Last week I went away on vacation with my family. We took a trip to the mountains in Quebec to visit St. Anne-de-Beaupre. The landscape was absolutely beautiful and gave us some amazing memories. We went whale watching in Baie St. Catherine, got to visit one of the oldest Catholic Basilicas in Northa America (which was stunning), toured Quebec City, took a gondola up Mont St. Anne where we took a hike for a couple of kilometers at the top of the mountain, visited the local aquarium and we even got to see Amaluna (a Cirque du Soleil show)!
Our resort was nestled about 3 minutes from the base of Mont St. Anne so the view from our balcony was of the gorgeous mountain and we got to watch the sun set behind the mountain every night. There was an outdoor pool that we enjoyed every day because the weather was beautiful, hot and sunny every single day we were there. It was a fabulous vacation full of sweet memories and wonderful photos to help preserve them (including my 5 year old daughter learning to swim without a floatation device)!
I will cherish my memories of that vacation for a long time but going away for a week has taught me several vaulable lessons on my journey:
1. I cannot go a week without going to the gym. Even if I am walking a lot, that's just not enoug to keep my body moving and keep myself in shape.
2. Going a week without training allowed my RA to begin to flare. This has resultd in pain, stiffness and extrme fatigue. It may now take me several weeks to recover.
3. Eating (and drinking) things that are not on the plan allows for temporary satisfaction but long-term suffering! Not only did I end up feeling guilty for indulging, I also ended up feeling physically ill because my stomach was very unsettled. Even though I am home, I am still having trouble getting it to settle even though I'm back on the plan. It could take me days to weeks to get back to feeling normal again.
4. Indulging for a week makes it hard to get back on the plan again. I am craving things again which I had stopped craving ages ago. Turns out having sugar just makes you crave more sugar. Having salt just makes you crave more salt. I'm looking forward to leaving my cravings behind.
5. The thought that my journey may end in a few weeks terrifies me more than ever! I am not ready to do this on my own without guidance. I have come so far but as my body has quickly reminded me, I still have so far to go. I will need help from every one I know and every one that they know so that I can win enough votes to stay in this program for another 3 months. Hopefully we all know enough people!
While I was away last week I missed our weigh-in and measurements. Because I indulged on vacation the thought of weighing in tonight made me feel sick to my stomache. My allergies and RA are flaring, my stomache feels awful and the workout was going to be tough. I felt like I was starting back at square one when I walked in to the gym today. Only a week away from the gym and I was already having trouble keeping up with the intensity level of the workout. By the time weigh-ins came I just wanted to get it over with. I knew that I was so close to getting into the 270's two weeks ago but I knew that anthing that started with a "27" this week would take a miracle. I watched the scale as it jumped around through the 270's and climbed. I almost screamed when it stopped at 277! I lost another 3.4 lbs giving me a total loss to date of 29.6 lbs (9.65%)!!
I went into the gym feeling terrible but left there feeling better than I ever imagined I could. I also left there thanking my lucky stars that we at least did a lot of walking and swimming on vacation. More importantly, I've learned my lesson...to stay on plan and keep moving!!!
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Changing Perspectives
I've felt a little bit like I've been slacking off lately which is partly because I haven't updated my blog in a week, partly because I haven't been filling out my food journal and mostly because I've had the urge to snack. I had misplaced my food log but then when it was found, I just didn't seem to get back into keeping it up to date. Well tonight I got back into it which should help with the snacking too.
I have been feeling very big urges to snack this weekend and I was feeling very guilty because I gave in to some of it. The guilt about what I sack on now compared to what I used to are completely different and I needed to gain a new perspective on that. I feel guilty when I give in and snack just like I used to feel. The difference is that I used to feel guilty because I would eat a whole bag of chips when no one was looking! Now when I say that I feel guilty because I gave in, it's because I had something not specifically on my plan but that doesn't mean I had a chocolate bar. Instead of sweets, I gave in to an urge and had half of my daughter's peanut butter and jam sandwhich. But let's put that into perspetive why don't we? That sandwhich was made with whole wheat bread, homemade strawberry jam (a gift from a coworker) and the peanut butter was natural but sweetened with honey. That is such a long way from a bag of chips or a bowl of ice cream!
Some of my other "cheats" that made me feel super guilty were one of my daughter's cheddar cheese strings (I was really craving cheese), having fruit all by itself as a snack in the afternoon rather than coupled with protein, and half a dozen organic multi-grain crackers with hummus! I can't believe these items actually leave me feeling guily now considering I ate them in the past as something healthy. Regardless of how healthy these were and how infrequent they were, they left me feeling terrible about my weigh-in tonight.
