My Story
Add commentsIt didn’t happen over night. I didn’t wake up one day and decide I’m going to change my life and get rid of the junk. Nope! It would have been nice if that was the truth, but its been a journey. This is my Story…
It all began around 13. I began to struggle with my weight, acne, irregular cycles, and my self esteem. I just believed that was how my body was, and I hated it. I was told by doctors that I could get on birth control pills to regulate my cycle and control my acne, and that my body would just “figure itself out.” Birth control (and a ton of acne medication) was my only option and it did not come with a diagnosis. So thats what I did. I was on synthetic hormones for years, through my teens and 20′s. They helped a lot. I had regular cycles, clear skin, and I was able to maintain my weight pretty well. However, I still did not have a diagnosis and as we all know, any type of prescription comes with side effects and with birth control, those increased with age! I knew I could not be on them forever, and I knew one day I would want children. There had to be other options!
I was 26 when we got married.
August 17, 2007
We had the time of our lives! The first few years of Marriage we traveled a lot… Fiji, Italy, Hawaii, etc. and just enjoyed each other! It was awesome!
After marriage comes children, or at least it is supposed to! I knew I desperately wanted to have children, but I knew in the back of my mind that it might not be so easy. I was scared to get off birth control pills in fear that my skin would get out of control, I would gain weight, and have irregular cycles again. It all happened.
I had read an article years prior that described all of my symptoms. It was like I was reading about my own body in a magazine. Doctors back then were not as familiar with this condition as they are now. I went and visited my doctor and finally received my official diagnosis! I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I suspected it for years, but it was nice to finally make it official, so to speak.
Unfortunately, Western Medicine is extremely limited, and many doctors knowledge for treating PCOS was even worse. Doctors know how to prescribe and they do not educate you on how to treat or manage your symptoms. I was given two options… get back on birth control pills or begin taking Metformin, a diabetic drug that lowers blood sugar. Since we wanted children. I picked the later.
After two and a half long years of trying (test after test, two surgeries, and so much disappointment), we were beyond blessed when found out we were pregnant with two little miracles.
Twins! God is so good and he made our dreams come true! We were beyond ecstatic when we found out on New Years Eve, 2010.
I had a great pregnancy! I was so worried about gaining a lot of weight, but I only gained 37 lbs! I was actually trying to gain weight at the end of my pregnancy because my Baby B was beginning lag in growth. I did yoga throughout, which I believe was my saving grace, until I ended up on strict bed rest at 30 weeks for pre-term labor. I was on five weeks of bed rest for the remaining weeks of my pregnancy, but I treasured every minute. I loved feeling every kick and roll, knowing that this might be my one and only pregnancy with all that we had been through.
The verse for my pregnancy that gave me strength, comfort and hope for the little ones growing inside me was Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I knew God had a plan for me as a Mother, and for my boys.
Taken at 33 weeks pregnant. I was finally able to take bed rest to the pool to float.
Delivery Day! August 5, 2011
On August 5, 2011, I delivered, by emergency C-section (baby B had stopped growing and they were both breech), two healthy boys, Rocco Gianni (5 lbs 7 oz) and Maximus Matteo (3 lbs 12 oz) at 35 weeks and 1 day. They were so tiny and so perfect! I knew at that moment that I would give them the best. They were pure, they were perfect and they were gifts that I would treasure.
I knew that nutrition was going to give them the best start in life and I was able to provide that. I nursed them both. It was so amazing to be able to provide the perfect food for your perfect babies. Breastfeeding is so empowering, so giving, so selfless. I used only natural products on my pure little ones.
Complete and utter exhaustion and pure love!
I made all of their first foods all organic. I did the best I could with the knowledge that I had, like most new Mommy’s and Daddy’s.
Our freezer when the boys were six months old.
I have always had a passion for health which developed in high school. I became very calorie conscience to watch my weight, though I wasn’t chemical conscience (I chose low-calories over natural foods). Through College I became a certified personal trainer. I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications and returned to receive my teaching Credentials in Health Science. I am, by trade, a Certificated High School Health Science Teacher, now stay-at-home wife and mommy.
With all my schooling, education, personal training background and teaching, my children have been my biggest inspirations. Once I stopped breastfeeding, I knew I needed to make a choice… get back on birth control pills, take Metformin to control my PCOS symptoms, or once and for all heal my body naturally.
