Winning my life back. My battle against PCOS.

Bummed there was no Zumba tonight, but came home and did 2 miles of my walking video. I had some Imos lunch buffet today, so felt it necessary to still work out this evening. I was very excited this morning to see that I did actually shed a pound. That makes the first pound lost in three weeks! 26 lbs down and counting. I am going to kick this PCOS in the butt! My initial goal is to lose 38 pounds. That will put me just under what I was when I got married. The next part of my goal is to get into a slinky black dress I have yet to buy. The plan for that dress is to wear it to my 10 year high school reunion. I don't necessarily want to look the way I did in high school. That is unrealistic. I would, however, like to hear someone say, "Wow. You look great!". Don't let this weather be an excuse to not exercise! Get up and move! Signing of for now, ~Jess

I honestly cannot figure out if people are just freaking out for no reason, or if we are actually likely to get over a foot of snow with an inch of ice.  We don't have a generator, and the thought of no electricity is not at all appealing.  I just hope that we can get to where we need to be safely, and home safely.  Is it sad that I am concerned that Zumba will be cancelled?  I guess it shows how much I actually enjoy it!  I didn't do the mile I promised myself today, but it is because I was not feeling the best.  I got a ton of rest and finished the night with our small group.  It was a very insightful evening. I hope all of you who are traveling in the next few days take it slowly.  Please be careful.  I am praying that we all remain safe and warm. Signing off for now, ~Jess

As I posted on facebook, I was a little disappointed that I have not lost any weight in the last three weeks.  I did, however, do my measurements for the second time on Thursday.  The last measurements were taken two weeks ago Thursday.  Even though I have not lost anymore weight, I was down 4.5 inches.  I was very excited about this.  I needed to see some progress, and felt like that was quite an accomplishment.  It kinda made me wish I had taken my measurements back in October when this journey began.  I have done pretty well with the diet this week.  I did have 2 slices of pizza on Thursday, but limited my caloric intake to under 1500.  I picked Jacob up from a Birthday party at preschool, and the mother of the Birthday girl was not going to take no for an answer to her offering me pizza.  I knew I wouldn't have time to stop anywhere once I dropped him off at the babysitters, so I went ahead and had a free lunch.  I have not been able to work out since Wednesday at Zumba.  I am

          New hair.  I got a coupon in the mail, and decided to go crazy!  Going for a complete make-over...lol.

 I have a waist Although I don't think this is the most flattering picture I have ever taken, I felt it necessary to share it, because there is a story behind it.  I got this shirt for Christmas from my dad and bonus mom 2 years ago.  I loved it when I pulled it out of the box, but knew right away it would not fit.  It was very tight looking.  Although it stated that it was an XL, which is the size I have worn in shirts since I was 19, it looked more like a medium.  I thought about giving it to one of my sisters or friends, but it was a gift, so I held onto it.  It stayed in my closet with the tags on until October 2010 when I got sick of looking at things I couldn't wear.  I took everything that didn't fit to friends or donation bins.  This shirt went to my boss.  She brought it in on Monday, along with another shirt I gave her.  She told me it would fit now, and that she wanted me to have it back.  I disagreed.  I knew it would not fit.  I tried it on so she would st

I got a call from the Zumba instructor today.  She was calling to let me know that I had someone donate some classes for me.  I really tried to figure out who did it.  I called 2 people in particular.  I still am not certain who donated the classes.  I guess it really doesn't matter.  It was a blessing, so I will accept it.  I am very thankful to the person who did this for me.  I feel like I have a great jump start on the fitness path, and now I have no excuse to give up.  I have to stick with it.  I hope I make whoever it was proud. I had a good day today.  I feel better than I have felt in years.  I realized that I ran through the snow with Jacob, and wasn't out of breath.  It wasn't that far of a run, but I would normally be gasping for air with very little effort.  I will keep this posting short and sweet.  My thought for today is to pay it forward.  If someone has blessed you in some way, be a blessing to someone else. Signing off for now, ~Jess

