MyFitnessPal

Hello....

A friend introduced me to MyFitnessPal app to track my calories. Boy!!! It has really opened my eyes to the nutritional value(or lack of value) in foods. I never really thought about it much but now I look at it b4 I buy food. I am becoming a label reader. Some days I go over my goal and some days Im under it. So it all works together. My body may be used to the new change bc Im not losing as fast. At my current rate, it may take over a year to lose 60 more pounds but I am NOT giving up or giving in. I will continue eating healthier even if I dont lose another pound. This is my life now. Of course, I still have days that I "cheat" and eat something "unhealthy" but those are rare. Maybe once a month. For someone addicted to food that is a great change. If you would like to friend me on  MyFitnessPal, my user name is KeenalynnP. I can use all the support I can get.

Stay Strong,
Keena

Steps to MY Success

Good afternoon,
Before I get into the meat of my blog let me make a small disclaimer: These steps are working  for ME and when it comes to weight loss every BODY is different. I am NOT saying this is how YOU must do it but I am seeing small improvements in my health and in my mind.

We all can agree that our mindset can affect our body. So along with changing what I did physically I changed what I did to create a positive mindset. Since I am a Christian, a lot of my changes dealt with the spiritual.

I became diligent in reading the Word of God on a DAILY basis. I now get up early to soak in His Word. Every morning that I am able I listen to a faith filled teacher. Plus, I listen to sermons online. I find the promises of God (in His Word) that I want to manifest in my life and speak them ALOUD over my life every day. Of course, I talk with God every day as well. I also feel led to partake of communion by myself at home once a week.

Physically, I eat VERY different. I eat a mostly(%90) plant based diet. I have stopped sodas altogether. I have dramatically cut down on refined sugars. No fast food other than an occassional Chick fil A or maybe a salad, if its a decent one. I limit fried foods. I have stopped eating pork. My next goals are to increase my water intake, to increase movement and to get in natural sunlight. Today I actually did 20 minutes of gentle stretching. I would like to include walking on the treadmill as well. Now, when I say walk its only fast enough to keep me moving. Its like 1.5 mph and I can only do like 5 minutes.

Besides the improvements that I shared from my medical update, I am less sleepy during the day although I still need my naps most days. In the past I would sleep 10 to 18 hrs a day. I still need a recover day if I am busy the day before. My legs still go numb if I stand more than 15 minutes at a time. I have been able to do more around the house but I still have to sit and rest during activities. I am by NO means cured. I still have a LONG way to go before I can say that. My attitude toward life has greatly improved. I am the happiest I think I have ever been. Now hold on, my life is not perfect. I still struggle with pain almost on a daily basis. I have obstacles, trials, and temptations just like everyone else BUT....I can honestly say I am content and I am blessed.

With all my love,
Keena

Medical Update

Good Morning, 

Friday I had my yearly physical. My dr was very pleased with my numbers. She even mentioned several times how well I looked. So here are my lab results. 

A1c, which measures the sugar in the blood over a 3 month period,  went from 7.1 to 6.2. For a diabetic the range is to be under 7 and to reduce complications the number needs to be under 6.5

My kidney function has improved.

My lipid panel is about the same. She said some ppl can do all the right things and still have increased numbers. My total cholesterol is 177. Anything under 200 is OK.

The RA factor which indicates RA, rheumatoid arthritis, went from 16 to less than 5. Anything over 15 indicates RA.

My "SED RATE" (marker for inflammation) went from over 100 (which is extremely high) to 23. Normal range is 20 or less. 

Of course, my weight was reduced. However, I did have "white coat syndrome" blood pressure. That means I was probably having anxiety by visiting dr and blood pressure was a tad high. I had lots to talk to her about and I was excited for her to see all my improvements.

The only negative was that I am having symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in my feet. Im praying that if I keep my numbers under better control I can delay its progression.

Happy Mother's Day to moms every where. I appreciate all that you do for you 2 AND 4 legged babies. 

God Bless, 
Keena

My Learning Experience

Good Morning
I had a learning experience over the weekend. As many of you know, I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Well, this weekend was a bad weekend for me. I was utterly exhausted. I slept on/off most of the weekend. My hubby, the wonderful man he is, knew my dilemma and suggested we order out. Of course, I agreed. However, it was not the best of foods that we ordered. My sugar levels reflected that choice. At first I was disappointed but then became Angry. "Why do some ppl eat whatever and whenever they want with no consequence but I have to watch every thing I put in my mouth?". It is not fair but we know life is not fair. I learned that I have to keep my guard up at all times. As of today, I have lost 30lbs. April my weight was steady and now its moving very slowly. I am thinking about an intermitten fast to help and/or going back to the really restrictive eating I followed the 1st 6 weeks. I NEED to get this weight off. I am aware that it took years to put on so it will take time to get off. I guess I am inpatient bc I want it gone...NOW!!!! I thought my appt was today but was reminded that it is Friday. I will update afterward and share my lab results with you. I have much to discuss with dr and I will share some of that too. Thanks for reading.

Much love
Keena

Progress not Perfection

Good Morning, 

Its a beautiful sunny day here in South Carolina.  I hope you are having a great week thus far. I am.

I want to talk about a motto that I try to stick to. 

               "PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION".

You see, my goal is to make continuous progress toward better health. There will be days that I make bad choices but that does not negate all the right choices I have made. If I strive for perfection, I become defeated bc perfection cannot be obtained. If my standard is too high, I will quit before I even get started. But, when I see progress that stirs me to make even better choices. This motto can be applied to any goal we have. 

On May 8th I have my annual dr appt. I will share with you how my numbers have changed and what tips the dr may give. 

BTW, I am in the process of obtaining a nutritionalist to help me tweek my eating plan. Its a free service through my insurance so I want to take advantage of it.

Have an awesome weekend

Your friend, 

Keena