I figured a blog update was in order. I mean, I haven’t had time to write in what seems like forever and I’ve had some major updates to my health that I’ve been sharing on social media. So why not a full blog update?

I’ve been monitoring my upper torso for signs of change, snapping photos everyday. Luckily, my doctors think that’s a great habit! They can see what’s changed and it helps with diagnoses. Thankfully my regular doctor is hip to all things future tech so he uses an app to stay in touch. My gram habit is finally paying off! When most people see me, they can’t see my injury so they think I’m fine. I’m not sharing what my chest looks like (we’re not THAT close), but I’ll share a photo from another patient who has something similar, just in a different location.

This won’t be a pity party post though because I’ve got friends with all kinds of ailments who inspire me to continue being my best. Helping my body out means I’ve picked up some tips for recovering and leading a healthier lifestyle that I want to share with everyone. You may have heard this before, but it never hurts to hear it again!

My Path to Green (or improved health)

Here are tips I’ve learned recovering from an injury and health issues caused by illness, stress and an unhealthy diet.

• Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure puts stress on your heart and blood vessels, trust me, I know. Sometimes high blood pressure is not caused by diet, but your genes. Keeping your blood pressure under control is so important, it can make a small problem into a giant one. Diet and exercise might work for most people, but medicine is also available.
• Check for diabetes and start eating a heart healthy diet. Having diabetes increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Even if you don’t have diabetes, you can create a food plan that will act as a preventative measure. I’ve joined the Omada program as a way to get my blood pressure under control. My coach Lauren, is AWESOME and shared this list of the most filling 100-calorie snack ideas that I JUST HAD to share with you!
  

  2 slices extra-lean ham + 2 tbsp whipped light cream cheese

  2 tbsp light guacamole + 2 celery stalks, sliced

  3 oz cooked shrimp + 1 tbsp cocktail sauce

  1 oz goat cheese + 1/2 cup sliced cucumber

  1 hard-boiled egg, sliced + salt, pepper and paprika

  1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese + 1/4 cup blueberries

  1 sliced tomato + 1 oz fresh mozzarella + salt, pepper and 1 tbsp balsamic

  1 slice turkey + 1 slice reduced-fat Swiss cheese

  1 cup diced watermelon + 1 oz reduced-fat feta + 1 tsp chopped mint

  3 almonds, chopped + 4 oz plain yogurt + a light drizzle of honey

  1/2 cup peaches + 1 oz prosciutto

  4 tbsp hummus + 2 celery stalks, sliced

  1/2 cup blueberries + 1/2 cup raspberries + 1/2 cup strawberries

  1/2 cup salsa + 1 cup sliced jicama

  10 baby carrots + 4 oz Greek yogurt + 1 tsp ranch mix

  1 cup sliced apples + 1 oz low-fat cheddar

   

• Exercise Walk, jog, run, bicycle and swim. I’m walking everyday, but I’d love to add swimming to my routine. Any good SF/ East Bay gyms you can recommend?
• Control your stress level. Easier said than done with our crazy busy lifestyles, but I’m learning that I’m no good to anyone if I’m not here. I’m learning to take a step back and see the bigger picture and when things can’t get done, I just make peace. If I can learn to do it, so can you!

Everyday during recovery I feel a little better and I’m learning how to properly take care of myself. This is pretty much impossible without my amazing home-care team made up of my mom, sister, step-dad and significant other. Everyday I get check ups from them, advice and healthy meals. SMART goals, so I’m taking this one week at a time. Doing small things to add up to big successes. I can’t think of a better reward than a healthy, happy me.

 

Featured Photo by William Farlow on Unsplash