It's been a few days since I posted.  Life has been very busy, but good.  I got to spend a lot of time with the family this weekend.  I also got to catch up with a friend I had not seen in a while.  Spending a day with my in-laws always has a way of reminding me how quickly time flies.  Every time we see them, they comment on how fast Jacob is growing.  He will be four next month.  I cannot believe how grown up he is getting.  Not a day goes by that I let pass without telling him what a treasure he is.  I know what a blessing he is.  It was so hard to get him here, but completely worth the wait.  Anytime I feel sad about not getting a positive pregnancy test result, I just take a look at my little boy.  He will always be my baby. He reminds me of why I am on this journey towards a healthy life.  I have so much to live for.  There are definitely challenges that present themselves.  I was told that once someone loses a significant amount of weight, they naturally ease up on the amo

For those of you reading with PCOS, I encourage you to visit the website chiralbalance.com.  I do not get paid to tell you this.  I don't even get a discount.  The reason I am about to tell you this is because I believe in their products.  When I started my weight loss journey in October, I began taking a supplement called D-chiro-inositol (DCI).  It is a natural supplement which has helped me dramatically.  I, for the first time ever without the help of BC, have had regular cycles since November.  I also believe that my insulin levels have regulated.  I no longer have hypoglacemic episodes if I go without food for longer than two hours at a time.  DCI is known to help with all aspects of PCOS.  I could explain what it is, or how it works, but I know I would mess it up.  That is why I suggest you check out the site for yourself.  I do have to say that it is rather pricey ($60 for a month supply), but worth the price in my opinion.  If you have concerns, I suggest speaking with your

I had a bummer day yesterday.  It just seemed like everything I attempted to do went wrong.  I got sick after lunch.  It may have had something to do with eating those chips at the Mexican restaurant.  I couldn't figure out how to apply a blog template that I paid for (incompatible).  I burned Charles' steak.  I also used the teaspoon side of the seasoning instead of the shaker side.  I can't believe he ate it.  I just wanted to cry and really had no idea why.  What can I say, I am hormonal... Then I got a call from my friend asking if I still planned on going to Zumba.  To be honest, I was hoping that she would forget about it.  She didn't.  I showed up.  I am glad that I did.  It was just the time I needed to dance out some of the aggravations of the day.  I enjoyed myself. I have had my ups and downs so far on the journey to a healthy lifestyle, but I have a great support system.  If  it wasn't for those around me encouraging me to press on, I probably would&

FAMILY (my purpose) The definition of purpose as according to Wikipedia is a result, end, mean, aim, or goal of an action intentionally undertaken, or of an object being brought into use or existence... We had an amazing day today.  This morning, we watched our best friend's newest addition get baptized.  There is nothing sweeter than watching two loving parents with the company of friends and family dedicating their child to God.  After the baptism, their pastor gave a lesson to the children in the audience.  He started out the sermon with the word "purpose".  He asked all of the children if they knew what that word meant.  He held up a flashlight and explained the purpose of a flashlight was to bring light to dark areas.  The next part cracked me up, because only my son would raise his hand to say, "Um, I have a flashlight, but the batteries went dead."  Needless to say, the congregation let out an audible chuckle.  It was pretty darn cute.  The pastor went

So I was totally disappointed Monday night.  I was supposed to start my long awaited exercise journey, but the snow put a damper on that.  I said to myself that I would wake up early to do yoga the next two mornings, but everyone knows how hard it is to resist hitting the snooze button.  Needless to say, I didn't do the yoga yesterday or today.  However, I did go to ZUMBA tonight.  It was an hour long and totally kicked my booty!  Seriously, I have not worked out that hard ever!  I learned a lot about myself tonight; for one, I can really move my hips.  I am not sure if they moved the way that they were supposed to, but I can really move them!  I will have to remember to use my inhaler before I begin next time instead of afterwards.  That was the only downside.  Wait...how could working out have a downside?  On a serious note, I received my vitamins this evening.  I am super excited to start taking them.  I hope it doesn't matter that they sat in the freezing weather until I

