Fitness Fridays: Taking Control of MY Health

Yesterday I received some pretty terrific news:

My bad cholesterol is low, my good cholesterol is desirable, and my triglycerides are low!

Take that poor health! (Why a lightning bolt? Why not.)

If you’re new to the blog then you may be thinking…uh…okay? Good for you.

BUT this is good for me!

Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease AND I was in TERRIBLE shape. High cholesterol, low good cholesterol, and my triglycerides were thru the roof!! My doctor told me I had metabolic syndrome and that I had some big changes to make, or I was WELL on my way to diabetes.

I made them. Well…some of them.

My health improved, but the numbers only improved a little at first. So this past year I kicked it in to high gear.

In March of 2011, I joined the YMCA. I started working out at least four days a week, and I met the Arc Trainer.

^^The Sweat Monster

I cut down my potato consumption to once a week. (Twice if I’m really good) Potatoes are starch, starch becomes sugar, sugar can become fat.

I cut out red meat almost entirely because of the fat (and I only buy it at the Farmer’s Market).

I upped my veggie intake, and I upped my protein and fiber.

I drank MORE water and WAY LESS Redbridges. WAY LESS! I went from a 6 pack a week to less than one single beer a week.

I tried to eat smaller portions most of the time.

I switched from sweet tea to un-sweet tea.

I did NOT feel guilty for anything I ate.

I lost 15 pounds in one year.

And you know what? It didn’t feel like that much change.

I didn’t eliminate anything huge. I didn’t make a big deal out of limiting this or that. I just made little changes to my everyday habits.

Nope. I didn’t see changes right away. I only lost a pound a month…but those are pounds that I know I’ll keep off.

Yep. I have WAY more energy. WAY more happiness and optimism. WAY more room in my pants.

I still have 15 pounds to go but I’m not really too worried about that number. I want to be two pants size smaller and have a wee bit more ab definition.

Can I do it? Hell yes I can.

When I received my test results from the doctor yesterday I felt so empowered. MY HEALTH is in MY HANDS. It sounds silly, but I had never really felt like that before.

What about you? Have you had your own health triumphs?