Overdue update!

Hello folks! It has been awhile since I have posted on here. Life has been happening. Between work, family, friends and responsibilities I have had a busy month. I kind of slacked a little bit just after my birthday. But got back on gear, but finally getting back into the routine I had prior to my birthday.  I had a goal for my husbands birthday ( which is today). My goal was to lose at least 30lbs by his 30th birthday and hopefully get into the 170s by his birthday. I weighed in this afternoon, goal one of 30+ lbs loss - check! ...... be in the 170s - not check. I weighed in at 180.2lbs. I was so close! So close I did lunges, squats, shaved my legs( lol) trying to lose that last .3lbs I needed to lose to make my goal! I am not using it as an excuse, but mother nature was not my friend this week, nor eve. I know that had a tiny bit to play with my weight loss. But I should have just worked harder to counter act the bloating.  (this picture is from me before my lunges, squats etc... So I did shave off a little bit of weight last minute lol)

I have to catch up on my new foods tried. I have this video from the week of July 9 of me trying catfish!

I need 4 new foods to try to catch up. Suggestions please! Here are some up to date comparison pictures. You can definitely see the toning that is happening as well as the weight loss and muscle gain. I have 25lb more to go to my goal! I can't believe this is actually happening. I am changing my life, and I couldn't be happier. This is the happiest I have been in life .... probably ever. Happy, Healthy, In love... what more could you ask for?!

Birthday New Food ( a week late)

A little late, but my new food that I tried on my birthday! I will post a new food for this week, later this week. Enjoy!

Birthday Weigh In

Before my 25th birthday I was wishing that I could lose 25 lbs by my 25th birthday. That dream never came true.  With this new journey in life, I set my goal to lose 26 lbs by my 26th birthday. Today is that day. I weighed in this morning, since that is the best time to weigh in! And the results are in. 

When I started this journey I started out at 215 lbs. 

I weighed in this morning at:

In case you can't read that, that reads 188.6lbs!

If you can't do that math instantly in your head... that means I lost

27lbs by my 26th birthday!

Things are a-changin

Happy Monday!  I meant to write this post over the weekend, but you know life happens! Between going to Medieval Times on friday to celebrate my birthday (that is tomorrow) and work.. it was a busy weekend! So , Friday we headed down to Arundel Mills Mall to Medieval Times to have dinner and watch the show. I have been working so hard, so I caved in a little on Friday and treated myself to a strawberry margarita and apple turnover. I know, such a rebel! I also bought myself a new outfit for the event, which consisted of a new skirt... that was size 10! It was a little snug around the thighs, but I am getting so far from where I was and so close to where I want to be. With my birthday approaching I knew I needed to give in to something to celebrate my birthday, and I figured an apple turnover was a better choice than birthday cake.  I have been doing so well, and thought I deserved this! However I did end up working out on Saturday, because I felt so guilty from my indulges the night prior. Not to mention I created this goal of wanting to lose 26 lbs by 26... which is tomorrow! So I wanted to get some extra workouts in.

Saturday's workout consisted of some gym time, and then headed to the park to workout with a friend.  My friend Sarah and I went to the Windsor Park to play some tennis and walk. While playing tennis I was getting so hot  wearing my tshirt. I struggled with the idea of taking my shirt off and playing in just my sports bra. Ask Sarah, I fought with the idea for about 5minutes.  I ended up giving in and taking my shirt off, mind you there were people on the other two tennis courts, and people down at the basketball court. I played the rest of the game and walked a mile with my shirt off in just my sports bra. I know it doesn't sound like much. But two months ago I would never even considered the idea. If you haven't seen any of the other posts or seen pictures, I am a heavy chested girl. So that along with the being a size 16/18 previously would have held me back from wearing just a sports bra and shorts. But I did it, and I felt good. I felt like the athlete I was turning into. 

I will have a new post on either tuesday ( my birthday =)) ) or wednesday! Look out for that one to see if I made my goal! Until then check out the pictures and new food video! 

 front view - proof of wearing just the sports bra and shorts!

 side view - proof of the sports bra
















 Me and the hubby at my birthday dinner

my cheat drink =) so yummy!

