My chiropractor visit Saturday was amazzzzzing!!!!
It's been too many months since my last visit. It's still hard for me to figure out why I don't make myself get up there more often. It's only 30 minutes out of the way, but in rush hour traffic it's worse. I find all kinds of excuses and deal with the fatigue, but ultimately it helps so much!
Dr. D. is great and knows me really well. You see, tomorrow {Wednesday} it's been 5 years since my first Fibromyalgia symptoms appeared and I first started going to him for treatment.
5. years. Wow.
I tried multiple other chiropractors to see what else might work over the years, since I was totally new to chiropractic care. I always ended up back with Dr. D. He's a solid Christian man, I trust him completely, Tim has come with me to several appointments and feels at ease with him too, and I feel so much better every time I go there.
His office used to be 5 minutes from work so in my first year or so, I went pretty often. But I got burnt out on it, and the visits are now usually every 2-3 months and sometimes more. I have another appointment with him in about two weeks and that makes me happy. :)
Friday night and Saturday morning I was feeling really, really, really burnt out and overwhelmed, emotional, and vulnerable. I prayed that God would help me relax at this appointment so that I'd feel refreshed and come away without so much stress knocking me out of whack.
And wow, God totally provided!
Now, I'm usually a pretty straight-forward person, but occasionally I still keep quiet out of fear, reality checks, or insecurities that creep in. Saturday I finally just let a few things out that have been bothering me as he was treating me. And I took a huge step and decided to talk to him about nutrition & workouts.
I've known that he's a licensed clinical nutritionist, but it takes me a long time and a lot of built-up trust to really dive into talking about the nitty-gritty stuff like that with people. [I'm uber sensitive when it comes to diet & exercise stuff... long story, coming soon, I promise.] And I knew asking him about it would mean full-speed ahead.
Indeed, that's what it's looking like it might be.
There's so much I'm still processing, still discussion points to cover with Tim, and still some time to think it all over. I need to be able to do all of that prior to posting more about it here. Please just pray for me, that God will give us wisdom and discernment. It's a really, really big deal for me... and quite frankly, I'm scared to pieces but also absolutely ready!
Also, Dr. D. gave me a much-appreciated compliment - he can tell I'm doing way better than I used to be, even though I can also tell that I'm not doing as well as I was 6-9 months ago.
That's SUCH great news!! I've been beating myself up so much over the past couple of months since I fell off the bandwagon so hard.
Today I'm just trying to take it all in stride and give myself a bit of grace as I strive to seek after Christ and honor him with my body. It won't happen overnight, it's been a long time in the making, I'm exhausted and burnt out, hoping for the best, and hopefully am on the long journey to losing weight and being healthier.
We'll see. Don't hold your breath. I've been known to screw it up. A lot.
Showing posts with label Weight Loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weight Loss. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Friday, August 6, 2010
Weight Loss Update
I've been working hard, really hard with my exercise goals since last August when I joined a gym. I joined a weight loss class for 6 months, and I felt like I was putting every last ounce of energy into it. But I was really struggling with the nutrition aspect. It was a much harder 'diet' than I'd expected. I did some of my own rebelling, fighting through it, and ultimately finally getting a grasp on it.
Sorta.
Then in February the class ended and in March I started one-on-one training with the personal trainer who'd been teaching that class.
And I have been deeply grateful for all that I've learned from him these past several months! I had 7 one-on-one sessions with the nutritionist too. I still fought frustrations and really struggled with it. It's been such a longgg process for me. I understand it takes time, but when it's been a year and you've just yo-yo'd through 10 pounds, that's a long, stinkin' time! It can get really disheartening.
But let's be real, I haven't been giving it my all every day of every week. It's exhausting right now to give something my all.
Something on SparkPeople really caught my eye last week. It's an article written by Mike Kramer, please check it out here. This is the phrase that got my attention:
"You can be the hammer, making things happen, or you can be the nail that sits there and gets pummeled over and over. If you’re starting to feel like a nail, it’s up to you to keep your program moving forward. Gather yourself together, draw a line in the sand and refuse to give in to the doubts and temptation to give in or quit."
You know when you hear those things you already technically know something but it doesn't really click? That's how I'm feeling right now....
I've been so incredibly frustrated by all of this. But I've been letting myself be the nail instead of the hammer*. It's time for that to change.
*of course, all the while letting God be the even bigger hammer over me.
Tomorrow I'm starting a 90-day weight loss challenge at my gym. I'm so intimidated and freaked out, all the while also determining that I can totally do this!!!!
Please pray that I can do this, in God's strength.
Despite my fears, I'm ready. Let's do this. It's my time. I have to. No more being pummeled.
Bring it on.
Sorta.
Then in February the class ended and in March I started one-on-one training with the personal trainer who'd been teaching that class.
And I have been deeply grateful for all that I've learned from him these past several months! I had 7 one-on-one sessions with the nutritionist too. I still fought frustrations and really struggled with it. It's been such a longgg process for me. I understand it takes time, but when it's been a year and you've just yo-yo'd through 10 pounds, that's a long, stinkin' time! It can get really disheartening.
But let's be real, I haven't been giving it my all every day of every week. It's exhausting right now to give something my all.
Something on SparkPeople really caught my eye last week. It's an article written by Mike Kramer, please check it out here. This is the phrase that got my attention:
"You can be the hammer, making things happen, or you can be the nail that sits there and gets pummeled over and over. If you’re starting to feel like a nail, it’s up to you to keep your program moving forward. Gather yourself together, draw a line in the sand and refuse to give in to the doubts and temptation to give in or quit."
You know when you hear those things you already technically know something but it doesn't really click? That's how I'm feeling right now....
I've been so incredibly frustrated by all of this. But I've been letting myself be the nail instead of the hammer*. It's time for that to change.
*of course, all the while letting God be the even bigger hammer over me.
Tomorrow I'm starting a 90-day weight loss challenge at my gym. I'm so intimidated and freaked out, all the while also determining that I can totally do this!!!!
Please pray that I can do this, in God's strength.
Despite my fears, I'm ready. Let's do this. It's my time. I have to. No more being pummeled.
Bring it on.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Losing It - Week 10, Over and Done
Whoa, I have no idea how the past 10 weeks went so quickly. I didn't even see it coming these past two weeks with whirlwind week and being so sick I thought I might die.
I've enjoyed participating in this challenge, and yet I honestly don't think my heart was in it as full on as it should have been. I'm excited to be losing weight {thank you very much nastiest-flu-bug-diet-ever}, I am healthier than I was 10 weeks ago, and it was really neat to get to know so many of you ladies via Twitter!
To see all my other Losing It posts, go here.
My goals were:
Thanks for letting me share this experience with you! I'm glad I joined in the journey even if I wasn't as whole-heartedly in it as I wish I had been. It was fun and I'm glad I did it. :)
I've enjoyed participating in this challenge, and yet I honestly don't think my heart was in it as full on as it should have been. I'm excited to be losing weight {thank you very much nastiest-flu-bug-diet-ever}, I am healthier than I was 10 weeks ago, and it was really neat to get to know so many of you ladies via Twitter!
To see all my other Losing It posts, go here.
My goals were:
- Drink 64-80 oz of water a day
- Continue to decrease pop intake
- Exercise 3 times a week for 30-60 minutes each
- Lose 20 pounds during this competition
- I drink 64-80 oz of water a day. When I was sick I think it was at least 100 to try not to get dehydrated. {Plus Gatorade}
- Being jolted into the flu helped me get off soda. I'm completely off it now.
