new health

Well, I've got a new reason for blogging. I'm making a change. A complete lifestyle change.

Let me rewind a little...

Remember a couple weeks back when I posted about going to this chiropractor with my mom? Turns out this guy is changing my whole life!

He is not just a chiropractor, he is a Maximized Living doctor. And without going into loads of detail about what that is, just check it out for yourself at http://maximizedliving.com/

I will warn you ahead of time though, they are different. But different is good! Trust me!

I will also warn you that I've read a few things on the internet that claim Maximized Living clinics are a scam or a cult. I can honestly say I understand why they think that. I myself even thought the same thing on my first couple of visits. But this isn't just a chiropractic clinic. They don't just align your spine, they want to get you better, inside and out. It's a wholistic approach. They teach you how to eat properly to feel your absolute best. And how to exercise to get the best benefit. Unfortunately, for many, it won't be what they want to hear, but it's what you NEED to hear. I believe that 100%. I believe that we are in control of our health and either because of convenience or taste or laziness or lack of caring, or just plain stubbornness, we go through the motions day after day, not caring one iota about what we are doing to our bodies, and we are slowly killing ourselves.

I've just finished two amazing books. They have taught me so much. And I thought I knew just about all there was to know about proper nutrition. I was wrong! My plan was always going to be to eat healthier after the holidays - cut out sweets, more veggies, etc. But I've decided to take it even farther. I'm cutting out sugar completely. That includes anything that turns to sugar like grains and most fruits. I'm detoxing my body and I plan on making the lifestyle change....for good! Knowing how much I will improve myself in so many ways makes me so excited!! I am not caring at all that I don't eat bread. I don't care at all about not eating candy. What I do care about is getting super healthy and preventing debilitating diseases later in life.

We have a crisis in this nation. We are the most unhealthy people and our healthcare isn't helping. We go to the doctor when we have problems and we are prescribed a pill. All that is doing is masking the real problems. If this country would just realize that most of our problems are avoidable simply by making some lifestyle changing, we would all be happier. We would save TONS on healthcare and overall just be happier healthier people.

But it always seems to be that whenever something really promising shows up, people shoot it down because it's different and frankly they just aren't willing to give up their pizza and pop and sugary foods. It would be too much of a sacrifice. They wouldn't enjoy life. But the only thing you are sacrificing is your health. Live how you want - I plan to. But to the naysayers, let's see who's living better, happier, healthier lives. You or me? Come find me a month, 3 months, 6 months from now. I'm going to be the healthiest, happiest and fittest I've ever been. And I owe it all to Maximized Living.

I've only just begun my journey. I'm day two without sugar. Like I said, that means no grains, not even healthy grains like sprouted grain bread or oats. But I jumped into the Advanced Plan. I wanted a total change. A total detoxification. I knew it would be hard. But I embraced it willingly. So far, planning ahead has been my savior. And the food I get to eat is AWESOME! The recipes leave me wanting for nothing! I can eat "bread" that I make completely without flour. I can eat bars and cookies and it's all organic, natural, grain and sugar free. Very few ingredients. Very tasty recipes!

I'm going through BIG time withdrawals though. I knew I would. I was prepared for it. I've had an absolutely excruciating headache for the past 24 hours. And symptoms could last 2 weeks, although I'm guessing my headache will subside in a few days. That's my hope talking. But it's just my body's response to being without sugar. Sugar is like a drug, it's just as addictive and just as bad for you. It may not kill you fast, but it will kill you. I'm taking action now. And I'm cleansing myself from all the nasty, horrible things I used to put into my body. I've stocked up on the proper foods (including specific veggies and meats) and I'm ready for the healing to begin. I know this pain is temporary and necessary. It's a small price to pay for the big return I will get!

One thing I've learned is that we don't get enough healthy fats. And our hormones are so out of whack because of how we're eating, that we are getting fatter and fatter. See, we have become sugar burners, not fat burners. We have to train our bodies to burn fat again. And the only way to do that, is to stop eating sugar. And that includes starchy carbohydrates. I was someone who worked out harder than ANYONE I know....by far! I ate better too. I was so meticulous at one point that I counted every single macronutrient that went into my body for weeks on end, all while working out enough to produce super fat loss, without seeing an iota of change. Of course this left me frustrated and worn out. Why? Why wasn't I seeing any improvement? Well, I was a sugar burner. No amount of exercise was ever going to help me rid myself of the last of the fat. I had very little, but it was enough to be bothersome. I didn't know where to turn. I was burned out. So I gave up. And just as I was feeling about as miserable about myself as I ever have, a miracle happened. My mom asked me to try out this Maximized Living clinic. And do you know what it was? God's answer to my prayers.

