How My Health Journey Began

My quest for better health began back in 1989. In a moment of desperation, I reached out to God for assistance in losing weight. At 31, I weighed 165 pounds and, standing at 5'2", was considered obese, yet I felt lost regarding how to address it.

I was familiar with the classic weight-loss advice: consume fewer calories than you expend, and you’ll shed the pounds. This approach had worked for me as a teenager, helping me lose 30 pounds in just a month. Yet, as an adult with a sedentary office job and responsibilities that included leading worship at my church, finding time for exercise proved challenging.

I knew I had to rethink my approach and educate myself about health and nutrition. Back then, I realized that indulging in Ruffles potato chips and ice cream was unlikely to be beneficial. After 13 years of struggle, God finally answered my prayers, and by 2002, I had successfully lost 50 pounds.

How did I achieve this? Initially, I followed a low-fat diet, which led to blood sugar fluctuations, so I transitioned to a low-carb eating plan. Additionally, I took up cycling and logged over 30,000 miles on my bike. By early 2001, I had also joined a gym and incorporated strength training into my routine.

The transition from battling weight to achieving success was exhilarating. I loved my reflection in the mirror. However, being fit didn’t guarantee good health, and I was far from it.

Life's Unpredictable Turns

I married David in 2006, and in early 2008, we relocated to Texas to assist my parents with their property management. A few months later, we took over the business entirely. The next eight years were consumed by the demands of the business, which often pushed us to our limits. By 2015, the combination of constant stress, irregular exercise, and poor dietary choices led me to rely on medications for high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and insomnia.

Although I was not thrilled about taking these medications, I managed until the fall of 2017 when my blood pressure began fluctuating unpredictably, accompanied by fatigue.

Upon visiting my doctor, blood tests indicated that my thyroid medication needed to be doubled. I was baffled—why was this happening? It seemed illogical!

After selling the apartments and moving to a small town north of Fort Worth, my stress levels significantly decreased. With fewer obligations, I began exercising regularly and preparing most of our meals, experimenting with recipes from my favorite whole-food cookbook, Run Fast. Eat Slow.

I expected my health to improve, but it took an unexpected turn.

When Everything Changed

During a routine prescription refill, I discovered that my thyroid medication was unavailable, forcing me to switch to a different one. This change wreaked havoc on my body, leading to four urgent care visits in just two weeks.

On my third visit, I met Dr. Natashia Dobbins, who turned out to be a blessing. After assessing my condition, she suggested increasing my blood pressure medication temporarily, hinting at the need to check my potassium and electrolyte levels.

At that moment, a light bulb went off! I realized that potassium was crucial for maintaining fluid balance and could help lower blood pressure.

That afternoon, I rushed to Walmart, filled my cart with potassium-rich foods like pomegranate juice, avocados, and tomatoes, and started consuming them on the spot! Within three days, my blood pressure began to stabilize. Within three months, I returned to my original medication dosage and eventually reduced my reliance on sleep aids.

The Key Mistake

Let me summarize my key misstep: I mistakenly believed that merely exercising, taking a few supplements, and avoiding unhealthy food would ensure a long, healthy life. This notion was far from reality!

Here are three critical errors I made:

1. I concentrated on what I shouldn’t eat instead of focusing on what I should consume.
2. I underestimated the negative impact of stress on my health.
3. I ignored numerous warning signs along the way.

You may not want to hear this, but it's essential: as we age, our bodies become increasingly vulnerable to illness and dysfunction.

Take action regarding your health now! Don't wait for issues to compound. Ignoring the signs is akin to gambling with your well-being—it's a risky game with potentially dire consequences.

Is the journey easy? Absolutely not! Our culture thrives on convenience, and this addiction is detrimental to our health. Stress levels are soaring, leading to sleep issues and physical decline.

However, I assure you, there is hope. You can make choices today that will positively influence your future. Your lifestyle is a series of decisions—choose wisely, knowing that the future will arrive sooner than you think.

"Making significant life changes can be daunting. But you know what's scarier? Regret." — Hoodies & High Heels

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it motivates you to take charge of your health. For further inspiration, I recommend exploring the writings of four of my favorite Medium authors: Ccgordon, Mary Gallagher, Liza Lovett, and Robert Roy Britt.

Notice: I do not use affiliate links; these references are provided for your convenience.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or a qualified health provider for any medical concerns.