Let me first start with why. I've battled high blood pressure off and on for most of my 20s it doesn't run in the family.. In fact all 3 of my sisters have low blood pressure.. If untreated high blood pressure can cause so many problems. I won't go into detail, but I'd like to be around to raise my children. I had to get serious after I went to the doctor for a sinus infection and my blood pressure was really high, the doctor asked me if I was headed for a stroke. Kinda scary thing to hear when your only 28 years old.
Now on to how.. I started last spring after we joined a pool for the summer. I not only needed to get serious for my health but I wanted to feel better about myself. So I started off with my diet. I instead of eating a big breakfast every morning I started drinking the Green Machine Nakéd Smoothies. At first I felt like I was starving myself. It took some time to get used to it. (I know smoothies won't work for everyone but it worked great for me!) im not a big snacker, but in the summer at the pool there was always the temptation, so I was sure to pack a healthy option, carrots and grapes were my go to. As far a lunch and dinner goes I didn't change much.. I stayed away from fast food as much I could.. And watched my portion sizes. I also switched out my favorite, Dr. Pepper, with water. It was hard at first, but I started added fresh lemon juice and that helped!
I started losing weight but soon got stuck and decided I needed to do something else. Joining a gym was out of the question. I got a gym membership as a birthday gift and I literally went one time.. ONE!! So I downloaded 2 apps to my phone. Runtastic which I love because it keeps up with all the data.. Distance, time, etc. I also downloaded couch to 5k which helped me get started.. I have never been a runner.. I hated it! This app started me off slow, and got me where I could actually run with out feeling like I was dieing!!! I highly recommend both if you'd like to start running!!
Now all that said.. Don't get me wrong! I am human, I love Dr. Pepper, I still eat fast food occasionly, I'm addicted to coffee (Starbucks), I love chocolate and sweets, and I do eat all these things but not everyday, and definitely in moderation!
I've lost 20lbs and feel better than I have in years! I'm currently "training" for a half marathon, I haven't committed to it yet because honestly I'm not sure if I'm ready for that one! I'm still not 100% comfortable in my own skin, but I'm much happier now than I was a year ago! I will continue to run until I am physically unable to because that is the only way I can stay off of blood pressure meds!
Thanks so much for all your support and positive comments! I said I was going to be healthier for so many years, and I can honestly say, it's all in your head, you have to want it, and you have to work for it!!
Just incase (like me) you think 20 lbs in a year isn't a big deal!
After seeing the side by side I was shocked!!!
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