Most of you who read this blog regularly, will know I live with Multiple Sclerosis. It's a condition that affects the Central Nervous System. In simple terms, your own body attacks your myelin. Myelin is the fatty protective layer that surrounds the nerves fibres in the CNS. Once those protective layers are damaged then the nerve is open to damage too, and because these nerves communicate messages around your body, it can cause havock. Can you imagine the chaos that would be caused if the World Wide Web stopped working!
I LIVE with this condition, I don't SUFFER from it. It does of course cause some level of suffering, but to use that term, well to me that seems defeatist. It's a fine line I travel, think too deeply about my future and it could send me on a downward spiral, (and actually, we haven't had our future yet, we only have now). But I also need to be realistic about my future too, and I know if I don't take better care of myself, I'm on a spiral downwards anyway!
I 'follow' the George Jelinek Overcoming MS program. Well I say 'follow' but I know I've not been doing this as well as I should, I don't eat dairy or meat, but I've not really been keeping my saturated fat levels as low as I should. Over the last year my MS has got significantly worst. Some of this could be due to stressful year it's been, but I've not been taking care of myself.
My mobility has been the most affected, I don't use a wheelchair but walking if difficult. I'm can be very slow, and after a few minutes the most amazing limp arrives, almost undetectable to start but then goes into the Monty Python 'silly walks' kind of category! It's stopped us doing things as a family, maybe I should use a wheelchair, maybe I'm being very selfish not wanting to use one. I keep thinking to myself I'm not that bad yet, but if I can't walk very far, then perhaps I am?
On days I do manage to walk a little, (some days are better than others), it's so exhausting I wonder if it worth it. What I really, really want to do, is go on one of those loooooong walks I used to do, out in the countryside....even around the local area, I'm not fussy!
So 'Fab Fit Feb' is all about getting back to being the best I can. About making those changes to my diet that will improve my stamina, improve my health. It's 28 days, just 28 days in which to kick start what I know I should be doing.
I'm planning on filling my body with fresh, healthy, energy boosting fuel. If I can get to the end feeling even a little bit more energised then I will be over the moon! Some very gentle exercise too, build up gradually. I've been so inspired by Hannapat over on Cosmos and Cotton, she's completely turned her life around.
I've made a big investment in this, got myself some great ingredients, started to organise my larder cupboard. Purchased several great cookbooks, a food processor. More than that, I've got the motivation! Now that's something you can't buy!
I've started my day with a banana and almond smoothie, with some superfoods added in there too, and I'm going to make some granola for this weeks breakfast. All perhaps normal things for some of you, but I'm just really getting into this cooking malarkey......I'm wondering if it's my mum, over on the other side, willing me on, she was an amazing chef!
So, there, I've said it.....it's out there on the WWW, so I've got to do it now! Please keep me in check you lot! I will be doing regular posts this month, reviewing cookbooks, new recipes.....sharing with you how I'm doing.
Join me if you want.....Fab, Fit, Feb.....is there one change you can do, big or small to help you feel fab and fit this February? After all, it's only a little month!
See you later in the week, hopefully with a little more energy ;)
Amanda :) xxx
Posted with Blogsy
Wishing you all the best, Amanda. I hope it goes well. I know when I get lazy about what I eat, I don't feel so good, but it's not always easy to put it right when I lack energy. I look forward to hearing about your progress. x
ReplyDeleteI think having no energy is just awful....thanks for your well wishes! :) xxx
DeleteHello Amanda
ReplyDeleteWell done, I am so pleased for you. As you say you can't buy motivation, and you have lots and lots. Good luck, I am with you all the way.
Take care of yourself.
luv
irene
xxxx
Thank you Irene, motivation is the key in most things I think :) xxx
DeleteGod luck!You sound really up for it and as you say it is only a short month.i shall be watching with interest.I know you can do it and inspire all of us to join you.
ReplyDeleteThank you my dear! :) xxx
DeleteI wish you well, and who knows if you feel much better you will carry on and be back to long walks in the country side...