- I do exercise at least 2 times a week for 60-90 minutes each and try to throw in a 3rd or 4th for good measure. If my trainer has anything to do with it, he will get me working out 4 times a week. For now, that's been on hiatus with being sick.
- I've lost 14 pounds since starting this competition. I went from 246 to 232. Does it matter that much of it was from being sick? Ahem, we'll just pretend it doesn't matter. It makes me feel better. Seriously though, my clothes are looser, and it is a great feeling no matter how it was done!!
Thanks for letting me share this experience with you! I'm glad I joined in the journey even if I wasn't as whole-heartedly in it as I wish I had been. It was fun and I'm glad I did it. :)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Losing It, Week 7
I really do think I've lost my sanity this week. I am not holding up altogether too well.
I'm sure that comes as no big surprise.
On a plus side, I think I was able to pull off some decent stuff for hubster's birthday after all. We'll just say his birthday lasted for two days and I'm off the hook. :)
I've been back to really struggling with my Fibro. Like the "why me, why this, why now?" kind of stuff. I'm listening right now to my pastor giving a live webcast from an event in NC about trials. I've heard him speak on this before. But it's really hitting me where I need it right now.
I am still learning a lot... working out and working on nutrition. I had hoped to lose 20 pounds during this 10 week challenge. I know now that's not going to happen. But I am making changes. Sometimes I get frustrated with how slow it seems to be going. But I know that it's happening this way for a reason and I just have to stop fighting it and do the best that I can.
I'm sure that comes as no big surprise.
On a plus side, I think I was able to pull off some decent stuff for hubster's birthday after all. We'll just say his birthday lasted for two days and I'm off the hook. :)
I've been back to really struggling with my Fibro. Like the "why me, why this, why now?" kind of stuff. I'm listening right now to my pastor giving a live webcast from an event in NC about trials. I've heard him speak on this before. But it's really hitting me where I need it right now.
I am still learning a lot... working out and working on nutrition. I had hoped to lose 20 pounds during this 10 week challenge. I know now that's not going to happen. But I am making changes. Sometimes I get frustrated with how slow it seems to be going. But I know that it's happening this way for a reason and I just have to stop fighting it and do the best that I can.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Losing It, Week 5
We are halfway through the Losing It 10 Week Challenge. I can't believe how quickly time flies anymore. This is week 5.
I think.
I had a really great session with my nutritionist Thursday night. But one of her goals for me right now is to totally, with a vengence, avoid the scale!!! I was starting to rely on it way too much.
And I was getting too easily discouraged by it way too much.
So I can't tell you I'm doing in that regard, but I do know this:
That means learning to give myself a little more grace while still pushing myself hard.
For more of this week's posts, go to Giving Up on Perfect.
I think.
I had a really great session with my nutritionist Thursday night. But one of her goals for me right now is to totally, with a vengence, avoid the scale!!! I was starting to rely on it way too much.
And I was getting too easily discouraged by it way too much.
So I can't tell you I'm doing in that regard, but I do know this:
- My clothes are looser
- I'm either going to need to buy belts soon {which I hate...ask any really overweight person; belts are evil, they jam into your tummy and make you miserable} or buy new clothes {which I really can't do}... hmmm, a bit of a pickle
- I am stronger
- I have more endurance
- I have more energy
- The pain subsides as I stay in shape... one workout missed and I can tell
- I've asked for higher weight levels for my strength training; a sign that I'm getting stronger and can push myself harder
- Overall I am having better days and have been able to be at work more days this winter than in years past
- I am a little more confident
That means learning to give myself a little more grace while still pushing myself hard.
For more of this week's posts, go to Giving Up on Perfect.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Losing It, Week 3, Will I Ever Get This?
I forgot to weigh in this morning.
Again.
And yes, I'm going to share the weight instead of percentage of weight because I have no freakin' clue how to do that.
I was okay at math. In high school. Now my calculator is my best friend. When I know what I'm doing.
Which is rare.
So alas, I'll share the weight loss detailswhen if I weigh in one of these days. For now, all I can tell you is that I feel better. I'm doing better with it all. And my very dear friend Monica told me last night the pants she's hemming for me, that I tried on to check the length on, are fitting looser than before.
YAY!
I love my friends. :) Don't they just know what to say and when to say it, even if you aren't sure they're telling you the truth, all the while also knowing they would never lie to you? I know that makes no sense but trust me, it went through my head.
Last night I had my second one-on-one nutritionist appt. It was wonderful and overwhelming. I love my nutritionist, but man alive, these are going to be even tougher changes than I thought. Instead of just cutting back on portion sizes and fattening foods (like what I was imagining from life in Weight Watchers), she has me pretty much getting rid of (i.e. giving to a food pantry) everything I own.
YIPES!
Okay so I don't know that I can be all in like that and be so dramatic. I'm still honestly mulling it all over. I want to at least buy what she's recommending, but still leave those other things on hand. But then will I be too tempted by those things? I know though that I'm really picky and I might not like these new whole grain, super nutritious, tastes-like-cardboard thingys. So why get rid of everything I do like? Are Nutra-Grain bars or Honey Nut Cheerios or regular apple juice really that bad?
In her book, they are. She wants me to get rid of everything with high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, palm oils, sugared-up, and pretty much everything processed. Oh okay, no problem.
Pshhht.
We've gone over the fact that I'm not a lover of cooking. I try. I do fairly well when I expend all my energy into it. Hence why I don't do it often. So, getting rid of all of those things freaks me out a wee bit. It's a lot of crazy hard work.
Have I ever mentioned before that I'm lazy?! This is going to be really tough.
So like I said, I spent the time after my meeting with her at my friend Monica's house. She and her hubby Brian took a one hour class together nearby so I watched the little tyke (Parker, how could you forget? :)) while he slept and I read a book. Afterward we talked about weight loss, weight gain, foods, etc. They are phenomenal and determined about it themselves, and it helped inspire and motivate me. They gave me really good advice about all of it, although yes, I'm still processing it all. I'm a little freaked out that if I'm too drastic about it, I won't do well with it for an extended period of time and just go back to all the same old stuff but even worse than before. I've had that happen to me once years ago. I lost 35 pounds in 3 months after cutting all sugars/sweets and soda out of my life, and exercising like crazy (this was before Fibro). But when I stopped and went back to normal foods, I went back with a vengeance. And gained everything back I'd lost, plus a little more.
Ack!
I'm bound and determined not to let that happen again. So maybe that's why I'm not making huge strides with the weight loss yet. I'm making small changes every week that will allow me to continue on with this as an overall lifestyle instead of a radical quick diet. Yes, I still have days I'm really frustrated I'm not seeing a bigger difference. But do I feel leaner. My muscles are changing. I'm thinning out even if I'm not seeing huge differences. It's taking me a while to wrap my head around it all.
My nutritionist keeps reminding me I didn't put it on overnight, I can't take it off overnight. (I think when I watch too much Biggest Loser is when I get the most bummed about my own slow progress, but I know that's relatively unrealistic. Oh speaking of which, last night I met the mother of one of the current contestants on the show. Apparently she goes to my gym. Huh, who knew? That was pretty cool.) She also reminded me that replacing the foods she's suggesting with what I have instead will keep me fuller longer and I won't tend to overeat as much. When she really explained it, it did make sense. I guess I just feel like I'm not going to be able to do it.
But I'm bound and determined to do it anyway.
So much so that I went and bought a 32 oz Pepsi this morning to wake me up.
My determination ebbs and flows.
Maybe I'll get this before I die. Man am I glad in Heaven we will be given new bodies that are perfect. No more worrying about this stuff. Yay! But in the meantime, I have to at least try to give it everything I've got so that I can truly honor God with this body.
