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| There is no reason to look back. I choose to only look forward. |
I know the way to change my situation is by doing all of the prescribed stretching exercises, slowly building up my walking routine again, and getting back on key-program.
The old familiar mantra: tomorrow, I'll start again tomorrow, is not working. It never does, but I've been saying this mantra to myself for weeks. The tomorrow I'm waiting for so I can resume being perfect on my program and 100% with my exercises, isn't reality. There is only today. I know this; we all do.
These past few months I was feeling down from my pain, but my energy is increasing as my pain subsides. There is no reason to look back and think of what I should have or could have done different. If I could have, I would have. I choose to only look forward.
So I begin again today. Right this moment—today—not tomorrow!
I'm going to publish this piece and then do 15 minutes of Classical Stretch - Age Reversing Workouts for Beginners: Mobility and Bone Strengthening with Miranda Esmond-White. I'll follow her advise to do what I can today and I'll build my strength back over time. I won't get caught up in negative self-talk about what I can't do, but instead focus on what I can do.
If any of you have words of wisdom, please share them. There are so many of you who are successful on this program and I know there are others out there who are struggling and could use your help.
A quick story before I sign off...I was feeling great all morning because I took extra steps while doing errands. I parked far from the entrances and I took the long way in and out of places. A little while ago I checked to see how many steps I've done and discovered I'm not wearing my Fitbit! LOL. Note to self: my body counts every step even when my Fitbit doesn't!
Theresa, I am so sorry that you have been struggling with chronic pain, it is very difficult to cope with and really limits physical activity due to the pain. Hopefully their is a light at the end of the tunnel for you with appropriate treatment.
ReplyDeleteI had back issue with many repeat visits to the Pain Center for injections in my back. At my heaviest (over 300 lbs.)my knees, back and hips hurt when I walked so I avoided walking for extended periods of time so I would not suffer with the pain. When I first started my journey with Julie, I did not walk a lot for exercise until I had lost a good amount of weight. The weight I was carrying and pain in my knees, hips and back held me back from walking. I remember Julie telling us to focus on following the program and eating right and when you feel healthy enough, incorporate exercise into your program. I am glad to say after being on Julie's program for 20 months and staying true I have lost a great amount of weight. I am 2 sizes to my goal. My hips and knees no longer hurt and with the walking I have been doing, my back issues are rarely an issue. I am 66 and feel better today than I have felt in years and years. Spring Summer and Fall I was able to do a good job getting my steps in every week but the winter is really tuff. Started doing Zumba at home and looking to do Water Aerobics at the high school pool.
When we eat the Julie way the weight will come off and when we follow her program we are a fat burning machine. I hope you focus on eating right, looking forward and working on the pain issues you are living with. The exercise can be incorporated when you are feeling so much healthier. Stay Strong Theresa, I hope you are feeling better real soon.
Sue Zuron from Belchertown
Sue,
DeleteCongratulations on your weight loss journey success! It's great to hear your first-hand story of how diet and exercise resolving your physical pain.
Thank you for sharing your store and for your encouragement. I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, as I’ve had significant relief from my pain in working with a chiropractor.
I see this as a new phase in my life and one that I will work through. Meanwhile I'm continue to implement my new habits: stretching exercises, returning to daily walking, and eating key again..
So sorry to hear that you are in pain, Theresa. But so good to hear that you are taking such positive action! I, too, have been experiencing chronic diffuse pain in my joints and am being worked up for this now. One thing I noticed is that epsom salts baths really help! A cup or more in a hot bath really draws out the aching and tenderness. I have also found some relief by being sure to eat the Key-friendly foods that are high in magnesium and potassium. Leafy greens and asparagus! I try to get some of these in every day. Every other day at worst. Because we do not eat seeds, nuts, beans or potatoes, these veggies become important. One thing I have done is to have 2 types of vegetables at a meal. One that is high in magnesium/potassium and another, usually yellow or orange veg. I just take smaller portions of each so that the meat is still predominant. But for a long while I had abandoned some of my greens for the corn/carrots/butternut squash side dishes that I love. Now that I am having more of a balance, I notice a difference.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for being active. I find it quite difficult. I am told exercise helps with chronic pain, but I find myself struggling to do the activity, and later struggling with the aftermath. So, I started just doing 10 minutes and then adding 30 to 60 seconds each time. Still a struggle, but hopefully it will start to feel better soon. I like Sue's idea of water aerobics. Would love to find water aerobics in a hot tub!
