Moving Forward

Good Morning Friends, 

I am back into weight loss mode. For several months that mindset alluded me. I was so excited to have reached my first goal that I relaxed and "enjoyed the view".  However, something in my mind shifted this last weekend. I knew it was time to lose those last 30+ pounds and I dont want them finding me again. I gain weight easily so I must stay vigilant in my nutrition. Its hard bc I LOVE food. Did you ever watch "Friends"? I love food like Joey did but I will share!!

Auggie is doing well. He still pulls on the leash but we are planning to get him a harness to help deter him plus I am working with him on the focus command. The key is to distract him from whatever it is that has grabbed his attention. He is doing ok with it. It's just going to take time and consistency. Here is a pic of Auggie just bc he is so cute

Until next week

Keena

Enjoying the "View"

Good Morning, 

I just wanted to share that I am in a pause right now concerning my weight loss. What I mean by that is I'm enjoying where I am at in this journey. I am maintaining the loss and I am not regaining the weight. I am staying under 200 pounds. I am ok with that for now. I'm focusing on healthier choices and better mindset. This is a lifelong process and I'm learning a lot.  I've gained so much the last several months. I've gained confidence, higher self esteem,  a new outlook on life and more. If you are interested about my journey, please reach out to me.

Health Journey

 Just a quick update on my health journey. I was at my highest weight in January 2021. My depression was at an all time high and I was miserable. I knew I need a change. We had just adopted a dog(will share that story another day). Bc we live in a condo, I had to take him out when he needed to go potty. Since we had not yet established a routine, it was several times a day. I did manage to lose 30lbs. Thank you Auggie the Doggie. But, I was stuck. I needed accountability and support. Long story short, I begin seeing some of my friends lose massive amounts of weight and proclaiming how well they felt. So i questioned their methods. They introduced me to a health program called Optavia. I hesitated for awhile but then took the plunge. From October 1 2021 to January 17th 2022 I lost an additional 50lbs.  I am still not at goal but for the 1st time in decades I am under #200lbs. I decided to journal and blog my journey to keep me accountable AND to tell you there is hope. I still have bad days and i succumb to temptation but I am learning healthier habits and i am changing my mindset about food. Come join the ride!

BEFORE 

                                   AFTER

Discouraged!!!!

I thought with the end of summer things would be better. WRONG!! The steroid injections helped my lower back although I still having problems but my mid back is still hurting. I had a MRI done and it is not spine related. So they sent me to pt. I start that in Oct. Meanwhile, I am on narcotics and strong muscle relaxers 3x daily. My gp thinks its a severe fibro flare. My ankles are even swelling so I take a diuretic every other day. I will ask my pt if gentle massge may help instead of a deep tissue massage. Im trying to do simple things bc my house looks like a tornado has come through. Its a total mess. I cant just avoid doing anything or critters will invade my home. My hubby tries to help but he works so hard that by the time he is home he eats then crashes
Then we had Florence. It was a stressful week. I hate hurricane prep. Its getting more and more stressful. I need to move to the mountains..lol

So to say the least Im gaining the weight back. Between the steroids and high anxiety, Ive regained 18lbs of the 42lbs I had lost. I have got to get back on track. All I want to do is EAT and not good stuff. I want junk food. Chips, cookies, pizza, burgers, brownies, etc. Plus, with all the money for medical expenses, there is less money for our food budget so that means cheaper less healthy food. Also my mind has reverted back to its old ways. Its time I take the control back. I need to reignite the fire I had back in Feb when I first time. I need my passion back. Please join me in prayer. I need your help. I feel led to fast but with the pain meds 3x daily I cant. I have to eat or it makes me ill. Thanks

Keena

Plateau

Good Evening,
It seems Ive hit a plateau with my weight loss. First, it was vacation. I was not surprised there. I expected to gain AND I did. However, I did manage to lose most of what I gained. Then my hubby had a health scare(he is fine) and between all the tests and drs appts, I emotionally ate. I started to get back in control and NOW the a/c is out. So, the first few days, we either ordered out or hubby grabbed take out. I mean who wants to COOK when you dont have air. Well, thats getting expensive so I WILL cook tonight. Let me say that the condo is NOT miserably hot but its not as cool as I like it. I have the ceiling fan on plus a small desk fan blowing directly on me. Im drinking plenty and wearing very little. Hopefully it will be fixed in the next day or two. I said all that to say I have not been on plan. Im up/down the same 10lbs. I was hoping to hit my goal of down 50lbs by August 1st but it doesnt look like that is going to happen. Its so hard breaking old habits. Im disappointed that I ate through my emotions. I know this will be a life long journey. Some days I suceed and some days I dont. But, I am determined to never give up. I will continue to strive to better health and better life.

