So I dragged the hubby along to a dietitian about three weeks ago. We were given a meal plan to stick to, and it's been slow, but we've managed to stick to it most of the times. I am more open to trying new things, my husband, Phil, struggles even to eat vegetables if they're not mixed up and covered in some kind of seasoning or sauce of some description. I have been making sandwiches, and stuffing them, I mean overfilling them with salad and ham etc. Today I came home from work and the lunch I sent him with today, which happened to be a quiche with no pastry. Now, when he took it out for lunch - apparently it smelt, so he ditched it and bought a chicken schnitzel on focaccia and a can of coke. I came home tonight and he told me quote "the chicken schnitzel needed more salad" and the coke was "too sweet - I couldn't even finish half of it!" To which he followed up with "What are you doing to me?" That made me laugh.
I think that with this eating plan, we are finally cleansing our system from the crap that we have been eating. And I've made a goal that I would like to achieve - I have to do a bit of research, but hopefully not much; I want to do a marathon. Not run, as I can't run - I have a bad hip, bad knee and bad neck. But to walk - that would be a good start. Maybe I could build up to running.
I just have to find out what marathons we have around Melbourne.. hmmm
Any ideas?
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Diet Plan
My husband and I went to a dietitian last Monday. We're wanting to start a family, and need to get our health in serious check. To do that, we decided that we need to do this together; to get fit and start a family.
We had a bit of a talk about our current eating habbits and what we'll need to do to change. I'm a bit worried. As much as I love my hubby, he's not exactly the motivated person in the world and I know the only way this will work if I push to him to work for it. He knows what he needs to do, but I worry he doesn't understand just how much he at risk of so many health problems. I can't speak. I have a history of diabeties in my family and I'm worried I may get it if I leave my weight unchecked.
There are some people from work and we've decided to keep each other honest, which I like. I like that it's not just me in this, which it sometimes feels like that because like I said, I have to push my husband to do this.
The biggest thing is in starting a family is the fact that I have a disability. It doesn't matter how physically fit I get, the odds are I will most likely have a child with Down's Syndrom, or Mosaic Down's Syndrome - which is what I have. I wonder if it would make it easier for our child if we are fitter because being physcially fit can make a difference.
I need to make an appointment with my headache specialist to decrease my medications as the prescription meds I'm on are to help with migranes I was getting constantly. I would get a bad headache and it would last for like a week.
Someone at work asked me the other day how would I go carrying my child as I have a hip problem and also a neck problem. Feels a little like the odds are against me.
No point in complaining about it - I just need to keep on going, and make sure that my husband and I can support and encourage each other. I have a lot to pray about. A lot to think about.
At one point the hubby and I were considering IVF. I feel that by doing IVF, I'm not trusting God - and also like I'm discriminating against people with special needs, which is not the case. I do want my child to have an independent life, but at the same time, I know that this may not be possible. There are support groups out there, and I know there could be some where I live. There's just way too much to think about and I know that I just need to surrender this to God, but sometimes that's easier said than done.
I want my life to be a life of worship to my God, but I don't think I'm doing such a great job of that - I always feel that I'm forever failing at everything I do, but that could have something to do with the fact that I have stupidly high expectations I place on myself. My theory is, just because I have a disability; that I have special needs, what's that to stop me from doing everything that everyone else can? My body doesn't always catch up with my head, so that's a problem when I'm making myself sick from working too hard. Oops.
So, moving onwards, here's to getting fit and a whole lot of prayers and surrender. Go God, You are my everything!
We had a bit of a talk about our current eating habbits and what we'll need to do to change. I'm a bit worried. As much as I love my hubby, he's not exactly the motivated person in the world and I know the only way this will work if I push to him to work for it. He knows what he needs to do, but I worry he doesn't understand just how much he at risk of so many health problems. I can't speak. I have a history of diabeties in my family and I'm worried I may get it if I leave my weight unchecked.
There are some people from work and we've decided to keep each other honest, which I like. I like that it's not just me in this, which it sometimes feels like that because like I said, I have to push my husband to do this.
