Back in February I told you that I was working to rebuild and transform my body after the stem cell transplant. I shared what the first two years of recovering were like and that I was ready to build transform my body into one that is stronger and more capable than ever. What I did not share was how I was going to do that. What approach I was going to take after my body was so ravaged?
During the first two years, it was all about being able to eat, sustaining myself, gaining weight and achieving a regular diet. Naturally, I ate what is considered ‘healthy’ most of the time. I did not worry about macros or the balance of my meals. I did not pay attention to how much protein, carbs or fat I was consuming. Yes, I did manage to put weight back on which was great however, I was not putting on muscle and I felt my proportion of body fat was not on track.
Here is what I have done so far and what I plan to do moving forward after the stem cell transplant: In mid-January I started working with a nutritional coach. We discussed my goal of adding muscle to my body frame and structured meal plans around that goal. We are not talking about the run of the mill ‘what to make my family for dinner each night’, but rather breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, and how food would help me with my exercise and physical goals. How to eat to reshape and strengthen my body – in other words, rebuild and transform.
The main goal in transforming my body moving forward needed to be adding muscle. I lost so much muscle during the chemotherapy and stem cell transplant and I needed to change that. I want to be strong. I want to look strong. I want to feel strong.
My meal plans were constructed by my friend Megan who is a fitness and nutritional coach. She built meal plans based on the ideal macro-nutrient profile in order for me to accomplish my goals. Bottom line: I need to consume much more protein, more fruits and vegetables, and more water. It was very interesting at first because I would need to break up some of my meals as there was so much food.
As I continued to work out at home and my body began to respond to the meal plan, I could see the physical changes. I started waking up ready to eat, consuming 100 ounces of water a day wasn’t that tough and I started to build up my strength and push myself a little bit harder as the weeks passed. In fact, I would wake up wanting and drinking water rather than reaching for that cup of coffee. I know have my coffee only after I have consumed 32 ounces of water.
Recently, and with Megan’s gentle nudging, I decided to start more challenging phase of fitness. I have completed three personal training session and my third WOD at Stonington CrossFit. I am not sure if CrossFit will be for me in the long haul, but I do know that it is going to help me build my endurance and add muscle to my body.
Since I have spoken so much about Megan, you should get to know her better through this video.
Follow Megan on Instagram and use the code MEGS for a 20% discount on John’s Killer Protein.
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