Updated Health Commitment

The great thing about getting clear about my purpose and commitments is it allows me to pay attention. When I'm paying attention, I notice the choices I'm making and how they are working (or not working) for me. And then I can change, make choices that really work for me, deepen my purpose and grow stronger.

I've been doing a lot of learning about my body lately, about what I am wanting for my physical health and how I can go for it. A few days ago I posted my Health Results Process, which included my health goal, intention, and action steps. I'd like to make some changes, and since you are all on this journey with me, I'd like to share my changes with you.

Matt and I have been re-reading and discussing The Schwarzbein Principle II: The "Transition" - A Regeneration Program to Prevent and Reverse Accelerated Aging, written my Diana Schwarzbein, an endocrinologist. The Schwarzbein Principle II is mostly about our body's system of hormones, how hormones work, how they get out of whack, and how an unbalanced body leads to weight problems and degenerative diseases. Dr. Schwarzbein promotes long-term health, not quick weight loss. Her philosophy is "you must be healthy to lose weight, not lose weight to be healthy", and she has a five step health program that includes improving diet, reducing stress, exercising, getting off chemicals, and taking hormones if needed. Part of her diet recommendation is eating carbohydrates, at an appropriate level for your body's needs. If you have a bit of time and don't want to read her book, check out this interview with Dr. Schwarzbein for a good look at her perspective.
Here is a snippet of the interview:



With the new information I have now, here are the updated parts of my Health Results Process:

Result: I will lose 15 pounds in 6 months, by mid-November. I will feel strong, energetic, and vibrant.

Action:

1. I will eat nutrient-rich, good quality foods. I will eat meals and snacks that include vegetables, fats, and the appropriate portion of protein and carbs for my metabolism, according to Schwarzbein's recommendations. I will incorporate more raw and fermented foods into my diet, as well as kelp, salt, bone broth, liver, and fish.
2. I will get up at 6:30am six days per week to either run or kettlebell and do ITP (a practice of body movements, stretching, deep relaxation and meditation).
3. I will go to bed by 10:30PM. (This means having kids in bed by 8:30PM and being done with my projects by 9PM so I have time to connect with Matt before bed).
4. I will notice when I am stressed and take steps to take care of it-- breathing, resting, stopping, being calm and present, processing, and connecting with my kids and Matt.
5. I will notice the messages from my body and take steps to understand what else is going on. I will learn more by reading The Schwarzbein Principle, The Program: Losing Weight the Healthy Way and Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, and other helpful books that come my way. Do I need supplements? Testing? Is it my thyroid or other hormone imbalance?

Related links/posts:
The Schwarzbein Principle website
Ray Peat- I just found Dr. Peat's articles on aging, nutrition and hormones and am finding them interesting
Creating Conscious Commitments
My New Exercise Program: Running and Kettlebells
Sleep is So Important