I did my research. Although I did eat [somewhat] healthy before, I really “cleaned up” my diet completely and fully. Because of my two little miracle inspirations I cut out ALL processed foods, artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, processed sugars, colors, chemicals, and preservatives. The whole family started drinking green smoothies (the twins started at 12 months) and even making natural body products (deodorant, body butter, diaper cream). What a difference! Slowly but surely, my body started taking on a new shape. I was getting leaner, stronger, healthier. I had so much more energy! And I wasn’t spending hours in the gym. I was listening to my body. I was eating real food, working out two to three days a week with weights, and taking the boys on walks. It wasn’t over the top. I wasn’t killing myself in the gym (like I was before!). I was eating when I was hungry (which was five or six times a day!) and stopping when I was full. I wasn’t counting calories, points, or following any kind of diet. I was eating foods our maker has provided for us! God gave us the perfect foods of this world, humans have made it poisonous… Literally! I gained 37 lbs during my twin pregnancy and I have since lost 47 lbs!
Homemade 1st Birthday Cake made by mommy
I visited a doctor who practices natural medicine (which I highly recommend) and I take natural supplements to control my PCOS… Cinnamon 2000 mg, Chromium 800 mg, Vitamin D 5000 iu (which I was low on!), a whole food multi and fish oil, N-Acetyl Cysteine 600 mg (NAC), and myo-inositol 4000 mg. That may seem like a lot, but you know what? I am not on any prescription drug. I have healed my body naturally. I am VERY proud to say that for the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I have had regular cycles for over a year(they previously ranged 50-90 days)! My skin is clear. I am at a healthy weight. My blood sugar is in control. I am no longer a prisoner of PCOS. I am FREE!
This life is a journey. I am taking one day at a time and learning as I go. Health is my passion. I am an educator by trade, but more importantly, a life long learner. I hope you continue to follow along so we can learn together!
My family. My inspirations. My heart.
What about you? Where are you at in your health journey… and where do you want to be?
Love it? SHARE IT!
Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
Click to print (Opens in new window)
Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
Like this:
Like Loading…Posted by Love Life Naturally at 3:24 pm26 Responses to “My Story”
Do You Need to Cleanse Your Body to Lose Weight, Feel Better, and Get Healthy? | Loving Life… Naturally says:June 18, 2013 at 10:39 pm[…] About Me… My Story […]
Sam Marquit says:June 26, 2013 at 12:56 pmHello,
My name is Sam Marquit, I am an independent ‘green’ contractor and co-author of Fair Marquit Value I am wondering if you’re interested in featuring me on your blog (Loving Life Naturally) because I would love a chance to speak with your readers about the idea of environmentally responsible tourism as it’s applied in modern day travel and stay.
If you think this topic, or any other for that matter, would be of interest to your readers, please let me know and I can begin drafting up something that I believe will mesh with your blog very well.
I look forward to hearing back from you; hopefully we can work together on spreading the word on important topics like this as they relate to environmental awareness!
I look forward to hearing from you,
Sam
ReplyLove Life Naturally says:June 26, 2013 at 1:45 pmSounds Interesting Sam! Can you give me a little more detail on environmentally responsible tourism and how you feel it relates to Natural Living? 🙂
Reply
Jo says:August 12, 2013 at 5:26 pmJust stumbled across your site & am inspired & encouraged! My husband & I are just starting out on this health & fitness journey & I have to admit, I’m finding it difficult. So to stumble across your story is a blessing. I will be following you for sure!
ReplyLove Life Naturally says:August 12, 2013 at 5:29 pmOh Thanks so much Jo!! I am so happy you found me too! I love feedback and appreciate your comment! Let me know if I can help or if you have questions along the way! Welcome and cheers to your health! xo
Reply
Sue says:August 29, 2013 at 9:07 pmSo glad you’re doing better, bless you.
ReplyLove Life Naturally says:August 29, 2013 at 9:10 pmThank you so much <3
Reply
No Potato Salad ∙Loving Life… Naturally | Loving Life… Naturally says:September 6, 2013 at 4:20 pm[…] My Story […]
DIY Homemade Makeup Brush Cleaner∙Loving Life… Naturally | Loving Life… Naturally says:September 18, 2013 at 3:47 pm[…] My Story […]
Steve Caprio says:November 12, 2013 at 1:52 amI think everyone can benefit from natural lifestyle.. It’s what we were designed for 🙂 awesome work on the site.