For the past couple of days I've been feeling rather "blah" and I thought it was because I "over indulged". Yes, maybe I had a couple of things that weren't "on plan" or at the right time of the day, but they really were rather healthy. I really didn't eat bad enough to be feeling this way so what else could it possibly be that was making me feel so terrible mentally? I finally found the answer because I've noticed a pattern that I really do feel aweful every Tuesday. The amount of time between my workouts on Saturday mornings and my workouts on Tuesday nights is twice the length of time between any of my other workouts! By Tuesday morning I'm feeling lazy, larger and like I've failed when really I'm still right on track, just missing my workoutts. I never in a million years thought that I would ever MISS working out! Perhaps it's time to start considering adding in a workout of my own on Sundays...
Regardless of how much I was dreading the weigh-in tonight and thought that I had fallen off of the wagon, the scale tells the real story. I stepped onto the sale and I swear my eyes almost fell out of my head and I most definitely did the happy dance! I lost another 3.6 lbs this week to make for a total of 26.2 lbs in 6 weeks, which is 8.55% of my total starting weight!!!
Clearly my little urges were controlled by what I decided to cheat with. I made better choices than I ever would have in the past and still felt guilty. I won't allow myself to do it often, but now I know that I can trust myself to make good decisions. Little healthy alternatives can keep me going without going off track. It's all about how you look at it and thanks to the scale, I am more confident in my choices. I am now realizing how much my lifestyle has changed already and I'm able to look at things with a different perspective now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not immune to pizza or ice cream but it sure is easier to resist if I fill up on healthy food. I now weigh the guilt of eating those things I used to eat compared to the pleasure of eating them. It's just not worth the guilt considering how healthy things can conjure up enough guilt now on their own!
I have been feeling very big urges to snack this weekend and I was feeling very guilty because I gave in to some of it. The guilt about what I sack on now compared to what I used to are completely different and I needed to gain a new perspective on that. I feel guilty when I give in and snack just like I used to feel. The difference is that I used to feel guilty because I would eat a whole bag of chips when no one was looking! Now when I say that I feel guilty because I gave in, it's because I had something not specifically on my plan but that doesn't mean I had a chocolate bar. Instead of sweets, I gave in to an urge and had half of my daughter's peanut butter and jam sandwhich. But let's put that into perspetive why don't we? That sandwhich was made with whole wheat bread, homemade strawberry jam (a gift from a coworker) and the peanut butter was natural but sweetened with honey. That is such a long way from a bag of chips or a bowl of ice cream!
Some of my other "cheats" that made me feel super guilty were one of my daughter's cheddar cheese strings (I was really craving cheese), having fruit all by itself as a snack in the afternoon rather than coupled with protein, and half a dozen organic multi-grain crackers with hummus! I can't believe these items actually leave me feeling guily now considering I ate them in the past as something healthy. Regardless of how healthy these were and how infrequent they were, they left me feeling terrible about my weigh-in tonight.
For the past couple of days I've been feeling rather "blah" and I thought it was because I "over indulged". Yes, maybe I had a couple of things that weren't "on plan" or at the right time of the day, but they really were rather healthy. I really didn't eat bad enough to be feeling this way so what else could it possibly be that was making me feel so terrible mentally? I finally found the answer because I've noticed a pattern that I really do feel aweful every Tuesday. The amount of time between my workouts on Saturday mornings and my workouts on Tuesday nights is twice the length of time between any of my other workouts! By Tuesday morning I'm feeling lazy, larger and like I've failed when really I'm still right on track, just missing my workoutts. I never in a million years thought that I would ever MISS working out! Perhaps it's time to start considering adding in a workout of my own on Sundays...
Regardless of how much I was dreading the weigh-in tonight and thought that I had fallen off of the wagon, the scale tells the real story. I stepped onto the sale and I swear my eyes almost fell out of my head and I most definitely did the happy dance! I lost another 3.6 lbs this week to make for a total of 26.2 lbs in 6 weeks, which is 8.55% of my total starting weight!!!
Clearly my little urges were controlled by what I decided to cheat with. I made better choices than I ever would have in the past and still felt guilty. I won't allow myself to do it often, but now I know that I can trust myself to make good decisions. Little healthy alternatives can keep me going without going off track. It's all about how you look at it and thanks to the scale, I am more confident in my choices. I am now realizing how much my lifestyle has changed already and I'm able to look at things with a different perspective now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not immune to pizza or ice cream but it sure is easier to resist if I fill up on healthy food. I now weigh the guilt of eating those things I used to eat compared to the pleasure of eating them. It's just not worth the guilt considering how healthy things can conjure up enough guilt now on their own!
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Thirty and Fabulous!
According to what I have read, at thirty you are flirty, dirty and nerdy but most of all...fabulous! So yes, I think thirty may really be the new twenty and I am finally feeling like in time I may be able to accept that I am now thirty.
