So last month I went to a new OB and was asked to take some lab exams -- just SOP so she could have a baseline. One of which is checking my blood sugar and it was a few points above the high range. Well having a sweet tooth, I knew deep down that it is finally time to buckle up and be adult with my eating habits. Enough with the excuses but I honestly don't know where to start...

I have been seeing several healthy food deliveries in IG so I decided to try one that caters here in Alabang. The Happy Diet offers 1200 calories/day that includes 3 meals with 2 snacks per day.

Week 2 Menu

I didn't take as many photos of each meal but I got to tell you, I enjoy mostly the different rice mixes even the plain brown rice. I also got some sweet fix, thanks to their Sweet Potato, Brownies and Chocolate Pancakes. 

From the usual American-Size of fast food chains, I slowly got used to the portion because of the rich flavors. Although the pasta, oatmeal and barley cake is something getting used to but the rest of it was deli!!! What was interesting is they whip cuisines from different countries -- Japanese, Mexican, Spanish, Singapore, African and the likes.

By the end of the second week, I was feeling a whole better compared to  my usual lethargic self and I lost 1.5" off my waist!

Few post ago, I already introduced you to the biking culture along Daang Hari within the Alabang-Las Pinas area. Hubby knew that there is no way to convince me in joining him in this physical activity except for me to have a bike of my own.

He researched relentlessly with two factors in mind: budget and space. Since I am still uncertain on how far I would commit to this, he did not want to splurge too much. Then as you know we are just renting a small apartment and it is already getting crowded with all our stuff so he was looking for something that will not take too much space and is compact enough.

Enter... drum roll please...

The Atomic Fit Foldable Bike in Red which we got from Cartimar in Manila. I took it out for a spin and had fun time with it.

Then in the morning of Labor Day, we went out for my first 10-km ride. I bought the top and my gloves in one of the outlet in Daang Hari. Of course, there were some sores here and there but nothing too painful. And almost instantly, I could breath better after my heart started pumping again (vs. to my sedentary lifestyle).

I still don't feel authentic but I know deep inside I need to this for my own health. So wish me luck as I pedal my way to better fitness level.

So even before hubby and I started going out back in high school, he has always been into biking. Come to think of it, my first memory of him is seeing him riding his bike around the neighborhood and then... we locked eyes! Hahahaha... True story but enough about that. It was unfortunate though that he got so busy. But after all these years of missing out on this good exercise, he finally decided to return to his roots.

He bought a beginner's Trek Mountain Bike, Minato, sometime in August last year. It was already typhoon season so he had to wait a month after before he was able to use it. Fortunately for us, we are living in Alabang gilid passing along Daang Hari where other bikers take a spin of their ride every weekend. 

I've seen a lot of photos since then and he has invited me once in awhile but my weekend mornings were reserved for catching up some Zzzzzs so hubby usually goes out with my bro-in-law. Until last Saturday, thanks to juicing I started to have a little more energy than the usual so I finally joined him. But because I don't have a bike (yet) we drove out Jarvis, our car, and parked at Petron Daang Reyna (across Starbucks and McDonalds) and power walked instead.

A few meters further from where we parked, I was greeted by this seemingly Biker's Convention under a Tent near Fernbrook Gardens. Think Mercato at BGC or Salcedo Weekend market but instead it caters mainly for bikers needs: lugaw and mami for their breakfast and a whole lot of apparel. Thus, I thought in my head, it is a whole culture out here -- a biking culture.

I am still undecided whether I should buy my own bike. There is a commitment issue and a space issue. Minato hangs in our apartment wall since it was bought. But I did enjoy riding Minato while we brought it at the Palms the last time. There is quick video at the end so click play.

Post by Sasa Ramos-Yap.

It was a blessing in disguise that I did not score any getaway deals for the long weekend last week (Chinese New Year) so instead I was able to focus on a couple of my personal projects at home. One of which is to try out juicing for a change.

(Photo from Ensogo) I am using the one in the right but bought it at SM Dept.