Check out more Losing It posts at Giving Up on Perfect.
Again.
And yes, I'm going to share the weight instead of percentage of weight because I have no freakin' clue how to do that.
I was okay at math. In high school. Now my calculator is my best friend. When I know what I'm doing.
Which is rare.
So alas, I'll share the weight loss details
YAY!
I love my friends. :) Don't they just know what to say and when to say it, even if you aren't sure they're telling you the truth, all the while also knowing they would never lie to you? I know that makes no sense but trust me, it went through my head.
Last night I had my second one-on-one nutritionist appt. It was wonderful and overwhelming. I love my nutritionist, but man alive, these are going to be even tougher changes than I thought. Instead of just cutting back on portion sizes and fattening foods (like what I was imagining from life in Weight Watchers), she has me pretty much getting rid of (i.e. giving to a food pantry) everything I own.
YIPES!
Okay so I don't know that I can be all in like that and be so dramatic. I'm still honestly mulling it all over. I want to at least buy what she's recommending, but still leave those other things on hand. But then will I be too tempted by those things? I know though that I'm really picky and I might not like these new whole grain, super nutritious, tastes-like-cardboard thingys. So why get rid of everything I do like? Are Nutra-Grain bars or Honey Nut Cheerios or regular apple juice really that bad?
In her book, they are. She wants me to get rid of everything with high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, palm oils, sugared-up, and pretty much everything processed. Oh okay, no problem.
Pshhht.
We've gone over the fact that I'm not a lover of cooking. I try. I do fairly well when I expend all my energy into it. Hence why I don't do it often. So, getting rid of all of those things freaks me out a wee bit. It's a lot of crazy hard work.
Have I ever mentioned before that I'm lazy?! This is going to be really tough.
So like I said, I spent the time after my meeting with her at my friend Monica's house. She and her hubby Brian took a one hour class together nearby so I watched the little tyke (Parker, how could you forget? :)) while he slept and I read a book. Afterward we talked about weight loss, weight gain, foods, etc. They are phenomenal and determined about it themselves, and it helped inspire and motivate me. They gave me really good advice about all of it, although yes, I'm still processing it all. I'm a little freaked out that if I'm too drastic about it, I won't do well with it for an extended period of time and just go back to all the same old stuff but even worse than before. I've had that happen to me once years ago. I lost 35 pounds in 3 months after cutting all sugars/sweets and soda out of my life, and exercising like crazy (this was before Fibro). But when I stopped and went back to normal foods, I went back with a vengeance. And gained everything back I'd lost, plus a little more.
Ack!
I'm bound and determined not to let that happen again. So maybe that's why I'm not making huge strides with the weight loss yet. I'm making small changes every week that will allow me to continue on with this as an overall lifestyle instead of a radical quick diet. Yes, I still have days I'm really frustrated I'm not seeing a bigger difference. But do I feel leaner. My muscles are changing. I'm thinning out even if I'm not seeing huge differences. It's taking me a while to wrap my head around it all.
My nutritionist keeps reminding me I didn't put it on overnight, I can't take it off overnight. (I think when I watch too much Biggest Loser is when I get the most bummed about my own slow progress, but I know that's relatively unrealistic. Oh speaking of which, last night I met the mother of one of the current contestants on the show. Apparently she goes to my gym. Huh, who knew? That was pretty cool.) She also reminded me that replacing the foods she's suggesting with what I have instead will keep me fuller longer and I won't tend to overeat as much. When she really explained it, it did make sense. I guess I just feel like I'm not going to be able to do it.
But I'm bound and determined to do it anyway.
So much so that I went and bought a 32 oz Pepsi this morning to wake me up.
My determination ebbs and flows.
Maybe I'll get this before I die. Man am I glad in Heaven we will be given new bodies that are perfect. No more worrying about this stuff. Yay! But in the meantime, I have to at least try to give it everything I've got so that I can truly honor God with this body.
Check out more Losing It posts at Giving Up on Perfect.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Losing It, Week 2
I'm doing so much better already than I was!!! I'm so excited. I want to lose weight and be healthy more than I ever have before. I know, it's hard to believe, I've been excited before. So what's different this time?
Several things. Too much to go into right now. Maybe next week.
But I really mean it this time. Seriously.
I feel like this time I'm really at a point where I absolutely want to be skinny and healthy more than anything else!!!!!
Okay, so looking back on my goals when we started, here's where I'm at:
Several things. Too much to go into right now. Maybe next week.
But I really mean it this time. Seriously.
I feel like this time I'm really at a point where I absolutely want to be skinny and healthy more than anything else!!!!!
Okay, so looking back on my goals when we started, here's where I'm at:
- Drink 64-80 oz of water a day -- I'm getting there, not there completely but I'm increasing and getting there day-by-day
- Continue to decrease pop intake -- I plan to be off it completely again this weekend. But this time it includes no pop. No caffeine free pop. No Sprite. No Diet 7-Up. None of it. I have to get away from it completely for a time, hopefully at least 1 month. Then maybe Diet 7-Up.
- Exercise 3 times a week for 30-60 minutes each -- I'm increasing this again. This past week it was twice although I do hope to workout tomorrow. Next week it'll be Mon, Wed, Fri. Twice with my trainer. Total of 60 minutes each time.
- Lose 20 pounds during this competition -- not too sure about this one yet. No weight loss yet, but there's still hope! Now that I'm really getting into it full swing this week after one-on-one sessions with my nutritionist and trainer, hopefully I can say next week that I've lost weight! I have no idea {pardon my ignorance} how to do the percentage of body weight lost like most of the rest of them in this are doing... so I'll let you know my weight once I weigh in again next week.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Losing It - Not Doing Too Hot
I didn't do very well my first week of the Losing It challenge. I honestly got extremely busy and even more or less forgot about it. I'm so sorry! I will work harder to make it happen this week.
I've always struggled with my weight, but never to a really serious degree until after we got married, I moved away from home, had a hard time adjusting to real life, missing my family, etc. I always saw myself as fat since middle school, but looking back now that makes me laugh. Oh to be that size again! Even though I wasn't a 2 or a 4 {I was a size 10 I think when I graduated high school}, I was much better than where I am now! So now I refer to those as my skinny days!
Oh how perspective changes us. I referenced this a little bit in an earlier post, see Roller Skating and Fibromyalgia.
Now I'm a size 24 {usually... I was just able to fit into a new pair of jeans in a size 22!! Woot!}. My ultimate goal is to get back down to a size 14 or weigh 160 pounds, where I was at when we got married. And even though I'd still technically be classified as overweight, I don't care. I know I'd be a lot healthier than where I am now and would love myself more at that size. I honestly can't even picture myself ever getting lower than that. So that is my goal for where I want to be in order to be in better shape and health to have a baby.
But I am failing miserably at it. Despite the intense workouts and extreme effort I've put into working out, the nutrition is extremely difficult for me. But even in the weeks where I was doing it right, my body was only leaning down, not really losing much weight.
I have a ways to go, but I must get there. And I have to do better than this past week.
For more stories {and much better ones than me!}, go here.
I've always struggled with my weight, but never to a really serious degree until after we got married, I moved away from home, had a hard time adjusting to real life, missing my family, etc. I always saw myself as fat since middle school, but looking back now that makes me laugh. Oh to be that size again! Even though I wasn't a 2 or a 4 {I was a size 10 I think when I graduated high school}, I was much better than where I am now! So now I refer to those as my skinny days!
Oh how perspective changes us. I referenced this a little bit in an earlier post, see Roller Skating and Fibromyalgia.
