Modified Vegetarian Keto Lifestyle...

Let me share a touch of my life with you right now... I am an overcomer on several levels. I have overcome abuse, which caused me psychical complications. Those physical complications have caused me pain...so much pain.

In December 2017, after being unable to work for months, I decided that going from 5K to couch was NOT OK anymore. I joined a local gym and worked out through every ounce of pain. My body was on fire from fibromyaligia and the atrophy in my right arm kept it scrunched up by my side. But, I said to myself...if I am going to be in pain, I may as well be healthy and be in pain.

After working out for a couple of months and going through extensive spinal therapy for a compressed spine, which was caused by trauma, I came off all medications and stopped going for spinal injections!

Shortly after that, I stopped eating meat as I learned it can cause inflammation. I immediately felt a decrease in the pain throughout my body.

Fast forward almost 2 years...and here I am...working out 3 to 4 times a week, weight training, running and doing yoga. I have decided to implement a modified vegetarian keto lifestyle. I am feeling great and the swelling in my stomach is almost gone! I have not had a flat stomach in years.

When I say modified, it is because I eat some cheese and I can eat certain fish. Other than, I am a vegetarian. No meat or other dairy products.

I hope this has inspired you to keep pushing forward with your health goals...no matter what you are going through right now. Don't give up or give in. If you fall, fall on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up!

For more inspiration:

Dedicate your workouts to someone or something

Encouragement to get out and walk or run

Cucumber feta salad

I practice what I peach... it happened today

I recently wrote an article about dedicating our runs or workouts to someone.  Today I had to do just that!

Since being diagnosed with spinal compression and fibromyalgia over the past two years, I have recently started my fitness journey again from scratch.

I used to run 9 miles at a time with no problem. But, after having to stop all running and weight training for two years, I am forced to start over again.

The spinal compression and fibro were caused by a trauma in my life. It was an abusive relationship that caused the trauma that is causing me so much pain. About two months ago, I decided that if I am going to hurt, then I am going to do what I love and run and weight train anyway! So, that is what I have been doing and I feel better than I did when I lived on the couch for months and months at a time.

Today, I was at the gym, on the treadmill, working on week 4 of the couch to 5K program that I have been doing. There was a long spurt of running and my body was screaming for me to stop running and walk. But, I told my body NO! I thought about how next weekend, for my birthday, I am getting 2 new tattoos and how I want to look good in my bathing suit with my new ink this summer. I thought about making my husband proud of me for pushing through the pain. I also thought about how I need to do this for ME! As I thought about my WHY, I pushed through and finished my run.

Rest assured, all the things I talk about on this blog, I am doing myself :) Love and hugs to everyone struggling in any way. Just keep pushing through and do NOT allow pain to stop you!

Dedicating your runs and workouts to someone...

I met a lady at the gym that colors her hair different colors as a symbol of supporting friends and family for what trials they are going through. For example, she had a blue streak last week to support her husband who is dealing with diabetes. His favorite color is blue and this is her way of showing support.

Often times I need to focus on someone or something to help push through a run or workout. Ultimately, I am doing it for myself. However, when a run is tough or my legs are burning from weight training, it helps to remind myself about others I am doing it for.

You can dedicate each mile to a different person who is important in your life. Try dedicating each set when weight training to a specific person.

People you may want to dedicate your pain to:

Spouse / Significant other
Children
Siblings
Friends
Those going through a difficult time

Doing things for those we love helps give us strength...which is why this technique helps!

Encouragement to get out and run or walk

What is easy fitness?