As you know, I have been praying for divine health for this year and asking God to give me the wisdom and discipline to be a steward of this body so I could do the good works He has prepared for me. Two weeks ago nga pala, I got my cholesterol test result from the doctor and ayun top honor ang lola nyo sa pagiging high scorer. All the more I wanted to do a juice fast to jump start a healthy eating habit and to my surprise, some of my FB contacts got curious when I posted this photo of my practice juice recipe.

Masarap pala sya kahit walang sugar. The next day I was determined to drink different juice concoctions and by God's grace I did!!! The day turned out to be colorful to say the least.

So I continued for the rest of the week with at least one full meal a day. Mostly, I would eat Tuna Sandwich with Cheese using Gardenia Wheat Raisin bread during lunch then fruits afterwards. Some days I had rice with Century tuna or roasted chicken minus the skin. I also drink Banaba Tea during the evenings. I was surprised how my cravings for junk food went away. I still crave for sweets but they are manageable. So I take half a bar of this Goya Dark Chocolate every other day. They say dark chox are better the milk chocolates.

The big question is: did I lose weight? Well... it is too soon to weigh but I did went down a few centimeters in some body parts. Besides NOT to crave for red meat and softdrinks the whole week is already unbelievable to me. I don't feel sluggish and lethargic so I might add few light exercises to my routine. However, this blog post might inspire you on the before and after result of juicing.

My Combinations

2 Pears

1 Ponkan

3 Tomatoes

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2 Apples

1 Ponkan

1 Carrot

0.5 Cucumber 

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2 Pears

1 Ponkan

Asparagus

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2 Apples

1 Ponkan

Celery

--------

This one is a smoothie with the use of a blender

2 Slice Mangoes

3 Bananas

1 Cup Malunggay Leaves

1 Tray Ice Cubes

I am no health professional and expert so I am not claiming that any of this will work for you. I've done my fair share of research and consultation. So I hope when you decide you are ready, you will also equip yourself with enough information. Happy juicing!

Sa lamig ng panahon ngayon baka nagmumuo na rin ang mga mantika nyo sa katawan katulad namin after indulging to the festivities last month. Hahaha... But kidding aside, I am preaching mostly to myself, that we need to monitor our overall wellness.

So few weeks ago, hubby and I canvassed for a digital blood pressure monitor device. Kaso we felt that 3K is too much for home monitoring. I started searching online and I chance upon the e-Commerce website of Philippine Medical Supplies.

I paid via DragonPay with my BPI. Just 2 days after, I already received the RossMax BP Digital Monitor Wrist Type which is half the price compared the ones found in nearby drug stores.

It is very simple to use and comes with a storage plastic box and runs on a couple AAA batteries. 

Our office works are quite stressful so hopefully we could adjust our lifestlye with the help of this monitoring device.

I could not sleep last Saturday, I think I doze off at around 2am. So come Sunday morning, hubby woke me up with a slight nudge and motioned for us to jog. I shook may head to answer no but he insisted...

I knew in my heart of hearts that deep down inside I knew he was right and I had to submit to him. I have been praying for divine health this 2014 (freedom from subclinical hypothyroidism and return to normal weight) and this is one of the many adjustments in my lifestyle that I just have to do.

While parking Jarvis (our car), we noticed some road closure at Parkway Street near Festival Supermall and soon we realized that this is actually part of Filinvest Alabang campaign of "Carless Sundays" from 5-10am to encourage outdoor fun for people who lives within the vicinity.

A few minutes after, I already found myself walking wearing my Sassa Activewear and Skechers Go Walk Shoes. There were other families there doing their morning exercise as well - some brought their own bikes with them, some opted to rent from the bike rental kios, some jogged and some are like us: walked.

We headed towards the Palms Country Club area and encircled around it. There, you could also find a bike trail. Noticed the elevated rocks in the picture below?

Some wild plants have also grown in the untrimmed lots making the air slightly cool and fresh. It is like being warped to the province in an instant so it was nice.

So see you guys next Sunday? 

Cheers to fitness this 2014!

While strolling Mercato Centrale Night Market last night, we were handed down with two 5-day guest pass to Fitness First Gym for FREE. The pass can be used at any of their branches except the one in Southmall. No obligation to join in once you consumed your free days. We already planned to jogged anyway today so we decided there was nothing to lose if we sign up and visit their branch located at Fort Bonifacio.

