In February 2018, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which drastically impacts things from mood and energy to difficulty with weight management, menstruation, and difficulties with fertility. This hormonal imbalance can also lead to other conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. It has been 3 years with PCOS and 2 years with diabetes.

Since then I have learned so many things. While I am no expert I will definitely be sharing some of the things that I have come across starting with these 4 truths.

1. This is Not Instant Grits Love.

Health and wellness management is not in the business of instant gratification. I learned that quick, fast, and in a hurry. We live in a world right now where we are left to see transformations happen as quickly as possible. From the #bussitchallenge to the #silhouettechallenge to the #Imsoprettychallenge. We love a good makeover. But you have to keep reminding yourself that fitness don’t work like that boo-boo. Especially if you are like me and live with a condition that makes it difficult to lose the pounds. So I recommend shifting your focus to celebrating daily accomplishments like completing a workout or making healthy meal choices versus celebrating a number on the scale or inches lost. Please know this message ain’t for everybody but it will help if you are like me and need some type of quick return gratification for the hard work put in. I usual celebrate with a dance break.

2. Make that Workout Work for You

For a long time I feared going to work out classes, working out in public, or even making eye contact with people at the gym because I knew I didn't know what I was doing. An added layer to that insecurity was being a big girl and not wanting to embarrass myself. You’d be surprised how many plus sized people are ridiculed when they are actively trying to workout. However my true metamorphosis this year was pushing past that mindset of comparison and fear. BABYYY once you start that you start asking the right questions. You shift from saying things like ‘my body won’t do that’ to ‘how can I get my body to the point of doing that.’ There is no shame in learning and perfecting modified workouts. Modification is so that you’re able to actually do the work. When you feel comfortable push yourself to the next level. It’s not a competition.

3. Form is Everything.

As you try new workouts, pay attention to what the movements are asking you to do. In the beginning, focus on making sure you are activating the correct muscles and are not inadvertently holding your body in positions that can be damaging. It is pretty simple if you are not doing it correctly, you’ll end up hurting yourself. And I don’t know about anyone else but if I hurt myself and have to stop working out for an extended period of time there is a high probability I may not come back. #IJS.

4. Reverse Your Meal Progression.

I grew up with the idea that you should start the day with a light breakfast and your meals should build throughout the day to a big dinner. But in reality that progression should be flipped. If I start my day with a large meal then I have the energy to use it and burn it off throughout the day. As opposed to having a big meal in the evening and falling asleep and letting it store overnight. Big breakfast, light dinner. Trust me it works.

Even before my diagnosis I dealt with inconsistency and fear with my health and wellness management. In July 2020, however, I feel I made my first real strides in managing my health. (Note I am saying managing my health and not weight loss because this is a life change not a temporary transformation). But in all honesty this is a process and I am continually learning and adapting. What are some truths you’ve learned on your own health and wellness journey?

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