And so the cycle goes...Health and Wellbeing

[bright sparks]

Is it just me or is it always "this is the year" lol

This time last year I remember we had a thread going motivating and sharing tips on eating healthy and exercise. Then life goes on and we get busy with other things. Well I'm hoping to revive things as I am crossing fingers, toes and anything and everything else that this is my year to get my s**t together and ACTUALLY change.

This last year has been pretty rough when it comes to health. I am pre-diabetic now and at my heaviest. I need to lose at least 80-100lbs in total, so I'm just aiming for 2lbs a week. Slow and steady wins the race. I am an overeater, and in general do not take care of myself. It is a psychological issue since having constantly reinforced beliefs at my core that I am worthless. That is why I put way to much of myself into looking after others. This is a really bad thing as a caregiver by nature not just profession that rarely turns out well. I am trying my best to make changes, and some goals have been met, but it is a daily struggle.

I meal prepped this weekend for myself and my husband and the kids school lunches. It is hard work but they all helped. My son made muffins, my daughter made granola bars. My husband made two lunches and two dinners and I made the rest. It took hours!!

I have to get back to exercising which is my plan at naptime today. 20 minutes of HIIT plus I have stretches and core exercises for strengthening from my physio.

I have endo and was on hormone therapy for 13 weeks. This particular drug is the most successful medication out there for managing this disease but at the 11 week mark, I kind of lost my mind a bit. I had PMDD for 2 weeks and had 3 breakdowns. Not a good thing when a person is a mother let alone a daycare provider. Fortunately I was able to stop the meds immediately and within 4 days they were out of my system. It was like night and day. After some damage control and my kids understand that this was not actually "Mom" but some nasty evil side effect of synthetic hormones...Now though, my pain and symptoms are back with a vengeance. My next step is a hysterectomy and I'm only 32. It's not a good step so early in life as I will in all likelihood have a host of other issues instead.

This is really my motivation to get on track, FOR REAL! I know if I lose a substantial amount of weight I will reduce my pain and inflammation. I absolutely can not eat dairy, refined sugars and alcohol which is a huge obstacle for an over eater and someone whose favourite foods are cheese and red wine. Yes wine is a food group in my house lol I also live on the bench and my closest friends all work at wineries so it requires a huge lifestyle change to prevent others from bringing it into my house too :-/

I have supplements to treat the endo which don't come with nasty side effects but they only work if I am consistent so it brings me back to how important it is that I start to value myself much more than I do.

I know as soon as I am out of the house 5 days a week I am going to regret the ability to have an hour or two each afternoon at naptime to take some steps to take care of me and exercise. 24 weeks and counting...

Anyone else taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle?

[JennJubie]

:( I'm so sorry to hear you've been having such a rough year. :glomp: Hugs!

My strain is almost all mental. I suffer from anxiety, but last year I started taking medication to help control it as I found I couldn't manage it on my own anymore. I started excercising again, becasue A) excercise helps greatly with anxiety and depression, and B) my poor back. I went through five months of crippling back and shoulder pain last year. After being assessed by the doctor it was determined that my lower back was actually the issue, and core strengthening excercises were needed. Plus the anxiety does a number on your physically. I've been on the medication for nine months now and it helps so much. Plus, the excercise helps keep me feeling healthy and I take more time for myself. My husband is really good about giving me time to myself when I need it <3

I really hope things look up for you and you start to feel better soon. The first thing to look at is how you see yourself. Rather than getting down on your self worth, look at all the great things you do. All the support and love that you provide. You make a difference in children's lives! That is an amazing thing. :wub:

[bright sparks]

:( I'm so sorry to hear you've been having such a rough year. :glomp: Hugs!

