Sometimes I look back at something and wonder why things had to be that way. Thing is, it isn't necessarily because I wasn't trying hard enough. God has a plan and maybe I'm supposed to have it harder than others for a reason. Not saying that my life is more difficult than everyone else's. By no means. Just that in some areas, it isn't always or hasn't always been easy. This may be a good thing. Having to work harder makes one appreciate the results more. I can struggle, and, perhaps, inspire others who struggle. Of course, maybe this is only the beginning. I don't know what else he has in store for me yet. If I listen, maybe one day I will figure it out. Problem is sometimes I'm dense. I am often a horrible listener. Sorry, gals. I do hear you, honestly!
What I failed to mention last time is the gap between believers in Keto and those who think it is unhealthy. I have heard several doctors, like Dr. Berg and Dr. Berry, strongly support it. Others, like my doctor, would prefer I do a modified version. So, is Keto healthy? I guess it depends on who you ask. Those who have heard of it, maybe even thought of trying it, know that it can be difficult to get used to. I found that once you get over that hump, of giving up some of those things you may have loved, like bread, pizza, most fruits, it isn't that bad. I feel like I could reasonably eat like this long term. I am fat-adapted, as they say in Keto terms. That basically means that my body has successfully gone from burning carbs to burning fats. It has definitely helped me lose weight without feeling like I'm starving. Many other "diets" restrict your calorie intake. I believe I am eating healthy too. Sure, I eat more butter than I used to, but I am not eating sugar. Some studies say that eating butter, especially from grass fed cows, is good for and even essential to our overall health. I normally only have coffee for breakfast, a meat of some sort, with veggies for lunch, maybe a little cheese, and a healthy dinner that I cook for my entire family. Sometimes, depending on what I make, I will make them a side that I cannot, actually will not, eat, like noodles, rice, or potatoes. If I feel like it, I may make a side with cauliflower or zucchini for myself, but lately I've been eating mixed greens or just cucumbers. Guess what else has happened? I have a ton of energy during the day, most of the time. I exercise at least once a day and feel that I am getting stronger and fitter. I am well on my way to reaching my goal. By the way, a goal, in my mind, is something to strive for, to perhaps even surpass. Goals also change as we approach them, so my goal will likely change in the near future. I am my biggest motivator. I want to be here for my kids, do whatever I want or they want to do recreationally (within reason!), and just feel like I can do anything. Sounds lofty maybe, but I was a Marine, and nothing should get in the way of a goal like that. I had to tackle hormone issues, of course, which seemed to be the toughest adversary I'd ever faced. Beat her down without mercy! Keto did, plus my unfailing efforts exercising almost daily. For those of you who don't include weight training in your routines, you should. I do both, but I am sure it is the weight training, which for me so far has only been body resistance exercises and no actual weights, that has made the difference. I am now challenging myself to do extra push ups after my workout and am currently doing 70 something with each workout. My current goal is 100, which I feel is totally doable in the near future. Every time I do push ups, I think of my drill instructors telling me to get down and do push ups until they were tired. Makes me laugh now but back then I thought it was unfair. Now I drop down and do them until I can't. It's mind over matter. The key to success is consistency. When I got out of boot camp, I could probably do 100 push ups with little effort. True story. They tortured us but it paid off. Now I torture myself, hoping it pays off in the long run. I'm betting on it.
So, yes, I have lofty goals, but so should you. Don't sell yourself short. You are so worth it and your children deserve a healthy, fit mama. I want to encourage those of you who might be struggling to try something different, go a little further, make it a life-long project, to be the best you can be. The road may not always be easy, but, man is it worth it! I think mindset is key. If you really, really want to change, find what works and keep at it. This goes for all areas of your life. I have other areas that need improving, and with God's help, I will work on those too. After all, our physical body is not the thing that ultimately matters. My spiritual side is needing some fine tuning. With this, I am a work in progress. However, I know that, "With God, all things are possible." (Matt 19:26)
No comments:
Post a Comment