Get healthy! Take #12874978???

I bet if you didn't know me you would never believe that the woman in this picture (oh! Hello! that's me!) suffers from Polycystic Kidney Disease, High Blood Pressure, Infertility and all the nasty effects (anemia, sore kidneys, headaches) that come with them. RIGHT? I know. When I tell people what my health issues are they just can't believe it. They say I look like a perfectly healthy human being. I know... I try to cover it up. If you saw me when I wake up in the mornings, you'd be shocked that I look like I've been hit by a train. I'm sure you may think "Well, I do too!" No, you don't understand what I feel. I'm lucky these days if I wake up feeling NO aches! It takes so much energy for me to get up, shower, get pretty, etc. But I HAVE to do it. Because it makes me feel better in a way. When I see myself look pretty, it just gives you a boost of confidence and sometimes it takes the mind of pain. Seriously. The brain is an amazing organ. The power if has over you...

So lately (actually, since Hubby's been back from deployment!) I have been feeling aches and pains everywhere. Headaches, kidney pain, heart palpitations (chest pain). I wondered "Why is this happening? Shouldn't I feel better because now I'm not stressing that he's been gone?" Uhhh... NO. Well I mean, yes I'm not stressing anymore but then it hit me! What have I been doing differently? Lots of things. And I should know better!

1. Not exercising! Granted, I have a good excuse. Well sort of! LOL Excuses! Excuses! I know! We only have one working vehicle and since he's back to work, well he takes the truck. I was going to an exercise group/club from Tuesday-Friday. But now I can't. I'm stuck at home. I know that's not an excuse but I'm the type of person that needs to GET OUT and do her workout because if I "plan" to do it at home, it will never get done. Too many distractions and that's been the case. But ok - yes, it's NOT an excuse. I'm going to work on that. Promise! UGH! hahaha

2. Not drinking enough water. And too much beer. OMG. I should know better. My kidneys have been aching a lot lately. And again I'm like "What is up with that????" Uh... hello! Too much beer. Granted I don't get wasted. I just sip to keep my hubby company. We usually drink a few beers after we put the little one to bed. I'm making a conscious effort to drink more water. I read online that if you suffer from PKD like I do, that you should drink 1-2 quarts of water DAILY to help those kidneys healthy! DOH!

3. I haven't been JUICING like I was doing faithfully every morning. But I have a TRUE valid excuse for this one. My juicer broke. Yeah, I have the loveliest luck.

4. I haven't been watching what I eat. I usually eat a lot healthier than how I've been eating lately but I tell you what! It's SOOOOOO hard when you're married and you got a picky eater. It really is. My husband is not into this "health" kick like I am. He's happy eating the way he does. I try to explain to him the benefits but dang it! He's just a stubborn Mexican! LOL He won't give up his carne asada with beans and rice. Or his enchiladas and Chiles Rellenos! Just not happening. [sigh] I try to sneak in some yummy tasting stuff and he's ok with it but for the most part, he scrunches his nose at my healthy stuff. BOO!

Soooooooooooo... what am I doing to change this!? Well I'm going to start doing instead of NOT doing. I'm going to exercise more. Even if it's at home and even if it's a drag. Working out at home is more challenging for me believe it or not. And I'm going to start drinking more water. I've already had 2 glasses of water. My aim is to drink at least 16 cups of water - through out the day of course! GAH! Wish me luck! And I plan to start juicing ASAP. Since my juicer is not working, I'll make "green smoothies" in the meantime with my vita-mix! Did I tell you guys I found a Vita-Mix for sale on FB? YES! And guess how much I paid for it? 20.00!

YES! That's right. 20.00. Of course, it's an old Vita-Mix but hey, it does the job and that's what matters to me. These machines were worth 400 dollars at one time. I would like a new one but the new ones are super expensive and we can't afford that right now so this will do for now. So if it breaks, I won't feel too bad. I love finding bargains! [insert cheesy smile here]

Want to see the juicer that I really want?

It's been on my wishlist since I watched the movie "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead". Which by the way, if you haven't seen it, you MUST! It's what inspired me to start juicing. Good movie! And he has awesome recipes on his website too. I don't want any other juicer. The reason is, there are a lot of other more affordable ones but that one would be perfect for me because ok, I'm going to be honest here. I can get lazy with the cleaning! The cheaper ones are nice and all but they require a lot of work when it comes to cleaning. I know this because I got a cheap one that is a pain to clean and of course now it's broke! I need something easier to keep clean and this looks like it. Just like my Vita-Mix. SO easy to clean. I know... it's silly but it's true.

So I need to get back on track. I'm tired of the aches and pains, anxiety, heart palpitations, headaches... Enough is enough! I don't like living in pain. It's just not right. I know with my PKD, it's only going to get worse with age. It already has. I notice a tremendous difference to say 5 years ago. I just have to figure out a way to manage the pain and prevent anything that triggers it. Life's too short. I have to make the best of it. And even fixing myself up pretty is something that makes me feel better. Anyway, wish me luck. I'll need it. Off to drink my green juice/smoothie. ;)