My strain is almost all mental. I suffer from anxiety, but last year I started taking medication to help control it as I found I couldn't manage it on my own anymore. I started excercising again, becasue A) excercise helps greatly with anxiety and depression, and B) my poor back. I went through five months of crippling back and shoulder pain last year. After being assessed by the doctor it was determined that my lower back was actually the issue, and core strengthening excercises were needed. Plus the anxiety does a number on your physically. I've been on the medication for nine months now and it helps so much. Plus, the excercise helps keep me feeling healthy and I take more time for myself. My husband is really good about giving me time to myself when I need it <3

I really hope things look up for you and you start to feel better soon. The first thing to look at is how you see yourself. Rather than getting down on your self worth, look at all the great things you do. All the support and love that you provide. You make a difference in children's lives! That is an amazing thing. :wub:

Thank you for your kind words. I have PTSD and have not suffered from depression for a good couple of years now but I do suffer anxiety instead surrounding my kids. It is debilitating and takes over sometimes. I have meds in the back of my cupboard that I am to fearful to take and I'm making one last ditch effort to handle things naturally. It is so hard when it seems that each problem feeds another so getting on top of things at times seems almost impossible. Endo gives me chronic pain and as I get heavier I have low back pain and injure myself easily when exercising. I know I have it in me to change but having faith in myself and not fear is tough.

I am glad to hear of your success'. That is one of the reasons I posted this so I could be motivated and hear of others achievements, even when the odds are tough. I want to help myself, I want to be able to spend all of my waking moments thinking productively, not obsessing over weightloss and all the things I don't have versus how lucky I am to have all that I do have. Life is way to short and precious.

[JennJubie]

Do you have a friend who would be willing to get together with you once a week or so and either just talk, or excercise together, or something like that. Support is one of the biggest things that we forget. When we try to handle everything ourselves it can feel overwhelming. If you had a buddy system going, it could help a lot.

[bright sparks]

Do you have a friend who would be willing to get together with you once a week or so and either just talk, or excercise together, or something like that. Support is one of the biggest things that we forget. When we try to handle everything ourselves it can feel overwhelming. If you had a buddy system going, it could help a lot.

I do have a friend who is a workout nut. I tend to push them away when they try to help. I think I have a fear of the pain and the failure. Breaking those habits are tough...along with the fact that my husband is also an overeater so we are like addicts who get together and reinforce negative behaviours in each other and sabotage. It isn't intentional and we have the same goals. When we are on track we really help each other, but the minute one of us is having a tough time, we tend to crack together.

We have set some ground rules which do help. I can not support him when it comes to wanting anything. He can not come to me and complain about being hungry, or wanting a beer. I can not take that on and he understands so he doesn't anymore. I will crack almost certainly. I have been so committed before and this has happened. He also doesn't follow healthy eating unless I have prepped it. That is why we changed meal prep so we have equal responsibility for prepping meals for the family as a whole, not just me making food for everyone except myself because when it comes to me I can not bare to cook another thing.

We are also going to an Overeaters anon support group starting next week. Hopefully we can go as a couple but also work as individuals to work through things and reach our goals.

It is hard to talk about any psychological issues with friends because they can not comprehend that having PTSD is way more complicated than just choosing to change and I just can not hear that anymore. They mean well but it is more problematic than helpful. People think war veterans when in reality the majority of PTSD sufferers are silent and have not been to war. People have no time for it outside of this stereotype and so it makes support hard to come by. I have come so far, I am a completely different person than I was in 2010, I just really wish the anxiety surrounding my kids would just stop. I manage it most of the time, but sometimes I have to catch myself and pull myself back from praying for the day they are adults lol teenage years are definitely a feeder for parental anxiety for anyone haha I have a second job which really helps because I am busy. Also I'll be going to school only 2 full days a week to get my degree and will still be at home to be connected to my kids and be available to them when they need me the rest of the time, even if the terms of that changes due to them being teens now.

[JennJubie]

It definitely sounds like you are making steps in the right direction. Good luck!

[AmandaKDT]

I have struggled with my weight my entire life and even though I wouldn't consider myself slim I feel like I am at a comfortable weight right now that doesn't adversely affect my health. It isn't easy but if you want to lose weight you need really focus on the food. Exercise is very important, but if you don't watch what you eat closely it makes it harder to lose.

I have lost a substantial amount of weight three times in my life - in my late teen years when I finally figured things out, and then after each of my pregnancies.

I avoid any food that is white - sugar, potatoes, white rice, flour. Eat lots of veggies at every meal and limit your fruit to one or two servings a day. I also try to make at least one meal a day carb free.

I went totally dairy free for almost 2 years when I was breastfeeding my daughter, that wasn't an easy adjustment either!

It is not easy when you first start, but if you do this you will find results. If you can make a pledge to yourself to stick to a plan for two weeks, you will get over that hump and find you feel better and will be able to continue on.

