Battling my scale has been ongoing for most of my life. Combining a love of sweets, a nonexistent will power, and sedentary lifestyle made for rapid weight gain once I went on fertility medication 6 years ago. I carried the extra weight through two pregnancies and beyond. It was only after Justin was done nursing that I decided it was time to take action. I hated how I looked and because of my PCOS diagnosis, my risk of developing diabetes and heart disease are elevated. So making the decision to live a healthier life style was fairly easy. Putting it into practice however, was much more difficult. I was discouraged at first. PCOS makes losing weight much more difficult because my body doesn't process sugars the way it should. I had no idea where to start, but through trial and error discovered that exercise along with maintaining a 1200 calorie diet had the pounds slipping off. I lost over 45 pounds! It was a slow, sometimes painful process, but an empowering one too. I no longer felt out of control and powerless when it came to my own body.
Since I made that fateful decision in 2010 a lot of things have changed around here. We're eating healthier with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish. I try to only cook recipes that provide nutritional information, and avoid high carbohydrate meals. I still indulge my sweet tooth (more often than I should) and never did cut out any particular food item. I believe that moderation is better and far more lasting than cutting something out entirely.
We also take exercise very seriously in this house. It's not enough to just eat right, taking care of our bodies is also important. So we take turns running, we go on long walks with the kids and play at the park. Whether it's an exercise video, a run, dancing to crazy music, or playing outside, any excuse to get up and move is a good one!
The diseases linked to weight are numerous and can be deadly. I know that there are many things beyond my control, but I refuse to allow my weight (something within my control) to interfere with my life. I have had to completely change how I live, from diligently documenting each calorie I eat, to finding time to exercise between being a mom to two young children, everyday chores around the house, working part time, volunteering, and studying.
PCOS makes weight gain all too easy, and weight loss a daily struggle, but I have found it's worth the effort. I feel better about myself, I have more energy, and I like the example I'm setting for my children. It's possible to live a healthy, active lifestyle and enjoy doing it. Hopefully this example will be something they incorporate into their own lives!
No comments:
Post a Comment