Confession: I am a serial fad dieter/exerciser

I have a confession:  I think I am a serial fad dieter/exerciser.  I never wanted to be that person. All I want to do is form good habits for eating and exercising.  In theory, it should be easy because I am a master rule follower in life (just ask my friends), but for some reason I just can't follow two simple rules:  Eat well & Exercise.

Any time I have tried things, it only lasts for 30 - 60 days (Paleo & Crossfit or P90x).  I really have no excuse either - I see the results, I feel better, I know that lifestyle is better for me.  I know that I need this in my life.  The habits don't stick, though - and I go back to my lazy cooking & exercising (or should I say non-exercising) ways.

So what do I do know?

They always say the first step to making things better is by recognizing your faults, so: 

Step 1: Done :)

Step 2:  Find out my next steps.  Now, my biggest strength is my analytical thinking (it's my day job, too), so let's break down why these things have not worked:

1. I break off more than I can chew (try to do too much, all at once - never allowing a healthy habit to form)
2. Time Management - adding these big chunks to my schedule makes it OK for a short period of time, but isn't something I can sustain long-term
3. I lose momentum/get bore

So how do I get past that?  I think I need to take some baby steps, and not think too far into the future (I have planned out my month, introducing a baby step every 2 weeks).  I am already on Step5

Step 3: Be mindful.  Start meditation: 5-15 minutes of meditation daily.  No phone/TV afterwards.  I use the Mindfulness App to remind me to meditate at the same time every day.  I also bought a meditation stool because I found myself constantly thinking about how my feet were falling asleep/back hurt, etc, etc, etc.  I love this baby step.  After meditating for a week I had my first stress-free dream that I remember.  I feel rested, more complete..and ready for the next step (although I will continue to mediate)
Total time added:  Well, I guess 15 minutes..but it was 15 minutes of mindless web surfing..so net-net not a big loss..

Step 4:  Start moving.  Introduce daily exercise (no more than 30 min/day).  I have been doing Jillian Michaels 30 day shred at home or going for a 20-30 minute jog when I get a chance.  The workout is most mornings, while the kids are eating breakfast.  It is 25 minutes in total, and feels like a good workout.  An unforeseen bonus - my kids look forward to watching me workout and ask me to do it every morning - the two cutest motivational coaches ever! Repeat these two mantras:  (1) A body in motion stays in motion and (2) Any exercise is better than no exercise.
Total time added:  I would say about 20 minutes.  It requires a bit more time management here, but doesn't feel overwhelming..and it is def. sustainable.

I have been doing Step 3 & 4 for *almost* 3 weeks - and so far so good... Time will tell if these are sustainable healthy and happy habits...

Step 5: Eat healthy.  I don't have a great plan here, yet, but I am working on one.  I am thinking my goal will be to have 3 healthy, well-balanced dinners per week.   I just ordered 3 meals from Blue Apron this week and made my first meal last night.  This is meant to be easier because (1) The meals are healthy and (2) All the ingredients are organized and ready to prepare.  Last night I had Maple-Ginger Glazed Salmon.  It was delicious, but still took me 45 minutes to prepare.  The jury is still out on this option...If it still takes too much time, I may need to find another plan.

This is a long blog-post, but generally is what I am up to (besides working, being a parent, etc)..  I would love any ideas that you have, too!

This has to be some sort of miracle...

Well, you know from my last blog posts that I went to the Dr. last week with cold feet from the surgery and called it off.

In that appointment I told that endocrinologist that I was feeling better - and here was the conversation:

Me:  Is there a reason why I feel completely normal now?  I am even gaining weight and eating healthy and haven't taken the beta blockers in days? (if you are hyperthyroid you should be losing weight even when eating like a hog and heartrate should be hight with no betablockers)
Dr:  You think you are better, don't you?
Me:  I know I sound crazy, but I do.  I know all studies say this isn't possible...
Dr:  Well, let's do a blood test

The Dr. called me today and her first words were "You must have been wishing ALOT" (my heart leapt)

My levels are MUCH better.  My T3 levels are back to normal, My T4 levels are still high but significantly less than 2 weeks ago, and my TSH is still non-existent (but that takes months to get back to normal)

Not to be too excited - I am still hyperthyroid and I will always have the Graves antibodies and be susceptible to this all coming back

BUT, I am plowing ahead with everything to give my body the best chance it has and making decisions for the long-term

• I am staying on the small dose of the meds I started on Friday (cross you fingers my body can take this med for a little while - so far, so good)
• I am eating gluten-free (I did this 2 weeks back for 4 weeks)
• I have an appointment tomorrow with an acupuncturist that is known for treating Graves (along with Western medicine - researched her, she seems good)

Today is the best day (medically) I have had in a while. 

I can only attribute all of this to my friends and family that have been crossing their fingers and praying for me, because this "medically" isn't normal (and some would say not possible)... Thank you!