Newsflash: It's Not All About Me

I was so hopeful when I started this blog.  But lately that hope is dwindling.  It’s in those moments of frustration that I realize I need to change my perspective.  And this week has been perfect for truly understanding that fact.  The reality is…life isn’t all about me.  I need to look outside myself and realize that even though I might be struggling, I still have so much to be thankful for, and there are other people in my life who need my focus and support.  Sometimes I need a life lesson as a not-so-gentle reminder.

Just a few days ago, I woke up at 3am with excruciating pain in my abdomen, lower back, and legs.  I’ve experienced intense pain before, but this was out of this world.  It went on for hours.  I couldn’t stop crying.  I couldn’t catch my breath.  My body wouldn’t stop shaking.  Eventually I even vomited.  I knew something was truly wrong.  I told my husband, and we immediately headed to the emergency room.

I was in so much pain while lying there that my legs would not stop shaking.  Everyone kept asking if I was cold.  I wasn’t.  I just couldn’t get my body under control.  Tears kept flowing because I didn’t know what else to do.  Did my appendix burst?  Was it a kidney stone?  And the doctors and nurses just kept asking more questions that I struggled to answer through the pain.  Eventually, they gave me a morphine drip, and I swear I wanted to hug that nurse.  She was my angel from heaven.  I started to relax, and then I felt like I was floating.  At one point, my mouth even went numb, and all I could think of was that song by The Weeknd:

“I can’t feel my face when I’m with you…

But I love it…

But I love it…”

I started laughing in that moment, and that’s when I knew I was going to be fine.  The darkest part had passed.  The doctor finally came in to let me know the results.  After a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and blood work, they determined I had an ovarian cyst that ruptured, and I had some internal bleeding that would eventually go away.  Thankfully, there was no damage to my ovary.  My job now was to go home, take ibuprofen and pain meds, get lots of rest, and lay low until I felt 100% better. 

Steve had to go to work, so a sweet friend picked me up and drove me home.  I was so thankful in that moment for so many things.

1. There is nothing seriously wrong with me.  Sure it hurt.  Sure it was scary.  But I left knowing that my body is going to recover on its own, and there is no permanent damage.
2. My husband is the strongest support system I could ask for.  He’s there in sickness and in health, just like we promised each other. 
3. I have incredible friends that function like family.  I love that with one phone call, someone is right there, no questions asked.  With friends like that, I’m a rich woman.

My other realization this week (since I’ve had a lot of time to think) is that I want to be there more purposefully for people in my life.  I have many close friends who are going through a lot.  Losing a loved one, moving to a new city, having a new baby, dealing with the aftermath of Charlottesville and the pain of racism and discrimination.  It’s enough sometimes to make me feel overwhelmed, or even hopeless.  But it’s also a reminder that none of us can get through this life alone.  The best thing we can do is be there for each other.  That might look different for each person, but offering that support can be what gets us through, day by day.  So I want to look for more ways to intentionally support and lift up the people in my life.  Just like that friend who picked me up (literally) when I needed it, I want to be there in return. 

After all, this life is so much bigger than little old me. 

You Can't Always Get What You Want

This week has been hard.  And this post is one I've been trying to avoid.  But I was moved to action today by a total stranger on Instagram.  She messaged me asking about endometriosis and how I've improved my symptoms and manage my pain.  It was great to connect with someone else who understands this disease, and I felt like I could actually be of some help.  That's why I started this blog in the first place.  And it's the reason I take stupid pictures of my food and post them.  I'm not a culinary genius.  But I do build meals based on the endometriosis diet and my fitness goals.  If that helps to heal my body, and in turn helps someone else do the same, then it's all worth it.  Even the ridicule of being "that girl" who posts her food.

But the main reason I've avoided posting was this past Sunday.  

Mother's Day.  

A day that knocks the wind out of me.  

It's a struggle for two reasons...  

1.  I miss my own mom.  I hate that we live 10 hours away from each other and we have to make grand plans to see each other.  There are so many times I wish I could just pop over to her house, sit down with a cup of tea, and talk through life with her.  I wish we could meet for lunch, or go shopping, or go to church together.  I envy people who live so close to their families.  But I will say, it makes us cherish the time we do get to spend together, and it makes it more special.  My mom and dad will be here in June and I can't wait!

2.  I wish I was a mom.  It breaks my heart every day.  Heartache is not only an emotion, but a physical manifestation that wells in my throat and feels like it might choke me.  And on days like Mother's Day, it takes all my willpower just to get through the mundane routine of a day.  I have so many amazing mothers in my life that surround me daily, and I just want to be part of that.  I don't hate you for being a mother.  I don't mind your stories about your kids.  I love kids.  And I love the love you have for them.  I just so desperately want to have that as well.  So on Mother's Day, I grow quiet, and I take care of myself.  I stay busy.  I stay off social media.  I spend time in nature.  I pray and thank God for everything that I do have in my life, and I also pray that I will be patient as I wait for the right time for me to be a mother.  Because I know it will happen.  It's just not in my power to decide when.  