Now I'm a size 24 {usually... I was just able to fit into a new pair of jeans in a size 22!! Woot!}. My ultimate goal is to get back down to a size 14 or weigh 160 pounds, where I was at when we got married. And even though I'd still technically be classified as overweight, I don't care. I know I'd be a lot healthier than where I am now and would love myself more at that size. I honestly can't even picture myself ever getting lower than that. So that is my goal for where I want to be in order to be in better shape and health to have a baby.
But I am failing miserably at it. Despite the intense workouts and extreme effort I've put into working out, the nutrition is extremely difficult for me. But even in the weeks where I was doing it right, my body was only leaning down, not really losing much weight.
I have a ways to go, but I must get there. And I have to do better than this past week.
For more stories {and much better ones than me!}, go here.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Losing It
I am sooo excited about THIS!!
I've been working with a trainer. Going crazy with a nutritionist. Working hard.
But not enough. I've seen myself leaning down a little. I've had an increase in energy and endurance, and a general improvement with my Fibro symptoms. But no real weight loss.
I've been frustrated. So much so that I took the last two weeks 'off'. And am now needing a new kick in the butt. I was in touch yesterday with my trainer and nutritionist, and a new possible trainer, feeling a little better about the situation but down about all the costs.
So I was really excited to see Mary at Giving Up on Perfect Twitter about this. This is exactly what I think I need right now.
I couldn't decide on my exact goal, but she has inspired me so my goals will be similar to hers:
I've been working with a trainer. Going crazy with a nutritionist. Working hard.
But not enough. I've seen myself leaning down a little. I've had an increase in energy and endurance, and a general improvement with my Fibro symptoms. But no real weight loss.
I've been frustrated. So much so that I took the last two weeks 'off'. And am now needing a new kick in the butt. I was in touch yesterday with my trainer and nutritionist, and a new possible trainer, feeling a little better about the situation but down about all the costs.
So I was really excited to see Mary at Giving Up on Perfect Twitter about this. This is exactly what I think I need right now.
I couldn't decide on my exact goal, but she has inspired me so my goals will be similar to hers:
- Drink 64-80 oz of water a day
- Continue to decrease pop intake
- Exercise 3 times a week for 30-60 minutes each
- Lose 20 pounds during this competition
Monday, December 14, 2009
Near Pass Out and Definite Freak Out
After months of working out regularly with just a bit of a lull the past few weeks {in all the busy Christmas stuff}, I was back at again tonight. It took a bit to talk myself into going tonight. I did.
And just a couple minutes into the workout, I started to feel light-headed, weak, and suddenly very cold. I started taking it a bit easier, tried to keep pushing on, started feeling it again, told my trainer, and he suggested I just take it easy for a bit and stay in my zones 1 and 2 so I did. That worked for a bit but then I just knew I had to stop and go sit down {maybe about 20 minutes into it}.
Several of my teammates asked if I was okay. My trainer and nutritionist rallied to help make sure I was okay and taken care of. My nutritionist took one look at me, saw my lips were turning white, and she said immediately it was a blood sugar problem. {I was just glad to know it wasn't anxiety cuz that always freaks me out even more if I know it's anxiety, ughhh, I hate anxiety!} So she ran to the cafe to get me some orange juice, which definitely helped right away. I was really cold and shaky, but after a little down time I was able to go downstairs with her to the nutrition half of the class.
By the time that was done, I was starting to feel a little shaky again. I walked with another teammate to the locker room, sat down, slowly allowed myself to get dressed warmly to go back home, and headed to the cafe to have a banana and more o.j. It definitely really helped this time too and I knew I'd be able to get myself home safely.
So... okay after this latest encounter with a near passing-out episode {first time since this working out routine}, I'm freaked out.
I don't know or understand all this nutrition stuff. Apparently I didn't eat enough today, although I thought I had. I haven't run into this problem yet during my months of working out. I'm confused and discouraged. I thought things I had figured out were right, but obviously not. I feel frustrated that I can't do more and learn more because of financial restraints. But, I love all the people at my gym who have so selflessly poured their time and energy into me, and am very thankful for everything they do to help me.
I know I shouldn't let this get me down... but I am, admittedly, very frustrated and discouraged. Despite the higher energy and endurance levels, it really is hard for me to want to go back again soon. I'm scared. I don't want this to happen again. I know I need to eat some protein & carbs as a snack now 60-90 minutes prior to the workout {like a cheese stick and a piece of fruit}, but even with doing that, now I'm nervous. I've never passed out before but the idea of it scares me.
I know, silly, right?!
So yeah, freaking out a little over here. What's new with you? Remember to celebrate the true Reason for the season... and don't let the hecticness remove the holiness from your Christmas!
And just a couple minutes into the workout, I started to feel light-headed, weak, and suddenly very cold. I started taking it a bit easier, tried to keep pushing on, started feeling it again, told my trainer, and he suggested I just take it easy for a bit and stay in my zones 1 and 2 so I did. That worked for a bit but then I just knew I had to stop and go sit down {maybe about 20 minutes into it}.
Several of my teammates asked if I was okay. My trainer and nutritionist rallied to help make sure I was okay and taken care of. My nutritionist took one look at me, saw my lips were turning white, and she said immediately it was a blood sugar problem. {I was just glad to know it wasn't anxiety cuz that always freaks me out even more if I know it's anxiety, ughhh, I hate anxiety!} So she ran to the cafe to get me some orange juice, which definitely helped right away. I was really cold and shaky, but after a little down time I was able to go downstairs with her to the nutrition half of the class.
By the time that was done, I was starting to feel a little shaky again. I walked with another teammate to the locker room, sat down, slowly allowed myself to get dressed warmly to go back home, and headed to the cafe to have a banana and more o.j. It definitely really helped this time too and I knew I'd be able to get myself home safely.
So... okay after this latest encounter with a near passing-out episode {first time since this working out routine}, I'm freaked out.
I don't know or understand all this nutrition stuff. Apparently I didn't eat enough today, although I thought I had. I haven't run into this problem yet during my months of working out. I'm confused and discouraged. I thought things I had figured out were right, but obviously not. I feel frustrated that I can't do more and learn more because of financial restraints. But, I love all the people at my gym who have so selflessly poured their time and energy into me, and am very thankful for everything they do to help me.
I know I shouldn't let this get me down... but I am, admittedly, very frustrated and discouraged. Despite the higher energy and endurance levels, it really is hard for me to want to go back again soon. I'm scared. I don't want this to happen again. I know I need to eat some protein & carbs as a snack now 60-90 minutes prior to the workout {like a cheese stick and a piece of fruit}, but even with doing that, now I'm nervous. I've never passed out before but the idea of it scares me.
I know, silly, right?!
So yeah, freaking out a little over here. What's new with you? Remember to celebrate the true Reason for the season... and don't let the hecticness remove the holiness from your Christmas!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Caffeine/Soda Free Attempt Day #1
My nutritionist has been on me for 2 months now to get soda out of my diet.
I'm ridiculously picky and easily very bored with water. I've gone off caffeine 3 other times in my life, and always ultimately drink it again. {Meaning, I drink soda, mainly regular Pepsi, again. Coffee and tea are both disgusting and I hate diet soda... I mean would you really chug down some syrup all by itself? That's what diet seems like to me. Eww.}
Yes, I've tried calorie-free flavored waters. I've found one {yes, just one} that is pretty good but still not exciting. I also love the G2 {gatorade} that is just 70 cal and 17 g sugar per bottle. That's much better than soda but more than water, of course. My nutritionist wants me on just water. Blah, how boring! I just like soda. But I can't do it in moderation. It seems to be an all or nothing thing for me... sad. Needless to say, I can't completely go from soda to just plain water overnight, so I am allowing myself things like the G2, maybe a Sprite (caffeine free), etc.
