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It's never one thing...

Since January, my husband and I have been losing weight and eating more healthy. We've gotten of the wagon a little but we've found our way back in the last few weeks. The biggest part of this was learning a few things about our health... More particularly, my health. I was told today that I am showing insulin resistance and hypothyroidism.

Insuline resistance is a pre-diabetic condition that is reversible with weight loss and diet management. We're already making steps to correct this issue, so I'm not too worried about this. According to my doctor, losing more weight and getting in a more healthy range could bring back my periods and give me better chances at conceiving a child within the next two years.

The hypothyroidism is a much bigger issue... in a sense. Because my thyroid hormone levels are so low it could be the cause of my missed periods. To prevent this problem, I'm being put on a thyroid medication to help increase my thyroid levels and hopefully get my metabolism back on track. We are thinking that I have probably had low thyroid levels for years. This could be true given the steady decrease in regularity in my periods since high school and my ever-decreasing metabolism. It also would explain my heavy weight gain.

All in all it comes down to two things: losing weight and eating right. Oh wait... I guess it also comes down to me taking a pill for the rest of my life.... Like my father, I don't want to be chained to the pharmacy and doctor's office for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, I will be. It won't even matter if I lose weight or eat right. I'll have to deal with this for the rest of my life.

Things I'm thankful or?? Well, despite all of the "bad" news, I'm happy that we caught my insulin resistance before I found out I was diabetic. It gives me a chance to turn it around and not be diabetic at any point in my life. It also saves me from a lot of potential complications, in terms of my thyroid, with cancer and infertility. While I might still have some trouble conceiving naturally, I know that it is possible for me to conceive with treatment. This is two years down the road, so I'm not worried about that chapter of life yet.

It's time now to just get healthy and stay healthy.

I'll be updating more in the future on my summer reading assignments from the OB/GYN that caught my hypothyroidism and insulin resistance: South Beach Diet and The Zone.

Being healthy is one thing. Staying healthy is another. Thanks for all of your support.

Microscopic Hematuria: Fast Friends

I'm all about full disclosure after a period of time. There are certain things we should keep quiet, but I needed an outlet this time.

My doctor has tested my urine positive for blood for two months in a row. We aren't sure why it is there or what is causing it. I'm not working out as much as I used to. I don't have any weird pain or discomfort. I'm not sick, don't have a fever, and don't feel nauseous. 

My doctors said to go ahead and see an OB/GYN for a consultation and to see what else might cause the problem.

The reason we're a bit worried is because there are no major signs of trauma or anything to indicate a disease. The biggest reason to get checked out and watch this problem is the link between trace amounts of blood in urine and cancer. To my knowledge, no one in my family has/had cancer. I feel safe in that regard.

That doesn't mean I couldn't have cancer for some reason.

I've been reading up on the condition of having blood in your urine, hematuria. There are a variety of reasons listed by the Mayo Clinic and WebMD for hematuria.

I'll keep everyone posted. As of now, I'm just waiting for my first appointment with an OB/GYN. I just want to keep healthy and safe so that I'm not surprised and overwhelmed when we start to seriously think about having children.

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A Beauty Overhaul

I have never been known to score 100% in the "taking care of self" category in life. I can put off showers for a few days, wear my jeans multiple times before throwing them in the laundry basket, forget to brush my teeth until I need to be out of the house and in public... The list goes on and on (just ask my husband).

Since meeting my husband, I went through a phase of showering and being stylish and cute all the time (dating phase), sloppy outfits (got him for good), and sensible style that is functional (present). Over the years, I have noticed one thing that upsets me a little: My husband takes better care of himself than I do myself. He gives himself pedicures, goes for regular massages, is always trying new shampoos and lotions, etc. He is always making sure he looks great and feels great. I love that about him. Because I love that about him, it's starting to rub off on me.

While I love being in jeans and a t-shirt, I realize that this isn't always attractive or sexy. I have always wanted to make sure that I am attractive and sexy for my husband as much as I want to feel that way for myself. This has led me to search for comfortable and fun clothing. I mean everything from jeans, shirts, and dresses to bras and underwear. I never used to buy colorful bras, just the standard nude, white and black. Now, I don't think I reach for a bra unless it has a fun color or pattern on it. I've also developed a love for Eddie Bauer. The clothes are just so comfortable. They are also just my style. It's adult clothing with some fun added in. Changing your clothing is only half the battle, though. The real struggle is skincare.

I have struggled most of my adult life with acne. I've had a ton of small bumps to no bumps and some huge pimples. I know that I haven't had anywhere near the trouble as other people, but it still has been hard for me to deal with. I have always wanted clear skin. While I haven't always worked toward having clear skin, I am trying a lot harder now to achieve it. I started getting facials once every month or so. I also follow a more strict daily regimen of washing, toning and moisturizing. To combat my oily skin, I also do facial masks. I alternate between peel-off and clay masks. I have had great results with both, and I recommend them to anyone interested! I'm going to review some of the products I use in following posts so you, too, can try what I'm trying.

Another great discovery I just made on a whim is Bare Minerals! I grew up seeing the commercials and infomercials. Upon moving to Denver, I even saw stores! The other day, I was in the mall and stopped at Sephora to buy a gift for my sister. Before heading to the register, I noticed the bare minerals display and asked if I could try it. One of the artists, Jose, helped me with how to apply it and what is best for my skin. I learned about facial primers that help set the makeup to the skin. It worked wonders for me! I have tried hundreds of foundations and creams and powders, but NONE OF THEM has kept the oil in my t-zone so under control. If you are skeptical, just go and try it out. It is phenomenal and very easy to do. I was so amazed at the subtle transformation of my skin.

There are a great deal of other things I have been trying to do keep myself feeling great, which I will end up posting on in the future. For now, be looking out for more updates on my Weight Watchers adventure and on the products that have been life-savers for me. Until then, God bless!

Weight Watchers: Week Eight - Switching to Simply Filling

I didn't post last week as we had just gotten home from a 3-Night Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Dream. Needless to say, I didn't track points. I also didn't really watch what I was eating or drinking. Suffice it to say I took a break for 5 days. I realized after thinking back on what I had been eating, that I was really following the Simply Filling plan. I had a lot of salads, eggs, and power foods on the list. This is probably why I maintained weight after vacation. Jake gained a few pounds back but not anything cringe-worthy.

Simply Filling is pretty easy to follow once you have an idea of what is included on the power foods list. Don't track foods that are on the list (or have a green triangle next to them in the tracker). The idea is to eat only to make you feel satisfied and not full. For me, it means eating skinnier meals and snacks throughout the day versus worrying about getting in 3 square meals.

We'll see how this goes. I'm at 202.0 lbs. right now. Hoping to lose another ten in the next two months.