Most Vulnerable Post To Date

I was going through some old photos on my computer, and came across this video.  You see when I was 22 years old, I was struggling with my self image. I was depressed and felt helpless. To the point that I created a video entry for The Biggest Loser. I am not going to lie it is a rather long video (10minutes) . I open up about my life, family and relationships. You see old pictures and how heavy I was.. then. What is shocking is I let myself get even larger than that after that video.

I watched this video and couldn't hold back my emotions.  I was so depressed, workout illiterate and so close minded to other options. I thought what I needed was a tv show to help me.  Now I realize I needed to know that I could do it.  I needed something to aspire for. I needed to believe and inspire myself, before I could do anything, let alone try inspire others.

I cannot deny my reluctance to posting this video, I look and act ridiculous. I was trying way to hard to get on this show. I didn't see that then, but I see that now.  I also see a girl that was struggling with self esteem, confidence and had only been put down by so many people. I show this to you not for you to laugh ( except at the stupid funny parts) but to show you that it is inside of you.  You have what you need to succeed. I had that desire 4 years ago. I just didn't realize it till recently. I urge you to do some true soul searching. Whether you are longing for weight loss, love, confidence, children, or what have you.  If there is even a morsel of desire that you can bring to the surface, I guarantee there is more inside of you that you can pull out to show you can succeed now.  Don't wait as long as I did to discover this. Change your life now.

Overdue post !! =)

Hey guys! I know it has been awhile since I have written on here. Things have been a little crazy in my life, which I have had to zero in on the things to focus on. One of which is continuously eating healthy and working out; so the blog got put on the side.  I figured it made more sense to workout then write about working out.

In the past month I have been dealing with finding a full time job, family stuff, planning something special for someone special, fathers day/wedding celebration, oh yeah my sister and her three (3) beautiful little girls moved in temporarily with Kevin and me.  The latter one has made my journey much harder than I could have imagined. My sister is a single mother, of a 9, 5 1/2 and 3 yr old girls. So as you can imagine there is a lot of "junk" food in my house. From doughnuts to cereal to cake. I try to make healthy dinners for everyone, but that doesn't always happen.  Not every journey can be as easy, and I wouldn't trade them staying with us for anything. The memories we are making are all the sweetness I need [cheesy i know!].

I'd be lying if I told you the only reason I haven't written anything is because of life being busy. I am terrified that something I may write will be analyzed, criticized and most importantly taken out of context. Due to recent history I have all the right to fear that. This is all I am going to say about this, and then I will move on to me and whats truly important, a healthy lifestyle.  I write on here to vent my feelings, fears, successes, and my journey. I do not write them on facebook to be openly public announcements, I do however post the link to the blog on facebook so that those that care about me and my journey can follow me.  If you do not care about me, my journey, my feelings or anything to do with my life and are just reading this to be nosy, shame on you.  You can not blame me for writing my feelings down in my blog, and you taking them out of context and manipulating them to say what you think they say or mean. So I ask you nicely now, to click that little X in the top right corner, and please leave me page.  This page is about me... not you.

Workouts are going well, I am getting to the point where I am increasing my weights. Which feels great! I pushing myself harder on the Arc Trainer at Planet Fitness, and can definitely feel the difference.. I am covered in sweat by the end of my 30 minute workout.

Oh yeah! At the wedding I had chicken with some mushroom sauce (didnt eat much of the sauce and none of the mushrooms .. yuck!) but I did enjoy the green beans! I ate all my green beans! So I enjoy them in a steam formed, just not the form they were in at Texas Roadhouse!


I am officially in a size 12! I started this journey as a size 16... some things were a size 18... I can def feel the difference, and I think I have dropped from a 38 bra to a 36. It is pretty loose around my bra band =)  Check out my videos, I tried 5 new foods, to make up for the last couple of weeks, and check out my updated pictures of before and now ( as of 6/6)

Thanks for following me and my journey. I encourage you to leave comments on suggestions for life, food, workouts, things to help the girls eat healthier without them knowing! I enjoy reading the comments. I know a ton of people read this, I see the stats! 

One Month Down!

My posts have been scarce lately, with many reasons. My workout schedule got all sorts of messed up when I lost my day time job.  So most of my days are spent sitting on my computer and going out to find a new one. This is just another obstacle in my new weight loss journey.  With this being the one month mark (well Friday) since I started my new lifestyle, I am excited to announce my results thus far!

