Starting my diet, or what I prefer to call my lifestyle change, was one of the easiest decisions I have made, it was fast, easy, and fun.... at first! I lost 36 pounds in approximately 6 weeks... I felt great, had more energy than I had in years and all of the sudden thought I knew everything there was to know about dieting and weight loss. And then, after the initial honeymoon period mixed with our elliptical machine breaking, and the end of the summer cookouts, parties, and craving for all food that is unhealthy I took a two month break from my healthy lifestyle. During these few months I gained 10 pounds back and dealt with all the guilt that comes with that... Waiting in the drive through line I would try to talk myself out of ordering whatever greasy thing I was craving, but I simply didn't care. I didn't care about healthy food or exercising, I didn't care that I started to notice the extra pounds back, I didn't care that stairs were starting to be my enemy once again. I was completely happy indulging in whatever I wanted. I was surprised by almost as quickly as I changed my ways overnight that I could so easily change for the worse overnight!
But then I was reminded by our super amazing closed friend Paula that any decisions I made to improve my health was HUGE. Although I had gotten to the point where I was starting to plateau and lose focus any healthy decision, whether it was a better food choice or going for a few minute walk on lunch added tremendously to my overall health, both immediate and future. I also reminded myself of the years of poor choices and genetics that contribute to my father dying far before his time at the age of 60. I remembered all of the struggles that he faced, and of the constant worry that it all brought to those who loved him, especially my Mom and siblings. I know how much I worried and feared for my Dad, and I don't want Eli to have those same concerns when I'm older, atleast until he is MUCH older. The poor health of our parents and the amount of stress and worry that my wife and I have over our parents is things that most 30 year old couples don't think about. I feel like we are dealing with decisions and facing challenges 10-20 years before we should be. And in my Dad's case, these were for many years. In another seven or so years Eli will be the same age I was when my Dad had his first heart attack... this boggles my mind!! In seven years I want Eli to worry about being a kid, not wondering, and sadly, waiting for me to worsen health wise, or worse.
So, a week ago I started getting back into the swing of things, going for walks, better meal choices, etc. I quickly got back to an overall 30 pound weight loss and am encourage by my refocused vision. Also, my cousin had posted on facebook that he had started using the My FitnessPal app and had asked for others to consider using it and help keep him accountable. I started an account and am enjoying staying connected to my aunt and three of my cousins. I really enjoy the accountability factor that the app brings.
Today I felt like I needed to do something BIG, although as Paula reminded me that the small simple decisions are big steps I felt like I needed to step up my game as a way to help solidify my decisions to get back in the game. I stopped at my Mom's house and decided to go for a walk. At first I planned on doing a mile, but as I started out and had time to think about everything, especially my Dad, I really wanted to show him that I was serious about all of this, so I thought what better way then to walk to the cemetery to do so. I had no idea how far it was from her house, In the car it is only 10 minutes away, that's not too far right? WRONG! I walked 4 miles to have a visit with my Dad, I know how proud he would be of me for doing all this. As I started to get tired and felt my legs would give out I thought about my dad, and how much he would have given to walk 4 feet as he spent the last several years of his life in a wheelchair. I thanked God for the strong legs that I do have now, and how although I'm overweight I am still mobile and relatively quick!
But before I start to sound like a know it all .... again... I have to knock myself down a peg or two and admit that after starting back I called for a ride! :) Thanks Jessica.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Visit to the Doctor
A few weeks ago I went back to my primary care physcian for follow up. I went into my appointment both confident and nervous all in one. I know that I had made great strides in improving my health, but I also knew that I hadn't been doing as well as I could lately. Old habits are starting to creep back in!
My doctor walked in, looked at me, looked at the chart, and looked back and me and said "WOW, you've lost weight!!". After getting some results, I brought my A1c down to normal levels, my fasting glucose was 46 points lower, my good cholesterol went up 8 points, and my bad cholesterol went down!! I have lost 37 pounds and I do feel so much better!
