Sunday, February 23, 2014

Trying New Things ...

If you want me to climb a tower, or cross a high bridge, no problem.  If you want me to explore a new city, let's go.  If you want me to meet new people, I'm game.  If you want to give a speech in front of a crowded room, show me the way.  If you want me to explore a new park or hike a new hill ... let me get my shoes. If you want me to try a new class at the gym, tell me what time.  I'm there.

But, if you want me to come over to your house for dinner, stress sets in.  I may make an excuse, but I may just be blunt and tell you I'd rather pick a restaurant where I know my 'safe' foods are.  It's not because I'm on a diet (which I'm not) ... or trying to eat Healthy (which I am) ... it's because trying new foods FREAKS ME OUT.  I am 44 years old, and this has been true since the day I was born.  I have no idea why, I just came this way.  No childhood trauma, no abuse, no real reason, just born this way.  This list of things I DO eat is far shorter than the list of things I DON'T eat.  I wrote about this under the tab up top called 'My Disorder'.  And quite honestly, it gets exhausting trying to explain it to people all of the time.  But I try.

However; and this is a big however, I am getting better.  I have made progress.  I don't know that I will ever be able to completely abolish my extreme sensitivity to texture, taste and smell ... but I'm working on it.  I re-introduce things.  It is tiring and it is stressful, but I do it.  I take breaks, then I start again.  I try to blog about when I try new things. I try to always remember Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Yesterday I tried a new Smoothie combination using Dark Chocolate Almond Milk and while I was a little nervous ... it was indeed YUMMO.  Woo Hoo.

And guess what?  I went to the doctor last week and I am no longer anemic and I no longer have PCOS. All of my numbers are good.  Great blood pressure, great cholesterol, great blood sugar, still losing weight.  All is well in this healthy habit body.  The only thing is my Vitamin D is a little low so he put me on a prescription to take once a week.  Woo Hoo.   So yes, I see my doctor regularly and I am monitored.  This is important to me, to make sure I am around for a long time to see great grand children and hike new trails with them. Meanwhile, here is a handy chart to help me along my way.


As always, make champion choices,
Debra

Friday, February 14, 2014

Measuring UP

How do you measure your progress? Make sure it is more than just the scale. Take measurements. How do your clothes fit? Take pictures of yourself, even if you hate to do so. How does your face look, your skin? How is your hair? How are your nails and teeth? What are your numbers like cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc. How is your mood? How is your sex drive? All of these things go into your overall health, these and more. Don't let the scale define you.



As always, make champion choices,
Debra