Saturday, February 2, 2013

Modifications

Our doctor was very much pleased with us.  Although I gained  three pounds in one year and two months my overall health has been quite good. Same for my husband, although he is really overweight for his health our doctors is happy with the fact that since his open heart surgery four years ago there have been no other health problems.  He then said that we must be doing something right. I told him that I have started being careful ever since I lost my health insurance three years ago. He asked me if I could tell him in what sense I have been taking care of myself. I told him point by point about the changes I made in my lifestyle.

When I was working full time, vending machine was my comfort. During breaks and lunches, I would take a bag of chips and a soda to fill up after eating my sandwich. No need for vending machine in a part time job as you go home to homemade foods. If I ever go back to full time I will make sure that I bring a bottle of water from home or even a fruit.

Before my husband's surgery we did not realize the dangers of foods found on the shelves in supermarkets. Now we make sure that no food has hydrogenated fats or trans fats even though we may have to refrigerate them.

My husband used to think that salads and greens were for skinny young girls, but after losing his brother to colon cancer, he is understanding that all of us have to eat vegetables and fruits in order to be fit not just to look good.

I do not reach out for candy when my blood sugar drops I grab a juice box instead.

I refuse to wait for my husband to eat dinner with him if it is past seven o'clock at night, because eating late means hyper-acidity which means my asthma will be aggravated. I had read that in some cases acid from your esophagus can seep into your wind pipe, especially if one is overweight.

I have been very careful about wearing the right clothes for winter instead of caring about looks and  fashion. This could be the reason that I do not catch too many colds. Even if I do, I try to nip the problem in the bud. I still think that I'm lucky that I did not take any antibiotics in four years time. 

Last but not least, I now have Mantras to keep myself from getting my nerves worked up.  And when people tail gate me  during rush hour I try and use whatever I can to make myself laugh such as  a license plate that reads "YOURFACE".









18 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Munir .. it does sound like your attitude is right and that's another point ... positive attitude is a definite plus point.

I hope you're both walking - cheap exercise .. life has its challenges - but it strikes me you're on the right road ..

Good for you .. look after yourself .. cheers Hilary

Shelly said...

Bravo to you, my friend! You've made wise and excellent changes, and now you're reaping the benefits. Wonderful!

Belle said...

It's great how well you and your husband are doing. I do try to eat healthy myself but can't seem to stop drinking Coke.

yaya said...

You are on the right track and a good example to all of us. We do have the power to heal ourselves of many aliments...that would make our Doctors happy but poor! Also drug companies won't be too happy! Keep up the good work and keep that happy outlook on life!

Austan said...

All simple but ingenious and easy changes to life that give good results! Good for you!! Keep it up!

Granny Annie said...

You are doing and thinking all the right things. I can think them but fall short of doing them for a long period of time. Only one slip can put me back on the sugar bandwagon. Kudos to your for your success.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Very sensible advice.

This last year has been a real wake-up for me. I'm now 41 and must take high-blood pressure medicine, I need to do adjust my diet to manage my gout (which can be crippling if allowed to get out of control), and I just can't eat junk anymore.

I do have a sweet tooth though. You're right, I need to eat more greens.

Inger said...

I'm glad you and your hubby are eating well and staying healthy. I hope you find some time to exercise as well, just walking is wonderful. I start my day with a one hour walk with the dogs and it helps me to stay both healthy and happy.

Ghadeer said...

Wishing you and your husband perfect health always :)

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

Such great changes. I need to do the same. My dad had colon cancer and almost died. Now my brother has had polyps and I had to have a colonoscopy at 27. Livin' the dream. And heading to the kitchen to eat some broccoli salad ;)

Ruth said...

It is so important to take good care of yourself. I am glad your husband is doing so well 4 years later. My FIL had open heart surgery close to 3 weeks ago and he is still in the hospital.

darlin said...

Munir this is wonderful news; not only have you changed what you put into your body, you've also changed your perspective and attitude. Good for you!

Have a wonderful day!

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Many thanks for stopping by Pen and Paper.

What frightens me is when what we think is the healthy option turns out not to be. Take many low fat foods that ok have less fat but are packed with salt.

Launna said...

Munir, it is nice to see that you made the changes willingly... I am working on that right now... especially since I am home and healing from my operation. For me protein in the word for me, plus vegetables/fruit/water... all must haves to get better.

Keep working at this, eating healthy... it will pay off... I have not been sick for over 4 years either:)

DWei said...

Glad to see your health is still pretty good. I'm a bit worried as to where mine is headed. :(

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Munir,
Health is THE most important thing in life! So your husband had open heart surgery four years ago? Mine had open heart surgery 3½ years ago. He got a compliment in November when he went to see his heart surgeon. He bragged about my husband being his best patient who actually followed a healthy diet and exercise. He only needs to come back in 2014... Husband Pieter came home beaming for pride and he IS in excellent shape. It is harder for cooking healthy and I say 'cooking' indeed as the ready made food is never healthy! But so far we manage and eat lots of fresh veggies and fruits. My health is less good but after about three months of tests and tests I hope to find out more soon.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

You have a wonderful attitude, Munir! I wish I had only gained 3 pounds last year. :( I think lack of sleep and eating on a regular schedule may have something to do with my weight gain.

Unknown said...

I laughed at your license plate...keeping the BP down with mantras! Hahaha.
Rosemary