Hi Hollowers!
As I mentioned yesterday in my Facebook live I started the 21-day-fix from Beachbody yesterday (Monday!). I was nagged into it by a good friend but it’s definitely the right decision and i’m looking forward to the results! First of all let me tell you the why…
I try not to talk too much about my health issues on the blog but it’s a big reason i’m starting on this new path so I best explain. First of all as a small child I couldn’t eat as my tonsil grew together in my throat, it’s hard to believe but it took a great number of doctors a long time to figure this out, so in this time my body came very good at draining every ounce of nutrients (good or bad) from everything I consumed; therefore whilst I don’t eat much now, I get every ounce of badness from it and my weight has been very difficult to control. Now I know some of it is down to eating the wrong things too so I have alot of blame from an overactive sweet tooth! Then as a teenager I had my hips pinned together which meant no sports and something that was a medical issue became an excuse, amazing how easy that one forms! I could never run a marathon but as long as my routines are low impact i’m good. I have tried 4 workouts so far and i’m really happy they have low impact versions of everything I have tried.
Roll on ’til when I had Maddi and I was very ill with liver failure, pre-eclamsia, more bone issues and after having her I really couldn’t move let alone exercise, then an unhappy marriage which bought it’s own challenges I was comfort eating big time! Then I moved back to England and into my own apartment but working crazy hours, roll in lots of fast or convenience foods! A few years later my body crashed out from stress; again lack of movement and energy, far too easy to make excuses. I was ill again having Tilly and lost alot of weight but put it straight back on, I lost some when I was doing ballroom dancing but put it straight back on when we moved. I also have some health issues, i’m very tired alot of the time, some days getting up is a struggle. Tilly and I sleep in til 10am most days but that’s now our routine and she seems good with that. I have alot of pain, they have investigated me for Lupus, arthritis and many other auto-immune diseases, they are back to MS again; we shall see how that turns out! I also have Psoriasis for good measure, it’s very well controlled and i’ve been lucky to have very few symptoms.
So now you are up to date on all my excuses as to why I have let my weight and fitness spiral out of control! A couple of months ago a friend of mine started a little facebook group for good posture on a 7 day challenge, it was a new things so in return for some critique she offered us some Shakeology samples. Well mine sat on the side for weeks, she kept emailing to see if i’d tried it and I felt awful because I am normally a reliable person and don’t let people down, however as it often is life got the better of me, I was making and videoing all my launch projects for the blog. Last week when we were all wrapped up I sent her a message and she mentioned she had a group starting the 21 day fix on monday. We chatted for a while and I decided the best deal was to sign up as a coach, I thought what do I have to loose (apart from a few pounds or maybe that should be stone!). So here we are! Now you have the how, what about the whys?
So as I mentioned there are some health problems, and I knew for a long time that loosing some weight would no doubt help them and some of the joint pains I have, but there’s more to it than that. First of all there’s my own mental well being, now I am happily married to my absolute soul mate who is the most supportive and tolerant man of my crazy habits (and crafting!), I have no reason to comfort eat, but it’s become a habit. I also hate what I see when I look in the mirror, I have no aspirations of being super skinny but I look good as a size 12-14, if I was here again I would be happy. I want to put on some of my summer dresses and feel good. I also have the ultimate target dress of a stunning designer number i bought over 10 years ago and wore once! I look back on when I had Tilly and I was 16-18 and I looked so much better than I do now at a size 20. Then there’s the girls, so many times has Maddi gone to a park or event and i’ve had to sit and watch, I feel like I missed out on so much. This summer I want to beable to run around the park with the girls, not in pain, able to keep up and not instantly out of breath.
So I have taken my measurements, weighed in, ordered my shakeology, put a time in each day for 30 minutes of exercise and I’m off! I am going public with some of my before photos so you can see the mountain I have to climb. I will check in on the blog periodically with my thoughts and progress and if you want to join me on this programme get in touch! I truly believe if it works for me it will work for anyone, I am unfit, with a massive sweet tooth and terrible eating habits! Stay tuned for my progress!