Yesterday was my thirtieth birthday and it was wonderful. I treated myself off-plan at a lunch date with my parents, sister, daughter and nephew. Then I went to see a chick-flick with my amazing sister (child-free)! All of that was followed up but yet another Biggest Loser training session, weigh-ins and measurements.
For the first time ever, I had the chance to train with Pedro. I was feeling very frustrated at the beginning and not sure I would like his style. I eventually settled in and had one of the most intense workouts since starting the program. Pedro is like a machine, there really is no stopping for water, to ease the pain or to breathe! My only frustration by the end was that with the sets of exercises he gave us, he didn't seem to leave enough time for us to complete them all (which I really wanted to be able to accomplish). I felt a bit rushed from one set to the next. Pedro has been training for an ironman so clearly he is used to doing everything much quicker than most of us! I managed to get most of the exercises in and I am very proud of that accomplishment.
After the workout we had to weigh-in. Because I had a few treats on Sunday and yesterday, I was not expecting much on the scale. I figured I would just be lucky if it didn't go up! I was completely blown away when I realized I had lost another 3.4 lbs. That brings me to a total weight loss of 22.6 lbs (which is 7.37% of my total starting weight) in just 5 weeks. That has bumped me back into 4th place after falling into 6th place two weeks ago!
We finished off the session with measurements and I have taken back my title as the one having lost the most inches to date...43.75 inches. I am so pleased, and so are my clothes! It really was the icing on my birthday cake!!
After our session I stayed for an info session about the next Biggest Loser Ottawa #3. I am applying again because my goal is to lose 150 lbs and I still have a long way to go. If I am accepted, I will really need all of your help again to try and win my spot based on votes on my video. When that becomes available I will let you know so that you and everyone you know can begin voting! The person who won this time had well over 600 votes and I had just over 400. But this time I will hopefully have a bit more time to aquire the votes to win!
Tonight was an amazing night out at a restaurant and we got to go in style via limosine! We learned lots of great tips and tricks for eating out and had a delicious, healthy meal. The best part was the company I was in. We had so much fun laughing and a great time was had by all. I even got to try out both limos because I hitched a ride one way with half of the group and then hopped in the other one our way back. Everyone is so much fun and I will genuinly miss all of these precious moments in a few months. But, I believe, many of these friendships will be here to stay so we can continue to drive each other crazy and push each other until we all reach our goals.
Here is a photo of one of the limos (they were twins). I know several people took photos of all of us throughout the night so when I get a few I will share them with you!
Stay tuned because this leg of my journey is only half over. I still have 6 more weeks to go, a make-over in my near future and a whole new journey ahead.
Goodnight and God bless!
Yesterday was my thirtieth birthday and it was wonderful. I treated myself off-plan at a lunch date with my parents, sister, daughter and nephew. Then I went to see a chick-flick with my amazing sister (child-free)! All of that was followed up but yet another Biggest Loser training session, weigh-ins and measurements.
For the first time ever, I had the chance to train with Pedro. I was feeling very frustrated at the beginning and not sure I would like his style. I eventually settled in and had one of the most intense workouts since starting the program. Pedro is like a machine, there really is no stopping for water, to ease the pain or to breathe! My only frustration by the end was that with the sets of exercises he gave us, he didn't seem to leave enough time for us to complete them all (which I really wanted to be able to accomplish). I felt a bit rushed from one set to the next. Pedro has been training for an ironman so clearly he is used to doing everything much quicker than most of us! I managed to get most of the exercises in and I am very proud of that accomplishment.
After the workout we had to weigh-in. Because I had a few treats on Sunday and yesterday, I was not expecting much on the scale. I figured I would just be lucky if it didn't go up! I was completely blown away when I realized I had lost another 3.4 lbs. That brings me to a total weight loss of 22.6 lbs (which is 7.37% of my total starting weight) in just 5 weeks. That has bumped me back into 4th place after falling into 6th place two weeks ago!
We finished off the session with measurements and I have taken back my title as the one having lost the most inches to date...43.75 inches. I am so pleased, and so are my clothes! It really was the icing on my birthday cake!!
After our session I stayed for an info session about the next Biggest Loser Ottawa #3. I am applying again because my goal is to lose 150 lbs and I still have a long way to go. If I am accepted, I will really need all of your help again to try and win my spot based on votes on my video. When that becomes available I will let you know so that you and everyone you know can begin voting! The person who won this time had well over 600 votes and I had just over 400. But this time I will hopefully have a bit more time to aquire the votes to win!
Tonight was an amazing night out at a restaurant and we got to go in style via limosine! We learned lots of great tips and tricks for eating out and had a delicious, healthy meal. The best part was the company I was in. We had so much fun laughing and a great time was had by all. I even got to try out both limos because I hitched a ride one way with half of the group and then hopped in the other one our way back. Everyone is so much fun and I will genuinly miss all of these precious moments in a few months. But, I believe, many of these friendships will be here to stay so we can continue to drive each other crazy and push each other until we all reach our goals.