So after I made it through Sunday, I was super excited for Team Week in Jungle Gym.  And Monday's workout included none other than...tire flips!!  But for whatever reason, my body did not cooperate during that workout.  I was cramping and in pain almost the entire time, and I struggled through every rep.  Thank goodness for my partner, who was incredibly patient with me and kept me going.  I managed to keep working up until the buzzer, and I was proud that I at least kept moving and didn't give up.  But I left feeling pretty frustrated and even apologized to my partner for failing her that day.  Yesterday I felt great during the workout and figured I was in the clear for the rest of this week.  But then last night, I woke up in the middle of the night with pain and cramping, which has lasted most of the day.  I decided to forego Jungle Gym and do yoga at home instead.  It definitely helped me feel a little better, and I'm hoping I will get a good night's rest.

What I can't figure out is, what makes certain days different?  Why do I feel amazing and unstoppable some days, but then others leave me feeling like I've been beaten to a pulp.  It's one of the most frustrating aspects of this disease.  It's cyclical, so I know that some days and weeks will be tougher than others, but then there are random days as well when I get hit with a flare up of pain.  I will never, ever understand it.

Instead, I try to get through it as best I can, so here are my top pain management tips:

1.  Stick to my diet.  

It's not easy, but it helps so much.  And I can tell when I'm too lenient.  That's when I need to reign it back in and cut out things like alcohol or sweets that I sometimes allow myself "as a treat".  It's a slippery slope, and I have to be careful.

2.  Manage my stress.

Stress negatively effects the body, and for someone like me, it really does a number.  I have to compartmentalize my work and remind myself that it will all get done, even when it feels overwhelming.  Staying organized definitely helps with this.

3.  Use home remedies.

Hot baths, a heating pad, yoga, stretching, massage oil, and rest all help immensely, especially when I have a bad flare up.  I reserve pain medication as a last resort when nothing else works.  Thankfully, I only need it once every month or two.

4.  Listen to my body.

After almost 13 years, I know now when to push through and when to pull back.  My body knows how much pain it can handle.  Sometimes during a workout or a tough day at work, I know that just breathing and going slower will get me through it.  Other times, I need to call it quits, head home, and try some of the techniques above.  It just depends on the day and the severity, but my body communicates loud and clear.  

5.  Use the power of the pups.

My two dogs have magical healing powers.  They always know when I don't feel well, and their snuggles can get me through anything.  They're also obsessed with yoga.  Downward Dog, anyone??  

But What if I Could? - My First Spartan Race

"Set your sights high.  The higher the better.  Expect the most wonderful things to happen." ~ Eileen Caddy

I decided back in October that I wanted to commit to running a Spartan race.  Many of my friends and my husband had completed various Spartans, and I always sat back wondering "What if?".  What if I tried to get out there and do it?  Would I make it through?  Would I be able to finish?  Would I fail every obstacle?  Would my pain keep me from even competing?  I had so many questions, but the biggest was...

 What if I COULD do it?

I decided I was tired of my goals taking a backseat to my pain.  Endometriosis freaking sucks.  There's no way around that.  For years, it kept me from doing what I truly wanted to do.  I had to cancel plans or cut workouts short.  I had to miss out on time with family and friends.  I had to dial back my goals and keep them modest for fear of what might happen if I had a major flare up.  Close friends, my husband, and my trainer had witnessed what it looked like when my body took over.  I would cramp up to the point that I couldn't breathe.  And I worried about that happening during something like a Spartan.  But I decided I didn't want that to be an excuse anymore.  If I trained and prepared, perhaps I could convince my body to cooperate, at least for the day.  That was my goal anyway.

ROC Training over the past 6 months has been a grueling challenge week after week.  I learned how to jump over walls, low crawl under "barbed wire", carry logs and heavy buckets, climb ropes (well, almost!), throw a spear, pull a hoist, bear crawl up hills, and run and sprint until I felt like my legs might fall off or my lungs might give out.  It was definitely a different challenge from Jungle Gym.  I also got used to getting wet, cold, dirty, and bruised.  

All that led to this weekend and a trip to Charlotte for my first Spartan Sprint.  I was beyond excited, mostly because I felt prepared, and my diet has definitely helped me to feel much better in the past few months.  Now was as good a time as any to conquer this goal.  And I was surrounded by AMAZING people who helped me feel supported, determined, and strong.  

After a hilarious night of cooking "breakfast for dinner" for 13 people in our big rental house, I felt like I barely slept Friday night.  I was so anxious and excited that I never fully relaxed.  But I rested as best I could, and by 5:00am, I was up and ready to roll.  We piled into vehicles and got to see the sunrise as we drove to "the farm" for our race.  And Lord did it smell like one!  

We headed towards registration and realized just how COLD it was outside.  Much, much colder than we expected.  But the weather forecast promised warmer temperatures, so we kept moving as best we could to keep warm while we waited for our start time.  We stretched, we jogged, we danced, we huddled.  And just as we lined up in our corral, the sun broke through and we could finally feel some warmth.  I was surrounded by my team, I felt great, the sun was shining, and I couldn't stop smiling.  With a chant of "AROO! AROO! AROO!" we were off!

The terrain starting out was riddled with divots and hoof prints, and I realized right away that EVERYONE was passing me.  I'm not a fast runner, so this was no surprise, but it did deflate my spirits a little.  But my husband kept checking back to make sure I was still on the move, and we soon reached our first obstacle.  Wall after wall after wall to get over.  And I crushed ALL of them!  But soon what I feared happening started to come true.  My stomach, lower back, hips, and thighs cramped up and I struggled to move or catch my breath.  The pack in front of us moved further and further ahead, and I made the mistake of looking behind me.  There was literally no one there.  I was the last person in our heat.  Dead. Last.  But I held true to my training and told myself, "Just keep moving.  You will get through this.  You will start to feel better.  And you've got a long way to go.  JUST. KEEP. MOVING."