At the beginning of this journey I weighed in at 215, and as of yesterday I am happy to report that I weighed in at 200lbs! I have lost 15lbs in the first month.  It wasn't easy, and the rest won't be easy.  I am still reaping the pain from friday's leg day. On Friday the trainer at Planet Fitness, Shannon, pushed me as hard as I could go.  Overhead lunges with 25lbs of weight, squats and so many more workouts. I couldn't be happier with the choice to join Planet Fitness. Having been a member in Golds Gym, and visited/heard about others.  I am glad I didn't just give up on the gym route. I encourage you, that if you haven't found the gym for you yet, keep looking.

With every new journey there is someone that wants to bring you down.  Things start looking up, and they see that happiness, and they want to destroy it. My journey hasn't been easy. This past week has been full of stressful situations, depression and despair. Over a month ago in a situation like this I would have indulged myself in cake, cookies, bacon cheese fries and so many other bad foods that taste oh soo good at the time.  This time I went to the gym, spent a hour and a half, pushed myself farther than I thought I could, and surrounded myself with my true friends and loved ones. The words spoken by those trying to destroy me and everything I have worked for, still hurt. They still pushed my buttons, but self control and perseverance helped me make it through the day.   I am trying to repair the damage I caused to the best of my ability. But there will come a point where I can't repair what needs repaired.  That is something that I needed to learn.  It isn't my responsibility to repair everything, but only the things that I have control over.  I want to thank everyone that helped me through these situations this past weekend, you know who you are. I love you guys and am thankful to have you in my life everyday.

Ok so, here are the videos of the two new foods I tried! Since I failed to have a video last week, I did two this week. Enjoy!

Don't forget to suggest a new food for me, for next weeks new food! I have had a few things suggested, but will have to wait till I have the opportunity to try it.  If you have something simple to purchase, cook, or try please suggest it!

Thank you for continuing to support me in this journey.

The week of Mothers Day

One post this week. Sorry about that. It has been a very busy week for me. Let's start with the beginning of the week, Monday.  Everyone loves Monday mornings, right? Mine seemed just like any other day.  Got up,  went to work, went to the gym, then headed to my night time job at David's Bridal.  Was there not long, and ended up going home sick.
   Tuesday was spent on the couch all day. Watching tv and vegging out.  It was horrible. I felt to lazy but I know that I was sick and I wouldn't have been able to do anything.  Thing I hated most about being sick wasn't missing work, or lack of appetite, it was the not being able to get my workout in.
    Wednesday was a slow drift back into the normal routine. Went to work in the morning, then to the gym.  Ab day with Shannon, told her to kill me, and well she did. Did my first ever planks. Along with many other exercises that were a struggle at first. But it due time I will have them down!
   Thursday was zumba with my friend Christine. I love zumba! It is my new found love, and I encourage everyone to try it out.  It is definitely a workout, works all muscles, but its worth it.
 
   Now for the struggles of the week! Friday my husband and I celebrated 4 years of marriage! We went to dinner, at my friends restaurant, where he offered free appetizers and dessert.  Well, most of the appetizers are fried and well dessert is well dessert.  So I ended up having a piece of mint chocolate chip ice cream flavored gum for dessert, 5 calories, yum! Then we went to Iron Man 3.  Now my old tradition when going to the movies was the movie lovers combo, large refillable popcorn and large refillable soda.  Of which, we often used the refillable offer.  I took a water bottle with me, and my hubby took some soda for him and snacks. Don't get me wrong, I craved popcorn the entire movie, but it was nice not having to worry about holding it and etc. And I didn't feel so gross after, I would load the popcorn with so much butter and salt.

   Saturday I had a baby shower to attend. Now the baby shower was not just hard because of the food, but because of the baby part.  My struggle is not just with food but with baby stuff. As you know from following my blog, that I want a family so bad.  But I struggle with infertility. Which makes trying to conceive  very difficulty.  If you haven't read the other posts, check them out.  But my childhood friend is having her first child, and I was invited to the baby shower.  I tried sloppy joe, but that isn't my new food of the week. They had cupcakes and cake... they looked so delicious. But I maintained my will power, and did not eat anything. This baby shower wasn't as bad as some others have been over the last few years. They had some really cute games, like personalized onesies that the mommy to be judges and picks the favorite.

