Today is the 2nd day of my Green Smoothie Cleanse. So far so good. No cravings, no hunger. I’m committed to the full 10 days, and from past experience, the 1st few are the most challenging and I’m having no problems navigating them.
Allow me to share why I’m doing this. I am not a big fan of fad diets or quick fixes. I strongly believe weight loss should happen slowly and over time, you know, the same way that weight gain happens! Having said that, I am tix and between. Tix and between is something my mother says. I think it means being between a rock and a hard place or at least that is my definition of it today.
With my back issue (that pesky little protruding disc) pressing on my sciatic nerve – yes, OUCH, I have tried physical therapy, epidural shots and anything else I could think of to stop the pain. My doctor now wants me to see a surgeon for a consultation. Here’s the thing, a surgeon’s job is to perform surgery…therefore consulting him for anything other than the job he does doesn’t make much sense, since surgery is not an option for me. Right now I am not open to having back surgery and have decided to take a different approach.
Therefore the weight has to go! Point blank, simply stated! No more fooling around. No more hemming and hawing. I know that once the weight comes off I will experience tremendous relief from the pain and pressure on my back. There is no doubt in my mind that the pain would diminish significantly once I lose 50lbs. (for starters).
Not only will my back stop hurting, but I will also be able to get back to living the active lifestyle I had become accustomed to living before the weight gain and before the back pain. Which brings me to my next point…
I have places to go and things to do. I want to visit the Grand Canon (#12 on my bucket list). I want to be active again. I love Lara Casey of Laracasey.com. Last winter I purchased her PowerSheets. When I received them, there was a postcard inserted in the package, which reads
You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do? You should go do them.
I LOVE that! And that is exactly what I intend to do. So that’s “why” it is so important for me to get this weight OFF and my back in order. As I said, I am not a fan of a quick fix but I am in need of one, and this decision to do the smoothie cleanse is a way to give myself a jump start on losing weight. Bariatric surgery has been suggested, but again, surgery is not an option for me and definitely not weight loss surgery. No shade or judgment on anyone who has chosen that path…all I’m saying is that that is not the path for ME!
That’s my story and those are just a few of the reasons WHY I’m doing this. It’s time for me to stop settling and start living!
Your Turn To Share
What are you settling for? What can you do now, today to flip that thing around? Change won’t happen overnight, but it definitely won’t happen if you continue to do nothing! Real talk because I love you!
Valorie Hubbard says
I started a cleanse in Jan. and I have totally let go of caffeine and gluten and a lot of dairy I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!!! Keep it up I know you can do it!!!
Morgan says
My friend, you are so inspiring. Thank you for your honesty. My back has been angry at me for the past several months, affecting my sleep and therefore even more nasty side effects on my health. I guess I kinda feel like I am going on the journey with you. The yoga has helped me tremendously (Yoga with Adriene on YouTube). I love how excited you are and how ready you are to move forward. I have been training for a 5K using the couch to 5 K program but because of being out of town I have missed some days It feels like another point where I could say “the heck with it” but I’m choosing not to do that this time. I started back up yesterday morning.
Kudos to you for continuing to go forward and finding your own path.
Morgan recently posted…Reluctant Routine Follower
Stacey Strickler says
Aww, thank you, Morgan! As I told you yesterday…you are my new BFF Blogger Friend Anytime we are in pain, back or otherwise, it depletes us from being our best selves. I will be praying for you! We are definitely on this journey together. There is strength in numbers. Thanks for the Yoga recommendation! That’s next on my list. I’m glad it’s been helpful for you. I did the couch to 5K program a few years back when I first started running. It definitely helped me to run in and complete six 5K races. Keep using it and keep going. You will be amazed at what you can do and accomplish if you just keep going!!! I travel a lot for work myself and know how disruptive it can be to your schedule…It makes me happy to hear you are forging ahead…YAY!!!!! Keep a pair of sneakers in your suitcase and get it in any way you can fit it in! You got this!!!!
Bellybytes says
I agree with you about the weight loss. If it helps you, I too am having a tough time losing weight. The best thing that happened to me was to get bitten by a mosquito, suffer dengue for four days and lose 5 kgs. Of course it was a bit dangerous as I could have died ( I didn’t bite the mosquito it bit me!) but sometimes drastic weight loss needs drastic meaqsure.
Of course I don’t recommend this … I just want to encourage you to lose the extra pounds. Be patient and they will definitely go. May you have a painless life ahead of you.
Stacey Strickler says
Isn’t it such struggle? Oh no! I’m sorry to hear about your mosquito bit! I too have been in health situations that have led to weight loss, but that’s something I’m sure neither one of us wants! I’m glad you’re still here to tell your story! Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! I will keep you in my prayers and I wish your well on your journey. ~Blessings
AmySo says
Awesome post! I think understanding our “why” helps us to stay more motivated, especially when the “why” is personal and individual, instead of about pleasing other people. I hope your back pain diminishes quickly!
Stacey Strickler says
Hi, Amy! Thank you!! You’re so right…keeping those whys before me keeps me motivated and helps me to get out of bed each morning (esp. those mornings when I really don’t want to). Thank you for your words of encouragement. I wish you well as well
Trish says
Yes! I agree with everything you said. My husband has had back pain for most of this year. He’s gone to physical therapy and had his first epidural injection a few weeks ago. Nothing helped. Now I’m getting him out and making him walk for 30 minutes each night, which he said has helped his pain more than anything else. He also had blood work done and his cholesterol is through the roof. I’ve been trying to get him to eat healthier for a while and I think these two issues might be the motivation he needs.
And I love smoothies, especially green smoothies.
Stacey Strickler says
Hi, Trish! Oh no! I’m sorry to hear about your husband…I certainly know his pain! He’s fortunate to have your support in helping him through this. It’s amazing what simple walking will do for your health! I’m glad his pain has lessened and I hope he’ll continue his journey to being pain-free. It’s a shame we have to be hit over the head with a health crisis to start taking care of ourselves. I’ll be praying for him and you too as his support system.
The smoothies are starting to grow on me…as long as I don’t get tripped up by the color