ReplyLove Life Naturally says:November 12, 2013 at 6:32 amI agree!! Thanks so much! 🙂
Reply
Ultimate Reset Cleanse Review says:November 14, 2013 at 5:03 pm[…] My Story […]
Natural Anti-Aging Secrets the Cosmetic Industry Doesn't Want You To Know!∙Real Food And Natural Health Blog says:January 28, 2014 at 4:15 pm[…] My Story […]
Jessica says:February 11, 2014 at 9:01 amHi Sara, I came across your blog and I know your boys are out of the baby stage, but thought you might still be interested in learning about a new, healthy baby line – possibly to still review or offer a giveaway. If you’d be open to hearing more, please email me and we can discuss!
ReplyLove Life Naturally says:February 15, 2014 at 7:37 amJessica, I would love to hear more! Who knows we may have a #3 one day!? 😉 Please email me some info by clicking the the envelope button on the top right of blog 🙂
Reply
Free Shakeology Giveaway says:March 13, 2014 at 4:12 pm[…] My Story […]
Mary says:April 2, 2014 at 8:29 amHello, I stumbled across your blog as well. I suffer from PCOS badly and gained 30 pounds when I went off BC and am having the most difficult time figuring out my cycles so I can try to get PG. It has been tough on me and times I just want to go back on BC to get “normal” again but I don’t want to give up my dream of being a mother. I have acne, excess hair and pretty much all symptoms and Met has not subsided these at all. I think mine is so bad that only BC can help me.
ReplyLove Life Naturally says:April 2, 2014 at 2:37 pmMary, I am so happy you found me! I’m so sorry to hear that you are suffering, but can honestly say, I know exactly how you fee! It is so frustrating, but there is hope and you can heal your body! All women with PCOS suffer from a lack of progesterone which leads to an array of imbalances in the body. I have added Natural Progesterone cream (USP) to my regimen and am having GREAT success with it. Use after ovulation 2 times a day to begin regulating your cycles and to help mimic a natural cycle. How is your diet? Carb cravings? Sugar? It is crucial that you clean out all processed and unnatural foods in your diet to truly heal your body. I would love to help you further if you have more questions… feel free to email me personally! There is a link on my home page! As always, you should get your hormone levels checked by your doctor (hopefully one that believes in natural medicine!).
Reply
Homemade Oven-Baked Beet Chips∙Loving Life Naturally says:June 7, 2014 at 2:25 pm[…] My Story […]
Best Ever PALEO Chocolate Chip Cookies…Deceptively Nutritious!∙Loving Life Naturally says:August 24, 2014 at 4:01 pm[…] My Story […]
What Are The BEST PCOS SUPPLEMENTS For Battling My Symptoms Naturally∙Loving Life Naturally says:September 7, 2014 at 3:36 pm[…] My Story […]
Hallie says:February 4, 2015 at 3:34 pmHi Sara, I actually came to your blog after you started following me on Instagram. I LOVE your blog and everything you stand for. The information you provide to people is so truly educational and inspiring. It seems like you’ve been blogging for awhile and it is wonderful to see the success of your blog. Hoping I can shape mine in a similar way. 🙂 I’ll be reading!
-Hallie (and Havarti)
ReplyLove Life Naturally says:February 6, 2015 at 7:14 amThank you so so much Hallie!! I really appreciate your lovely comment! I look forward to following you as well! Happy blogging!
Reply
Shael says:May 29, 2015 at 1:11 pmWow, i have just been inspired by your amazing story! I would really like to share an opportunity with you, that someone shared with me and is making such a difference in my life. After reading your natural healthy life style, i was encouraged to share mine with you. I recently became a distributor for forever living products and it has made such a change to my lifestyle. I believe in sharing and making a difference, so hopefully this can make a difference in your life too. If you’re interested in becoming part of something bigger and becoming part of the forever living products business or even just using their amazing aloe based products please let’s get in contact! I would love to be able to inspire you the same way you inspired me. God is so good and really does bless beyond measure. Kind regards Shael x
Reply
Angela says:July 30, 2015 at 4:18 pmHello! You started following me on Instagram yesterday which is how I found your blog 🙂 how truly inspiring and encouraging it is to know there are other women out there — real women! — who have dealt with or who are currently dealing with the same challenges and life events I’m currently facing now! I look forward to reading more and seeing more of your beautiful family here and on Instagram 🙂
ReplyLove Life Naturally says:August 8, 2015 at 11:27 amThank you so much Angela for following, checking out my blog and your lovely comment!
Reply