By the time I reached the inverted wall, my breath was starting to stabilize and my body was loosening up.  Steve gave me great instructions on what to do to get over the wall, and to my surprise, I made it up and over easily!  By that point I was pumped!  I knew the race could only get better as my body returned to normal and I could truly give it my all.

I started climbing the cargo net and one of my ROC coaches reminded me, "This is your race, Crystal.  Run YOUR race."  I didn't need to worry if I was at the back of the pack.  This was my goal.  And I knew at that point I would make it through.  I just had to keep going and not quit.  And I soon rejoined our group and found I wasn't as far behind as I thought I was.  My spirits were high and I was ready to go!

I was able to make it across part of the Olympus, which made me pretty happy since I had only tried that once in training.  I also made it through half of the rings, which I never could've done a few months ago.  The bucket carry, sandbag carry, atlas carry, hoist, and plate drag were all incredibly easy thanks to all the heavy carries and pulls we do in Jungle Gym.  I was so thankful in those moments for my trainer and all the crazy stuff he makes us do!

What I wasn't prepared for?  Frigid water and pure, unadulterated MUD.  Not even mud.  Cow shit.  Straight up poop soup.  I think the pictures here say it all...

We followed this up by literally sitting in the mini "river" and taking a quick bath together.  Six grown adults, splish splashing our cares away.  It felt like a scene from The Hunger Games, without any fear of killing, of course.  It was probably one of my favorite moments.

We took off running again and towards the end, I was met with a fate of many burpees.  I didn't do the rope, which I had already planned on skipping, and I missed my spear throw.  The rope has given me a lot of trouble during training, and due to the muddy race conditions, I knew today was not the day.  I did my burpees instead and got to witness one of my teammates, Katie, rock her rope!  I'll continue to practice this obstacle for sure.

We had one more stretch to run, and by this point my calves were cramping like crazy.  But I knew the best thing to do was to keep moving, so slow and steady was the name of the game.  We came to the A-Frame cargo net, and my heart immediately had a panic moment.  I don't do well with heights, and I knew this was going to be tough for me.  I climbed up as quick as I could while still remaining steady, and when I almost reached the top, the woman in front of me just stopped!  There I was, with her butt in my face, and I couldn't go anywhere.  She just kept sitting and wouldn't move, so I looked at Steve to keep my focus.  I knew if I looked down, I would start to freak out.  She finally started her descent, and I was able to transition to the other side.  I made it down without a problem, which was a huge feat for me.  I was just so ready at that point to finish!  

Our final obstacle was the monkey bars, which were super difficult.  I watched many strong men fail them over and over.  The bars were especially fat, and the heights changed as you moved through.  I tried to swing for the second bar and missed, so off to do more burpees I went.  

Our group of six was finally finished and ready to jump over the fire!  This was one of my other favorite moments.  Cheryl, Katie, Leah, CJ, and Steve - y'all definitely got me through.  I'm so glad I had you all there to cheer me on, and it was awesome to see so many of your strong and fierce moments.  That's pure joy on my face right there as we crossed that finish line!

As I reflected on the day, it took awhile for it to truly sink in.  I just DID THAT.  I ran 4.9 miles and completed 20+ obstacles.  I fought through pain and fatigue.  I overcame a near mental crumble.  I witnessed my friends and husband repeatedly crushing their obstacles.  I accomplished the goal I set months before.  The goal that at this time last year seemed nearly impossible.  

Now the question is...did I catch "the itch"?  I've heard that once you do a Spartan, you're "hooked".  I'll be honest.  I wouldn't go that far.  I'm extremely proud that I finished and so glad I accomplished my goal.  This was definitely a bucket list moment.  But do I feel the sudden urge to do another?  If I'm being perfectly honest...no.  I'm quite content to be free of the mud and the cold as I sit here warm and comfy typing this.  I also woke up today feeling like I got hit by a bus.  My body aches, my legs are sore, my arms and knees are bruised, and I'm all around just tired.  It was awesome, but I think this will probably be a once-a-year-kinda-thing for me. (*wink, wink)  But I will continue to train, because each day brings the chance to improve and move one step further towards NEW goals.  My goal now is to get stronger with my upper body so that obstacles like the ring, the rope, or the monkey bars aren't a struggle.  Because we're never too old to set a new goal...  

Whether a Shout or a Whisper

This body has been my home for almost 33 years, and I'm still left puzzled as to what it's trying to tell me.  Sometimes I'm just downright confused.  But I am learning more and more that there are times to push and do more, and there are times to rest and recover.  Sometimes my mind and my heart have the best intentions, but my body is adamant that it's not a good idea.  I try to ignore it, which usually leaves me in even more pain, and I walk away frustrated.  In the past year, I've learned to see the warning signs and scale back.  This allows me to still move my body, keep my mobility, burn some calories, clear my head, and continue my progress without doing any damage; physically, mentally, or emotionally.

