Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Staying in the Kitchen




It has been a while since my last post, so I'll try to catch everyone up on why it's been so long.  The good news is that I am walking on two feet again, I have lost 11 pounds since March, and my migraines are almost under control.  I also have a diagnosis that explains the train wreck my body was fast becoming in the past year and a half.  On the flip side, the tree in the front yard has dropped a limb not once, but twice on the house in the past few months.  However, this also goes under good news because no one was in the house so no one was hurt, and the tree missed the picture window by inches.  Whew.


You know how they say, if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen...well it's been plenty hot around here, but I'm sticking.  I found out over these past few months that I'm a lot more tough than I thought I was. I'm also going to be spending more time in the kitchen, no more fast snacks, eating out, eating whatever I feel like anymore.  


Since I love all the decadent, rich foods, finding out I have metabolic syndrome is changing my life in a hurry.  Losing weight has shifted from wanting to look better from needing to live better.  I am very blessed to not have developed diabetes, but only by the grace of God.  I'm scared that I won't stick with it and mess up my health.  I have bad habits that I have to change.  However, I am blessed to have some very good support in the form of the love of my life, my husband David, who supports me wholeheartedly and unconditionally.  One of my best friends in this life, Kathy, also has been my fitness and lifestyle coach, and has been a huge encouragement, especially these past few months.  Michele, one of my newer good friends and a wonderful co-worker, understands my struggles also and helps keep me accountable at work.  My little sister Ashley, who understands my challenges to juggle family, work, and exercise, as she has similiar challenges.  


Speaking of work, I am really blessed that I work for Cox Health, one of the largest employers in Springfield, if not the Ozarks, and that offers me additional opportunities for wellness success.  I have participated in their wellness program for the past five years now, and I have a wonderful coach, Tony, who has done an excellent job of seeing me through my ups and downs, offering very good advice and accountability.  In addition, the hospital approved the creation of a support group called Shift! Your Lifestyle, led by one of Cox's dieticians, Jenny, who has done a superb job of facilitating group discussions and providing relevant recipes and information.

I am hoping with all of this support, I can stay motivated and dedicated to working at a healthier me.  A healthier me that will feel like doing extra things that I haven't felt like in a long time.  Like posting a new blog.


Until next time, share a smile with those around you, you never know who'll need it....maybe me.
Steph