Today is the hardest day. Not because of foods.  But it is Mother's Day.  The day when women get recognized for being mothers. And well, I am not one. I am at the age that all my friends are new mommies or recently found out they are going to be mommies, so facebook is overloaded with pictures and posts about it. I get to spend time with my in-laws and some of them are so supportive.  My father in law, step mother in law, and the kids got me this beautiful card about hanging in there and I am strong and has a bookmark on it that says " Every challenge is an opportunity to discover who we are and all the we can be." I cried. some people don't understand or care to understand what I am going through.  But Kevin Sr, Brandy and Carol take the extra effort to listen, care and support... since day one. Thank you guys, I love you.  But there are others that I have come in contact with this weekend, that don't understand and just want to gloat their accomplishments in fertility and life in front of me and others.  That's where it is hard. Why can't they just be considerate? I know your a mom, I know you just had a kid, and I know this and that. But do you have to consistantly talk about it? Are you that self- centered. Its ironic. Because right now I am being that self-centered about my lack of those things in my life. But that's why I limit it to my blog.  If you are still reading, then you care what I think and how I feel.  And I thank you.  I took a run this morning, once I woke up and realized what day it was.  So to take my mind off of it, even just for a little big.  I took a jog to dallastown fire dept, and then back home.  Got home a took a long shower listening to maroon 5 on the radio. That was my treat to me. Because I deserve it. Whether I am a mom or not I deserve it.


So I tried a new food... avocado. Check out the video. Don't forget to challenge me to a new food! Need one for this week to come!

Food Challenge Week 2 & Weekly update

Since my previous entry, I have been doing a lot of , well, working out. Haha. Gym four days a week and Zumba with a cardio warm up one day of the week. I have been so proud of myself with overcoming temptations. Between chocolate covered pretzels by the hubby, to ice cream and etc.  It isn't easy. But living this life the way I have been isn't making anything else easier. I have to admit, my body hurts. But I love this pain, I love knowing that all this pain means I am doing something right. And I will have something to show for it in the long run.

My friends and I are signing up for a zombie run in September. So just another reason to continue all my working out and training. I plan on finishing it with at least one flag left on me!

Hubby told me he was proud of me yesterday. It felt so good to be recognized for all the hard work in this new lifestyle. He tempts me from time to time to test my commitment.  And I pass every time. I am still trying to get him to join the gym with me, so he can work out with our awesome trainer Shannon.

I have been taking classes with Shannon, the personal trainer at Planet Fitness.  Shes pretty cool, and explains everything and help me figure out what is best for me in my journey.

So the part of the blog that everyone is waiting for.  My father challenged me to try salmon.  I do not know if you recall or anything.  But I do not eat seafood (except shrimp, I love that!).  So since today was his birthday, we all went out for dinner.  He ordered salmon, and made me fulfill the challenge tonight at Roosevelt Tavern. See video:

I don't know if you can hear it in the video or not.  But I did like the salmon.  I did not like the fishy after taste, but from what I have been told that can be fixed with some lemon juice.  So there is another to add to the never tried and liked list. Kevin was so happy, that is him talking in the background..

Remember: challenge me to a new food. I have been challenge to try cilantro and quino. So challenge me. I am open to trying just about anything. Comment here or on facebook! Again, I will be trying at least one new food each week until I lose my desired 50lbs.

First Weekend With The New Lifestyle!

Happy Monday! Whoa did this weekend fly by quickly. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did! However it was a very difficult weekend, with being the first one since my lifestyle change.  Friday consisted of work, then a luncheon with the girls from work at Crimson American Grill for Admin Professionals Day. Can I just say the triple chocolate cake looked so good! And I had a little pressure to get it, internally and peer.  But I overcame it! It felt so good to turn it down, to push through the urge and decline! After lunch, I went to the gym and worked on upper body. 