Thank you so much for following Hedgehog Hollow and I hope you will follow along my journey, we will still have all the card making you can handle but lots of you seemed interested in this challenge so I hope you will keep cheering me on!
Happy stamping!
Hi Alexandra,
You are truly such a great writer. Your story captivated me from the beginning. I had Polio as a baby and have had many operations. I have always have worn a leg brace. I have physical limitations and exercise has always been a nemesis of mine. The natural progression of age, and Post-Polio Syndrome, has slowed me down quite a bit. I’m great to get up super early, 5 a.m., but by early afternoon, I’m wiped out. I have a great, super, awesome life. I have a great family. I adore my husband. We have two grown daughters, who are also very happy. I had a wonderful career as an X-ray technician, and I am retired (except from a home-based transcription job). I am a Life-Time member of Weight Watchers. I usually go to meetings every week. I need the support of the group. It is a struggle and a conscious choice to make myself go. I will think of you on your journey as I continue mine. One day at a time, as the saying goes, begins with the first step.
🙂
Congratulations Alexandra! Wishing you luck & I’ll be praying for you. I do the Country Heat work outs with Autumn Calabrese. They are so much fun! I used to line dance several years back, so this is perfect for me. I just have to figure out some exercises to target my lower belly & my “love handles” & I think I’ll be on my way.
Take care ,
Sheryl
I am very proud of you. I have a few friends who are on the same program as you, and it works! Yes, I echo that writing is one of your many talents. I am praying for you.
Thank you for being so transparent! You will do great with the Beachbody challenge. I, too, have done the shakeology and love the way it made me feel. You have inspired me to re-open my shake bags and give it another go! Best of luck to you–you can do this!
You are a courageous woman! I wish you all the success in the world with this new endeavor! I know you can do it!
21 day fix works well and easy to follow. You will be able to trasition from this diet program to a toal life style.Has less rebound weight gain because it changes type and amount of food.Realistic diet.
You go girl….I know you can do this.
Thank you for the post. It reminded me of the motivation it took me to change my eating habits several years ago. Having the Dr tell you you are at stage 3 Liver Disease gives you great motivation to change your lifestyle. I have since made major strides in healing my liver, but the liver disease started a domino effect in other areas of my health. I have started my day with a good high protein fresh veggie shake each day. It has helped me feel so much better. Praying for you and hoping you well in your journey.
Have you tried taking Turmeric for the inflammation and pain? It has been very helpful for me. I have golden drink every day. I also add some turmeric paste to my herbal tea each morning. When I remember to do this regularly my arthritis pain is hardly noticeable. Google Golden Milk and Turmeric Paste for the recipes.
I am so so proud of you and I know you are going to do fabulous at this! I can not wait to see all the wonderful things that will come from this journey and I am thrilled to be on it with you! Let’s crush it!
So inspired by your story… good luck to you…. I’m happy I found you one day… crafty friends are amazing…
Congratulations on being braves and being public about this journey. I am interested to see how you do but from what I have read it is a very good program !! Good luck!!!
It’s a one day at a time battle . . You are not alone in this so keep your head up and we are ALL standing with you … good luck … and remember you are very much loved ..terry
Hello,
Thanks for sharing your journey. I too have issues with my weight and binge eating. Like you I have no reason other than it’s become a way of life! I also have joint pain in particular my left knee and hands with back pain too. Excited to read of your journey. I’ve always been told sharing your journey publicly held stay on track because no one wants to say that they’ve failed. Very best of luck.
L
Wishing you the best ! I understand the journey you’ve been on. I too, have been through a good bit of health issues that continue today. Matter of fact, I have to go get bloodwork done bright and early tomorrow morning! I know you can do this – you seem like a strong woman and you have motivation ! And you have all of behind you for moral support!
I looked into the products you mentioned , thinking it may be something I could use too! But they are a bit pricey! I will be interested in your reviews of it !
You got this Alexandra! xoxo
I agree with the other comments – you are a brave lady to share your journey with us. Your first week sounds challenging with sickness, but you stuck with it! Something I need to do…I am a lapsed Weight Watcher lifetime member and need to get back with the program!