My Healing Journey and Mission
My mission is to educate and encourage women to eat nutrient-dense foods, helping them transition into a way of eating that fosters awareness and healing. I believe we are what we eat (or, rather, absorb), and with the right foods, we can help our bodies heal from disease.
When you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, life can feel like it has come to a complete stop.
You don’t dream about tomorrow. You’re just trying to survive, one day at a time.
Each morning, you wake up and mentally scan your body, checking which parts are hurting today. The pain moves around. Some days it's your hands, other days it’s your feet, your shoulders, your back… and no two days are the same.
Hi lovely. I’m Catherine — a Certified Health & Nutrition Coach with a specialization in Food as Medicine and chronic inflammation.
I’m so glad you’re here.
Here, I've created an anti-inflammatory diet: I share whole, plant-based, sugar-free, and gluten-free recipes that have helped me reduce inflammation and come off medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
This lifestyle also helped alleviate my allergies and support my recovery from food sensitivities that were giving me black marks on my skin.
All chronic diseases begin with inflammation, and these recipes are created to help you lower that burden on your body. They’re also nutrient-dense, meaning they can support your weight loss goals while still nourishing you deeply.
I also post science-backed articles on health and lifestyle, focusing on how to reduce inflammation, repair, and restore health.
You may have landed here looking for natural health solutions, whether it’s for yourself or someone you love who’s living with chronic inflammation or an autoimmune condition.
I hope that by the time you leave this blog, you’ll have found something worthwhile, something hopeful.
My Story: A Journey Through Pain and Healing
I was diagnosed with RA in 2006, but looking back, I know it started much earlier, around age 16. At the time, I knew nothing about rheumatoid arthritis, and I blamed bad luck. However, through research, I realized that my childhood trauma had to do with the onset of my autoimmune disease.
Today, I know that ACEs, stress, and emotional trauma profoundly impact your immune system and trigger chronic inflammation.
Before my diagnosis, I suffered a lot. I was living in a new country, didn’t speak the language well, and couldn’t explain my pain. I lacked proper health coverage. Within three months of arriving in France, my feet became severely inflamed and enlarged, and I had to borrow a pair of men’s sneakers because I could no longer fit into my own shoes. My right shoulder became so painful and stiff that I couldn’t sleep or lift my arm.
I was sleeping on a bunk bed at the time, and I used a belt to tie my arm to the upper bunk just to keep it still through the night. The pain was so intense that I honestly wished someone could just cut my arm off. Yes, it was that bad.
I also developed severe acne that took years to heal, even after long-term Accutane. I later learned that skin issues can also be linked to autoimmune diseases.
Eventually, I was diagnosed with RA, and the doctors told me I would be on medication for the rest of my life. They said there was no cure, only drugs to slow the progression. That news left me devastated.
I'd never felt so lost, so sorry for myself, and completely helpless before. I was lonely, desperate, and very frustrated. I was ONLY 30!
For years, I took immunosuppressants like Methotrexate and Arava, plus high doses of prednisone. Yet the pain didn’t go away. I developed multiple allergies, even to the sun, something I once adored growing up in Kenya. I couldn’t go a day without antihistamines.
After the birth of my second child, the RA flared up terribly. I had pain in nearly every joint. I was put on very high doses of steroids again. I remember mornings when I had to roll myself out of bed because I couldn’t sit up. I couldn’t turn the door lock. My hands were so swollen I couldn’t hold a glass of water.
And still, I had to care for my two children. Alone. My daughter was only 2 years old.
The Turning Point
Everything changed in late 2016 when my doctor mentioned elevated liver enzymes — a warning sign. He wanted to check my liver. I immediately knew that the medications were hurting my body.
Emotionally, I couldn’t continue. Psychologically, I refused to take medicine! I was in pain! I was suffering! But every time I reached for my medicine, I felt some weight in my gut. I felt a deep resistance inside despite the terrible pain I was going through!
Around that time, I also experienced a mysterious illness after a mountain trip. No doctor could identify it. My skin cracked with open bruises, and I had a horrible rash. Then, I developed a painful infection that left dark blisters across my torso. I was exhausted, lost, and emotionally drained.
Some doctors blamed my plant-based diet, saying I needed meat. I don't blame them; my iron levels were very low! And that confused me even more because I was left with doubt about whether eating meat was a good option or whether to keep the plant-based diet.
And then, the healing began.
How I Found Relief Through Food
Today, I’m pain-free and medication-free. It’s been over 8 years.
Was it easy? No. There were many dark, painful days. But I stayed committed to food, mindset, and patience.
I learned that food is a powerful medicine. Food is the communication that tells the body what to do. I drastically changed my diet, cut out inflammatory foods, and focused only on plant-based foods. I rebuilt my strength, my energy, and my hope.
I’m not entirely healed yet. But I’m living well, and my pain is gone.
That’s why I created the FOODHEAL Healing Hub—a 3-month program where I help women with chronic illnesses understand how to use nutrition to repair, restore, and feel energized. I walk with you through food education, lifestyle changes, and mindset support.
Changing your diet can be overwhelming. We’re all used to the same patterns. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Today I'm pain-free, and I feel better than ever
Let’s Walk This Journey Together
This blog is my way of reaching out to help you support your body through nutritious food. You’ll find easy, anti-inflammatory recipes. These meals are nutrient-rich, simple to prepare, and designed to reduce inflammation.
If something I share can help you go even one day without pain, then I’ve accomplished my mission.
Let’s walk this journey together. Healing takes time. But remember:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu
Anti-Inflammation Diet That Fights Inflammation
What I found challenging when I started out was figuring out what to eat! We're accustomed to what's obvious. Changing your diet 180° all at once is daunting.
This blog is my heartfelt desire to share information and help you with easy, healthy, plant-based, and gluten-free recipes. Quick & simple recipes, nutrient-dense, and anti-inflammatory... make sure to subscribe to get new recipes.
I've learned how food plays a fundamental role in how we feel! and who we are. What you put in your mouth as food can either build your health or destroy it.
Unfortunately, few doctors in town connect rheumatoid arthritis and/or other chronic diseases to your diet and lifestyle.
💡 Explore More
If you’re starting your healing journey and looking for support at the table, I invite you to check out my book:
The Best Anti-Inflammatory Breakfasts on Amazon.
Inside, you'll find simple, nourishing recipes crafted to fight inflammation and fuel your mornings with purpose.
I've also put together an ebook that explains why and how your body creates inflammation, what keeps your immune system activated, and how to stop flares, stiffness, and fatigue.
Get the ebook here: RESET
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information on this site is for educational purposes only. I’m a certified holistic health & nutrition coach. Always consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
You are your best guide. No one can ever feel the way you feel. Trust your intuition and your Gut!
With love and healing,
Catherine Githu 💛
Let's Connect
I am passionate about what I do and am committed to helping you experience the same joy that I’ve found in eating healthy. Follow me on