Healing Yourself

So, I know this blog is supposed to be a lighter read for those interested in getting or remaining fit and healthy, but I feel the need to vent about a medical condition I am dealing with right now.  This condition is really catapulting my urge to LIVE HEALTHFULLY and EAT WELL.  You could say it very well has sparked a lot of the diet-related and recipe posts you see and will see on this blog.

Back in October 2012, some of you may know I was hospitalized for what doctor's said was a bacterial infection that caused colitis and stomach sores. To this day, no one can really say what truly caused it, but that's what they chocked it up to.  Since then, I've been dealing with stomach and digestion issues - depending on what I eat, or if I drink - and more recently - acid reflux and gastritis.  I've gotten a colonoscopy, endoscopy, (which have luckily and thankfully all been negative) and have been on and off the phone with my gastroenterologist since I've been released from the hospital.  I am BEYOND frustrated with what's happening to me.  I really don't know if it was the infection back in October that is the cause for my recent issues/slow healing, or whether it was a combination of that, combined with stress, combined with drinking heavily on a vacation in February (probably the last one did the trick), but all I know is that I'm AT my BREAKING POINT with this thing.  I feel like I can't live my life lately and I've absolutely had it.  So, that is why I am focusing on self healing by:

• Eating a healthy diet that..
• Cuts out caffeine, alcohol, high fat foods, fried foods, spicy foods, acidic foods and chocolate (all things that can trigger stomach aggravation)
• Consists of smaller, frequent meals, with my largest being breakfast
• Includes fruit, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and a small amount of dairy 
• All of which will give my body the nutrients it needs to function well and prevent diseases

• Managing stress by...
• LETTING GO of the small things that used to bother me
• Exercising DAILY
• Taking small mental breaks throughout the day
• Having patience 
• Keeping positive that I WILL heal myself through healthy living

• Keeping fit by...
• Again, exercising daily! (I teach 4 classes a week so I am already getting in a good variety of workouts from H.I.I.T. to dancing to barre/pilates to weight lifting)
• Running on the days I don't teach
• Doing something active on my "rest" day so that I am still moving my body (this can include playing volleyball by the lake, kayaking, water skiing, taking a walk, doing basketball challenges with my fiance, playing with my soon to be niece/nephew, even washing my car!)

Let me wrap up by saying this post is NOT to make anyone feel bad for me, it's to point out that following these guidelines should and will DO YOUR BODY GOOD.  (It also feels good just venting, hehe.) I can honestly say I haven't always treated my body well, especially during college years (too much alcohol).  But, it's never too late to right your self - and even those of us who are practicing healthy habits fall off the wagon once in awhile. So, whether you're struggling with your own condition and are looking to self heal, are looking to kick unhealthy habits and treat your body the way it should be treated, or are just looking to maintain your healthy ways, I hope you can take away some of these tips, and follow my blog as I post about my journey towards feeling MY ABSOLUTE BEST.  And I can only hope that my readers are on this journey with me and can take away at least 1 tip, recipe or workout, whether they are vocal about it or not. I would love to hear about YOUR situation and how you have achieved/are working towards true health and happiness. Please comment away anytime.

YOU ONLY GOT ONE, SO X.O. YOUR BODY!

End rant. :-)