Saturday was a challenge. Grocery shopping was on the top of the list of things to do.  My husband has always pushed for us to grocery shop instead of my usual buying when we need it logic. But I caved in and went to D&K and Amelia's. What a change, before it would be a ton of cereal, chips, soda, and frozen fried foods purchased.  Now its fruits, vegetables, poultry, some beef and pork, low calorie snacks, and low calorie drink mixes. We spent as much as we used to spend when we did grocery shop, but weirdly we got so much more for healthy dinners/lunches and snacks! I think it is because we spent less on drinks and more on food =) After grocery shopping was a short shift at David's Bridal, which consisted of my workout... lots of walking and lifting... But what to follow was the difficult part of the day if you ask me. A couple of the girls from work were going out that night, so I suggested grabbing something to eat before so I wouldn't be tempted to eat at the bar. So I suggested Subway, well it ended up being the Subway at the Galleria.  So the tempting smells of Auntie Anne's pretzels, McDonald's fries and initially the idea of Gertrude Hawk chocolate covered strawberries ( but they closed that location!) were a killer, but no temptation given into. After we ate, we headed over to Waterway. Okay, so I saved some of my calorie intake from the day so that I could enjoy one drink that night. Did my research, and found that Mikes Hard was the lowest calorie drink and I liked.  Went to order it and..... they didn't serve that! Ended up with a diet coke and rum, in which the server tried to get me to get a pitcher of it.... yeah that didn't help.  Gotta love your friends for the peer pressure, Meaghan trying to get me to drink her pitcher, and my friends agreeing.. But I love them for that. Whether or not they know it, they taught me a lot about myself that night.  That I can have A drink, not give in and still have a hell of a time! Definitely burned off a ton of calories with all the dancing that happened that night too!

Sunday wasn't to bad. Had a great workout at David's. Two girls ended up not coming in, so on a day that should have been like 6-7 consultants, there were 4! We all made good money, lots of walking/running, lifting and had a great day!

I would have to say this first weekend was a success. I am hoping that now that I can accomplish the basics during the weekend, to add some additional workouts into the weekend. Thank you to all my friends, whether you know you did it or not, for pushing me and testing my commitment to this challenge! I greatly appreciate it.

**Reminder to challenge me to a new food. I will be trying a new food every week ( my week runs Wed-Tues, weird I know but that's how it happened) until I lose the 50lbs I am determined to lose!

Heres a couple pictures from our girls night out! Enjoy!

PCOS- What It Is And How To Handle It!

Step two is to recoginize the main reason for my infertility; PCOS which is short for Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (say "pah-lee-SIS-tik OH-vuh-ree SIN-drohm") is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS may also cause unwanted changes in the way you look. If it is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is common, affecting as many as 1 out of 15 women. Often the symptoms begin in the teen years. Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems.

What are hormones, and what happens in PCOS?

Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger many different processes, including growth and energy production. Often, the job of one hormone is to signal the release of another hormone.
For reasons that are not well understood, in PCOS the hormones get out of balance. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another. For example:

• The sex hormones get out of balance. Normally, the ovaries make a tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens). In PCOS, they start making slightly more androgens. This may cause you to stop ovulating, get acne, and grow extra facial and body hair.
• The body may have a problem using insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar levels go up. Over time, this increases your chance of getting diabetes.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms tend to be mild at first. You may have only a few symptoms or a lot of them. The most common symptoms are:

• Acne.
• Weight gain and trouble losing weight.
• Extra hair on the face and body. Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back.
• Thinning hair on the scalp.
• Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding.
• Fertility problems. Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility).
• Depression.

Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances.

What causes PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS are caused by changes in hormone levels. There may be one or more causes for the hormone level changes.
PCOS seems to run in families, so your chance of having it is higher if other women in your family have PCOS, irregular periods, or diabetes. PCOS can be passed down from either your mother's or father's side.

Insulin Resistance

• The body's natural response to eating is to produce a certain amount of insulin. In women with PCOS and insulin resistance, the body's response to the insulin is impaired, causing more insulin to be produced than is necessary. This raises the blood sugar, and eventually the body's cells become less receptive to insulin. This cycle, which triggers cravings for carbohydrates and food, often leads to weight gain.

Medical Treatment

• Since PCOS has no cure, treatment addresses the symptoms. Use of drugs such as Glucophage or Fortamet (metformin hcl) can sensitize the body to insulin again, which helps to regulate the insulin response. These drugs are effectively used in treatment for diabetics. Side effects of metformin can include weight loss and stomach upset. Helping regulate the body's insulin with metformin can lead to more effective fuel consumption, and the cravings for carbohydrates may subsides. 

