Building My Health Team

By Emily, on February 22nd, 2012

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(Source, and interesting Jezebel article!)I have quickly learned that weight loss isn’t just simple math. I hate it when people say that phrase (I’m guilty myself of saying this from time to time!). True, the basic principals of losing weight look something like this: put out more than you put in. Sounds simple. But (!!) there are a billion other factors that can make the formula extremely complex and read more like a jumbled hieroglyphic than simple arithmetic. And I never was good at math.

Everybody Every body is built differently. Roughly six years ago I was just getting serious about my health. I was active at my gym. I was counting calories, chugging water, and staying away from alcohol. Major props on that last one; I was still a college student after all.

Amidst all of this, my body felt like it was shutting down. I was tired all the time. Like, I-could-sleep-for-12-hours-and-still-feel-exhausted, tired. Worse yet, I wasn’t losing any weight. None. I went to the doctor, who without any real metabolic testing, told me my metabolism didn’t function correctly. She prescribed me Phentermine (a amphetamine, basically.) and sent me on my way. It helped a little; meaning I would lose around 1lb a week.

For the past month, my body has started feeling this way again. I can’t quite explain it, but it’s different than just being tired. My mind is alert, and my body is dead. I tired of feeling dead.

As part of my 2012 Fearless Goals, I made a promise of “building a health team” for myself. What does this mean? Well, frankly, I hate taking care of myself. Sounds silly, I know. I despise the dentist, I don’t like doctors, personal trainers scare the shit out of me, and I feel weird about therapy. At the same time, I know that getting my health team built will be essential to my health success story.

So, with out further adieu, my health team (or team in progress!)

First names only, for my/their privacy.

Primary Doctor: Denise: will be working with her for a full physical/blood work lab as well as metabolic testing. Would like to get to the bottom of all this!

Therapist: Kay: addressing anxiety, depression, and disordered eating*

Dentist: Aspen Dental: May need braces (again) but waiting to see what shifting happens now that my wisdom teeth are out!

Eye Care: Professional Eye Care Center: Yup, I need contacts in a bad way. Glasses + Toddler = twisted glasses.

Dietian/Nutriionist: Will take Denise advice/recommendation on this one, once we hit that discussion.

Personal Trainer: Working on this one, would like to get one by spring, depending on affordability. For now, I’m counting Elana. She’s my zumba instructor.

* I plan on going into more depth on my particular issues revolving around therapy in a future post. Some amazing people have reached out to me after posts where I address the more emotional issues with being a binge eater. Many of you have said things like I thought I was the only one thinking those things. Or I’m so glad that I’m not alone. You are definitely, most definitely, not alone. I don’t plan on shying away from that topic anytime soon.

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What does your health team look like? Do you put off certain appointments?

- Emily

Be Strong. Be Brave. Be Fearless.

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Sheila Bergman

I have a personal trainer and I don’t know what I would do without her. She completely understands everything I’m going through and can give motivation like no one else. I highly recommend getting one. She also stands as my nutrition go-to person. I had to go through a few to find her, but getting over my fear of them was the best decision I ever made and well worth the money. Go for it!

http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

I’m so nervous that I’ll hate a personal trainer! But I know that it’s something I need to just get OVER and DO. Thanks for the encouragement – it’s so nice to hear that you are having a great experience with one!

Tammy

I think you’ve set out a great plan to get you on the right track. I, too, HATE going to the doctor. Not only do I hate paying for the visits, but I always feel like I’m just a number and not really getting the care I deserve. I have tried a couple different GP’s, and I have one now who seems to listen when I voice a concern or ask tons of questions. I actually love my dentist and I recently got my eyes checked (finally) and am about to order myself some new contacts. I haven’t gone so far as to look into therapy or personal trainer/nutritionist just yet, but I would LOVE to talk to a naturopath (if I can find a local one) and discuss some holistic approaches to improving my health. I wish you the best of luck on your journey to health and I think you’re definitely going in the right direction here. Bravo!!

http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

oooooh, I love the idea of a holistic approach. That never even crossed my mind! I’ll have to do some researching and see if there’s anything in my area that could help with that.

http://www.jogginginstilettos.com/ Kendra Forrest

I’m so proud of you for taking charge of your health and for being willing to break through the uneasiness toward therapy.

I totally understand what you mean when you talk about not liking to take care of yourself. I’ve struggled with that for a long time. Working with a therapist has helped with that immensely.