5.26.11

i’m feeling much better without carbs and sugar.  i’m hoping to see more weight loss by my official weigh-in on mon.
i’m trying hard to give thanks for where i’m at despite the fact that i’ve missed my major WL goals.  i am pre-preg weight of baby #4.  i have two more babies to go, 20 lbs. i ran for 2.5 miles today.  this my first run since the onset of my vertigo.  i felt much better than anticipated.  my callouses are fading  so my feet were slightly raw and sore.

thanks for giving me a tip on the vertigo.  it prompted me to look it up again.  i came to the conclusion that my vertigo was triggered by a head injury.  i’ve had similar symptoms post pregnancy but nothing like what i recently experienced.  my condition started immediately after a soccer game.  i headed the ball on 2 occasions.  both were high impact and caused some immediate dizziness.  i was able to regain my composure and continued with the first half.  i became extremely light headed at the start of the second half.  i wanted to sit out but thought that my dizziness was due to my lack of fitness and hydration.  i continued to play.  i lost my vision on my way home while driving. rose and i prayed the whole way.  still, i passed it off and thought i was in need of food.  i stopped at the nearest fast food, taco bell.  i could barely take in 2 bites.  i was nauseous.  finally i arrived to where dad was and i couldn’t even keep my eyes open.  i felt like i just stepped off a roller coaster.  i couldn’t even walk without guidance.  dad thought i had a concussion.  it was worse than labor.  ok, maybe not that bad but you know what i mean.  i experienced excessive vomiting.  i slept for the entire weekend.

the symptoms continued up to the present time.  they were much milder and intermittent.

i found this link after your post.  i decided to perform the simple exercise that was suggested.  i haven’t had any symptoms since.

i’m praying that it’s gone for good.  i desperately need to get back to training.  also, my family will be embarking on a pilgrimage that requires us to walk 13-15 miles a day for 3 days.  we will be camping along the way.  i need to be free from the dizziness.

lets keep moving!

5.23.11
**raw**
i was frustrated with my lack of results and i gave up.  it’s not a place i want to be at spiritually or physically, although, i’ve been there before.
i give praise and thanksgiving to God that i’m working my way out of the darkness.
i have 3 more changes for this phase.

• 1. high protein diet (thanks for the push)
• i’m cutting the flour and sugar out completely, at least for this week.
• 2. starting a new workout program.
• i enjoyed the program and definitely got some results despite my lack of faithfulness but i need a shorter exercise program. the new workout has some cons but it’s the right intensity and time for me (at this phase/season of my life).
• 3. offering each day and sacrifices for a cause/intentions
• i cannot do this on my own.  offering up each sacrifice for a specific cause helps me to keep the focus on Him and help others.
• please share your intentions.  i’ll gladly add them to my list.

i’m going to keep it simple and take it one day at a time.  i’ll be  using our motto to help me along the way.
today’s intentions are for all the mothers struggling with incorporating fitness into their daily lives.  may the Good Lord provide them (us) with the direction and grace needed to persevere. 

**published**

 5.27.11
The new phase of my fitness journey has begun.  This is the phase that comes after I reached a plateau and lost motivation.  It’s the phase in which a new conviction is born.
I’ve been at this phase before.  The difference this time around is that I desire to do more than just drop the pounds and develop healthy habits.  I desire to grow spiritually and produce His fruits.
I am halfway there in regards to my weight loss.  I have already lost baby weight from Dragonfly and Papi.  I have two more babies to go, totaling 20lbs.  After that, I will set my next weight loss goal, as I am no longer sure what my ideal body weight should be.
Here are some of my commitments for this phase in my journey.

Plan of Action:

• put the focus on the journey (spiritual and physical fitness) not the end result (weight loss).
• ditch the all or nothing attitude
• take it one week at a time.  focus on weekly goals so that i do not become discouraged.

Goals:

• 30 min exercise 3x week in addition to my running program
• 2 races by the end of Aug. (any length will be fine with me)
• 20 lbs loss by Aug.

Diet:

• no sugar!
• eat small meals throughout they day – before i get into hunger mode.
• only water. 10-14 glasses a day.

I have been dedicating each day of sacrifice to a specific intention.  You are invited to share your intentions with me.  I would be more than happy to pray and sacrifice for your intention.   You can be as descriptive or as general as you desire.  Leave your intention in the comments or email them to me at JOYfilledfamily{at}gmail{dot}com.
My primary goal is to glorify Him!