I have been on a health journey my whole life. But now in my 40’s and as an empty nester I am finally making lasting changes.
For several years I had one health repair after another, thyroidectomy, complications from said surgery, partial hysterectomy (that one I loved) then finally I a gallbladder eviction.
This was all over the course of 3-5 years.
Two years ago, thanks to the pain from having my gallbladder whither, I was very motivated to change my eating and drinking habits. Then after the surgery I continued the same lifestyle changes.
After I healed I wanted to be active. But I was almost 300 lbs and had some joint complications from some of my autoimmune disorders. If you’ve ever been obese and then tried to be active you know the pain. In another season I used to walk 40 miles a week. But I was also on phentermine and in my 20’s. While I was losing weight, I was also losing muscle mass. I was not doing it correctly and did eventually gain it back.
Now in my 40’s I am wiser and looking for lifestyle changes I can sustain and enjoy
But where to start with my fitness?
I tried to walk outside. While I love it cement, and black top are too hard on my body at that size. Pool? Can’t do it I get too many yeast infections. Walking on a treadmill? Same issues as walking outside. Then I found the YMCA in my town has a walking track inside made of a thick matt that circles the work out area. For 2 years I went and walked 3-5 days a week with my husband. I also started incorporating stretches and massage therapy. Now 2 years I am 6 pounds away from losing my 100lb weight loss goal.
I feel amazing and I’m inspired to try many new things or to pick up things I promised myself I’d do when I was an empty nester or healthier. Two promises I’m keeping to myself. Now I workout in a personal home cardio room where I actually walk on a treadmill. (I actually enjoy it and have no pain!) I have so much more energy but mostly I have more joy.
And this all started by small and simple changes. (Learned from reading book Atomic Habits)
I’ve been asked if I can link some of the things that have helped. They are below. And I do make a small commission off some of these. FYI we all trying to hustle out here.
Bri Clark 