Bye bye 2010...Welcome 2011!

As the year comes to an end, a new year begins...time goes on and on the way it always has and always will. So, I thought I would share some thoughts of "Notes from the Universe" as my New Year's post...here you go!

Soon the new year starts, so now's a great time to:

1. Wipe the slate clean.
2. Focus upon what you really want.
3. Chart your course.

Right?

Well... only if you want to risk having to repeat these steps for the same wishes next year! Maybe this is splitting hairs, but here's an adventurous alternative:

1. Give thanks that life is... just as it is (and that it's been... just as it's been). Because of it, you're now "READY."

2. Define what you want in terms of the end result. Don't worry about the hows, or even the course. KNOW that what you want is ALREADY yours in spirit, by divine LAW, just focus on the certainty of this ownership, understand it, claim it, and "it will be on earth, as it is in heaven (spirit)."

3. LET THE UNIVERSE show you the way via your impulses and instincts that appear as you take inspired action. Don't worry that your first steps seem silly or futile. And if you don't know what to do, do anything! Go! Get busy! Do not insist on intermediary successes, only upon the end result.

2011 is going to be your year (it already is)!

The Big 1-0

So, I know its been a while since my last post...I can blame on a lot of different things but let's just go with "overwhelmed" to describe the last few months....

Since my last update:
-I got promoted
-I finished up the last of my classes (almost)
-Lost 10 pounds

Oh, what was that? Yep! 10 pounds!! I'm about .3 lb away from having lost 5% of my entire body weight...which is pretty exciting for me! Losing 10 pounds reduces my risk of diabetes, heart disease and even cancer...so I am PROUD of this accomplishment!

Also, Weight Watchers changed its program (fruits are now "free") and changed the way points are calculated, so it sort of makes it easier on me because I can enjoy "whole fat" dairy like butter and cheese--which is ultimately better for you than the over processed "fake" low fat foods. I'm still learning the new program, but so far so good!

I also found out my mom has/had PCOS...and that because of the nature of PCOS, I probably got it from her...the scary part of this is that my mom was also diagnosed with Diabetes--something I refuse, refuse, refuse to have! So, I'm taking my PCOS treatment even more seriously now. With the high insulin resistance I already have, I can't risk getting diabetes, especially knowing my family history.

I go to a new doctor in Atlanta in January....Georgia Reproductive Specialists...and NO, I am NOT trying or thinking about trying to have a baby....the doctor there is the best of the BEST for PCOS. I want to see what he says about my PCOS, my diabetes risk and potential infertility risks and what kind of lifestyle changes he thinks I should look at. I'm trying to stay away from prescriptions because they made me so sick previously, but I'm going in with an open mind...and David has been sweet enough to volunteer to go with me, so I'm a little less nervous now.

Here's some GRS info:
http://www.ivf.com/pcos.html
http://pcos.freeservers.com/general.html

The really awesome thing about being so open with my PCOS journey (although NOT perfect) is that I've had so many of my friends--people I grew up with--who have PCOS or get diagnosed with PCOS and its just this connection with someone...it helps to make this journey a little more tolerable and helps me feel a LOT less alone.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

The Wagon!

So, throughout this PCOS, weight loss, become healthier, exercise journey there is one thing in common for every part: the wagon. Its hard to stay on, easy to fall off and a bumpy road almost certainly leads the way each day... Now, I can't say I've fallen off the wagon...I haven't. I've had a sickly week. Last week, I was so sick with what I've eloquently dubbed "the crud" it lasted from last Monday, to this Monday and I only got two days of "real" exercise in--much to my disappointment. This week I can breathe better, but I just feel weak and exhausted....but, a lovely friend came to visit a week early: TOM. Thanks, TOM.

Needless to say, I've been feeling disappointed in myself over things I can't really control. I'm not being "lazy" by making a conscious choice *not* to be active, I feel like I physically can't right now... for running the risk of getting sick again. I've made some really good food choices. Maintained my weight last week (no loss, no gain. But I'm incredibly nervous to see the scale this week. I just had to let it out. Being sick sucks. And even the few days after getting better suck. I'm working on it though.