Here is a photo of one of the limos (they were twins). I know several people took photos of all of us throughout the night so when I get a few I will share them with you!
Stay tuned because this leg of my journey is only half over. I still have 6 more weeks to go, a make-over in my near future and a whole new journey ahead.
Goodnight and God bless!
Monday, 16 July 2012
I Am Blessed
I had a long and wonderful weekend this weekend. I spent most of Friday relaxing and getting caught up on some well needed rest. Of course, that rest pretty much went out the window after another brutal workout Saturday morning with Chantalle...
Our training session on Saturday consisted of what Chantalle called her "Butt & Gut" workout. Yes, it was as awful as it sounds! By the time we were done the crunches, lifts, planks, etc I didn't think I'd ever be able to peel myself off of that mat again. Miraculously, I managed to but only because I had plans on Sunday that I didn't want to cancel!
Yesterday was my day for celebration and fun! I spent some well deserved time with family and friends to celebrate my upcoming birthday. It was more than I ever could have asked for. For the most part I stayed on plan very well because I had given my mother my requests for dinner and dessert, both of which were recipes on my plan. Everyone loved the ginger-honey chicken, spicy spaghetti squash and double fudge brownies (made with black beans). Who knew healthy eating could taste so good?! Kathy Smart did!
I'm not going to pretend that I was perfect though because I did have a snack in the afternoon of hummus on grain crackers (on plan) and bruchetta on garlic crackers (not on plan). The treat was wonderful and it may have been more than I should have had, but it was less than I would have had! My other cheat (which I decided I very much deserved) was a couple of my favorite beverages. Let me tell you, they taste even better when you know you shouldn't be having them! All in all, I think it was a very successful day considering that I could have really blown it. The weigh-in tomorrow may not be as great as I'd like, but I'm okay with it this week because I'll make up for it next week.
Now, onto my other news...
A year ago, after my sister went to Las Vegas for her 30th birthday and I heard about a few of my other friends doing the same, I decided I needed to make a plan for myself. I knew there was no way I'd manage to fly to Vegas for mine but I wanted to do something exciting. I told my mother what I wanted to do for my 30th birthday and as it turns out, she was the only person in my family who had any interest in doing it with me. As time crept closer the possibility seemed to vanish but I was hoping I could still do something I'd remember for a long time.
Yesterday as I was opening my birthday presents, I received some really amazing, and very touching gifts: a new wardrobe (now that my old one doesn't seem to fit!), a gorgeous leather bench to help me climb into my new bed (unfortunately this new plan hasn't helped me grow any taller), and a donation to the International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement in my name (which helps to educate people about the difference between autoimmune arthritis and the arthritis most people think of). Those were incredible and I really couldn't have asked for better, more thoughtful gifts.
Then I opened the gift from my parents and I began to cry. I was speechless. It was a piece of paper telling me that beyond my wildest dreams, my 30th birthday wish is coming true. I'm going up in a hot air balloon, for a sunset champagne flight, with my mom!!! It was originally planned for the trip to fall exactly on my birthday, but then The Biggest Loser happened. With the training, weigh-ins and measurements all happening tomorrow there was no way they could make the ride happen too. So instead the trip is planned for next Monday, the first official day of my summer vacation. I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate the start of summer, my journey, or my 30th birthday! This is going to be a summer that I will never forget.
May God bless each of you as He has blessed me.
Our training session on Saturday consisted of what Chantalle called her "Butt & Gut" workout. Yes, it was as awful as it sounds! By the time we were done the crunches, lifts, planks, etc I didn't think I'd ever be able to peel myself off of that mat again. Miraculously, I managed to but only because I had plans on Sunday that I didn't want to cancel!
Yesterday was my day for celebration and fun! I spent some well deserved time with family and friends to celebrate my upcoming birthday. It was more than I ever could have asked for. For the most part I stayed on plan very well because I had given my mother my requests for dinner and dessert, both of which were recipes on my plan. Everyone loved the ginger-honey chicken, spicy spaghetti squash and double fudge brownies (made with black beans). Who knew healthy eating could taste so good?! Kathy Smart did!
I'm not going to pretend that I was perfect though because I did have a snack in the afternoon of hummus on grain crackers (on plan) and bruchetta on garlic crackers (not on plan). The treat was wonderful and it may have been more than I should have had, but it was less than I would have had! My other cheat (which I decided I very much deserved) was a couple of my favorite beverages. Let me tell you, they taste even better when you know you shouldn't be having them! All in all, I think it was a very successful day considering that I could have really blown it. The weigh-in tomorrow may not be as great as I'd like, but I'm okay with it this week because I'll make up for it next week.
Now, onto my other news...
