In a departure from her usual podcast topics, host Margaret Mary O’Connor delves into her decades long personal battle with Celiac Disease, shedding light on a silent struggle shared by many. Joining her on the “Your Radical Truth” podcast is Tammy Overhoff, a renowned nutrition and healthy living expert, who shares her inspiring journey with the disease.
Tammy’s experience sheds light on the challenges and lifestyle adjustments that come with a Celiac Disease diagnosis, as well as her dedication to helping others navigate this condition.
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A Journey Rooted in Healthy Living
Tammy’s journey with Celiac Disease began in 2020 when she was diagnosed, but her passion for healthy living and wellness dates to 2011. At that time, Tammy was a full-time working mom of young school-age girls. She decided to embark on a journey to lose weight and improve her overall well-being. Her approach initially focused on establishing healthier habits, such as meal prep and portion control.
Through these changes, Tammy successfully lost 40 pounds without resorting to a strict diet. Her transformation sparked curiosity and inquiries from friends and followers who wanted to know her secret. In response, she began sharing her experiences and insights on her blog, which quickly gained popularity.
The Path to Full-Time Wellness Entrepreneur
As her blog gained traction, Tammy expanded her reach through writing books and creating various resources to help people achieve their health and wellness goals. Over time, her blog evolved into a full-time career, allowing her to leave her traditional job and dedicate herself to helping others lead healthier lives.
Tammy’s journey initially focused on weight loss and general wellness, but her life took a significant turn when she received her Celiac Disease diagnosis. This diagnosis prompted her to reevaluate her approach and shift her focus towards helping individuals manage Celiac Disease through gluten-free living.
Unveiling Celiac Disease
Tammy’s Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2020 came as a revelation, as she looked back on her life and recognized the symptoms that had gone undiagnosed for years. She recalled three visits to the emergency room due to severe digestive issues, unexplained bloating, and persistent rashes that wouldn’t go away.
Despite these distressing symptoms, her doctors never considered Celiac Disease as a possibility. It was only when a friend, who also had Celiac Disease, suggested she get tested, that Tammy began to suspect this condition. She advocated for herself and insisted on undergoing blood tests and an endoscopy.
To her surprise, the tests confirmed a 100% Celiac Disease diagnosis. Tammy had unknowingly lived with the condition for years, enduring its debilitating effects without realizing the root cause.
Life Post-Diagnosis
Following her diagnosis, Tammy embraced a gluten-free lifestyle. However, she faced new challenges as her previous recipes and eating habits were no longer compatible with her condition. Her dedication to healthy living compelled her to adapt her approach to accommodate Celiac Disease.
Tammy made it a priority to educate her audience about gluten-free alternatives and substitutions in her recipes. She recognized that many people, whether diagnosed with Celiac Disease or not, could benefit from gluten-free options. She started giving gluten-free swaps for every recipe and even launched a membership program focused on providing meal plans with gluten-free alternatives.
Additionally, Tammy emphasizes the importance of learning how to cook and prepare gluten-free meals, especially for individuals with Celiac Disease. This self-sufficiency ensures they can enjoy safe and delicious meals without risking cross-contamination.
Raising Awareness and Self-Advocacy
Throughout her journey, Tammy has consistently advocated for self-advocacy, both for herself and her readers. She emphasizes the need for individuals to take their health into their own hands and push for proper testing and diagnosis when faced with troubling symptoms.
Tammy also raises awareness about Celiac Disease within her community and encourages restaurants and food establishments to take gluten-free options seriously. She highlights the importance of cross-contamination awareness and proper preparation to ensure safe dining experiences for individuals with Celiac Disease.
Tammy Overhoff’s journey with Celiac Disease is a testament to her resilience and dedication to living a healthy, gluten-free life. Her experience serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges, underscoring the importance of self-advocacy, education, and adaptation in managing Celiac Disease while maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle.
About Tammy Overhoff
Tammy Overhoff, received her Bachelor of Psychology Degree from the University of
Buffalo, and her Master of Education Degree in Higher Education Administration, from
Canisius College, in Buffalo,NY. She worked at Buffalo, State College for twelve years as Assistant Director of the Health Center, where her focus was on Health Education for College students. In 2014, Blogging became her full time job.
She is a Healthy Habit & Lifestyle Coach. Tammy owns the Reset & Flourish Brand and also the Organize Yourself Skinny Blog. Since 2011, she has worked with high-achieving professional women with families, to carve out space in their busy lives, for sustainable and healthy weight loss.
Discover more at: Organize Yourself Skinny – Healthy meal prep recipes
About Margaret Mary O’Connor
Meet Margaret Mary O’Connor, a passionate author and podcast host, is driven by a profound mission—to reveal the hidden truths and injustices within the Catholic Church. Often referred to as “The Modern Day David,” she fearlessly confronts the issues that many shy away from.
Margaret’s mission is rooted in love for her Church, a love that compels her to seek justice and fairness. Her journey took a significant turn when she was diagnosed with Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that barred her from consuming wheat, rye, or barley. This diagnosis not only threatened her health but also challenged her faith, as the Church’s law mandated the presence of wheat in the Communion host, preventing her from partaking in a fundamental aspect of her religious practice.
Undeterred by this obstacle, Margaret embarked on a mission to challenge the Church’s norms. With a sharp intellect and extensive research, she delved deep into the intricacies of the Church, uncovering carefully guarded secrets. Through her compelling writings and insightful podcasts, she exposes these truths, sparking vital conversations about the Church’s practices and policies.
Margaret’s dedication to her cause goes beyond personal struggle; it is a fight for inclusivity, understanding, and compassion within her beloved Church. She advocates for change, pushing boundaries and encouraging dialogue. Her work resonates not only with those directly affected by the Church’s rigid doctrines but also with anyone who values transparency and fairness.
In a world where speaking out against established institutions requires immense courage, Margaret Mary O’Connor stands tall, using her voice to challenge the status quo. As the author of Journey of a Celiac’s Soul: A Second Chance at Life and Scandal in the Shadows: The Original Priest-Mary Mother and podcast host, she not only sheds light on the injustices within the Catholic Church but also inspires others to question, learn, and strive for a more just and inclusive society.
To get your own copy of Journey of a Celiac’s Soul: A Second Chance at Life go to https://amzn.to/3Puh4go