This post is sponsored by Depend® Brand. All opinions and statements are my own.
It was just days ago that I arrived in Telluride, Colorado, for what would be a memorable few days making friends, enjoying incredible scenery, and speaking on a panel during the Telluride Wine Festival.
Telluride, Colorado Wine Festival
When I was asked to speak at the Telluride Wine Festival in partnership with Depend, I jumped at the chance. I’d heard Colorado in summertime is breathtaking, and I was about to discover just how much.
The Telluride Wine Festival is an annual event that both women and men flock to. I quickly discovered why.
As my driver drove me up to the resort, I was mesmerized. The trees. The quiet. The destination is like no other.
The festival proved to be equally as impressive, with tastings, seminars, and private luncheons. I ran into groups of men and women who intentionally put Telluride, Colorado, on the calendar for this every year.
These new friends of mine were clearly living their best lives, something I actually spoke about during a wine festival special luncheon, “A Celebration of Wine and Women.”. I was joined by fellow blogger Nancy Johnson Horn of The Mama Maven Blog, Stephanie Douglas, founder of Aratas Wines, and Jane Del Piero, mindfulness expert and owner of LuvLight Acupuncture.
The luncheon offered guests a fabulously catered wine and lunch pairing thanks to guest chef Angelee Aurillo. While enjoying the courses, our panel discussed finding passion, wellness, and confidence, as we deal with challenges that can occur with aging. It was certainly a topic I’m passionate about. And I had a lot to share.
From practical advice about exercise and cognitive activity, to the importance of laughter and yearly checkups, we discussed it all. We shared stories. We even learned a few yoga poses to help us during moments of stress.
I spoke about how I’ve found more confidence as I’ve aged, not less. I challenge myself more. I face my fears (well, some of them at least). I don’t let things stop me from chasing my dreams and pursuing my passions.
We learned that the luncheon menu had been created with incontinence-friendly foods in mind. What are those? Proteins and healthy fats and minimizing dairy and super heavy foods. The food – outstanding!
In fact, I have to share that Chef Aurillo had already convinced me of her culinary skills at the Telluride Farmer’s Market the day before. She had samples of a roasted cauliflower soup garnished with pancetta dust and drizzled with chive and lemon oil. Oh, and let me not forget the fire roasted mixed vegetable focaccia. All incontinence-friendly.
The luncheon was an extension of what began at the Farmer’s Market – conversations with women and men about finding a confidence in all of life’s moments with incontinence. That ballroom at the Madeline Hotel was packed full of travelers, joy seekers, and those who wanted to live their best lives. They asked questions. They cheered us on.
It felt amazing to be part of such an incredible group of women on the panel. For those of you that deal with incontinence, let me share a few tips we discovered when it comes to choosing food and wine:
Incontinence Food and Wine Tips
Focus on lean proteins and healthy fats.
Minimize dairy and super heavy foods.
Drink water. Lots of water.
Less irritating vegetables for the bladder to consider are broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, radishes, squash, and zucchini.
Search out older vintages for those who savor big bold red wines.
Try Pinot Noir and Merlot, as they are less astringent.
Everything in moderation, of course, and be sure to check with your medical doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
There are so many great resources for those of us who deal with incontinence. You can get even more tips and tricks for travel, confidence, diet, and more in a new private Facebook group, The Incontinence Community. It’s a private group sponsored by Depend, but driven by individuals like you, who readily share tips and experiences. Join the discussion. You’ll see me there.
I had NO IDEA there were incontinence-friendly foods! Thanks for that info.