers are the lowest they’ve ever been
✨ The puffiness in my face is gone
✨ My cortisol levels are finally balanced
✨ The bloating and extra weight around my belly has decreased
✨ My energy is higher than ever
✨ My mind is clearer and happier

If you’re in that place of wanting to feel like yourself again—please know it’s possible. Healing takes time, but little shifts can make a huge difference. 💛

There’s actually a sale on until Sept 2, so if you’ve been curious, this might be a good time. 

Just drop a “HAPPY” below and I’ll send you the details.

Much love and #staygutsy 💜
Safe spaces heal… Here’s what I’ve learned ✨

I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me when my closest friends listen to me repeat the same story again and again without making me feel silly or “too much.” That kind of kindness creates safety. And in that safety, we shine. 

So..Here’s my two cents: Kindness isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about holding space for the people you love, even when their story feels heavy or repeated. Sometimes, just being there is everything. 

The world needs more safe spaces. Let’s keep creating them..and as always #staygutsy 

Much love 💜xo 
#TwoCentTuesday #GutsyGirlDiaries #BeKindAlways
🌞 Good Morning Friends & Happy Monday! 🌞 Y 🌞 Good Morning Friends & Happy Monday! 🌞
 
Yesterday was all about celebrating my daughter’s birthday 🎉—and between the prep, the party, and the cleanup, this mama is feeling it today🫠

Especially since I’m not working from home, I needed my Happy Juice more than ever to kickstart the day!
 
Adding this little boost to my daily routine—alongside eating well and staying active—has made such a difference. I’ve felt lighter, less bloated, more energized, and way less stressed. My mood? Sky-high. My energy? Unmatched.
 
Honestly, it’s become a non-negotiable part of my day 💛
 
If you’re like me and looking for something to help you feel your best, lift your spirits, and keep your energy flowing, this might be just what you need. 

✨Comment HAPPY for a direct link + $10 off ✨
 
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn
 
Much Love and #staygutsy 💜
 
#HappyJuice #FeelGoodVibes #WellnessJourney #YouDeserveThis #MondayMotivation
🌸✨ Happy 14th Birthday to my beautiful daught 🌸✨ Happy 14th Birthday to my beautiful daughter ✨🌸

I pray you always see the amazing young woman you are becoming. You inspire me every day with your strength, kindness, and fire. You deserve every good thing life has to offer. I love you more than words can say. 💕🎉
🌞 Good morning, friends — it’s Friday Jr! 🎉

Last night was pure magic ✨ I danced, laughed, and soaked up every moment at the concert with a dear friend. It was a blast — and a milestone.
 
For years, I avoided outdoor events like concerts and picnics because of my IBD. Even in remission, the unpredictability made me feel unsafe and anxious. Long bathroom lines weren’t just inconvenient — they were terrifying. With IBD, waiting isn’t always an option.
 
Since age 15, I feared having an ostomy. I did everything to avoid it — meds, trials, treatments. But when I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2022, my only curative option was a permanent ileostomy. My biggest fear became my reality.
 
And here’s the truth: I feared the ostomy more than the cancer.
 
Recovery was tough — mentally, physically, emotionally. But today, I embrace life with my ostomy. It gave me a second chance. It gave me freedom. I now attend events I used to avoid, feeling confident, safe, and prepared.
 
If you’re living with an ostomy or recovering from surgery, know this: you can return to life — and thrive. 💪
This community has been my lifeline. Seeing others share their journeys helped me find strength. Now, I share mine to pay it forward — to remind you that you’re not alone, and that joy is still yours to claim.
 
💙 Much love and #staygutsy 

#OstomyAwareness #IBDWarrior #ColorectalCancerSurvivor #ChronicIllnessCommunity #OstomyLife #InvisibleIllness #HealingJourney #ConcertVibes #FridayJr #GratitudePost #YouAreNotAlone #LifeAfterCancer #ThrivingNotJustSurviving
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IBD•Colorectal Cancer•Ostomy Advocate📍Toronto

gutsygirldiaries

Here’s my two cents: Sometimes the bravest thing Here’s my two cents: Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is bet on yourself. 💛

Even when the odds feel stacked, your strength will carry you through.

