Motivated at last!

Finally I feel like I'm getting some results ... for the first time in quite a while I appear to be losing weight! As someone who is driven by targets and results, I need to see progress, otherwise I often feel like giving in. Well, what is the point in giving up things that you enjoy if it has no impact on your weight, energy levels or wellbeing?!

Since giving up sugar (although not completely as that would be almost impossible, given that it is most things, including fruit) and gluten; I have also been more conscious of what I am consuming. Meals are meat and vegetables; snacks are fruit; coffee has been replaced by peppermint tea and I am drinking a lot more water. I am beginning to feel better although an ongoing pounding headache, I can only assume it's a withdrawal symptom from sugar and caffeine, has been rather annoying. However, I am hoping this will disappear soon.

Of course, I have been exercising too and find that a run first thing in the morning is great to kick-start my metabolism. When the mornings get brighter, I may be dragging my little girls out of bed for an early morning run (perhaps only on the weekends and holidays as I can imagine there will be a lot of complaining!)

Fingers crossed that I am able to maintain the healthy eating when I return to work next week as it is always tempting to snack on 'junk' after a busy, stressful day at work.

But having seen some progress, I am now feeling more motivated and determined to make this work. Although I know that I have a long way to go to achieve the weight loss that I want and increase my energy levels.

 

So long sugar ...

I could be addicted to chocolate and certainly use it as a much needed pick-me-up throughout the day. As a busy mum and teacher, I'm always on the go and with poor energy levels, chocolate gives an immediate and easy, albeit temporary, energy boost. 

My last blog post focused on cutting out gluten, in an attempt to improve the condition of my thyroid and improve my energy levels, which have taken a massive nose-dive recently. Constantly on the search for answers, as I hate feeling exhausted and am frustrated with my inability to lose weight, I started wondering if sugar could also be my 'enemy'.

This morning I came across an interesting article written by a women who went from having a very active life to having to completely slow down. Like me, she had been constantly on the go until one day her body had enough.

"I propped myself up on a rotating cycle of black coffee in the morning and red wine at night. I was burning my rechargeable, ever-ready candle at both ends in the most spectacular of fashions. And getting away with it.

"But then my body collapsed." (Quitting Sugar Saved My Thyroid: Sarah Wilson's Story)

Sound familiar? People used to constantly ask me how I was always able to keep 'on the go' as I managed to fit everything in - looking after the kids, busy job, managing the house, exercise, social life etc. I always had enough energy and most of the time, enjoyed my hectic, busy lifestyle. 

My 'body collapse' wasn't as quick or dramatic as the author of the article I read, but over the last few months I have definitely felt my body telling me to slow down. In fact over the last few years, I've had a few spells of exhaustion, pre-thyroid diagnosis, which I've mostly ignored.

Like me, the author also had a sudden massive weight gain. She now views it as a way in which her body had to heal itself; I consider my weight gain differently. In search for answers, as you won't get any in a doctor's surgery, she decided to quit sugar as it basically destroys the thyroid gland.

So, having just finished my delicious valentine's cookie, I am now ready to attempt eliminate sugar from my diet, which I know won't be easy. Hopefully, I will notice some changes over the next few weeks. If I don't, I will be back on the sugar as there's no point in cutting something you love if it doesn't make you feel any better!

Again, any tips or advice, especially from anyone who has successfully eliminated sugar from their diet, would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading.

Goodbye Gluten!

It's been a year of frustration, misery and disappointment in relation to my attempts to lose weight and regain my energy levels. 

Despite being diagnosed with an under active thyroid over a year ago, my weight wasn't an issue as I always did enough exercise; usually five or six times a week. However, it all changed when I broke my ankle playing rugby. Unable to exercise properly, as arm workouts at the gym don't really count, I inevitably put on weight. Since getting back to exercise in May, I have lost some weight. But considering I now exercise, on average, four times a week, it has been frustrating and sometimes demoralising that I can't shift this stubborn weight. 

As I look a healthy weight, I'm not considered a priority by my doctor. Obviously I have been trying to eat healthily and have lost some weight following a shakes diet. Although I do find it difficult to avoid 'treat' foods!

Whilst my weight is an issue, my recent diagnosis of anaemia following months of low energy levels has prompted me to take action. If my daily dose of thyroid medication, iron tablets and berrocca, accompanied by early nights when my work permits it, can't improve my energy levels, something else needs to be done.

So following some research, I have decided to attempt to cut gluten. Food products, such as bread and pizza, have often left me feeling bloated and ill. Although I love the taste of toasted bagels, toast smothered in honey or bacon bap, especially after an early morning BMF session.

This has been a recommended course of action by a number of people, so I am hoping that in a month or so I should have some results. I will keep you posted.

Any tips or advice are welcomed. Thank you for reading.