Momomig,
DeleteThank you for your excellent suggestions! Years ago one of my friends, who has always maintained a healthy weight, used to invite me to dinner and she always served 2 small portions of veggies with her main course. Until now, I never understood this concept, especially the small portion.
Like you, I favor corn, carrots, and butternut squash. I want to have the balance you spoke of, so I’m going to incorporate two small portions of veggies that are high in magnesium and potassium, this week.
I struggle with the daily stretching exercises too, but I know that if I do what I can my muscles will grow stronger and my pain will subside. The exercises from my chiropractor are only 15 seconds; one has to start somewhere and build up from there.
Yes, Sue’s suggestion of water aerobics is a great. I’ll have access to a pool during the holidays and my goal is to buy a new swimsuit when I arrive. When I return, I’ll look at my pool options.
My heart is heavy that you are in pain. I have learned over the years to stretch and make all those muscles long. I workout a lot and for me when the pain creeps in my knees or hip its my sign that I need to stretch and drink water. I do some yoga poses to get a deeper stretch on hips and quad muscles. My lower back will act up and its my hamstrings pulling. I dont sit much during the day but if I am watching tv at night I get on the floor during a commercial and hold a stretch. My yoga teacher would have us hold it for 3 minutes. I also see a acupuncturist once a month. In the past I have gotten a deep tissue massage for those trouble areas and all of it has worked for me. If I go off the eating program ( nuts/flour) my body rejects it. You are awesome in so many ways! xo
ReplyDeletePSG300,
DeleteYes, the key to resolving my pain is those stretching exercises and staying on program. They both are essential in resuming a healthy life! Thanks for you support and for sharing what worked for you!
I have also dealt with chronic pain for the past ten years, but now that I am losing weight, the pain is less! Thank you so much for your blog, I look forward to reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reaffirming weight loss equals less chronic pain! I'm happy to hear you enjoy my posts. Best to you on your journey!
DeleteHi Theresa - glad to see that you are still going strong despite some pain. I know once you find relief, you will feel awesome.
ReplyDeleteI first did Julie's program a few years ago... I think 2013. I am going to a refresher in January, because I have gotten away from her basic principles. Stress has gotten the best of me since June and I'm sick and tired of feeling gross
Oops... feeling gross and also finding support and advice here.
ReplyDeleteThanks and keep up the good work!!
Jane
Happy Holidays to all you Key-ers! Today I am going to do what Julie recommended when I first started the program several years ago, right before Thanksgiving. She said to put a little note under my plate when setting the table. On the note, I am to write that this meal is my holiday gift to myself! I am also making a lovely roast, some favorite vegetable recipes and plenty of sparkling water. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Key Friends! Have 2 new items of news...
ReplyDeleteONE: I broke down and bought a bike. As in a Miss Gulch Special. With Wicker Basket - all that is missing is Toto! Bright Green. Fenders! as Old Lady as it gets! But I am riding and having fun. More fun than I have had in a while. Love this!
Also met with my cardiologist who was just about doing backflips over the biking. He then lectured me about the evils of sugar and took great pains to distinguish between the sugars found naturally in vegetables and milk/yogurt and processed sugars. He pointed out that the processed sugars turn to fat - and the dangerous kind of fat that promotes cancers. So, Julie is definitely on to this!!! the more I deal with traditional medicine, the more I am finding that they are echoing what Julie tells us!
Should add to clarify - his explanation was that too much sugar in any form can turn to fat, but not all fat is equal. Processed sugars turn to the type of fat that contains chemicals that are carcinogenic. So best to eat the corn/butternut squash/greek yogurt/milk and stay away from the stuff that Julie told us to avoid. Woman is ahead of the curve on this!
ReplyDelete