The biggest thing is in starting a family is the fact that I have a disability. It doesn't matter how physically fit I get, the odds are I will most likely have a child with Down's Syndrom, or Mosaic Down's Syndrome - which is what I have. I wonder if it would make it easier for our child if we are fitter because being physcially fit can make a difference.
I need to make an appointment with my headache specialist to decrease my medications as the prescription meds I'm on are to help with migranes I was getting constantly. I would get a bad headache and it would last for like a week.
Someone at work asked me the other day how would I go carrying my child as I have a hip problem and also a neck problem. Feels a little like the odds are against me.
No point in complaining about it - I just need to keep on going, and make sure that my husband and I can support and encourage each other. I have a lot to pray about. A lot to think about.
At one point the hubby and I were considering IVF. I feel that by doing IVF, I'm not trusting God - and also like I'm discriminating against people with special needs, which is not the case. I do want my child to have an independent life, but at the same time, I know that this may not be possible. There are support groups out there, and I know there could be some where I live. There's just way too much to think about and I know that I just need to surrender this to God, but sometimes that's easier said than done.
I want my life to be a life of worship to my God, but I don't think I'm doing such a great job of that - I always feel that I'm forever failing at everything I do, but that could have something to do with the fact that I have stupidly high expectations I place on myself. My theory is, just because I have a disability; that I have special needs, what's that to stop me from doing everything that everyone else can? My body doesn't always catch up with my head, so that's a problem when I'm making myself sick from working too hard. Oops.
So, moving onwards, here's to getting fit and a whole lot of prayers and surrender. Go God, You are my everything!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Guest Post
This week is a challenging week with a public holiday smack bang in the middle of it. I didn't go to the gym, but I did go for a short walk today.
On Sunday, my husband surprised me by organising this week - usually it's me doing that kind of thing. At the end of the organising of chores etc. He put at the end "Felicia will plan low calorie diet plan" "Phil (my husband) will eat what is put in front of him". For me, that is a real achievement, so I'm really happy about that and I made fish for dinner which he ate most of it - some of the veg got left behind, but it's a start and I'm proud of him of the changes that he has been making recently.
Last week some activity happened with this blog, I was approached and asked to do a guest post. As I've never done this before, so any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Please enjoy this post by David Has who has researched and complied a report - Exercise for Cancer Patients. His post is extremely informative and is worth a read. Even though I don't have cancer, I have known people who have. What David has written is good for cancer patients who need some extra motivation, or the average person who wants to get healthy.
Please read post below and any feedback is welcome. Enjoy!
By David Has
Exercise Research for
Cancer Patients Continues to Grow
Exercise programs for cancer patients have popped up around the country and many of them continue to grow each year. The once anecdotal benefits of a few high-profile athletes diagnosed with cancer have been quantified over numerous studies focusing on everything from overall symptom management to increased efficacy of specific treatments. Cancer experts now advise every patient to get involved in a regular workout program and avoid physical inactivity.
One of the programs to have gained success over the past decade is the Stanford Living Strong Living Well partnership. With the help of YMCA resources and experts like Dr. Abby King, the Stanford partnership has helped more than one thousand patients find the motivation and expertise to exercise safely through every stage of cancer, from diagnosis to remission. Active research has made it possible to individualize fitness programs with the best understanding of the most beneficial routines for patients in a variety of circumstances.
Research-based Approach to Exercise
Physical activity has been proven beneficial and safe for cancer patients, but the idea can be overly vague for newcomers and those striving to maintain motivation. Most people will not have access to such a strong, community-based program, and doctors may or may not be amicable to consulting with fitness experts. Doctors may also be unaware of the latest research on specific forms of cancer and expert recommendations of different types of exercise to use in different situations.
There is a lot of good news in this area though. The number of fitness experts certified in cancer care is projected to grow in the near future. It is only a matter of time and increasing patient advocacy before all cancer clinics and insurance providers begin supporting the standard inclusion of a fitness component into treatment programs. Until then, most patients new to exercise can safely go it alone by keeping in mind a few fitness basics. Patients receiving treatment for mesothelioma, or other palliative care, will find physical therapy resources available through their clinic or hospital.
