Getting back on track: a changing of the goals and a back pain and sciatica update

When I signed up for FitBloggin last November, my goal was to be in the best shape I could be ? strong, toned, and slim. A month later I was derailed when I hurt my back, developed sciatica, and couldn?t exercise for two months. I was in pain and overate because I was miserable. I slowly gained weight and began to feel like a train wreck.

Then my goals for FitBloggin changed. I wanted to be working out on a regular basis again. I wanted to slim down enough to wear my tighter workout clothes. I needed to get my eating under control. And I wanted to be pain free by the time I left for the airport for Baltimore.

First, I changed the way I ate thanks to Dave Grotto?s book, 101 Optimal Life Foods. I started consuming teas, foods and supplements that would help with nerve pain like ginger, leafy greens, soy, B12, Vitamin D and bromelain. I also avoided alcohol, processed sugars and honey, when I noticed that my pain flared after indulging too much. It felt like serendipity when Dave?s recommendations meshed with what I was reading about in books like the O2 Diet and the Eat Clean Diet. (Dave will be a speaker at FitBloggin and I hope to return with a signed book for me and one for a lucky reader!)

Second, I resolved to return to my old 5:30 a.m. workout routine. At first I could only lift a few light weights and do 30 not-very-challenging minutes on the stationary bike. After two months off, I was dismayed by how weak I had become. Still the train kept a rollin?.

Third, I started an eight-week round of Pilates physical therapy to improve core strength, and that?s when things started to improve. I developed more strength and stamina and could work out longer at a more intense level and lift heavier weights. While I had the occasional flare I was no longer taking main meds daily or even once a week. The exercise helped with the pain, my clothes started fitting better, and my muscles were getting toned.

I?m not quite back to where I was. My jeans continue to be a bit too tight. Heck, it?s still difficult to put my pants on since my right leg doesn?t go as high as it used to ? and when it does it hurts.

While I?ve left the station and am slowly chugging along and meeting my goals, I haven?t quite reached my destination yet. And that?s A-OK with me. I?m enjoying the journey and taking in the sites like the American Egg Board Farm to Table Tour in Phoenix earlier this month to learn more about egg nutrition. (Post coming soon.) I?m still enrolled in Pilates PT for the rest of the month, and have some new workout products to try and review, too.

All aboard for FitBloggin! See you there!