Keena

What Ive gained

Hello

Ive talked alot about what Ive lost on this health/ spiritual journey but now I want to talk about what I have gained.
Growing up and even into adulthood, I had a very low self esteem or confidance. For a long time, I had believed that my friends were just pretending to like me and were just tolerating me out of kindness/pity. I will not go into how I came to believe that. Its not important. On the physical side, I thought myself to be fat and ugly. As you can see I did not have a high opinion about myself. Although I still have more weight to lose, I now consider myself "Big but beautiful"

However, as I have been seeking God more and more and by making healthy changes, my mind, body, and heart have begun to heal. I still have a long way to go physically. I still have many more pounds to lose but I have seen some small improvements. Will I be completely healed of my conditions? Only God knows that answer but I will continue to strive for a healthier me.

Through this journey my confidance and self esteem are rising. Its not bc of what Ive done. Its all bc I am learning who I truely am. I am a daughter of The King. I am a Child of God. I have been adopted into the Royal Family. My need of approval by man is fading. I have the approval of God Almighty.  My heart and soul are being healed daily. Dont get me wrong though. I still struggle with my human emotions. I believe we all will until we see Jesus face to face. As I fill my mind/heart/soul with the truth of God's word the lies of the enemy do not have the hold on me like they once did. I understand it will be a constant battle until we see Christ. His word says we are at war and I plan to fight(with Christ, of course).

This journey will not end once I reach my "weight" goal. This is a lifetime journey of healing.  I encourage each of you to begin your own journey of health and healing. 

If you dont know God and His awesome love for you and you want to know more, please reach out to me. I would love to introduce you to the love of your life. Falling in love with God is the best thing I have ever done.

Have a great week
Keena

Almost There

Good Morning,
As of this morning, I am down 42lbs. Only 8lbs to my 1st big goal. I thank God for this victory. I tried on some older(smaller) shirts of mine and they fit. My sugars are doing better,  my bp is good, and I am actually seeing the change in my body. Please remember this is with a change of eating. Bc of some of my health conditions, I really have not been exercising. Plus, somehow I injured my knee and until I see dr and get it well I am not taking any chances. Also be aware that I do allow myself "cheat" meals. I am not being super restrictive. I LOVE food so I do sometimes indulge. If I can do this, I know that you CAN too. Dont give up on yourself. Your body will thank you. Its all about making healthier choices and knowing what you are eating. If you dont do it for yourself, do it for those that love you.

In this together,
Keena

Reality Check

Good Morning All,

For the month of May I lost 6lbs. I was hoping to lose about 10 but....I have been more relaxed than the 1st 6 weeks of my dietary change. Its hard to keep up a 2-3 lb drop every week bc I LOVE food. So, if I can lose at least 4 or 5 lbs a month I will be happy. This has proven to be  very challenging. Also, I am more aware of how many calories are in some of my favorite food...WOW!!!! Its no wonder Americans are fat and sick(I know some sickness is not as result of our food). We eat too much junk and processed food. My hubby and I went out a couple of times the last couple of weeks(we had gift cards) and the resturants listed calories of each menu item. I am still in shock. This has truely been eye opening for me. Im surprised I am not about 400lbs with the way I USED to eat. I thank God He opened my eyes. This is a long and hard journey but I WILL make it by the grace of God. I invite you to join in the journey with me. Your health will thank you

God Bless
Keena

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

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

Apple Cider Vinegar

Good Morning All, 

I found an interesting article on the benefits of drinking ACV(Apple Cider Vinegar). 

www.drlam.com/blog/drinking-apple-cider-vinegar-is-good-for-your-health-true-or-false/36105/
Sorry this did not create a link. Maybe you can copy and paste. I will try to learn how to make it a clickable link.

My personal reason for drinking ACV is to help fight inflammation. Studies have shown that bodies with high inflammation are more prone to disease. Also, an acetic body is prone to disease. ACV actually helps to alkaline the body when consumed. Please dont ask me how that happens. Lol !!!  And, ACV helps reduce inflammation. 
Please do not drink it straight. If you search google, there are many receipes. Today I mixed 2 tbs of ACV, 1 tbs lemon juice, 1 cup of mashed mixed berries(they were frozen so I put in food processor), 2 tsp of stevia in 20oz of water. Of course, I put in some ice. I like cold drinks however, you can make ACV into a tea if you prefer.
I would love to hear your personal stories of how ACV has helped you. 

