WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN OCTOBER 6TH, 2018
HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN OCTOBER 6TH, 2018
HEY EVERYONE!
WELCOME To Our End of the week "WEEKLY" HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN~.. This is our "FIRST" Check-in for the month of OCTOBER! 
**How have you all been doing over the past week?!
**This is our "FIRST" check-in for the Month of OCTOBER! What are you looking forward to in this new month ahead?
**What goals would you like to accomplish this month? What plans do you have for the month ahead?
**What things have you done the past week that you are most proud of, excited about, or feel grateful for?
**What have been your "highlights" this past week? What are your weekend plans ahead?
**What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!! 
@Vivelespatates @RainyLeaves @Elle22 @Terrytee @rebecca947 @YoursTrulyBen @Saranova @Nada @BridgetAileen @AffyAvo @Sadme70 @Moj @sail46 @JLantern @Zeraphim @mimameid @MellieTronx @lovingbanana5204 @Essdee @DragonFaerie @Cloudysummer @888Butterfly888 @inventiveWheel @DavidMatt @bubbleChestnut3363 @mm13 @SwampWitch @strugglingmegan @Ravenclaw7 @philosophicalperson8202 @Consciousawakening @orangeOwl1462 @AlluraRae @Rebekahwriter13 @politeTangerine7243 @Dancersoul @MoreThanAConqueror18 @MelanieDaniels63 @MattRainbow @PurpleNina @DudeWheresMyZip @ruffneckred @ElizaJ @diplomaticconfucious @Indistinctaurora@reliablebutoftenforgotten @ShareASmile2014 @bubbleChestnut3363 @oakhenge @estompe55 @SeaSlytherin @EnthusiasticBeach @happyduckie @Regmo7 @Keola @HaileTruci
**ANY & ALL "NEWBIES" ARE WELCOME TO SHARE!!**
**This week has gone well, but also kind of busy...I did have a little bit of "Anxiety" this past week, but it was probably more "stress" related than mental/emotional.... I did stay on track, which really isn't a challenge for me to do anymore. Even at times I just kind of want to "cave-in" and take a day off, and stay under the covers all day with my puppy and watch T.V.! lol.... But, I challenge myself each day to stay on track with activity, eating well, and things like getting water in and "trying" at least to do as well as I can with my sleep. I'm not getting any younger, and I just want to continue to be "comfortable" in my skin, in my clothes, and be as active as my body will allow me to continue to be. I think what also helps is that I allow myself that "ONE" day a week, where I am just "Free" to not track. And then just get back on the next day.
**I'm back on track this week walking with my mom 3-4 mornings a week, & managed to teach every one of my classes this week, (2 Zumba Gold Classes, and 2 POUND classes this week) .. as I subbed and picked up another Pound class for another instructor... Starting Monday, I will be helping out the studio I teach at and Picking up "yet another" class in the evening. So I will be teaching my own Regular Zumba class come Monday evening. I am going to try it out for the Month of October just to see how it goes, and if I can handle it... if Not, I will eliminate it.
**This month is "Particularly" an exciting time for me, because I LOVE October, Its also MY BIRTHDAY MONTH~.....And its Halloween time~.. I LOVE Halloween decorations, Events, Movies, (and yes, sadly some of the "candy" too) which I Do NOT keep in my house! But.. my mom always has a little treat bag for me! lololol.....My Husband came home from work today after winning a 'contest" at work of guessing "How much Candy was in this HUGE container!".. I can't believe he won.. So now "This Thing" is stuck in my house 
~ Its a good thing I'm not much of a sweet eater, except when it comes to chocolate,.. and there wasn't much of any chocolate in there.
**Today is my "FREE" day.. Not sure what all I will set out to do today, just my usual Saturday stuff... No workouts today probably give my body a rest with all the classes I have coming up next week, and attend the local Fall Festival.
**ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND EVERYONE~ 
**How have you all been doing over the past week?! I keep over thinking and worrying making thinks worst than they are. I am trying to figure out how to stop that.
**This is our "FIRST" check-in for the Month of OCTOBER! What are you looking forward to in this new month ahead? I would like more walks once my hay fever stops. My stuffy head hurts.
**What goals would you like to accomplish this month? What plans do you have for the month ahead? I want to complete the October challenge on 35 and older forum upon here, and write everyday.
**What things have you done the past week that you are most proud of, excited about, or feel grateful for? I faced the doctors office. I didn't spend any more money than needed
**What have been your "highlights" this past week? What are your weekend plans ahead?
**What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!! I am getting ready for next month working on one if my novels . . . A program called Nanowrimo writing 50,000 words in 30 days it's my 8th year.