Just breathe, have faith, and let it unfold. 🌿

As always  #StayGutsy

Much love 💜xo 

Ps ..this song is one of my favourite feel good songs 🎶

#gutsygirldiaries #twocenttuesday #breathe
✨ Cozy One-Pot Orzo ✨ If you’re craving som ✨ Cozy One-Pot Orzo ✨

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes — this is it. 🥣💛

This one-pot orzo with ground meat, spinach, and creamy cheese is pure comfort in a bowl. Easy to make and packed with protein, carbs, veggies + healthy fats = weeknight dinner goals 🙌

📋 Save this recipe for when you need:

✔️ Comfort food without the fuss

✔️ A quick balanced meal

✔️ Leftovers that taste even better the next day

You’ll need:

•1 lb ground meat (I used veal)
•2 tbsp olive oil
•½ yellow onion, chopped
•2 cloves garlic, chopped
•2 tbsp tomato paste
•2 large tomatoes, chopped (or canned)
•4 cups chicken stock
•1 cup orzo
•⅓ cup Parmesan (+ extra for topping)
•1 cup cottage cheese, blended
•4–5 cups spinach

How to make it:

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven, brown meat.
2. Add onion + garlic, cook till soft.
3. Stir in tomato paste + tomatoes.
4. Add broth + orzo, cover + cook 8 mins.
5. Turn off heat, stir in cheeses.
6. Add spinach, cover till wilted.
7. Top with extra parm + chili flakes 🌶️

That’s it — one pot, easy cleanup, max comfort. Who’s saving this for dinner this week? 🙌

Much love 💜xo 
#cozy #sweaterweather #easyrecipe #onepotmeal
I missed “Two Cent Tuesday” with back to schoo I missed “Two Cent Tuesday” with back to school, so here’s my two cents..but on a Friday 😉

The truth is, part of living fully means knowing when to hold on—and when to let go. Whether it’s people, expectations, or how you thought life was “supposed” to look, releasing what weighs you down makes space for more joy, more love, and more of the moments that truly count ✨

One life, one shot..live loud, love big ..and always #staygutsy

Much love 💜xo
Off to grade 9 and grade 6 💕🥹 Wishing all th Off to grade 9 and grade 6 💕🥹
Wishing all the kids, teachers, and parents an amazing first day back!
Looking back at old pictures is crazy! After my o Looking back at old pictures is crazy!

After my ostomy surgery, my body went through so many changes. Wrapping my head around this new reality was a daily battle.

I was always tired, bloated, inflamed. I felt unmotivated and nothing like myself.

But slowly, with small changes and consistency, I started feeling like me again:

✨ My inflammatory markers are the lowest they’ve ever been
✨ The puffiness in my face is gone
✨ My cortisol levels are finally balanced
✨ The bloating and extra weight around my belly has decreased
✨ My energy is higher than ever
✨ My mind is clearer and happier

If you’re in that place of wanting to feel like yourself again—please know it’s possible. Healing takes time, but little shifts can make a huge difference. 💛

There’s actually a sale on until Sept 2, so if you’ve been curious, this might be a good time. 

Just drop a “HAPPY” below and I’ll send you the details.

Much love and #staygutsy 💜
Safe spaces heal… Here’s what I’ve learned ✨

I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me when my closest friends listen to me repeat the same story again and again without making me feel silly or “too much.” That kind of kindness creates safety. And in that safety, we shine. 

So..Here’s my two cents: Kindness isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about holding space for the people you love, even when their story feels heavy or repeated. Sometimes, just being there is everything. 

The world needs more safe spaces. Let’s keep creating them..and as always #staygutsy 

Much love 💜xo 
#TwoCentTuesday #GutsyGirlDiaries #BeKindAlways
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