The PCOS Entries

I have written about my struggles with PCOS.  There are many new readers to my blog motivating me to compile what I have written into one blog. Older writing tend to get lost. For those of you that have PCOS or know someone who does, please know you are not alone!

The following tell my story with PCOS. Starting with admitting openly on my blog that I have it.





There's Two Sides to Every Story. Here is My Second Side. 

"I have only told one side to my weight/health story. I did not think I would need to share the other half. The other half that is embarrassing, extremely personal, and not what I want to be known for. I have reached a crossroad within my blog and realize that it is time to share the whole truth. As always, I am open, honest, and tend to over share." Click here to read this blog.

My Battle with Addiction

(this blog talks about sugar. If you have not read about my battle with sugar craving please click here.) 

"The past two months have been a journey of self love.  I had to step outside myself and treat myself like a dear friend who had lost her way. This is when I started to educate myself on PCOS. I was motivated by my hair loss, I wanted to put a stop to it and maybe throw it in reverse.  The information I was obtaining was overwhelming and started to explain the battles I have been fighting with my body." Click here to read this blog. 

My Hair Loss Exposed

"I am open about my hair loss due to PCOS. I used to have thick curly hair. I now have about a quarter of what I used to have. I tried to make my long hair last as long as I could but one day, I just could not look at the hair in my hands any more. I called my hair stylist, a trusted friend, who worked her magic and gave me my signature pixie cut. " Click here to read this blog. 

Remnants  of a Binge

"While I was poking around in my glove box I came across an old candy wrapper.  I sat holding it, having flashes of the me up until 3months ago. The sugar binger. The sugar hider. The sugar sneaker.  I would eat my candy in my car, usually within minutes of leaving the store.  I ate it quickly and I ate it all. A fleeting moment of bliss and then the guilt would beat down on me like a hammer." Click here to read this blog.

If you or someone you know has PCOS, please let them know they are not alone! 1 in 7 women has PCOS. It's time to start talking with each other!

Real Bodies. Naked Art.

Body Positive Artist Find!!

This piece is my favorite. I love her curves. 

I had to share these fantastic piece by Chris Sheridan, a brilliant artist. 

Take a look at his website and Facebook page . The real bodies captivate. 

 Beautiful.  

A Year of Honest Blogging

Today, July 10th, marks the one year anniversary of New Figure Forward. 

     A year ago I was toying with an idea to share my story to help fill a void I felt was lacking in the weight loss world.  I had only seen the 'after ' pictures; I had never heard an 'after 'story. I thought perfection would be found in a pant size. Imagine my surprise when I felt confused and lost with my new figure.  My entire body changed. My face changed. The way the world looked at me changed.  The way I felt on the inside and the way I looked on the outside did not match. When you have only known yourself one way, it is terrifying to suddenly see yourself as a stranger.  This made for a frustrating couple of 'after' years.

     I missed my bigger body on occasion. I did not like being a size 28, but I knew how to be a size 28.  Even though I wanted to lose weight, I had still accepted my role in life to be the wall flowered fat girl. I knew how to be her. I knew how people would react to her. I was her my entire life.  Now, a size 12, I had to learn the new me and the world that came along with my new figure.

     Six years after my 125 pound weight loss I have a voice. I have confidence.  I know who I am in my new figure. I found myself.  I have had people tell me the transformation they have witnessed in me is amazing.  Those that know me best have watched me go from a shoulders hunched unhealthy girl to a proud woman with her head held high.  The confidence did not hit me when I put on my dream pant size; it happened years later.

     This blog started out as a way to show the other side to weight loss. The 'after' to the 'happily ever'.  The mental healing process, the self acceptance, and the willingness to relearn myself.  These were not topics I had heard anyone else talk about. No one complains about life after weight loss! Life after weight loss is perfect and everything just falls into place. Lies. All lies! I knew I was not the only person struggling in their 'ever after'.


     I was right. I was not the only person struggling.  Through my blog, I realized the struggle to love ourselves is not reserved for specific weights or sizes. Women, some with figures I used to long for, all struggle with this need to achieve perfection so that they can love themselves.  Self-love is not the prize at the end of the journey. Self-love can be had right now. Self-love will blossom when given the green light.
   

     Moving into my second year as a blogger, I am not the same woman that started writing a year ago. This journey has been immensely healing and liberating. New Figure Forward paved my purpose to inspire others to love themselves. I will continue to advocate for less Photoshop, a variety of shapes and sizes represented in media and advertising, and the belief that our bodies are perfect - stretch marks and all! This next year will be a big one for New Figure Forward. I may have a few surprises up my sleeve. 

     My words mean nothing without someone to read them. I thank all of my friends, those I know personally and those I have met online, and my family. Without the encouragement and support this project would not have gone far. Every email I receive, every like on a post, every comment made helps me to continue pushing forward and fight for change.  Thank you to my readers! This day would not have happened without you! 

(An extra special shout out to my husband. To a man who has encouraged me grow into my own. A man who has pushed me to be my best. A man who has never seen anything but a beautiful woman in front of him.  He edited every blog, took pictures, and inspired ideas.  Thank you husband for everything you have done for me, my self esteem, and my view on the world! I love you more than words can express!) 

Calling All Runners!

I have decided to run a 10K coming up in the middle of August. It sounds awesome; Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Marathon.  It is located out by Area 51. It sounds fun and the prediction of 60 degree temperatures sounds incredible. I will also need to get a headlamp. Cool!! I have run a few 5Ks.  I enjoy the feeling of victory at the end. Now I am excited to check 'run a 10K' off my list. However, I could really use some advise from seasoned runners.

I used to run at the gym almost on a daily basis. I burned out on running and have not stepped on a treadmill in months. I
did a very short run yesterday, 1.5 miles. I would have gone longer, however I left my headphones at home and I couldn't get in the zone without my music. I will admit that even 3 miles has been known to bore me and I just want to run it as fast as possible and be done. This has me worried about training for the 10K.

I am seeking the advise of seasoned runners. I want to pick your brains. I have a list of questions. If you can answer one of them, a few of them, or all of them I would be grateful!

Ok, here goes....

1. What is the best brand of running shoe? How do you know it is right for you?
2. Does anyone use the inserts made to absorb impact? Do you like them? Do they slide around in your shoe?
3. My ankles tend to get sore. Any recommendations?
4. I tend to get a cramp under my right rib. I am careful to not drink water before my run however it doesn't seem to make a difference and it also makes me afraid to drink water while I'm running.
5. What are the best foods to eat before and after a run?
6. I do not like t-shirts when I work out. I have found that I develop a rash around my arms when I run. What can I wear or apply to avoid this?
7. How do you keep yourself going?
8. How do you keep your headphones from slipping out or bugging you from sweat?
9. What is your favorite music to run too?
10. How do I build up my first try at running a 10K on the treadmill? (No outdoor training for me, Las Vegas is dangerously hot.)

Please leave answer below. This will create a great reference place for myself and other readers.

Thank you for your time and advise. I will check off a 10K and I'll do it without killing myself or never wanting to do another one again.