Something New

A few weeks ago, I went to the doctor for my regular checkup and blood work (I have hypothyroid disease). Everything is fine, except my weight issues.  I’m heavier than I’ve ever been, and it’s one of the most frustrating and depressing issues of my life! Since the deaths of Mama and Daddy, I’ve dealt with some depression: expected, I’m sure, but VERY unusual for “Pollyanna” me! I think the fact that I was having to deal with depression made me even more depressed! 

My weight has further exacerbated the issue, because not only does it affect my looks, it is increasingly difficult to do even the simplest tasks – like getting up out of a chair, or toting around my sometimes clingy grandbaby!  My arthritis has also been much worse because of my weight. My knees, hips, and shoulders all ache, and sometimes the pain in my knees causes me to cry out when I go from a sitting to standing position.

Well, anyway, my doctor told me to get out and MOVE! Walking was his first choice of exercise for me since I do have the knee problems, and of course, swimming.  He told me that I need to lose weight, and if I can’t seem to get the ball rolling on my own, he suggested antidepressants to help with my mental state, which should then help me stick with a diet/exercise plan. 

I am totally NOT against all use of antidepressants.  I know there are needs out there for them.  I’m just not sure I am one of them.  (For example, if I remember to take my thyroid pill daily – for even a week – I’ve had major victory in my life! Can you imagine my mental state if I took antidepressants as sporadically as I do my thyroid pills???) 

So Dr. S has given me opportunity to deal with the weight/exercise issue. It’s not something that comes easy for me, even though I have lost this weight twice in the past 12 years. Self indulgence becomes a habit, then a slave driver.  A master with an iron hand!  That’s where I’ve found myself these last 2 years.

When I’ve had the most success at weight loss, I’ve had a coach, a cheerleader so to speak. The program I used required their clients to come in at least 3 days a week for weigh-ins and accountability.  I do well under those conditions, as a little reprimand and a lot of encouragement is profitable for me!  And I lost right at 65 pounds both times, about 6 years apart. The first time, I kept it off for almost 5 years.  The second time, not so much.  It was during the care of my folks, and sitting around with them wasn’t conducive to keeping weight off! 

The biggest problem right now is the distance to the facility – 35 miles from my home.  Both previous ventures were done when I worked about 25 miles closer, so going over 3 days a week was not an issue.  It is now!! Gas prices, as well as the time involved, is prohibitive, especially added to the cost of the program!

So I’m trying something new.  I’m not going to promote it or push it, especially until I see how I do while using the products.  It’s a nutrition and fitness company that my son and daughter-in-law use and represent, so I have my own built-in cheerleaders!! Bill has also used some of the products for a number of years, so I’m comfortable with it.  And while some of you know what I’m talking about, I’m not even going to mention the name right now because I don’t want folks to run screaming from their computers thinking I’m going to suddenly become a pushy salesman!! But if it works, you may find yourself asking ME!

My prayer more than anything is that I can deal with my sin of gluttony and self indulgence, become a better helpmeet to my husband, and that I can be a healthy grandmother for my sweet babies. I am not looking to become a fitness guru, or a 53 year old model! It would be great if it didn’t hurt so much to look in the mirror, but that isn’t the point – icing on the cake, yes, but not the point! 

Right now, I’m in the “cleanse” stage of this program.  It’s not hard, it’s not even distasteful! But it does require that I give up my daily Diet Cokes, and oh, does that hurt! I love my Diet Coke, especially in the morning. But I’m determined to let it go, at least for awhile.  So here I go, hopefully on a successful weight loss journey; but more importantly, I pray that I become a healthier person, physically, mentally, and spiritually!! 

God bless your day!