Episode #0077 Julie Desch - Nutrition and CF

Julie Desch is 48 years old with cystic fibrosis and lives in Northern California. Julie is a single mom with two fabulous children. She works from home running a non-profit – New Day Wellness (www.newdaywell.org) -- and is LIVING, BREATHING and SUCCEEDING on a daily basis. Julie has realized the benefits of nutrition and exercise. At New Day Wellness, Julie coaches nutrition, fitness, stress management and disease management to people with chronic illnesses – many with CF. Julie was born in Nebraska and was diagnosed at birth. She is the youngest of seven siblings, attended Stanford University, and enjoys golf, running, weight training and reading. "I enjoy sharing my thoughts on nutrition, wellness and exercise on my blog (www.sickandhappy.com). This is a great way to get the word out there," Julie says. Julie’s “junk” foods include pretzels, yogurt and frosted mini wheats dipped in peanut butter. “I am a firm believer in supplements such as fish oil, NAC and additional vitamins, but ALL are with doctors approval," Julie says. Shakes and smoothies with protein added are a must-have when Julie is not feeling well or needs an extra boost. “Eat early and eat often, and make sure you are eating lots of fruit, vegetables and protein – I eat a lot of the right foods." On gaining weight: “Get involved in exercise, and especially weight training, and eat a lot," Julie advises. Julie’s advice to others: “Hope ... and be compliant and aggressive to keep your lungs clear.” This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is the 11th in a series of 12 made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.