Getting Help

So I had not done any of the things I said I was going to in January. Suffice it to say there was a lot of stress and I deal with stress by eating. I was eating all sorts of junk. I was buying stuff out of the vending machines at work and the veggie portion of the family meals had disappeared. My weight shot up to 335 # at the end of February. Add to that I had some old feminine health issues creep back up.

After coming to the realization that I couldn't ignore the health issues, I made an appointment with my gynecologist at the Shaw Center For Women's Health. I hadn't been in 4 years. Way too long I know but who wants to go hear "you have to loose weight" and of course every doctor who is any good is going to tell you that when you are morbidly obese.

Well the Shaw Center has changed a bit in the past 4 years. They are offering all sorts of services to benefit all areas of women's health. Part of what they are offering is what they call First Line Therapy. Basically it is to help women eat to meet their health needs as well as counseling if they need it. I saw the pamphlet while I was waiting and when she came in I asked her about it. Dr. McCollum was eager to tell me about it and referred me that day. Two days later I met with Beth Lowe, the dietitian. That day my weight was 331 #.

I met with Beth on Thursday 3/6. I then spent the next 3 days pigging out on everything I love thinking that I would really miss them. Funny thing was I didn't even eat it all. I actually let my kids finish things because they weren't tasting all that good.

So on Monday March 10th, I started. Well kinda started, I haven't started writing down what I am eating, nor counting the calories. I am basically going with the list that Beth gave me and the amounts I am allowed. I learned a couple of new things.

1.  Try to eat all your food in a 12 hour window. Your body needs that 12 hours of fasting. I can't quite manage that but I am keeping it to a 14 hour window.  
2. Don't go more than 6 hours without eating.
3. Wait 2-4 hours between eating so your blood sugar can stabilize
4. Eat protein every time you eat.
5. No sugar drinks
6. No carbonation

So I have not had Pepsi or Coke or any soda all week. I did manage to not drink any sugary drinks. I ate protein every time I ate. I waited 2-4 hours between eating. The first couple of days I didn't quite manage the 14 hour window but did better the next couple of days. 

How am I feeling? Tired. Giving up sugar and caffeine at the same time is hard. Plus I may not be eating enough calories. I need to start counting them again. Also I catch myself not eating all my fruits (3 servings). If I planned better I would probably have more energy. I am sleeping better though so I count that as a step forward. Top it off when I went to my Primary Care Doctor on Friday I weighed 322 #.

Now I feel like I am starting back to the path of wellness.

Started!!!

I worked out both Thursday and Friday. It felt good to be doing it again. I really missed it. The women that work out there truly care about each other. Each step is encouraged and each achievement is celebrated. Can't beat the support system. Plus Debbie one of the coaches and I get along really well and she texts me if I haven't shown up for awhile. She is going to help me stay on track.

I will have to get weighed and measured this week. Not something I am looking forward to. But I need to track my progress by more than how I am feeling. So not much to share today but soon.

Starting Over

It has been over a year since my last post. And as I am sure you all can guess I am back to Square 1 with my wellness. Actually even farther back than that I am in negative numbers. My weight is now 327.8# (a record high by the way) and my energy level in non existent. I have not been working out like I should. 

I know my husband is concerned because he has suggested we look into the Lap band surgery again. I really don't think that is the way for me to go. I do know how to get the weight off. I also know I do better if I weigh in every week. I know I feel better if I keep the diet foods to a minimum. I know I don't need to eat everything I see and I don't need to give into the cravings. I know if I eat lean protein and fresh veggies I lose weight. I know if I exercise I lose weight. I know if I lose weight I feel better and have more energy. I know what to do.

So here I am 51 years old. Working full time when I would rather be home. My youngest is 14 and I really only have 4 years left with her. My son and his wife are expecting my 6th grandchild. Another son is engaged. My third son will be leaving for a mission. One daughter just got married. My husband has been having health issues. With all of the above going on, here I am eating myself in to an early grave. This madness has to end. 

Starting tomorrow I am going back to Curves and I will go everyday that I work (
Curves is in Bainbridge where I work) I will get signed up at Cairo fitness by the end of January so I can work out on days I don't drive to Bainbridge(I live in the Cairo area). I will go off caffeine and soda by the end of January. I will start counting calories after Jan 13th. (my 25th wedding anniversary) by that time all of the Christmas junk should be out of the house. One step at a time and one change at a time to put me back on the path.

By the time the Youth Conference rolls around again I want to be able to walk the Troy Campus with out wheezing. that is just about 6 months away. 

Starting weight - 327.8 # 

Pounds lost - 0

Number of workouts - 0

Accomplishments: set some goals, reviewed priorities