A year ago, after my sister went to Las Vegas for her 30th birthday and I heard about a few of my other friends doing the same, I decided I needed to make a plan for myself. I knew there was no way I'd manage to fly to Vegas for mine but I wanted to do something exciting. I told my mother what I wanted to do for my 30th birthday and as it turns out, she was the only person in my family who had any interest in doing it with me. As time crept closer the possibility seemed to vanish but I was hoping I could still do something I'd remember for a long time.
Yesterday as I was opening my birthday presents, I received some really amazing, and very touching gifts: a new wardrobe (now that my old one doesn't seem to fit!), a gorgeous leather bench to help me climb into my new bed (unfortunately this new plan hasn't helped me grow any taller), and a donation to the International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement in my name (which helps to educate people about the difference between autoimmune arthritis and the arthritis most people think of). Those were incredible and I really couldn't have asked for better, more thoughtful gifts.
Then I opened the gift from my parents and I began to cry. I was speechless. It was a piece of paper telling me that beyond my wildest dreams, my 30th birthday wish is coming true. I'm going up in a hot air balloon, for a sunset champagne flight, with my mom!!! It was originally planned for the trip to fall exactly on my birthday, but then The Biggest Loser happened. With the training, weigh-ins and measurements all happening tomorrow there was no way they could make the ride happen too. So instead the trip is planned for next Monday, the first official day of my summer vacation. I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate the start of summer, my journey, or my 30th birthday! This is going to be a summer that I will never forget.
May God bless each of you as He has blessed me.
Friday, 13 July 2012
Win or Lose
Last night we had a big challenge. Now by challenge, I mean a competition or "fitness challenge". We knew it was coming but really didn't know what to expect. We were devided into groups of 3 or 4 and given a list of exercises. I think our group was the wackiest of the bunch and we like to joke and have a good time. These girls really make workouts fun and I enjoy spending time with them. We had to give our group a name and as usual we were being silly so we called ourselves the "Play Doh's" (and yes, I spelled doh right because it was in reference to the Simpsons and how we felt when hearing about the challenge)!
Each exercise was worth a number of points. The goal for each group was to hit 1000 points by the time our hour was over. Here is an example of a few of the exercises:
20 shoulder presses = 5 points
100 jumping jacks = 15 points
1 minute plank = 20 points (FYI: that one really sucks!!!)
1 lap jog, run, or walk around the building = 25 points (the weather was also in the high 30's yesterday which made it worse)
Our team collectively managed to do a total of 1105 points!! Unfortunately we didn't win because two other teams were around 1400 points (they were stronger runners so they mostly did the laps around the building over and over again). The winning team won kitchen raids where our trainer and nutritionist will invade their kitchens and go through their cupboards. It would have been nice to win but not everything is all about the competition. Our team may not have won the prize but I am so proud of what we accomplished!
Last night I finally started to see the difference in how quickly I can move now and I am definitely getting stronger and more flexible. Over the past week or so I've started to notice some of my flexibility coming back. One of our stretches after every workout is stretching our thigh by bending our knee and grabbing our foot from behind. I do not have great balance yet so I still hold onto the wall but I'm okay with that. I have progressed from grabbing the bottom of my pant leg, to grabbing the back of shoe, to the bottom edge of my shoe. Last night, for the first time in many years, I was able to grab my ankle on both sides and even managed to do it with ease!
On top of the ability to move faster, I'm stronger. I can lift and move things without worrying about my RA flaring like it used to. I am also starting to feel like the old me again. I am singing more. I can't help but dance when I hear music. For those who didn't know me before my illness, I used to sing and dance in public. I was a performer and I loved it. It was my life.
My medical issues have caused me a lot of physical and emotional pain and until recently, even took away my ability to sing. Just as my voice started to come back earlier this year, I got sick again, developed laryngitis and my throat had trouble healing. This week, I've discovered that my voice is back and I think it might finally be here to stay! I smile a lot more now and I am happy. It has been a long time since I've been able to say for certain that "I AM HAPPY". There has always been a "but" or a "sort of" to go along with it. I knew this program would do me a lot of good, but the affect it has had on every aspect of my life has been such a great surprise. Every time I look in the mirror, I start to recognize myself a little bit more as the weight comes off. For too many years now there has been a stranger looking back at me, but now I see Laura looking back at me and she is so ready to come out of hiding!
Compeition or not, 1st place or 19th, I will come out of this a winner.
Goodnight and God bless.
Each exercise was worth a number of points. The goal for each group was to hit 1000 points by the time our hour was over. Here is an example of a few of the exercises:
20 shoulder presses = 5 points
100 jumping jacks = 15 points
1 minute plank = 20 points (FYI: that one really sucks!!!)