@Rebekahwriter13
I know what you mean about "overthinking" and "worrying".... it can be a challenging thing to deal with and go through and worst of all not know what to do to stop it. .... Sometimes you can find or research coping mechanisms if you cannot find a professional to talk with, or unable to talk with one... Its something that surely takes time to "work through".
This is also a time for hay fever too.... Ragweed is supposed to be a 'big thing' this time of year I guess depending are where you are living... Perhaps something over-the-counter in the way of allergies can help?
Good luck to you on completing the 35+ and older challenge.... I will have to take a look, not sure that I saw that?!
Good for you on being able to get to the Doctor and not having to spend alot of money. Thats always a "plus"!... Hopefully you got some things taken care of and addressed?
Also thats great that you are continuing to strive towards that 50,000 words for your novel... Sounds like it will be alot of work, but I'm sure after 8 years , you will have no problems accomplishing your goal! Continue to keep up the great work you are doing and thanks for checking in this week to let us know how things are going for you.
@PoliteOcean I'm on prescription nasal spray and still in nasal and cheek pain. My facial is half swollen.
I've written two novels and three novellas out of those 8 year, over 388,000 words. I just need to get them edited.
@Rebekahwriter13 That is amazing! Congrats on completing your novellas
Keeping up with exercise and healthy eating. Keeping weight in check, which I was not sure as I had slipped a little on the healthy eating. But checked the scale this week and weight has stayed the same. Enjoying as much outdoor activity as possible. Nights are cooling down, but the air is fresh and crisp. I am using October as get organized month.
Time goes so quickly that things get put off which can lead to stress. I have been cleaning stuff out to keep from having too much clutter which can add to stress. Donated excess clothing and items not being used as often. Feels good to just get more organized which can help keep stress in check. Enjoy your birthday month and weekend.
@sail46
Hey Sail.. sounds like a very great and productive check-in for you this week!... Way to go on continuing to stay on track and keep get organized... I was trying to do the same thing and did manage a "little" bit this past week too... Still just some minor things to go, but will keep working at it myself.
It does surely make you feel good to have all the "clutter" gone. It can feel so "freeing" mentally, emotionally and even physically~ I know I always feel better in every way when everything is organized and "clean"! Continue to keep up the great work with everything you are doing. You're doing awesome. And thanks so much for the "pre-birthday" wishes :)
Thanks for checking in this week and letting us know how things have been going for you!
How have you all been doing over the past week?!
It was a difficult first week.
**This is our "FIRST" check-in for the Month of OCTOBER! What are you looking forward to in this new month ahead?
I'm looking forward to losing weight and developing healthier routines.
**What goals would you like to accomplish this month? What plans do you have for the month ahead?
My goal is to lose weight by sticking with my diet goals and water intake. I also want to experiment with pushing myself towards healthier decisions regarding activity. At some point before month is over I would like to add exercise (walking).
**What things have you done the past week that you are most proud of, excited about, or feel grateful for?
Stuck with the decision to begin a lifestyle change.
**What have been your "highlights" this past week? What are your weekend plans ahead?
Past week's highlight was keeping an appt i was nervous to attend and not overeating.
**What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!!
Tuesday I had my initial appt at a Bariatric Clinic. I was not quite sure what to expect when I first called them - if it would be nutrition guidance or recommendations for surgery or medicine - by end of phone call I had determined that they start most eveyone off on medication.
At appt I had an ekg and bloodwork. I also asked them to check my thyroid. Thinking of calling today to see if they got the results in. It was not quite what I expected. After consultation I was prescribed a 3 month supply of diet pills and told to come back in three months.
Started my first pill with the afternoon dose. It has been an exhausting week. Yesterday is the first day I felt somewhat clear-headed and not ill all day. The dr did tell me that I would have to adjust to the medication. So I already had the impression that I might feel bad and jittery but I had no idea I was going to feel as badly as I did.
The first four days culminated in me having an anxiety attack around 3am Saturday night. Around 4am I called poison control. They reassured me that what I was experiencing, altho unpleasant, was normal. I just dont know. I did not realize people were supposed to feel this bad. Tuesday - Saturday I barely ate or slept. Ill all the time. Found out that not drinking enough water was not helping. And maybe the not eating? Altho I am not certain regarding the food intake.
My mother went with me to this appt for moral support. At this point in my life I am very sedentary and have problems with motivation, discipline, and perserverance. I rarely leave my home because I am so ashamed of how I look. ... I'm kinda starting near ground zero. I have only dieted or attempted to change my lifestyle two other times in life (Ive given it lip service countless times). Neither lasted more than a month altho I did lose weight each time.