I am appreciated of all those who continue to encourage me! Thanks Paula!! :)
My doctor walked in, looked at me, looked at the chart, and looked back and me and said "WOW, you've lost weight!!". After getting some results, I brought my A1c down to normal levels, my fasting glucose was 46 points lower, my good cholesterol went up 8 points, and my bad cholesterol went down!! I have lost 37 pounds and I do feel so much better!
I am appreciated of all those who continue to encourage me! Thanks Paula!! :)
Friday, September 7, 2012
So, It's Been Awhile
Looks like I have been out of the loop for awhile!!
Like anything, there is huge momentum at first ---- and then old habits get ya! Which is what I have been struggling with the last couple weeks.
As of today I am 12 days away from my "90 days". It's getting closer to going back to the doctor and having repeated labs and all of the fun stuff. I have lost a total of 38 pounds since starting my new way of life. I am pleased with the results, but also disappointed. I completely lost motivation in August. Lack of motivation combined with our elliptical machine breaking really slowed me down. I had hoped that by the end of the 90 days I would have lost closer to 50 pounds, but I keep reminding myself that 38 pounds is still an amazing accomplishment for me! I got a membership to Planet Fitness, and I love it there, but having the time to make it to the gym on a regular basis is very difficult for our family schedule combined with my hectic work schedule.
I have recommitted to myself, my health, my future and am looking forward to quickly attaining the 50 pound mark!
Like anything, there is huge momentum at first ---- and then old habits get ya! Which is what I have been struggling with the last couple weeks.
As of today I am 12 days away from my "90 days". It's getting closer to going back to the doctor and having repeated labs and all of the fun stuff. I have lost a total of 38 pounds since starting my new way of life. I am pleased with the results, but also disappointed. I completely lost motivation in August. Lack of motivation combined with our elliptical machine breaking really slowed me down. I had hoped that by the end of the 90 days I would have lost closer to 50 pounds, but I keep reminding myself that 38 pounds is still an amazing accomplishment for me! I got a membership to Planet Fitness, and I love it there, but having the time to make it to the gym on a regular basis is very difficult for our family schedule combined with my hectic work schedule.
I have recommitted to myself, my health, my future and am looking forward to quickly attaining the 50 pound mark!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
THIRTY
I haven't posted in awhile as we have been on vacation. But.... I'VE LOST 30 POUNDS! I hit the 30 pound mark exactly one month into my weight loss journey. I was a bit nervous stepping on those scales given that I had been on vacation and off of my "normal" routine - combined with the issue of our elliptical machine being broken (yikes!!).
I really am feeling the difference in my overall energy level. I enjoyed playing soccer and running around with my 4 year old this week --- I certainly have a long way to being "in shape", but I don't think a month ago I would have had the same energy level to do these things. I ran around with some little cousins at our family reunion today which was a lot of fun!
My short term goal was to lose 30 pounds before July 25th, when I turn 30, and I'm so happy to have met this goal! I still have a few days until my birthday, so hopefully I'll have lost a few extra pounds so I can realllllly enjoy my birthday cake!
I go back to my doctor's on September 10th. I would love to lose another 10-15 pounds before I go back.
It has been very encouraging seeing friends and family this week that we haven't see for awhile and to hear the many compliments and acknowledgements that I had lost weight. Thanks for reading and being an encouragement!
I really am feeling the difference in my overall energy level. I enjoyed playing soccer and running around with my 4 year old this week --- I certainly have a long way to being "in shape", but I don't think a month ago I would have had the same energy level to do these things. I ran around with some little cousins at our family reunion today which was a lot of fun!
My short term goal was to lose 30 pounds before July 25th, when I turn 30, and I'm so happy to have met this goal! I still have a few days until my birthday, so hopefully I'll have lost a few extra pounds so I can realllllly enjoy my birthday cake!