Silver lining:
I discovered roasted okra!
-Fresh okra (sliced or whole)
-EVOO
-Salt and pepper

Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees
*AMAZING!*

So, here's to feeling better and keeping on the wagon! And not beating myself up for things that aren't in my control.

Stress and PCOS...its all about STRATEGY!

Conflict is unavoidable. It's part of life.

The challenge is how we handle it. If you can find a way to successfully handle conflict, you will reduce the chronic stress that worsens PCOS symptoms.

Here are 12 ways to deal more skillfully with conflict.

1) Develop a win/win intention.

We live in a competitive culture. We want to "win". But in the competitive sense when someone wins, others lose. If one is right then the other is wrong. Being "right" does not create the best outcome. Start thinking about how good it would feel if you both could win.

2) Notice defensive behavior.

How? The first step is awareness. Observe the signs in yourself, and notice when they happen. Has your breathing become rapid and shallow? Do you feel a tightness in your stomach? Listen and be aware of your emotional responses.

Practice reframing the situation so you reduce the level of stress you're experiencing. When conflict arises, acknowledge your differences (if you must) and then move on to the things you DO agree on. Look for a common goal.

3) Focus on the present.

Step out of your past issues and focus on the issue at hand. Attempt to solve the problem and move on to create a new future together.

4) Evaluate the behavior, not the person.

"I feel it was inconsiderate for you to show up 90 minutes late without calling," is less damaging to the relationship than, "You are an inconsiderate jerk!" Explain your feeling further "I get worried when you don't call, and then I get upset."

5) Be specific.

It's not useful to generalize and tell someone "you never listen to me!" Be specific and explain how you feel, "I feel frustrated when you interrupted me just now. It's important to me that you understand how I feel."

6) Admit your role.

If you have contributed to the problem, admit it. You may have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to the conflict. Own it, if that is the case.

7) Focus on a solution.

Listen non-judgmentally and without criticism. Focus on listening and understanding. Be creative enough to find a win/win solution for both of you. If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.

8) Use "I" messages.

"You" statements cause the other person to become defensive. A "you" message is often perceived as an invitation to fight. "You are never on time!"

You could say: "I've mentioned your lateness a few times to you. I become anxious when you are late. I begin to feel that you don't value our time together." A well-expressed "I" message is not judgmental; it just expresses how you feel.

9) Don't infer intention.

"You did that because..." "You did that on purpose..." If you are interested in knowing another's intention, just ask.

10) Set aside judgment.

Judgments shut down communication. Being judgmental prevents a win/win solution.

11) Paraphrase.

Clarify and confirm what you heard and make sure you understand it. "So what I heard you say is..." "Let me make sure I understand you correctly, you got home with the groceries before you realized you forgot to get milk." "I'm not sure I understand you correctly; this is how I am interpreting what you said".

12) Have a sense of timing.

Know when to discuss things. Be intuitive. Know when the right time is to deal with conflict. Sometimes emotions (yours or others) can impair good communication and collaboration. Sometimes it's important to cool down first. Develop a sixth sense about timing.

Conflict is a rich source of opportunity when we let it be so. Instead of shying away from conflict and stuffing your feelings, embrace the rewards that a well-handled conflict can bring. The reduced stress will help you balance your hormones and thus lessen your PCOS problems.

6 Weeks of Changing....for the better!

I'm totally ashamed that I've neglected my blog for...well, a really long time...BUT if you only knew how much time I've been spending in the gym, you would forgive me!

To-date, I have lost 5.2 pounds total--with NO medications!!! I wish I could express how exciting that is for me...after two years of busting my butt to lose, I'm FINALLY losing for good! I keep telling myself that ONE day, I will get married, I'll want to have kids, and I'll want to be the best ME I can be....and I will!

