Today I visited my Doctor for routine stuff. He's a very personable guy who will sit and chit chat for an extended amount of time about absolutely nothing. He usually walks into the room already in mid-sentence about something he will spend the next half hour talking about. When he walked into the room, he was actually speechless. He just looked at me for a very long time and then said: " didn't you look very different the last time I saw you not all that long ago?". He looked down at my chart and showed me that I was 148 lbs the last time I was there about 6 months ago. I weighed in at 120 lbs today. One year ago during my visit, I weighed in at 154 lbs, my all time heaviest. I guess the changes are shocking if you haven't seen me in a while. I told him all about my diet changes, my running, my triathlon training and it dawned on me that I have worked very hard to get to this point. Not to see the scale go down, because I don't care about that, but to feel really good and strong. I know that the dietary changes are accountable for 90% of the progress. I haven't lifted a weight in months, but I have more muscle. I feel comfortable in clothing, I can run long and fast, I can cycle and I can swim. One year ago, I could not do any of this. It took years of unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle to get to my unhealthiest moment. It has taken me about two years in total to get to where I am now. I like to think of this as the half way mark, with even more improved fitness in the future. My goals for next year are to complete an Olympic Triathlon and to complete a half-marathon this fall. By setting goals for myself, I am motivated to work hard. For any of you struggling with weight and sluggishness do not expect rapid changes. If you are on any "diet" right now, I promise you, it will be short lived.
Another before and after. Both with my sister Tanya.
Here is my approach to weight loss and improved health:
1. If it's in a box or can, don't buy it.
2. Rid your home for good of all processed food.
3. If you consume poultry or red meat, know your source. Only eat animals that are grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic free and that do not eat GMO feed.
3. Only eat wild caught fish
4. Eat wild meats in place of beef or poultry if possible such as venison, guinea hen, pheasant, rabbit.
5. Omit all dairy
6. Try to cook everything yourself and from scratch
7. Only buy organic produce and fruit.
8. Only buy non-GMO products
9. Eat all and every vegetable you can find especially green leafy ones.
10. Prepare foods for the winter by canning in the summer
11. Limit your grains to ancient ones. Quinoa, Amaranth, Black rice etc.
12. Exercise!
13. Feed everyone in your home the same way.
14. Never deprive yourself of your favorite treats, once and a while they are ok.
15. Never get mad at yourself for messing up. Start over.
Another before and after. Both with my sister Tanya.
Jeanine, this is absolutely inspiring and uplifting...Not because I'm mentioned (sister), but because I do not know everything there is to know about fitness and staying healthy. Although I am a certified Zumba Instuctor, and I power walk, train, kick box, and am thin, it doesn't mean I am 100% healthy. There is always something new to learn, and I am a very open minded and inquisitive individual. Health and fitness has become a new lifestyle in which I have adapted well to. I've been consistently committed to this change since February, 2013. I am truly amazed by your fitness, endurance, and mostly your dedication. Thank you for sharing the beautiful positiveness.
ReplyDeleteInspiring and thoughtful Jeanine -- I couldn't agree more with the things you have said -- although omitting all dairy for all people at all times is sometimes super difficult..for most this will lead to some type of failure..I know I personally have always felt better when I eat better. It's like people spending lots of money on cars, washing and maintaining them and putting premium fuel in them. So many people put lots of time, effort and money into clothes, nails, etc. but don't pay attention to their food/fuel....LOVE your blog and look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteand have I told you how AMAZING you look! In the after picture above you can just see your happiness radiating. Lori
Here are my thoughts. Avoid processed foods. Don't eat anything unless you've cooked it yourself. If you eat at a restaurant, go somewhere you trust - know where they source their food and know the chef and owner. I think this gets to the heart of the matter. By the way, I don't avoid all dairy although I have cut back some. Jeanine doesn't avoid all dairy either. You will sometimes catch her at the Dairy-Serv enjoying a soft serve vanilla!
ReplyDeleteBy eating right, I have made the transition from "obese" to "overweight" after a 40 lb. weight loss. I have been using Myfitnesspal religiously by the way. This is a really great way to keep a food diary. I have not had the time to add any exercise into my life. This is one component that is important for cardiovascular health although it is not a necessary component for weight loss.
Thanks for all your comments and kind words. It's true, I do eat vanilla ice cream but always pay for it with cramps. I'm lactose intolerant so I guess giving up dairy has set me free in a way. I can imagine that if you can handle it, it might be very hard to give up. But there are other issues with dairy. Joe has a book written by his professor Dr. Donald Ross called " The XO Factor" which describes the results of his studies done on pasteurized and ultra pasteurized milk and its effects on the human body. Some of it very concerning. I will ask Joe to write about this in detail to share with you.
ReplyDelete