Ok...I think I have the diet under control.  However, I have not yet begun exercising!  I decided when I started this transformation that I was going to take it one step at a time.  I feel that this was necessary for me, because if I feel overwhelmed with too many changes, I am more likely to give up before I even begin.  So...tonight I am going to our local gym to try out Zumba!  I know the instructor, and the first class is free.  I also have a customer who told me about a great walking in place video that works your whole body.  I am excited, but also nervous.  I realize how out of shape I really am, and know that I am going to be sore tomorrow.  However, this is a change that I am ready to make.  I am anxious to see what results will come when combining work-outs with diet.  I know how much more energy I have now than I did several months ago, but am looking forward to even more energy! I hope you all find 2011 to be one of your healthiest years to date! Signing off for now,

As much as I hate to do this, I think it is time to show some pictures of my progress.  I don't like to look at where I began, but feel it's necessary to remind myself of why I am doing what I am doing.  So...here goes: Before Now  I did want to say that even though I am eating healthier meals, I still eat several snacks throughout the day to keep my metabolism going.  I snack on lots of peanuts, carrots, and fruits.  It is important to keep blood sugars regulated. Signing off for now, ~Jess

So... yesterday was my day off.  Charles and I went to get our oil changed on both vehicles in the morning.  We stopped at Waffle House for breakfast.  I ordered 2 egg whites, a tomato (sliced), and 2 slices of bacon.  For lunch, I had a plain can of tuna.  I ate light because I knew we were having our annual work party in the evening.  Of course pizza was the dinner we were provided.  I was very proud of 2 of the girls that I work with.  They ordered salad and grilled chicken with veggies.  I have only eaten pizza one other time since I started my transformation in October.  I decided to make an exception.  I have to say that I did enjoy it, but the cupcake I had later pushed things over the top.  I had an upset stomach for much of the evening.  I was happy to find out I did lose another 2.5 pounds making my total weight loss 22.5 pounds.  I do believe that a healthy lifestyle is the only lifestyle that I should be living.  However, I do think the occasional "cheat" is neces

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about where my life has been and where it is going. I have thought so much lately about the changes I have been making in my own life. I have really enjoyed getting the compliments about my recent weight loss, the questions about how I finally found something that works, and the positive feedback I have gotten from those I know who are going through similar circumstances. As I was thinking about all of this, I remembered back to my pregnancy with Jacob (Jacob will be 4 on Valentine's day). Everything was so difficult during my pregnancy. The doctors really didn't think I would be able to sustain the pregnancy because my progesterone levels were so low. I had two very bad visits to the ER, and was on a lot of bedrest through the first trimester. Taking hormones, visiting the doc often, and just worrying about the little guy growing inside of me was very emotionally draining. My mom told me one day to "Let go, and let God&qu

After writing my first post, I felt like a weight had been lifted. I used to write all the time, but have not done so for years. The thought of keeping a personal journal never appealed to me. The thought of people reading my personal journal was terrifying. However, I feel like I am on a new path now. I am taking back my life, and if I can help one person along the way, it is all worth while. I only have a few minutes to post this morning, so I will keep it short. I promise to explain how and when I was diagnosed, what supplements I have been taking, my personal experiences, etc. I have been given the gift of gab! I just wanted to leave everyone with one quote this morning to start your day with. I know this one has really helped me. "YOU ONLY FAIL IF YOU NEVER TRY!" Signing off for now, Jess

In October of 2010, my weight reached an all-time high. After being "officially" diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) in May of 2009, I spent a year of taking Metformin every single day, and hated every single day of it. For some of you who may not know what PCOS is, to sum it up, it is a hormonal imbalance which about 10% of women suffer from. The symptoms range anywhere from missed/abnormal menstrual cycles to obesity, diabetis, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the most common- infertility. Along with these, you are also at a higher risk for heart disease and certain cancers. Back to the metformin; metformin is prescribed to help regulate insulin levels in people with diabetes. Because women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, doctors often prescribe Metformin to them hoping to regulate cycles and promote pregnancies. The bad thing is that Metformin has some really mean side effects. These mean side effects occur in some, but