Keeping Exercise Safe
The biggest risks for patients deciding to begin a workout program are the risk of injuries and the fact that epidemiological studies show that patients tend to drop out of fitness programs at a higher rate than the general population. Injuries can be prevented by following a couple of fitness rules that apply to everyone. Newcomers should always begin with low-intensity forms of exercise with a short duration. Gradual increase in duration and intensity will prevent most injuries. Staying hydrated is also extremely important.
Maintaining motivation is difficult in the face of treatment, because the common symptoms of cancer treatment can be debilitating. It is necessary to realize that the fatigue, digestive upset, depression and other symptoms can be reduced with continued participation. A good tactic for maintaining motivation is the buddy system. Enlisting friends, family, and other cancer patients can go a long ways toward making the effort feel worthwhile. The benefits of exercise during cancer are too important to risk losing.
Exercise programs for cancer patients have popped up around the country and many of them continue to grow each year. The once anecdotal benefits of a few high-profile athletes diagnosed with cancer have been quantified over numerous studies focusing on everything from overall symptom management to increased efficacy of specific treatments. Cancer experts now advise every patient to get involved in a regular workout program and avoid physical inactivity.
One of the programs to have gained success over the past decade is the Stanford Living Strong Living Well partnership. With the help of YMCA resources and experts like Dr. Abby King, the Stanford partnership has helped more than one thousand patients find the motivation and expertise to exercise safely through every stage of cancer, from diagnosis to remission. Active research has made it possible to individualize fitness programs with the best understanding of the most beneficial routines for patients in a variety of circumstances.
Research-based Approach to Exercise
Physical activity has been proven beneficial and safe for cancer patients, but the idea can be overly vague for newcomers and those striving to maintain motivation. Most people will not have access to such a strong, community-based program, and doctors may or may not be amicable to consulting with fitness experts. Doctors may also be unaware of the latest research on specific forms of cancer and expert recommendations of different types of exercise to use in different situations.
There is a lot of good news in this area though. The number of fitness experts certified in cancer care is projected to grow in the near future. It is only a matter of time and increasing patient advocacy before all cancer clinics and insurance providers begin supporting the standard inclusion of a fitness component into treatment programs. Until then, most patients new to exercise can safely go it alone by keeping in mind a few fitness basics. Patients receiving treatment for mesothelioma, or other palliative care, will find physical therapy resources available through their clinic or hospital.
Keeping Exercise Safe
The biggest risks for patients deciding to begin a workout program are the risk of injuries and the fact that epidemiological studies show that patients tend to drop out of fitness programs at a higher rate than the general population. Injuries can be prevented by following a couple of fitness rules that apply to everyone. Newcomers should always begin with low-intensity forms of exercise with a short duration. Gradual increase in duration and intensity will prevent most injuries. Staying hydrated is also extremely important.
Maintaining motivation is difficult in the face of treatment, because the common symptoms of cancer treatment can be debilitating. It is necessary to realize that the fatigue, digestive upset, depression and other symptoms can be reduced with continued participation. A good tactic for maintaining motivation is the buddy system. Enlisting friends, family, and other cancer patients can go a long ways toward making the effort feel worthwhile. The benefits of exercise during cancer are too important to risk losing.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Forward one step, two steps back
So this weekend, hasn't been the best for me physically. I've had late nights out and have not been taking care of myself and I can feel the difference. I was at a friend's birthday this afternoon (for an afternoon tea) and found myself feeling a bit sick. After trying like mad to stay healthier, I've found that I'm preferring healthy foods, as too much sugar and preservatives just make me feel sick.