I started feeling really rundown on Friday afternoon.  I was having some stomach issues and I felt like I could sleep for days.  I decided not to go to the gym, and instead I finally finished Gilmore Girls (Good Lord, that was the longest show ever!) and I went to bed early.  Saturday I woke up feeling better, but not quite 100%.  I headed to Gorilla Stomp, which is usually one of my favorite classes throughout the week at Jungle Gym.  All of the stretching and mobility feels amazing, and we usually get in a good sweat that allows us to leave feeling better than when we came in.  This week's workout though was brutal for me, and I had to leave at one point because I was in pain and felt like I might be sick.  I haven't felt that way for awhile, so it kind of caught me off guard.  We did high reps of wall kicks, push ups, jumping step ups, arm blasters, Bulgarian split squats, and "face melters".  They all are equally as bad as they sound.  Trust me.  And doing 50, 75, or 150 of them is just torture.  I left feeling frustrated, which is not how I usually leave the gym.

Fast forward to this morning, and I still didn't feel well.  I knew that ROC Training was going to be at the Noland Trail, and I already knew this wasn't a good idea for me.  With the first Spartan race just 5 weeks away, I knew it would be a grueling workout.  And it should be.  It's what everyone needs at this point.  But right now, it's not what I need.  I had to swallow my pride, stuff down my severe case of FOMO, and face facts:

Today I needed to rest.  Today I needed to do what was best for me. Today I needed to do my own workout.

This afternoon I bundled up in my cold-weather gear and my new running shoes, and I went out with the pups for a 2 mile run.  We stopped at the park by the local elementary school so I could use the chin up bar, and I did 20 burpee pull ups and 25 push ups while the pups chilled out and watched me.  They are seriously the best trainers!  The cold air felt great as we headed back to the house, and my spirits were lifted.  I didn't do the 6+ miles on the trail that everyone else did today, but I did get out and train.  And for today, that was enough.

If you're like me and you sometimes feel like you're not working hard enough, or giving your all, or doing your best unless you're doing EVERYTHING...please take this one piece of advice.  Know yourself enough to know when to take a breath.  Know when you need a break.  Know when your body needs time, or maybe just a different experience.  It doesn't make you any less dedicated, and it certainly doesn't make you weak.  It's smart, and it will allow you to come back stronger.

Who's Having the Best Week Ever?? This Girl!

This week has been incredible!  I honestly keep pinching myself to be sure it is indeed real.  Here's a quick recap of why I'm so ecstatic:

1.  Last Sunday and today, I felt amazing at ROC Training.  Last week was more cardio intensive with lots of running between obstacles, and today was more focused on specific training of skills like climbing ropes and walls, grip strength holds, spear throwing, and even a low crawl.  Very different workouts, but I felt like I could tackle both and never needed to stop.  I'm getting more and more excited as my first Spartan race grows closer.  Just six weeks away!!

2.  I was able to do Team Week workouts at Jungle Gym this week and felt like I could really contribute to my team without holding back.  In the past, team workouts always made me nervous because I feared not being able to pull my weight or having to stop.  I never wanted to let my team down or be the weak link.  This week, I felt like I could truly give my all to help my team.

3.  I made it through an entire Kettlebell class WITHOUT STOPPING!  I did all the power swings, all the speed skaters, and all the jumping jacks!  I've been taking that class for years, and I've never been able to do that without stopping due to pain.  It was such an exhilarating feeling!!!


It's amazing to think that changes I've put in place have amounted to this huge of a transformation in my quality of life.  But I believe that small changes in turn mean other more significant changes, and the positive effects build.  By cutting out coffee, I'm not only reducing inflammation, but I'm also sleeping better.  By sleeping better, I feel more rested, which helps me make better choices about my diet.  I also have less stress, which in turn means less pain.  I try to follow my plan 100% during the work week, which is pretty easy since I just eat what I bring with me.  On the weekends, I'm a little more relaxed and enjoy some meals or drinks out with friends.  This balance seems to be working well, and I don't feel like I'm missing out on life.

What also excites me is I see changes on the outside as well.  Since I feel better, I can finally give my all during workouts.  This has led to more progress in a shorter amount of time, which is really motivating and keeps me going.  I'm seeing more muscle on my frame, and I'm also witnessing what my body can do!  I'm making slow and steady gains on smaller lifts and body weight exercises, and I'm excited to see how I do with the big lifts during PR Week at Jungle Gym.  Bring on the squats, presses, cleans, and deadlifts!

I took this photo today, and it perfectly sums up how I'm feeling.  I'm happy, I'm proud, and I'm hopeful for what's to come.  I thank God every day that I'm finding relief and truly getting to live in the moment and enjoy life.  And I honestly believe that my positivity is radiating out beyond just myself.  When we take care of ourselves, we can then take care of others.

Breaking Free

There are moments in life that might seem insignificant, but below the surface, something incredible is taking place.  Untrained eyes can miss it, and even we might not realize unless we take the time to look back and reflect.

For me, today was one of the those days.

It's Team Week in Jungle Gym, which typically means that groups of 5 or 6 people work together on various exercises to accumulate a number of reps.  The goal is to do your personal best but also support your team.  And no one gets left behind.  The group only finishes when everyone finishes.  Today was different though.  Today was an individual workout with a pyramid structure for 5 different exercises.  The rower, bear crawls, sled pushes, kettlebell swings, and burpee broad jumps.  Each exercise would increase in reps, lengths, or meters, and the ultimate goal was to complete 5 rounds in 40 minutes.

