Over the past 12 months I’ve been working on my health, on my mind, body and soul. It’s super important to me especially since my cancer diagnosis.
I don’t know if cancer still resides in my body, God I hope not! I had surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and I take daily hormone tablets and have monthly injections…it’s all insurance.
When I finished ‘active’ treatment I was broken. I was fat, bloated, foggy in the head and fairly immobile. I was too freakin young to give in and let cancer and treatment win so I made a conscious decision…to make a conscious effort towards wellness.
Part of that wellness adventure has been weight loss. Partly intentional and partly a side effect of getting well. I dabbled in the beginning because I was feeling sorry for myself and it all felt overwhelming, then a few months back I made more of an effort. I ate extremely clean and dedicated 10 weeks…it’s not a long time is it but it made a massive difference!
I then pulled back a little and then a little more because ‘it was Christmas’. After Christmas I got back on the wagon but came a little unstuck because ‘I was on holiday’… Sound familiar?
Now I’m home from holidays and taking 5 minutes to really think about habits, in particular my behaviour towards food.
It’s all well and good for me to say “oh, I know what to do” but if I’m NOT doing it then I’m not respecting myself. If I’m NOT doing it then what AM I doing? What am I waiting for? Why am I choosing to stand still?
It’s ok to have speed bumps and take detours but I NEED to keep going, I need to cease seeing speed bumps as dead ends and start my engine again.
So I’ve started again, the ‘food’ part of my wellness journey has been put back into action and I’m looking forward to less inflammation, less pain, more energy, more clear thinking and a little more room in my clothes.
Karen says
January 8, 2015 at 5:29 pmHubby & I joined a gym Nov 2014 and were making better choices food wise. We were enjoying it feeling better within ourselves but like you a small holiday & Christmas put us back a bit. Our goals are not to be size 8 or become gym junkies just to feel & be healthy active people. I refuse to measure health by numbers on a scale or to set deadlines for us it’s a long term vision with room to enjoy life. I found it a little daunting with the “size 8’s” in tight trendy gym gear pounding the treadmill, but I have the “curves with life experience” I’m not there to make a fashion statement so I put my iPod on & focus on my own journey and goals. So 2015 back to it, no more excuses.
Jenni says
January 8, 2015 at 5:51 pmGreat work Karen! So good that you have hubby to motivate you too. Working out what works for us is part of the process, here’s to wellness and fun in the process x
June says
January 8, 2015 at 5:35 pmCongratulations Jen, in my opinion we are what we eat & think. I try very hard to eliminate sugar from my life, 2nd, no white flour & salt. In a short while I am planning to start Pete Evans Paleo eating plan that is causing a big stir all over the world. My very best wishes for the healthiest 2015 to you & all your “tribe”, the word Pete Evans uses for his followers. Do hope your “friends don’t find that offensive. I am planning to continue to meditate daily & return to swimming daily. jx
Jenni says
January 8, 2015 at 5:47 pmGood for you June. It’s funny how people like to dismiss what works for others. An open mind us always a good start and knowing that what works for some isn’t for everyone, we are all so different. I’m liking what I see of Pete Evans, enjoy that journey x
Magda says
January 8, 2015 at 8:44 pmanother great post Jenni. Getting over that stop/start challenge is so hard, isn’t it? Although I tell myself my (mainly) healthy eating is a lifestyle, it doesn’t take much to derail that (think stress at work, too much wine to relieve that stress and then Christmas because we MUST eat s lot then). Like you, I’m regrouping and going back to my tried and tested habits but still feeling a little annoyed that I dropped the ball and have those pesky extra kilos to deal with.
Jenni says
January 8, 2015 at 8:59 pmExactly Magda, so easy to fall into old habits. I loved the Xmas food but my body is so inflamed! Good for you for getting back on track x
Jane says
January 8, 2015 at 10:00 pmThanks so much Jenni – that was the kick start I needed…. I’ve set my self some fairly big challenges for 2015 (running a marathon in April eeekkk) but the whole Christmas / New Year break has been a bit of a back pedal for me. Sooo regretting those extra glasses of wine and chocolate as I try and squeeze into a dress for a wedding on Saturday….. Oh well, I won’t beat myself up, I’ll do as you do, I need to keep going – I’ll start my engine again, its all good. Thank you xxx
Jenni says
January 8, 2015 at 10:13 pmOh wow a marathon is an awesome challenge, good for you Jane. Hey, grab some shape wear for the wedding on Saturday…it will get you into that dress 🙂 enjoy the wedding and start your engine again afterwards x
merilyn says
January 9, 2015 at 4:51 pmthat salad looks great jen!
I am normally a mindful eater! … that is I like to nourish my body with good whole foods!
but over the Christmas period and having visitors having extended stays! … I’m a bit out of whack!
must get on the healthy train again! … detox in order very soon!
I find raw foods, no processed carbs and lots of water and green tea and no alcohol which I gave up last year!
all helps to get me back on track and shape! … a bit of walking and yoga!
you might like to look at “nutrition stripped” her name is mckel {forgotton her last name} … this a very good website jen!
she is American … and a trained nutritionist and has really great nutritious recipes and healthy lifestyle information … very
useful and natural! cheers to you m:)X
Jenni says
January 9, 2015 at 7:48 pmOh thanks Merilyn I will look that site up. At the moment there’s nothing processed for me either and I’ve had one alcoholic drink in 3 years. Here’s to good health x