Background:
I grew up on a farm in good ole’ Oregon, USA. Yeah that’s right a cross between pot smoking hippies and right-winged farmers.
(the farm…ohh how I miss it)
I was an AmeriCorps Teacher for one year after graduating from college and probably have never had something challenge me so much in all of my life.
I moved to Australia in July 2006 and began working as a ‘house mom’ for an American University whilst on a student visa. I also completed my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Management.
(just a couple of my students. I had 4 groups of 20 American Students who studied abroad in Australia for 1 semester)
I am currently working for a university in Australia. However, as of February 2010 I will be enrolling into a Full-Time (YIKES) degree course to become a nurse! It’s my dream, it’s my passion, it’s my calling.
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Weight Loss:
I have lost 120lbs. I did WeightWatchers on and off for about eight years. In September 2008..on my birthday..I weighed in at 168lbs. The SMALLEST I’ve ever been. However, after some major health issues, I ended up spiraling down into a five month binge. I gained around 30lbs and became a closet night binger. I would binge until I literally couldn’t put any more in my body and then lay down and cry myself to sleep. Each night making a list of the things which I would do in the morning..but never did.
I was floundering and so ashamed of how much weight I had gained, how much I had let myself go. I realised I needed help. I came across Angela’s website and one of her FAQs is about how she overcame binge eating. I think the amazing thing is that so many of the health nuts on the blogging world..eat.
I have decided to trust my body to listen to my hunger signals, listen to my emotions and never go back to that dark place again. My goal is to find a balance between my health issues and emotionally convoluted weight issues. I have been to see a counsellor recently, I am not a shrink thumper, but it helped me incredibly. It’s not easy, but I am finally enjoying food.
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Health:
During a trip back from the states, in December 2008, I stopped over in Japan.
While in the beautiful city of Kyoto, Japan I thought I was going to die in Starbucks. I hailed a taxi, screamed ‘hospital’ to the taxi cab driver while wailing in pain in the back seat.
Anyways after two days in a hospital, ultrasounds, x-rays, etc. I had what was referred to as an intussusception. The reason why the doctors were so worried is that it is most common in young children. Thus if it happens in adults it’s usually caused by something else.
(going from Kyoto to Tokyo on the bullet train. Having been fasting for 1 1/2 days–not a happy camper–with an IV because they were worried I’d get dehydrated. The looks were amazing)
I got back from Japan and then went into hospital in Australia for another night and endured a CT scan and ‘lymphoma’ tossed around. I had a colonoscopy a week later (was the youngest person by far in the place). I was told that everything was fine and that they wanted to have a follow up with me after that.
I have been on many different types of diets and food eliminations. However, after working with an amazing naturopath I have come up with what makes my body well.
- no sugar/gluten/alcohol (one glass if I go out MAX)
- Limited Fruit–no more than 2 serves per day
- RICE
- Meat
- No soy milk
- No dairy
This is one happy girl! I finally have answers!!!!!!!!!!!
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Other than that I love to bake. Homemade pumpkin pie from scratch for Thanksgiving 08′.
15 responses so far ↓
foodsthatfit // January 28, 2009 at 11:54 pm |
AMAZING! You look awesome!
Amy // February 26, 2009 at 8:49 am |
Wow. How long have you been on this then? I did something similar for a while as a “cleanse” (like 2 years ago) but have readjusted since then and incorporated things back into my diet. Best of luck with this, it’s a challenge but the results are worth it!
Mish // February 27, 2009 at 9:02 am |
I have started the Special diet…I like to tell myself it’s a lifestyle about a month ago. I am trying to stick to it, although it can be difficult…especially going out. But, I feel better and that’s the most important thing at this point.
Robi // March 11, 2009 at 8:54 am |
You should write a cookbook for people living with Crohn’s!
Michelle // April 10, 2009 at 9:53 pm |
I just stumbled upon your blog, and you story is incredible! I will definitely be reading from now own.
jasberrie // May 21, 2009 at 10:59 pm |
I’ve just come across your blog, and you have the most amazing story
I just started my own blog (jwhin.wordpress.com) so I look forward to reading yours more, and maybe you can check mine out!
Jasmine
healthy ashley // May 30, 2009 at 9:15 am |
What an amazing story! So your diet made you better (or at least feel better)? Wow! Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Sara // May 31, 2009 at 12:08 pm |
Thanks for sharing your story. I can relate to a lot of it (especially the part about the binges…something I really struggle/have struggled with). I look forward to reading more; best of luck!
Mish // May 31, 2009 at 12:13 pm |
Sara,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope that what I am going through is of help. I wonder sometimes if sharing is what I should be doing, but it helps me and it’s nice to know that I am not the only one.
M
Ashley // June 2, 2009 at 9:47 pm |
I’m so excited to have found your blog! What an amazing story. You have done so well! 120 lbs is beyond amazing.
Iris // June 10, 2009 at 1:56 am |
I think it’s great that you’re working so hard to find that healthy balance! It sounds like you and I have some similar issues with food and bingeing. I also just started eating gluten-free, so I’ve started a blog about that and my journey to have a healthy relationship with food (I also work as a weight-loss counselor so I talk to people every day with emotional food issues, which gives me a lot to think about).
runningshoes89 // June 12, 2009 at 7:48 am |
hey there!
i’m new to the blogging community and when i stumbled across your site, i was so impressed by all you have accomplished. truly inspiring. i totally agree with what you said about all these healthy, fit women who actually EAT – it is so eye-opening! anyway, just thought i’d introduce myself – i’m lauren
Mish // June 12, 2009 at 8:49 am |
Thanks Lauren for stopping by. Welcome to the blogging community. Hope that you enjoy the posts.
debby // July 8, 2009 at 9:49 pm |
Mish, I really liked your comment on Miz’s blog this morning about not listening to our bodies. It really made me think, and I quoted you in a blog I wrote this morning. I am going to give you credit, now that I have found your blog! Hope you don’t mind.
myprettypennies // July 31, 2009 at 4:38 am |
Just stumbled on your blog today and it’s very inspiring. Keep up the good work!