I go back to my doctor's on September 10th. I would love to lose another 10-15 pounds before I go back.
It has been very encouraging seeing friends and family this week that we haven't see for awhile and to hear the many compliments and acknowledgements that I had lost weight. Thanks for reading and being an encouragement!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients:
Grilled Chicken Breast - I put about half of a small chicken breast on the sandwich
Lettuce
Onion
Tomato
Green Pepper
3-4 Tsp of Raye's Mustard - Winter Garden ( at only 5 calories per tsp spread it on! so good)
2 slices of Ezekiel 4:9 Bread (I prefer mine toasted or on the grill)
This is a filling and delicious sanwich at less than 375 calories!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Yum!
I wanted to share a couple delicious recipes I threw together today! These are going to make really delicious and filling breakfasts on the go (which is important in our family!) or a cool treat on a hot summer day!Almond Banana Smoothies - 230 Calories
1 cup Blue Diamon Almond Breeze Milk - Vanilla flavor
1 banana
1/2 small container of Chobani Greek Yogurt - Plain
Put them in the blender and enjoy!
Fruit Smoothies - 290 Calories
1 cup Silk Fruit & Protein
1 banana
1/2 small container of Chobani Greek Yogurt - Plain
Put them in the blender and enjoy!
Enjoy!
Temptations!!!
I WAS WONDERING WHEN THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN!!!
Friday night Holly and I found ourselves childless.... so what better to do then enjoy a dinner out! We live in a beautiful region of Maine and are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy beautiful Bar Harbor. Holly and I headed down to our favorite restaurant, Geddy's. The most amazing thing about Geddy's is their onion rings -- it's a vegetable right? Not. We did cave and ordered onion rings. A few minute later a heaping mound of fried goodness was staring me down. Only one of us was going to win. Guess who? The onion rings. Now, I must say (as embarrassing as it is) that in the past we have not had any trouble polishing off the appetizer of onion rings (and I'll admit to eating the crumbs - these things are amazing!). We didn't even eat half of the order, and instead of boxing them up to go I had the waitress take the remaining half away. For dinner I ordered a grilled chicken burger with pineapple salsa on a wheat roll - sounds pretty good right? Oh yeah, they served it will piles of chips! Agh! Seriously felt like culinary world was out to get me. The only redeeming part of dinner is that <GASP> Geddy's failed to impress us that night Still not sure why, the food is always amazing --- perhaps given my change in diet my taste buds have completely changed! I only at the chicken out of the sandwich and quickly sent the plate of chips back.
PHEW! Almost out of harms way! Holly and I enjoyed sitting in the park overlooking the harbor. Something wasn't right. If you've ever been to Bar Harbor you know how amazing Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium is. Yeah, me too. Holly and I went off to pick out an ice cream. I thought I would be good and order sugar free ice cream - it was pretty good, until I realized how stupid I must have sounded when I ordered "Sugar free butter crunch on a sugar cone" - huh?
Now, I don't know if it was the high of having a "date night" or the fried food / sugar that has been out of our diets for the past 2 weeks but on the way home we were completely silly/crazy - couldn't stop laughing and were acting like crazy teenagers! I think we were definitely on sugar high!
Okay, one night of not perfect eating. It wasn't a complete loss -- a few onion rings and an ice cream. When I started this weight loss journey I told myself that I didn't want to deprive myself of special treats or "free nights". After all this has been more of healthy choice movement. After all, I had lost 24 pounds in the past couple of weeks. I was definitely going to jump back on the bandwagon tomorrow.... UNTIL....