I now find myself fearing these pills, Unsure if they are healthy. I also know that everyone is counting on me to continue on them and see it through this time. I do like the way they cause me to have almost no appetite at all... its a strange experience for me. The moments I have felt hungry have brought worry. I want my stomach to shrink.
I guess I will see what this week brings with the pills. Also altho I try not to I am very stressed about what I eat. I dont want to eat too much. The last time I dieted I used the Livestrong website as my basis for forming a meal plan. I found I mostly restricted my diet to 700-900 cals a day. Some say this is unhealthy. But I have heard others say it is acceptable if it is for a short initial period of time in the morbidly obese. I still worried - I wanted to optimize my metabolism and had just started adding in exercise when I quit the diet.
My full-time job right now is making this right. My personality is to worry. I'm not sure doing this alone without outside input is the best way for me. It's definitely anxiety-causing. I think I need a sounding board for my thoughts and plans and thought I'd try here.
I would love some support and guidance with these things. Thank you.
@themainjane
Hey there Main! Whats up!?! So nice to see you check-in! Its great to see you!
Sorry to hear that you have had a difficult week... But I'm glad to see that you are looking forward to things such as losing weight and developing some healthier routines for yourself. Thats a pretty great start!
I like the idea that you are looking forward to incorporating more activity.. and to be honest, "Walking" is an AWESOME choice to start with! Its FREE! No memberships, No hassle... you just put on your shoes and take off~ And its a great way to just "start small"... Starting to Big can be overwhelming for some and cause some people to stop before they've even started.... Finding a great place to walk can even help you stick to the plan/goal even more.. Like if you have a scenic place with a lake, or flowers, or Fall Leaves (lots of colors).. just something really amazing that makes your walk more enjoyable, you will surely be more prone to stick with it.
Sticking with your decision to start a healthy lifestyle, keeping your app't and Not over-eating sounds like AMAZING defeats for you!! Thats awesome work for just getting started!! I hope that you are feeling really proud of yourself!
I read through your issues regarding seeking help through the bariatric center... These are my own little thoughts.... First, I have not actually been to one myself for help, however I am totally not against seeking treatment here, and I think its really great that you decided you wanted to get serious and take this step and gain more control and support! .... As far as the pills, I wasn't aware personally that they start you out on "pills".. However, I'm sure you've done your research upon finding this treatment center. I feel (as a nurse) as long as its a "reputable" physician/healthcare provider that you are engaging with, I'm sure that they are following the protocol. As far as how the pills themselves make you feel, everyone is "different' in the way medication can have an effect. I would advise to ALWAYS follow-up with your healthcare provider to ensure that what you are feeling/experiencing is an actual side-effect and NOT an "Adverse Reaction" (which are different things)... and you said you have done that. Another thing would be to perhaps make sure that if you have a "Primary" care physician, maybe you could consider allowing them to be "on board" with the care that you are receiving as well with the Bariatric Center (if they already aren't).....just so they are aware of things such as your medical history as well.
And of course, if you are feeling "that badly" and its so bad that you cannot function "Normally" in your day while on the pill, please continue to ensure that your provider knows this because that is really important. You should feel so bad that you can't function in your 'Normal" routines for yourself.
One more thing that I might suggest, while you are going through this whole thing, is (if you are able to) to perhaps reach out to a counselor (I know there are some at Bariatric centers or other places) that you can chat with about your feelings while you are dealing with this. Its really important that you are also getting the "mental/emotional" support when dealing with Bariatric centers and trying to achieve weight loss.
Its not always an easy thing to deal with, I can certainly relate in alot of ways...You are welcome to pm me anytime to chat about it... But I was CERTAINLY once in your shoes... Very sedentary...other than leaving the house to work or go shopping I really didn't "engage" in much else.. And my weight REALLY took a toll... I considered MANY things, and Tried VARIOUS things...everything honestly just "clicked" for me one day.. It was like a moment of awakening, that I didn't want to be the way that I was anymore.. I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin, and in my clothes and appearance... I simply just started by "Walking"... I found a local track and just walked. Nothing more, nothing less... When I started to build up some endurance, I tried other things etc... and the rest is history (still in the making) because I've fell down a few times in my journey since I started, so it will be a "Lifelong" journey for me to always do my best to stay on track. Nobody is perfect. But YOU CAN DO THIS!.. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to 'Start"!.. Which by the way, you already have!!! 
Thank you so much for checking in this week with us Main!!.. I'm really excited to see you here, and would LOVE to hear how your journey continues! Please , Please continue to check back and let us know!! Keep up the great work you are doing!