1 lap jog, run, or walk around the building = 25 points (the weather was also in the high 30's yesterday which made it worse)
Our team collectively managed to do a total of 1105 points!! Unfortunately we didn't win because two other teams were around 1400 points (they were stronger runners so they mostly did the laps around the building over and over again). The winning team won kitchen raids where our trainer and nutritionist will invade their kitchens and go through their cupboards. It would have been nice to win but not everything is all about the competition. Our team may not have won the prize but I am so proud of what we accomplished!
Last night I finally started to see the difference in how quickly I can move now and I am definitely getting stronger and more flexible. Over the past week or so I've started to notice some of my flexibility coming back. One of our stretches after every workout is stretching our thigh by bending our knee and grabbing our foot from behind. I do not have great balance yet so I still hold onto the wall but I'm okay with that. I have progressed from grabbing the bottom of my pant leg, to grabbing the back of shoe, to the bottom edge of my shoe. Last night, for the first time in many years, I was able to grab my ankle on both sides and even managed to do it with ease!
On top of the ability to move faster, I'm stronger. I can lift and move things without worrying about my RA flaring like it used to. I am also starting to feel like the old me again. I am singing more. I can't help but dance when I hear music. For those who didn't know me before my illness, I used to sing and dance in public. I was a performer and I loved it. It was my life.
My medical issues have caused me a lot of physical and emotional pain and until recently, even took away my ability to sing. Just as my voice started to come back earlier this year, I got sick again, developed laryngitis and my throat had trouble healing. This week, I've discovered that my voice is back and I think it might finally be here to stay! I smile a lot more now and I am happy. It has been a long time since I've been able to say for certain that "I AM HAPPY". There has always been a "but" or a "sort of" to go along with it. I knew this program would do me a lot of good, but the affect it has had on every aspect of my life has been such a great surprise. Every time I look in the mirror, I start to recognize myself a little bit more as the weight comes off. For too many years now there has been a stranger looking back at me, but now I see Laura looking back at me and she is so ready to come out of hiding!
Compeition or not, 1st place or 19th, I will come out of this a winner.
Goodnight and God bless.
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Full Speed Ahead
Well, after my last post about the struggles I've been facing, it's time to dive into an update on my training and tonight's weigh-in!
I had a very intense make up session on Friday with Adrian and two other team members. I was so sore all weekend from it that everytime I raised my arms to reach for something or to stretch, I had no choice but to think of Adrian. I think he does that on purpose! I still feel some of the burn in my triceps depending on how I stretch and I have no doubt that is Adrian's fault! Chantal also had us doing a very intensive upperbody work out on Saturday morning and I'm so glad that is over. Doing the arms two days in a row was exhausting.
Tonight we trained with another trainer, Christie. She kept us very busy and working as a team. It was different, fun and a great workout. I'm exhausted again! But the part I was kind of dreading after last week was the weigh-in. It went so terribly on Thursday night that I wasn't expecting much today (specially being that it was only 5 days instead of a full week). Well, I surprised myself...
I have lost another 4 lbs since Thursday! I am so pleased. I really needed that extra boost and I feel great! I have now lost a total of 19.2 lbs, which is 6.26% of my total body weight, in only 4 weeks. This program is amazing and I know that I could never do this on my own. Being a part of the program helps me to remain accountable and I am so grateful to my donor for giving me this chance. I officially weigh less than I have in over a year.
We have several fun events planned for the Biggest Loser group over the next 2 weeks. Tomorrow night is a food prep course and Thursday at training we will be separated into groups and will be having a challenge to win kitchen raids (I really could use that to get my family on track with me). Next week on Tuesday we will have our weigh-ins and measurements and then next Wednesday we have an amazing night out in a limo to a surprise location where we will learn how to order healthy at a restaurant. I can't wait! I think I'd better buy a new outfit though...
Two weeks ago when we did our first trip to Green's Creek hill, I had mentioned that we took a group photo. I finally have it so I thought I would include it tonight. We've all come so far even since then and look different already. I'll try to get some updated training photos of myself for a post in the near future.
![]()
Goodnight and God bless.
I had a very intense make up session on Friday with Adrian and two other team members. I was so sore all weekend from it that everytime I raised my arms to reach for something or to stretch, I had no choice but to think of Adrian. I think he does that on purpose! I still feel some of the burn in my triceps depending on how I stretch and I have no doubt that is Adrian's fault! Chantal also had us doing a very intensive upperbody work out on Saturday morning and I'm so glad that is over. Doing the arms two days in a row was exhausting.
Tonight we trained with another trainer, Christie. She kept us very busy and working as a team. It was different, fun and a great workout. I'm exhausted again! But the part I was kind of dreading after last week was the weigh-in. It went so terribly on Thursday night that I wasn't expecting much today (specially being that it was only 5 days instead of a full week). Well, I surprised myself...
