“You’re looking too thin.” Is what some people have been telling me lately. And even though I know they care, their comments are becoming a tad much.

A little over a year ago I was getting a check up and was told that my weight was slightly more than what it should be. Well, that did hit home because at the time, I had been feeling rather sluggish and unmotivated. But when the nurse practitioner said that, I did listen. So, I started eliminating certain foods that I knew weren’t of the right choice. I began eating healthier, choosing fresh produce rather than processed. Incorporating more fruits and veggies into what I eat on a daily basis. No more pop tarts, chips and things like that. Now, I do still like to eat the occasional cookie (or two… lol). Just a few days ago I baked some homemade peanut butter cookies that were out of this world! YUM!!! And yes, I still eat pizza every once in a while, indulge in a milkshake here and there…. but…. everything in moderation… even Hershey Kisses (which I will always love!)!!

I’ve gotten wiser on how I make my food choices and I couldn’t be happier! Before I made my lifestyle change, my energy level felt drained and my arthritis gave me fits. For anyone who has arthritis, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I would wake up in the morning feeling stiff as a board. My lower back would hurt so much that it would bring tears to my eyes. Not to mention the random hip pains that would often cause me to limp some. My hands would lock up and ache… my knees would, on rare occasions, literally give out on me. I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was 34, but knew I had it for a lot longer than that. As I got closer to 40, my pain and discomfort gradually got worse. Actually, to the point where it was starting to limit certain levels of mobility. I hid the pain, dealing with it the best way I could. In the beginning I tried pain medication, but quickly stopped because after reading all the ridiculous side effects, I decided that was not how I was going to live my life, taking pills on a daily basis. That may be for others, but definitely not me!

Then, last year when the nurse practitioner said that about my weight it made me start thinking, plus with my arthritis…. my body was controlling me, making me feel horrible and I wasn’t going to let that happen any longer. I finally woke up, listening to the things that my body had been trying to tell me for so long. That’s when I started taking control by eating healthier and incorporating exercise into my daily routine. Yes, I exercise every single day and I absolutely love it! Guess what?! That arthritis pain….. I kicked its ass!!! Yep, I said it! By me constantly being active, my arthritis pain has become extremely minimal. Every great once in a while it will remind me that it’s still there, but nothing in comparison to how it used to be!

I exercise in the comfort of my own home. I don’t have a gym membership. I have a core flex machine, some light weights, an ab wheel, an exercise stretch band and an exercise ball. I do a lot of sit-ups, push-ups, crunches, etc… I even incorporate isometric exercises along with yoga, and I also jog.

By eating healthier and being active, I feel soooooo much better now! Honestly, I feel better than I did even when I was in my twenties! I haven’t felt this great in decades!! And yes, I have lost 40 lbs., but I’m healthier and I continue to maintain my yearly check-up. My only regret about all this is that I didn’t do it years ago. But can’t dwell on that because everything happens for a reason. Carpe diem!!! 😉

I also minimized my diet soda intake. I used to drink 3 – 4 of those every day. I know they say “no calories”, but seriously… since I am down to only having one a day, I honestly believe that has helped my weight achieve a healthier goal as well. I have become addicted to fruit infused flavored water. I love going to the local markets and picking out fresh fruits and veggies so I can make my own infused water. Totally delicious with soooo many health benefits!! So far, one of my faves is a water that I add green apple, cucumber, mint leaves and lemon to. It’s so refreshing and smells divine!!

Ok, here’s the question… since I’m a vegetarian (and have been for 15 yrs), how do I get my protein? Well, a few years ago I used to be a plasma donor. Every time a person donates plasma, their protein and iron levels get checked. My levels were often higher than those of meat eaters. Why? Because I’ve always known the importance of that so I make sure to eat protein enriched foods. Peanut butter, beans… dairy… and I am also a huge fan of Morning Star products, which are low in fat, but are awesome with maintaining a great protein level. Also, protein shakes… yogurt…. (I’m getting hungry just thinking about it all!) You get the picture. lol

Together, my husband and I are both eating better so we can hopefully live long, healthier lives. So, for anyone who says, “It gets harder as you get older.” I say to that… Bullsnart! I was 41 when I made my lifestyle change and trust me, I’m extremely grateful I did it!

It’s up to us, people…. it only gets harder if we allow it!

 

Eat healthy, be active and stay motivated, my friends! Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed!!!

 

 

 

 

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~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

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~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker

 

 

 

 

Here I am with a serious face because I am serious about staying motivated! Wearing absolutely no make-up and just finished working out, feeling awesome day by day! We can all make a difference in our lives, all we have to do is just do it! ❤