Normally, I would start panicking before I even started.  I would worry that I would be too slow or that I wouldn't finish.  Or God forbid, what if I was in too much pain or needed to stop?  But today, I told myself from the beginning...

You. Will. Finish.

The first round felt great, but by the second round I realized that adding another sled push or another length of bear crawls was no joke.  And the burpee broad jumps never got easier.  I was winded and my hips burned like fire.  But I kept telling myself...

"Just keep moving."  

One more length.  
One more rep.  
One more row.  

As I started Round 5, I realized others were finishing.  They drank water and chatted, which they most definitely earned the right to do.  And I began to feel that usual anger and disappointment with myself.  I was too slow.  I didn't finish in time.  I was in the middle of Round 5 when time officially ended.  I could've gave up.  I could've quit and walked out.  But another woman was willing to stay and keep working, and I couldn't leave without finishing as well.  I did my last round of burpee broad jumps and my 500 meter row.  It felt absolutely terrible.  At multiple points, I honestly fought back the urge to projectile vomit on the turf.  But as two friends waited with me while I finished, I felt the most amazing sense of triumph.  I collapsed on the floor until I caught my breath, but I was genuinely so happy.  I finished what I set out to do.  And I finished what my former self would've walked away from.

It was in that moment that I realized just how much I gained from not giving up.  And I also proved that I'm capable of so much more than what I sometimes believe.  This diet has allowed me to feel healthier and stronger, but the truth is, this desire to do more was always there.  It just needed to be set free.

Dust Yourself Off and Try Again

This week was a tough one.  Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  It started last weekend when I came down with a nasty cold.  Sore throat, congestion, cough, and extreme fatigue.  I felt like I got hit by a bus.  I spent most of Saturday and Sunday sleeping and eating soup or ice cream.  Yep.  Not following my plan at all.  I ate what sounded good or felt better for my throat.  And I just didn't care.

The rest of my week wasn't any better.  Work ramped up and became insane.  Long days, late hours, and lots of travel.  Again, I didn't eat what I should have.  Some personal stuff happened as well, and my stress level skyrocketed.  By Friday night, I was just excited to feel healthy again, and the hubby and I met some friends out at a new restaurant.  I ordered whatever sounded delicious AND had a margarita.  Once again, epic fail.  I missed the gym again on Saturday because of a vet appointment for our dog and errands and projects for the house.  By this point I just felt off.  Way off.  Saturday night I decided I was sick of it.  I went grocery shopping to restock, and I bought only food that fits my plan.  I knew today would be my day to jump back in.

And today felt incredible!  I have no idea how, after the crazy week I had, but I managed to have an amazing workout at ROC Training this morning!  In the midst of sandbag drags, tire drags, bucket carries, hill sprints, tons of burpees and two miles of running...I never felt any pain!  ZERO!!!  Was I tired and winded?  Of course.  But I never felt like I needed to stop or couldn't handle it.  I went at my pace and it felt fantastic.  We also got to practice some grip holds, which were challenging and fun.  I'm getting so excited for my first Spartan race in April, and I'm loving that I feel better.  It gives me hope that I can go out that day and truly do my best.

I see this kind of training as a true metaphor for life.  It's difficult, and sometimes you have to deal with obstacles that try your patience, or make you stumble, or just plain frustrate you.  But when you overcome them, you feel unstoppable, and you realize that they can't hold you back.  Nothing can if you focus, put your heart and mind into it, stay positive, and lean on those around you for motivation and support.  And man, am I glad for the people I get to train with!

Today was also full of meal prep and getting things ready for the work week.  I even tried a new recipe, with plenty of leftovers for lunches.  This Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken was phenomenal!  I'm definitely adding it to my meal rotation.

As I sit here on Sunday night, I feel much more prepared for this upcoming week.  And I'm grateful that I had some quiet time to recharge my batteries.  In the midst of sickness and wanting to keep my germs to myself, I was able to spend time on my own in reflection, prayer, reading, and even just going for a walk with the pups.  Sometimes things don't go according to "my" plan, but sometimes it's what needs to happen for me to be right where I am right now.  

The Little Things Add Up

It's Day 26 of my endometriosis diet and hard to believe almost a month has gone by.  Most days I've followed the plan completely, but I have had a few treats here and there.  I'm definitely starting to see some majors changes from this eating plan.  It's exciting to realize that less than a month is all it takes to see significant improvements in my body and quality life.

1.  I'm definitely slimming down.  
I've only lost 5 pounds, but my clothes fit much differently.  This morning I was able to wear a blazer that was far too tight a few months ago.  Getting lean also means feeling lighter in the gym.  That might be the best benefit, especially when body weight exercises come into play.  And my muscles are starting to pop!  My friend took this back shot of me last night at Jungle Gym, and I couldn't believe the muscle definition!  This is especially encouraging since I feel like it takes me FOREVER to see any muscle on my frame.

2.  I'm sleeping better.
Most nights I can sleep through the night now without pain or discomfort.  I still have the occasional rough night, but this is the exception instead of the rule.  I also fall asleep much sooner.  I used to be wide awake until 11 or midnight.  Now I can fall asleep around 9 or 10.  I wake up each day much more rested.

