Most people would assume because I run, workout and maintain a healthy weight that I must be the perfect picture of good health…always eating healthy foods and passing on cokes, chips and sweets. While I attempted to make good choices, my diet was full of processed low fat foods and artificial sweeteners. Basically I ate whatever I wanted; I had just become a master of portion control and really in tune to eating only when hungry. I actually thought I had arrived: I could have my chocolate ice cream and wear size 2 jeans! What more could a girl ask for?
However, over the past few years I have been sick more frequently than before. I’ve battled bronchitis every year and each year my battle seems worse than the previous year. 2013’s battle lasted a full 2 months and cost me entry fees to the Little Rock Marathon and the Oklahoma City Marathon in addition to 4 doctors visits, numerous prescriptions and time I could have been spending with my family and friends! In addition I have struggled with eczema and on going yeast infections.
Deep inside I knew my diet needed an overhaul and that my eating habits weren’t near as healthy as I led people to believe. I didn’t want to admit this though, mainly because I lived in fear of not really knowing where to start and of keeping a food journal. I needed a plan that would fit with my family and my lifestyle and I really didn’t want to have to give favorite foods up. I feared the food journal and the forbidden foods list! I really liked having my ice cream and my size 2s!
Ultimately I like my health even more! I grew tired of being sick and tired! I dreaded going to sleep at night because I no longer got a full night of restful sleep. I woke up every morning groggy and unmotivated. In 2013 a series of events unfolded that led me to connect the dots and conclude my health issues were directly related to my poor nutritional habits.
My research led me to discover that I was actually malnourished. I began by making small changes such as adding more vegetables to my diet. I also switched my supplements to USANA Health Sciences due to its reputation for using only high quality ingredients. Within a period of weeks I began to feel better. Gradually my running improved as well. And I slept better.
Changing my diet has definitely been work, but it hasn’t been near as hard as I thought it would be. I didn’t keep a food journal, designate certain foods as forbidden, or punish myself for messing up. Instead everyday I focused on what new and good foods I would add to my diet. I looked for ways to incorporate them that fit my tastes and lifestyle.
Are you ready to spend more time running and less time battling illness and injuries? Leave me a comment below and let me know more about your struggles. Then follow me here on this blog and I’ll share with you the steps I took to finally get fitter and faster.
