After having multiple back surgeries I became extremely inactive afraid to move because of pain. This led to weight gain and I developed diabetes. That was my wake up call. Not being a fan of medication I began following a diabetic diet and through reading I found so much more information that I was getting from doctors or nutritional coaches. Walking has been my main source of exercise. Weights are out due to my back issues.
Recently I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. A healthy vegan type diet, is working watching protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus, while staying away from processed and packaged foods, I would love to eat meat every day, but the protein is too high. Was happy to find that frozen is okay as that cuts down on grocery store visits. I'm at the high end of my BMI normal weight. I am skinny so I don't worry about that number but I am slowly dropping more weight. Any loss is a success. Seeing my blood work number for GFR climbing is a motivator. Being in Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease and seeing improvement from diet helps me stay the path.
Following groups of others doing the same things reminds me I am not alone and promotes motivation for me to continue forward rather than giving up. My goal is to maintain health. Eating what I want doesn't work. The reality of kidney transplant or dialysis is more unappealing than the temporary taste of blueberry pie that only causes me more damage.
These groups, in my opinion, are to helps us support others as we are on the same journey. We all need encouragement because we all have those bad days but we don't all have to have bad at the same time.