Let’s face it. Sometimes we all need a stark reality check. And the reality is that I am not what I used to be.
As I am nearing 40 this year, I am looking more at what aches and pains my body is getting and how tired I am at times. Some days it feels like I just can’t move. Then there comes the question of our food choices and what is put into our food or taken out these days. Is it nourishing me or dragging me down? Exercise is another item I am trying to incorporate.
My husband is big on health research and some of that has passed over to me. However, research doesn’t do much besides give us the information. We then have to put it into action.
So here are some action goals for me and if you want to comment and keep me accountable, then go for it!
Nourishing Real Foods: I want to consume more of the foods that actually help to support my thyroid and adrenal glands and are easily digestible. I have problems with consuming modern wheat, so any wheat I do consume is done in the form of sourdough bread (that has been fermenting for 24 hours or longer) and also einkorn wheat. I hope to do a post on einkorn wheat sometime this fall. Both of these are much more easily digested by my body than modern wheat.
To help me in this food area, I am actually going to post a food diary. It may not get filled every day, especially when we are on vacation. But it might give me the kickstart I need.
On a side note, I mentioned adrenal and thyroid glands. I had been taking a supplement to help my adrenals and then stopped. Then was when I began to notice how tired I was. So since then I have started it back up and it seems to be helping some. But I also know my food choices play a big part in this. I also have hypoglycemia at times which make it so that I don’t feel good on only low-carb meals. Gentle carbs do well with me, carbs such as sweet potatoes.
Water: I must drink lots of water. Amen. I have a Pioneer Woman quart drinking jar and would like to drink 3-4 quarts a day.
Stress: When I place too many demands on myself, I find that I begin to reach for sugary snacks. Stress is a cause of me eating things I shouldn’t and then those things make me feel crummy. It’s a vicious cycle. Let’s take this whole healthy eating for example. If I think I must do it some other person’s way and never have a grain of sugar cross my lips, that will inevitably cause me to want more of it. Crazy, but research this and you will see I am not alone. So I am going to try and look for the good, healthy foods that I love and focus on them!
Exercise: Life should be enjoyable and not every day be dreaded. This is my motto. Sort of. So shouldn’t exercise be the same way? I like to find something that suits my personality. It won’t be what my husband does or even what you may do, but if it gets my heart pumping that should count for something. I personally love to walk. I have downloaded some audio onto my phone to use when walking. I also like to mix it up some with Ttapp – a short 15-minute exercise program developed by Theresa Tapp. Plus, I have an indoor excercise bike that is awesome for winters – but I will probably save that mostly for when the snow flies.
Enjoyment: This would go along with the stress. But like I said, life should be enjoyed. Study the French if you want to know what relaxing lives look like. They take 1 1/2 hours to eat dinner. We gulp ours down in 20 minutes or less. I have a goal to really savor and taste the foods I consume, to sit with a book when I feel tired, and to enjoy coffee with a friend or even my kids. I have this day. I will make it count! So far my hours of enjoyment this summer have gotten me almost through the complete volumes of Sherlock Holmes. Not edifying, but it is rather enjoyable and light reading!
What is the Purpose?
This seems in some ways a strange post to put up. But do you remember that old saying “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”? It is amazing to me how we affect an incredible amount of areas in our children’s lives.
So I really want to do this for them. My family. I need some accountability in forming new habits that help us make conscious choices to take good care of the bodies God has given us. I won’t do this forever, but it might help me to stop and think about the choices I am making and how they are helping or hurting my family – even in such small areas like our health.
If you’ve made it this far in my ramblings . . . you have a heart of gold. Thanks for listening to me and may you all have a truly blessed, nourishing, relaxing day!
P.S. I am making this post as a sticky page in the top menu if you ever want to come back and make sure I’m doing what I said I would! Or chew me out for not doing it 🙂
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Marcia Zimmerman says
http://www.bluezones.com
My favorite research project. Blessings on the journey! I appreciate it when people want to take care of their health! It’s a gift to be treated well!
Kendra says
Thank you for that recommendation! I will look that up!
Mom Graber says
I enjoyed the ramble, Kendra.
Kendra says
Thanks, Mom!
Diana says
Loved this! Printing off to have to re-read! This is something that I am working on too right now. I too am in my upper thirties and am noticing changes in my body – there’s a lot less leeway in what I can take (over-fatigue, bad food choices, sugar, whatever) and bounce back successfully. There’s a new level of respect for my body that needs to take place, and I’m trying to formulate that for myself as well. Thank you for sharing!
Kendra says
You bet! It’s crazy how our bodies change as we get older . . . but I suppose that is simply part of living on this side of heaven.
Melissa Brawner says
Hi, Kendra!
I’m Melissa. I just “happened” upon your blog the other day while researching hospitality. First, i want to thank you for your post. It totally changed my perspective. The question is no longer, “Do we have enough food?” or “Am i doing this right???” The new question in our home is: “Can we love them?” – What a refreshing new perspective! Now, as many people as The Lord or my husband bring, we will love, them, and share whatever food the Lord provides. Thank you very much.
Lastly, i also read your posts on both sourdough bread and health. I was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency before the birth of our last baby, at age 44. I was so thankful to read your post about the possibility of being able to eat long-rising sourdough bread and intend to try it!
May i also share with you a most miniscule word of caution? Drinking 4 quarts of water a day caused my sodium levels to dive, which actually caused the opposite of its desired effect: dehydration! Please watch for symptoms of dehydration. I add a touch of salt to my 2-3 quarts each day, and that seems to work well.
Love in Christ ~
Melissa B.
Living in the Shoe says
Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your experience!! Since this post, we have been taking salt almost every day, too. It’s crazy what our bodies can do when electrolytes get out of balance. Blessings!