FREE Thyroid Sessions - issues with weight loss, autoimmunity, fertility and more!

Hello people, happy Wednesday! I am so happy today because I am, once again, being pushed in the right direction. I mentioned to you before that I have been feeling lost trying to figure out why I've been struggling to lose weight, among other things. I made many lifestyle changes, primarily with how and what I eat, and still have not witnessed the results I was expecting.

In previous posts I shared with you how I've been feeling and the results of my blood tests. Nothing was abnormal but I still feel something is off. I surrendered my plight to the universe and then BAM! I received this email from Sean Croxton of Underground Wellness with information on an upcoming Thyroid Sessions event.  He's provided FREE access to clips and information, if you don't want to invest in the full event. You'll have access to a plethora of valuable information related to thyroid imbalances which can cause so many issues in the body. He's interviewed many experts in the field who provide information on what to look out for, what can trigger imbalances and much more. I know I discuss a lot about weight loss and overall health but even if you're not focused on losing weight, do yourself a favor and listen in. They discuss the many ways hormonal imbalances can negatively impact your body; autoimmunity, cancer, issues with fertility, etc...

Honestly this has been the best free resource I've found thus far to help me feel like I'm not alone in this battle. I feel there's a lot more going on than my doctor has lead me to believe and so now I have to play doctor with my own body. At the end of the day you have to take care of yourself and do what's best for you. Do one great thing for yourself everyday; listen to the powerful messages and I hope they help you find what you need.

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out =)

Fearless Friday! From the BX to France - Leap of Faith story

Happy Friday world!  A while back I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my sorority sisters, Keenya Hofmaier, about her move to France.  I had been following her move ever since she announced it, and have been curious about her story.  She's been in France for over a year now and here I share her story with you all.  Enjoy!

_________________

What was your life like before moving to France? What were you up to? What motivated you to move?
Honestly, I was physically and mentally OVER my job. I worked as a special educator for the NYC Department of Education in one of the poorest congressional districts in the United States (Hunts Point, Bronx). The only thing that gave me joy was my students.  Everything else was just so taxing; testing, budget constraints, bureaucracy, and unprofessionalism. As a single woman I made good money but even that wasn't motivation enough. I saw how staying in the education system made other co-workers burnt out and depressed, and I wasn't going to let that happen to me.

Why France?
Why not France? I think Paris is the top place Americans idolize and I did the same. The summer before I resigned I remember reading expat blogs from all over the world. One woman's blog from France really inspired me. And I think subconsciously it stuck with me as I made the decision to move there. I mean, I only visited Paris once before but I've visited many other beautiful cities as well.

So I guess that was it - France just spoke to me.

What steps did you take in order to accomplish your goal?
I probably didn't give myself as much time as you should if you are planning an international move! I started by researching visa requirements. I realized getting a student visa would be the easiest route because it would allow me to work. Plus I wanted to learn French! Then I researched housing which was a nightmare, and it always will be for someone searching from abroad. Then I made sure to visit every type of doctor and use all my insurance benefits: dental work, new eyeglasses, medication etc. I didn't know how difficult the system would be here so I wanted to be prepared. Once I had my visa secured I put in my official resignation, bought a one-way ticket and watched the day's roll by!

How long did it take for you to go from decision to actual move?
I initially started thinking about it in September 2012. Then I officially decided to move the next month in October 2012. That is when I started requesting visas, etc. and I arrived in Paris on Jamuary 31, 2013.

What were some obstacles (if any) you faced when working towards your goal of moving? 

The main obstacle was financial. Luckily I had a lot of money saved up, but I still had to plan how I would budget out my first months and start the job hunt in Paris. The entire visa process (though a lot of paperwork) was surprisingly quick and easy.

How did your friends and family react when you announced your decision to move?
My parents were really supportive. I actually called them on 3-way to officially announce it (and ask who could keep my dog while I got settled!).  They told me they wish they could have had the opportunity to do the same thing (at my age my mom already had a 3 year old - me!).  They said I should take the opportunity while my life still allows it. 

