Hey Y'all,
So, a month into working out 5 days a week, I feel that I should tell you all about the positive things that have happened as a result of maintaining a healthy life style.
After a few little bumps in the road, like adjusting to eating more, which can be difficult when you're not hungry, and trying to find the appropriate protein powder, which is a little tricky when trying to find one that is vegan, gluten free, and contains enough protein to grow muscle mass, here we are with some good stuff happening!
Like I said in my last post, I have WAY more energy!
I have been able to lower my medication dosage for the first time in two years!
I'm sleeping better.
All around, I just feel better! I have not had any little aches and pains. Well...except for when my biceps are growing! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I hope you are getting motivated to get up and move it! Again, like I said in my last post, working out can be just about anything physical. Just start slow and stay consistent.
Here are a few of my favorite things to help stay fit and stay motivated.
Vega Sport Protein Powder - I add this to my morning Green Smoothie
Ground flaxseed - I also add this to my morning green smoothie (By the way it also keeps things regular if you know what I mean. I hope that wasn't TMI! But hey, if you have Hashimotos, you know that can be a problem.)
I also enjoy listening to Mariah Carey while working out. For some reason singing at the top of my lungs while doing cardio makes it go by faster. It's probably a good thing that we have a home gym set up in our basement! Could you imagine someone singing all loud at the gym on the elliptical in between breaths? It's a good thing I can laugh at myself and not take myself too seriously. Which reminds me! Have you ever seen the episode of Friends where Phoebe takes Rachel running, and Phoebe runs all crazy with her arms flailing about and it embarrasses Rachel, until she tries it one day by herself and realizes she likes running like crazy Phoebe? Well...all I have to say is, whatever you choose to do, try to be a little silly and let loose a little! And listen to your favorite music while doing it! It really makes it more enjoyable!
For motivation I check out veganbodybuilding.com
It helps me realize that I can achieve my fitness goals and still be vegan. There are also profiles of athletes on there and some of them are vegan for health reasons too. So that is also motivating to know that there are others out there being proactive with their health too.
Like I tell my kids, "You are in charge of you!".
Take control of your health! No one else will do it for you. Not even your doctor. You have to want to feel better to get better. It's your choice!
Happy Tricky Thyroids Y'all!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Holy loads of energy Batman!
Hey Y'all,
So Sorry for not posting anything for a little while! May has been a very busy month! As every May is for us. We celebrate my father in-law's birthday, my husbands birthday, our anniversary (this was our 11th), Mother's Day, I was planning a surprise party for my mom who has been 20 years cancer free (she had Ovarian Cancer), and to top it all off, two out of my three kids had all of the "last days of school activities" (classroom celebrations, field day, a play, and end of the year field trips). Maaaan, it has been busy!
A couple of posts ago I told you all about Miss Angela Cutler who has Hashimotos and did a fitness competition. She really did inspire me, and I decided to let my sister train me. Now that all of my mono symptoms have seemingly gone away, I thought, "I can finally get back to working out without it taking me 3-4 days to recover from one workout!". Of course I was nervous and worried that it wasn't going to go very smoothly for the first few workouts, and I was definitely concerned about my exhaustion levels, but to my surprise, it was AWESOME! It felt great! And believe it or not, I started having more energy the very next day, to the point where I was thinking, "Holy loads of energy Batman!!! I missed working out!" I know that sounds crazy, but you guys should be used to me saying crazy things by now! For real though, I really have enjoyed working out since I was young. I played competitive soccer when I was younger, played basketball in junior high and high school, and my senior year of high school had a weight lifting class and really fell in love with lifting. I have tried all kinds of fitness avenues; yoga classes, pilates classes, workout videos (Tracy Anderson, P90X, Yogalosophy...), but nothing works as well as lifting for me. The last few weeks of working out have been amazing! I feel so great! And normally, with all of the activities this month, I would have been pretty run down, but working out has boosted my immune system and I don't feel as bad as I would have had I not been working out.