The meditteranean diet is also proven to be hugely beneficial to your health.

[bright sparks]

I have struggled with my weight my entire life and even though I wouldn't consider myself slim I feel like I am at a comfortable weight right now that doesn't adversely affect my health. It isn't easy but if you want to lose weight you need really focus on the food. Exercise is very important, but if you don't watch what you eat closely it makes it harder to lose.

I have lost a substantial amount of weight three times in my life - in my late teen years when I finally figured things out, and then after each of my pregnancies.

I avoid any food that is white - sugar, potatoes, white rice, flour. Eat lots of veggies at every meal and limit your fruit to one or two servings a day. I also try to make at least one meal a day carb free.

I went totally dairy free for almost 2 years when I was breastfeeding my daughter, that wasn't an easy adjustment either!

It is not easy when you first start, but if you do this you will find results. If you can make a pledge to yourself to stick to a plan for two weeks, you will get over that hump and find you feel better and will be able to continue on.

The meditteranean diet is also proven to be hugely beneficial to your health.

I've lost a good amount of weight before without fad dieting so it's not a matter of not knowing how, it's about mental strength...not just willpower, but a lot of it none the less to stay on track and not get led astray by fear that dominates my mind so much.

I need to follow an anti-inflammatory diet for my endo and that is why no dairy or soy. Natural sugars only too. I haven't had white products in my house for as long as I've had my kids, so nearly 14 years, but I give in to ordering delivery for lunch during the week, drive through on the go, eating out in restaurants if we have the time or just not eating all together. None of that has anything to do with not knowing how to actually lose weight, just the power of the mind and convincing myself that it's too hard and I can't do it. Committing to fail before I even try.

I know so much about nutrition and wellbeing it's ridiculous. At one point I seriously considered training to be a Holistic nutritionist, and only didn't because it is rare a person can make a full time income from it and with kids and a mortgage it just isn't an option.

At my best, I eat 5 times a day, never going more than 2-3 hrs without food. I eat fat and protein at every meal, whole grain such as brown rice or quinoa with lunch and then don't eat after 6. Gallons of water and herbal tea and unlimited veggies and 2-3 fruits a day maximum.

I just can't seem to get my head out of my ass and overcome this ridiculous debilitating fear that makes me turn to junk and convenience. So far so good today. I made some crustless quiches in muffin tins for the weeks breakfast loaded with veg and morning snack was an apple and some walnuts. Lunch is Kale, turkey and brown rice soup. If I have plenty of food prepped it makes the odds more in my favour and along the way I have to not buy into the crap that has me doubting myself from time to time.

[AmandaKDT]

I've lost a good amount of weight before without fad dieting so it's not a matter of not knowing how, it's about mental strength...not just willpower, but a lot of it none the less to stay on track and not get led astray by fear that dominates my mind so much.

I need to follow an anti-inflammatory diet for my endo and that is why no dairy or soy. Natural sugars only too. I haven't had white products in my house for as long as I've had my kids, so nearly 14 years, but I give in to ordering delivery for lunch during the week, drive through on the go, eating out in restaurants if we have the time or just not eating all together. None of that has anything to do with not knowing how to actually lose weight, just the power of the mind and convincing myself that it's too hard and I can't do it. Committing to fail before I even try.

I know so much about nutrition and wellbeing it's ridiculous. At one point I seriously considered training to be a Holistic nutritionist, and only didn't because it is rare a person can make a full time income from it and with kids and a mortgage it just isn't an option.

At my best, I eat 5 times a day, never going more than 2-3 hrs without food. I eat fat and protein at every meal, whole grain such as brown rice or quinoa with lunch and then don't eat after 6. Gallons of water and herbal tea and unlimited veggies and 2-3 fruits a day maximum.

I just can't seem to get my head out of my ass and overcome this ridiculous debilitating fear that makes me turn to junk and convenience. So far so good today. I made some crustless quiches in muffin tins for the weeks breakfast loaded with veg and morning snack was an apple and some walnuts. Lunch is Kale, turkey and brown rice soup. If I have plenty of food prepped it makes the odds more in my favour and along the way I have to not buy into the crap that has me doubting myself from time to time.

That is so frustrating! I really do hope you get things sorted out. You know what you have to do, but it isn't always so easy to make it happen. Try to give yourself short term goal, perhaps that will help. I really, truly hope that you have success!

