"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint."
Over the next four months my goal is to give my mental, physical, and emotional body a complete transformation. I plan on being me, just a better me. I hope you join me in this three part journey. This is a get-to-know-ya, part two will be halfway into my new regime, and of course the third is what I have accomplished and learned.
Why? Well, as of November of 2012, I had not had a menstual cycle. This is relatively new to me. Last spring, I experienced a few months without Aunt Flo, but it eventually went back to normal.
I've been fairly regular since about the age of 10-11, and recently I went to the gynocologist (for the first time!) and explained my prediciment. She is a real nice woman, and didn't pick on me because of my weight, though she pointed out that as an overweight woman, that could raise the risk of problems concerning menstrual cycles. I understood this, and while I love who I am, I do realize I have never cared about weight, and I may have let myself go. A tad.
I know I will never be a size 2, which is fine because I don't want to be one, but I would like to lose some weight. Not only to wear a smaller size, but to ease the pressure that is put on my joints. I was also born without a certain bone in my left knee, and as a result, it grew crooked, so I know I am also putting pressure on my bad leg. I know I will someday get surgery to correct my leg, but before that I know I will have to lose weight. I am not going to disclose my weight at the moment, that is between me, God, and my doctors, and I plan to keep it that way! But, knowing that number, seems to brand itself on my metyphorical forehead, and has made me feel serious about this makeover. It's near the weekend, so I'm going to get this thing going on the start of a new week. I'm giving myself ten weeks to do the following;
Plus Size Yoga
Yoga sounds very 1990s yuppie, true, but it's actually a good way to exercise without pushing yourself too hard. For example; lifting weights, you can start too heavy and pull muscles and be in bed (or worse) for a week. With running, again, there is a risk of overdoing it and not being able to walk for days afterwards. Yoga, on the other hand, is pretty low impact while still keeping the muscles in motion, which is the important part. Can't do Downward Dog because your belly throws you off balance? No problem! Skip that and try another move, or try to modify! The more you do it, the more relaxed and felxible your muscles will become. Just don't go all crazy and try to make yourself into a human pretzel, that kinda defeats the purpose. Yoga is also good for stress relief, and come on, who doesn't need that?
Incorporate More Healthy Foods like fresh vegetables and fruits, raw nuts and seeds are recommended but... do I look like a bird? I didn't think so.
Eat More Omega-3 Fatty Acids apparently that helps the cells that create or "bond" the hormones. It helps balance you from the inside out.
Take organic Supplements
500 mg high quality organic oil, hempseed, flaxseed or olive oil is also highly suggested, it provides your body with nutrients it needs in a natural way. As hippie as it sounds, organic is really the way to go if possible. It cuts out a lot of toxins that just aren't needed! But try to avoid high Omega 6 Polyunsaturated fats, wherever those hide in. Maca 500 mg capsules are supposed to relieve a lot of menstrual symptoms (hoping that they will return soon, that is). I thought iron was a big deal for women, but apparently magnesium is good stuff, and worth buying. There's also fermented cod liver oil pills, and coconut oil along with plenty of -protected- sun is uber good for your skin's health. Yes, skin can be healthy too!
Though, I don't know if the coconut oil and sun should be done at the same time, I'd rather not be cooked.
Thankfully I enjoy the sun, and definitely notice a change to my skin during the summer.
Numero uno on my list of goals is to balance out my insides, because I know that it will drastically affect my health and happiness. I mean, right now, my hormones a little out of whack, and as a result, my moods are pretty unpredictable. Weight loss is definitely numero dos, but that's not soley why I am doing this.
Another plus, is clearer skin. Now keep in mind, no one would revert to grade school and accuse me of having the face a delicious Italian pie, but I do have my issues. More embarrassingly, body acne. Yes, girls have that too. And why pay $40+ on body wash when you can live healthier and have it effect your whole body?
It all boils down to not caring. Up until now I just didn't pay attention to diet and healthy living, honestly I thought I wouldn't have to worry until I was older.
Well guess what, I'm older!
How I treat my body now will stick with me and effect me later in life, and I do not want to be sick, weak, and just plain "blech" when I'm older.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a slob, I do eat things that are healthy, I just don't do it enough. For the last two months I have been living with my grandmother, who experienced a heart attack, triple bypass, and a stroke. Heavy stuff ya think? Well, since this whole ordeal started I have really begun to look into the things I cook. Since salt, potassium, sugar, salt, bad protiens, and salt are things we want to avoid, I have been cooking better. Sugar is my biggest obstical, I do have a sweet tooth, and prior to this stressful situation it was just getting worse. There are some things I will not give up, like my Sonic drinks. I will even give up my DOTS for Sonic...yeah, it's that serious.
Chocolate can be limited, and so can ice cream and cake, and koolaid is kind of iffy since it hydrates me but the only way I can drink it requires two tiny cups of sugar. Salt may be a little difficult, but I think I can master it.
And you know, it's not just eating right and doing the 'Om' meditation thing, it's also spiritual. I had sort of a reborn moment. Well, it took more than a moment, but you get the gist. I had this renewed passion for my relationship with God. I've been taught, and fully believe, you never stop growing in your walk with Christ. And reading the bible can be a form of meditatiom, so it's a win-win!
I am pumped, but more than that, I am ready.