THE ROLE OF TEMPTATION WILL NOW BE PLAYED BY MY WIFE'S CAKE BUSINESS
Yeah, there is that little bit of information that I left out. I love cake. I love my wife. I love my wife's cake. Seriously we're not talking your store bought nasty stuff - this is real, homemade goodness people! In the past couple months Holly decided to really start promoting her cake business and has started making several cakes per week. My official title in the business is "Creative Consultant, Taste Tester, and General Annoyance" :) I love it when Holly makes chocolate cake because I DETEST chocolate cake (weird, I know). But white cake - watch out people, you might lose a finger! Holly's white cake is like a little piece of Heaven on earth. And what was this morning's cake order - white cake with butter cream frosting. WARNING... WARNING... WARNING... I should have immediately walked away from the kitchen and found the nearest elliptical. But, I love helping Holly (even though I'm sometimes more of a hindrance than a help). This is going to be the biggest challenge. I've had an easy time not purchasing unhealthy things when grocery shopping - in fact I've enjoyed the new foods and recipes. I definitely had a few too many "frosting samples" than my "job" "requires".
By midday I was back on track - thanks to a pep talk from Holly. There are going to be times that I "fall off the bandwagon", but getting on isn't always easy. I think that for me personally allowing myself an occasional "day off" will be a factor in my continued success.
At the end of the day I am reminded by why I am making these changes in my health. I don't want my previous poor choices to continue, and ultimately be responsible for irreversible damage like my father experienced. I want to continue on this journey and look forward to posting my next weigh in!
Thanks for reading!
Friday night Holly and I found ourselves childless.... so what better to do then enjoy a dinner out! We live in a beautiful region of Maine and are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy beautiful Bar Harbor. Holly and I headed down to our favorite restaurant, Geddy's. The most amazing thing about Geddy's is their onion rings -- it's a vegetable right? Not. We did cave and ordered onion rings. A few minute later a heaping mound of fried goodness was staring me down. Only one of us was going to win. Guess who? The onion rings. Now, I must say (as embarrassing as it is) that in the past we have not had any trouble polishing off the appetizer of onion rings (and I'll admit to eating the crumbs - these things are amazing!). We didn't even eat half of the order, and instead of boxing them up to go I had the waitress take the remaining half away. For dinner I ordered a grilled chicken burger with pineapple salsa on a wheat roll - sounds pretty good right? Oh yeah, they served it will piles of chips! Agh! Seriously felt like culinary world was out to get me. The only redeeming part of dinner is that <GASP> Geddy's failed to impress us that night Still not sure why, the food is always amazing --- perhaps given my change in diet my taste buds have completely changed! I only at the chicken out of the sandwich and quickly sent the plate of chips back.
PHEW! Almost out of harms way! Holly and I enjoyed sitting in the park overlooking the harbor. Something wasn't right. If you've ever been to Bar Harbor you know how amazing Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium is. Yeah, me too. Holly and I went off to pick out an ice cream. I thought I would be good and order sugar free ice cream - it was pretty good, until I realized how stupid I must have sounded when I ordered "Sugar free butter crunch on a sugar cone" - huh?
Now, I don't know if it was the high of having a "date night" or the fried food / sugar that has been out of our diets for the past 2 weeks but on the way home we were completely silly/crazy - couldn't stop laughing and were acting like crazy teenagers! I think we were definitely on sugar high!
Okay, one night of not perfect eating. It wasn't a complete loss -- a few onion rings and an ice cream. When I started this weight loss journey I told myself that I didn't want to deprive myself of special treats or "free nights". After all this has been more of healthy choice movement. After all, I had lost 24 pounds in the past couple of weeks. I was definitely going to jump back on the bandwagon tomorrow.... UNTIL....
