Howdy Hive!
It's me again for those of you who are still around. My physical and mental health was a little dicey in the early part of the year so decided to shut myself off from the world a little and focus on me for a while. Things have been improving so I thought it about time to head back. So, what has been happening?
So, I guess the big change is ... well me. A pretty bad blood pressure test and being advised to do something about it sharpish has led to some fairly decent life changes. My GP advised me some something call Man vs Fat Challenge which is essentially a fatty club for fat blokes! Unlike weight watches, Slimming World (which I've tried), you're set 6 challenges each which which help you:
- Lose weight
- Make positive, sustainable changes
- Provides training and advice not just about food, but also mental health and other things such as testicular cancer.
After being in the realms of 17.5 stone last summer I'm now bouncing around 15 stone and my blood pressure is slowly lowering. I still have to take some medication but will have a review in 6 months to see if that's still required. Walking has played a massive part in that as I attempt to cover 3 - 5 miles every morning with the dog.
Last week I managed to cover around 45 miles (Sunday ended up being > 10k steps).
I've found a long walk a great way to start the day and it's easier on my back than trying to get out for a run. It's also great for clearing you head and almost becomes meditative.
My diet has obviously changed quite a lot not only in terms of portions, but also what we eat. I've mentioned previously that I was trying to reduce the volume of meat I'm consuming, the bulk of my diet is now vegetarian of pescatarian with a scattering of plant based days. I try to keep meat down to a max of two days a week. I'll admit I'm not sure I could cut out the Sunday roast!
A new meal we tried this week was fish tacos made with Basa. These were a real hit with youngest daughter.
Lastly I've significantly reduced the amount I'm drinking which I liver is well chuffed about. I still enjoy a nice cold lager, beer or glass of wine, but it's now an occasional treat as opposed to an almost daily "thing".
The outcome of all this is I'm now feeling much better in myself and about myself. I've observed a significant link with regards to not sleeping if I've had a drink, eating more when I'm tired and mostly the wrong things. That had become a vicious cycle it seems.