21 days until Surgery
A few weeks ago, when I originally posted a link regarding fibroids, several friends reached out to me who have experienced or are currently experiencing the same menstrual dilemma. Some were great success stories--others are still continually struggling and frustrated. I would've never known! Again, why I think people need to talk more about women's health. Just because you're not a woman doesn't mean it doesn't affect you. My husband will vouch that this whole debacle has certainly affected him. Just like anything, the more you know, well, the more you know.
One friend who reached out to me and was experiencing heaving bleeding due to fibroids mentioned the use of yarrow supplements and tea to lesson (or in some cases even stop) periods. Our stories parallel each other: At first we both thought, "yeah yeah I'll try it but I'm not holding my breath or anything." After some time and LOTS of yarrow (like non-stop), we both noticed improvement; mine more so when I gave up and STOPPED taking it. While I probably won't ever be inclined to take the 12 PILLS A DAY to stop my period completely (the yarrow pills are gross and the tea needs lots of doctoring to make it drinkable), I'm happy to know that after the surgery to remove part of the problematic fibroid, I can use yarrow to lessen my menstrual symptoms instead of relying on a form of birth control that may continue to feed the fibroids.
My next adventure is to try yarrow baths and oil (to consume or infuse). I will keep you posted!
My last bit of info is regarding my most recent (and second ever) round of whole30! Today is day 30! Tonight, I will enjoy left overs and minimal dishes for dinner and continue my meal planning routine for tomorrow. Day 31 doesn't mean I eat anything and everything--it's more like a new beginning. I'll try something I haven't had in 30 days (legumes, grains, dairy, gluten, sugar, alcohol) and see how I feel after. In order to REALLY KNOW how my body is reacting, I will basically still be on whole30 (if I want to do this right--which I really do). The other option is to "slow roll" and stick to whole30 until I come across something I want to test. However, since I so nicely timed my whole30 with spring break (starts tomorrow), I think I'll start with wine. I already know I will probably experience wine-somnia, something I don't miss, so I need to decide if it's really worth it (although I kinda of already know the answer is no).
A lot happened during my whole30. This round was easier since I use a meal planning app called Mealime. (I set my eating preferences to paleo and omit any non-compliant ingredients like honey or cheese.) I already have plans for my continued or next round of whole30: focus on snacks. Since meals were a breeze, I want to make sure I don't get sick of my favorite snack, apple slices with almond butter.
I feel stronger mentally. I told myself I wanted to do it, and I did. Here are my list of various other victories:
~Better mood, less stressed, improved confidence, feeling in control of my health
~Better skin, less bloating (lost 7 pounds and 4% body fat, TAKE THAT BIRTH CONTROL!)
~Less stomach pain, improved blood pressure & blood sugar regulation, lower heart rate (according to my fitbit)
~Mindful eating (eat to live, not live to eat), learned to enjoy cooking, fewer cravings
~Clearer and more efficient thinking and planning
~BEST SLEEP EVER! Able to wake up at 5am for morning yoga class MUCH more easily
~More energy (which is good because I was constantly meal planning, cooking or doing dishes)
~Better exercise: more of it and a better version at times (like when doing balancing postures), more time outside skiing and walking, faster recovery
~Saved money not eating out for a month
The list really goes on and on. The best part was I was just eating real food; no measuring or tracking (which I've done before). I wish I could wholeForever, but it's not realistic and not ideal either--I need to be able to veer here and there but still come back to this when I get too far off track. As it states in my Day by Day book, "staying on the program out of fear of eating something off-plan is NOT food freedom." Well said, Melissa.
Off I go to enjoy my left overs, fruit and tea. I'll end with two quotes, the ones I chose for my first and last days of whole30:
Day 1: Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.
Day 30: Grateful for where I am; excited about where I'm going.
One friend who reached out to me and was experiencing heaving bleeding due to fibroids mentioned the use of yarrow supplements and tea to lesson (or in some cases even stop) periods. Our stories parallel each other: At first we both thought, "yeah yeah I'll try it but I'm not holding my breath or anything." After some time and LOTS of yarrow (like non-stop), we both noticed improvement; mine more so when I gave up and STOPPED taking it. While I probably won't ever be inclined to take the 12 PILLS A DAY to stop my period completely (the yarrow pills are gross and the tea needs lots of doctoring to make it drinkable), I'm happy to know that after the surgery to remove part of the problematic fibroid, I can use yarrow to lessen my menstrual symptoms instead of relying on a form of birth control that may continue to feed the fibroids.
My next adventure is to try yarrow baths and oil (to consume or infuse). I will keep you posted!
My last bit of info is regarding my most recent (and second ever) round of whole30! Today is day 30! Tonight, I will enjoy left overs and minimal dishes for dinner and continue my meal planning routine for tomorrow. Day 31 doesn't mean I eat anything and everything--it's more like a new beginning. I'll try something I haven't had in 30 days (legumes, grains, dairy, gluten, sugar, alcohol) and see how I feel after. In order to REALLY KNOW how my body is reacting, I will basically still be on whole30 (if I want to do this right--which I really do). The other option is to "slow roll" and stick to whole30 until I come across something I want to test. However, since I so nicely timed my whole30 with spring break (starts tomorrow), I think I'll start with wine. I already know I will probably experience wine-somnia, something I don't miss, so I need to decide if it's really worth it (although I kinda of already know the answer is no).
A lot happened during my whole30. This round was easier since I use a meal planning app called Mealime. (I set my eating preferences to paleo and omit any non-compliant ingredients like honey or cheese.) I already have plans for my continued or next round of whole30: focus on snacks. Since meals were a breeze, I want to make sure I don't get sick of my favorite snack, apple slices with almond butter.
I feel stronger mentally. I told myself I wanted to do it, and I did. Here are my list of various other victories:
~Better mood, less stressed, improved confidence, feeling in control of my health
~Better skin, less bloating (lost 7 pounds and 4% body fat, TAKE THAT BIRTH CONTROL!)
~Less stomach pain, improved blood pressure & blood sugar regulation, lower heart rate (according to my fitbit)
~Mindful eating (eat to live, not live to eat), learned to enjoy cooking, fewer cravings
~Clearer and more efficient thinking and planning
~BEST SLEEP EVER! Able to wake up at 5am for morning yoga class MUCH more easily
~More energy (which is good because I was constantly meal planning, cooking or doing dishes)
~Better exercise: more of it and a better version at times (like when doing balancing postures), more time outside skiing and walking, faster recovery
~Saved money not eating out for a month
The list really goes on and on. The best part was I was just eating real food; no measuring or tracking (which I've done before). I wish I could wholeForever, but it's not realistic and not ideal either--I need to be able to veer here and there but still come back to this when I get too far off track. As it states in my Day by Day book, "staying on the program out of fear of eating something off-plan is NOT food freedom." Well said, Melissa.
Off I go to enjoy my left overs, fruit and tea. I'll end with two quotes, the ones I chose for my first and last days of whole30:
Day 1: Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.
Day 30: Grateful for where I am; excited about where I'm going.
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