Day 3 - blood draw and reflections...

Total Protein: 156 g (yay!)
Total Carbs: 133 g (getting better...)

I have always had a lot of problems with blood draws, even in my "hot chick" days. I have tiny veins, which like to roll and hide right after the "vampire" finds them. I have to be super hydrated just for them to be found at all. So this morning I drank over 60 oz of water between 8:30 am and 11:30 am, which was when I went in for my blood draw. Even then the first nurse to try to find a vein couldn't, so she had to call in the nurse that is the "vein whisperer." She found a vein, stuck me and missed, and then had to find the vein again with the needle. Thankfully she did find it! I have had times when I have had to get stuck in each arm, then in the hand in order for blood to be drawn (shudder). I used to have such an aversion to needles that I would have to lie down for a blood draw. Thankfully, having babies cured me of that! :)

I'm still having major carb cravings, sweet and salty. Solved the salty this morning by eating some peanuts, and the sweet by eating some sugar-free pudding. Still feeling a bit light-headed at times, along with a few headaches. I know they will get better, so I'm sticking it out! I have found that my protein shakes in the morning REALLY help me get started and keep me on track for eating more protein throughout the day. I get my shakes from Lifetime Wellness, which were developed by Dr. Foley. My morning shakes (if I don't add anything) have 48g of protein and only 4g of carbs.

I have noticed, as I've gotten heavier, certain physical issues I never had before. I recently developed some minor carpal tunnel, which I know can be cured just by losing weight. I also have some mild acid reflux, which I'm convinced is also because of my weight. The one that's been bothering me the most, however, is that I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back. These were a result of an accident, but I believe that my extra weight is part of the reason that it's taking so long for them to heal. The chiropractor told me that even just 10 extra pounds can put a lot of added pressure on the lower spine, so imagine what 70 extra pounds can do? The extra weight isn't the only reason I haven't healed very quickly... I also have a lot of swelling that just isn't going away, even with decompression therapy. So, tomorrow I go to my GP to get a referral for a cortisone shot. Hopefully that will help enough with the swelling so that my back can have a chance to heal.

I have been feeling convicted lately about being overweight, which is one of the things that prompted my visit to Dr. Foley (in addition to my mom and hubby). Our bodies are our temples, and I've been doing a poor job keeping my temple beautiful for my Savior. It's the only one I have, and I need to take better care of it! Also, being overweight affects how I feel about myself as a whole. As a result, I feel unattractive and my relationship with my husband has suffered a bit as a result. I believe that this is also a sin on my part! I am commanded to love my husband and this should include making myself attractive to him as well! Of course God continually convicts me in all kinds of ways in all areas of my life, but this one has really been "up there" lately. So - I believe that in taking care of my body, I will also be obeying Him.