Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Health Journey! Beginning (Again...)

So, anyone that knows me should know that I would like to lose weight- to be healthier, be more active, live longer, and hopefully have kids.  Both of us gained weight after we married (he likes my cooking!) and it's stayed with us for 9 years. Almost everything I've tried, while I might see temporary success, I either have issues staying with it, not seen results that I felt my effort merited, or as soon as I have a bad day (one bad day) it would negate my efforts.  I've been extremely frustrated with my health efforts.

Some other issues I've had: shin splints.  Ouch.  Walking, one of the easiest, cheapest and beginning level exercises is painful for me.  I've tried replacing my shoes, getting inserts, stretches, but that didn't help.  Just finding motivation to exercise is one of the biggest hurdles I'm trying to get over.

Hopefully, figuring out I need to be gluten free will help.  It's helped with some stuff (reduced migraines, no sore joints in the mornings, less break outs on my face, and stomach does much better), but I haven't seen a huge reduction in weight after an initial loss right when I started eating gluten free.  There are still days I don't feel perfect, but gluten free helps.

So, this time around, trying some new stuff.  See if I can really kick some bad habits!

First thing I'm trying: sugar free!  I don't know that I will be super picky, but I will avoid sweet treats like cookies, cakes, brownies, sugary cereals, candy, chocolate and everything like that which contains way too much sugar than what is good for me.  I crave sugar daily if I don't get it.  I've talked to several people about it, and I have more hope than I started with.  Initially, I was scared that I would be a plagued by those cravings for a long time.  They all say about a week, maybe a little more and they go away.  I can do that!  At least I really hope I can.

Another thing, in connection with sugar free and gluten free, I will be trying is just more whole foods in general.  Less processed, full of who-knows-what, and more whole, wholesome, good foods.  Fruits and veggies will be my friend!  To complement all of this, I will need to focus on drinking enough water.  That's another thing I really struggle with.  I just don't get thirsty, I'm so used to being slightly dehydrated all the time.

Final thing I really need to do- find a workout I enjoy, find motivation to workout consistently, and just get it in!  I do usually feel better after working out regularly, I feel more powerful, more muscular.  The more muscle I have, the more calories I will burn, the faster I will lose weight.

So, three things to focus on!  Sugar free (eek!), whole foods, especially lots of fruits and veggies, and exercise.  I can do that!  Today was my first day of sugar free- worst craving was right after dinner- had some canned fruit to tame it.  Yay!  Next time will be tips on how to beat those cravings as shared with me by several of my friends.

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