I'll be documenting my progress from now on. This is important to me. I've never felt so ready for anything in my life! This was my wake up call. This is part of my purpose. I can't tell you how excited I am for the change. I literally get goose bumps thinking about it! Call me crazy, call me extreme, call me obsessed, call me weird....but you won't be able to call me unhealthy. And my health is important to me for so many reasons.

We all hold our own definition of health. For some, it may be to quit smoking. Others, to exercise 3 days per week. And still others, just not having any aches or pains. But if you are still eating refined, processed unhealthy foods on a daily basis, it doesn't matter if you "feel" fine. You know, you don't usually feel pain until it's too late. Damage done. I'm not going to wait. I'm going proactive. My definition of health used to be consistent exercise (and the "right" kind too) and healthy eating. Now I know that while I was on the right track, it wasn't good enough. So I'm changing it.

I am changing my life for the better. My mind, my body, my health, all of it. 2013 is MY year!!

chiropractors

I went to a chiropractor yesterday. My mom had an appointment (she's trying something new) and they asked her if she knew of anyone who would like a free consultation. Of course she asked me, since I was driving her anyway. I said, sure. Why not.

I seriously dislike getting "adjusted". I've only had to visit a chiropractor at one point in my life. That was many years ago, after I hurt my back shoveling snow. I couldn't bend over for a month. It was scary going there. Having some guy quickly jerk your body every which way wasn't my idea of fun. Anything but relaxing. Especially when he got to my neck. I knew it was coming and I'd tense up. Then he would tell me to relax. Yeah...sure....I'll relax when it doesn't feel like you are about to break my neck! Needless to say, I was more than a little bit apprehensive about my appointment yesterday.   

This office is unlike anything I've seen before. First of all, they are playing Christian music on Pandora and the doctor is walking around singing the songs. He obviously knows them. That in itself isn't all that strange (although with all the sensitivity to anything religious nowadays, you never know who you are going to offend, it's quite ballsy to play Christian music in a public business). The weird thing is this doctor singing Christian songs is tattooed. Big one down his arm. And there are all these books like, "Body By God" and he is apart of some organization called "Maximized Living". It's just not your ordinary doctor's office.

There are two adjustment tables in the back. In an open room, together with a bunch of exercise equipment. So anyone can watch you getting adjusted. There are machines you stand on that bounce you up and down, side to side at a fast vibration and a bunch of chairs with spiky looking balls on them. And traction ropes and pulleys on the walls - whatever that is. I'm just not sure what to think at this point.

I had my consultation. He talked to me and asked me why I was there. I didn't really know what to say because I didn't have back pain. I was basically just there for my mom. But I mentioned that sometimes I don't sleep well and have anxiety. BINGO! He said he could definitely help with that. I was surprised. I never would have thought in a million years that a chiropractor could help with night terrors and panic attacks! He had me stand straight and after looking at me for all of 3 seconds, he could tell that my head juts forward about two inches, I cock my head slightly to the right side and my left hip sticks out more. All this, he could see, even though I was wearing my coat!

Then he had me bend over forwards. I was really tight from working out (I'm always tight). I could barely make it half way. Then I had to bend to the back. He said, "You realize that's not normal, right?" Uh....no? Apparently, I should be able to bend way more. For my age, it's not good. I just assumed I wasn't a flexible person. Also, every time I moved, my neck, shoulders and back would crack. He asked, "Do you always crack like that?" Yep. That's not normal either. Dude, my knees have been cracking like a 90 year old lady's since I was 6. Cracking is just a part of my life.

I also have something weird going on with the right side of my neck. He could feel it right away. Most of my problems are at the base of my skull. And it makes sense since my problems appear to be nerve related. He is positive that once I'm better aligned, I will feel SO much better. I'll sleep better and he is confident that I won't need my axiety meds anymore. He even took xrays so that next time he sees me (on Wednesday) he will have a better idea of what's going on inside.

I have to say, I was surprised at first to realized how messed up I am. But then after we talked and I thought about it, it really does click. I put a lot of strain on my body lifting weights and I never feel 100%. I just thought all the stiffness was due to the weight training. I'm excited to think how much better I could feel. I bet I will be able to take my training to a whole new level!

I didn't have an adjustment. My first one is Wednesday. I'm still nervous but this guy really seems passionate about helping and certainly knows his stuff! He's earned my trust. Now I just need to get my hubby to join me. He needs it pretty bad, I think.

I did it

An entire week {5 days} of getting up early for the gym. I was SO EXCITED to be able to sleep in and have 2 glorious days off training. But, of course I couldn't sleep in longer than 6am. So I'm up. Darn!

