The picture on the left was probably near or at my highest weight ever, in the vicinity of 270/275 pounds. That was at a family reunion in 2007. The picture on the right was July of this year, about 90 pounds lighter. So glad I found something that works for me and you can too!!
Good Thursday to you!
I’ve “grown” to the point that I only get on the scale twice per month and sometimes less 😲 shocking, right?
I’ve been on a mission to improve health for awhile and, thankfully, finally found a way of life that works well for me. Starting with keto, switching over to paleo as dairy is a no-no for me and discovering food sensitivities and foods that cause pain have been the key. My nutritionist mentioned an app called “Oox” and it’s been key in avoiding foods high in oxylates. Long story short- with the joint pain that I manage, oxylates can make it SO much worse. Then she recommended that I avoid nightshade vegetables. I had suspected an issue with some peppers and I noticed a bit of pain with potatoes. The one that I shed a tear about was tomato; I 💛 salsa. But I had to decide whether I loved salsa enough to stay in pain. Bye bye salsa.
So here I am one year after really buckling down to get to the root of the problem. Do I know why there’s chronic low grade inflammation? Yes and no- PCOS is known for its inflammation. But how did the PCOS begin in the first place? 🤷🏽♀️that’s any one’s guess.
*drum roll*** 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁
The pic that I’m sharing below is a comparison between my birthday in August last year and my birthday this year. The difference is 60 pounds!! I surpassed my year 2019 goal of getting below 200 pounds during the spring so I revised the goal to lose a total of 75 pounds. And I’m about 15 pounds from the new goal. 
Is it all about the weight? No. But- excess weight holds excess estrogen which compounds problems with PCOS. Excess weight equals excess joint pressure. For every one pound of weight that I lost, I lost 4 POUNDS of pressure on the knees, which is amazing! My digestion is better and still healing. My skin looks better and my sleep has improved. My mood swings are less frequent and I don’t feel like I need a nap every afternoon. I’m back in the gym and using the elliptical machine which is huge for me. In the past, my knee would hurt so much that I couldn’t push the pedals forward. And I’ve started walking more without using the cane.
Little changes really do add up. I am still a work in progress but I no longer think that being healthier is impossible. One of the things that I’ve learned is to believe that change is possible and that it’s possible for me. And I’m believing that for you too, in any area that may need change. If you know someone who manages PCOS, arthritis, excess weight, please share my story with them. Or share your story and let’s chat! Until next time …🥂
Most don’t know or have never heard of PCOS. It stands for PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. The 3 hallmarks of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens and polycystic ovaries.* Technically, to be diagnosed, you need two of three. And i have all 3! (Well had but more about that later). The picture above includes some of the side effects of PCOS that women deal with. Docs don’t know the cause of it but believe there is a genetic link. All I know that it’s no picnic!
*source: webmd.com
And unfortunately, many women don’t know they have classic or a slight version of PCOS. There’s no test that just says hey- you have this. It’s more of a diagnosis thrown at you when all other ones have been discounted. And it’s not the only hormonal balance disorder- there’s Hashimoto’s that is really big for women, especially after they have kids. There are automimmune issues that women deal with like rheumatoid arthritis- a former co-worker dealt with this and wow it’s no joke; she was in pain all the time. So, let’s talk about moving toward optimal health in all areas.
Do you know someone who manages PCOS, another hormonal balance disorder or other health complication? I invite you to share your story and know you’re not alone. Until next time!
Fantastically 40-ish 