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Amanda, that would be a wish come true! :) xxx
DeleteGood for you Amanda!! I'm never great on willpower when it comes to eating better. Wendy x
ReplyDeleteWendy, you're not on your own! :) xxx
DeleteThe granola looks yummy 😋 xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing.....just wish it didn't cost so much! :) xxx
DeleteI love the sound of fab, fit, feb. I'm just lacking a bit of motivation myself right now, I think it's very much about getting your head in gear. I have made a goal this year to walk without my wheelchair down the side of my street, so will be looking forward to your posts with anticipation, Well done you xx
ReplyDeleteOh Cheryl, Im willing you on my lovely! :) xxx
Deletepraying for you to have lots of .will power
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara! :) xxx
DeleteBe gentle with yourself! Food is indeed medicine, it's about a balance and should never be difficult or gruelling. When ever I have had to make changes....and I have had to make a few....I start slowly. Introducing a meal at a time, making a new routine bit by bit. I have found that if we rush into these things it feels like deprivation and we mourn our old ways. It's about being mindful and appreciating the small steps we take to that larger goal. Motivation is powerful but it will wane and fluctuate we are but human. I wish you every success everyday and in everyway!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, I never thought I would ever be able to give up cheese of bars of chocolate but did overnight 4 years ago and have not had any since! I need to get back to eating unprocessed foods like I did before! One day at a time :) xxx
DeleteA very motivational post. Go you. I always notice a difference in my energy levels and health when my diet slips. Great post....It's so nice to talk about foods for health and well being rather than the boring old foods to loose weight chat!
ReplyDeleteYes it isn't it, I'd not thought about it like that.....there's far too much emphasis on weight and not enough on health :) xxx
DeleteIt sounds as though you have an amazing and incredibly positive approach to your new plans. I hope that you can see a difference and that it stands you in good stead for you future now and your future in the future! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy, being able to go for a proper walk again is a great motivation! :) xxx
DeleteThis is such a positive post Amanda but I know you must to have come through a lot to arrive at this point. Motivation is the key ingredient here! And of course some lovely ingredients!! I'm rooting for you and look forward to hearing about your progress x Jane
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jane! :) xxx
DeleteGood Luck with feeling fit and fab. I've been attempting my own Jumpstart My Mojo which amounts to trying to eat healthily and not eat toast for every meal, It's hard in winter because all I want for breakfast is a bacon sandwich!! I think it's a good mindset to have as we start Feb.
ReplyDeletehttp://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk/
Good luck with your own jumpstart! :) xxx
ReplyDeleteGood luck and you go for it, Hannapat is doing so well, I'll be joining you too I started in January but some days it's a struggle, I hope it makes a huge difference for you. There is a great Yoga DVD called Beat fatighue with Yoga, which is really gentle, I've been trying to gradually build up what I can with that, it's hard though as my energy's so limited, but we'll get there in the end.
ReplyDeleteClare xxx
Thanks Clare, I will check out that dvd, I love yoga but find it impossible at the moment, take care :) xxx
DeleteYou go girl. I will certainly be cheering you on. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm off! :) xxx
DeleteGood luck with this! I definitely should join in, I suffer form Hypermobility Syndrome, which causes lots of joint pain, exhaustion & I too have a very funky limp!! I miss being able to go for long walks & I do feel guilty that it affects my family so much. Ive got the Deliciously Ella book too, looking forward to giving some recipes a go! xx
ReplyDeleteLet me know how you get on Lisa, take care! :) xxx
DeleteI'm really with you on this one. I have been buying some ingredients for 'the book'! keep having blueberries smoothies, made with some almond milk and banana and yogurt. It's addictive! It must be so annoying for you to hear me prattling on about marching across the common! I am sorry, I really hope you can get some of that back. I'm sure you can. It sounds good, this is a good beginning. I think food can make such a difference. Also start some gentle excercise. You can do it. X
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely no annoyance....I love seeing all those lovely images, please keep 'em coming! :) xxx
DeleteI have fibromyalgia, and your post really resonates with me. I made the difficult decision to use a wheelchair when I needed to, to enable family days out - simply because I looked at is a way to keep my spoons for other activities. Not easy, and I am the worlds worst wheelchair sitter! (Just ask my hubby!!?!) I agree with the fit, fab feb, and shall be joining with you as best I can - unfortunately I hibernate all winter (SAD) and like you, I find it easy to ignore the things I should be doing, even though I know long term they are for the best. Its not easy when you have only so much energy to go round, and the things that are good for you take more energy than the things that don't. Good luck - I will be cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, I really believe diet can help enormously with chronic health conditions, but I know what you mean, when your energy is depleted it's human nature to go for the easiest. It's a long term investment, hard work to start with but you will reap the benefits! Take care :) xxx
DeleteBest of luck. I would think that the ingredients -although expensive- could be priceless if you find they help you.x
ReplyDeleteThat's the only downside Felicity.....blooming expensive! :) xxx
DeleteSending you positive thoughts across the waters. I know a small bit of what you deal with. I have RA and it has been a bear this winter. I understand your reluctance to use a wheelchair. I fight against the motorized ones at the grocery store and big box stores each time we go. I would rather sit in the truck than have to use one. But, like you, I wonder if I am denying time with Hubs. I admire you for making the changes, do it now while you are ready. Hugs and love.