[bright sparks]

Have you heard of the Whole 30 program? It's not just a diet but a 'reset', giving your body a chance to rid itself of toxins and helping you to combat cravings. A friend who was an overeater and a sugar addict did the program just after Christmas, and is doing so well- it's amazing! She says she'll probably do the program a week here and there as she feels the need or slides back into bad habits. It's worth checking out! http://whole30.com/

It's pretty much the same wholefood balanced eating plan that any good nutritionist is going to subscribe for weight loss and/or well being. Thanks for passing it on though.

My cravings go after 2-4 weeks depending on how much my body has had to contend with prior too. As I said, I know all the how to's but executing it is another thing. That is where in my opinion it is necessary to get help in three areas not 2 in order to truly combat overeating. It is an eating disorder just like anorexia and bullemia. Healthy eating, exercise and MENTAL WELLNESS. If it is a psychological issue, no amount of knowledge of food or exercise will ever be enough. There is a vital area that is going untreated. Hopefully meetings will make things go a bit differently this time.

[Fun&care]

It's pretty much the same wholefood balanced eating plan that any good nutritionist is going to subscribe for weight loss and/or well being. Thanks for passing it on though.

My cravings go after 2-4 weeks depending on how much my body has had to contend with prior too. As I said, I know all the how to's but executing it is another thing. That is where in my opinion it is necessary to get help in three areas not 2 in order to truly combat overeating. It is an eating disorder just like anorexia and bullemia. Healthy eating, exercise and MENTAL WELLNESS. If it is a psychological issue, no amount of knowledge of food or exercise will ever be enough. There is a vital area that is going untreated. Hopefully meetings will make things go a bit differently this time.

I totally get what you are saying!! I am the same in that I know a lot about nutrition and health but I've been finding it difficult to exercise lately and stick to my healthy diet. I am also a huge believer in a no dairy, no sugar diet as it saved my skin and totally cleared up my acne. For the last couple of months I have "cheated" way too much and my body is making me pay for it in the form of nasty, nasty periods! (And the return of acne)

For me, part of the problem is simply the time of year. It's freezing cold out and i just want to hibernate in my bed or watch TV and EAT! It's been so hard to find the energy to do much!

[ebhappydc]

Hey Brightsparks! I'm the old bag on the forum (48)...here are my two cents...Yes, it is a constant struggle I find, having the knowledge on how to eat/live and then actually doing it. Throughout my 30s I craved sugar and couldn't get enough of it...instead of getting heavy though, my intestines disintegrated and I got Candida which lead to Leaky Gut where my intestines got perforated and undigested food particles entered my blood stream causing me to be toxic (you're probably knowledgeable with this)...to the point I couldn't digest water properly and I almost stopped eating. A naturopath prescribed me glutamine power to help my intestines heal, so I could eat least start eating baby rice pablum. I'm also off the white foods/dairy and feel better. Having 3 teens that eat like horses and need teen food (chips/cookies) in the cupboard doesn't help... I did just recently purchase a NutriBullet food processor and fill it with kale/nuts/berries/pb/almond milk/flax and that helps keep me feel full during the day and staves off sugar cravings. my teens like it too and it helps get the ugly greens in them they don't like (kale, spinach etc).... I also discovered a blogger online called Chocolate-Covered Katie - the Healthy Dessert Blog which helps me with my sugar cravings (which will never go away I've discovered) .... smiles to you and keep positive. Swimming would be good to help alleviate the pain you have while exercising.

[Fun&care]

Forgot to add...be sure to stear clear of sugar in ALL its forms. It is a misconception that honey and maple syrup (among many others) are healthy, acceptable forms of sugar. It has the same effect on your blood sugar and insulin as white sugar. A SUGAR IS A SUGAR IS A SUGAR! I know this from first hand experience. My body does not tolerate sugar and I get bad acne breakouts if I consume any. The only form of sugar I can tolerate is from fruit and dried fruit. No fruit juice probably because is it too concentrated and has no fiber. Just something to think about especially considering your endo. My uterus also punishes me when I cheat on this diet :)

[JennJubie]

