Welcome to Flawed yet Functional!

This space is dedicated to encouraging moms to take control of their (or their kids’) autoimmune diseases and create a life free from autoimmune captivity. By eating a healthy diet, establishing good habits, and eliminating food sensitivities, you will find autoimmune health and as a by-product, a joyful and purpose-filled life you’ve always wanted.

Let me give you a little backstory on me…

Discovering Flourishing Health

I’m Emily Stauch, and I am a type 1 diabetic and AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation in my right frontal lobe) survivor. I’ve lived my life thinking I’m the picture of health: thin, active, and eats *mostly* healthy. Until a curveball gets thrown my way and suddenly, I’m simply not healthy: AVM resection and rehabilitation (That’s brain surgery folks!), gestational diabetes, pregnancy complications, and the most recent – type 1 diabetes.

I am not here to moan about my medical history. I’m here to conqueror the diagnosis and lead a full, vibrant life. You can do to the same.

The type 1 diabetes diagnosis opened my eyes to true healthy eating and living that I knew nothing about.

Leaky gut?
Gluten sensitivity?
Dairy is inflammatory?
All processed food is bad?

These ideas were foreign to me. I had a lot to learn.

After reading research linking gluten to autoimmune disease development, I immediately eliminated gluten from my diet. With that single change, I was able to stop taking insulin that day. In the months to follow, I would refine my diet to include more vegetables, eliminate dairy, and adopt a Paleo lifestyle.

I have seen dramatic, unbelievable healing of my body by changing what I eat. I had no idea food was so powerful. So if you are still skeptical, I understand. I once was too. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, I hope you find encouragement here to take steps toward maximizing your health. You won’t be alone; I’m walking this road with you.

Creating a Fulfilled Life

Another passion of mine is helping you live the fullest, most joy-filled life possible. Maximizing my health allows me to function at optimal levels so that my body is not holding me back from participating in everything I feel called to do, and I want the same freedom for you.

This is what a fulfilled, free life looks like for me.

First and foremost, I love Jesus, and my first priority in life is to bring Him glory. From what I eat to how I spend my healthcare dollars to sewing curtains for my home, I strive to do it all for the glory of God.

Second, I’ve found freedom and fulfillment in healthy lifestyle habits that require discipline like going to bed and waking up at the same time every day and making a prioritized to-do list every day. Mastering these habits that require effort opened up the door of extra time that allowed me to pursue hobbies and commitments that bring me joy: cooking, sewing, painting, DIY, reading, writing, and volunteering. These difficult-to-do habits also affected my health: consistent sleep and exercise stabilize my blood sugar.

We’ve come full circle: Changing my diet changed my health. Flourishing health allowed me to have a more disciplined lifestyle. Having a more disciplined lifestyle allowed me time to do what I love and as a bonus, improved my health even more.

I would love to encourage you to take control of your autoimmune health and live your best life.

Need some ideas to get started?