Just sharing about my life on the farm.
June 26, 2008 - Healthy Bodies...Part 1: Starting Over
This past month I've been shocked to find out that my doctor diagnosed me with depression. On top of that, various things in my health have been going down hill for some time. I've been reading the book, Depression: The Way Out by Dr. Neil Nedley and am learning several things in there that I am appreciating as a nurse. I also attended CHIP (Coronary Health Improvement Program) meetings this past week which in combination of my healthy lifestyle awareness just finally put it all together. There is no big secret about being healthy. These few simple things keep us healthy, but if we ignore parts of them, eventually we pay the price. It isn't only about nutrition, or only about sleep, or only about exercise. It is a combination of things that we do that keep us healthy.
I guess I'm realizing that I have been caught up in the fast pace of society and I have gained some of that "I deserve it attitude". I want that chocolate brownie (even though I'm not hungry). I want a banana shake. I want to check my email (instead of exercising). I'll spend too much time browsing on the computer and ignore our nutritional needs and then depend on some quickies to keep us going. (refined foods). I stay up too late, get up too late. My days are filled with me making excuses for the way we live and eat just because... well, we're doing better than so and so... or I just don't have time!
I also found that my frugal side affects our health. Fruit is not abundant up north at all times of the year and it can get expensive especially in winter and spring when nothing is growing up here. I found that I limited my fruit buying because... it was too expensive. Same thing with some vegetables. No avocados... too expensive. No tomatoes... too expensive... etc.
Lastly I found I fell into the trap that you don't fix it unless it's broken. Usually by then all kinds of things are broken! Pills and certain remedies may help, but they don't fix the cause. I don't want minor relief, I don't want to take pills to stay healthy (besides pills often have lots of side effects so then you take more pills!). I just want to be healthy, all around healthy... not just heart healthy or thyroid healthy or bone health... I want all of it, as much as I am able to gain through a healthy lifestyle.
So, I am starting over. I am going to make note of some different areas of my life and start working on a few things at a time. When they feel normal, I will add a couple more. I am not listing all the items I intend to work on... I have not even made a list. My goal is better health... that means better choices. If I can make one better choice today than yesterday... I will be happy. I don't want to be overzealous and then pop my balloon when I fail to hit the mark each day.
Areas that I am working on (are vague, but small details will be worked on as I go). Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Fresh Air, Rest, Trust in God. (NEWSTART). I recall another acronym... ABC that can be added that will improve quality of life as well. A - attitude, B - Benevolence, and C - (which I cannot recall! LOL).
Now, today, I am starting over. (actually I started a few days ago). But today I measured and am taking account to how I feel and my lifestyle as it is.
I don't sleep regular times. I go to bed late, sometimes too late. I wake up late... around 8-8:30 am.
I am forgetful and lose my train of thought quite often. I (lost it again)... LOL. My concentration (found it) is poor.
Our meals are sporadic. We get 3 meals in each day, but it has not been uncommon to be eating at 8:30 PM!!! We also snack quite a bit because our meal times are so erratic.
Because I have been so busy or unbusy... both seem to apply. Meals are sometimes, but not always... consisting of refined foods. It wasn't always this way, but I have fell back onto buying frozen meals and prepared items... even if they are the healthier ones, I still am buying items preseasoned and prepared, in order to save time around meal preparation. I fall back on some boxed cereals, boxed potatoes, prepared beans, pasta dishes, etc. Even Hamburger helper! (I vowed when I was 20yo never to let HH into the house...guess I forgot when I got to be 37yo!). In honesty, I didn't forget, I just didn't care anymore... somethings felt like they took too much effort to plan out, to prepare... so I didn't. We began eating alot more meat than we had in the past. In our early marriage I cooked meat maybe 1-2 times a week. It has been on the table up to 20 times a week as of lately (almost at every meal).
