lutusnt's Journal, 31 March 2014

Ok, so here is my story. Just celebrated my 47th birthday yesterday. I am about 10 lbs overweight (I am only 4' 11") and my cholesterol is through the roof. I started a vegan/pescatarian lifestyle about 7 months ago, and my weight has not budged (maybe about a lb). I stopped exercising about a year ago, even though I used to be addicted. I eat too many carbs. I don't drink enough water. My excuses: too cold to run, hate my gym, starting a new job, too tired to get up in the morning, too busy in the evenings to work out in the basement. I can't stand the way I look, and I feel like crap. My stress level and my weight are way too high because I am not exercising. Truthfully, I put everyone before myself - my kids, my husband, my job, my volunteer activities. I need to get rid of these extra pounds and decrease my stress level or I won't be here to see my kids grow up (my doctor's words). So....here I am.  

Putting yourself first is still putting your family first, you have to be healthy for them as much as you have to be healthy for yourself. You can do it! 

Not sure what your approach is, but the *feeling like crap* thing I can relate to. I just started a 3-4 step program to Paleo and all I did was give up refined/added sugars (harder than you think!) and processed foods (anything with more than 6 ingredients and I have to know what those 6 ingredients are, and sugar and any of its real or fake cousins other than honey and real maple syrup cannot be in the ingredients). I am amazed at how much better I feel, how clear headed and focused I am, and the increased energy is amazing! And I was feeling those results within 5 days of starting! =) Also, I have found that 5-HTP (a supplement) has helped me with controlling stress levels and reducing stress related eating, if you want to research that and ask your doctor for yourself. =)