Fitness First FREE 5-day guest pass

It was one of their Personal Trainer (PT) Yohan who was manning the booth last night. We agreed to meet with him at 9 am this morning. He warmly greeted us as we set foot at The Fort Strip. He wasted no time in explaining to us what Fitness First could offer to us to reach our optimum personal fitness goals.

DAY 1: First stop is to have our current health state analyzed by measuring our Body Mass Index (BMI). After handing us down the piece of paper that contains the truth about our health, PT Marlon gave it to us straightforward that by metabolic rate we are already 55 years old! Ouch...

Yohan then proceeded giving us a quick tour of the facilities, explaining infos for each section and how we could rip the benefits once we become a member. He later endorsed us to PT Erick to do our 45-minute exercise for the day. We look like a bunch of losers catching our breathe while doing the most basic exercise routine. It was funny but at the same time alarming.

Fitness First at The Fort Strip

Actually, it was our first time to visit a membership type of gym. Hubby started considering looking into getting a gym membership when our DIY exercise routine doesn't really work since we are basically clueless to the science of fitness. And admittedly we do not have the discipline to follow through our DIY programme. 

Fitness First Bodyfirst Kit

But on the otherhand, computing the cost of the joining and monthly fees for 2 pax is a bit out of range for our budget. So we are still thinking about it. Anyways, we still got 4 days free pass until we make a decision. But if you can afford it and you do want to reach your fitness goal, I urged you to try it out and:

Contact: Yohan 09496855320 

www.fitnessfirst.com.ph

Carry naman di ba? This is me sweating it out after doing Xbox Kinect Black Eyed Peas Experience for 30 minutes. Tagaktak pawis talaga right at the comfort of our own home. Too bad, natigil na naman when I got busy at work. I guess, I just need to focus with my reasons of losing weight. Give me the grace, Lord!

The medical adventure begins

This has been the longest time I was out in the office in my entire career of eight years...

Week 1: I was feeling my usual monthly flu-like feeling once again but worse. So I visited my highschool best friend who is now a doctor for consultation. I was advice to rest for 5 days and come back if the symptoms persist.

Week 2: The symptoms did persist! So with my second visit, we discussed what I was feeling much further. Even tracking back to the last 6 months to the last couple of years. 

My best friend is considering Chronic Fatigue for her diagnosis but I was advice to see an Internal Medicine specialist to run laboratory test before this could be finalized. But she urge that I immediately take a break from work before anything becomes worst. She said for the kind of beating my body has suffered for all these years, it is best to take 2-3 months rest. One month tops!

Of course, my head who is not very familiar to the idea of a long sabbath doesn't seem to agree on it plus the responsibilities on helping out pay the bills doesn't fit the timeline. But if only my body could speak up, I bet it would not just shout for ENOUGH but whack me in my head at the same time.

Week 3: Habagat strikes...  

Downloaded an app to help me monitor my meds

Week 4: Thanks to my Intellicare Medical Card, I visited one of their affiliated clinic which is Aventus Makati. A series of laboratory medical work up was requested through blood extraction.

I went back for the actual blood extraction after doing my 8-hour fast. The result is available the next day but the schedule of the Internal Medicine was a couple of days away.

I also saw an OB-Gynecologist in PULSE Clinic in Market Market since one of the major issues I have was my period which became irregular after actually I got married. My doctor was very thorough in explaining and hopeful after my Trans-V Ultrasound. She prescribed a pill that will help my cycle to become regular.

When I returned for my lab results to be read by the IM, the numbers were not good at all -- my glucose, bad cholesterol were high and my thyroid hormone was elevated. So I was endorsed to an Endocrinologist for more analysis on the thyroid result.

Week 5: I finally got to consult with THE Endocrinologist, who will change the course of my awareness regarding my body and put light on a very shady almost mysterious state that I am in for quite a while. The doctor asked me to take one more blood test before he gives his final diagnosis. But the result of that antibody blood test would come out a few weeks after but he already put me in a low dose of thyroid pill that will help balance my hormones and improve metabolism. The doctor emphasized the importance of doing a lifestyle change to help improve my health.