3.  I barely think about coffee.
I used to need coffee at least twice a day....sometimes three times.  Now, I can drive to work wide awake and make it through the entire day without that hazy fog or need for a nap.  A cup of green tea is all I need, and some days I don't even drink that.  It's amazing to be able to move on from something that was so addicting.  Do I still want it sometimes?  Of course.  But I don't feel like I'm going to die without it.

4.  I've found a good groove of what to eat and when.
I was worried at first that with the approved foods on the list I would feel deprived, or sluggish, or that maybe I would rely too much on high-fat foods like nuts, avocados, etc.  The first week or two I ate A LOT of fat.  It helped me feel full as I was adjusting to the new meal plan.  But now I've found a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.  My typical day looks something like this:

 

I don't log my food every day, and I don't get too hung up on calories.  My intuition, workouts, and

energy level drive what I eat.  And If I'm hungry, I eat more!  I just stick to the clean, whole foods on my list and make sure I get plenty of veggies and fruit.

5. I don't have to rely on pain meds and ibuprofen.
I used to gobble up ibuprofen like candy, and there were multiple days each month when I couldn't sleep without taking a pain pill.  In the past 26 days, I've only taken a prescription pill one time.  And I barely use ibuprofen.  I still experience some pain, but I'm finding that it's more manageable and doesn't last as long.  This week in the gym, I've been able to get through complete workouts without any issues.  This is a giant step forward for me.

6. That "time of the month" wasn't so terrible.
I'll spare the details here, but let's just say it wasn't as awful as usual.  It's never a picnic, but any improvement is great.


As the first month comes to a close, I'm excited to see what other changes take place and what kind of progress I can make.  It can only get better from here!!

Singing to Journey Makes My Food Taste Better

Cooking is a big deal in our household.  Luckily Steve and I both enjoy it, and in the background we usually have some great music on vinyl.  Tonight's choice was Journey's Greatest Hits.  Crosby, our boxer pup, loves it when I sing to him.  (At least I like to believe he does.)

On the menu was my latest attempt at bringing in an "old school" favorite with a twist.  I'm a big fan of Italian food, and I was desperately craving some of that delicious comfort that only a big bowl of pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese can provide.  I had eggplant in the house for another recipe and started to wonder if I could do a spin on Eggplant Parmesan.  I found this recipe for Crispy Baked Eggplant, and I started to think...

This could totally be gluten-free with some tweaks!

I already had gluten-free flour from baking for a friend, and I found these breadcrumbs at Kroger.  They are definitely more course than traditional breadcrumbs, but they coated the eggplant well.  Everything crisped up perfectly, and we paired it with some baby portabella mushrooms, a veggie-filled marinara sauce, and ground chicken meatballs.  I'm so full and happy right now!!!  And I didn't even miss the cheese that would usually top this traditional dish.  It had too much flavor for me to feel like I was missing out!

That's my goal with this meal plan.  I want to do the best I can to clean up my diet and create versions of my favorite foods that will still follow the guidelines.  I'll admit, the past couple days haven't been perfect.  I went out to eat a few times with friends, and last night I watched football at our friends' house and had tortilla chips (cooked in vegetable oil) and one cookie.  But for me, that's pretty impressive.  With a choice of multiple desserts, I only ate ONE cookie!  My saving grace was bringing a homemade chili that was completely on point with my plan.  My husband gave me the idea, and I was so thankful he did.  I was starting to feel frustrated that I wouldn't have many options, but a big bowl of that chili filled me up, and I didn't feel tempted to eat all of the other foods.  Just that delicious cookie!


Every day it's getting a little easier to say "no" to restricted foods and to find ways to eat what's approved.  I still want to enjoy time with friends, and I will still go out to eat.  I can't shut myself away, but I can make a conscious effort to choose what is best for my body when I'm in situations where I don't cook for myself.


So far it seems to be paying off.  I had a rough night Friday, and Saturday I chose to take it easy and didn't work out at all.  But by yesterday morning I was back in the gym, and today I was able to give all I had to a BRUTAL workout full of squats.  Jump squats, split squats, Bulgarian split squats....and even some hexbar deadlifts too.  We worked that booty!!!  It was a love/hate relationship for sure.

Because a Girl's Gotta Have Dessert

One of the toughest habits for me to break is my love affair with sweets.  My parents offered me fudge to motivate me as I first learned to walk.  I celebrated t-ball games and straight A report cards with a trip to get ice cream.  And my mom's baking?  Don't get me started.  She used to send me care packages in college filled with the best sugar cookies and caramel popcorn.  And her pies...  Good. Lord. Almighty.  I honestly don't bake much for fear that I won't live up to her level of greatness.

Somewhere along the way I picked up the idea that sweets equal celebration, and honestly, I can find any reason to celebrate.  I developed a terrible habit of "just picking up something small" when I was out grocery shopping.  My husband and I don't keep junk food in the house, but if I eat in the car, it doesn't count...right??  (P.S.  He does this too.  Many Kit Kat wrappers have been dumped as evidence.)  I'll find a chocolate-drizzled kettlecorn or a funky chocolate bar and be convinced that I HAVE to try it.  I act as if the world is ending tomorrow and I might miss my opportunity.  And holidays or parties?  Best believe I will try every dessert available, even if my stomach is about to burst.  

