#68 Defining Yourself by Wellness, Not Illness, With Annie Toro Lopez (Part 1)

 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. 📘 Healthy for a Reason: 12 Practical Guidelines to Feel Like Yourself AgainIf you're tired of starting over, trying harder, and wondering why nothing seems to work, Healthy for a Reason was written for you.For years, we've been told the answer is more willpower, more restriction, and more rules. But if you've struggled with cravings, fatigue, emotional eating, poor sleep, or stubborn weight despite doing everything "right," you know it's not that simple.What if those struggles weren't signs that you've failed?What if they were your body's way of asking for something different?In Healthy for a Reason, Lindsie combines nearly two decades of nursing experience with practical health coaching strategies to help you understand what your body has been trying to tell you all along. You'll learn how to calm your nervous system, recognize your body's signals, build sustainable habits, and create lasting health by working with your body instead of constantly fighting against it.This isn't another diet book or a collection of quick fixes. It's a practical, compassionate guide to helping you reconnect with your body, rebuild trust in yourself, and finally understand why you're healthy for a reason.✨ Available now in paperback and Kindle.👉 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!