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March 2021 Uncategorized

Bonus: So I gotta little boo now…

If you would have told me that I would end up meeting someone dope during a pastrami (also known as a pandemic), I would have called you a liar. However, I did. He’s pretty great.

I journeyed into the land of Bumble for what was going to be my last time (at least in 2020). I had incredibly low expectations. I had dated several men before and after the pandemic without anything substantial coming from it. After finding out that the last guy I had talked to was still married (legally separated) and had a whole 90 Day Fiance situation, I was done.

However, after attending one of my best friend’s weddings (we were masked and it was beautiful), I decided to give Bumble another shot. I usually never date younger men. However, I figured that I had nothing to lose. I lowered the age to 27. After that, he was one of the first individuals I swiped right on.

These past few months have been absolutely incredible. We dated for about a month and a half before deciding to be in a relationship. We have had so much fun even during this terrible world situation. We haven’t argued and share a lot of the same interests. He respects my opinions and I respect his.

From at-home dates to mini socially distanced day trips/getaways, we always find something fun to do and something good to eat. I can actually see a future with him which is refreshing. He treats me so well. We constantly ask each other “where did you come from?”. We live sooo close to one another and never crossed paths. I’m glad we both swiped right. I’m looking forward to creating more memories with him in the future 😊

Have you ever tried dating apps?

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March 2021

Post #16: Hello loso (low sodium) eating

In December of 2020, I received unexpected news during a routine medical appointment. My blood pressure was abnormally high. At 29, I had never experienced this issue before. I was told to come back in a month for a follow up appointment.

Due to being super busy with work, I returned almost two months later. Honestly, I had changed nothing about my eating habits. I was sure that the previous measurements were just weird outliers. However, while my blood pressure had lowered some, it still teetered between the elevated blood pressure and high blood pressure (stage 1) zone. I was devastated. My PCP discussed putting me on blood pressure medicine but I asked her for an opportunity to make some lifestyle changes.

Since college, I have gained an enormous amount of weight. I lost 70 pounds in college through calorie counting and exercise. However, I was not able to keep up this same momentum while transitioning into the working world. I would go through bouts of losing weight and working out but they would never last for more that 3-4 months.

This wake up call got my attention. Losing my mother due to congestive heart failure complications (along with other conditions) completely broke me. My depression was debilitating. It should have been my sign to cut back on salt and get back on track. However, it drove me to continue to seek comfort in food especially fast food. I rejected any thoughts of working out. Doing the bare minimum was difficult enough.

I am now in a better place due to seeking help. Being in this better place helps me to realize that I cannot allow myself to become a casualty due to my own poor decisions. I am not perfect but I want to put forth a good effort in shifting my lifestyle.

So far I have done the following things:

1. Started cooking more and eating out wayyyyy less

2. Cooking with low salt or no salt seasonings (no added table salt or salty seasonings)

3. Trying to keep my daily sodium intake to less than 1500mg-2000mg

4. Buying low sodium food options in stores ( low sodium or reduced sodium broth, beans, bacon and tortillas are examples)

5. Monitor my blood pressure by testing at least 1-2 times per day

I definitely have not been perfect and have yet to start back working out. However, my goal is to start back soon using some Youtube videos. I have a follow up appointment in 2 months and my goal is to be back in the normal blood prssure range and ten pounds lighter.

My goal is to never have to start high blood pressure medicine. Wish me luck!!!

Do you monitor your salt intake on a regular basis?