Have I mentioned how THRILLED I am that I have just ticked over 4 weeks with little/no back pain? Cos I am! I had a rocky patch from May-September, but it seems my body may have now turned a corner and we are on the path titled 'Onwards and Upwards'. It feels so liberating to make it through the day and be able to partake in normal activities. I just love being able to be active and being able to live the life I want!
The past week was a good one in terms of my health. Words to describe it: Green. Fresh. Wholesome. Healthy. Vegan. Nutritious. And oh, yes, RAFFLES HOTEL! The last part included a rather significant deviation from 'the plan' ... Chocolate. Beer. Cake. Mmmmmm, it was good.
We are now back to regularly scheduled programming. Today's food intake included:
Breakfast: Green Smoothie
Snack: Celery, carrot and cucumber sticks
Lunch: 'Forks Over Knives' Black Bean Soup
Snack: Fruit salad
Dinner: Baked portabello mushroom, roast potatoes and carrot, steamed green beans
That's a pretty standard day, really. Just clean, healthy, plant-based eating.
It's a good way to live!
xo
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Focus!
After eating and drinking my way around America for 6 weeks, it was time to get serious. Rather than chips and beer for lunch, it was back to the slog of salad, salad and more salad.
And oh boy, did my body love it! I literally inhaled my first green smoothie after the trip; every pore of my body soaking up the goodness. The gusto that was previously afforded to the inhaling of any junk food under the sun was now transferred to all things healthy.
That was now 9 weeks ago and I've done a pretty good job of keeping on track. In fact, I have done a damn good job of keeping on track (if I may say so myself). I discovered lots of new healthy recipes for soups, salads and stews that are easy to prepare. The amount of joy I have gained out of discovering a new recipe has been out of control!
I also implemented a new cooking routine: make a big meal on Saturday night that would also do for Sunday's dinner; make a big soup or stew on the weekend to take for lunches; and horror of horrors, I declared I would not be cooking during the week for we were going to have salad every night :) I LOVE it. In fact, it may just be the best idea I've EVER had. No more pit in the stomach about the lack of energy at the end of a school day and the prospect of having to cook. Afterall, it only takes a couple of minutes to throw a salad together (Added bonus: Less dishes!). Are we sick of salads yet? Not in the least! For there are so many variations and combos, plus by the time we eat out / get take out once or twice a week, it really only ends up being 3 or so mights that we have salad.
Anyway, after this long healthy stint, I am now at the point where I am making the foolish error of thinking I am 'free'. You know, the ole ' but I've been doing so well, I've earned this chocolate.chips.2 litres of wine. whatever.
So it's now time to refocus and set some new goals for October. Can you believe I will be in QLD in 11 weeks? I KNOW!
Disclaimer: I haven't pre-determined these goals prior to now, so anything could happen below! And then I'll be stuck with these spur-of-the-moment goals cos they'll be on my blog for the world to see! Gasp.
1. Focus on being plant-strong. I really have gone off dairy; obviously haven't eaten meat for oh, about 6 years and also haven't had much of an appetite for fish. So, my goal is to continue eating in this vain, bar the odd latte from Jones the Grocer cos those are just too good to resist.
2. Limit alcohol to the weekend. After we returned from the States, I went for a month with no alcohol. And I didn't miss it one bit. Seriously. So, I am enjoying 'just' drinking on the weekend now - I feel a whole lot better for it, that's for sure.
3. Ignore all things chocolate. Pretend they don't exist. Ditto for anything that falls into the 'chips' category.
4. Keep building up my strength at the gym. I am LOVING my before school swims and am back to pre-surgery distance. My new goals are to build up my cycling and walking. SO good being able to be active again!
5. Get back to blogging. I am an avid reader of blogs, but have not been much of a writer of late. I do enjoy it as it's a great outlet, so will try and get back into to the swing a little.
6. Stop saying 'no' to social invitations. I am such a wuss and hate going out at night as I am always so tired. So I would probably run out of fingers if I were to count the number of times I have declined invitations for dinners / parties etc in the last month. You know, I'm going to work with the phrase 'you got to be in it to win it'!