I have lost another 4 lbs since Thursday! I am so pleased. I really needed that extra boost and I feel great! I have now lost a total of 19.2 lbs, which is 6.26% of my total body weight, in only 4 weeks. This program is amazing and I know that I could never do this on my own. Being a part of the program helps me to remain accountable and I am so grateful to my donor for giving me this chance. I officially weigh less than I have in over a year.
We have several fun events planned for the Biggest Loser group over the next 2 weeks. Tomorrow night is a food prep course and Thursday at training we will be separated into groups and will be having a challenge to win kitchen raids (I really could use that to get my family on track with me). Next week on Tuesday we will have our weigh-ins and measurements and then next Wednesday we have an amazing night out in a limo to a surprise location where we will learn how to order healthy at a restaurant. I can't wait! I think I'd better buy a new outfit though...
Two weeks ago when we did our first trip to Green's Creek hill, I had mentioned that we took a group photo. I finally have it so I thought I would include it tonight. We've all come so far even since then and look different already. I'll try to get some updated training photos of myself for a post in the near future.
Goodnight and God bless.
Where Do I Begin?
I have so much to say today that I have decided to do it in two entries. This first entry is to fill all of you in on some of the disappointing news I received this week. It's been a rough couple of days with my rheumatoid arthritis and I feel it is important to pour some light on that separately.
Yesterday I went to see my doctor about the fact that I have been having a lot of dizzy spells for the past 2 months. The most concerning part is that two of them were so massive that I almost passed out and I was very scared. My doctor is going to look into the possibility that these have been caused by my Rituxan (the chemotherapy used to treat my RA). After doing some of my own research online, it seems as though this may be the case. Dizziness is a potential serious side effect that can show up within weeks to months after the last infusion and requires immediate medical attention. If this IS the case, I will likely need to start looking into new treatment options. I have finally started to see what life can be like when a medication starts to work (after failing several other serious medications) so it will be heartbreaking and disabling to start over again. I pray that I don't have to start back at square one but it is a very real possibility that I may lose my mobility again for months to years until we find the right medication.
The other part of all of this is that if it is not the medication (and even if it is), I may need to see a neurologist. It puts extra strain in trying to get to where I need to be (including my training sessions and appointments if my husband is working) because I've decided not to drive for a while, but I have an amazingly supportive family who have agreed to help out whenever they can.
On top of this news, I finally got in touch with my rheumatologist today because I hadn't heard yet when my follow-up appointment would be. Usually when you start a new medication, he will see you every 3-6 months to ensure that things are going smoothly with no major side effects or problems (and to ensure that the medication is working). My next infusion should also be scheduled around the 6-month mark. I last saw him in January and my infusions were in February. Today when I called, I was informed that I didn't have an appointment booked until late January!
Needless to say, I had very disappointing news over the past couple of days. However, I am persistent and I they managed to squeeze due to a cancellation, so I see my rheumatologist in two and a half weeks. Now hopefully I will be able to get some answers.
After all of this negativity, I was ready for something good to happen...and it did. A few things happened. One of them is that as soon as I got home tonight, I had a package in the mail from the Arthritis Foundation in the states with 10 "Cure Athritis" bracelets! They shipped to me for free and they said they would send more if I need them. I am wearing it with great pride!
Then biggest news is that a few weeks back, the Arthritis Society of Canada contacted me after I had met several members while working as a volunteer during our Walk to Fight Arthritis in June. They told me that they were wanting to send out a letter to potential donors as they do every year. They always highlight someone's story and they felt that mine needed to be told. They asked me if I would be willing to share it and of course, I agreed. I sent them a copy of a speech I did in April and told them that they could use any part of my story for their campaign. This afternoon I received a phone call letting me know that their letter was complete and that they were emailing it to me to approve and make changes. I made no changes. It was perfect. I couldn't believe it when I read it. The whole letter is all about my story and how it relates to others, the national stats and how people can help those like me. I am so moved and humbled. If telling others my story can help to make a difference for others with arthritis, then it is worth every struggle. I finally feel like getting this disease has happened for a reason.
Even through all of the struggle this week, I was feeling very down but thanks to this whole journey with Biggest Loser, I have learned how to get back up again. Not so long ago news like this would have made it hard to get back up and keep pushing. Today when I called my mother in a good mood, she told me that she has seen a 180' change in me since I started this program. Adrian was very smart in naming his gym 180' Fitness...
For those who are interested in reading my full story, below is the speech that I submitted to the Arthritis Society:
Yesterday I went to see my doctor about the fact that I have been having a lot of dizzy spells for the past 2 months. The most concerning part is that two of them were so massive that I almost passed out and I was very scared. My doctor is going to look into the possibility that these have been caused by my Rituxan (the chemotherapy used to treat my RA). After doing some of my own research online, it seems as though this may be the case. Dizziness is a potential serious side effect that can show up within weeks to months after the last infusion and requires immediate medical attention. If this IS the case, I will likely need to start looking into new treatment options. I have finally started to see what life can be like when a medication starts to work (after failing several other serious medications) so it will be heartbreaking and disabling to start over again. I pray that I don't have to start back at square one but it is a very real possibility that I may lose my mobility again for months to years until we find the right medication.
