Every two years I have a DEXA scan to determine how my bones look. I was blessed this year to have a technician who took the time to explain how I could control my bone loss and even increase my bone density with a few (well, maybe several major) life style changes. I could then get off my bone meds which were not really good for me anyway. Before I had even left the imaging center I had already made up my mind to make whatever changes were necessary.
These life style changes are "killing several birds with one stone." All these changes will improve not only my bones, but also will raise my HDL cholesterol, lower my LDL cholesterol, improve my blood pressure, and help me lose my last 8 pounds and maintain my weight. I desperately want to take all my size 12 pants to Goodwill, finally fit into all my size 10 pants in the middle drawer and if I am lucky maybe even fit into all my size 8 pants in the bottom drawer. If this isn't enough incentive, these changes will make me a healthier, happier, and more energetic Nana so that I can keep up with my fourteen precious grand babies for many years to come.
I am still trying to decide which of these two changes has been the hardest; giving up my Code Red Diet Mountain Dews or going to the gym six days a week. These two changes were a necessary requirement in order to quit taking my bone meds. Any way you look at, sodas are just plain bad for you (sure taste good though). Read the article: Soda and Osteoporosis: The Cola Connection . You will spend hours in the dentist's chair if you drink regular sodas. I would probably not even fit into the dentist's chair. Diet sodas are just as bad or worse. Read the article: What are the dangers of artificial sweeteners in diet drinks? According to my doctor all my ailments are a result of "getting older" (I love it!) and could all be cured with regular exercise. Ugh! Such a bummer. My husband and I were already members of the YMCA. Being a member and going regularly are two entirely different things. It is just a simple matter of getting myself there every day. I am getting better at that. I walk a minimum of 30 minutes every day on the treadmill (bone pounding is good for my bones) and alternate upper and lower body weight machines.
The third life style change was to sign up for the Flat Belly Diet by Prevention. How I love this diet! I intend to eat this diet for ever. I get lots of fruit, beans, my home-made whole wheat bread, and even one ounce of dark chocolate (yummy!) every day. I could have none of this on my previous diet. The Flat Belly Diet is very similar to a Mediterranean diet. It encourages me to eat foods from all the major food groups at each meal. I do have to limit calories but overall a very healthy way to eat. I will describe this plan in more detail in a future post.
The fourth life style change was to change some of the daily supplements I take. Liquids get into your system quicker (I sometimes choke on those "horse" pills) so I am taking Buried Treasure VM-100 Complete liquid (Whole Foods), two Viactiv Calcium plus D soft chews, along with liquid Sundown Naturals D3 5000 IU, one 250 mg magnesium pill, two Omega Smart Super Krill, two Flora Advanced Adult's Probiotic (Whole Foods), five store brand 100% Natural Psyllium Fiber Capsules (Metamucil) , and one Elations Glucosamine & Chondroitin drink every day. This may seem like a lot to get down but I spread it out over the whole day. I will explain why I take each of these supplements in a future post.
I am passionate about the benefits of these changes and the effects they will have on my body and general overall health. I simply want to share this information I am learning with my family in the hopes that they will become more aware of the importance of a healthy diet. Our body is sacred and if we take care of it properly it will last a life time.
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? . . . For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
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