NSV: My blood pressure isn't in the scary zone anymore! In fact, it's pretty darn low.
I went to the doctor today, and they had to take my blood pressure.
I have had high blood pressure for years upon years - like, in the range where the doctor starts to talk to you about maybe going on medication. I've been keeping a record of my blood pressure readings on my phone. About one year ago on October 15th, it was 142/80. Three months ago when I was last at the doctor, it was 165/90. We had a very frank conversation about how high it was, and the fact that I was in danger of no longer being able to take a particular prescription I use if it does not come down. That scared me, and I was nervous to see what it said today. Are you ready? It was....
110/68.
When the nurse announced it out loud I said, "WHAT?" She assured me it was a good number. I said, "I know, but I'm usually quite high." She took it again. Same numbers.
I would say this made my day, but you know what? It made my whole damn month. Because this is proof that it's working! I'm in therapy for an eating disorder, and on my therapist's recommendation I am not weighing myself right now so it feels so good to have some numbers to prove that my hard work has been paying off.
My monkey-brain suggested that I stop for a bottle of wine and a pizza on the way home to celebrate. My real brain reminded me that I have worked my butt off to break nasty habits like those, and that I'm winning the battle. That makes monkey-brain BIG mad. Best to stick with the bottle of water and the leftover taco/rice bowl waiting for me at home.
What I've been doing:
-Stopped doing intermittent fasting/OMAD; began eating three(ish) small meals a day.
-Eliminated almost all fast food; cook and eat all of my meals myself. I actually had to do this for financial reasons. I'm living on loans right now and need to be intentional and careful with my food budget. If I can finagle it, I still treat myself to a dinner out on Fridays.
-Cut waaayyy, way down on the alcohol. Strictly a 'weekends only' activity now.
-Little to no exercise. I'm out of shape. I did recently commit to walking my dog around the block once per day, but that's the level we're talking about here: almost non-existent.
-Using MFP to log my food and keep an eye on my calories. I started mainly to just get an idea for what range I'm in, not necessarily to meet a daily calorie goal. I'm usually between about 1200 - 2000.
Just wanted to share some words of hope with others who have a lot to lose and have been focused on making small, sustainable changes. They do matter. They are making you healthier. One step at a time.
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