In their own words...a client's journey

What Are You Waiting For?

“What are you waiting for?” It is a question I used to ask myself everyday. Why not get moving and improve myself and my life? Sure, it would be a lot easier to just sit around and do nothing…there is always an excuse why someone doesn’t exercise or make a lifestyle change. I have been in that boat most of my life, so I know.

I was always in sports growing up. A three-sport gal, in fact – volleyball, basketball, and softball and didn’t have to worry about my weight or what I ate. But becoming a working woman seemed to change my mindset. I found I didn’t like to exercise that much, and started looking for excuses for getting out and staying active. Looking back now I think, “What was I waiting for?”

My life took a very different turn in 1999, when I experienced what I lovingly refer to as my “LCE” or life-changing event. What happened to me at age 32 is not supposed to happen to someone so young. The actual event is not important, but the result was I had to learn how to read, write, and speak again…oh yeah, and take care of a two-year old! So, I stopped asking “what am I waiting for” and started on an exercise program at my company. One thing was missing: a change in mindset and attitude about food. Then I was diagnosed with lupus in 2000. Was it a result of my LCE? I will never know, but being on some type of program was now more important than ever.

Fast forward to 2008. Newly married and living in California, I joined a gym, but still didn’t have the right attitude about food and always had an excuse about why I couldn’t get to the gym. Again, what was I waiting for? Then, Teresa came into my life. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. She said as much and she should know; she has been there too. Changing your mindset about food never is. I am an emotional eater and I love chocolate and soda! Can you relate? But I knew that if I didn’t change my ways, my body would do it for me, in ways I wouldn’t like.

So, I have been on this journey for nine months now, and here are some observations:

There are many challenges because of my health. It is hard to balance the drugs to keep the lupus at bay and still be able to function at work, home and exercise. Many days are harder than others, but I have to remember that the office gym is always open and doing something for 30 to 45 minutes most days will help my body and my mind. I would love to be off most of my drugs because they interfere with my balance and always make me feel tired and foggy. Prednisone as been the best and worst drug for me, and I can’t wait until the day I will be off that one! I am sure I will drop 10 pounds right away J. However, I am finally starting to look better. The most important measure is my body fat percentage. I have lost almost 10 points! This journey hasn’t been easy, but nothing you really want ever is. I had a setback at the end of August after walking too much (8 hours in one day!) and my feet are still giving me some trouble. I continue my workouts with Teresa and now it is back to the bike to get into the swing of things before returning to walking on the treadmill with incline and intensifying the bike workouts.

When it comes to the eating, two challenges I had were eating smaller meals throughout the day and not hitting the drive-thru. Hey, now I actually have to cook and my family is going to like it J. Did I change things all at once? No way. Did I get resistance from my family? You bet, but they are getting used to it.

Having a regular soda from the local drive-thru was a hard habit to change. It was a comfort for me, but something I knew I didn’t need. Being without all of that extra sugar was something I didn’t even think about; I just wanted that soda! I drink a lot more water now and have tea instead of soda. Chocolate wasn’t as hard to shy away from. I don’t crave it like I used to, but I may have a small piece every now and again. Yes, I am confessing, but I am being honest. I just make sure that it something I really want, and know that I need to walk or exercise more, so it had better be worth it!

So, now I ask you, “What are you waiting for?”

Turkey Sandwich For Breakfast?

I recently was reviewing meal and snack options with a client when she asked me a question that I had not been asked before. "Is it okay to have a turkey sandwich for breakfast?" I thought for a brief moment about what her question meant and answered her with yes! Later that day I thought about her question further and decided share with you my thoughts on good nutrition and why limiting your options can create boredom and cause your body to struggle with weight loss.

The amount of calories you eat per day should come from a well-balanced meal plan. We all have heard about the food pyramid, the food groups and what we should and should not eat. How you pair these groups together can make a difference in how your body responds to the nutrients it is receiving and the energy levels it feels during the day. Remember, the total calories per day are just that...a total. If you eat a low-sodium sliced turkey sandwich for breakfast you are getting some fats, some whole grains and some protein in the meal. There is nothing wrong with having that meal instead of cooked oatmeal and some sliced almonds. It all depends on your tastes. Some people do not like breakfast foods. That is fine. Your body does need nourishment in the morning after fasting for up to 12 hours after your last meal so it is important to feed it properly. What you feed it is up to you.

Limiting yourself to the same meals day after day can become boring. It is important to mix up your meal plans and snacks to not only avoid boredom, but also to challenge your body to burn the calories in different ways. If you eat the same thing day after day for months your body will not get the variety of nutrients it needs and you may find yourself eating more to satisfy your cravings for something different.

So, eat a turkey sandwich, eat oatmeal, eat breakfast foods for dinner. The important thing to remember is you should be eating a well-balanced meal that nourishes your body and provides the energy you need to tackle the challenges life throws your way!