I’ve recently been given a reality check about my health. And now, it’s time to face the music and take action because the alternative is I will be just another statistic in, let’s be real, what most Americans are- overweight, have high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

I recently got established with a new primary care doctor a couple weeks ago. While there, my blood pressure was higher than usual for me. Of course routine bloodwork was also done as part of my annual physical.

It was a reality check for sure. My cholesterol has always been slightly high but this time it was definitely high – the highest it’s ever been in fact.

That in and of itself was a reality check.

Then I was also weighed as part of all the data intake, but told them I did not want to know my weight and asked them not to tell me. I haven’t weighed myself in about a year. It was always just a source of frustration and set the tone for my day for good or bad depending on the number.

Well, when I logged onto my patient portal there it was, plain as day, my current weight.

Holy sh*t. Tears almost immediately started. I knew I had put on some weight throughout this past 6 months to year with everything going on, but I did not think it was the number I saw.

I suppose if I’m honest I’ve been living in the “ignorance is bliss” phase with regards to my weight. I’ve been super fit – completed an Ironman in 2013- and then I’m not sure what exactly happened but the weight has slowly come on. I was keeping it at about the same number for quite some time, but still frustrated with not being able to lose some, like most women, I suppose.

So I took a step back from weighing and got into an “anti-diet” mode. Obviously, with this recent reality check, that hasn’t served me well at all.

As I’m writing this I still feel sadness, shock, and disbelief. I’ve always taken great pride in being fit and active.

Honestly, I’m embarrassed.

But again, that isn’t serving me or anyone else for that matter. I hope by putting my struggle out there others can relate. I’ve felt hopeless and frustrated so I just frankly, let myself go.

Now I’m in an even worse position, and in a deeper hole to climb out of.

But, the buck stops here. I don’t want to keel over of a heart attack. I don’t want to keep feeling uncomfortable in my own body. I don’t want to not be able to run.

I have now been weighing in each morning. As tough as it is, the scale provides feedback. “What gets measured gets done.” The number is just letting me know what is working for or against my body and information to use going forward. It doesn’t define me or dictate my mood. But honestly, it’s still difficult at times.

I also have now been tracking my food intake. Again what gets tracked gets improved. Several studies show keeping a food journal can double your success. I like to think keeping a food log helps me be more mindful of what I’m taking in as well.

And, of course I am active. That part has always been the easiest piece of the puzzle for me, but I am working on moving more in general and having better consistency with exercise.

So here’s to working on my health because to me, without good health I have nothing, and as the saying goes, good health is the best wealth.

And let me know, does any of this resonate with you? I’d love to know! Please share any tips that have worked for you to improve your overall health!