Today is my first day on this new journey... I am trying without caffeinated soda and without chocolate. I'm afraid that doing it cold turkey is the only way I'm going to be able to do it. So I have Ibuprofen at hand, hubster prepped for my grumpiness, and since I normally have caffeine first thing in the morning and it's now just after 5 p.m., I'm surprised my head doesn't fully feel like it's going to explode.
Here's to a newly caffeine-free me {hopefully}! And thereby, hopefully some weight loss to quickly come!
I'm ridiculously picky and easily very bored with water. I've gone off caffeine 3 other times in my life, and always ultimately drink it again. {Meaning, I drink soda, mainly regular Pepsi, again. Coffee and tea are both disgusting and I hate diet soda... I mean would you really chug down some syrup all by itself? That's what diet seems like to me. Eww.}
Yes, I've tried calorie-free flavored waters. I've found one {yes, just one} that is pretty good but still not exciting. I also love the G2 {gatorade} that is just 70 cal and 17 g sugar per bottle. That's much better than soda but more than water, of course. My nutritionist wants me on just water. Blah, how boring! I just like soda. But I can't do it in moderation. It seems to be an all or nothing thing for me... sad. Needless to say, I can't completely go from soda to just plain water overnight, so I am allowing myself things like the G2, maybe a Sprite (caffeine free), etc.
Today is my first day on this new journey... I am trying without caffeinated soda and without chocolate. I'm afraid that doing it cold turkey is the only way I'm going to be able to do it. So I have Ibuprofen at hand, hubster prepped for my grumpiness, and since I normally have caffeine first thing in the morning and it's now just after 5 p.m., I'm surprised my head doesn't fully feel like it's going to explode.
Here's to a newly caffeine-free me {hopefully}! And thereby, hopefully some weight loss to quickly come!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Salad and Bread
As most of you know, I'm trying really hard somewhat hard to lose weight. I wish I could say I was fully and completely in this thing, but sadly I am not. I don't know why, but don't worry, I'm working on it. I just hope I get there sooner rather than later! I'm there with the exercise. I still need to get there with the nutrition.
So tonight after my workout, I was feeling a bit vulnerable... and knew we had hardly anything good to work with in the fridge that I actually felt like utilizing. Thankfully we had enough ingredients on hand to make a decent salad, and I'd hardboiled eggs last week, so... I threw together a salad.
And tossed in some bread.
The salad had romaine lettuce, mini cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and already cooked ham but I sauteed it on the stove to brown/warm it a bit.
What do you think? I'm glad it tasted yummy and filled our tummies, cuz I had no other bright ideas brewing! I think ordering a pizza would have been the next step!
And yes, the bread is from a package... Pillsbury French Bread Loaf from the grocer's fridge section. I've never made homemade bread unless in a breadmaker. I'm just not domestic.
Um... at all.
And it was mmm mmm good!
So tonight after my workout, I was feeling a bit vulnerable... and knew we had hardly anything good to work with in the fridge that I actually felt like utilizing. Thankfully we had enough ingredients on hand to make a decent salad, and I'd hardboiled eggs last week, so... I threw together a salad.
And tossed in some bread.
The salad had romaine lettuce, mini cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and already cooked ham but I sauteed it on the stove to brown/warm it a bit.
What do you think? I'm glad it tasted yummy and filled our tummies, cuz I had no other bright ideas brewing! I think ordering a pizza would have been the next step!
And yes, the bread is from a package... Pillsbury French Bread Loaf from the grocer's fridge section. I've never made homemade bread unless in a breadmaker. I'm just not domestic.
Um... at all.
And it was mmm mmm good!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Doctor & Fibro Update
I guess it's time for a Fibro update....
1) Exercise:
I joined a gym in mid-August. It's halfway between work and home. And I couldn't possibly love it there more!! It's amazing and I feel right at home. God in his sovereignty worked it out perfectly. I have a terrific advisor, two wonderful trainers, and an amazing nutritionist. I work out with a group of people (as of two weeks ago today) and they are all so nice and fun. They help keep me motivated and accountable. I'm learning a lot! I've managed thus far to push through the pain pretty well. It helps to have such an increase in energy. That part has been unexpected and I'm really pleased to see the results of that so far. I have not had any days where I've been completely unable to walk (just a little), and have only screamed out in pain a couple of times (at home, thankfully). I've felt like I was dying nearly every class, but my trainer is great and helps encourage me to keep going, while also keeping me in check to make sure I'm at the right pace & level for me without overdoing it. It's exhausting and invigorating all at the same time.
2) Nutrition:
This part has been a little frustrating and overwhelming for me. I'm not succeeding in it, despite cutting way back on a lot of stuff. The program is really intense, but my nutritionist is incredible. I could never attempt to do this fully on my own! It's hard to describe the program right now, but it's not like we're just counting calories. We count all the nitty-gritty stuff like proteins, carbs, fats, dairy, fruits, veggies, etc, to make sure we are getting each type or nutrient that we need throughout the day. For example, through the day I'm allotted 1700 calories, but if I workout I need a couple hundred more to make sure my body is fueled for the workout. As a part of those calories, I can have: 7 starches, 3 fruits, 2 milks, 7 proteins, 6 vegetables, and 9 fats. I also need 10 8 oz glasses of water every day. I'm aiming for 25-30 grams of fiber a day, and eating every 3 hours. (In the above list keep in mind things like cheese sticks are protein, and veggies like corn or peas are a starch.)
Yes, it's complicated. But on the plus side, everyone says once you get the hang of it, it'll come much easier. So while it appears overwhelming, I'm glad to know others have done it, succeeded at it, and that it does get easier. Otherwise I'd likely just toss it out the window and count calories only! But it is good for me to learn more about the foods I'm eating, what's in them, and how big my portions really have been.
3) Doctor:
Yesterday was only my second visit to my new doctor, but I am just really loving her! It was my annual physical. I appreciate so much more of what she says about what's going on with me because my previous doctor liked to blame it on anxiety or sometimes that things were just in my head...but they were legitimate concerns to me! This new doc gives good opinions/thoughts about my medicines, and ways to improve or change things. She's easier to talk to (even though the previous one wasn't bad on this) and she's a strong Christian, which is so great and helps me so much to have someone to relate to! She's very knowledgeable about Fibro and I appreciate that immensely. She doesn't push anything on me or make me feel at all inferior because of the Fibro. She's very thorough and never has a rushed appearance. She diligently spends with me whatever time I need her for without trying to just run out the door. I just really felt like I was meeting with a friend instead of my doctor (although there's also still that clear doctor/patient separation). I'm very pleased!
And the results came back today from my blood test, and I'm totally in the clear. No thyroid or diabetes concerns, no stand-out cholesterol issues although I do need to keep an eye on it, no anemia (I showed up as mild anemia last year), and so on. I'm very pleased with this news!!
4) Medication:
My doc is incredibly excited about the latest medication for Fibro called Savella but she's not pushing it on me or anything like that...just wants me to know about it and that it's now available in the U.S. (They've used it in Europe for years.) It's not an anti-depressant like most others are, and it really seems to work. The highest you seem to go on it is 100mg. That's good news too. In some cases for Lyrica to have really worked, people had to be taking over 350mg of it, which is just ridiculous to me!! And then those people couldn't really continue on with their lives from the drowsiness and 'out of it' feelings. Savella is not like that. The worst side effect in the case studies was nausea.
I'm not interested in going onto it right now, for issues I'm not willing to discuss here right now, but I hope a lot of people can benefit from this drug. I'm interested to continue learning more about it. If any of you end up giving it a try, please let me know what you think of it.
