5 years ago I faced a health crisis. Pain, swelling and fatigue filled my entire body. It lasted for months. No matter what I did the pain was there day-after-day affecting every aspect of my life. After months of searching, I was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a debilitating and painful disease, with no cure, that can damage both your joints and vital organs. Since that day, I have been on a journey to improve my health in every way I can.
Take control of your health
Doctor appointments have become pretty routine over the last few years. There’s an examination, answer a few questions, adjust medications if needed, and they send you on your way. But my last visit was a little different. I haven’t been seeing this rheumatologist for very long, but I already like that she promotes an integrative approach towards your health. On my last visit, she looked at me and told me I should be the poster child for RA! “Please go tell everyone what you do,” she said. I just laughed a little before asking her why. She went on to explain how frustrating it is for doctors to treat patients who don’t want to help themselves. And when she gives advice about the importance of eating healthy, exercising, getting enough rest, most have objections. “You’re proof that doing those things helps” she said. I’ll never forget our conversation that day. And I remember leaving there feeling accomplished, like I had gained some control over an uncontrollable disease.
Don’t hide under the bed sheets!
Being told you have a chronic life-long illness, no matter what it is, can feel daunting. The thought of pain, losing mobility, of looking and feeling old before your time is as embarrassing as it is frightening. And it’s hard sometimes. Really, really hard to adjust your lifestyle, to modify your diet and to make the sacrifices that will have an impact on your health. But it’s not impossible.
So where do you start?
- Be honest with those around you. Let them know why you’re making changes. They will understand.
- Make a plan. Set small, attainable goals.
- Journal your progress, it will help you identify things that are triggering your symptoms and will help to keep you accountable.
- Share your struggles and successes because it will influence other people to try.
So here goes, doctor’s orders – I’m telling you my secret
Shortly after my diagnosis, I was on Facebook when I came across an invitation to join a fitness and nutrition challenge group. Joining that group was a turning point for me. It impacted my life in so many ways! The support, the fitness programs, all natural approach to health, clean eating and Shakeology have become a game changer for me. I began to see a little bit of improvement every day. In the group, food and fitness are planned to meet your specific needs. Healthy became simple. Clean eating and fitness became easy to fit into my busy day. I didn’t feel isolated by my illness. I met people in the group who were each struggling in some way, and many of them remain my friends today. Each one influenced me and without their support I know I would have quit.
Sure, I’ve had ups and downs since then, but I know I never would have stayed committed for four years without this support system. My health began to improve so much that I decided to pay it forward and help others feel as good as I do!
You’re invited!
Clean eating and fitness have become my lifestyle, part of my treatment. It helps me stay healthy and avoid therapies with risky side effects. I am a health and lifestyle coach because I want to help you just like someone helped me by inviting me to that very first challenge group. My job is to help you make your health a priority, and to make clean eating and fitness a way of life though peer support and motivation. If you are interested in joining my next challenge group, we start on Monday. To make sure everyone gets my personal attention, I am accepting a limited number of participants into this private, online 30-day support group. This group is for people who want to make a lasting lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Are you ready to take a leap of faith and join me next week? Simply fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page and I will be in touch.
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