EPISODE · Feb 10, 2026 · 25 MIN
#68 Defining Yourself by Wellness, Not Illness, With Annie Toro Lopez (Part 1)
from PCOS Unfiltered: Nourish, Heal, Thrive · host Annie Toro Lopez
Connect with Annie:http://annietorolopez.com/Annie's Simply Gluten-Free CookbookConnect with Annie on LinkedInFollow Annie on SubstackIn This Episode, We Discuss:Annie’s early experience with lupus symptoms and the long road to diagnosisWhat it’s like to be dismissed—and how the right provider can change everythingThe emotional and physical toll of autoimmune disease in early adulthoodNavigating pregnancy and motherhood with a high-risk autoimmune conditionBeing told what your body “won’t survive”—and choosing your own path anywayHow trauma and unresolved experiences can live in the bodyThe role of therapy in healing autoimmune illnessWhy refusing to identify as your diagnosis can be a turning pointShifting from defining yourself by illness to defining yourself by wellnessRate and Review:If this episode encouraged you, the best way to support the show is to leave a rating + review, and share it with someone who needs hope that healing is still possible—even if it’s messy and nonlinear.Content Note:This episode includes discussion of trauma, grief, and chronic illness. Please take care of yourself as you listen.Disclaimer:The content shared on PCOS Unfiltered is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health or treatment plan. 📘 Healing Beyond the Diagnosis: Rewrite Your PCOS Story to Finally Reclaim Your HealthIf you’re tired of chasing symptoms, starting over, and feeling disconnected from your body, this book was written for you.In Healing Beyond the Diagnosis, Lindsie guides you beyond labels and quick fixes and into a deeper understanding of what your symptoms are actually communicating. This book blends science, lived experience, and compassionate insight to help you rebuild trust with your body, calm your nervous system, and create sustainable, lasting health — without restriction, shame, or burnout.✨ Perfect for women with PCOS who want clarity, confidence, and a path forward that finally makes sense.👉 Grab your copy HERE, available in paperback or on kindle 📝 Free Download: The Food Timeline TrackerUnlock the clues your body is already giving you.This simple worksheet helps you connect your meals to your hunger, cravings, and energy—so you can start spotting patterns, identifying insulin resistance symptoms, and making empowered food choices (no calorie counting required). Use it for just 2-3 days and prepare to be amazed at what you discover!✅ What's included:Meal tracking prompts (before, during, after, and long after)Space to note physical, emotional, and energy changesBonus reflection questions to guide your next steps📥 Grab it HERE!
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What this episode covers
In this deeply moving episode of PCOS Unfiltered, Lindsie sits down with cookbook author and chronic illness advocate Annie Toro Lopez for a conversation that goes far beyond symptoms and lab results. Annie shares her journey of being diagnosed with lupus (SLE) in her early 20s, navigating years of aggressive medical treatment, fear-based prognoses, and the emotional weight of being told what her body could—and could not—do. Annie opens up about motherhood in the face of autoimmune illness, the trauma stored in the body, and how therapy, mindset, and self-understanding became essential parts of her healing process. After decades of intensive work, Annie reached a milestone many don’t even realize is possible: a negative ANA after 20 years. Later, following profound personal loss, Annie received a celiac disease diagnosis—one that ultimately led her to build community and create resources that now support thousands of people navigating food and chronic illness. This episode explores what happens when a diagnosis threatens your identity—and how healing can begin when you refuse to let illness define who you are.
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#68 Defining Yourself by Wellness, Not Illness, With Annie Toro Lopez (Part 1)
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