I'm working with my doctor now to slowly taper off the Elavil/Amitriptyline (sp?). I'm not convinced it's working and am tired of the side effects. But if as I taper off, I suddenly realize it was working and I just didn't realize it anymore, then I'll taper back up to it. It's a bit of a guessing game right now. One of these days I need to get back to my chiropractor and get some more natural medicine in me and less of this nasty stuff. I've seen it work so well for others and I know it could work for me. It's just so stressful to do all that extra driving each time. Maybe next spring. We'll see.
5) Life:
Things continue to be a bit boring and yet overwhelming for me right now. I don't know if it's the nutrition & working out, or what. But I've been in a funk. I haven't really been interested in blogging or Twittering or really keeping up with people. I'm having enough trouble staying in tune with my own life. I'm sorry to those of you who are new here and I haven't had a chance to really investigate your blogs much, I do plan to. And for you near and dear, older (as in how long I've known you) blogging friends, I'm sorry I've been bad at keeping up lately. But I appreciate your flexibility and understanding. It's just a phase. I'll be back soon.
1) Exercise:
I joined a gym in mid-August. It's halfway between work and home. And I couldn't possibly love it there more!! It's amazing and I feel right at home. God in his sovereignty worked it out perfectly. I have a terrific advisor, two wonderful trainers, and an amazing nutritionist. I work out with a group of people (as of two weeks ago today) and they are all so nice and fun. They help keep me motivated and accountable. I'm learning a lot! I've managed thus far to push through the pain pretty well. It helps to have such an increase in energy. That part has been unexpected and I'm really pleased to see the results of that so far. I have not had any days where I've been completely unable to walk (just a little), and have only screamed out in pain a couple of times (at home, thankfully). I've felt like I was dying nearly every class, but my trainer is great and helps encourage me to keep going, while also keeping me in check to make sure I'm at the right pace & level for me without overdoing it. It's exhausting and invigorating all at the same time.
2) Nutrition:
This part has been a little frustrating and overwhelming for me. I'm not succeeding in it, despite cutting way back on a lot of stuff. The program is really intense, but my nutritionist is incredible. I could never attempt to do this fully on my own! It's hard to describe the program right now, but it's not like we're just counting calories. We count all the nitty-gritty stuff like proteins, carbs, fats, dairy, fruits, veggies, etc, to make sure we are getting each type or nutrient that we need throughout the day. For example, through the day I'm allotted 1700 calories, but if I workout I need a couple hundred more to make sure my body is fueled for the workout. As a part of those calories, I can have: 7 starches, 3 fruits, 2 milks, 7 proteins, 6 vegetables, and 9 fats. I also need 10 8 oz glasses of water every day. I'm aiming for 25-30 grams of fiber a day, and eating every 3 hours. (In the above list keep in mind things like cheese sticks are protein, and veggies like corn or peas are a starch.)
Yes, it's complicated. But on the plus side, everyone says once you get the hang of it, it'll come much easier. So while it appears overwhelming, I'm glad to know others have done it, succeeded at it, and that it does get easier. Otherwise I'd likely just toss it out the window and count calories only! But it is good for me to learn more about the foods I'm eating, what's in them, and how big my portions really have been.
3) Doctor:
Yesterday was only my second visit to my new doctor, but I am just really loving her! It was my annual physical. I appreciate so much more of what she says about what's going on with me because my previous doctor liked to blame it on anxiety or sometimes that things were just in my head...but they were legitimate concerns to me! This new doc gives good opinions/thoughts about my medicines, and ways to improve or change things. She's easier to talk to (even though the previous one wasn't bad on this) and she's a strong Christian, which is so great and helps me so much to have someone to relate to! She's very knowledgeable about Fibro and I appreciate that immensely. She doesn't push anything on me or make me feel at all inferior because of the Fibro. She's very thorough and never has a rushed appearance. She diligently spends with me whatever time I need her for without trying to just run out the door. I just really felt like I was meeting with a friend instead of my doctor (although there's also still that clear doctor/patient separation). I'm very pleased!
And the results came back today from my blood test, and I'm totally in the clear. No thyroid or diabetes concerns, no stand-out cholesterol issues although I do need to keep an eye on it, no anemia (I showed up as mild anemia last year), and so on. I'm very pleased with this news!!
4) Medication:
My doc is incredibly excited about the latest medication for Fibro called Savella but she's not pushing it on me or anything like that...just wants me to know about it and that it's now available in the U.S. (They've used it in Europe for years.) It's not an anti-depressant like most others are, and it really seems to work. The highest you seem to go on it is 100mg. That's good news too. In some cases for Lyrica to have really worked, people had to be taking over 350mg of it, which is just ridiculous to me!! And then those people couldn't really continue on with their lives from the drowsiness and 'out of it' feelings. Savella is not like that. The worst side effect in the case studies was nausea.
I'm not interested in going onto it right now, for issues I'm not willing to discuss here right now, but I hope a lot of people can benefit from this drug. I'm interested to continue learning more about it. If any of you end up giving it a try, please let me know what you think of it.
I'm working with my doctor now to slowly taper off the Elavil/Amitriptyline (sp?). I'm not convinced it's working and am tired of the side effects. But if as I taper off, I suddenly realize it was working and I just didn't realize it anymore, then I'll taper back up to it. It's a bit of a guessing game right now. One of these days I need to get back to my chiropractor and get some more natural medicine in me and less of this nasty stuff. I've seen it work so well for others and I know it could work for me. It's just so stressful to do all that extra driving each time. Maybe next spring. We'll see.
5) Life:
Things continue to be a bit boring and yet overwhelming for me right now. I don't know if it's the nutrition & working out, or what. But I've been in a funk. I haven't really been interested in blogging or Twittering or really keeping up with people. I'm having enough trouble staying in tune with my own life. I'm sorry to those of you who are new here and I haven't had a chance to really investigate your blogs much, I do plan to. And for you near and dear, older (as in how long I've known you) blogging friends, I'm sorry I've been bad at keeping up lately. But I appreciate your flexibility and understanding. It's just a phase. I'll be back soon.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Good Days/Bad Days & Fabulous Friday
It has been a roller coaster of a week.
Tuesday & Wednesday were hard days...taking care of hubster when he was sick, and dealing with my own severe pain issues and just feeling down in the dumps.
Yesterday was a GREAT day...more in a sec. Today, I woke up in pretty bad pain and am having a hard time walking fully on my right foot. It is acting as if it's on fire and as if the bones in my foot are gone and it's trying to flatten itself or something...or like someone removed my arch. Either way, it's excruciating!
So...yesterday. Where do I start? It was a great day. It was a I-want-to-do-this-day-again kind of days. And whether or not it caused a bit of my pain toward the end of yesterday or into today, I don't care right now. It was a great day. I wouldn't change it.
The day started with tests at my gym to determine my target heart rate, my zones, my VO2 rate, target calories, etc. I was there for 2 1/2 hours, despite that the tests themselves were less than 15 minutes each (2 tests). It was a lot of information, but I'm sooooo excited to now be equipped with information that will help get me toward my goal faster and more effectively! It was very interesting to have it done... for the first one I had to wear a strange mask, breathe only through my mouth, fast 12 hours the night before with no caffeine, no exercise the night before, sit in a comfy chair and recline, and just sit there for 15 minutes. You can't read, you can't move, you can't cross your legs, and you can't fall asleep. You just relax and sit there. And after a couple minutes, the sound of the machines is soothing and you start to get pretty relaxed. I thought it would be a horrible 15 minutes, but it was good actually! How often are we forced to slow down, concentrate on breathing, and relax without doing anything for 15 minutes?! I decided to be thankful for it and utilize my time there.
