I have changed the name of my blog, because it's been a struggle. My weight loss story is a unique one because it's a touchy subject for me, but I still want to share it. It all started when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis over 3 years ago. I was incapacitated for an entire summer, which was devastating to say the least. I decided that I wasn't going to let this defeat me; my chronic inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis is progressing rapidly or quicker than I expected. So it's been a day to day struggle for me. I wake up with enormous swelling in my ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrist and fingers. Most mornings, I cannot move at all. Most days, my husband has to pull me up out of bed, carry me to the bathroom, and assist me in showering, dressing and helping me to the living room where I take medication to bring down the swelling in my joints.

Although, my soul gets frustrated with my body, I'm always trying to remain in good spirits. However, I wanted to work out so bad. My family had to visit the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions which include, Prednisone (which is a steroid), Methotrexate (Cancer pill), IB800 to help with the inflammation, Humira (shots/injection) RA treatment, and Percocet or Lortab 10 for pain (taken only when needed). I have already gone through the worst period of my life, detoxing by dropping 7 of the 11 medications prescribed by my family physician and specialist for my chronic pain. I only take the steroids, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever when needed, not every day. All heavy prescriptions narcotics have been dismissed from my list of meds. Although, I thought I was going to die during my withdraws, I quit cold turkey, ready to clean out my body of all these toxins.

These past few days, including today were a bit rough and I had a meltdown. However, just like every other day, I'm relying a whole lot on prayer, DoTerra oils and my weekly injections. Today, I was at my worst, with pain, so I took some steroids and pain relievers (which I have been avoiding) and it did not kick in until about 9pm. So I put on my Nike Frees, turned on Dance Central 2, set up a 20 song playlist, and started my 50 minute cardio work out. This was the funniest way to get my cardio in for the day. This game let me choose a 20 song playlist to dance to. I burned a little over 2000 calories, which is calculated by the points you get for hitting every dance move and of course (being the dancer I am), I had this game set on Level=HARD. YAY! Get it! :) Felt so good, but also made me sore. I stretched out for a good 15 minutes, trying to get every muscle. This calming method had me relaxed and ready to hit the hot shower. YES!

I love the gym, especially the sauna. Interesting conversations occur in the sauna, LoL! I sit in there a lot after my cardio, so ease the muscle. I'll even stretch in the sauna to help loosen my tense muscles. I lift light weights in sets of longer repetition, for toning and cutting weight. I have set an A day for upper body and B day for lower body. Weight lifting and toning will allow your body to continue to burn calories while you're resting. I hit abs every day, along with cardio. I recommend Cardio, every day. All types of ways to get your Cardio in for the day. Don't do the same thing every day. You need to confuse your muscle in order to get results that won't send you into plateau mode.

I have been juicing (green smoothie) this week and I feel like my body is getting rid of so much more junk, especially my meds. In my juice, I've included green sour apples, Asian pears, grapes, pineapple, beets, radish, celery, carrots, broccoli, kale, spinach leaves, and cucumber. I juice twice a day and take in one protein shake in the middle of the day. I juice to get rid of a lot of the toxins built up in my system and it really helps to ease my bowel movements. I try to keep it as healthy as possible so I'm not spending too much time at the gym and more time at home with our daughter. When I eat, I have really learned that the key is PORTION CONTROL. Last week, I just ate whatever I wanted, but little by little and I did not gain a pound, In fact I lost 2 pounds. I'm always listening to my body. Am I full or am I just eating because the food tastes great. You really need to learn to stop when you're really full. Don't starve yourself, it's not healthy and can actually do damage to you in the long run. Just EAT to LIVE and try hard to not LIVE to EAT. Your intake is the key. Your workout is just a plus.

It's a day to day struggle for me. It does get me down to see our daughter dance and do cart wheels, when I'm feeling disable. That's why I cannot stress it enough, that if I can do it, so can all of YOU. I believe in me and I believe in all you Ladies! I've got nothing but mad love and respect for you, who are striving to live a healthier lifestyle. So please feel free to ask me anything any time. The great thing is I do a whole lot of reading and research online via blogs, articles and other really neat sites. I have so many relatives, including my husband and brothers who are constantly critiquing, encouraging, and supporting me along my journey, with tips and informative sites to help along the way. So, if I get advice and it works for me, I'll post and share it. All advice is all free! Take it! Like everything else in life that's free, take it. Don't hesitate to take it to heart. If it's free, then it's for me. Loll! One Love & God Bless! Cheers to a healthier and sexier YOU! ♥