THE ROLE OF TEMPTATION WILL NOW BE PLAYED BY MY WIFE'S CAKE BUSINESS
Yeah, there is that little bit of information that I left out. I love cake. I love my wife. I love my wife's cake. Seriously we're not talking your store bought nasty stuff - this is real, homemade goodness people! In the past couple months Holly decided to really start promoting her cake business and has started making several cakes per week. My official title in the business is "Creative Consultant, Taste Tester, and General Annoyance" :) I love it when Holly makes chocolate cake because I DETEST chocolate cake (weird, I know). But white cake - watch out people, you might lose a finger! Holly's white cake is like a little piece of Heaven on earth. And what was this morning's cake order - white cake with butter cream frosting. WARNING... WARNING... WARNING... I should have immediately walked away from the kitchen and found the nearest elliptical. But, I love helping Holly (even though I'm sometimes more of a hindrance than a help). This is going to be the biggest challenge. I've had an easy time not purchasing unhealthy things when grocery shopping - in fact I've enjoyed the new foods and recipes. I definitely had a few too many "frosting samples" than my "job" "requires".
By midday I was back on track - thanks to a pep talk from Holly. There are going to be times that I "fall off the bandwagon", but getting on isn't always easy. I think that for me personally allowing myself an occasional "day off" will be a factor in my continued success.
At the end of the day I am reminded by why I am making these changes in my health. I don't want my previous poor choices to continue, and ultimately be responsible for irreversible damage like my father experienced. I want to continue on this journey and look forward to posting my next weigh in!
Thanks for reading!
Friday, July 6, 2012
24
As of this morning I am down 24 pounds!Great little motivation heading into the weekend! I hope to write a longer post this weekend!
My next mini goal is an additonal 6 pounds by July 25. Why July 25? It's my birthday! I turn the big 3-0 this month and what better gift could I give myself than losing 30 pounds for my birthday!
Fourth of July was a tough day -- too many tempting things to snack on at a BBQ we had at my mom's. I made a tasty alternative to burger/hotdogs that once I figure out the calories too I will post my recipe - It was delicious! Plus I put a little twist on a brocolli salad Holly made - instead of using mayonaise to make a sauce I used some plain non fat greek yogurt ---It's amazing what you can do with that stuff!
Oh, hey Ang - I hear that you are enjoying my blog! :) Feel free to comment and say hello!
- Zack
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Yummy Discovery
Just got back from the store, finally remembered to pick up some Almond Milk ..... OH MY WORD! Delicious. Try some too financially equivalenyt to regular milk but less calories!
Two Weeks In
Happy 4th of July!
I started my weight loss journey two weeks ago today and am down nearly 22 pounds! In many ways this has been so incredibly easy that I wish I had done years ago. Weight loss is hard work though, and I don't think unless you are incredibly motivated/committed to weight loss it wil be successful. A couple years ago I started a diet program on my own, and did well at it losing 25 pounds in 5 weeks, but I wasn't committed to the weight loss, and once the summer BBQ season started and constant snacking at my parent's camp started I quickly regained almost all of that weight. In the past 3-4 months I gained ALL of the weight back plus probably an additional 10 pounds. I was at my highest weight ever and really scared by it. When my Dad died I became even more scared. To a certain extent I can control my future outcome, however the realization is that I have a genetic makeup that I can't control. I have a predispotion to heart disease and diabetes, but throughout this process I am hoping to slow down any disease process that I can.
My wife introduced me to a website www.tonetiki.com. This woman lost an incredible amount of weight by eating natural foods and exercise. I have been enjoying reading her recipes and can't wait to try all of them! I share in her approach to weight loss and have been encouraged by her posts.
My wife has come on board and been a big encouragment to me. We are enjoying family walks and healthy meals. Eli, my four year old, told my father in law "Daddy went to the doctor and now has to eat healthy". So cute, and so true! Patients and coworkers at work have been noticing my weight loss and having these compliments make me feel great, and help to serve as an accountability.
I haven't selected a goal weight yet. Instead I'm taking this pound by pound - knowing I have a long way to go and don't want to be discouraged by the huge gap from my current weight to goal weight.
I have set a short term weight loss goal. By the time I go back to the doctor on September 10 I want to lose an additional 15 pounds. I have no doubts that I can achieve this, and much before September --- and when I do I will challenge myself to another goal.
