And so it begins! As many people know, I have struggled with my weight and other health issues most of my life. I won’t rehash all the attempts and failures I have endured in the many realms of gaining and maintaining health – weight loss, working out, eating healthy, exercising, etc. I want to focus on today and tomorrow.
I am obese. It’s a horrible word that immediately spurs thoughts of shame, repulsion, depression… and scores of other damaging things. I have decided I don’t care anymore. It’s nothing but a clinical diagnosis that needs my immediate attention. No more judgment or embarrassment. Just moving forward.
In addition, I have loads of other health issues. I have chronic severe migraines, worsening osteoarthritis, bad knees, depression, anxiety, a weakened immune system and a number of other problems. I am in constant pain. It is usually moderately manageable, but I have been having more and more of the bad days.
So, what’s a boy to do?
This is where I must state that I am not a healthcare professional. Everything I do is based on my own individual research and experience. Your experience may very well be different. Always meet with your physician before undertaking any major changes that may influence your health.
Now that that’s out of the way, what am I going to do to start changing or improving some of my problems? The first thing I am going to do is a cleanse or detox. I have chosen to do a juice cleanse, but there are many other types. A quick Google search will introduce you to hundreds of ideas, but I am going to keep it simple. Nothing but juice made from fresh fruits and vegetables. Other than the hunger portion, it shouldn’t be too terribly hard on me. I started eating vegan a couple years ago, so I won’t miss the meat or dairy; and I eliminated caffeine at the beginning of the year. The tough thing for me will be refined sugar and other junk foods.
Second, I am going to work on finding an exercise regimen that will take my pain and arthritis into account. Walking (for exercise) will be the obvious beginning, but it can’t be the only thing. I also need to begin some light weight training. In addition, I have been doing a lot of research into yoga. According to my reading, good studios will work with me to tailor my experience to my strengths and limitations. I can start slow and work my way up to more strenuous classes.
Third, I am going to be more disciplined in my meditation practice. I have been meditating for a few years now and I enjoy it quite a lot. However, I have not been making time to do it as frequently as I would like. If you have never given meditation a try, I urge you to look in to it. There are apps for your phone and tons of videos on YouTube that can help guide you to find what works for you.
Lastly, I am going to practice forgiveness. Forgiveness of myself. Letting it go. Focusing on positive change moving forward.
So, today is Day Zero. 373.2 pounds. That’s the easiest thing to track. I will pay attention to all the other pieces as well and update you on them as I experience them.
And Here We Go! 