Monthly Weight Loss Update

Well, August has been another month of maintenance. I still weigh less than I have in over 5 years but I still have a ways to go. It's definitely been a journey. 

September is PCOS Awareness Month and I'm no stranger to the struggles it can bring. I was diagnosed in 2011, although looking back the symptoms were evident even in my teens. Before my diagnosis I was unaware that there was a "real" problem. My symptoms were my "normal" and no one had ever told me different.  As a teen I was told things would eventually even out or that some things are just genetic. No to the first and yes to the second. While looking at me you would never guess the battles I face...this is true for most women with PCOS.

We get pretty good at wearing smiles. I generally pride myself in being open and honest but this is one area of my life that I've kept pretty quiet until recently.  In order for me to not deal with this alone and to offer support to others I've had to learn how to talk about it. One of the hardest things to talk about aside from our infertility struggles is that of my weight/weight loss.

PCOS...it makes it so much more difficult to lose the weight. My doctor sympathized and was pleased with my progress at my annual exam. She encouraged me to keep going...even though she knows I'm up against a lot. Unfortunately I have to work a lot harder than most at losing the weight thanks to the way my body breaks down the food I eat and produces insulin. This in turn causes various hormone imbalances that lead to weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight and in my case, infertility. There is always something out of whack.

However, I refuse to use that as an excuse. I know I need to amp up the exercise and continue adding more fruits and veggies to my diet...because when you hit a plateau, that means you are in need of a change.


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August held a lot of highs and lows. We made an offer that was accepted on a piece of property with a beautiful view. We'll be signing on the dotted line tomorrow and then we can really begin planning our forever home. This has been a wonderful distraction from the disappointment of yet another unsuccessful month of trying to conceive. From a health perspective, I'm waiting to hear from my doctor about our next step. I've also been checking with my insurance on what they offer in regards to a dietitian. I've found a local dietitian who has worked specifically with women with PCOS. I'm hoping something will work out. I feel like I'm at the point where I could really benefit from an expert's advice.

With all of that being said, I'm trying to make some changes this month. I'm not a huge snacker but I definitely did my fair share over this past month. I'm a stress eater and with work beginning again and some of the other things we've had going on...I've not always considered all that has made its way to my mouth.

Being at work has definitely helped with my snacking issue, but I also need to focus on snacks that work for me, not against me. One of my friends gave me a great suggestion for my sweet tooth. Chocolate milk is seriously one of my most favorite sweets. Milk, while good for you, can hold a ton of calories...and then when you add the chocolate...well, you might as well have just had dessert. She recommended I try dark chocolate almond milk. I've converted to almond milk and must say I really like it. I've used it in both my cereal and baking/cooking and don't notice a major difference and with the low calorie/high nutrition content, I feel good about my choice. Now back to the sweet stuff. The dark chocolate almond milk is A.MAZ.ING! It tastes delicious and for 100 calories I can enjoy a full glass without the guilt. (I've only tried the Silk brand...and I've not been endorsed to recommend it.)

I hope to have better news in my next weight loss post. I've got the reasons for motivation, I've just got to get my act back together. I've only got this one life. I need to live it right and care for the skin I'm in.

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What are some of your healthy, go-to snacks? I'm looking for grab and go...

Linking up with Home of Malones