Here I Go Again...

So, my last post was full of excitement about The Zone, and the one before that was all about Low GI...and this is how my mind works...I've really been researching and trying to figure out a diet plan that will not only help control my PCOS but one that I can comfortably and easily stick to, and the more I look into these plans the less comfortable I've felt with them. Today I took my friend Meghan's lead and decided to go carb free for a couple of weeks. She's doing South Beach, but I'm trying to prove to myself that I can do it, as well as remind myself that I DON'T need bread/pasta/rice/potatoes with every meal to survive. I'm thinking that after conquering this major challenge (what can I say? I'm a serious carb addict!), I'm going to go back to the Weight Watchers Core plan, which is technically no more, but I did when it came out and I loved it, I still remember the "Core Foods List" and love the structured freedom it allows.

Tomorrow is my day off, and I'm going to start a new workout routine. I saw amazing results when I did 100 crunches a day, so I'm going to start with that again, as well as walking again. It's supposed to rain in the afternoon but I want to get some yard work done, because it REALLY needs to be done.

On another note, I'm slowly building my PCOS site up and just added personal stories from myself and my cousin, Annie. I'm hoping to get more stories from women I know with PCOS, as everyone's story is different and I want the very personal image of the condition to be clearly visible on my site.

In The Zone?

After doing some more research on the Low GI diet, I'm strongly considering trying The Zone. It shares many of the same principles, and is highly recommended for those with Diabetes. I like the idea of trying a more structured program to start with, as the glycemic index is proving difficult for me to grasp. After registering (for free) on I've learned how many "blocks" of protein, carbs and fat I need, which will help give me a good basis for planning my meals. I do miss Weight Watchers, as the program was easy, forgiving and definitely a lifestyle (not a diet), but I'm thinking I will try The Zone and see how it goes, and maybe down the road intertwine the two.

So, by using my guesstimated weight, and a semi-accurate (and disgusting) measurement of my waist and hips, I need 77 grams of protein a day, equaling 11 blocks of protein, carbs and fat. Now to find out what all of that means!

A Big Step Toward a Healthier Me!

I started smoking when I was 14, quit when I was 19 and started again a year and a half ago at 25. I have really wanted to quit, but the idea has been scary, as my boyfriend and most of the people we spend our time with smoke. Yesterday we made an amazing purchase that I'm hoping will bring huge and incredible changes to our lives. We bought two electronic cigarette kits. We got one that looks like an actual cigarette and has a recharging carrying case, and another that is a groovy blue and looks like a pen. We did the math and if we use these as much as we smoked cigarettes, we will be saving over $3000 a year. While the money part is definitely a huge draw, I'm so excited thinking about all of the chemicals we are no longer taking in. I am really hoping to make good use out of these products and gradually switch to a lower nicotine level and eventually not need this anymore, but for now, it's a great item that helps with the nicotine cravings as well as the hand/mouth habit that comes with smoking. I'm so proud of us for making this decision, and so excited to be able to breathe better, look better, smell better, workout harder and longer and to know that I'm not simply helping my PCOS bring on a ton of crappy health problems. While I may be taking very small baby steps toward my smarter choices and healthier habits, I wouldn't get anywhere if I didn't take a step at all.

Will definitely be posting more about the e-cigs as we use them more!