God Bless, 
Keena

Birthday Bash

Hello All,

Yes. Today April 21st is my bday. I am how 47 yrs old.
My hubby and I had a fun weekend planned. We were to drive upstate Friday night and then spend Saturday at the zoo. I had given myself permission to "cheat" from the new eating habits I had acquired. Well, the trip did not go as planned. My hubby had to work late so we did not get to hotel until after 1030pm.  Hubby took me to IHOP for dinner since we had not eaten. I displayed great restraint. I had an egg white omlette with cheese and veggies with a side order of fresh fruit. I knew that Saturday I was going to splurge. Well, when we woke up, hubby was not feeling well so we decided to cancel the zoo. Our tickets are good until April 20th 2019. Hubby took me to Cracker Barrell for breakfast. I had one of their breakfast platters but
I still stayed away from pork. I had the turkey sausage. I started the drive home but got so sleepy I had to let hubby take over. When we got back into town, hubby saw the dr at a clinic and he has a sinus infection. He has been sleeping on/off since we got home. Please pray the sleep and meds help bc he does have to return to work tomorrow morning. After the dr we went thru an ice cream shop drive thru. Yes!!! I got an ice cream waffle cone for my bday. It was so good. Then after picking up hubby's rx we came home. Of course, we were not able to go out so we ordered a couple of pizzas and a calzone. The calzone and one pizza was meat free. The good thing is although it was "crap" food I did not eat as much as I normally would have. I probably will eat left overs tomorrow but Monday its back on track for me. This is my bday weekend and I did not feel guilty about what I ate.
I do believe that everything is ok in moderation. My next "cheat" time will be in June when hubby and I go on vacation.
Although the weekend did not go as planned, I am truely blessed with wonderful family and friends. I have everything I need. I have an awesome hubby who loves and adores me.
I pray every one has a blessed Sunday and a productive week ahead.

Much love,
Keena

A little bit about my life

My Life with CFS

I was active as a child, teen and young adult.  I played softball, did dance, performed in school plays, and was very active in church.  As a young adult, i volunteered at my church working with teens.  I have co-directed VBS, organised church wide events, and have create a children's programs. I have supervised lock ins, car washes, and youth retreats.   I did this while working full time, going to school part time, and even working 2 jobs. So to say the least, I have always been a person who stayed busy with life and I loved every minute of it.   Then in 2003 I developed an upper respiratory infection and was out of work for a week.  Later in that week, I received a phone call that a family member was ill and may not make it through the weekend.   Despite being sick, my mother and I drove 12 hours to be with family.  We stayed at the hospital for several more hours.  Thus, we were without sleep for like 36 hours straight.  When I finally got to bed, I literally felt something "switch" in my body.  I cannot explain it fully but I did feel something odd.  I told myself that I was going to pay for this.  I never knew it would be for a life time.  After returning home( the family member survived and was able to go home...she died 6 months later), I continued to be sick.  I had lost all energy.  I keep getting reoccurring infections and my energy level was at an all time low.  My doctor performed all types of test to see why I was continually getting infections.   Every test came back negative.   Finally,  after a year of reoccurring infections and lack of energy, the dr said that I may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  At first I thought YES I have an answer, but that was short lived when I was told there was NO treatment for this.  My dr prescribed an anti-depressant that was supposed to help with fatigue and B-12 shots to help as well. They helped for awhile but I never felt like I had the energy that I should.  I did everything I could to get better.  I took medicines, rested, had the pastor lay hands on me but all to no avail.  In 2005 I decided to resign my position in the church.  I could no  longer be dependable to assist with the youth.  It was a hard decision but I did not have the energy to teach and participate in all the activities that we provided to the children.  After resigning my position, I quit attending church all together.  It was not that I no longer trusted God.  It was that I had no energy to get ready in the mornings.  In 2008 I was hospitalized due to severe high blood pressure.  Due to the trauma of that week, I developed Fibromyalgia.  It mainly affected my legs.  I cannot stand or walk long distances without feeling weak or hurting.  It took its toll on my job and in March of 2010 I had to resign from my job.  I am now on disability.   It has been a hard road but I have been blessed with a supportive and awesome husband that tries so hard to make life easier for me.
My days are less active than in my younger days.  I have to pace myself to keep from crashing.  Most days are spent on the couch.  However, I am trying to regain some strength.  I am trying to live healthier.  I am trying to make the most out this situation.  It has definitely brought me closer to God. I have learned to trust Him more.  I miss my old body.  I miss my active days.  I am looking for ways to make me feel better. I keep trusting and believing that God has a purpose for allowing me to go through this. 

Sorry about the green background. It copied that way.

With Love, 

Keena