I Choose to "Live Well"

It has happened. I can no longer deny it. My once slim figure has gone wild or um, wide. I have, in 6 months, gone from a size 5 to a size 10. Yes, I have been to the doctor, had blood work done, and I do have a low thyroid level. Doc says this is probably due to my high sugar diet and the fact that I am getting older. *she winces*

I am told this is fairly common and can be adjusted with a proper diet and exercise which, ironically is what I need to get my figure back. I opted out of the meds for now. Also, I had originally gone to the doctor due to a "near death experience" because I choked on some food that had come back up. I have had severe reflux (GERD) for about three of four years now and no medications have ever worked. I was told to adjust my diet for this too and to try more organic products. I have sat on this information for about a month or so now and finally have decided that I am going to do something about it. Since I gave this year of my life to God, I figured I would read about my health based on His Word.

I have been reading a lot of books including; Holy Cow by Hope Egan, Weigh Down America by Jordan Rubin, and Look Great, Feel Great by Joyce Meyer.

You can get the Weigh Down book by Jordan Rubin for free, just pay shipping, by going to this link. I also signed up for their online health coach which is free for one year. There they offer a free interactive meal planner, support, inspirational videos, workout videos, and more. They also offer a journal/blog profile for everyone. I intend to chronicle my journey there and here each Wednesday.

My starting weight is 146 lbs. My ideal weight is 120-132 so I am shooting for 125 which has been my average weight all my life (until about a year ago that is). Some major things that I am changing about my diet and need to be accountable for are:

1. Using honey instead of sugar.
2. Eating more fruits (I am not a veggie eater).
3. Drinking more water.
4. Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
5. Changing over to an organic, whole food based diet and lifestyle.
6. Praying about my health - daily.

I actually enjoy the honey in my coffee. It tastes no different to me. I hate spending so much money at the whole foods store but it is worth it. I will give up spending in other areas to compensate. I purchased some melons, pineapple, cantaloupe, and mangoes from the store and have been eating them regularly for the last few days. I am also drinking more water than anything else, at least 40 oz. a day.

I still have my coffee in the morning and I still have a craving for ice cream about once every couple of days but I have been given the gift of an ice cream machine and have been making my own. I am supplementing the cream and milk with organics and low fat and have noticed that I do not get any heartburn when I do this as opposed to before. I also don't get heartburn after I drink my organic coffee with organic honey and organic milk. I have started to follow the menus laid out in my meal planner and have felt much better. I was even able to give blood for the first time this past Saturday. It was exciting! I have been turned down 4 time due to low iron but this time my iron level was 14.5! I was shocked! The nurse said that was above excellent for a woman.

I will have a check up on the 27th of this month so I will find out then what my blood work can tell us then. I will also be charting my weight loss along the way.

If you would like to "live well" be sure to visit Darlene Schacht. However, this week, Lori from All You Have to Give is hosting.