Happy November to you!

Guess who turned 50 a week ago?  You got it…ME!  Do I feel any different?  Different than what?  I’ve never been 50 so I really don’t have anything to compare it to…lol.

Anyway, I’m been slipping and eating everything under the sun.  Especially the last month or so.  Hubby and I even went to New Orleans as a pre 50th birthday celebration and while there, I ate so much that I got sick of eating!

I’ve been eating more of the things that I shouldn’t eat than the things that I should eat.  Yes, there were consequences, but I ignored and bared them.  Because of that choice, the majority of the symptoms I eliminated or/and decreased while on the AIP (Autoimmune Paleo/Protocol) have come back with a vengeance.

First off, I now weigh back in at 160lbs.  I am 5’5″ and I do have a small frame.  Weight has never really been my biggest issue.  In fact, the heaviest I’ve been in my life is around 180lbs which is overweight for me but I’ve never really focused on it.  Most of the people around me probably believe I’ve never weighed over 130lbs.  This is probably because my weight likes to gather in my abdomen, upper arms, and thighs which I normally keep covered at all times.

My main symptoms that hinder and affect my life are the fatigue, brain fog, hormonal disruptions, insulin intolerance, inflammation, joint and body pain/stiffness.  These and several other symptoms are directly related to my Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis/Hypothyroidism, Candida, and most important…the food/drinks that I allow in my body.

At this time I haven’t decided which protocol I am following because there are plenty.  There is the Whole30, AIP, Paleo, SIBO, The Candida Diet, Keto; etc.  All are designed to heal the body, gut, brain and they are similar in some or most ways.  My preference is AIP which is a stricter version of Paleo and I was on before and it helped me tremendously.  After being on it the first 3 months, I lost 40lbs and a vast amount of my symptoms.

AIP takes a lot of planning and effort but it is worth it in the end.  However, for now, because I want to get started right away and have no hindrances, I’m going to start with sugar/gluten/dairy/soy/allergen-free until I get back some of my energy and do away with some of the fatigue and brain fog.  When ready, I may even do a Whole30 before going into the protocol of my choosing.  In the meantime, I will also be selecting the freshest and best ingredients for my meals.

The way I feel now…

One day she woke up and decided to be healthy…again. Today is the day. I am going into food/drink rehab…cold turkey. It’s not about weight loss but everything about cultivating my health. 

The only LOSS I desire is…
Loss of brain fog
Loss of fatigue 
Loss of lethargy 
Loss of hot flashes/cold intolerance 
Loss of ibs
Loss of geographical tongue
Loss of sinusitis/hay fever/allergies
Loss of chronic urticaria (hives/rashes)
Loss of joint/muscle pain
Loss of dry skin/nails/hair
Loss of anxiety 
Loss of hoarseness 
Loss of fluid retention (bloat/swelling)
Loss of insulin resistance 
Loss of insomnia/sleep deprivation 
Loss of hundreds of other symptoms

With that loss, I will gain…I will increase. So it’s officially BACK on. Either join me, help me, support me, or stay out of the way.”

Some of my posts from this point on will be about accountability as well as to seek and give inspiration and support.

As far as weight loss, I won’t and I encourage others not to be a slave to the scale but I want to share where I begin.  As mentioned above, today, November 1, 2017, I weigh 160lbs and my waist measures in around 35 inches.

I actually took more pictures of my waist but not so sure I want to share them at this time.  I will share more weigh-ins and pics in a few weeks.

People don’t believe that food addiction is real but I am a witness and an addict.  I have literally been on a yo-yo with this journey.  Right now I’m going to hope and pray that I continue on this journey and don’t fall off the wagon as I always say.  Please pray for me and I will pray for you.  I know that I can do this and if I can, you can too!

Until the next time…peace, love, and strength to each of you and happy healing!