Despite the health setbacks, I've had a good weekend, busy, but it's been good. I've been catching up with old friends, making new friends and generally just having a good time. It's nice to have a weekend where I'm not at home doing well...nothing. Not to mention last week, I was at the gym 3 times last week and only Friday did I not do any strenuous exercise. (I should be a bit more active on the weekends too perhaps)
My goal this week is to go to the gym at least four times. The reason that I'm going a bit nuts is because of my overseas trip and I need to strengthen my hip, as I'll be walking everywhere and I need it to be strong enough to handle the four weeks away. I'll be leaving in 25 days (can't tell I'm counting) and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll most likely post some pics on my photography blog and facebook of my adventures. Ahh, love adventures!
Have a good week!
Despite the health setbacks, I've had a good weekend, busy, but it's been good. I've been catching up with old friends, making new friends and generally just having a good time. It's nice to have a weekend where I'm not at home doing well...nothing. Not to mention last week, I was at the gym 3 times last week and only Friday did I not do any strenuous exercise. (I should be a bit more active on the weekends too perhaps)
My goal this week is to go to the gym at least four times. The reason that I'm going a bit nuts is because of my overseas trip and I need to strengthen my hip, as I'll be walking everywhere and I need it to be strong enough to handle the four weeks away. I'll be leaving in 25 days (can't tell I'm counting) and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll most likely post some pics on my photography blog and facebook of my adventures. Ahh, love adventures!
Have a good week!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Getting my fitness on
This week has been going well, been to the gym three times and I plan on going again tonight - if my body will let me. I had a personal training session last night at the gym and the trainer is really good. They push me to work harder on my fitness levels which even though it's hard and body parts start hurting, I like that. It's like they're motivating me to try harder which I really like. Here's to hoping I can do four days a week!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
On Target
So the last couple of days, I've been doing better. Always a good thing, and tomorrow I have a personal training appointment, and will also mark three days in a row to the gym! I'm on a roll!! I want to go on Thursday too, and Friday, a couple of drinks with friends after work. I'm really looking forward to Friday because I'll be catching up with someone I haven't seen for a while and she'll be going back home to England in a week, and I've missed her and missed our chats. She's so much fun, and just a really lovely person, I hope that she'll be able to come back.
Oh and today is 30 days until... EUROPE!!! I can't wait!! I'm going to buy a calendar and put it up in the office for all to see. Tehe
I was under my calorie goal for today and yesterday, which I'm really happy with, and really hoping I'll be able to keep it up. Oh and I have a fitness diary as well, which gives me a challenge for the next day. It's helping and I'm really grateful. I also prayed today, which I haven't done in a while, and my spirits felt lifted for the entire day. I didn't even feel guilty eating nutella out the of jar with a spoon. Oh yeah, and even doing that, I'm still under my calorie goal. Praises to God, He lifts burdens.
Here's to doing it all again tomorrow; giving to God and to not feel guilty about every bite of food I eat, whether it's the choc chip biscuit I have at work or the nutella I eat out of the jar.
Oh and today is 30 days until... EUROPE!!! I can't wait!! I'm going to buy a calendar and put it up in the office for all to see. Tehe
I was under my calorie goal for today and yesterday, which I'm really happy with, and really hoping I'll be able to keep it up. Oh and I have a fitness diary as well, which gives me a challenge for the next day. It's helping and I'm really grateful. I also prayed today, which I haven't done in a while, and my spirits felt lifted for the entire day. I didn't even feel guilty eating nutella out the of jar with a spoon. Oh yeah, and even doing that, I'm still under my calorie goal. Praises to God, He lifts burdens.
Here's to doing it all again tomorrow; giving to God and to not feel guilty about every bite of food I eat, whether it's the choc chip biscuit I have at work or the nutella I eat out of the jar.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Self Appreciation
So, I'm going overseas in approximately five weeks, and I'm really excited to be going.
My mother called me up about 18 months ago and said "Flea, that's it, I'm taking you overseas!" well, I was more than happy to agree, as the prospect of going overseas is always exciting. As I was going through my clothes this evening, swapping my summer clothes to my winter clothes (because that's how the weather is in Melbourne, it's best erratic, and winter starts at about April, despite the fact that the winter months in Australia, technically, are June - August) I realised how many clothes I was throwing away. Clothes from before I got married, I still had in my wardrobe in the hope of fitting into them again.
