My blog is long overdue for a post (2 1/2 months overdue), so today is the day. I will start by being painfully honest. I had a very rough summer and fall in 2011, with only myself to blame. I quit eating the way I need to in order to stay inflammation free. I indulged in saturated fatty foods, processed foods and sugary treats. By fall, my body could no longer cope. I had so much pain I could barely walk up and down our stairs. Tasks so simple as turning a door knob, squeezing a shampoo bottle, opening a jar, using a can opener had become impossible. Sleep would beckon me, but my body would scream in pain and not allow the sweet slumber that I so desperately needed. I stopped exercising and put on 10 extra pounds in a very short time. I felt hopeless. I came really close to giving in to my doctor and allowing him to set me up for self injections of Rheumatoid Arthritis medications. Deep inside though, my conviction to eat right was resurfacing at the thought of having the awful side effects of new meds. Since an anti-inflammatory diet works for me, it is a pretty obvious choice, diet instead of medication is the healthiest option.
In October, I began eating an anti-inflammatory diet again. I quit processed food, sugar, saturated fats, white flour. Instead of mindless eating, I began fueling my body again with foods that calm inflammation. I took my own advice and practiced what I preached. It took over two months to calm the inflammation in my body. I am finally feeling great again. I have been able to exercise and as of yesterday have lost 10 pounds.
I would like to say, "lesson learned." I truly hope that I don't give in again and eat food that hurts me. I am ashamed that my self-discipline becomes so weak that I eat wrong. For now though, the pain and suffering I went through is fresh in mind and I have a very strong resolve! So, here is to a happy and healthy 2012!
Well for you it is very apparent that the anti-inflammatory diet is your answer. And that is wonderful that you have been able to staff off the inflammation and pain with it. Now the hard part....to stay the course for good! Sprinkling lots of will power all over you at this very moment.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb! I don't know why I even stray from eating right. Keep the sprinkling of will power coming....I obviously need it :)
DeleteI am sorry to hear about what you went through. Glad that you are feeling much better now. Here's hoping for a happy & healthy 2012! That's one of the many reason I love to write a blog about my experiences. I have had my share of the struggles in the past. Nothing helps me more to stick to a healthy approach than writing about it. Best of luck Tonya!
ReplyDeleteLori, thank you for your comment. I agree that putting our intentions in writing for all to see will help us to stick with the plan. I used to think my blog should focus on only the successes of eating right, but I have come to realize its about sharing the entire experience. The good times and the rough patches too.
DeleteI'm amazed at the power of food when it comes to making us feel great or making us feel horrible. My significant other suffers from psoriatic arthritis, and although he doesn't watch his diet, he does frequent see flare ups with certain foods. Good luck with the rest of your weight loss journey!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily! I just saw your comment. Something is not working right with my notifications. What type of diet does your significant other have? I am researching this and would love to know what he eats and how effective it is with controlling his symptoms. You are so right...the power of food is of greatest importance.
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