The funny thing is, I always thought this was just me.  I felt like it made me a weirdo, and that my willpower was out of control.  I could meal prep, and eat more veggies, but sweets always found their way back into my "healthy" diet.  And it wasn't just once a week.  Nope.  It was almost daily.  Even my co-workers knew this, as they offered me peanut butter cups on the regular.  But as I did more research on endometriosis, I found that this is actually a common symptom.  Women with the condition tend to have strong cravings for sweets.  And the more you eat, the more you want.  I knew giving up this monster would be the toughest.  Even more so than coffee.  (Gasp!)

So I scoured my options and decided I would figure out a way to enjoy "dessert" so I didn't feel deprived.  My newest creation is one I'm pretty proud of, and it hits the spot as my after dinner treat.  

- 1 cup frozen organic blueberries and raspberries (I scoop them out while I eat dinner and let them thaw)

- 2 teaspoons of chilled organic coconut milk (Once chilled, it flakes off with a spoon and you can shake it onto the fruit)

- A drizzle of organic honey (A little goes a long way!)

Voila!  My taste buds are happy!  The berries are sweet and slightly tart, the coconut milk is creamy and feels indulgent, and the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness.  My next step is to try this blended together, because I have a hunch it could be sorbet or sherbet-esque.  For now, I'm enjoying it as a little bowl of goodness. 

The hubby and I also made some awesome Dijon Mustard Turkey Sliders and Homemade Coleslaw from our trainer's Epic Eats cookbook.  Dinner was delicious, and we have plenty for lunch tomorrow as well.  I'm finding that it's working better to make bigger dinners and take the leftovers for lunch than to meal prep everything on Sunday.  It's an adjustment for me, but I like that every day is different and more fresh.

Daily Stats:

Sleep: I had trouble falling asleep.  I was in quite a bit of pain and ended up using a heating pad and pain medicine.  After that I slept great though, and I woke up feeling much better.

Energy Level:  Great!  I didn't even need green tea in the afternoon.

Meals:  Stuck to the plan -- no problems.

Workout:  I felt pretty awful during Jungle Gym yesterday, so I listened to my body and took it easy today.  Light cardio (bike, elliptical, jogging on the treadmill) felt great.

Weight: 147.2 lbs (Down 4.2 lbs) 

But You Are Not Alone In This

With yet another snow day, and lots of time to think, I keep having the same question run through my mind.  Where does God fit into this plan for healing?  My faith is extremely important to me, and I think I felt almost guilty that I was presenting this plan like I believed I would be the one to heal myself.  That's not actually what I think at all.  For months I've felt like this is the direction I should take, but I don't think I would've come to that conclusion alone.  It's taken years of prayer, pain, doubt, and deliverance to bring me to where I am now.

I think it's human nature to wonder why things happen the way they do.  And often, we especially question when struggles or trials occur in our life.  If you've dealt with illness, pain, or suffering...or you've had to endure the agony of watching a loved one go through it, you know those questions are very real.  And it can leave you feeling alone, trapped, hopeless, scared, and abandoned.

Why am I going through this?  And why does it seem like there's no hope?  No possible way out?  

I've felt this countless times in my own life and those close to me.  It leaves me feeling defeated.  I remember nights when I was in so much pain, and I prayed to God to take this all away.  I've prayed for friends or family members who needed healing or that rescue from their circumstances.  And every time, the answered prayer comes back very differently from what I imagined.  Prayer isn't magic.  It doesn't work immediately, or in our frame of time.  And it isn't an automatic bargaining chip.  We can't promise God we will change or "do better" and he will give us our desires in that moment.  

But prayer brings me to my knees and reminds me that I can't do this alone.  And I don't have to.  I was never meant to go through this life on my own.  I always think of the song "Timshel" by Mumford & Sons...  

But you are not alone in this
And you are not alone in this
As brothers we will stand and we'll hold your hand
Hold your hand

I'm never alone, because God is there with me, and he's also put people in my life who lift me up when I'm weak.  They brush me off and help me start over again.  I don't have to be strong in my own strength.  I have the strength of God within me and the support of those around me.  

But I also love the last line of this song, because I think it's the other point that can sometimes be missed or neglected.

But I can't move the mountains for you

I believe in the power of prayer, and I know that I need the help of others, but ultimately I have to take the steps to move forward.  I have to make decisions and act, knowing that I have support systems there to guide me and pick me up when I fall.  But this is still my life to live.  I can't wait around, hoping something happens to me.  And I can't make excuses and wallow in my self-pity.  It reminds me of a story I heard once about a man who was caught in a flood and trapped on the roof of his house.  I don't know the exact story, but it went something like this:

The man sat stranded for days, calling out to God.  Multiple times, people came by in row boats and offered him a ride to safety, but each time he replied, "No, thank you.  God will save me".  Then when he prayed to God he asked, "Lord, why didn't you save me?  Why did you leave me here alone?"  God answered, "I did try to save you.  You turned each row boat away.  All you had to do was step in."

So that's where I now find myself.  God has provided an option of healing, and I'm taking that step.  I'm not saying I can do it alone.  And I'm not saying I have the power of healing.  But I do believe it's within my power to make choices that are best for my body, mind, and spirit.  

Today was a day of reminder for me.  I made it to the gym (thanks to my husband's SUV and mad driving skills in the snow!) and I felt pretty terrible.  I left the workout at one point until the cramping and pain calmed down some.  And I had that same familiar question...  

