Time to reclaim my body

When Andrew and I met I was running at least 20 miles per week and going to the gym consistently. I was in the best shape of my life.....then came the snowball effect that was my health. I have told the story before of how sick I was, and how I got the pacemaker. Over the next 3 years I gained 20 pounds. I know I'm not fat, but I feel like I'm trapped in someone else's body. I also have a condition called dysautonomia that is thankfully under control with medication. Last year was very difficult for me with my health. I actually had to quit work in December to try to get well. It has taken since then, but the Lord is healing me. He is doing it slowly but surely, and I am thankful for every step He allows me to take. Being home from work and reducing that stress has been WONDERFUL for my condition. I feel almost normal. Two weeks ago I decided that I was changing my lifestyle. I'm not calling it a diet, because I am making healthy lifestyle changes. I have started exercising and am not eating any processed sugar or flour. I am eating fruit everyday, because I feel that God gave us fruit, and it's healthy. Yesterday marks one week since I implemented the changes in my diet, and I've been exercising for almost 3 weeks. I let myself weigh this morning, and I was terrified what it would say. I've been trying not to focus too much on the numbers and being healthy instead. I was THRILLED to see that I've lost 6 pounds! SIX POUNDS!!!!! That is great motivation to keep going, and it means that I am making changes to be healthy. It's hard to make myself go walk in this intense heat, but I am doing it. I take my cell phone most nights and talk to Nat.....so, she walks with me!!!!! It also feels nice to claim some small part of the day for myself. God gave us our bodies, and I feel that it's my responsibility to do what I can to keep it healthy. I feel so much better about myself knowing that I'm doing SOMETHING. Posting this will hold me accountable to all of you........if anyone wants to do this with me, hop on! We can help each other!

Now the question I know you are dying to ask.....What about the sweet tea???? I haven't had ANY sugar! I am drinking decaffeinated tea with Splenda and am lovin' it! I also haven't had ANY carbonation for 3 weeks. I can tell a huge difference already! I told Nat that when she comes I will let myself have some Mississippi Mud, but for now NO SUGAR! To tell the truth I'm really not missing it....The first day or so was harder but I was motivated! Just wanted to share what was going on with me...........I'll keep you posted here and there about my progress. For now, AP is napping, and I'm going to eat a salad!