7. Be realistic about number 6. I know that I don't like late nights - they throw me off for days as I struggle to recover. So that being said, I might need to be a bit selective about what I say yes to!
8. Keep on keeping on :)
xo
And oh boy, did my body love it! I literally inhaled my first green smoothie after the trip; every pore of my body soaking up the goodness. The gusto that was previously afforded to the inhaling of any junk food under the sun was now transferred to all things healthy.
That was now 9 weeks ago and I've done a pretty good job of keeping on track. In fact, I have done a damn good job of keeping on track (if I may say so myself). I discovered lots of new healthy recipes for soups, salads and stews that are easy to prepare. The amount of joy I have gained out of discovering a new recipe has been out of control!
I also implemented a new cooking routine: make a big meal on Saturday night that would also do for Sunday's dinner; make a big soup or stew on the weekend to take for lunches; and horror of horrors, I declared I would not be cooking during the week for we were going to have salad every night :) I LOVE it. In fact, it may just be the best idea I've EVER had. No more pit in the stomach about the lack of energy at the end of a school day and the prospect of having to cook. Afterall, it only takes a couple of minutes to throw a salad together (Added bonus: Less dishes!). Are we sick of salads yet? Not in the least! For there are so many variations and combos, plus by the time we eat out / get take out once or twice a week, it really only ends up being 3 or so mights that we have salad.
Anyway, after this long healthy stint, I am now at the point where I am making the foolish error of thinking I am 'free'. You know, the ole ' but I've been doing so well, I've earned this chocolate.chips.2 litres of wine. whatever.
So it's now time to refocus and set some new goals for October. Can you believe I will be in QLD in 11 weeks? I KNOW!
Disclaimer: I haven't pre-determined these goals prior to now, so anything could happen below! And then I'll be stuck with these spur-of-the-moment goals cos they'll be on my blog for the world to see! Gasp.
1. Focus on being plant-strong. I really have gone off dairy; obviously haven't eaten meat for oh, about 6 years and also haven't had much of an appetite for fish. So, my goal is to continue eating in this vain, bar the odd latte from Jones the Grocer cos those are just too good to resist.
2. Limit alcohol to the weekend. After we returned from the States, I went for a month with no alcohol. And I didn't miss it one bit. Seriously. So, I am enjoying 'just' drinking on the weekend now - I feel a whole lot better for it, that's for sure.
3. Ignore all things chocolate. Pretend they don't exist. Ditto for anything that falls into the 'chips' category.
4. Keep building up my strength at the gym. I am LOVING my before school swims and am back to pre-surgery distance. My new goals are to build up my cycling and walking. SO good being able to be active again!
5. Get back to blogging. I am an avid reader of blogs, but have not been much of a writer of late. I do enjoy it as it's a great outlet, so will try and get back into to the swing a little.
6. Stop saying 'no' to social invitations. I am such a wuss and hate going out at night as I am always so tired. So I would probably run out of fingers if I were to count the number of times I have declined invitations for dinners / parties etc in the last month. You know, I'm going to work with the phrase 'you got to be in it to win it'!
7. Be realistic about number 6. I know that I don't like late nights - they throw me off for days as I struggle to recover. So that being said, I might need to be a bit selective about what I say yes to!
8. Keep on keeping on :)
xo
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Firsts
So many "firsts" since the you-know-what have been happening in my life in the last couple of weeks:
- First time swimming proper laps complete with arm and leg action!
- First time driving the car!
- First time riding 30 mins on the bike!
- First time being able to stand on my tip toes!
- First time doing a workout before school!
- First time on the reformer Pilates machine!
- First time being told (by many people) how much better I am walking!
- First time wearing clothing that does not involve an elasticised waistband!
- First time of working a full day!
And yes, every.single.one of those warrants an exclamation point!
- First time swimming proper laps complete with arm and leg action!
- First time driving the car!
- First time riding 30 mins on the bike!
- First time being able to stand on my tip toes!
- First time doing a workout before school!
- First time on the reformer Pilates machine!
- First time being told (by many people) how much better I am walking!
- First time wearing clothing that does not involve an elasticised waistband!
- First time of working a full day!
