That old adage of “things happen for a reason” has been proven true in my life on a consistent basis. Last month I found this out when I met my personal trainer in a chance meeting. And today I found this out again as I made the trip to a local health clinic.

The Sore Throat from Hell
I’ve been battling a sore throat for over two weeks now and I’ve gotten to the point where I’m pretty sick of it. So, I went ahead and made the dreaded appointment at the doctor’s office. I say “dreaded” because I’m self employed, have no insurance and have to pay out of pocket 100%. I prefer to only go see a doctor when absolutely necessary – as in a limb is damaged or I’m dying – but in the back of my mind I felt like I could have strep throat, so I thought I better go. Who wants to be sick over the Christmas holiday anyway? Or end up infecting someone else by chance? Not me.

Luckily, there is a health center near where I live that offers lower rates for those without health insurance (like me). I got the opportunity to see a Physician’s Assistant for my appointment today and I must say, I’m glad I did. I’m such a chatterbox and have no problem socializing with people and my visit today was no different. After I was swabbed and determined not to have strep throat (diagnosis: allergies/cold/unclear), the PA and I got to chatting about my new lifestyle and workout regime.

I never know exactly how doctors or health care professionals will react to me and what I say. (Believe me, I’ve ran the gamut with specialists for my oldest son. He has a rare disorder. But that’s a topic for another day.) Maybe too part of it is what I experienced back when I used to low-carb and the reaction I used to get from doctors when I told them how I was losing weight. The look of stupidity and complete horror pretty much sums it up.

A Supportive Health Care Professional
Anyway, the PA I saw today was awesome. He was so supportive about everything I told him I was doing in my life – exercise, diet, etc.

He even said many of the same things that my trainer has been telling me now for a month and a half. My trainer has been repeating a lot of these points like a mantra. I’m pretty sure he’s sick of saying them time and time again, but people like me need to hear this to stay motivated!

1. You’re not Wonder Woman. As much as I wish I was Wonder Woman (she was so cool), he’s right.
2. Don’t obsess over the scale. It’s all about inches in the beginning. You’re shocking your system when you begin a  new lifestyle!
3. A good workout is one where you can hardly converse with another person. Yea, kinda like when I’m foaming at the mouth after lunges…
4. The weight will eventually come off. If I keep eating right and working my ass off, it’s a mathematical certainty it will come off.
5. It’s not an “all or nothing” mentality. That will kill your efforts every single time. Believe me, I know.
6. Expect my weight gain to slow down the second month. I’m definitely seeing this so far, so at least I know I’m not crazy!

He also said something that hit me pretty hard: “Say you loose 5 pounds a month. That’s 50 pounds in ten months. How long did it take for you to put that weight on? How many pregnancies? Stay the course and it WILL come off.” If I lost 50 pounds I would be under my lowest post-baby-birthing weight. That would be a true accomplishment.

It was something I needed to hear. Now I know why my sore throat happened - so I could experience this wonderful conversation with the PA. He validated everything my trainer has been telling me. I needed this today. Thank you powers that be.

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