Week 6: Being in the IT industry, I could consider this "lifestyle change" to be a major upgrade on my legacy system... major enhancement... major release! So while waiting on the result of my last lab test, I had the task to find replacement to my former unhealthy food choices and re-program my sugar addiction to a more sophisticated good-for-the-body meals.

So the next grocery time with hubby was a series of reading the labels and experimenting if I could actually acquire a new tastebuds to these type of foods. I kept on asking God for wisdom for my daily choices and provision because the items on our shopping list do not come cheap.

Si Lord naman indi KJ, He even sent His Son to die for us so that we may live our lives to the FULL!!! Kaya thank you Lord for companies such as Nestle, Quaker, Growers and the makers of Nova.

And since I am limiting my rice intake, I just fell in love with the Gardenia Wheat Bread - Raisin and Cranberry Loaf. I don't feel I'm missing out on my carbohydrates because of it.

And of course, wala ng huhusay pa sa gumawa ng langit at lupa, prutas, lamang dagat, at sa nagbigay sa asawa ko ng talent sa pagluluto ng masasarap na seafood 'experiment' dishes.

Nestle Wellness

Staple snacks and Wheat Bread

Seafood helps with the thyroid function

and Mr. Crabs

Fruits, Fruits, and more Fruits

Week 7: This is finally it, the result of the antibody test is out and my doctor reads it... He then explained that base on the result, he is now able to say that I have nothing to worry about. The initial test which shows elevated TSH hormone (hormone produced by the pituary gland) can be categorized as subclinical hypothyroidism. This also affected my glucose so I am at risk to be pre-diabetic but this can be corrected with the meds he gave and you guess it right...la-la-la-lifestyle change! (I'll probably post another entry regarding my symptoms under subclinical hypothyroidism.)

After discussing my options on how conservative or aggressive we will address this, my doctor finally signed my Fit To Work Certificate... Praise God!

Fit to Work

Few days before I went back to work, I actually tried having a massage. It was my first to have someone non-related to me rub my back side while I am almost naked. I availed Olympic Manhattan Massage at the Big Apple Express Spa for only Php 99.00 (yes, less than 100 bucks) for 30 minutes and definitely it was the perfect culmination to my rest.

To beat that chronic fatigue

God is in control. With all things considered, even if in my eyes at first this experience was an inconvenience in my timeline, budget and career I trust God that He reigns over the situation. He revealed to me a lot of things during my quiet times in those 7 weeks. My relationship deepens even more with Him and I think He wanted that. For me to spend even more time with Him, listening to His voice minus the office deadlines. How He took care of me as I go through this valley in life and how His power of healing and wisdom manifested. Teaching me that the true sabbath is only found in Christ, our Lord. The Holy Spirit guiding me to bible verses that consoles me during the time of pain.

As I ended my "vacation", I wrote this in my journal to keep me focus in my journey:

Claiming this. Thank you Lord.

During my health hiatus last July to August, I saw 5 doctors from different specialty. All of them said 2 magic words even if we were still waiting on the results of my medical laboratory test. Those magic words are "LIFESTYLE CHANGE". It is bidding away from old bad habits of unhealthly food choices, sugar addiction and sedimentary lifestyle. So the choice had to be made! A 30-minute physical activity is enough to jumpstart this new life and enough to help improve my wellness. So last weekend, I dragged my hubby to a morning jog at Bonifacio Global City (BGC The Fort Taguig). We parked our car at Bonifacio High Street and walked towards Terra 28th park. According to this article:

Terra 28th is an 8,344-sqm park in 28th street which has picnic ground, open play fields, a dog park, a jogging path, interactive art installations, and a ‘Larong Pinoy’ area where families can revive old Pinoy games such as Piko, Holen, Patintero, Luksong Baka, and Habulang Taya.

The weather was perfect to our first day of jogging. The park frees you from worrying about the cars passing by or waiting for the signal lights to turn green before crossing the streets and lets you focus on your pacing... a pure bliss of jog on a weekend morning. It was totally a bonding time for us as well!