@PoliteOcean
Thank you so much for the warm welcome! It's nice to be encouraged that I am on a good path!
Soon we will be moving and my plan is to walk up and down our road. It literally will be as simple as putting shoes on and walking out the door. Also, it is semi-private and I am very self-conscious. It's going to be difficult enough just to do it without the added stress of being in a public setting. When I walked before (which wasnt for long) it was in my neighborhood. It wasnt easy for me physically or psychologically but I pressed on (for awhile). But... I'm not quite ready to incorporate exercise. Soon.
I joined MyFitnessPal and started logging with this morning's breakfast. I think it can be a useful tool.
I'm waiting on a call back from the PA from the bariatric clinic. I think I've decided it might have been a few factors that made the meds seem to hit me so hard: I wasnt drinking enough water or eating on a schedule. I was up at night to feel the effects. .. I pretty much have to start turning things around across the board. It's a process. Also, it crossed my mind that my threshold for perceived pain might not be as high as I thought. Let's face it, someone who detests exercise and is not fond of exertion or pushing themselves may not respond or tolerate uncomfortable physical/mental situations the same as someone who realizes that these situation are necessary sometimes for progress. How hard I work during exercise and how I learn to push myself will be an ongoing experiment and learning process. It's one of my larger battles.
I am proud of myself for finally having the courage to address some of the issues that keep me the most unhappy and unhealthy. I'm so glad this space exists here on 7cups.. it's been quite the long, meandering journey to get here, to risk showing my authentic self and vulnerabilities, to face the judgements of society.
Thanks for the reminder that I have started on this journey. Action is not some destination in the future - it has begun as we speak!
I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know others also journeying this path.
**How have you all been doing over the past week?!
I could've been better I suppose. I've been dealing with a ton of anxiety and depression; a fight with my boyfriend and him wanting a little bit of space hasn't really been helping, but I'm hoping to cope a little better this coming week.
**This is our "FIRST" check-in for the Month of OCTOBER! What are you looking forward to in this new month ahead?
Not health related, but I have a party at the end of the month for my friends, so I'm pretty excited about that, even though it's going to effect finances and stuff.
**What goals would you like to accomplish this month? What plans do you have for the month ahead?
I would like to just get started on my health journey (if that's what you want to call it). I'm going to look into maybe getting a gym membership/personal trainer and start planning to eat more healthy. I also need to make sure I get any and all appointments in that I need to (general check-up, eye doctor, dentist), and just overall start taking better care of myself.
**What things have you done the past week that you are most proud of, excited about, or feel grateful for?
It's not health related, but I got some Halloween decorating done yesterday, and I'm excited about my party at the end of the month, and I'm grateful for one of my friends coming to help me out with it. I'm also pretty excited for a friends wedding this next weekend. I don't see her often, and now I'll be able to see her twice in one month!
**What have been your "highlights" this past week? What are your weekend plans ahead?
I can't really remember much from last week to be honest, but my weekend was pretty ok. I got to spend a little time with my family and decorated some. I also finally got a dresser, desk and coffee table, so I'm pretty excited about those things. I have a lot of ideas for decorating my house, I just have to find a way to make it affordable lol.
**What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?!
I think I'm good for now, thanks
@fightingscot94
Hey there Fightings!
Sorry to hear that you have been dealing with anxiety and depression... I think many of us here can relate to those feelings and emotions. They aren't good feelings and can be challenging when you have other things to deal with on top of that..... However, I think its really great for you that you have something to look forward to at the end of the month. Even if that creates its own challenges, having a party with friends sounds like it can be a really great and happy time to just enjoy!
I think you are taking an AWESOME step in wanting to get your Health Journey started off!.. Looking into gym memberships, and eating healthier, and taking the time to get a good "Physical exam" are ALL amazing steps to a GREAT start!... Congrats to you on making the choice and planning the steps out to do that! Please keep us informed on how all of that is going for you or if we can help support you in any of your efforts.
Awesome that you got in some Halloween decorating! Perhaps one day you can share a photo of some of your decorations! ..... Also it sounds really nice that you will be able to get together with old friends... That always makes for a good time ahead and something to look forward too! And it really is ALL health related if its ANYTHING that helps you to feel better emotionally and mentally!...It all goest together.
All in all I'd say you have a pretty great check-in this week!.. Continue to keep up the great work that you are doing and have planned for yourself!... Thank you so much for checking in this week and letting us know how things are going with you!
How have you all been doing over the past week?!
