My healthy venture

As you may know I have had a rough time with my health and I was referred to a new doctor who I met with last week. She diagnosed me with polycystic ovarian syndrome. My doctor told me that my body was being stressed by carbohydrates. Along with other problems. Apparently it doesn't know how to process them and just turns the sugars to fat. So I have had to change my diet for the rest of my life.

I have been going at it for about a week now and I have dropped about 6 pounds. I have done some research to make healthy choices. I thought I would post some of my new favorite foods. First of all almond milk. If you get it unsweetened it is 40 calories a serving. I can eat a serving of kashi whole grain cereal with almond milk and feel full for several hours. It is great.





I also was told to avoid overly fatty things. I have found that low fat laughing cow cheese provides a great alternative. I have used it in a healthy tofu fettachini dish. It also goes great on a pita or wrap. It spreads really well!



I was also told to drink pretty much straight water or vitamin water. I hate the flavor of vitamin water so I am doing straight water. I have found that I like drinking water when it is really cold. I have found that I can pack my nalgene bottle full of ice then add water and it stays cold for hours. I love it and have actually really enjoyed the water part of my diet. That probably sounds silly, but it's true!



I will keep posting on my success. I meet with the doctor and go over all of my blood work tomorrow afternoon.

May- Month of Many Changes

This past month has been bittersweet in many ways, and a taste of life in at its best.



First of all, I applied for my first "adult" job. It is nerve wracking to have to display yourself to others and see if they think you will be a good match for them. I haven't heard anything yet, but I am glad to get the experience of applying.


Secondly, a dear friend/ mentor/ boss passed away on may 24th from a long battle with cancer. She was the director of sports medicine at BYU so I had the privilege of working under her for the last three years. What a blessing to have gotten to know her over that time. I don't have much experience with losing loved ones, just two grandparents thus far, so this was a real learning experience. I realized that it is hard to go back to life where there was something there before. I know the department will miss her greatly, but I also know that all the changes that will result will be good because the training room is in such good hands with the staff that is there. Each one of them brings so much to the training room. I am so lucky that I have been a small part of it. Gaye's funeral is tomorrow. I know it will be hard to say goodbye, not because I am sad for her, but for us to not get to be with her longer. Here is the link to the blog created for her. www.gayemerrill.blogspot.com What an amazing woman!



Thirdly, my lil' brother Geoff is growing up. He graduated from this Springville High this last week. What an amazing young man. He is growing up so quick. I am proud of him and his accomplishments. Our family always jokes he is going to leave us all in the dirt with all the potential he has. He also received his eagle scout award this last week too. He made hygiene kits for the areas most recently hit with disaster. Good job bud for all of your hard work! Thanks for sharing your special days with me!
Here are some fun pictures from the graduation.







Fourthly, my dear dad hit 50 years old this last week. What an old fart! We had so much fun celebrating this momentous occasion with such an awesome man. We did yard signs, lots of black balloons, black icecream and of course black drinks. He is such a great dad! I am happy that he is doing well and enjoying life! Here are some great pictures from the party! As you can see he really is a kid a heart. Corban just loves playing with grandpa as you can see. My favorite picture is the one were dad is freaking out that he got some of his favorite cereals from back when he was a kid. Look at his face. priceless!







See, life has its ups and downs, but each turn brings a new perspective on life and what is really important.