Facing My Excuses

queenofthefae5

Seven years ago, at the age of 29, I had two things happen at once that changed my metabolism. I was officially diagnosed with Celiac disease and I had a total hysterectomy. Prior to this time, I couldn’t gain weight. I was too skinny. At 5’5”, my weight fluctuated between 98 and 105 pounds. I was also unhealthy, in a lot of pain, had no energy and was anemic along with an array of other vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Within a year of going gluten free and adjusting to synthetic hormone patches, I gained half over my prior body weight going from a size 0-3 to a 12-14 (145-155 pounds).

Since that time, I’ve had to learn to watch what I eat. I have my great weeks where I eat a healthy, balanced, veggie packed diet. I have other weeks where I justify eating whatever I want because of my gluten allergy. I’ve heard myself say, “My diet is so restrictive that I eat what I can.” But I also know that’s not entirely true. Granted, Celiac disease rules out certain items but their processed, gluten free counterparts are more and more readily available. They are also heavier in calories than the same processed gluten filled foods. And as an adventurous cook, I know I can make anything I want gluten free using recipe modifications.

I’m using Celiac disease and lack of hormones as my excuse to eat poorly and justify my weight battle. Just because the local bakery offers gluten free crustless cheesecake, it doesn’t mean I need to eat one. Just because I can eat white rice, it doesn’t mean I should consume it daily.

I do a lot of things right. I am a member of a local CSA program and receive a great assortment of freshly harvested veggies, eggs and meat weekly. I incorporate many of these items into my regular diet. This is good. I have two dogs that I like to walk around the neighborhood. I walk them whenever I feel up to it. This is great. I often choose organic options from the grocery store as well as seek out local farmers for various products. This is wonderful. Yet my waistline is expanding again. I know I have justified too little exercise with my full schedule and poor food choices with “But it’s gluten free!”

My battle is consistency and making the better choice. I don’t ever want to be unhealthy skinny again. I feel my best and have the most body confidence at sizes 6-8. I am back on the get fit wagon and intend to make it part of my life from here on out.

sadrithmora

Hey there, it's great to hear that you've decided to stop making excuses for yourself (even if they are partly valid, really) and get back on track with your health. I can't say I'm familiar with Celiac disease or what kind of restrictions it puts on your diet. As far as gluten goes, I don't have any in my diet but that's because I cook all of my food myself. Experimenting with recipes is a sort of new hobby of mine as well. Just today I made a shepherd's pie with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes, never thought I could do something like that before.

Hoping you can find the support and motivation you need for your health journey, and good luck

Effalunt

I had a total hysterectomy at 25. Although I did keep my ovaries, I've since developed PCOS and am slowly getting back on track. Add me if you like: I am definitely seeking supportive friends, especially ladies who've also had hysterectomies.