Operation Slim Down

Now that my darling Cooper is gong to be 5 months, it’s dawned on me that once I cut down on his nursing (by giving him more solids), I won’t be burning as many calories as I am now. Therefore, I need to stop eating like a glutton. Moderation isn't working for me right now. I have been eating whatever I want, whenever I want while nursing. This includes dairy and meat, both of which I was supposed to cut down on a while back. I’ve lost 45 lbs of my baby weight and have 10-15 more lbs to go. I may not be gaining weight, but I’ve stopped losing weight and I will be in trouble once I’m not burning that extra 300 calories per feeding. It doesn’t help that I’ve stopped exercising. I am not able to walk as much as I used to or go to spin class at the moment, as I’m waiting to have surgery on my foot.

It’s ridiculous to be complaining and whining about not losing weight when you eat the way I’ve been eating. Since I’ve been nursing, my body has been craving foods I’ve never cared for in my life. I constantly crave soda and cheese.

My solution? To stop being lazy and take care of myself. Here are a few guidelines I will try to follow starting Monday:

No fried food. That’s simple.
No white flours.I don’t eat much white flour, but even the occasional white flour bread makes me feel bloated. Time to switch back to whole grain and only whole grain.
No processed foods. In other words, if I can’t pronounce it, I’m not eating it.
No soda. My beloved Root Beer will have to wait for birthdays.
No meat. ...With the exception of fish and occasional free range chicken/turkey/pork. Red meat is no bueno and pork, although white meat, contributes to endometrial growth.
No dairy.I was supposed to have cut this out long ago as well. Shame on me for cheating. This means I will have to give up my morning lattes. It will save me some money too. Soy is off limits with endometriosis (it promotes excess estrogen production)

I’m starting to step-up my water intake already. Lots and lots of water. Hopefully this will help my skin out as well.

D-Day is August 1st. Until then, I will slowly be getting used to my new (actually reclaimed) eating habits. It's not a diet, it's just healthier choices. It’s time to take care of business and get healthy. I hope to start swimming next week with Tara, if I can find a bathing suit that fits these disgustingly large boobs that I’ve become stuck with (It’s pretty difficult to find a bathing suit for a G cup when you’re a size 10 in pants).

Wish me luck. I hope to not be posting a blog like this again in 3 months. Let’s hope it sticks.

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Why is it so Difficult?

When Cooper was first born, I survived off of Clif bars. Now, I find myself eating food I know I shouldn't be eating, completely out of convenience. That's why fast food is so successful, obviously. Convenience.

I have to change this, fast. I have to work out a plan to get my diet back on track and get healthy.

*Brainstorming*

Slowly Saying Goodbye...

As I've already mentioned, I'm a little concerned about how we're going to tame my endometriosis after Cooper is born. I'm trying to slowly ease into my old vegan lifestyle by adding as many dairy and meat free snacks and meals to my day as possible. It's the most successful treatment I've found to date. I found this on a website for natural treatments:

"Although earlier studies in women were conflicting, there is increasing evidence that chronic exposure to the environmental chemicals dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is associated with an increased prevalence and severity of endometriosis. One way to reduce intake of these chemicals is to cut back on animal fat, especially high-fat dairy, red meat, and fish. Dioxin and PCBs both accumulate in animal fat, and it is our main route of exposure.

Interestingly, studies on diet and endometriosis also support this link. For example, an Italian study examined data from 504 women with endometriosis and found an increased risk with a high intake of red meat and ham. Fresh fruit and vegetables were associated with a reduction in risk."

I had gone into a vegan lifestyle for a few months and seen amazing results, after also including exercise and acupuncture in my treatment. I thought that free-range and organic meats would be OK, having less chemicals and antibiotics than regular meats. Almost immediately after introducing these free range and organic meats, my symptoms returned and two new cysts were found in my abdomen. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how "pure" the meat or dairy it, it has the same effect on my body. Meat, dairy and eggs, promote the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

I am going to continue my research on natural remedies and preventions, hoping to find a few more teas or supplements that will help my body. It seems as if I am more sensitive than most people when it comes to how my body reacts to dairy and meat. As much as it will suck to give up dairy again, I have to remember how many amazing foods I consumed while vegan. My beloved Monday dinner might only consist of potatoes for a while... but it's for the best and will keep me out of the operating room.

22 Pounds!

The official count is 22! I've lost 22 lbs since February 12th!

It's amazing what dicipline can do. If I could accomplish this I truly have faith that anyone can.

And I'm not miserable. I keep hearing people say "I could never live without cheese" and "I hate exercising, I can't do it" and "I don't feel well".

It's bullshit. I'm the laziest person I know. Seriously. But I find time to exercise. I eat delicious food but am mindful of what it is I put into my body. And if I don't feel like working out, I at least walk around the block.

Everybody get healthy! You only get one body to last your whole life. Take care of it!

Working My Ass Off

Spin classes are changing my life!!

I am working my ass off... literally. It's been a slow process but I can see results, finally. I have gone from a size 16 to a size 10 in less than two months and lost 15 pounds. I have been told by a few people that I look thinner but for the most part, I feel like no one's noticing. I feel thinner and definitely more in shape but I sometimes feel like I need a little more outside reassurance so I know my efforts are paying off.

I am taking three spin classes a week, and two of the three are at 6:00 AM. If you have known me for a while you understand how amazing it is that I'm up more than 30 minutes before I have to be to work. I am eating a vegan diet and have cut out 90% of the fat that was in my diet. I make every attempt I can to be more active. I walk to school instead of drive. I take Bucko on a walk every day at lunch instead of just watching him run around a field. When I have free time in the evening or on the weekend I go for long power walks instead of watching TV on my ass and over eating.

But I'm still not completely content. I want to get thinner and loose another 15 pounds before I'll be in a happy place. I have lost an incredible amount of fat but since I'm building muscle, I'm not seeing the results I want to on the scale.

I'm proud of myself and can honestly say that I never, ever thought I'd be where I am today. I have energy. I'm cigarette free. I'm the most fit and in shape I've ever been in my life... yet I still have drive and determination to improve my life even more. I feel like you have to have a certain level of self respect to get to where I am and it took me a long time to build it. But every single step along the way has been worth it and I have never felt more alive.