Wednesday, March 3, 2010

A Potpourri

So much to share, so little time.

I find that while I think about things to add to blog all the time after spending 12 hours at the office I rarely want to sit in front of the computer once I get home and write.

Even though I love to write.

If this whole blog thing ever gets voice activated then look out!

Anyway.

First, my plan seems to be working. By moving daily exercise on to the "must" do list instead of the "I will if I feel like it" list I have seen some good results in the last week. Way back down under my ceiling weight. I also know that adding back some variety in my workouts is a good thing. I pulled out the EA Sports Active Wii game from last summer (that I did for about a month or so) and my legs were sore for three days from all the lunges and calf work I did - in just one night!

So, keep your body guessing! If it doesn't know what you're going to next, it can't outsmart you.

I did have to vary my initial plan a little last week due to weather conditions and other events, but I made it a priority to do something physical every day except Friday. That was pizza and movie and Olympics night. And this week's plan just says "Walk Riley" every day. It's my week and that will probably be the only physical activity I get until Billy gets back home.

Second item. For reasons that I don't really want to get into here, I have been asked by one of my doctors to cut back on the caffeine.

Truly not words that I wanted to hear.

In reality, I don't drink all that much, and not near as much as I used to or as much as a lot of people I know. But still.

So I started yesterday. Only one cup of coffee in the morning instead of two and a 7Up for lunch instead of a Diet Dr. Pepper or Coke Zero. I made sure the herbal tea in the afternoon was decaffeinated.

Woke up with a headache this morning.

Still nursing my one cup. But there is more in the pot and I might have to ease into this whole thing. After all, he said cut back, not cut out. We are also going to try and make the coffee 50/50 after Billy gets home. He said he was up for it. He does try to support me in every way possible.

I'll be interested to see if less caffeine has any other effects with the healthy lifestyle.

Here's the other really cool thing. This doctor is brand new in town. I'd never seen him before. I only went this time to get a second opinion - and from someone who was not tied to Natchez. So he's going through my history and all. In discussing my habits and lifestyle I mentioned the fact that I had lost around 50 pounds over the last couple of years.

50? he said.

Yes.

Asked me what I weighed now.

Told him without hesitation.

Raise your right hand, he says. Swear to me you won't get any skinnier.

Y'all that hit me like nothing else.

I had one doctor here in town that would almost berate me about my weight every time he saw me. Even if the ailment I was there for was in no way, shape or form effected by my weight he would bring the conversation around to it. I didn't stay with him long. Not because he was wrong, but his manner was. He wasn't helping me by trying to make me feel bad about myself. He did nothing, actually, to even try to help or offer solutions.

So, my next two doctors never said a word, even when I was at my heaviest, unless I brought it up first. I liked that better. I knew what I needed to do but just had to get right in my head and make up my mind to do it. (For the record they were both wonderful doctors but one died unexpectedly and the other moved out of Natchez).

But enough about that. It just felt good to think "I've arrived" as far as the medical community is concerned.

So, there are more good things to come. But I've been up since 4:15 this morning and it is time to get ready for work.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh to hear a dr. say ... "raise your right hand"!!!! That is awesome. You have arrived!

Anonymous said...

Hi Deanne, I know you didn't want to share the issues you are dealing with, but know that I'm praying for you and praying for the smooth transition to less caffeine. My husband gave it up two years ago, he uses the Lipton Diet Green Tea bottles to replace his soda, and also the crystal light flavored teas. Still some caffeine, but he tells me it is a lot less than the large amount of sodas and coffee he used to drink. This is the only healthy step he has taken, but at least it is one, and he has managed to have no coffee or soda in two years . The headaches are bad, I know from when I have tried to give it up totally, but I can now have only one cup of coffee and one soda each day along with some green tea, and that is just enough to keep the headache away. Congratulations on the kind "weight words" from the doctor! That was cause for celebration! Maybe an extra cup of green tea to celebrate!!!Have a great day! I know it is a busy time of year for you, but you are so inspiring the way you have gotten back on track with exercising! Know that you are such an encouragement!
Lou

Becky Arnold said...

Great post, girl. I gave up caffeine two years ago for a year for medical reasons. I felt a lot better! I have since added one cup of REAL coffee in the mornings and have had no trouble. I weaned myself slowly......half decaf, then decaf. My headache lasted about 5-7 days, but ibuprofen helped. I am so excited for you that you have arrived! I am motivated by you to lose the 30 pounds that I need to lose!