The PLRH Wellness Program fell to the wayside a few months ago when I was in my deepest, darkest depression. Well, the physical health portion fell away because focusing on my mental health became all-consuming. In a balanced life both the physical and mental aspects of health go hand-in-hand. As much as I realize this, I had a hard time getting my butt off the couch. I didn't want to go to yoga and meditation no matter how much I enjoyed it. I didn't want to walk or ride my bike around the neighborhood with my Sweetie. Nor did I want to go swim laps with Mr. A.
Another part of the PLRH Wellness Program suffered as well... my diet. I didn't care about anything at the time so I certainly didn't care about what I ate. My biggest downfalls are refined sugars and carbs. I love them but since I'm no longer a competitive swimmer my body can't process them like it was 1987.
During my deep, dark depression my physician increased my medication to keep me functioning. The medication made me sleepy. So in order to keep awake at the office, I found myself cracking open a Coca-Cola usually at 9:30 am. Yes, Coca-Cola maybe the sweet nectar of life but it doesn't possess any nutritional value.
But here's the real kick in the pants... anyone who's taken anti-depressants or mood stabilizers knows that they come with one cruel side effect. Weight gain. That's right, let's take someone that's clinically depressed and sabotage their self-image too! While these medications make life livable for many people they also pack on the pounds. Some even cause insulin resistance. Over the past eight years I can attribute 30 pounds of weight gain to medication. But at least I have a couple of things going for me... at 5'9" I'm relatively tall and when this all started I was at the very low end of my healthy weight range. I would love to get back into shape and lose all that weight. But with the increase in medication I can only hope to maintain my current weight for the time being.
Three weeks ago I kick started the PLRH Wellness Program again. I'm tracking EVERYTHING I eat, all my activities, and weight using FitDay. I've got to say that it really makes me pay attention to what I'm putting in my body. For anyone who's looking to lose weight, exercise, or just eat healthier it's a great tool. My Sweetie and I are also walking every evening before dinner. We won't be ready for a marathon anytime soon but at least we're getting out there moving and spending time together.
Everything seems to be going in the right direction but I still have two questions:
Who thought of Pretzel M&M's?
And why do they taste soooo good?
3 comments:
I'm cheering you on! I'm a carb-fiend, too. Put me in front of a pot of pasta, and I'm a dangerous, dangerous woman. I'll be following your progress with interest! Good for you.
You're wonderful the way you are. And I too want to kill the makers of hot fudge sundaes, those giant soft pretzels at the baseball games, and ah, pretty anything that tastes good. Stay away from Cakes by Ron!
Hurray for you! Keep with it! One thing that will really help? Exercise. I know, I know. But it helps with the depression too. It really does effect the chemicals in your brain. Good luck!
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