The Journey Begins

“And suddenly you know…it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings”

—Meister Eckhart

What a whirlwind week this has been!

For more years than I even want to recall, I have been battling with weight.  After a back injury, the extra pounds continued to hunt me down.  As the scales went up and up, I finally just hid them away in my closet, but it was hard to ignore the image in the mirror, not to mention the fact I required larger clothing!  Another neon light that kept flashing in front of me was a warning sign.  Diabetes runs in my family; several family members have type one, the juvenile form of this illness, and I knew I was a ticking time bomb if I didn’t make some drastic changes.

On Saturday, June 16, I started my diet.  Years ago my mother and I went on the Atkin’s Diet, and it worked for us, so I decided to give it another try. The first two days went smoothly, but by Monday evening, I did not feel well, and it worsened each day.  In fact, I thought I had caught a bug.  While stuck in bed, I began researching and reading about  my new plan of attack, and I found a program that follows many of the same principals of the Atkin’s Diet, the Ketogenic Diet.  As I read, I discovered that some people as they transition through this first phase suffer “keto flu.”   I felt so weak and drained I almost stopped the diet.  While feeling sick, I searched online, and I found a support group.  Those wonderful people provided tips and practical advice that  helped me survive my “bug.”  Within a day, my symptoms improved, and today, my outlook had drastically changed.

This morning when I woke, I actually felt better than I have in years, for I had fewer aches and pains.  I remembered reading how some foods could trigger the inflammation within my body, especially now since I discovered I have arthritis too.  Honestly, I was amazed at how my body has reacted to eating healthier foods.  Throughout the day, I had more stamina and energy than I have had in years.  Today, I felt hopeful for my future.  So to help me track my new beginnings, I have decided to start a blog to follow my new lifestyle.  This will be one more tool to help stay on this new path.  Thankfully, I started feeling relieved and enlivened.  Hope returned, and this time, my future looks promising.

Wish me luck as begin my new life!  From the bright side!

Annie