My suggestion to anyone out there who is reading this is,TRY! Just get up and TRY something! I don't mean to sound like your mommy telling you what to do, but I MEAN IT! Just like I said in my post about Angela, lets get physical! That tricky thyroid will appreciate it. I know it's tricky because you feel so tired and just plain crappy that you think you can't "work out", but working out doesn't have to be going to a gym and lifting weights or running on a treadmill. You can just start out with going outside and taking a walk around the block every other day for a week and then the next week try walking around the block twice at a quicker pace, and maybe try walking every day, eventually working up to 30 minutes/day. Don't like walking? Maybe try swimming, or yoga (which is really good for tricky thyroids. I really enjoy the Yogalosophy video), or cross fit, or hiking, or bike riding, or dancing (Tracy Anderson videos are good for dancing)! Just get up and get active. It's SO important! I would say it is equally as important as eating right for your tricky thyroid!
Lets keep our tricky thyroids happy Y'all!
So Sorry for not posting anything for a little while! May has been a very busy month! As every May is for us. We celebrate my father in-law's birthday, my husbands birthday, our anniversary (this was our 11th), Mother's Day, I was planning a surprise party for my mom who has been 20 years cancer free (she had Ovarian Cancer), and to top it all off, two out of my three kids had all of the "last days of school activities" (classroom celebrations, field day, a play, and end of the year field trips). Maaaan, it has been busy!
A couple of posts ago I told you all about Miss Angela Cutler who has Hashimotos and did a fitness competition. She really did inspire me, and I decided to let my sister train me. Now that all of my mono symptoms have seemingly gone away, I thought, "I can finally get back to working out without it taking me 3-4 days to recover from one workout!". Of course I was nervous and worried that it wasn't going to go very smoothly for the first few workouts, and I was definitely concerned about my exhaustion levels, but to my surprise, it was AWESOME! It felt great! And believe it or not, I started having more energy the very next day, to the point where I was thinking, "Holy loads of energy Batman!!! I missed working out!" I know that sounds crazy, but you guys should be used to me saying crazy things by now! For real though, I really have enjoyed working out since I was young. I played competitive soccer when I was younger, played basketball in junior high and high school, and my senior year of high school had a weight lifting class and really fell in love with lifting. I have tried all kinds of fitness avenues; yoga classes, pilates classes, workout videos (Tracy Anderson, P90X, Yogalosophy...), but nothing works as well as lifting for me. The last few weeks of working out have been amazing! I feel so great! And normally, with all of the activities this month, I would have been pretty run down, but working out has boosted my immune system and I don't feel as bad as I would have had I not been working out.
My suggestion to anyone out there who is reading this is,TRY! Just get up and TRY something! I don't mean to sound like your mommy telling you what to do, but I MEAN IT! Just like I said in my post about Angela, lets get physical! That tricky thyroid will appreciate it. I know it's tricky because you feel so tired and just plain crappy that you think you can't "work out", but working out doesn't have to be going to a gym and lifting weights or running on a treadmill. You can just start out with going outside and taking a walk around the block every other day for a week and then the next week try walking around the block twice at a quicker pace, and maybe try walking every day, eventually working up to 30 minutes/day. Don't like walking? Maybe try swimming, or yoga (which is really good for tricky thyroids. I really enjoy the Yogalosophy video), or cross fit, or hiking, or bike riding, or dancing (Tracy Anderson videos are good for dancing)! Just get up and get active. It's SO important! I would say it is equally as important as eating right for your tricky thyroid!
Lets keep our tricky thyroids happy Y'all!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Prayer request
Hey Y'all,
So I have a favor to ask! A cousin of mine's aunt (not related to me), is dying from ovarian cancer as I type this right now. I am asking those of you who pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to please do so right now! Please ask for Him to comfort this family in their time of need and pray also for His glory to shine. Ask for her passing to be as peaceful as possible.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support!
Trust in the Lord! He will do what He says.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Lets get physical!
Hey there Y'all!
Well, I have told you before about my sister Chelcea who is a WBFF fitness pro and model that trains people to achieve their fitness goals. Well....she did it for a girl with.....you guessed it, Hashimotos!!! Miss Angela was in her first fitness competition this last weekend and even placed 2nd! Pretty impressive! So I wanted to share her story with you. Angela has been an inspiration to me and I hope her story helps you realize you CAN do whatever it is that you want if you put your mind to it. Like I said before, I know it's hard to even think about working out sometimes, but once you get started it gets easier and easier. I know! Not only do I have Hashimotos, I was also diagnosed with Chronic Mono a year ago. I know what it's like to be tired! Crazy tired too. It SUCKS!!! But, it is super important to stay fit. Your immune system will thank you, I promise!
