19 Days & Counting…
Well, we’re 19 days into a new year. Here’s my recap:
I’m still carrying the 5 pounds (ok 7 pounds) I gained over the holidays
My transition back to full time work has been a lot harder mentally than I expected
Skating lessons have been fun
I hate winter
Saw a bunch of River Ridge friends
I randomly cried, got mad at myself, psychologist got mad at me for being mad at myself (apparently being vulnerable and honest about my feelings is a good thing? Seems “sus” as the young people would say)
Ana now refers to me as Quad-zilla
Winston has broken into the pantry twice in two weeks and had the time of his life
I had what will be my first of hopefully many meetings with the Alberta Obesity Clinic last week. Once I was officially released from Vital, the wonderful Dr. Gill brought me into his program to make sure I’m supported and can maintain my successes. I was very overwhelmed with the compliments I received on my detailed tracking, the fact that I enjoyed my holiday without constant guilt and pressure to be “perfect” with food. And, the key is getting back into tracking again, making sure I’m in the right calorie and macro range and setting my goals appropriately.
Hold that round of applause for a minute though, because it wouldn’t be me if I wasn't truly honest with you all (because really, I wouldn’t be being honest with myself) - it has been hard. I have been over eating which is not good for pouchie (my new stomach) and I’m still allowing too many foods that won’t help me reach my goals. Each day gets a little bit better but, one thing is certain, even though I’ve done well and had tremendous success in the last 14 months, I will always have to be conscious - always. I have been given many gifts in this life, but the gift of high functioning metabolism and underactive fat cells isn’t one of them.
When I was chatting with the Doctor this week he asked me what I thought the key to my success was. Outside of following the food instructions, learning to be mindful and working HARD on my mental health - I am convinced the key was weight and resistance training. I started on my own in January as soon as I was cleared, I’m still going minimum of three days a week with a trainer who yells at me in Portuguese.
I don’t want to diminish the benefits of moving your body daily, and cardiac heart health. BUT - pick up the weights!!!!!! Bones, muscles, memory (look into it, there are doctors who believe it can stop or significantly slow down Alzheimer's). There is also more and more evidence of the benefits for perimenopause and menopause.
Things have slowed down slightly on my PT studies, with my focus still very much on my mental health and return to work. However, it’s still a dream of mine to work with women who are trying to get into the Bariatric program, are in the program or who have recently finished. Being in a gym can be very intimidating, especially if you’ve been bullied and treated differently because of your size, it’s a trauma that runs deep. I truly believe in the benefits, and will never stop trying to show up for women who need a little extra help feeling comfortable. If you’re reading this, live in the NW and want to get into the gym, message me. I’ll introduce you to my gym, be your gym partner, and I know a trainer who’s amazing if that’s your jam.
So, if you enjoyed your holiday and are struggling to find that groove again here are some tips:
Relax - remember the good times you had with family and friends, the laughs, the great food and drink. That’s what life is about.
Take some time and think about what you want, what goals do you have for yourself?
Goals can be daunting, but how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Look at your big goal(s) and break it down into smaller bites, and be honest with yourself. Good goals are not only attainable but sustainable for the long term.
There is no such thing as perfection, but there is consistency. Simplistically, show up for yourself. Been a long day and all you have is 50% to give? Well, give it 50% and technically you’ve given 100%. So many days I’ve text Ana and said “I’m not coming”, which is my decision to make if that’s what I need. But, each time I get up and go - because I know that I need to show up for myself. My trainer and team, they cheer me on.
Be kind to yourself. Work on that inner monologue, if you wouldn’t say it to someone you love don’t say it to yourself.
Almost done preaching. One last thing, and this one hits so close to home for so many of us, especially those in male dominated fields. Women are incredible, there isn’t anything we can’t do (especially if you tell us we can’t.. lol). We are strong, empathetic, smart, problem solvers, intuitive, caring and just general bad asses.
We must elevate each other, offer support, and celebrate our accomplishments. The challenges we face are already significant, so imagine the progress we could make by focusing on lifting each other higher?
Me, with barely 50% to give but still showing up.
