Taking Charge

I am a sweet lover.  The sweeter the better has been my motto for years! Sugar was my best friend along with unhealthy foods.  When a cashier would ask me "chips as your side or baby carrots?" That was a no brainer for me-chips, of course!

Who did I think I was all of those years?!  Did I seriously think my bad eating habits and not working out wouldn't catch up to me?? Yes, unfortunately I did.  I always took for granted the fact I am thin and my doctors would tell me that I was a "lucky girl with a high metabolism." We all know doctors can be wrong...

About three years ago, I was told I have congestive heart failure.  This probably stemmed from my lack of exercise and my poor intake of water.  For years, my way of socializing with friends consisted of  many cocktails. I probably suffered from years of dehydration since I never wanted to drink any beneficial fluids the next day.  My normal routine consisted of two soft drinks the next day and maybe some juice.  That's it!  Post cardiologist, I slowly started to change my ways.  No salt, little to no alcohol, and SOME work outs. Fast forward to the present...  

I'm pregnant and began drinking (what I think) is tons of water, quit drinking soda, started eating more fruit, some sweets, and every once in awhile I would "visit" Portillos or Chipolte.  Pregnant women are supposed to indulge every now and then right?!  Not me. A few weeks ago, I learned I am borderline diabetic and had to make an appointment to see a dietitian because my baby is on the "chunky" side.  Exercise and eating right has to be in my life full-time not part time. No more excuses...

I'm a strong believer in signs and things happening for a reason.  Even though I've changed some unhealthy habits--I could be doing a lot better.  We all have something that we need to improve right?  No one is perfect, but I've learned that doing something at 80% is just not good enough.  Yes, I've improved, but I can do better and I FINALLY realized I need to give it 100%!

I'm currently following this meal plan given to me by my dietitian.  I have one to follow for each meal of the day.  Now that I'm off of work, I have been researching diabetic friendly meals (thanks Pinterest) and I'm learning a lot. Did you know bananas are loaded with sugar and therefore should be avoided?  I always thought ALL fruit was good for you.  I also have been taking advice from people in my life that have been extremely supportive throughout this entire process.  Ann has given me advice on what to order at certain places when I'm on the go and she sent me many links that provide healthy tips.  Vasavi told me about The Belly Fat Cure book that helps me choose meals/condiments that are not loaded with sugar.  Tom has also been cooking healthier meals and has been helping me make healthy choices. The other day, I had a craving for ice cream and he took me to an Oberweis store and told me to order the sugar free frozen yogurt. Yuck! I sat there gazing among all of the lucky people around me who had the sugar loaded FUN ice cream.  I wanted to cry. This is not going to be easy.

Just read this quote and perhaps you can apply it to your life as well:  

"What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while."


XOXO