On that note.....Here is Miss Angela's story!
I started working with Chelcea in January 2012. I had entered my first NANBF bikini competition and was really clueless as what to expect. I had no idea how much time, dedication, and hard work this sport required. During my training I started working with Chelcea for competition posing and a diet plan. I have a thyroid condition that required her to do a lot of changing in my meal plans to get me something that finally started working for me. She was extremely determined to find me a diet that worked!!
Well, I have told you before about my sister Chelcea who is a WBFF fitness pro and model that trains people to achieve their fitness goals. Well....she did it for a girl with.....you guessed it, Hashimotos!!! Miss Angela was in her first fitness competition this last weekend and even placed 2nd! Pretty impressive! So I wanted to share her story with you. Angela has been an inspiration to me and I hope her story helps you realize you CAN do whatever it is that you want if you put your mind to it. Like I said before, I know it's hard to even think about working out sometimes, but once you get started it gets easier and easier. I know! Not only do I have Hashimotos, I was also diagnosed with Chronic Mono a year ago. I know what it's like to be tired! Crazy tired too. It SUCKS!!! But, it is super important to stay fit. Your immune system will thank you, I promise!
On that note.....Here is Miss Angela's story!
I started working with Chelcea in January 2012. I had entered my first NANBF bikini competition and was really clueless as what to expect. I had no idea how much time, dedication, and hard work this sport required. During my training I started working with Chelcea for competition posing and a diet plan. I have a thyroid condition that required her to do a lot of changing in my meal plans to get me something that finally started working for me. She was extremely determined to find me a diet that worked!!
During my first 2 posing sessions I felt so awkward and uncoordinated. Chelcea was so patient and positive that I never felt uncomfortable despite my lack of coordination. She always had motivational and inspiring words to keep me on track. There were a few times I was about to throw in the towel, however, she was always there to give me those encouraging words I needed to hear to keep me going. She never told me it was easy to get to the stage and made sure I was aware of everything I needed to do and expect. She was always available for me for whatever I needed.
This competition is truly the best thing I have ever done for myself. Working with Chelcea and doing the posing and strict diet has been life changing. My results are something I never though I could ever achieve. She helps you see how you can reach your goals if you stay focused and keep positive people around you. She is such a positive force not only as a posing coach, but she truly cares about me and wants to see me succeed. I could not have come this far without her!!
Here are her before and after pics
Before
After
And that is my beautiful sister Chelcea on the right!
I hope this is helpful and inspiring to anyone out there with any autoimmune disorder.
If you are ready to get fit, contact Chelcea on her facebook page www.facebook.com/boogysmalls
She really is genuine and wants to help you if you want to make a change.
Of course getting and staying fit is challenging, but anything worth having is worth fighting for. And I happen to think fighting for your health is worth it.
Check Out Angela posin it up on stage!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GFkp3J9t36Q
She really is genuine and wants to help you if you want to make a change.
Of course getting and staying fit is challenging, but anything worth having is worth fighting for. And I happen to think fighting for your health is worth it.
Check Out Angela posin it up on stage!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GFkp3J9t36Q
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Cha - Cha- Cha- Chia!!!
Hey Y'all,
I hope you had a great Easter weekend last week!
So this week I have not been feeling so hot. I had some sort of respiratory issue. My torso felt like it was on fire on the inside and it was tight and just plain crappy! By Wednesday I had had enough and decided to start eating Chia Seeds hoping that was gonna help. I have heard that chia seeds reduce inflammation. And to my surprise, Thursday afternoon (I had already added 3 tablespoons to my morning green smoothies on Wednesday and Thursday), I was feeling much better. They are expensive little suckers, but well worth it. I have been on the up and up for the last couple of days now, so of course I'm going to recommend that if you are having some inflammation anywhere, try adding chia seeds to your food and see if it helps. I think I will probably start alternating between flax and chia seeds. Here are a couple of links with suggestions as to how you can incorporate them into your diet and also some information on how beneficial these little seeds are.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-pirello/change-your-life-with-chi_b_446413.html
http://www.thechiaseed.com/
Happy Tricky Thyroids!
I hope you had a great Easter weekend last week!
