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.