Major Accomplishment!
For years I've struggled with my weight, trying to get the weight off! I've tried many different diets as well as exercise, only to lose 2 pounds a month. Yes, I know that is normal but, it was too frustrating for me.
Back in 2007, I was about 60 plus pounds overweight. I tried to lose it, but I wasn't having any luck. At that time, I started developing gall bladder issues which meant I needed to watch what I ate. That meant no more junk food and eating like a rabbit, but eating like a rabbit got the weight off. Unfortunately, the gall bladder issue didn't resolve and, I had it removed. And guess what I could eat whatever I wanted! And yes, all the weight and then some came back. For years I lived with it.
Until my doctor told me that I needed to get my cholesterol down, I also had to take medicine for high blood pressure. At the time, my cholesterol was 244. Way, way too high! I knew healthy eating I could lower it and quickly, but not enough.
One morning I had just got up and was getting ready to feed the cats when the right side of my face felt weird. I asked my Mom, who was standing next to me. If my face looked okay and if I was slurring my words. She said no. It only lasted seconds, but enough to get my attention. I knew the symptoms of stroke and, I was very freaked out about it. I had mentioned it to my doctor and, she had told me that if it happens again to get to the hospital. It never happened again. Honestly, I wasn't even sure what it was.
I've tried many times to get rid of sugar and make healthier choices, and many times I failed.
Quite honestly, I'm not exactly sure when or how it happened, but I realized one day my jeans were a bit loose. I got on the scale and lost 15 pounds! I thought the scale was wrong. So when my Mom went for her doctor's appointment later that week, I asked if I could weigh myself and, sure enough, it was 15 pounds. I was shocked! Later, that month I had my doctor's appointment and, I was anxious to know what my weight would be and my cholesterol. My visit was a success!!! I had lost 16 pounds and, my cholesterol had dropped to 212 which, was amazing! Since I just saw my doctor just a few months prior.
How did I do it? When did it start? Well, as far as when did it start? If I had to guess about 6 to 8 months ago. How, well, bring on the list. It is what I used to eat, ice cream or junk food almost daily. I love cheese. Veggies? What's that? I didn't eat much of those and the same as fruit. My portion sizes were enough for two people.
For all those fad diets out there not, one of them is what I used to lose weight. Every morning I have a 1/2 cup of very low sugar cereal (Kashi, blueberry granola, and chia/hemp seed)which, is high in protein and fiber with 1/2 cup oat milk. Lunch consists of a smoothie which included 2 cups packed spinach, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 banana, 1T greek low-fat yogurt, 1/2 cup oat or almond milk, and 2T sunflower seeds. Supper varies from a large salad (which I have 3-4 times a week) with my yummy honey mustard dressing (I make) and 6-7 croutons (I make) and either tuna with 1T olive oil mayo or chicken. I use turkey to make chili, and burritos. I use spaghetti squash with my homemade spaghetti sauce. I still have my homemade pizza, just smaller portions. I don't do junk food anymore, but if I do, it's a one-day deal and, I get back on track with my healthy choices. I only use milk in my coffee and cheese once in a while. It is just a sampling of what I eat.
As of this date, I have lost 30 pounds! And I feel great both physically and mentally! I only have 10 pounds to reach my goal, but I want to lose 15. I have figured out what I can eat and what I can't. Outside of getting rid of the unwanted sugar and dairy. It's all about healthy choices and portion control.
Now I can enjoy sitting by the window on a warm summer's day eating a bowl of cherries.
Feeling very proud of myself!
Stay tuned for my next post "Cookies and Tea Please, But Not For Me"
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See you next time.