Off to the elliptical - Thanks for reading!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Twenty
As of of today I have lost 20 pounds in less than 2 weeks! I am amazed by how much more energy I have! I am also enjoying delicious and healthy recipes. Hope to post more later!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Rome Wasn't Built In a Day
I am 10 days into my decision to take my health seriously and am thrilled to say that this morning when I weighed in I am down 17 pounds! I am really starting to feel the difference in my clothes and just my general feeling.
I am proud of my 17 pound weight loss, but have a REALLY long way to go. My wife keeps telling me that "Rome wasn't built in a day". I was discouraged last night feeling like I wasn't losing enough but was reminded by her that the changes I have been making in my diet are leaps and bounds from where I was at. Thank you Holly for your encouragement!
I am not a dietician and in no means knowledgable in anything healthy. Anything I write in this blog is not a recommendation to anyone. But for me, what I'm finding working and satisfying is more of a whole foods approach. I have been eating a lot of fresh fruit and veggies. I love bread and plan to never stop eating (not even for an induction phase of any fad diet). I have been enjoying Ezekial bread and found it to be extremely delicious and healthier. They make a fantastic raisin bread too which is a nice way of finding a little bit of sweet flavor. I haven't been eating much meat at all, but then again haven't really ever been a big meat eater. I have nearly cut out all processed foods with the exception of an ocassional slice of ham with my egg whites in the morning.
For exercise I have been walking about a mile a day outside as well as using our eliptical at night. I normally do half of my walk in the morning but it was raining this morning. This morning I only had 12 minutes from when I woke up until I really needed to start getting up and getting the family going. Given the weather, I was tempted to lay in bed and check facebook on my phone like I used to, but decided to use those 12 minutes of time for exercise. I'm trying to get in the mindset of finding those times, even if they are 12 minutes, to sneak in a little exercise. I also tend to be constantly moving all day at work.
I have really enjoyed surfing the web and blogs about diet and exercise. I find it encourging to find stories of REAL people losing weight without drastic surgeries, reality TV intervention, or bizarre diets. In fact, I am not on a diet. I HATE THAT WORD! I like to think that I am more on a journey to a healthier lifestyle. I am saving my life, and hopefully will be an encouragment to others and an example to my four year old son.
Ok, I've been sitting to long at the computer, time to move!
I am proud of my 17 pound weight loss, but have a REALLY long way to go. My wife keeps telling me that "Rome wasn't built in a day". I was discouraged last night feeling like I wasn't losing enough but was reminded by her that the changes I have been making in my diet are leaps and bounds from where I was at. Thank you Holly for your encouragement!
I am not a dietician and in no means knowledgable in anything healthy. Anything I write in this blog is not a recommendation to anyone. But for me, what I'm finding working and satisfying is more of a whole foods approach. I have been eating a lot of fresh fruit and veggies. I love bread and plan to never stop eating (not even for an induction phase of any fad diet). I have been enjoying Ezekial bread and found it to be extremely delicious and healthier. They make a fantastic raisin bread too which is a nice way of finding a little bit of sweet flavor. I haven't been eating much meat at all, but then again haven't really ever been a big meat eater. I have nearly cut out all processed foods with the exception of an ocassional slice of ham with my egg whites in the morning.
For exercise I have been walking about a mile a day outside as well as using our eliptical at night. I normally do half of my walk in the morning but it was raining this morning. This morning I only had 12 minutes from when I woke up until I really needed to start getting up and getting the family going. Given the weather, I was tempted to lay in bed and check facebook on my phone like I used to, but decided to use those 12 minutes of time for exercise. I'm trying to get in the mindset of finding those times, even if they are 12 minutes, to sneak in a little exercise. I also tend to be constantly moving all day at work.
I have really enjoyed surfing the web and blogs about diet and exercise. I find it encourging to find stories of REAL people losing weight without drastic surgeries, reality TV intervention, or bizarre diets. In fact, I am not on a diet. I HATE THAT WORD! I like to think that I am more on a journey to a healthier lifestyle. I am saving my life, and hopefully will be an encouragment to others and an example to my four year old son.
