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    The Paralysis Nutrition Podcast

    Hi, I'm Fatimah Fakhoury Registered Dietitian who's married to a quadriplegic and specializes in nutrition for spinal cord injury and paralysis. I'm on a mission to help people living with paralysis lose weight and regulate their bowels so they can live happier, healthier lives. On this podcast, I'll be talking to people just like you who are wheelchair users and successfully improving their health using the power of food. My guests and I will share personal stories, give useful nutrition information that's especially for paralysis, and answer your questions about healthy eating. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to improve your diet so you can feel your best!
    enFatimah Fakhoury39 Episodes

    Episodes (39)

    Ep 37: Cortisol and Bowel Health: How Lowering Stress Can Help You Poop Easy

    Ep 37: Cortisol and Bowel Health: How Lowering Stress Can Help You Poop Easy

    In this episode, Fatimah explains how regulating your blood sugar helps lower cortisol, which allows you to have an easier bowel program. Cortisol is a stress hormone that affects virtually every organ in your body - including your gut!

    Highlights from the episode:

    • Role of cortisol in the body
    • Relationship between blood sugar and cortisol levels
    • Practical ways to lower cortisol, starting today



    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 36: Chatting with My Friend, Quadriplegic TikToker, Ernest Patti

    Ep 36: Chatting with My Friend, Quadriplegic TikToker, Ernest Patti

    In this episode, Fatimah chats with her friend Ernest Patti, aka @hotdogcartt on TikTok, about his experience as a disabled social media content creator. Ernest became a C5/6 incomplete quadriplegic at 18, just days before his freshman year of college was supposed to begin. About a year later, he started making TikToks about his life as a young quad, and soon enough, went viral with his videos.

    Highlights from the episode:

      • Mental and physical health after spinal cord injury
      • Connecting with the disability community on social media
      • Body image and confidence as a full-time wheelchair user
      • Normalizing aspects of life with a disability, such as having a caregiver


    Connect with Ernest Patti: 
    TikTok: @hotdogcartt
    Instagram: @ernestpatti

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 35: Ask me Anything Series (#1)

    Ep 35:  Ask me Anything Series (#1)

    Introducing a new series in the podcast: Ask Me Anything! On this first episode of the series, Fatimah responds to your questions submitted via social media.

    Questions from this debut episode in the serious include:

    • “Is coffee bad for you?”
    • “My physiatrist says most nutritionists don’t know about SCI and overload you with vegetables that cause a catastrophe. What do you think about this?”
    • “What’s too many vegetables/fruits in a day or at one meal?”
    • “I can tell you’re naturally thin. Why do you eat so healthy? Seems like you never cheat.”

    Find out the answers to these interesting questions in this episode!

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:

    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

     

    Ep 34: Ozempic for weight loss should you try it?

    Ep 34: Ozempic for weight loss should you try it?

    In today's episode, Fatimah discusses the latest trend in weight loss: semalutide, also known as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc.

    Highlights from the episode:

    • Who should take these meds?
    • Special considerations for people with SCI + paralysis
    • Common side effects that are especially problematic for neurogenic bowel

     

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:

    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 33: 3 Secrets to Shorten Your Bowel Program

    Ep 33: 3 Secrets to Shorten Your Bowel Program

    It's the first episode of 2023! This is one you don't want to miss if you're trying to spend less time on your bowel program. This audio is from the live masterclass that was held on January 31st, 2023.

    Highlights from the episode:

    • Gut-healthy nutrition tips for paralysis
    • Connection between gut and brain
    • Can you really get your program down to 30 minutes?
    • Losing inches off your belly without starving yourself

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 32: The Exact Path My Client Took to Lose 20 lb. in 3 Months

    Ep 32: The Exact Path My Client Took to Lose 20 lb. in 3 Months

    On this special episode of the podcast, Fatimah tells the story of one client's imperfect but REAL journey to losing 20 lb. in just 3 months. This audio is from the live masterclass that was held on November 21st, 2022.

    Highlights from the episode: 

    • Dieting vs. eating right for paralysis
    • How weekends can sabotage progress
    • Planning and prepping meals for success
    • Finding what works for YOU

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:

    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 31: The Secret to Permanent Weight Loss

    Ep 31: The Secret to Permanent Weight Loss

    In this episode, Fatimah discusses her #1 tip for permanent weight loss with paralysis. You don't want to miss this juicy episode!

    Highlights from the episode:

    • Why all diets fail, eventually
    • Forget the 80/20 rule
    • Empowering yourself with flexible eating
    • How to lose weight and keep it off for good

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

     

    Ep 30: Magic Elixirs: My Thoughts on Diet Pills + Detox Potions

    Ep 30: Magic Elixirs: My Thoughts on Diet Pills + Detox Potions

    In this episode, Fatimah discusses popular supplements such as liver detoxes, metabolism boosters, and fat-burning pills.

    Highlights from the episode:

    • Your liver: the supreme detox organ
    • Risks of herbals + botanicals
    • Dangers of diet pills
    • Mixing medications and supplements

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 29: Why I Don't Recommend Intermittent Fasting for SCI

    Ep 29: Why I Don't Recommend Intermittent Fasting for SCI

    In this episode, Fatimah discusses intermittent fasting and why it's not a good choice for people with paralysis.

    Highlights from the episode:

    • Adequate protein and fiber
    • How skipping meals affects bowels
    • Food choices vs. watching the clock
    • Having a healthy relationship with food

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 28: Why Breakfast Really IS the Most Important Meal of the Day

    Ep 28: Why Breakfast Really IS the Most Important Meal of the Day

    In this episode, Fatimah discusses the importance of breakfast and how it can help you lose weight, improve bowel health, and feel more energetic. 