My entire body hurts. EVERYTHING except for my face and feet. Right now, the most painful spot is the inside of my elbows from bicep curls two days ago. Gotta love DOMS {delayed onset muscle soreness}. My daughter didn't believe me when I told her that, yeah, you'll be sore the day after a good workout, but the second day after is even worse. She had to do the insanity workout in school gym class and she came to me two days later and said, "OMG! You were right!". Well, of course I was. If there is one thing I know well, it's muscle soreness.

I haven't been super strict with my diet, but I haven't been bad either. I just haven't been craving lately, which I'm thankful for. Usually about this time I'd be baking up a storm and stuffing my face with all kinds of Christmas goodies. And get this, despite having chocolate in the house, I haven't even wanted it. That's virtually unheard of for me! Because when it's in the house, I'll eat it. No self control these days.

I wonder if it has anything to do with SENSA. Have you heard of this stuff? You sprinkle it on your food and eat like you normally would and it's supposed to stop you from craving and overeating. My mom bought the first two months worth of the stuff and she didn't like it. She thought it kept her up at night - although I'm 99% positive the two are completely unrelated to each other. So she gave the rest to me. I have a problem overeating. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I can eat more than my 210 pound husband most days. I thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a whirl.

At first, I would forget about it. I would usually only put it on maybe one meal a day. But over time, I've gotten used to it and almost never forget to use it. And by golly, I SWEAR it helps! I am still hungry around the same times, like always, but I don't eat half an animal at dinner and I DON'T CRAVE! It's wonderful! Now, if only it worked on my blossoming wine addiction......

I used to only drink a glass, maybe two, of wine a month. Now, it has become a nightly ritual. Every night at dinner. I'm not freaking out about it because I know it's actually good for you. And it just makes me feel so dang good! I've been more relaxed than ever!

So strange how we change. I am such a different person than I was a year ago. So very different. For the better, I'd like to think ;)

4 days so far

Well, today was my FOURTH consecutive day of getting up at 5:00am to get to the gym and back by the time the kids get up for school. This is nothing short of a miracle for me. It's never happened before. Not even once. Ever. Actually, Monday I got up at 5:30 and I've been up at 5:00 every day since. That sort of happened on accident, and I just like it better because I have time to eat something before I go.

Today, I'm dragging. Not gonna lie. It's not the actual getting up or working out that is the hard part. But the sheer exhaustion later in the day is what gets me. Today, I could feel that my sleep has been cut a bit, so I laid down for an hour and a half after everyone left for the day. Yesterday, I had to stop working for a while in the afternoon to lay on the couch for a half an hour. That is SO NOT like me!

But my friend, Kristy, assures me that my body will get used to it (if I choose to continue). She gets up at 3:00am M-F!!! I just don't know how she does it. But I hope I can stick to it and my body adjusts because I REALLY like getting it done that early and knowing that I have the entire day to work. Because I love my work so very much! I literally can't sleep some nights because I'm excited for the next day to arrive so I can work some more. I kid you not. I love it THAT much! I'm so very lucky!!! Making money of my own for the first time in about 9 years feels amazing!! I feel like I'm actually contributing to society and to this family. I'm so much more fulfilled and satisfied these days.

So anyway, just thought I'd update you on my progress with the early mornings. The only one who isn't liking it so much is my mom. Because she doesn't like to get up early. And she won't go to the gym without me. So I kind of feel guilty. But I have to think about what's good for me too. Can't please everyone, might as well please myself ;)

Something new

Yep, I tried something new today. I actually set my alarm, got up at 5:30 to go to the gym and was back before the family was out of bed. I have to admit, it wasn't hard to get up. I usually don't have a problem waking up in the morning. I used to, but having had a child to be up with for the past 15 years of my life has turned me into a morning person. So it wasn't the actual getting out of bed part that had me concerned - but the excessive movement...haha.

Well, I was wide awake. I got to the gym and did my thing like usual. It was no different. Although there were quite a lot of people there. I was surprised and I wasn't. I figured there would be a lot of people who liked to get their workout in before work, but I didn't count on THAT many.

I didn't eat before I went but I figured my workout would suffer if I didn't have something. So I had a protein shake before. And one right after. I did get really tired about 40 minutes in and quit at 45 minutes. I think it will be something that I have to get used to. I had an egg and half a bagel and a clementine when I got home. I was a little shaky. I could feel that I needed food but didn't feel hungry. It was hard to eat.

Then, I got extremely tired. After the kids were all fed and dressed, I layed down on the couch. I probably could have taken a nap! But, I walked the kids and Lizzy to school. Then came back and showered. I'm sitting here, ready to work, dressed, hair done, make up on, ready for the day at 8:30!

This is a first EVER. Trust me. And it feels great!

Going to have a healthy lunch with another health conscious friend today. It's nice to hang out with someone who doesn't want to stuff their gullet with burgers and fries. And I'll be busy busy busy working today. As always. I love it! I'm so happy these days.