And yes, every.single.one of those warrants an exclamation point!
Monday, March 5, 2012
How times have changed.
I've just returned from my first pool session since the you-know-what. I was 'allowed' (as per my physio's strict instructions) to 'swim' a whopping total of 8 laps.
I use the term 'swim' loosely as I wasn't allowed to kick. Swimming without kicking, you ask?? I had to use a pull-buoy (I just learned that's what you call the bit of foam you put between your legs, so you don't use them) and just use my arms. Have you ever tried to do backstroke with one of those babies jammed between your legs? Not easy. After too many more workouts like this, I expect I shall have biceps akin to Arnie Schwarnegger. (See back surgery DOES have its pros).
And I was also 'allowed' to walk 12 laps. Forwards. Backwards. And just to jazz things up a little, sidewards.
The result - I am absolutely buggered. As a result of being buggered I am also alarmed / depressed at my lack of fitness. Pre you-know-what I swam 40-60 laps like it weren't no thang. Now, I am a slobbering mess after said 'workout' above.
Still, when I report to my physio tomorrow, I am hoping she will let me up the ante. Maybe next week, I'll be 'allowed' to 'swim' 10 whole laps.
We can hope :)
I use the term 'swim' loosely as I wasn't allowed to kick. Swimming without kicking, you ask?? I had to use a pull-buoy (I just learned that's what you call the bit of foam you put between your legs, so you don't use them) and just use my arms. Have you ever tried to do backstroke with one of those babies jammed between your legs? Not easy. After too many more workouts like this, I expect I shall have biceps akin to Arnie Schwarnegger. (See back surgery DOES have its pros).
And I was also 'allowed' to walk 12 laps. Forwards. Backwards. And just to jazz things up a little, sidewards.
The result - I am absolutely buggered. As a result of being buggered I am also alarmed / depressed at my lack of fitness. Pre you-know-what I swam 40-60 laps like it weren't no thang. Now, I am a slobbering mess after said 'workout' above.
Still, when I report to my physio tomorrow, I am hoping she will let me up the ante. Maybe next week, I'll be 'allowed' to 'swim' 10 whole laps.
We can hope :)
Thursday, February 23, 2012
4 weeks on...
This time 4 weeks ago I was holed up in a hospital room, feeling a bit worse for wear! In that time, I have achieved a great deal.
I progressed from walking a few steps, to walking 1.6ks at the park, to walking 5ks. It astounds me and makes me so proud that 2 weeks after the surgery, I was able to walk 5ks! I look forward to continuing to build up my walking strength, all the while, loving the sunshine and gorgeous weather.
I have also made other gains in terms of exercise. I have loved the exercises my physio has given me. I have been waking up at 4.30 / 5am each morning and doing them; then I do them once again later in the day. Each session takes me about 30-40 mins. I'm working on my core and building the 6 pack that will take me into the future! Also today, I cycled for the first time on the bike in the gym!! I rode for 10 mins and did 2.5ks - I felt so good. For the first time in nearly 9 weeks, it didn't matter that my leg / foot are numb. I could push the pedals around and the function in my legs felt close to 100%! Bike riding is my new friend.
I have returned to work. This week, I went back part-time. I have been working about 6 hours each day and leaving at lunch time. It has been an amazing week, filled with a lot of joy. I have loved being back at work with my colleagues and students. There is a sense of empowerment that comes with being strong enough to work again. I have had to take it easy and I'm pooped when I get home, but nothing a little nap can't take care of. I have loved every minute of this week.
I have continued to focus on the power of the mind to heal the body. By focusing on the positives and embracing the changes I have gone through, I feel very grateful for what I have learned about myself and life during this time. When faced with challenges, we are forced to grow.
This weekend, I look forward to setting some goals for the coming months...
I progressed from walking a few steps, to walking 1.6ks at the park, to walking 5ks. It astounds me and makes me so proud that 2 weeks after the surgery, I was able to walk 5ks! I look forward to continuing to build up my walking strength, all the while, loving the sunshine and gorgeous weather.