Hey Brightsparks! I'm the old bag on the forum (48)...here are my two cents...Yes, it is a constant struggle I find, having the knowledge on how to eat/live and then actually doing it. Throughout my 30s I craved sugar and couldn't get enough of it...instead of getting heavy though, my intestines disintegrated and I got Candida which lead to Leaky Gut where my intestines got perforated and undigested food particles entered my blood stream causing me to be toxic (you're probably knowledgeable with this)...to the point I couldn't digest water properly and I almost stopped eating. A naturopath prescribed me glutamine power to help my intestines heal, so I could eat least start eating baby rice pablum. I'm also off the white foods/dairy and feel better. Having 3 teens that eat like horses and need teen food (chips/cookies) in the cupboard doesn't help... I did just recently purchase a NutriBullet food processor and fill it with kale/nuts/berries/pb/almond milk/flax and that helps keep me feel full during the day and staves off sugar cravings. my teens like it too and it helps get the ugly greens in them they don't like (kale, spinach etc).... I also discovered a blogger online called Chocolate-Covered Katie - the Healthy Dessert Blog which helps me with my sugar cravings (which will never go away I've discovered) .... smiles to you and keep positive. Swimming would be good to help alleviate the pain you have while exercising.

Oh my goodness!

You gave some great info! I think I'll check out that blog myself. I have low blood sugar, and it is a constant struggle not to give into sugar cravings!

[kindertime]

Thank you for sharing you struggles. It takes courage to list all your issues in public, even if this is an "anonymous" forum. I also have weight issues that I can't seem to wrap my head around. And although my experiences with anxiety are limited, (not serious enough for meds.) I can speak from experience that mental illness has an effect on your body physically.

Do you have access to counseling for your PTSD? I think you were right when you said,

"It is hard to talk about any psychological issues with friends because they can not comprehend that having PTSD is way more complicated than just choosing to change and I just can not hear that anymore."

It might be helpful to seek out a professional. Just chatting about it probably isn't going to get you what you need.

[bright sparks]

Hey Brightsparks! I'm the old bag on the forum (48)...here are my two cents...Yes, it is a constant struggle I find, having the knowledge on how to eat/live and then actually doing it. Throughout my 30s I craved sugar and couldn't get enough of it...instead of getting heavy though, my intestines disintegrated and I got Candida which lead to Leaky Gut where my intestines got perforated and undigested food particles entered my blood stream causing me to be toxic (you're probably knowledgeable with this)...to the point I couldn't digest water properly and I almost stopped eating. A naturopath prescribed me glutamine power to help my intestines heal, so I could eat least start eating baby rice pablum. I'm also off the white foods/dairy and feel better. Having 3 teens that eat like horses and need teen food (chips/cookies) in the cupboard doesn't help... I did just recently purchase a NutriBullet food processor and fill it with kale/nuts/berries/pb/almond milk/flax and that helps keep me feel full during the day and staves off sugar cravings. my teens like it too and it helps get the ugly greens in them they don't like (kale, spinach etc).... I also discovered a blogger online called Chocolate-Covered Katie - the Healthy Dessert Blog which helps me with my sugar cravings (which will never go away I've discovered) .... smiles to you and keep positive. Swimming would be good to help alleviate the pain you have while exercising.

Yes this is something I know about. Poor you...it sounds like you went through the ringer. I'm trying hard to get a handle on it now before my body spirals deeper into a rotten state. I have an underproduction of salicylic acid in my gut so I'm taking a probiotic for that. My kids drink loads of smoothies. We have a vitamix so they get everything pulverized in that. My daughter dislikes veggies so eats them all daily in her breakfast smoothie. She actually finds it amusing that she hates the veg but can't taste it in the mix of her smoothie. She is constantly adding more and more things and is super proud that she drinks it. She loves them :) a whole food vegan GF protein + greens powder mixed with kefir, coconut water, fish oil, turmeric, chia seeds, and whatever fruit and veg she wants. If she needs to sweeten she uses maple syrup or local raw honey. It's the healthiest thing you could ever set eyes on lol I however, can not tolerate the texture and juices are too sweet.