Carbohydrates and Insulin Resistance

• A diet rich in processed foods, including refined sugar and flour, can contribute to the insulin resistance and lead to weight gain. These foods trigger an insulin response from the body. They raise the blood sugar and begin a cycle of cravings that can be difficult to escape. Eliminating foods such as processed sugars, white flour, and white rice can help regulate this response and end the cravings.

Substitutions

• Carbohydrates are a necessary part of any diet, and eliminating them entirely is difficult or impossible and may pose health risks. Substituting high fiber foods provides a necessary energy boost without causing the blood sugar to spiral uncontrollably. Whole wheat flour, brown rice and sweet potatoes can be substituted for refined and processed counterparts. The fiber in these foods help to mitigate the body's response and cause less insulin production. Focusing on these substitutions as well as increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables and lean protein can promote weight loss.

Fitness

• Part of a successful weight loss program is exercise, especially for women with PCOS. Combined with a low-carb diet, exercise helps increase lean muscle tissue and may retrain the body to burn fat more effectively, even when at rest. For women with PCOS, this is essential. Increasing activity, even in slow increments, can have an overall beneficial effect. While women with PCOS may have difficulty losing weight, the right combination of diet, exercise and medication may overcome those obstacles and lead to a healthier lifestyle

Read more: PCOS & Weight Loss | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5348796_pcos-weight-loss.html#ixzz2RUMyN3UO

Hypothyroidism: What it is and how to handle it!

So, as I travel this journey one thing most important is knowledge. Knowledge about my conditions, how to handle them and what to do to beat them.  So step one in educating myself is make myself familiar with hypothyroidism. This condition is what is going to be the biggest struggle for me, as one of the main symptoms is weight gain.  Heres what I have learned:

Foods that cause hypothyroidism

Many common foods can cause hypothyroidism if you eat them in sufficient quantities, especially if you have an iodine deficiency. These foods are called goitrogens because they can trigger the enlargement of the thyroid (a goiter) as well as hypothyroidism. They block the conversion of T4 hormone to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. Among the more common foods that cause this condition are

• Almond seeds

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Corn (**this is one of my favorite foods.....)

• Kale

• Turnips

If consuming these foods causes your condition, simply removing them from your diet will cure your hypothyroidism. It takes between three and six weeks for your thyroid to return to normal after you stop eating these foods. (www.dummies.com)

 

List of Foods for Hypothyroidism

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegatables supply rich amounts of nutrients, many of which strengthen your body's ability to protect itself from infections and disease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce symptoms of underactive thyroid. As fiber-rich foods, fruits and vegetables can help remedy constipation and enhance satiation. They also provide low-calorie alternatives to processed snack foods. Limit consumption of vegetables that may interfere with thyroid function, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens. Fruits and vegetables rich in disease-fighting nutrients that you may consume more freely include blueberries, cherries, red plums, kiwifruit, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash and red and green bell peppers.

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Whole Grains

Like fruits and vegetables, whole grains provide significant amounts of fiber and nutrients, including B vitamins, which contribute to your metabolism and energy levels, as well as the mineral selenium. Selenium stimulates thyroid function, according to women's health expert and coauthor of "Energy Medicine for Women," Dr. Christiane Northrup. Whole grains are also low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar. Maintaining proper blood sugar balance can help ensure sustained energy levels and fullness between meals. To reap ample benefits of whole grains, replace enriched flour products, such as white bread and pretzels, with healthier foods, such as 100 percent whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, quinoa and air-popped popcorn.

Fatty Fish (** i dont eat fish/seafood)

Oil found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout and flounder, contains omega-3 fatty acids-- essential fats associated with positive heart health and brain function. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that people with hypothyroidism consume omega-3 fats regularly for improved immune system function and reduced inflammation. As protein-rich foods, fatty fish also promote healthy blood sugar levels and provide nutritious alternatives to protein sources rich in saturated fat, such as red and processed meats.

Poultry

Poultry provides rich amounts of protein and nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc and iron. Iron deficiency is common among postmenopausal women and may cause symptoms similar to those of hypothyroidism, such lethargy, confusion and headache. If you have hypothyroidism, iron deficiency may worsen your symptoms. Since iron supplements can interfere with thyroid medications, incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet is important. Choose lean poultry varieties most often, such as baked, roasted or grilled chicken and turkey breasts, served without the skin. Chicken eggs are also rich sources of protein. To avoid excessive saturated fat and cholesterol intake, consume egg whites over yolks most often.

