Here I am nearly 7 months later. I have started my Specialist degree at Valdosta State University, which offers a totally online program. I was able to successfully take the GRE without any preparation, so I luckily didn't waste a lot of time preparing for the test. The program is challenging, mostly because of all the time consuming writing assignments.
I just turned 28. I can recall envisioning my life... years ago. I thought I would be awfully successful with a life that didn't have time for kids, or either a person who's life centered around their family. My life is far from either of those. I sacrificed moving away from Columbus and dreams of a lucrative career for love and the hopes of having a family.
I have recently focused on trying to lose weight... At my highest weight, I was 251 lbs. Over the past three weeks, I have become increasingly dedicated to a new life style. One that consists of more activity and healthier food options.
What brought on the true desire for change?
To be truthful...... complications from my Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the desire to have a child.
As a side effect of the PCOS, I've developed some facial hair and severe acne near my chin and jaw line. I was tired of feeling frustrated and disgusted when I looked in the mirror.. And I had no one to blame but myself.... Medication is not really an option to treat the complications related to PCOS. However, a corrections can be made to reverse the side effects of the condition.
My goal is not to be "skinny"... It's to be healthy without the symptoms of PCOS.
The first change that I've made was to get a gym membership... I hate working out.. I find it boring. I'm fat, overweight, and out of shape.. Working out is simply not an enjoyable experience. I find it hard to maintain the motivation to stay on the machines - even though I physically capable of doing it.. I simply get bored. I have recently started to walking in the mornings at a park. That helps to dilute the monotonous motions of walking for fitness. Now when I go to the gym, I am concentrating on weight training and cardio using various elliptical. I've also tried a few classes, although I've been unable complete a one hour class. At least I am trying...
I am in the process of trying to change my diet. I am eating healthy, balanced meals. I have almost cut out traditional sliced bread. I do enjoy a piece of toast with breakfast every once in while. I have replaced bread with Joseph's Lavash Bread, which is only 50 calories per serving and 7g carbs (4 net carbs if you could those). I found them once at Walmart, but apparently it was "accidentally left there by a vendor"... So I special ordered it a Publix. I've started eating ground chicken and ground turkey. I've started buying turkey sausage and turkey bacon -which is actually better than the original. I frequently eat broccoli, squash, mushrooms, and onions. The biggest change that I've seen in my since I've started eating smaller and healthier options is that I don't have cravings around 3-4 P.M. In addition, I am not craving sweets in the evenings.
Here are a few of my favorite processed products:
The Lavash Bread makes a great low carb pizza crust