I don't exercise. About 3 years ago... I just quit. That was when baby was born and she was so sick and colicky... I just was so tired that I just quit. Oh, I walk occasionally, like to the mail box once every so often (when the kids don't get the mail... it's a half mile walk to the box and back). Or I might walk while on vacation. My body does move... I just tend not to move it.
I stay inside alot. I sit and plan school, cook meals, wash up baby, correct school work, record schoolwork, check email, surf the web a bit, do laundry and other household chores... and I still rarely have time to go outside!
I don't like to socialize much anymore. Cuz I've gained weight? Cuz I just want to go home? I'm not sure. I like to be alone alot for some reason. That isn't normally me.
I cook elegant meals and desserts because we deserve it! LOL. Doesn't everyone like good food? I do, but to the extent that it often bumps out the simple foods that are often more nutritious. Or items are over cooked, over baked and they've lost their nutrients.
My time management is horrid... even with help of MOTH or other planner programs. I just can't keep my act together.
Health: OK... nothing majorly wrong. I feel tired and cold alot. I am irritable... way more than when I was younger. I have strong PMS urges to yell and scream. My hands get sore when working with them too long. I have aches in my back, hips, knees and mostly my feet. My muscles seem tender on many days upon wakening. My s** drive is GONE. I get short of breath when doing heavy housework or farm work... to the point that sometimes I cough to stop the palpitations in my chest... and yes my doctor knows this. Mild to moderate housework and exercise don't bother me... but stacking bales of hay in the barn as they come off the bale elevator... that will get me going.. .especially with the dust in the air. I occasionally get those dancing legs.... and can't sleep. I've been gaining weight the past year... 15 pounds!... putting me at 30-35 pounds overweight... over my ideal weight... which then qualifies me for being in the obese category because I am over 20% over my ideal weight. I've hit the number 12 on my clothes, which for me being quite petite and small... isnt' healthy.
Measurements:
Upper Chest: 34, Breast: 36, Waist: 36.5, Hips: 42, Upper thigh: 24.25, Lower thigh: 17.5, and Calves: 15 inches, Upper Arm 12-7/8ths. Weight: 150 pounds. (actually 149 at the doctor, but the way I was gaining weight, I didn't think it hurt to add one more). Those of you that know me don't have to really focus on these details (LOL), but hopefully I can work on some changes and see some improvements. Let me know if you are on the path to better health. I'd love to encourage you as well!
Warmly, ~Melissa
Comments
June 26, 2008 - The Path Back
Posted by Fantine
The path back to good health deserves to be slow and steady for all the reasons you gave. Take 'er slow and let that good healthy feeling come back to you. It's definitely worth the effort (from one who knows!); the benefits are fabulous! I'll be praying for you.
E
June 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by a1health
Melissa,
You can do this! I'm so proud of you for realizing your mistakes and finding out how to fix them. I think your list of basic needs is important. Most people think its all about a certain diet, or pill, or machine. Frankly, healthy living is about good water, good nutrition, and plenty of exercise. Don't forget that in the winter you can get organic frozen fruits very inexpensive. That's what we do and we live in the south.
Blessings to you.
~Farrah
June 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by gabbie427
I can sympathize with you. I have dealt with depression for years and finally got the right med that doesn't haunt me with side effects. And as for my health.....not good. But is is summer and what better time to get out of the house, get to walking, eat fresh fruits and veggies, begin a new routine of taking care of myself as well as my family???!!! I hope this blog means you are doing the same.
The truth of the matter is, I have to fight every day to stay above water because life tries to get me down. But getting some sun every day, eating healthy, getting some exercise, helps my depression. And it makes me feel better, and not last out at others too!! A plus plus in my book! LOL
Good luck on your journey!
God's Blessings,
Amy Jo
June 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tractorchick72
I wish you much luck with your health! Jeannie and I are both doing a health challenge too if you'd like to stop by. I'll check in with you to see how you are doing! :o)
Tricia
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