I have also made other gains in terms of exercise. I have loved the exercises my physio has given me. I have been waking up at 4.30 / 5am each morning and doing them; then I do them once again later in the day. Each session takes me about 30-40 mins. I'm working on my core and building the 6 pack that will take me into the future! Also today, I cycled for the first time on the bike in the gym!! I rode for 10 mins and did 2.5ks - I felt so good. For the first time in nearly 9 weeks, it didn't matter that my leg / foot are numb. I could push the pedals around and the function in my legs felt close to 100%! Bike riding is my new friend.
I have returned to work. This week, I went back part-time. I have been working about 6 hours each day and leaving at lunch time. It has been an amazing week, filled with a lot of joy. I have loved being back at work with my colleagues and students. There is a sense of empowerment that comes with being strong enough to work again. I have had to take it easy and I'm pooped when I get home, but nothing a little nap can't take care of. I have loved every minute of this week.
I have continued to focus on the power of the mind to heal the body. By focusing on the positives and embracing the changes I have gone through, I feel very grateful for what I have learned about myself and life during this time. When faced with challenges, we are forced to grow.
This weekend, I look forward to setting some goals for the coming months...
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
A learning process
Today I was making myself focus on the positives of this whole process. I mean, it's been 6 weeks, which is rather a lengthy stint. I was feeling a little down and as though the end was never in sight.
I broadly concluded that without a doubt, I have learned lessons and things about myself during this time in a way that I probably wouldn't have otherwise learned.
So, in a roundabout kind of way, I was starting to feel grateful for this process.
I mused that:
- I have learned that I can endure extreme pain and come out the other side in tact.
- I have learned to shoulder bad news ranging from: No sitting for 3 weeks to no work for weeks if not months to no more running to no feeling in my legs / feet to an urgent need for surgery lest I become paralysed...
- I have learned to make the best of this time by reading, blogging, connecting with friends and family and generally setting myself on a positive path.
- I have learned that I have an inner strength that I never knew was there.
- I have learned that chocolate and wine really do make things better.
- I have learned more about the power of the mind-body connection. As such, I have allowed my body to heal itself, while focussing on my mind. In other words, "We are what we think", in the same way that "We are what we eat".
- I have learned that I really am a goal-oriented person (although I think I already knew this one!)
- I have learned to be so grateful for a condition that has a 100% cure.
- I have learned that the support of family and friends is crucial during hard times.
- I have learned to celebrate the smallest of victories.
- I have learned that my body and health are precious. We must do all we can to look after ourselves.
- I have learned to be patient.
- I have learned a lot about backs and discs!
- I have learned to trust medical professionals.
- I have learned to not Google my condition :)
- I have learned to be grateful for all the time I have had on my hands.
- I've even learned a few new yummy recipes :)
As my mind was wandering, I started to get a funny feeling in my left foot.
Upon doing my usual poke and prod test, it was with elation that I discovered that some of the feeling had returned to my toes and the sole of my foot!
Do you know what it feels like to FINALLY get some signs of progress after 6 weeks?
Let me tell you, it feels good.
When Matt returned home from work, I shared the good news with him and sobbed tears of relief and joy.
My body was literally convulsing from the pure relief that finally there was some improvement.
All I could think was 'FINALLY!!!!!'.
A lot has been learned so far and this is only the beginning of the next exciting stage of my life, which will be more amazing than I can ever imagine!
I broadly concluded that without a doubt, I have learned lessons and things about myself during this time in a way that I probably wouldn't have otherwise learned.
So, in a roundabout kind of way, I was starting to feel grateful for this process.
I mused that:
- I have learned that I can endure extreme pain and come out the other side in tact.
- I have learned to shoulder bad news ranging from: No sitting for 3 weeks to no work for weeks if not months to no more running to no feeling in my legs / feet to an urgent need for surgery lest I become paralysed...
- I have learned to make the best of this time by reading, blogging, connecting with friends and family and generally setting myself on a positive path.
- I have learned that I have an inner strength that I never knew was there.
- I have learned that chocolate and wine really do make things better.
- I have learned more about the power of the mind-body connection. As such, I have allowed my body to heal itself, while focussing on my mind. In other words, "We are what we think", in the same way that "We are what we eat".
