yduj57's Journal

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05 September 2012

Weigh-in: 276.2 lb

lost so far: 0.4 lb

still to go: 76.2 lb

Diet followed reasonably well

add comment losing 4.9 lb a week

03 September 2012

Yesterday was Orientation at school. It was a very long day. I left the house just past 7 in the morning, and didn't get home till just before 9 PM. Lots of walking, tons of stairs, so my knees were killing me by the end of the day, but all in all, I felt more energy/endurance than I have felt in a long time. I think the morning bulletproof coffee is helping with my energy, and the weight loss so far has also been a big help to my overall energy level.

Food was interesting yesterday. They had bag lunches for us, but most of it was things I can't/won't eat. I ate the turkey/cheese/lettuce and tomato out of the sandwich, and tossed the ciabatta bun. The banana, cookie, and cheese doodles came home for others to consume. They were passing out small cupcakes in the late afternoon while we waited for the shuttle rides, that never came, to the reception. No thanks. I am enjoying how easy it is now for me to not eat this kind of stuff that used to be such a source of cravings. Same with the pizza that appeared a little while later. At the reception, there was cheese, breads, nuts, and tons of tiny desserts. All looked yummy, but I had no desire to eat the bread or desserts. All I can think it how much damage it would do to my health. That completely outweighs any momentary pleasure of consuming them. So I ate lots of great artisanal cheeses, and some nuts. I brought along a can of tuna, for an "emergency", but I was able to eat enough of what was offered that I never ate it. I will probably have it tomorrow though for dinner.

It was great to meet the other students in the program I will be in for this coming year. A mix of people; from older/near retirement age to those who were just out of college. Everyone seems to be getting along well so far. We were assigned our studio spaces, got some furniture for the space. Got to haul around some very heavy bookshelves and tables. Got an easel and cart and chair as well. My 10 x 10 cubicle for the next 8 months or so. Right now it is blank white walls, but soon, I will start hanging up my work in progress. I have some small sketches from one of my sketch books, done while I was in temp jobs, and subbing at school over the last year and a half. I think I am going to cut those out from the book, and hang them in the space, as a reminder of that life, and added motivation to get as much out of this year as I possibly can.

Met with an electrophysiologist on Friday down at MGH. They were happy with the changes I have made with my diet and overall health in the last year, and said they rarely meet patients this early in the progression of A.Fib. But, they were fine will having me get my support team lined up now, rather when my health is more in a state of crisis. Felt that my current meds, and general protocol was on track. I was glad to get an affirmation of that from another source with more experience with A.Fib.

Tomorrow I start classes, and it is my super long day. I have Painting from 9 to 12, and 2 to 5, and then Drawing from 6:30 to 9:30...with an hour drive home. Looking forward to the classes, not to the long day, or the drive in to Boston and back. But, in the scheme of things, the drive is a small sacrifice to make to be doing something that has been a lifelong dream for me. It is a "winning the lottery" experience.

Today will be a day of a few errands, and some rest and organization for the coming week.

Weigh-in: 277.6 lb

lost so far: 0 lb

still to go: 77.6 lb

Diet followed 100%

(2 comments) gaining 1.8 lb a week

30 August 2012

I had my first experience with accupuncture yesterday. I had found out about several studies which showed dramatic reductions in the re-occurrence of a. fib. with accupuncture. I have also learned that the longer you have a. fib, the more frequent the occurrence becomes, and the more damage it does to your heart. I figured there was no harm it seeing if it would help, as I am early in the cycle, with two bouts that were reversed pretty quickly. I had a great meeting with the accupuncturist. We talked about several other health issues I have had for a long time; fibromyalgia, and restless leg, along with the recent hypothyroidism. He feels that many of these issues are interrelated, and may see some improvements with treatments.
The experience was good. There was a tiny prick with some of the needles, but most had no pain at all. The ones on my feet caused an interesting tingling sensation going up my calves. Overall, it was very relaxing, and energizing. I noticed a huge difference later in the day when my daughter and I were at school for her registration. I was walking down the hall and passed two people who were walking along at a reasonable clip. I hadn't done that in years! I used to be a fast walker, but in recent years my pace has slowed down dramatically. It has been my greatest frustration recently. Feeling as if I am always running on low. I have seen so many improvements recently with the addition of the bulletproof coffee in the morning. Now I am hopeful that the accupuncture will add to this trend.
A year ago, I would have said my general health condition was good. Not very good or excellent, but just good. And it was worse than I realized at the time. I have worked really hard in the last 10 months to change the direction, and go back to very good or excellent health. At times I felt it was trending the other way despite my best efforts. But persistence, and ongoing adjustments seems to be paying off at long last! I am feeling really good lately. Here's to hard work, persistence, and a little luck!

(2 comments)

29 August 2012

Sugar is evil. I know that sounds extreme to some who deeply believe moderation in everything is possible in health and diet, or those who follow the "a calorie is a calorie is a calorie" mantra. But I have come to believe that there are certain foods that cannot be eaten in moderation by the majority of the population, or that they are so destructive to our health, that moderation in consuming them goes hand in hand with moderation in smoking.

Extreme view perhaps, but the real world for me. If you don't believe me, but are still curious, watch the YouTube video by Dr. Lustig, Sugar: The Bitter Truth. It is over an hour long. I watched that video, and immediately, that very day, cut out all high fructose corn syrup from my diet. A few weeks later, all other sweeteners, other than stevia and xylitol, in very, very infrequent and small amounts, were banished. Don't want them or need them. I saw immediate changes in my health. My cholesterol levels suddenly started getting better, after slowly creeping in the wrong direction for a number of years. My mood swings were gone. And this wasn't just me making this observation...this came from my husband and was reinforced by my daughter. My energy level was better, and best of all, my cravings were gone. It took about a month, and after that the beast, the monkey, the demon force was beat into submission. That never happened with moderation. With moderation it was always, every day, peeking over my shoulder, waiting for that moment of weakness or rationalizing. Now, on the rare occasion when I get a craving I know it is not for the food itself; it is for a feeling associated with the food. A memory. An escape. But I have no interest in going there. Being sugar free is liberating not only in the pounds it releases, but also in the freedom from the attention it constantly took. My attention can now be focused on so many other things.
I am watching others fight back this demon, or begin to confront it. I for one never thought I could do this as completely or as effectively as I have. But it is the single most valuable thing I have done to improve my health in the last year. No question. And I never want to be back in that place of the sugar having the upper hand. So, I will stay ever vigilant. Extreme to some. But I think my health is worth some extreme actions.

(4 comments)

27 August 2012

Weigh-in: 275.8 lb

lost so far: 0.8 lb

still to go: 75.8 lb

Diet followed 100%

add comment losing 2.8 lb a week

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