This is WEIGH Better!

Baby Steps

Well first of all, I have to say that I was diagnosed with high blood pressure about 6-8 months ago. It didn't seem to be improving over time (because I was doing nothing about it), so about 4 months ago my doctor put me on BP medication, along with a water pill, which is supposed to increase the effectiveness of the BP medication. I took them for 3 months, the prescription ran out, and I did my usual procrastination bit, and only just last week went in to get it refilled. I had to see a different doctor, as mine was away. Well this one, took my BP, and nearly hit the ROOF! It was 170/110!! She retook it and it didn't improve any. She told me that I could have a stroke at any time if I didn't do something about it. I took her quite seriously, as she was a tell-it-like-it-is kind of woman.

I made the mistake(?) of telling Sarah (my daughter the RN) about it, and she kind of groused at me a bit, but several hours later, I got a very lengthy impassioned, email from her, first giving me all kinds of statistics, and first hand encounters with patients who have had strokes at an early age. Then from a personal level, she pleaded with me to take care of myself so I would be around for many years to enjoy my grandchildren, etc. While I appreciate her love and concern, hubby and I had already decided a few weeks ago to start making a few small changes in our lifestyle. We've both enabled ourselves into becoming just AWFUL in every aspect! So, the first changes we're going to incorporate are attempting to do more cooking at home, and stay away from the fast food!! Secondly, we want to start walking our 2 puppies every day. Lastly, we want to cut back on the beer, as that just goes straight to your butt! Nothing dramatic, just a few simple changes. Simple eventually, but still adjustments in schedules and habits to be made.

I'm pleased to say, that today I had a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee before work (usually have been skipping breakfast), I had soup and salad and a banana for lunch (usually go out, or grab on the go), and a normal, but home cooked meal for dinner. I am also happy to say that I got home from work, grabbed the leashes, let the pups out of their crate and took them for a cold, 15 minute walk. I know that doesn't sound like much, but with the effort it takes to walk on the ice, and it being the pups first real winter walk, I wanted to see how it all went! The pups were fabulous! I was so proud of them, so now there is no excuse!

There will be no calorie counting, no point watching, weighing, measuring, cutting out of food groups. I will try to be "sensible".... like a normal thin person. There will be no hours and hours of exercise... unless I get the "urge" to get into it again. The last time I travelled down this road, I made myself, and everyone around me miserable in my persistent effort to be slim and fit. I felt deprived, and envious of those around me, and generally just bitchy. As I told Sarah, I'd rather live another 20 years known as a happy person, than live another 30 as a bitchy thin woman (my MIL).

As long as I stay on my meds, get some moderate exercise, eat healthier food and just start to "care" about my weight and health... I think I'll do okay.

Posted by Bev at January 7, 2008 10:50 PM | TrackBack