ReplyDeleteSharon
Thanks Sharon......personally I think I would be lethal on one of those, I'd be running everyone over! ;) xxx
DeleteHi Amanda, I understand how you are feeling to. I have fibromyalgia and the past week its been playing me up sore knees, tops of feet, ankles, hands and elbows. But it doesn't help with the weather being so cold. I am like you with saying I live with it but don't suffer from it. Yes its a pain in the bum but you learn to cope and manage and you know your limitations. Eating healthy and looking after your body is easier said than done especially when your not feeling well. But you can do this and Feb is a great time to start its the time of the year when you feel brighter as Spring and then summer will be on their way :-) I think also you will know when the time is right for you to use a wheelchair or even a small mobility scooter at least you still have control then :-) Thank you for your lovely comment at mine. Have fun with your new eating plan, dee xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Delia, thanks for your comment....the cold really plays havoc doesn't it! Yes being realistic about you limitations is good....everything in moderation :) xxx
DeleteGo you!!! Know I am cheering you on as I quietly attempt something similar to deal with my RA and ME/CFS and the weight gain that comes with the steroid treatment for the former xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie, we can cheer each other on! ;) xxx
DeleteGo girl ... sending you lots of positivity. Have you ever tried T'ai Chi? It may be worth giving it a go when you are feeling a bit more mobile. You do not need to be quite so 'bendy' as you do for yoga, but it is very good for balance and stress. I used to teach T'ai Chi (many moons ago) and had several people with crippling arthritis and other conditions who said it helped them immensely. Take care. M xx
ReplyDeleteI've not really tried this.....I'm a firm believer in yoga but can't do this at the moment, perhaps T'ai Chi is the way forward? :) xxx
DeleteI love your positive attitude : a lot!!!!!
ReplyDeletehugs and love, xxxxx Ale
Thank you my dear! ;) xxx
DeleteWell done and go for it - good luck! :) I really need to address my diet, but I love sugar....
ReplyDeleteGood for you, and I love your positivity - live not suffer. I'll be following your posts because I really need some healthy eating motivation. Good luck! x
ReplyDeletePositivity is the key to most things I think, but I do wane every now and again.....yes, that blinking sugar, a hard one to crack! :) xxx
DeleteI wish you well, Amanda! Fab fit feb is a challenge everyone should follow to improve our health and re-charge our energy::: I'm italian so culturally ready for healthy diet full of vegetable , legumes and whole foods! I wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteI love Italian food, yes very healthy :) xxx
DeleteI had no idea your MS had deteriorated so much Amanda (I feel like I want to call you Ada Bea as that's what I "know" you as!) and I'm sorry that walking - something you clearly love - is hard at the moment. I think this is an amazing idea and really hope it gives your body what it needs to make those changes and build up to doing the things you love again. I think "living with" vs "suffering from" is a very powerful distinction to make and one I am careful to use when thinking or talking about my tinnitus, which I've had for about three years now. You are, as always, a bloody inspiration woman! Go Amanda! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you Gillian, it's so easy to take our health for granted....I'm going for it! ;) xxx
Delete