Looking at the bigger picture

A lot has happened since the last time I wrote my blog. As most of you know, about a month ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. 

Around Christmas time, I had been having a lot of "pins and needles"-like sensations and numbness in my feet. In January the tingling and numbness moved up my right leg and into my left, and into my stomach and hands. My left eye became blurry (which at the time I did not know was a symptom of MS). My right leg was so numb that i literally thought I was going to be paralyzed forever. This was the symptom that made me go to the doctor. 

After doing my research about MS, I have come to realize that food really is fuel for your body. Every day, we put in so much crap. Since I found out I have MS, I have been doing a Paleo-like diet, with the addition of only brown rice and quinoa as my grains. I have gone to dairy free and gluten free foods, too, and ingredient labels have become my best friends. How many of you reading this check ingredients before you buy your food? You have no idea how many chemicals you are putting into your body until you start really reading.

Before I was diagnosed, I always thought "I don't believe in cutting out foods, everything kills you some day, I want to enjoy what I eat". Honestly, I was so stupid. What you put into your body WILL change you. It can fuel you or poison you...but over time you will definitely see a difference if you change how you eat. 

Since my last blog, as of today my body feels 100 times better than it has in a long time. I have started doing skyrobics classes. This is an aerobics class on a trampoline that burns about 1000 calories in a class. If you are ever in a bad mood, you should do this class. I leave every time feeling so good and happy! I have also been doing an MS workout that a friend gave me and working with an awesome trainer. 

Exercise is such a great thing for your body. The quote in the picture at the beginning of this blog is there because I just want everyone to think for a minute. What would you do if all of a sudden you couldn't feel your leg? If you couldn't put any pressure on it or balance on it? This happened to me. You never realize how much you take your body for granted until you can't use part of it. Exercise is a gift. Be proud that you can walk and run and use every part of your body. There are a lot of people out there who can't and you never know when something will get taken away from you. 

As of this point in my journey, I am down a total of 79 lbs and really working hard for that 80! I know I will get there! My goal until my next blog is to keep consistently exercising and planning ahead with my meals. I don't think I will have a hard time with this because now, my quality of life depends on it. I am so happy with how far I have come since I started this journey. Please let me know if you want a workout buddy or just need some accountability! I will be here for you. Even if I don't know you that well, please reach out if you need help! 

If I can do it, I know you can too! <3