Tip: unless you are really aware of what and how much you eat, don't consider getting married until you consider his eating habbits. I learnt that the hard way. On my wedding day, I was fit and healthy- one year later, I packed on 3 clothes sizes and had gotten unfit, lazy and very unhappy and wondering how the hell did this happen?? I'll tell you what; laziness and portion distortion happened. Fast forward to today, heading into my fifth year of marriage, and I'm still struggling with that extra weight and trying to get it off. I'm much healthier than I was in that first year of marriage, despite what our family likes to tell us, and how much harder we need to try. We get it, thank you for being the constant drones in our ears reminding us of our health and well being. After all these years we're finally listening to you. But I'll never admit fault - I mean, who likes to admit to their parents that they were right after all these years?
Back to this evening: I realised that I didn't appreciate my body and hadn't for a very long time. Even at my healthiest, I didn't accept my body, thinking I was out of proportion, and now I just feel chubby everywhere with elephant thighs and a bum that may rival J-Lo's. My husband isn't complaining and it would be nice to look in the mirror and see what he sees.
Would it be ironic after all this to say that I love watching television shows "how to look good naked" and "what not to wear?" I've learnt what suits my body and what doesn't. There are parts of my body that I like, and learning to appreciate, and parts that I can't bear to look at in the mirror. I try to make a habbit of looking at myself in the mirror maybe once a day, and really look. It's a hard thing to do, but it does help. If only I could get to the point of self acception enough to not feel defeated when I throw out my favourite dress that I haven't been able to fit into for nearly six years. Maybe that's my fault; don't have anything in my wardrobe over two years old that I don't wear/doesn't fit. Then my illusions of myself will finally come to a place that's closer to reality.
My mother called me up about 18 months ago and said "Flea, that's it, I'm taking you overseas!" well, I was more than happy to agree, as the prospect of going overseas is always exciting. As I was going through my clothes this evening, swapping my summer clothes to my winter clothes (because that's how the weather is in Melbourne, it's best erratic, and winter starts at about April, despite the fact that the winter months in Australia, technically, are June - August) I realised how many clothes I was throwing away. Clothes from before I got married, I still had in my wardrobe in the hope of fitting into them again.
Tip: unless you are really aware of what and how much you eat, don't consider getting married until you consider his eating habbits. I learnt that the hard way. On my wedding day, I was fit and healthy- one year later, I packed on 3 clothes sizes and had gotten unfit, lazy and very unhappy and wondering how the hell did this happen?? I'll tell you what; laziness and portion distortion happened. Fast forward to today, heading into my fifth year of marriage, and I'm still struggling with that extra weight and trying to get it off. I'm much healthier than I was in that first year of marriage, despite what our family likes to tell us, and how much harder we need to try. We get it, thank you for being the constant drones in our ears reminding us of our health and well being. After all these years we're finally listening to you. But I'll never admit fault - I mean, who likes to admit to their parents that they were right after all these years?
Back to this evening: I realised that I didn't appreciate my body and hadn't for a very long time. Even at my healthiest, I didn't accept my body, thinking I was out of proportion, and now I just feel chubby everywhere with elephant thighs and a bum that may rival J-Lo's. My husband isn't complaining and it would be nice to look in the mirror and see what he sees.
Would it be ironic after all this to say that I love watching television shows "how to look good naked" and "what not to wear?" I've learnt what suits my body and what doesn't. There are parts of my body that I like, and learning to appreciate, and parts that I can't bear to look at in the mirror. I try to make a habbit of looking at myself in the mirror maybe once a day, and really look. It's a hard thing to do, but it does help. If only I could get to the point of self acception enough to not feel defeated when I throw out my favourite dress that I haven't been able to fit into for nearly six years. Maybe that's my fault; don't have anything in my wardrobe over two years old that I don't wear/doesn't fit. Then my illusions of myself will finally come to a place that's closer to reality.
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