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A Coach's Journey with Metabolic Syndrome Background
In February 2024, I was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. This diagnosis was a huge blow to my self-esteem and admittedly, a little scary. Having been a health and wellness accountability coach for over 24 years, I struggled to come to terms with the information I was reading. Losing weight and keeping it off seemed impossible. But my doctor reassured me that this wasn't a new issue; it had been with me all my life. Despite this, I have successfully kept 65 pounds off for over 25 years.
Was it hard as I got older? Absolutely. The pandemic brought new challenges: I gained a few pounds, became less active, and found comfort in snacks, just like many others. The hardest part of learning about my diagnosis was the timing. I had quit sugar in November 2023, was super diligent with my food choices, and had improved my activity levels. Was I perfect? No, and I never will be. But as a coach, I believe you don't have to be perfect; you just need to strive for progress.
Flash Forward to May 28th
At my yearly exam, I felt better physically than I had in a long time. My weight was down by 5 pounds, and my blood pressure was good. However, I had to wait for my blood test results. The last time I had my blood taken, I was so excited to get the results, only to be disappointed. So, despite knowing I had made significant changes and followed my doctor's recommendations, I was still on pins and needles.
1 day later they were in my in box:
Lipid Panel February 2024 May 2024
Cholesterol total: 272 176
Triglycerides 126 52
HDL 78 75
LDL 172 91
VLDL 22 10
Ratio 3.5 2.3
A1C 5.9 5.6
Pretty amazing, right? My cholesterol has not been below 200 since I was 21 years old. Tears, lots of tears. So, what did I do to make this happen? When I published my first blog about this, I was inundated with people's advice, information, and knowledge. I am highly educated in nutrition, health, and wellness. So, I took what I felt would work for me and added what I knew I needed personally. Here it is:
Activity
Yoga (in studio): 60 minutes, 3 times a week
Stretching/Yoga at home: 30 minutes, 4 times a week
Intentional Walk: Every day, 1 to 3 miles, and at the end of the day, 10K steps
Food
No obvious added sugar
1/2 portions
Heavy on vegetables
Healthy fats every day: avocado, nuts, olive and avocado oils
Lots of protein: 80 to 100 grams
Limit white foods
Mental Health
Daily reading
Lots of outdoor deck time
Being present and putting my phone down – it may not seem like a big deal, but it is!
Reflections and Progress
This journey has been challenging but also enlightening. It reinforced the importance of consistency, resilience, and self-compassion. Here are a few key takeaways:
Consistency is Key: Sticking to my dietary changes and activity routine has been crucial. It's not about perfection but about making better choices consistently.
Self-Compassion: It's easy to be hard on yourself, especially when things don't go as planned. But self-compassion is essential. Celebrate the small victories and learn from setbacks.
Support Matters: Having a support system, whether it's friends, family, or a community, makes a huge difference. Sharing your journey can provide motivation and accountability.
Adapt and Overcome: Life will always throw challenges your way. Adapting to these changes and finding ways to overcome them is part of the journey.
Looking Ahead
As I continue this journey, I am more committed than ever to my health and well-being. I hope my experiences can inspire and motivate others facing similar challenges. Remember, it's not about being perfect; it's about making progress and staying the course.
Final Thoughts
Metabolic syndrome may be a lifelong challenge, but with the right mindset and support, it is manageable. I am proud of the progress I've made in these three months and look forward to continuing this journey with resilience and determination.
Understanding insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome helps me be a more empathetic coach. Are you struggling with these issues and need someone in your corner? My book, The Power of 13, has been my guide through it all.
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Coach Paris,
Always On Your Side Coaching
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