28 Days to Health

Day Zero- 5:30 am

My kids have wrecked my body! My health has definitely deteriorated since I’ve had children. I thought the time constraints of medical school and residency were a challenge. Nothing compares to motherhood. As a doctor I know that regular cardiovascular exercise and eating a low fat high fiber diet is good for me. I spend nearly every day encouraging my patients to take care of themselves. But I can honestly say I haven’t worked out consistently in years. I’m proof that being thin doesn’t mean you’re healthy. Breastfeeding has kept my weight in check although I’m terribly out of shape. I wheeze when I run around the block, the only arm curls I do is when I’m picking up my baby and lately my evening habit has been a sleeve of Oreo cookies.

As mothers we need to take care of ourselves as well. So in the spirit of National Heart Month, February will be my month to incorporate exercise and healthy eating into my life. I’ll be tracking my progress and writing about my new lifestyle. Even as I write this I’m trying to talk myself out of it! I tell myself it’s a big commitment and that I’m too busy to workout much less write about it. But I know deep down that it’s an excuse. If I’m going to get healthy it’s going to be because I just do it. I have to find a schedule that’s works for me despite the crazy busy days. Tomorrow is day number one and I still need to get ready. I will be mapping out my schedule and going to the grocery store to load up on healthy foods.

I’m on my way… I’ll let you know how it goes!

Sheila Cason, M.D., F.A.A.P.