The other part of all of this is that if it is not the medication (and even if it is), I may need to see a neurologist. It puts extra strain in trying to get to where I need to be (including my training sessions and appointments if my husband is working) because I've decided not to drive for a while, but I have an amazingly supportive family who have agreed to help out whenever they can.
On top of this news, I finally got in touch with my rheumatologist today because I hadn't heard yet when my follow-up appointment would be. Usually when you start a new medication, he will see you every 3-6 months to ensure that things are going smoothly with no major side effects or problems (and to ensure that the medication is working). My next infusion should also be scheduled around the 6-month mark. I last saw him in January and my infusions were in February. Today when I called, I was informed that I didn't have an appointment booked until late January!
Needless to say, I had very disappointing news over the past couple of days. However, I am persistent and I they managed to squeeze due to a cancellation, so I see my rheumatologist in two and a half weeks. Now hopefully I will be able to get some answers.
After all of this negativity, I was ready for something good to happen...and it did. A few things happened. One of them is that as soon as I got home tonight, I had a package in the mail from the Arthritis Foundation in the states with 10 "Cure Athritis" bracelets! They shipped to me for free and they said they would send more if I need them. I am wearing it with great pride!
Then biggest news is that a few weeks back, the Arthritis Society of Canada contacted me after I had met several members while working as a volunteer during our Walk to Fight Arthritis in June. They told me that they were wanting to send out a letter to potential donors as they do every year. They always highlight someone's story and they felt that mine needed to be told. They asked me if I would be willing to share it and of course, I agreed. I sent them a copy of a speech I did in April and told them that they could use any part of my story for their campaign. This afternoon I received a phone call letting me know that their letter was complete and that they were emailing it to me to approve and make changes. I made no changes. It was perfect. I couldn't believe it when I read it. The whole letter is all about my story and how it relates to others, the national stats and how people can help those like me. I am so moved and humbled. If telling others my story can help to make a difference for others with arthritis, then it is worth every struggle. I finally feel like getting this disease has happened for a reason.
Even through all of the struggle this week, I was feeling very down but thanks to this whole journey with Biggest Loser, I have learned how to get back up again. Not so long ago news like this would have made it hard to get back up and keep pushing. Today when I called my mother in a good mood, she told me that she has seen a 180' change in me since I started this program. Adrian was very smart in naming his gym 180' Fitness...
For those who are interested in reading my full story, below is the speech that I submitted to the Arthritis Society:
Imagine owning your first house; planting your gardens that first spring. The good aches that follow, a sign that you’ve worked hard and can be proud. Now imagine if that pain stayed…forever.
In May 2009, that’s exactly how my life was turned upside down. In July 2009, about a week shy of my 27th birthday, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA is an auto-immune disease caused by my immune system attacking my healthy joints.
I spent the next six months in shock and fighting to hold off depression, so that Christmas we decided to fly south to visit family, but everything went downhill. By the time we landed in Toronto Caribbean in bed sleeping and in extreme pain. While on vacation, my sister called to inform me that on Christmas Eve she had also been diagnosed with RA. I will never forget that moment as I was lying painfully in bed. At that moment, my heart hurt more than my body did.
Eight months later, after watching and knowing the signs, we were not surprised but still stunned when our father was also diagnosed with RA. Three of us in fifteen months. That is a lot for one family to handle and I worry every day about passing it on to my daughter.
After my trip, I began a more aggressive treatment involving weekly injections. I responded quickly to the medication and I knew exactly what I wanted to do to celebrate the first day I felt a lot better…I picked up my three-year-old, for the first time in six months.
Unfortunately for me, the medications seem to stop working almost as quickly as they start. Thanks to work by organizations like the Arthritis Society, I’ve been able to try several medications as there are many to choose from. However, my medications cost over $20,000 per year. I am blessed to still be working full-time with wonderful insurance to cover the costs, but not everyone is so lucky.
I am now 3 years into my disease and I have failed four drugs from three drug categories. I am now on chemotherapy infusions and continue to hold out hope that they will work. In the meantime, I have learned to swallow my pride and to ask for help. I have learned that I’m stronger than I ever imagine I could be and that my pain threshold grows with my disease. I’ve learned how to appreciate the little things like being able to brush my own hair or get myself dressed in the morning because I sure miss them on the days that I can’t. But even more, I’ve learned that support – from family friends and the special people at the Arthritis Society – that is what keeps me hopeful and helps me get out of bed every day. If we continue to work together, we will one day find a cure and I will one day be pain-free.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)