May 20, 2016

Get Fit Motivation, Living With PCOS

Motivation to get fit, my PCOS story.

At the start of the year I mentioned that one of my goals was to be more devoted to a healthy lifestyle. I’ve had some health issues plaguing me for quite a few years now, and I feel like I’m finally at my breaking point. When you have kids it’s very easy to devote all of your time and energy to them. New babies smell wonderful, especially to new moms and it’s easy to lose yourself along the way. I was a lot younger when I had my first son so bouncing back was easier. After having my second son it’s been a huge struggle and pain point for me, especially since I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) while trying to conceive our second child. It came as a shock to me as my life and health had always seemed normal over the years, and I had never really been in an unhealthy weight range.

Flash forward through years of infertility and struggles and we have a wonderful child, which we are eternally grateful for. However, I thought the effects of PCOS wouldn’t bother me afterward, and they’ve proven otherwise. It’s really hard for me to lose any weight, and I’m beginning to see other symptoms worsen over time. Needless to say, it’s time to get serious, serious about this issue. I’ve always been proud of trying to eat healthy and stay active, but for me trying is no longer enough. I have to be 100% dedicated 100% of the time. Ouch. On the plus side, I’ll likely end up in great shape and will be a healthier mom and role model for my kids.

So how am I going to do that? Over the years I’ve had lots of experience with working out, personal trainers, proper nutrition, etc. so I’ll reference all of that knowledge, plus the research that I’ve done regarding PCOS and health which basically means I get to eat like I’m diabetic, even if I’m not. I’ve been using my Withings Activité fitness tracker (seriously love it!) to track my activity for the last 5 months, and I love that I can glance at it to see my step goal instead of having to open an app on my phone. It’s also waterproof so I don’t have to take it off if I go swimming. I also have used My Fitness Pal (app) off and on for years so I’ve gone back to using that to track my eating. About a month ago when I wrote this post about making time for myself I started my daily workouts again. I alternate running with a Ballet Beautiful cardio workout and sometimes yoga. I’ve never felt better, so I’m excited to stay on this path and make it a real lifestyle change.

Do you have PCOS or any other ailments you have to work around? I’d love to hear your tips on staying motivated to live a healthy lifestyle.

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[…] I’ve seen an improvement in my overall health. Living with a lifelong health condition means that taking care of my physical health isn’t easy. Being active helps me mitigate a lot […]

[…] the motions and often I’d feel so disconnected from reality but never knew how to come back. Living with PCOS isn’t easy and I started to feel like my anxiety and depression were winning the battle. Over […]

Hi Jessica, Thank you for this post. I’ve was diagnosed with PCOS in July 2017 and am struggling with acne, irregular cycles and inability to fall pregnant. I’m currently treating my symptoms with medication but would also like to look at my diet as well. It is reassuring to read about your struggles and know that I’m not alone. I’ll be sure to try the Coalface soap from Herbivore as well. Thank you for your honesty and being so open about this issue.

[…] is my biggest vice and I hope to be able to kick it to the curb for next year. It sounds crazy, but living with PCOS is always something that I have to think about because it never goes […]

[…] we battled infertility while trying to have our youngest. I was very naive in my thinking that my PCOS would only effect me in pregnancy, and have even shared some of my health goals before. Now that […]

Hi Jessica,
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 25, there have been many ups and downs! In terms of food and fitness, I’ve had great success with the 21 day fix – portion control and 30 minute daily workouts from home. Generally, I keep my carbs pretty low. However, I’ve more recently been struggling with acne and I went out and tried the Coalface you recommended and it’s awesome! So thank you and good luck to you as you navigate this.

Hi GC! Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m finding that works best for me as well. I wear an activity tracker all the time to help me monitor my calories (I track them), and trying to stay active for 30 minutes a day. I’m so glad coalface could help! I just switched to this other charcoal soap by Herbivore, it’s the same type just a little more natural. Best of luck to you too!

I have had some issues with my health over the years and I’ve discovered that I need to really focus on what I eat and to avoid certain foods. I’ve definitely haven’t been as 100% committed to this as I should have so I have really started to make my health more of a priority.
Charlene The Frugal Fashionista

You look great and I love your leggings!! Good luck on your health journey! I need to start as well.

Xo, Brianne
http://www.scrubsandsparkles.com

praying for you.
p.s. your leggings are the bomb!
elle
Southern Elle Style

This post has really encouraged me! I was diagnosed with PCOS 9 years ago, and it has been a unique struggle for sure. I follow a diabetic-friendly diet too, and it really seems to help! I definitely feel more energized and less bloated, and my symptoms seem to be less noticeable. Exercise helps a TON too, as well as stress management (which is easier said than done, haha.) A positive thing about PCOS is that many times it can be effectively managed with disciplined diet and exercise, instead of a lot of medications. And there are so many great support groups, such as SoulCysters that have great tips and encouragement!

Ashley, I’m checking out SoulCysters. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂

I had no idea you were struggling with this issue and it really sounds hard, I can’t imagine. A lot of infertility struggles are in my family too and I have yet to deal with them since I haven’t tried to have any kids yet but I hope not to struggle with the same. Trying to stay active is the worst possible thing for me. 1) I don’t really like it and it’s hard to get going 2) it’s hot as balls in Arizona most of the year 3) Did I mention I hate most exercise? 4) I have to shower after working out and I’m really trying to wash my hair less. I have NO idea how this UK beauty girls can work out and NOT wash their hair, it’s disgusting. They’re either not working out hard enough and it’s some silly cycling OR they just dry shampoo the hell out of their hair. Either way, I don’t agree with that & I have to wash my hair after working out. Excuses, excuses I know but ALAS I still don’t like it. We get into phases where we’re really good about it and then sometimes we just aren’t. I hope to like it once again. since I did like exercise in high school. xx adaatude.com

I have PCOS and up to this point it has been winning the battle. I am overweight and negligent when it comes to my health. Knowing someone else is staying on top of their health while having this diagnosis is quite encouraging for me.

Hi Tami, Thanks for being so open. It’s always nice to connect to others who are on their own journey as well. It makes you feel like you’re not alone. I hope you can start winning the battle soon, I am sure you can do it!

Thanks, I’m starting small by taking some supplements that are for PCOS. 🙂

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