Just surviving day to day. I don't know whether or not I should step out of my comfort zone. I don't want to travel yet. I want to wait until I graduate, and put my school worries behind me before I embark on an adventure. But my friend has been pressuring me, and I do say no to her a lot. She feels ready to travel, and wants to share the weight of responsibility equally, but I just want to avoid planning and thinking about traveling right now. So I've been wanting to avoid people lately. I've had a taste of working at my new job, as it started this week, and I tire out easily.
**This is our "FIRST" check-in for the Month of OCTOBER! What are you looking forward to in this new month ahead?
I'm looking forward to wearing my favorite comfy sweaters. I'm looking forward to getting my first paycheck and treating my friends, and I.
**What goals would you like to accomplish this month? What plans do you have for the month ahead?
I want to be organized in terms of preparing for exams. I'm planning on exercising, and spending my money as reward, this month.
**What things have you done the past week that you are most proud of, excited about, or feel grateful for?
Ughh, I've messed up countless times, like never sleeping earlier than midnight; too much screen time; avoiding homework. But I did face people, even though I didn't want to .I journaled a bit more than usual. I got back up, kinda.
**What have been your "highlights" this past week? What are your weekend plans ahead?
Made a new friend, at my new job. For the weekend ahead, the exams will be over and I can give myself a foot soak, watch some movies. Clean, at least for 15 minutes.
**What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!!
My head never stops hurting. Things are just so frustrating for me. I feel so confused as to who I am and what I'm doing here.
@Lunar00
Hey there Lunar!....
Its good that you are "surviving" as you stated, I see that you sound like you are having quite the challenge in making a decision on what to do in regards to travel. As I read through your message, it sounds like you "already" know what the answer is in your heart!?! Sounds like this may not be the right thing for you to do at this moment in time. Even if it means putting it off for a little while. Perhaps you should could listen to your "heart" and go with what you know "feels" right!
Its great that you have something to look forward to!.. Wearing "comfy' sweaters and a paycheck are pretty awesome things to look forward too! lol... I have a few sweaters that I want to wear myself, ... I like the warmer weather personally, so I'm not in a "hurry" to wear them, but I do like my cooler-weather attire! And money is always a nice thing to have when you have things you know you need or want to do with it!
Sounds like you have some 'Amazing' goals prepared for yourself?! (organization, preparing for exams, exercising, and being able to spend the money you make)!... All great things to prepare and look forward to!
Try not to be too hard on yourself for not laying down earlier. I truly can relate to that myself. I always say I'm going to do better each night, and then that darn "screen-time" sometimes gets the better of me as well~ But theres always a 'new' day to plan and prepare and get better at it! All we can do is try our best..... I think its really great that you were able to face people...I'm sure that made you feel really great about yourself! And great job on the "Journaling"!...I know when I make time to journal, it makes me feel really great and releases alot of inner stuff~
Its great that you made a "new' friend!.. Friends are nice to have but not always easy to make for some. So thats really great for you! It also sounds like you have some really "relaxing" weekend plans ahead!.. Sounds really nice! I hope you enjoy!
I really appreciate you checking in this week and letting us know how things have been going for you! We are here to support you!
I had a good long weekend, but it did wear me out. I've noticed my reactive lymph node has been acting up both leading up to and during the weekend probably because I was pushing myself a bit. Yesterday was low key at least, although there was some visiting and I got out of the house for a little bit for some small errands.
I'm just working on getting into my typical habits still. I might get out to a Zumba Gold class tonight, I haven't even checked to see if it's on/full though and I am dragging a bit so not certain on that.
I'm considering tracking some of my symptoms, although what I want to track in terms of triggers along with that still seems daunting. I should take a look at apps at least, see what's out there and if it can be fairly quick to get some info down.
@AffyAvo Made it to Zumba Gold. I sat some of it out and was still pretty tired after. Today I was out picking produce, more repeatitive motion that what's good for me but it's really hard to avoid.
I'm testing out FlareDown for an app. I can't seem to get all of it to work though.
@AffyAvo
Hey there Affy! Its good that you had a "good" weekend even though you noticed a few issues... Its great that you were able to get out of the house and out and about. Even for small errands, sometimes It just feels good to get out for a bit if we've been "cooped-up" in the house for too long.
Great for you that you are working on your typical habits, and Its AWESOME that you were able to make it Zumba Gold! Great for you!.. Even if you had to sit out for some, it was just great that you felt good enough to try. And were even able to manage to get a little bit in. Focus on that positive!
I've never heard of FlareDown app?! Can you tell us more about it and what it exactly does? Perhaps we can even add it to our Apps To use Section, (assuming its not already in there or been added)?!
Thanks for continuing to check in and let us know how you've been doing! As well as coming back to let us know about Zumba Gold!.. Good luck to you on continued progress moving forward.