I did a 4 minute circuit of tabata during naptime today and then had a coughing fit lasting 25 minutes with wheezing!!! There is always something...I'm going to see the dr tonight in case it is exercise induced asthma with the wheezing and I'm going to cut it back to 2 minutes until I adapt to it. Physically it is great for me as it is a short commitment and has the most bang for the buck versus cardio machines and even better than HIIT. 4 minutes isn't long enough for me to hate it lol

[bright sparks]

Thank you for sharing you struggles. It takes courage to list all your issues in public, even if this is an "anonymous" forum. I also have weight issues that I can't seem to wrap my head around. And although my experiences with anxiety are limited, (not serious enough for meds.) I can speak from experience that mental illness has an effect on your body physically.

Do you have access to counseling for your PTSD? I think you were right when you said,

"It is hard to talk about any psychological issues with friends because they can not comprehend that having PTSD is way more complicated than just choosing to change and I just can not hear that anymore."

It might be helpful to seek out a professional. Just chatting about it probably isn't going to get you what you need.

I went to therapy until very recently (Nov '14) for nearly 5 years. I believe I have learnt as much as I can from therapy for now. I am a completely new person and I am a lot better. When I discuss my growth with my husband, a repressor, he is almost brought to tears over the difference. I'm no longer convinced that PTSD will ever go away. I have decided to carve out an hour a week for self care in other ways where my past doesn't get the spotlight. My PTSD origins do not need to be hashed out anymore. I have been taught many ways to manage it and as I deal with all these other areas of my personal life, I will continue to heal and grow comfortable in my skin. I have to start making actual changes to improve my quality of life and manage my past which will always be with me. I have only spoken openly about PTSD for the last year and it still makes people super uncomfortable and that how could I possibly have it when men and women are going to war. Also saying I have PTSD in this industry is potentially damaging to my career. Peoples misunderstandings has them jump to many conclusions which while I can understand, is generally unnecessary should they possess the facts.I am trying to get people talking in the hopes of educating people as well as realizing that it is nothing that I should be ashamed about.

I hope to let my experiences help others, hence why I am going to do my degree in Psychology along with Sexuality Studies in September. I want to support and advocate for those who do not have someone fighting for them in their corner, like I didn't. My greatest suffering will be my greatest strength in helping others. If I can get a handle on this eating issue and not let weight loss be at the forefront of my mind constantly day in and day out, I can only begin to imagine what extra potential I will have.

[33 Daiseys]

wee you on fibostal by any chance? I was just put on it and i feel hoible, campy, migraines, back aches ect.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I wish you all the best!! I also have a lot of weight that I need to loose. Unfortunately, I'm not at the point of WANTING to loose it so anytime I'm tempted to hop off the diet/exercise wagon, I do!

My body pain is getting worse so I know that I need to try and cut out some unhealthy foods (whites, sugars,carbs etc) but I just can't keep with it for longer than a few days to a week at a time. Creating new habits is extremely hard for me. I really am addicted to food :(

My short term goal is to do 20 mins on the treadmill 3x a week paired with the yoga I do daily. Eventually I want to do 20 mins/3x a day, 3-4x a week. I need to strengthen my back and was told that swimming on my back would be the absolute best. Unfortunately, I don't get to the pool as often as I should!

Good luck to everyone!!

[bright sparks]

wee you on fibostal by any chance? I was just put on it and i feel hoible, campy, migraines, back aches ect.

Visanne. It is just 2mg of progesterone a day. It is used specifically for endo to counter the dominant estrogen and it is the best thing on the market. It's only been in North America for a couple of years but has been in Europe for nearly 10 years. It really works it's just my side effect of PMDD is something else entirely. No other side effects. I actually went on it because my endo has caused me to be extremely anaemic. My iron was 7. On Visanne it went up to 14, most women struggle to stay above 20, and since going off the mess it has plummeted again. Tough to stay motivated to do anything when iron levels are in the gutter.

[bright sparks]

Wow, can I ever relate to this! I don't have weight issues, but have a bad back and mild arthritis so need to stay active- it's just darn hard! My iron levels have been as low as 2, but I can't tolerate any supplements (had to have injections while pregnant- it was brutal!). Have you been tested for gluten intolerance? Cutting out gluten has really helped with my iron levels as well as other issues.

My iron is low as a direct result of my endo, nothing else. As soon as my endo symptoms are halted, my anaemia goes away. Have you only tried pharmaceutical iron meds because they are notorious for giving an array of nasty side effects. I can recommend a great high potency iron supplement that is natural and really works if you are interested. ZERO side effects.