Why?

I don't know why some days are better than others.  But I do know that's the first bad day I've had in a week.  It's an improvement, and it gives me hope.  And I still managed to get a pretty decent workout.  It may not have been my 100% best, but it's better than nothing at all.  I'll take it.  And I'll remain hopeful knowing that tomorrow might be even better.  

When All is Quiet

Growing up in northwestern Pennsylvania, a good portion of my year revolved around snow.  My Halloween costume had to fit over my winter coat.  I wore snow boots to school and packed other shoes in my backpack.  Only a few times did I get to enjoy an Easter dress with cute shoes and a little floppy hat.  My friends and I would spend hours watching movie marathons, eating popcorn, and baking cookies.  And of course, there were snowball fights, snow forts, sledding, and ice skating with my brother.  We had to find ways to still get out and have fun when months and months were spent buried under multiple feet of snow.  And yes, we always had school.  ALWAYS.

Here in the south, it's a different story.  Life comes to a grinding halt when a snowstorm rolls through.  The roads become almost impassible without equipment to keep them clear, and everyone becomes shut away in their homes unless they absolutely, positively must be out.  For some, this might be a nightmare, but I love the peace and quiet that comes with snow days.  The blanket of white outside is gorgeous, and the rush and busyness of life slows down.  It's like I can take a breather, with permission, and just "be".  But with that quiet comes loud thoughts in my head.  And today those thoughts are focused on my diet.  It seems silly, but today I felt sad.  I felt like I was missing out.  I wanted to bake cookies, or drink hot cocoa, or make pizza.  I wanted to have popcorn while watching a movie.  I wanted the comfort that comes from comfort foods.  And I thought back to how many years I spent that way growing up.  It's amazing how food ties into our memories.

I stayed strong and stayed busy to avoid thinking about "forbidden" foods.  I cleaned the kitchen and both bathrooms.  I scrubbed the windows that featured my dogs' nose art.  I organized our shoe closet.  I went for a walk and enjoyed the crisp, snowy air.  And I still got to enjoy some yummy food.  I just need to realize now that I'm building my own new traditions.  Like a veggie and egg white omelette, plus oats with cinnamon and slivered almonds.  And a nice, hot bowl of shrimp jambalaya after being out in the cold.  It's different, but it's still delicious.  I'm well-fed, I'm warm, and I'm happy.  It's a lot to be thankful for.

And let's talk about improvements over the last week!  The past two nights I've slept all the way through the night, I've had only minor pain during workouts, and today I was able to put my heating pad away because I haven't needed it!  And a bonus...I've lost 2.6 pounds!  All of these triumphs let me know I'm on the right track, and that makes the small sacrifices and adjustments worth it.  

So here's to a few more days of peace and quiet with snow falling outside.  I hope you find some joy in it as well.

Questions, Temptation, and Chicken Salad

Not gonna lie.  Day #3 was a little rough.  It was my first day back at work and I felt lethargic the entire day.  I also had a raging headache, which continued until I ate dinner tonight.  My workout felt miserable, although I think most people felt that way today!  It was a tough one!

I've been at this point before.  I know my body is adjusting to the detox...but man, the struggle was real.  Co-workers also offered me chocolate three different times today.  I successful declined, but I was seriously tempted to have "just one".  I know where that leads though.  Sweets are my downfall, and stopping after I start is almost impossible.  I'm looking forward to a cup of blueberries and raspberries with coconut cream for dessert tonight!

I also had a great question from a fellow Jungle Gym beast today during our workout.  She was curious about my decision to choose more plant-based options and whether I was giving up all animal products.  Some women who go on an Endometriosis Diet do adopt a Vegan lifestyle.  I unfortunately am not prepared at this point to do that.  I need a lot of protein, and I just can't see myself consuming enough from a plant-based diet.  So for now, I'll stick with eliminating red meat and processed meats.  This will still reduce the amount of negative prostaglandins I'm consuming.  The "bad" prostaglandins come from animal fats and saturated fat, and they directly contribute to the pain and inflammation I've been experiencing.


Another positive today was the AMAZING Curried Chicken Salad I had for lunch!  I made a big batch yesterday and stored it in a glass bowl so I can scoop out servings over romaine lettuce.  The recipe comes from Danielle Walker's cookbook Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well and Feel Great.  I also found the recipe posted here.  I omitted the carrots (I HATE CARROTS!) and also didn't have mint leaves.  For the mayonnaise, you can choose based on your preferences.  I used a paleo olive oil mayo.  If you're not worried about being strictly paleo, you can use a traditional mayo.  I found the Curry Powder mix at Trader Joe's.  It's spicy, so you'll definitely want the grapes to cool things down.  So delicious and filling!!!

Daily Stats:

Sleep: Poor.  Woke up at 2:00 A.M. and couldn't fall back asleep.  Finally got up at 4:30.  😐

Energy Level:  Very low...plus a headache.

Meals:  Stuck to the plan, but I didn't a chance to eat my oats this morning.  Definitely need to make sure I eat all my food tomorrow.

Workout:  Rough one today!  So many burpees, pull ups, wall climbs, V ups, and weight lunges!  Loved the rope jacks though.  

Weight: 150.8 lbs (Down .6)