So this week I have not been feeling so hot. I had some sort of respiratory issue. My torso felt like it was on fire on the inside and it was tight and just plain crappy! By Wednesday I had had enough and decided to start eating Chia Seeds hoping that was gonna help. I have heard that chia seeds reduce inflammation. And to my surprise, Thursday afternoon (I had already added 3 tablespoons to my morning green smoothies on Wednesday and Thursday), I was feeling much better. They are expensive little suckers, but well worth it. I have been on the up and up for the last couple of days now, so of course I'm going to recommend that if you are having some inflammation anywhere, try adding chia seeds to your food and see if it helps. I think I will probably start alternating between flax and chia seeds. Here are a couple of links with suggestions as to how you can incorporate them into your diet and also some information on how beneficial these little seeds are.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-pirello/change-your-life-with-chi_b_446413.html
http://www.thechiaseed.com/
Happy Tricky Thyroids!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Easter
Hey Ladies and Gents,
In honor of Easter this Sunday, I wanted to post our pastor's sermon from last Sunday in preparation for Easter. And I also wanted to encourage you all to watch our Easter service online on Sunday if you don't have the opportunity to go to church. Jesus' story deserves reverence and acknowledgment! It is AMAZING what He did for ALL of us. I mean, helloooo, do you know of anyone else in the whole wide world who has risen from the dead after three days? I don't! Not to mention, WHY He died in the first place. It's the best love story I have ever heard!
John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
God loves you for who you are. Unconditional love! We all need God's grace, and He will give it to you, all you have to do is ask for Him to come into your heart and start a relationship with Him.
I hope you all have a blessed Easter Sunday!
Happy Easter
I hope you all have a blessed Easter Sunday!
Happy Easter
Meaning to my madness!
Hey Kids,
There is meaning to my madness. I want y'all to know that I went through a process of going vegan and gluten free. I haven't always been this crazy about food. God truly prepared me for this drastic change before I got diagnosed, so I was a little more prepared to jump in and tackle the diet part of Hashimotos. I started eating organic about two years prior to the Hashimotos diagnosis. And about a year before the Hashimotos, I really started getting into the gluten free research. It all started with the curiosity of what are all of the additives and preservatives about? What are they made from? How does it effect my body? And what about the pesticides? What do they do to the body? What are they made from? So I started reading labels and if there was something in the ingredients list that I couldn't pronounce, I didn't buy it. Try that one the next time you're at the store. And if sugar was one of the first 3 ingredients I didn't buy it. Which is a hard thing to do when you LOOOOOVE chocolate. Anything chocolate. Oreos.....Gone. Cocoa Krispies.....Gone! But believe it or not, all of my sugar cravings went away once my body was more pH balanced, which happens when you stop eating sugar and processed foods. Anyways, this article is by Dr. Joesph Mercola. He has been on the Dr. Oz show a few times and I really like him. He gives great information. I hope you find this to be as helpful as I did.
Happy Thyroids Y'all!!!
P.S. - The video on this link is not free anymore. Sorry! But all of the info in the article is great.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/24/hungry-for-change.aspx?e_cid=20120324_DNL_art_1
There is meaning to my madness. I want y'all to know that I went through a process of going vegan and gluten free. I haven't always been this crazy about food. God truly prepared me for this drastic change before I got diagnosed, so I was a little more prepared to jump in and tackle the diet part of Hashimotos. I started eating organic about two years prior to the Hashimotos diagnosis. And about a year before the Hashimotos, I really started getting into the gluten free research. It all started with the curiosity of what are all of the additives and preservatives about? What are they made from? How does it effect my body? And what about the pesticides? What do they do to the body? What are they made from? So I started reading labels and if there was something in the ingredients list that I couldn't pronounce, I didn't buy it. Try that one the next time you're at the store. And if sugar was one of the first 3 ingredients I didn't buy it. Which is a hard thing to do when you LOOOOOVE chocolate. Anything chocolate. Oreos.....Gone. Cocoa Krispies.....Gone! But believe it or not, all of my sugar cravings went away once my body was more pH balanced, which happens when you stop eating sugar and processed foods. Anyways, this article is by Dr. Joesph Mercola. He has been on the Dr. Oz show a few times and I really like him. He gives great information. I hope you find this to be as helpful as I did.
Happy Thyroids Y'all!!!
P.S. - The video on this link is not free anymore. Sorry! But all of the info in the article is great.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/24/hungry-for-change.aspx?e_cid=20120324_DNL_art_1
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