    Highlights from the episode:

    • Why mornings are sacred
    • It's ok if you're not a "breakfast person"
    • An opportunity for weight loss
    • How morning meals help with morning bowel routines

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 26: Probiotics and Prebiotics

    Ep 26: Probiotics and Prebiotics

    Curious about probiotics? Unsure what foods to eat for a healthy gut? On this episode of the podcast, Fatimah is filling you in on all things gut bacteria!

     

    Highlights from the episode:

    • What are probiotics? What foods contain them?
    • Role of prebiotics in the gut
    • Supplementation vs. whole food sources
    • How healthy gut bacteria will help improve your bowel program

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 25: Supplements for SCI: What to Take?

    Ep 25: Supplements for SCI: What to Take?

    In this episode, Fatimah talks about vitamins, minerals, protein powders, and other supplements. If you're thinking about starting supplements or you currently take supplements, this episode is a must-listen.

    Highlights from the episode:

    • Supplement safety & drug interactions
    • Top supplement picks for SCI & paralysis
    • How to know what to take

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:

    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 24: You Do Not Have to Do Cardio to Lose Weight

    Ep 24: You Do Not Have to Do Cardio to Lose Weight

    In this week's episode, Fatimah discusses how weight loss really happens.. and it's not from cardio!

    Highlights from the episode:
    - Calorie deficit for weight loss with paralysis
    - Not relying on exercise to "burn" more energy
    - Why your trainer at the gym shouldn't be giving you macros/calories
    - Ableism in weight loss/fitness industry

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:

    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition

    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition



    Ep 23: Hydration and Scheduling Your Pees

    Ep 23: Hydration and Scheduling Your Pees

    In this episode of the podcast, Fatimah talks about how you can get adequate hydration while also managing neurogenic bladder. She discusses the importance of drinking enough water, and how it affects the entire body, particularly the bowels.

    Highlights from the episode:
    - How much water to drink per day
    - How you schedule your cathing around your activities
    - Importance of electrolytes for absorbing water

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition

    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

     

    Ep 22: Calories vs. Macros for Weight Loss

    Ep 22: Calories vs. Macros for Weight Loss

    In this episode, Fatimah talks about the difference between counting calories and counting macros for weight loss with paralysis. She breaks down why macro counting is a better method and what calorie counting leaves to be desired.

    Highlights from the episode:
    - What are macros?
    - Why calorie counting is too simplistic for weight loss
    - Challenges of staying in a calorie deficit with paralysis

    Resources Mentioned:
    Macros Masterclass February 15, 2022, at 10 am EDT: Sign up HERE

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:|
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition

    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

     

    Ep 21 : Macro Counting with Devika Sharma, RD

    Ep 21 : Macro Counting with Devika Sharma, RD

    In this episode, Fatimah talks with a fellow registered dietitian, Devika Sharma, RD about weight loss using macro counting. Devika explains why macro counting is a more sustainable, effective method of weight loss than calorie counting, and how ALL foods can fit into a healthy diet.

    Highlights from the episode include:
    - What are macros?
    - How to lose weight without being miserable
    - Enjoying "fun" foods with weight loss in mind

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:

    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 20: How Caroline Healed a Stage 3 Pressure Sore in 6 Weeks

    Ep 20: How Caroline Healed a Stage 3 Pressure Sore in 6 Weeks

    In this episode, Fatimah chats with Paralysis Nutrition group coaching member Caroline, who was living with two-stage III pressure sores for over 2 years. After just 1 month of eating right for wound healing, Caroline was able to completely heal her wounds, and today she's here to talk about her success.

    Highlights from the episode:
    - The advice Caroline received from wound care
    - Protein and supplementation for wound healing
    - Constipation issues from a high-protein diet
    - Life after healing

    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:
    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition
    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition




    Ep 19: Medical Management of SCI with Dr. Joanne M. Delgado-Lebron

    Ep 19: Medical Management of SCI with Dr. Joanne M. Delgado-Lebron

    On today's episode, Fatimah talks with special guest Dr. Joanne Delgado, who is a physiatrist and spinal cord injury specialist from Florida. Dr. Delgado discusses medical management of spinal cord injury, both acute and chronic, and how comprehensive care is the key to quality of life after spinal cord injury. You don't want to miss this rare opportunity to hear valuable information directly from a physician who has extensive training, education, and experience with spinal cord injury!

    Highlights from the episode:
    - Constipation and bowel health, plus Dr. Delgado's honest opinion on laxatives
    - Spasticity management
    - UTIs and bladder dysfunction
    - Emotional aspects of life with spinal cord injury


    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:

    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition

    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition

    Ep 18: How Heather Regulated Her Bowels with Dietary Changes

    Ep 18: How Heather Regulated Her Bowels with Dietary Changes

    In this episode of the podcast, Fatimah chats with Paralysis Nutrition coaching program client, Heather, who was able to regulate her bowels and decrease bloating - just by changing her diet.

    Highlights from the episode:
    - How Heather went from pooping once (or less!) per week to going almost daily
    - The importance of eating more meals at home and planning in advance
    - Fiber, fluid, and stress - making the Poop Trifecta work for you
    - How tracking her meals has helped Heather stay consistent


    Connect with Fatimah Fakhoury:

    Instagram: @paralysis.nutrition

    Facebook: @Paralysis Nutrition