- I have learned that I really am a goal-oriented person (although I think I already knew this one!)
- I have learned to be so grateful for a condition that has a 100% cure.
- I have learned that the support of family and friends is crucial during hard times.
- I have learned to celebrate the smallest of victories.
- I have learned that my body and health are precious. We must do all we can to look after ourselves.
- I have learned to be patient.
- I have learned a lot about backs and discs!
- I have learned to trust medical professionals.
- I have learned to not Google my condition :)
- I have learned to be grateful for all the time I have had on my hands.
- I've even learned a few new yummy recipes :)
As my mind was wandering, I started to get a funny feeling in my left foot.
Upon doing my usual poke and prod test, it was with elation that I discovered that some of the feeling had returned to my toes and the sole of my foot!
Do you know what it feels like to FINALLY get some signs of progress after 6 weeks?
Let me tell you, it feels good.
When Matt returned home from work, I shared the good news with him and sobbed tears of relief and joy.
My body was literally convulsing from the pure relief that finally there was some improvement.
All I could think was 'FINALLY!!!!!'.
A lot has been learned so far and this is only the beginning of the next exciting stage of my life, which will be more amazing than I can ever imagine!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Stepping out into the future
The neurosurgeon surprised me (in a good way!) by telling me that in the week following my surgery I should be heading out walking. He said to increase by ten minutes each day. So that's what I did. And more!
My lovely mum and I started out small on Day 1 and just walked across the road to the supermarket and back.
On Day 2 we tackled a mall - we took it easy with coffee and lunch stops in between and I felt so liberated to be out in society!
On Day 3 we went to an even bigger mall. After much strategy, we negotiated our way around. And bought a few fun items in the process!
On Day 4 we tackled the park. We walked 1.6 ks in 36 minutes and I was as proud as punch.
On Day 5 we walked 2.0ks and ALSO went to the mall! Wowzers - what a blockbuster day!
On Day 6 and 7 we walked 2.4ks. And today I walked 2.8ks in 50 minutes.
The feeling of getting out and about is good on so many levels. Firstly, it gives me a goal for the day and a clear focus on what I want to achieve. Since I kind of thrive on achieving goals, this is clearly a winning formula for me.
Secondly, the freedom of walking is so incredibly uplifting. One of life's simplest activities is now the highlight of my day! The sunshine, the breeze, the fellow walkers, the greenery. I love it!
Thirdly, I love that with each and every step, I am making my body stronger. While I am walking, I envisage just how far I'll be able to walk by the end of the week / end of the month / in April in Australia / in June in America. It's a fun visualisation process!
With each step, I am creating my future. And it's one I am very excited about!
You can do anything you put your heart, mind and soul into.
Far more than you can imagine.
Be fearless.
My lovely mum and I started out small on Day 1 and just walked across the road to the supermarket and back.
On Day 2 we tackled a mall - we took it easy with coffee and lunch stops in between and I felt so liberated to be out in society!
On Day 3 we went to an even bigger mall. After much strategy, we negotiated our way around. And bought a few fun items in the process!
On Day 4 we tackled the park. We walked 1.6 ks in 36 minutes and I was as proud as punch.
On Day 5 we walked 2.0ks and ALSO went to the mall! Wowzers - what a blockbuster day!
On Day 6 and 7 we walked 2.4ks. And today I walked 2.8ks in 50 minutes.
The feeling of getting out and about is good on so many levels. Firstly, it gives me a goal for the day and a clear focus on what I want to achieve. Since I kind of thrive on achieving goals, this is clearly a winning formula for me.
Secondly, the freedom of walking is so incredibly uplifting. One of life's simplest activities is now the highlight of my day! The sunshine, the breeze, the fellow walkers, the greenery. I love it!
Thirdly, I love that with each and every step, I am making my body stronger. While I am walking, I envisage just how far I'll be able to walk by the end of the week / end of the month / in April in Australia / in June in America. It's a fun visualisation process!
With each step, I am creating my future. And it's one I am very excited about!
You can do anything you put your heart, mind and soul into.
Far more than you can imagine.
Be fearless.
Do it.
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