Ok, I've been sitting to long at the computer, time to move!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
My Dad
My Dad is the reason for this blog. On June 6, 2012 after 20 years of numerous medical conditions, illnessess, hospitalizations, surgeries my dad finally knew the healing in Heaven that he could not know on this earth.
My father leaves behind many legacies - a legacy as a man of faith and incredible knowledge in God's word, a scholar, and in my eyes a fighter. My dad endured and overcame numerous hurdles in the last 20 years and stayed strong even when he was weak.
Unfortunetly, not every legacy that is left behind is one to brag about. He also leaves behind a legacy of poor health, often treated for things far before his young age of 60. His legacy also includes heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and diabetes. When my father died there was no large inheritance of treasures and keepsakes, but he certainly left us with genes that lead my siblings and I (and our children) down a path that is all too familiar and painful to watch.
A few weeks after my father died I established myself with a new primary care physician. I underwent the normal blood tests and when I heard that my very own doctor left me a voicemail message asking me to call him, I braced for the worse. I work near my PCP office and stopped in. I was on my way to lunch and I figured that what he was going to tell me would help me decide what it was I would have for lunch (McDonalds was seeming to fade as an option). My PCP sat me down and informed of my lab results that were not normal. His plan for me was to go home, and work on this for 90 days. After those 90 days if the changes that I made are not enough to bring some levels down then he informed me that he would become aggressive in managing my health.
This brings me to my blog name - Three Months To Live....Sort Of. In a sense, I have been given 90 days to get my act together. I have significant changes to be made in my diet as well as establishing a exercise routine. As I have been thinking about all of this for the past week, I have adopted the mindset that I have 90 days to change my course. I know what years of bad diet and lack of exercise can do to a person. I'm not stupid, and it's not like I haven't known this for sometime, but burrying my father at the age of 60 was the final wake up call I think I'm going to get. If I want to avoid the pain and illnesses that my father suffered with than I NEED to make changes NOW.
Eight days into my wake up call I have lost 14 pounds. Good start, long way to go!
My father leaves behind many legacies - a legacy as a man of faith and incredible knowledge in God's word, a scholar, and in my eyes a fighter. My dad endured and overcame numerous hurdles in the last 20 years and stayed strong even when he was weak.
Unfortunetly, not every legacy that is left behind is one to brag about. He also leaves behind a legacy of poor health, often treated for things far before his young age of 60. His legacy also includes heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and diabetes. When my father died there was no large inheritance of treasures and keepsakes, but he certainly left us with genes that lead my siblings and I (and our children) down a path that is all too familiar and painful to watch.
A few weeks after my father died I established myself with a new primary care physician. I underwent the normal blood tests and when I heard that my very own doctor left me a voicemail message asking me to call him, I braced for the worse. I work near my PCP office and stopped in. I was on my way to lunch and I figured that what he was going to tell me would help me decide what it was I would have for lunch (McDonalds was seeming to fade as an option). My PCP sat me down and informed of my lab results that were not normal. His plan for me was to go home, and work on this for 90 days. After those 90 days if the changes that I made are not enough to bring some levels down then he informed me that he would become aggressive in managing my health.
This brings me to my blog name - Three Months To Live....Sort Of. In a sense, I have been given 90 days to get my act together. I have significant changes to be made in my diet as well as establishing a exercise routine. As I have been thinking about all of this for the past week, I have adopted the mindset that I have 90 days to change my course. I know what years of bad diet and lack of exercise can do to a person. I'm not stupid, and it's not like I haven't known this for sometime, but burrying my father at the age of 60 was the final wake up call I think I'm going to get. If I want to avoid the pain and illnesses that my father suffered with than I NEED to make changes NOW.
Eight days into my wake up call I have lost 14 pounds. Good start, long way to go!
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