How were things when you first moved abroad?
I wouldn't say "culture shock" - I still had Starbucks! But it was definitely an adventure navigating a new country in a new language. Even though there were ups and downs, the downs never felt so bad because I was enjoying my life so much! For the first time in 3 years!

How has your life changed since moving?
My life has changed so much in a year - proficiency in another language, pursuing a different career and finding my French "Prince Charming". This summer we will actually be getting "PACsed" which is something like a "civil union" back in the US. So I've gone from a complete American tourist to what's looking like a very long-term resident!

First picture in Paris!

What are you up to now?
Now I'm getting my Masters in International Administration here in Paris., after comparing prices to similar programs back home ($50,000 per year compared to 300 euros per year!). I also teach English part time with a really great company. And when I have the time off, you'll usually find me exploring different parts of France or Europe.

What advice can you give to those thinking about taking their own leap of faith?
If you are physically, financially and spiritually able - do it! You probably will never have another chance. You must be ready however as its not always easy. But as I've learned this past year, you really can't put a price on happiness.

Learn more about Keenya and follow her fabulous life in France via her blog: www.treschicmixedchic.blogspot.com

And you can find her on Instagram posting her adventures abroad @ameriparis 

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

Why am I not losing weight?

If you've been following my posts you've noticed a pattern of experimentation with different tactics to help me lose weight.  Some have helped me more than others but I am still finding it super hard to lose weight.  I mentioned that I went to the doctor and have mild anemia which explains why my energy level has been so low.  I also noticed an increase in appetite which can be a few things; I think mainly because I'm not getting enough of the nutrients my body needs (which at this point could be more fiber and iron).

I've been doing some research on anemia and also hormonal imbalances.  An important piece of information I stumbled upon was something called "Leptin Resistance".  From my research I understood Leptin to be a hormone which lets the brain know if the body has enough fat to survive.  Our bodies don't want us to starve so it stores fat for when it needs it most.  However, with "Leptin Resistance" the brain is unable to receive the message from the Leptin, letting it know the body has enough fat stored for later use.  Since the brain doesn't get the message it thinks the body needs more fat, therefore increasing appetite.  I'm not a medical expert but I think that's the most basic explanation of LR I understood.

I also learned there's no quick fix to removing the LR.  I am going to do more research on ways to get balanced and finally lose this weight once and for all.  It's almost sad that I have to do this on my own, having a doctor and all.  From my experience, traditional medicine is all about a quick fix and easy answer.  My doctor saw me and immediately labeled me "obese", as well as wrote down a list of potential problems I might have, including hypothyroidism.  Not once did he mention anything about my hormones, even after I mentioned having low energy and increase in appetite.  He just assumed I'm fat so I overeat naturally. Don't get me wrong, he's a nicer doctor than I've had in the past, but still has that same quick solution mentality. Anemia wasn't even one of his original reasons why I might be having low energy, that is until my blood tests came back.  Thankfully nothing else was abnormal; no high cholesterol or anything like that.  He wanted to suggest I speak to a nutritionist but I told him I wrote off traditional nutritionists a long time ago.  All they know how to do is go by a food pyramid which is a "this works for everyone" solution, and it really isn't. Every body is different and every body needs it's own, individual food guideline.  A traditional nutritionist will suggest you "eat this" and "stop eating that", oh and don't forget to count your calories!  But what I need is someone to say, hey have you looked into this as a reason for why you're not losing weight?  Someone to suggest something other than "diet and exercise" or "willpower" as the solution.

This is why I've adopted a holistic approach to weight loss.  I want to look at the big picture rather than just a small piece of the puzzle.  I've been struggling with my weight and body since I was about 10 years old. Prior to my 30's weight loss was about my self-esteem and body image; it was about how I was perceived in the world.  Now I want to understand my body for myself; I'm taking a more introspective approach. Because I've become more in tune with my body and have learned to listen, I can now understand more of what's going on and why I'm not seeing the results I am working towards.  I actually wrote a quick e-book called "Greens on the Side" which is available when you subscribe to my mailing list.  I share how I got started by just taking simple steps to lead a healthier lifestyle.  You don't have to make a drastic change, you can just change step-by-step.  Check it out!

P.S: I'll keep you posted on what I discover about LR!

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!