On another note, September is PCOS Awareness month! While I'm very aware of my PCOS many women are not, so here are some signs:
-adult acne
-significant weight gain (around the middle)
-scalp hair loss
-hair growth in other areas (face, arms, etc.)
-fatigue
-blood sugar spikes

I can honestly say that over the last 6 weeks, while I haven't been "perfect" I've never felt so good in my entire life! I'm managing my PCOS with no meds, I've almost stopped drinking diet soda entirely (not that I've ever drank much to begin with)...I ran 2.15 miles today. Last Tuesday it was 1.75... 6 weeks ago I could only do .75 and my heart rate was crazy high! I'm sleeping better. I'm more focused. And I'm so excited about being healthy!!

Oh, and here's my new favorite thing: Big Green Monster
2 cups of organic spinach
1 tbsp flax
1 banana
1/2 cup grapes
1 cup soy milk

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Skeptic beware, you can't taste the spinach and that is a whopping 4 fruits/veggie servings!

That's the great thing about WW--I'm learning to try new things! It takes me out of my comfort zone, and its teaching me to LIVE my life and feel amazing!

Anyway, I'm done for now... I'll try to keep this thing updated more often!!

I have PCOS it does not have me!

As of today I am down 6.2lbs from 4 weeks ago and earned my first -5lbs star!! I had an awesome loss, a small loss, and two gains and those things brought me to here.

For a while now I've been a part-time vegetarian--which I love! The science behind that for me is based almost entirely on my desire to get limit the hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, etc. that run rampant in our food. I'm not saying to jump on my bandwagon, but I am saying that making a conscious effort to buy local, organic, high quality foods has made a huge difference in my life and health.

For two years (and 13 medications) I haven't been able to lose one measly pound. And now I've got 6+ gone!! That's worth celebrating!! But, above all else: I'm in control! For the first time in two years, I'm doing something good for me--working hard, mind you, it isn't easy--and its paying off! I still have PCOS, but PCOS does not have me!

I've talked a lot about eating organic, especially local foods, and how that fits into my lifestyle and why it is my choice. I'm taking that a step further now by getting rid of chemicals I never knew existed, starting with cleaning products. Again, this isn't for scare tactics--and its based entirely on a personal choice to get rid of the things that make my PCOS worse. I mean, that makes sense, doesn't it?

For now, I'm trying to keep my momentum going, but realistically, it all goes back to the PCOS roller coaster....so I'm not getting too far ahead of myself in "beating" the enemy, but I am in a far better position to keep it well maintained! It feels good to be where I am, for the first time in years I actually FEEL good. Not just well, healthy and happy. I feel GOOD!

Ddddddddd-duh!

[NOTE: this is not my own work, but rather, a bit of information I think is worth sharing. Also, my doctor is one of the doctors participated in this research and also determined that my own vitamin D levels were dreadfully low.]


We've spoken many times about the importance of vitamin D in helping you to control PCOS and reduce your risk of future diseases. (That's one reason why there is so much vitamin D in our d- pinitol product). We've previously reported studies showing that women who have PCOS are more likely to have abnormally low vitamin D levels.

Low vitamin D levels are associated with many PCOS symptoms as well as insulin resistance, cognitive decline, fatal stroke, cardiovascular disease, bre.ast cancer, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, osteoporosis, shortened lifespan and more.

Adequate vitamin D is an absolute necessity for anyone who wants to live a healthy life.

However, the research news is alarming.

For example, the Medical College of Georgia has just reported a vitamin D deficiency in teens.

Most of our vitamin D is manufactured by our bodies when our skin is exposed to the sun.

Georgia is a state that gets a lot of sun. So you would think teenage girls would have plenty of vitamin D. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth.

The researchers found low vitamin D levels in 56% of the 559 male and female teens they tested. Thirty percent of white female teens had low levels.

An astonishing 94% of African-American teen girls had vitamin D levels that were below optimal. The health of this ethnic group could become a moving train wreck if nothing is done, starting now.

If you're a teen, ask your parents to arrange for a vitamin D test.

If you're a mother of a teen, ask your doctor to test your daughter or son for vitamin D.

Read the complete article on our website:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/news113.html#sec1

D-Pinitol with Vitamin D here:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/store/pinitol