Here’s a story of willpower. When you have autoimmunity, most daily decisions become a quiet, calculated debate of benefit vs risk. Foods to avoid, self-care rituals to fit in, cabinets full of supplements to count out, learning how NOT to overcommit with work and social life. It feels never-ending at times. So tonight, after a long day of work and a warm shower, I more than happily surrendered to an offer of take-out dinner. Whenever my parents bring me kabob koobideh (whether homemade or from a Persian restaurant) I feel so fully nourished from the nutrient dense comfort foods that have served my ancestors for thousands of years. These days, I opt for the salad in lieu of the buttery saffron rice to keep things “paleo”. But tonight, when the juicy kabob arrived on a fluffy bed of delicious lavash bread, I went into silent debate again. Ugh – is it worth a gluten reaction? Is it worth a thyroid crash? Is it worth burning muscle pain, swollen joints and that nagging morning wheeze? If you have autoimmunity or food sensitivities, you know how this feels. Within split seconds, my decision was made. I begrudgingly went to the fridge and fried up a pastured egg, warmed some pulled chicken (which I batch pressure cooked last night) and chopped some celery. And left the kabob aside. I ate, I’m not hungry/emotionally reactive anymore and I’m glad I chose to eat “clean.” Because, to be honest, sometimes I choose to eat the kabob…and the bread with it. And sometimes, the benefits outweigh the risks. – Dr. Natasha Fallahi (healing from Hashimoto’s) @drnatashaf When have you struggled with something that has a benefit and a risk?