Lifestyle change...

I am getting extremely excited about how things are going...  this "lifestyle change" that my cardiologist told me about...  and his goal for me...  I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical at first, but after reading all the materials he gave me I decided why not give it a try...  and so it began October 13th.

The "lifestyle change" was in my eating...  some people call it a diet, but he called it a "lifestyle change", and that is exactly what it is for me.  No more grains of any kind, no more pasta, no fruit, only meats and vegetables that grow above the ground, and I can have mayonaise, hard cheeses, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, anything that has fat!!!  Yep...  a total revamp of my eating habits, and I am loving it!

I have not had any cravings for anything...  I will admit that some things smell really good when baking.... like homemade bread, banana bread, cookies...  but I am not craving or wanting it when it's out of the oven.  I can fill up on what I can have and that is good with me.

So, this is how it's been going.  GREAT!!!  Since starting this new "lifestyle change" I have lost 28 pounds, gone down a size in jeans and tops.  I still have a ways to go to make it to the goal of 60 pounds set by my cardiologist... but I am almost half way there, and my goal of 30 might be reached by New Year's,  if not it's okay because I've got this...  I am enjoying the challenge of finding new ways to cook things, and am finding new recipes that are quite yummy...

So, this "lifestyle change" is great for me...  it's not for everyone...  but I just couldn't hold it in any longer... I'm pumped about it...  yes I am!

Aaaahhhh..... sweet relief.... sort of!

Yes, I am beginning to feel better....  BUT...  I have got to remember that just because I am feeling a little better I still CANNOT do what I could 6 months ago.  A tough weekend...  did way to much last week... and paid the price with a not so great few days.

This is such a BIG learning thing for me.  I still need to take time out, and continue to ask for help with tasks I used to be able to do with no problem...  This is very difficult for me to do.

I don't feel sick...  I just don't have the strength and stamina or breath to do most of those tasks.

Thanking God for the healing that is going on...  physically and spiritually...  and grateful for friends that are willing to lend a hand, and even scold me when I am doing a bit too much.  :)

An update...

Well, it's been a tough and rough 6 months...  but praising God for His strength through it all.  I am happy to report that I am finally feeling some relief...  I think I am finally turning the corner... I have a little more energy...  I am able to do a bit more than I have been able to over these last 6 months.  I can make it up 2 flights of stairs without gasping...  a little tough...  and I was quite slow...  but I made it... I am not planning on doing that very often, yet.  (Found that out when I had to appear for jury selection on Monday.)  Folding laundry is a bit easier...  sheets and towels take a toll, but I can do it now.  Vacuuming takes me FOREVER...  but I have done it.

Praising God today for this improvement, however small...  it means to me that whatever was going on, is finally working itself out.

WAHOO!!!  Yeah, it is BIG news...

Keep praying?  I can certainly still use them...