One of the main reasons of re-vamping my lifestyle was the fact that we were sick so much this past fall and winter. It was practically every couple of weeks we had another viral infection or Ethan had another ear infection. When you are always sick you don't feel like doing anything. I was concerned for Ethan taking so many rounds of antibiotics and I also feared the doctor telling me it was time to consider tubes. I knew I needed to make a radical change.
The next major reason was because of my weight and Achilles heel pain that flared up during last fall's half marathon training. My weight has been a battle since I was 15, but that whole story I am saving for when I reach my goal weight. In a nutshell, I have been dieting off and on since then. After I had Ethan I GAINED another 23 pounds (after only getting down to 13 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight) for a total weight of 61 pounds over my goal weight. Since December of 2008 I have been trying to "count points" and getting this extra weight off. I totally despise measuring and keeping track of everything I eat. I could easily stay on the plan for half a day and then go off and eat whatever I wanted for the rest. As you know, that doesn't work! What does work is to use my common sense. Eat whole foods, cut out sugar and listen to your stomach when you should eat and how much. Although the theory is simple, it is difficult for someone like me who has ignored hunger signals because I didn't have any points left or stuffed my face so much that I consumed a days worth of food in one sitting. I also felt that I needed to make this a lifestyle change. I don't want my children knowing that I constantly struggle with my weight and my self image (you have to admit those go hand and hand for everyone!). What kind of example is that for your kids?
The next factor was the excruciating heel pain I was suffering from since last fall's half marathon training. As you know, I love running. However, I knew I needed to make changes if I want to continue being a runner. Did you know that for every pound you are over weight that is 5 extra pounds on your joints when you run? I believed that not only my weight was the reason for my heel pain, but also my "diet".
Will a healthy diet really "cure" all these things??
In my next part of my Journey to a Healthy Life I will share the HOW.
The thoughts and opinions expressed on my blog are my own and are not swayed by any monetary or product compensation. My personal health experiences may not be a typical result for others. The information I share on my blog may not be the views of the sponsors participating in my Healthy Living Event.
4 comments:
Good for you for realizing a change needed to take place and for following through with it. :-)
I'm glad you made the right choice for you and yours! I have struggled with my weight since I was very young. It had to do with parenting also I feel. When I cried there went a bottle in my mouth. I was 6 months and 36 lbs! I ended up getting allergies to to everything since my mom started giving me whole milk at 5 months since she said it was cheaper! So I was always a big child. I don't want my kids to know either how it's an everyday thing with me. You know I made it to the scale today and it said 164! WHAT?! how did I gain 5 lbs since I have been off my foot?! I went to the orthopedic surgeon as well this morning. I'm going to post about it in a few:) Hope you are having a great day!!!
Way to go for deciding to make real changes. I want my son to grow up eating healthy, but I find it very difficult since he rejects so many of the foods I try to give him. I know that persistence is going to be key. Good for you for trying to be a good example to your son. I strongly believe it will make a big difference in his life to have been taught to lead a healthy lifestyle!
Thanks for posting! I like reading stories about how people change and why. You are doing great.
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