Podcast Summary: Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Episode: Bonus from the Archives: Top Tips for Overcoming MS-Friendly Holiday Meals with Ashley Madden
Host: Overcoming MS (with Geoff Allix)
Guest: Ashley Madden, Pharmacist, Chef, Plant-Based Cookbook Author, OMS Follower
Date: December 10, 2025

Overview

This bonus episode revisits an earlier conversation from the Living Well with MS archives, featuring Ashley Madden—a pharmacist-turned-chef and passionate advocate for the Overcoming MS (OMS) diet. The discussion is full of practical, compassionate advice for navigating festive meals and social gatherings while following the OMS dietary recommendations. With the holiday season in focus, Ashley and host Geoff Allix explore strategies, resources, and recipes to maintain enjoyable, inclusive, and health-supportive celebrations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ashley’s Journey to OMS (01:46–04:37)

• Always passionate about food, Ashley considered culinary school but initially chose pharmacy.
• Diagnosed with MS in 2008, followed a conventional medical approach before seeking additional options.
• Discovered the Overcoming MS (OMS) program around 2011, shifting overnight to a plant-based, whole-food, oil-free diet (“cold turkey” transition).
• Her passion for food and wellness inspired further study, leading to certification in holistic nutrition and attending culinary school.

“I’m a cold turkey kind of person. So overnight I completely shifted everything and have been committed to the OMS program ever since.” — Ashley (03:37)

Challenges and Strategies for Transitioning to OMS Diet (04:41–07:56)

• Major life changes often come after significant events; for Ashley, both she and her sister were diagnosed with MS.
• As a pharmacist, she was aware of the disease’s severity and felt both fear and relief when discovering OMS.
• Emphasizes empathy for those struggling to transition, and reiterates that starting small can also be effective.

"Once you get started, it's a lot easier than you think in the beginning." — Ashley (06:53)

• For Ashley, dairy was the first thing she removed, acknowledging for some it’s the last.

Holiday Meals: Challenges & Solutions (09:01–13:58)

• Ashley’s OMS journey began in December, introducing immediate concerns about the holidays and indulgent seasonal foods.
• Early on, she avoided drawing attention to her dietary changes at family gatherings.
• Over time, became more open and honest about her food choices, finding that communication eased social interactions.
• Prepares in advance—freezing components like cookies, cakes, and gravies.
• Recommends simplifying holiday plans to avoid overwhelm:
  • Avoid trying to make two separate meals for large groups;
  • Bring OMS-compliant dishes to gatherings;
  • Coordinate with hosts for dietary accommodations.

"For me, being honest with people and just telling them, this is how I eat, this is why, without being apologetic, was really helpful." — Ashley (10:31)

Restaurant and Event Tips (13:58–15:11)

• Contacting restaurants ahead of time yields positive results—most can adapt vegan meals to be oil-free or OMS-compliant if provided clear guidelines or references.
• Even at set-menu events, simple requests or sharing resources like the OMS website can foster flexibility.

“Any good restaurant will tend to be fine if you ring ahead.” — Geoff (14:28)

The Centerpiece Dilemma & Holiday Meal Ideas (15:11–22:26)

• Notes the tradition of “centerpiece” dishes, like roasts, as well as adapting traditional meals (e.g., Newfoundland’s “jigs dinner”) for OMS.
• Early on, relied on bean and nut loaves, later experimenting with marinated tempeh, deep-dish potato pies, vegan Wellingtons, etc.
• Suggests using online resources:
  • Pinterest, plant-based blogs, Forks Over Knives, Oh She Glows, and the OMS Forum (now LiveWell Hub).
• Sharing favorite community resources and the power of connecting with others via forums—leading to real-world friendships.

“For me, making OMS-friendly meals delicious is all about just using whole foods in new ways.” — Ashley (18:32)

“You learn to embrace that your plate looks different.” — Ashley (21:42)

Finger Foods and Canapés for Parties (22:26–25:22)

• OM-friendly canapés and dips are easy crowd-pleasers—hummus, artichoke-spinach dip, bruschetta, guacamole, stuffed mushrooms.
• Guests often love Ashley’s contributions, sparking conversations about healthy plant-based eating.
• Suggests inviting guests for potlucks and sharing favorite OMS-friendly appetizers.

“If you make something delicious that’s healthy, you’re warned that people might want to eat it on you.” — Ashley (24:03)

Sweet Treats & Desserts for the Holidays (25:31–28:24)

• Ashley has developed a “Christmas bundt cake” (oat/almond flour, coconut sugar, warming spices, cashew cream, pomegranate, pecans) that freezes well and delights guests.
• Also recommends whole-food pudding-style desserts—blended mango/cashew/cinnamon, chocolate pudding from sweet potato and almond butter.
• Advocates investing in a quality blender for whole-food desserts.

“This is my absolute favorite. I’m so passionate about this topic. I have a really big sweet tooth...” — Ashley (25:41)

General Tips for OMS-Friendly Cooking (28:43–31:05)

• Be kind and patient with yourself; dietary transitions are difficult but worthwhile.
• Try new foods and techniques—beans, tofu, tempeh, whole grains.
• Share the experience; having a “cooking buddy” or support from someone familiar with OMS, especially via online forums, can be invaluable.

"...you've got to feel really good about the choices you're making, and you've got to be kind to yourself. If it takes you longer to give up something or you're struggling...you can't berate yourself..." — Ashley (28:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Beans as a magical ingredient:
  "My favorite food group to kind of do magical things with is beans." — Ashley (00:19 & 24:10)

• On OMS community:
  “The forum is fantastic... it's interesting what the forum can do for you.” — Ashley (19:09)

• On embracing difference:
  “You learn to embrace that your plate looks different.” — Ashley (21:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:42: Episode intro, Ashley’s personal connection to food
• 01:46–04:37: Ashley’s professional/health journey
• 04:41–07:56: Diagnostics, first steps in OMS diet
• 09:01–13:58: First OMS holiday season, preparation, honesty, and coping strategies
• 13:58–15:11: Navigating restaurant meals and events
• 15:11–22:26: Creating centerpiece dishes, recipe inspirations, OMS forum stories
• 22:26–25:22: Party food and canapés
• 25:31–28:24: Holiday desserts and sweet treats
• 28:43–31:05: General advice and support for OMS cooking

Final Takeaways

• Preparation and communication are key for OMS-friendly celebrations—plan, cook in advance, and don’t hesitate to discuss dietary needs.
• Inclusion and flexibility: Bring dishes to social events, suggest menu adaptations, and embrace your uniquely delicious plate.
• Resources matter: Leverage online recipes, cookbooks, and community forums for ideas and support.
• Self-kindness and experimentation: Progress may be gradual, but a positive, curious mindset makes the journey easier and more enjoyable.

Happy holidays from the Living Well with MS team—enjoy healthy, OMS-friendly feasting!