Walking Jodie's Path – Part 3
November 15th, 2009
Jodie and I began working together a few months ago. At the time, her main health concerns included weight loss, lack of energy, extreme mood swings and infertility. She represents many women across the country – so while this is a story of a woman in Michigan named Jodie, it’s also your story, or your neighbor’s story. Follow Jodie as she walks powerfully towards good health, one step at a time. And please, show her some love in the comments! She’s a very brave woman to be sharing her story with the world.
Change is Good! It has been an exciting and eye opening three months so far, and I cannot believe how many things I have changed – for the better! Now when I go pick up groceries for the week, I find myself going directly to produce, then skimming over aisles just for things we need.
When I get home from work the first thing I do is put together a veggie tray for my family and I to pick over while I make dinner and do my household chores. So really, this one basic thing helps in a huge way: I don’t hear “I’m hungry” or “when is dinner going to be ready”; we are all eating a healthy snack; I can get dinner ready and other household chores without interruption; and best of all, I am not overeating at dinner!
I have been doing a lot of roasting in the crock pot, then using leftovers to make soup. This is also very helpful as far as, getting more for my money, easy preparation, timesaving, and not to mention, what we are eating is healthy, home cooked meals! And the best part is I am not slaving over the stove every day! I have also tried some new recipes with squash that are going over great in the household.
A few months ago, I was feeling exhausted, not to mention crabby, almost like being in a rut. After three months, I have lost six pounds, I am having normal menstrual cycles, I have started smoking less, I have more energy, I have better concentration, and I have a much better attitude.
It was not just the adjustment to eating that did this though. It was starting to walk on my lunch time at work twice a week; It was making a point to call my best girl friend every single Saturday, for one hour; It was making a point to visit one relative, once a week with my daughter; It was making sure I set aside some time alone with my fiancé; Most importantly, it was making sure I set aside time for myself!
In the next few months, I would like to see myself quit smoking once and for all! I want to continue watching the pounds come off. I look forward to challenging myself in the area of exercise, especially with the cold winter ahead of us! I look forward to letting the holidays be joyful and be a positive time with my family!
I know the holidays are a challenging time for everyone. The decorating, the baking, the parties, the shopping, the financial strain, and the relationship strains can all be almost too overwhelming.
My advice to myself and to anyone else is to take it day to day and to not take it too seriously or you’ll wind up having a nervous breakdown or be ill! Pace yourself, don’t be afraid to say “No!” once in a while, don’t fall for guilt trips, do (and eat) what feels right for you and your family (and if it does not feel right, don’t do it!)
Isn’t she unbelievable? Let’s hear it for making positive change!
Want to catch up? See previous entries from Jodie:
Walking Jodie’s Path – Part 1
Walking Jodie’s Path – Part 2