After that, I got a 10 minute break where I needed to go to the cafe to get some fuel, so I had a banana and a little skim milk. Then right back at it with test #2. Same as test 1 with the mask, but this time I was on an exercise bike for 10 minutes, going at different rates to see my oxygen levels, recovery rate, my threshold where I stop burning fat and utilizing oxygen therefore doing more harm than good, and so on. It was hard work, but thankfully only lasted 10 minutes! It's a lot of information so I don't remember it all, but I have all the paperwork. I'm very thankful to have more exact numbers and things to target!
Prior to the tests, my check engine light came on in my new (new to me) car. You've got to be kidding. The unceasingly and annoying check engine light on our previous car was part of why we were getting rid of it! Haha, Lord this has got to be a joke. I wasn't sure if I wanted to laugh or cry. But it worked to distract my thinking the rest of the way to the gym since I was so nervous! Turns out it might be something major like the catalytic converter. That is incredibly frustrating, less than 1 week after buying the car!!!! It's a perfectly wonderful car otherwise and I continue to be grateful for it. Just continues to teach us to be stretched, wait patiently on the Lord, and rely solely on Him. Thankfully, it should be covered under warranty, so we aren't worried, just annoyed.
After that I headed over to my dear friend Monica's house to catch up with her and the fam. Her 2 week and 2 day old baby is as sweet and cute and cuddly as can be!! I enjoyed nearly a full hour of holding him, snuggling with him, playing with him, talking to him, and getting pictures taken of him/with him. He's so precious!! I simply adore Monica & Brian, and it's so fun getting to watch them in this new phase of life. They've transitioned beautifully and are such terrific parents. Parker is an easy-going wonderful baby, at least so far. I pray the ease continues, and that mom & dad continue to get some much-needed rest. So far they've been able to get out and about quite easily, and are back into the regular swing of life almost seamlessly! They just amaze me. 'Course it helps a wee bit that Brian works from home and is able to help out during the day. Which I think just adds to the neatness of how things are working out for them. I couldn't be happier, and I look forward to many more days watching their little munchkin grow, and watching them grow and work together as godly parents. :) {pics below}
Anyway...so after lots of fun and wonderful memories there, I scooted back over to work for my half day in the afternoon. Upon arriving, I found a wonderful e-mail from my aunt with some great news about a situation back home weighing heavily on my heart. I was so excited to get the news that I started balling right there. This isn't the right time to share or talk about it in detail, so just rejoice with me that some good things are happening. God knows what it is.
After work, I cleaned part of our living room, moved our recliner (i.e. scooted it to the doorway on the wood floors, don't worry, I didn't lift it!) so I could vaccum underneath, and paved the way for bringing home the new recliner we bought last weekend. Tim came home, hooked up the trailer, we drove the 15 min or so to the store, stood in line, waited, and waited some more, got the recliner loaded into the trailer (who knew it would come in a gigantic box?!?!), whisked to Arby's for some yummy food, got home, made some sad attempts at moving the old outside to the road (someone in our neighborhood pleaseeee take it!!) and get the new one in. The box was too big to get inside so we had to take it apart. Poor Tim had to work so hard, but I'm so thankful for his willingness and ability to take care of it, without too much help from me! I did what I could with opening the door, moving welcome mats, vacuuming around the area, and tearing the box back down. These are moments when I really hate my illness and wish so badly I could step up and help!! So...then our food was cold, tossed that in the micro quickly, and we sat down to eat dinner while watching some Friends reruns on TV.
WHEW.
And then I hardly slept a wink, ughhh. Good day, bad night, not fun today. And tonight I start my team class at my gym where we will all be working together to lose weight, work out with a trainer, meet with a nutritionist, etc. I'm on a month's free trial. We'll see how this goes!
Okay, so back to yesterday's fun lunch visit. Below are some pics I took. The first of course is mommy with baby. I played around with them in iPhoto and the first is in antique and with blurred edges.
Tuesday & Wednesday were hard days...taking care of hubster when he was sick, and dealing with my own severe pain issues and just feeling down in the dumps.
Yesterday was a GREAT day...more in a sec. Today, I woke up in pretty bad pain and am having a hard time walking fully on my right foot. It is acting as if it's on fire and as if the bones in my foot are gone and it's trying to flatten itself or something...or like someone removed my arch. Either way, it's excruciating!
So...yesterday. Where do I start? It was a great day. It was a I-want-to-do-this-day-again kind of days. And whether or not it caused a bit of my pain toward the end of yesterday or into today, I don't care right now. It was a great day. I wouldn't change it.
The day started with tests at my gym to determine my target heart rate, my zones, my VO2 rate, target calories, etc. I was there for 2 1/2 hours, despite that the tests themselves were less than 15 minutes each (2 tests). It was a lot of information, but I'm sooooo excited to now be equipped with information that will help get me toward my goal faster and more effectively! It was very interesting to have it done... for the first one I had to wear a strange mask, breathe only through my mouth, fast 12 hours the night before with no caffeine, no exercise the night before, sit in a comfy chair and recline, and just sit there for 15 minutes. You can't read, you can't move, you can't cross your legs, and you can't fall asleep. You just relax and sit there. And after a couple minutes, the sound of the machines is soothing and you start to get pretty relaxed. I thought it would be a horrible 15 minutes, but it was good actually! How often are we forced to slow down, concentrate on breathing, and relax without doing anything for 15 minutes?! I decided to be thankful for it and utilize my time there.
After that, I got a 10 minute break where I needed to go to the cafe to get some fuel, so I had a banana and a little skim milk. Then right back at it with test #2. Same as test 1 with the mask, but this time I was on an exercise bike for 10 minutes, going at different rates to see my oxygen levels, recovery rate, my threshold where I stop burning fat and utilizing oxygen therefore doing more harm than good, and so on. It was hard work, but thankfully only lasted 10 minutes! It's a lot of information so I don't remember it all, but I have all the paperwork. I'm very thankful to have more exact numbers and things to target!
Prior to the tests, my check engine light came on in my new (new to me) car. You've got to be kidding. The unceasingly and annoying check engine light on our previous car was part of why we were getting rid of it! Haha, Lord this has got to be a joke. I wasn't sure if I wanted to laugh or cry. But it worked to distract my thinking the rest of the way to the gym since I was so nervous! Turns out it might be something major like the catalytic converter. That is incredibly frustrating, less than 1 week after buying the car!!!! It's a perfectly wonderful car otherwise and I continue to be grateful for it. Just continues to teach us to be stretched, wait patiently on the Lord, and rely solely on Him. Thankfully, it should be covered under warranty, so we aren't worried, just annoyed.
After that I headed over to my dear friend Monica's house to catch up with her and the fam. Her 2 week and 2 day old baby is as sweet and cute and cuddly as can be!! I enjoyed nearly a full hour of holding him, snuggling with him, playing with him, talking to him, and getting pictures taken of him/with him. He's so precious!! I simply adore Monica & Brian, and it's so fun getting to watch them in this new phase of life. They've transitioned beautifully and are such terrific parents. Parker is an easy-going wonderful baby, at least so far. I pray the ease continues, and that mom & dad continue to get some much-needed rest. So far they've been able to get out and about quite easily, and are back into the regular swing of life almost seamlessly! They just amaze me. 'Course it helps a wee bit that Brian works from home and is able to help out during the day. Which I think just adds to the neatness of how things are working out for them. I couldn't be happier, and I look forward to many more days watching their little munchkin grow, and watching them grow and work together as godly parents. :) {pics below}
Anyway...so after lots of fun and wonderful memories there, I scooted back over to work for my half day in the afternoon. Upon arriving, I found a wonderful e-mail from my aunt with some great news about a situation back home weighing heavily on my heart. I was so excited to get the news that I started balling right there. This isn't the right time to share or talk about it in detail, so just rejoice with me that some good things are happening. God knows what it is.