(http://www.livestrong.com/article/353758-list-of-foods-for-hypothyroidism/#ixzz2RUFHijcj)

 

 

What Is the Best Workout If You Have Hypothyroidism?
(http://www.livestrong.com/article/477000-what-is-the-best-workout-if-you-have-hypothyroidism/#ixzz2RUJsawYE)

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Aerobic Exercise

Some experts believe aerobic exercise is the best type for hypothyroidism. Thyroid Guide recommends rowing, swimming, walking, cycling, hiking and dancing -- activities that get your heart pumping and cause you to sweat -- as good aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and burn calories. At least 30-minute sessions four to five days a week are suggested. Mary Shomon, thyroid advocate and author of "Living Well With Hypothyroidism," adds that aerobic exercise is a natural mood elevator and antidepressant that can help the depression that often accompanies an under-functioning thyroid.

Strength Training

Also important are muscle and strength-building exercises. These types of exercises protect the joints, tendons and ligaments and build strength for handling everyday activities such as carrying groceries. Working out at a gym or at home with weights is an example, as are exercises like lunges, leg raises and pushups. These exercises raise the metabolic rate as well. A combination of aerobic exercise and strength training would be a good program for someone with hypothyroidism. You can alternate between the two on different days of the week. In all exercises, start slowly and work up to a higher level.

Interval Aerobics

Writing for Thyroid-Info.com, Mary Shomon advocates a program of 20-minute interval aerobics. Start by picking an aerobic activity you enjoy doing, such as walking, running, jumping rope or stationary bike or stairclimber. Imagine the hardest you could possibly work at this activity on a scale from 1 to 10, which would probably be a 10. Cut the level in half, to a 5, to begin with. For 2 minutes do the activity at a level 5. Then go up to 6 for a minute, then 7, then 8 and then 9. Return to level 6 for a minute and continue the succession as before. On the fourth run-through, do levels 6 through 9 again, but during the 18th minute, go to level 10, the hardest you can go, for 1 minute. Finish up with level 5 for the last minute. Notice that it is all relative to your fitness level. Your level 5 might be someone else's level 8.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/477000-what-is-the-best-workout-if-you-have-hypothyroidism/#ixzz2RUJjrr1k

 

 

So as you can see this journey is going to be tough, this plus PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) (more info about that coming up next) are going to make this extremely hard!

Lifestyle Change Day 1

Welcome! This is the blog that will track my progress as I take this new journey in life, in the hopes of the best finish line.  Pregnancy.  But before I can make it to the finish line there are many obstacles to overcome. Day one of the journey includes my fitness plan at Planet Fitness laid out, grocery shopping and throwing junk food out.

For those that know me in the real world, vs cyber world, know that I am the worst picky eater ever.  I have made it my weekly goal to try at least one new food.  This week to start it off strong, and prove my dedication to this journey I am trying three new things! A tomato, grapefruit and a pepper. I know sounds lame right? But that is proof that I am a picky eater, that struggles in trying new things.  So attached to this blog is the video proof of me trying the 3 things. I challenge anyone who is reading this to suggest normal things for me to try.

My goal for this journey is to loose 50lbs.  My starting weight is 215. I want to make this clear. I am not ashamed of my body. I am not unhappy with my appearance. I am a confident woman, who is outgoing, smart, strong and independent. I am not losing weight to adhere to some imagine that magazines and america tells you that you need to be. I am losing weight to help counteract my hypothyroidism and pcos (poly cystic ovarian syndrome).  My hope is that losing the weight and counteracting the two conditions I have will assist in my husband and my's ultimate dream, a family.

Our journey for a family started 2 1/2 years ago, with no success. Numerous Dr appointments, blood work, exams, medicines, and so much more, along with many a many tears. No one can truly understand the pain one goes through when they are told they will struggle, spend tons of money on something others can do with no ease, you know who I am talking about... the fertile mertiles, the ones that all they need is hubby to hang his pants on the end of the bed, etc. Its an exhausting journey, and all I want is some end.  I want that baby in my arms, watch him/her grow up and hoping not have the struggles I have had.

Please join me, support me, and cheer me on while I travel down this new path, this new journey and most importantly this new lifestyle.