After work, I cleaned part of our living room, moved our recliner (i.e. scooted it to the doorway on the wood floors, don't worry, I didn't lift it!) so I could vaccum underneath, and paved the way for bringing home the new recliner we bought last weekend. Tim came home, hooked up the trailer, we drove the 15 min or so to the store, stood in line, waited, and waited some more, got the recliner loaded into the trailer (who knew it would come in a gigantic box?!?!), whisked to Arby's for some yummy food, got home, made some sad attempts at moving the old outside to the road (someone in our neighborhood pleaseeee take it!!) and get the new one in. The box was too big to get inside so we had to take it apart. Poor Tim had to work so hard, but I'm so thankful for his willingness and ability to take care of it, without too much help from me! I did what I could with opening the door, moving welcome mats, vacuuming around the area, and tearing the box back down. These are moments when I really hate my illness and wish so badly I could step up and help!! So...then our food was cold, tossed that in the micro quickly, and we sat down to eat dinner while watching some Friends reruns on TV.
WHEW.
And then I hardly slept a wink, ughhh. Good day, bad night, not fun today. And tonight I start my team class at my gym where we will all be working together to lose weight, work out with a trainer, meet with a nutritionist, etc. I'm on a month's free trial. We'll see how this goes!
Okay, so back to yesterday's fun lunch visit. Below are some pics I took. The first of course is mommy with baby. I played around with them in iPhoto and the first is in antique and with blurred edges.
This one is all-natural cuz it was too perfect to mess with.
This one is b/w.
This one is in Sepia and has blurred edges.
HAPPY FABULOUS FRIDAY!!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Big News on Exercise
I started a free 7 day trial pass recently at a local health club near me. I fell in love with the place, and last Thursday I officially became a member. For the first time in my adult/married life, I'm a member at a health club.
Whoa.
Yes, it's a very big thing for me. See, I'm no small cookie. My scale at home says I weigh 245. For a 5'2" person, that's ranked as morbidly obese.
Gulp.
I've let it go too far for too long. I'm soooo done with that. Seriously. So done.
Okay, so I'm a member now. What does this mean for me? Well, I'm still learning. I've gone swimming, watched & participated in a little bit of a water aerobics class (I had to leave 10 min into it, not realizing it was when it was), and worked out on the recumbent bike. Last night, I had a complimentary session with a personal trainer (my first ever!) and have another one tomorrow night, plus 12 sessions with a team for free (I caught them during an awesome promotion!!!).
Let me be real here, I was totally freaked about having a session with a personal trainer. Have you ever watched The Biggest Loser on NBC? Yeah, me too. Oh. my. word. Trainers scare me. They can be great ultimately, but they're really scary too. That's all I had in my mind was Bob & Jillian screaming in my face...ohhhhh I so didn't want that.
And that's sooooo not what it was. My trainer, Brian, is seriously terrific and a true God-send. I couldn't imagine or have hand-picked a better trainer for me. Laidback, easygoing, and made me comfortable right from the beginning. When he asked me if I thought I could do my goals and I said, no not really, he said I absolutely can, he believes I can, and we're gonna make it happen. He was so confident I got really excited for a minute there...then we went to work. My session was half consultation (just sitting and talking about my goals, health history, etc) and the second half was called a fit point assessment. I had several different physical tests--nothing difficult--and now I have a profile showing me where I started. This will be really beneficial as I go along...it's a much better way to analyze my results than just weight loss. He was really encouraging and helped push me along, but nothing too far and certainly not to the point where I thought I'd die! Seriously, so much better than I expected. Now I wonder how I ever seriously thought I could do this without a trainer?!?!
Double gulp.
So now I'm a 100% advocate for personal training if you have a long way to go!! I know I can't do it regularly (it's pretty pricey) but I do hope to occasionally so we can analyze my results and I can get pushed a bit more. They have a team you can work out with 3 times a week alongside a personal trainer (once I'm finished with my 12 free sessions), but that's an additional big cost each month for 3 months.
So I'm not sure what all of this means for me exactly. I'm doing the best I can with all of it right now, getting into a bit of a groove, exploring, pushing myself to meet people and have been very happy with how that's gone, and learning a lot. I have a longggg way to go.
And I'm trying not to be overwhelmed.
I'll keep you posted. Thanks for any encouragement & prayers you send my way. Each new day, I get more and more determined to do this. I have to. I want to live a long time. I want to have kids. I want to be healthy and active. I want to glorify God in this temple he has given me. And most definitely, I want to see if I can lessen my Fibro symptoms.
Whoa.
Yes, it's a very big thing for me. See, I'm no small cookie. My scale at home says I weigh 245. For a 5'2" person, that's ranked as morbidly obese.
Gulp.
I've let it go too far for too long. I'm soooo done with that. Seriously. So done.
Okay, so I'm a member now. What does this mean for me? Well, I'm still learning. I've gone swimming, watched & participated in a little bit of a water aerobics class (I had to leave 10 min into it, not realizing it was when it was), and worked out on the recumbent bike. Last night, I had a complimentary session with a personal trainer (my first ever!) and have another one tomorrow night, plus 12 sessions with a team for free (I caught them during an awesome promotion!!!).
Let me be real here, I was totally freaked about having a session with a personal trainer. Have you ever watched The Biggest Loser on NBC? Yeah, me too. Oh. my. word. Trainers scare me. They can be great ultimately, but they're really scary too. That's all I had in my mind was Bob & Jillian screaming in my face...ohhhhh I so didn't want that.
And that's sooooo not what it was. My trainer, Brian, is seriously terrific and a true God-send. I couldn't imagine or have hand-picked a better trainer for me. Laidback, easygoing, and made me comfortable right from the beginning. When he asked me if I thought I could do my goals and I said, no not really, he said I absolutely can, he believes I can, and we're gonna make it happen. He was so confident I got really excited for a minute there...then we went to work. My session was half consultation (just sitting and talking about my goals, health history, etc) and the second half was called a fit point assessment. I had several different physical tests--nothing difficult--and now I have a profile showing me where I started. This will be really beneficial as I go along...it's a much better way to analyze my results than just weight loss. He was really encouraging and helped push me along, but nothing too far and certainly not to the point where I thought I'd die! Seriously, so much better than I expected. Now I wonder how I ever seriously thought I could do this without a trainer?!?!
Double gulp.
So now I'm a 100% advocate for personal training if you have a long way to go!! I know I can't do it regularly (it's pretty pricey) but I do hope to occasionally so we can analyze my results and I can get pushed a bit more. They have a team you can work out with 3 times a week alongside a personal trainer (once I'm finished with my 12 free sessions), but that's an additional big cost each month for 3 months.
So I'm not sure what all of this means for me exactly. I'm doing the best I can with all of it right now, getting into a bit of a groove, exploring, pushing myself to meet people and have been very happy with how that's gone, and learning a lot. I have a longggg way to go.
And I'm trying not to be overwhelmed.
I'll keep you posted. Thanks for any encouragement & prayers you send my way. Each new day, I get more and more determined to do this. I have to. I want to live a long time. I want to have kids. I want to be healthy and active. I want to glorify God in this temple he has given me. And most definitely, I want to see if I can lessen my Fibro symptoms.
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