Accidental New Year’s Resolution

I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions. Not usually.

I prefer to look back on the year and remind myself of all my achievements.

Quite by accident, on the first of January I decided to take action against my migraines.

Morphing Migraines

Over the years my migraines have changed.

• They were a short burst (one day) of extensive pain and vomiting
• Then the vomiting eased but the pain intensified – sometimes to a frightening level
• Then the pain eased – so less pain but now they last 4-5 days

I can just about function with these ‘new’ migraines but I don’t really like how they travel from one side of my head to the other – I can feel them creep across my brain!

Drugs

The other problem is that I am taking more and more painkillers. I’m avoiding prescription drugs, but this has to change because:

• Right now I take codeine with aspirin and throw down some panadol if I need an extra boost
• Codeine will become a prescription drug next year
• I’m fed up with popping so many pills

Action

As of the first of January (quite by accident) I’m listing everything I eat and drink. I include the time spent on the laptop, quantity of sleep, level of stress, bed time and the time I wake up.

Boring Diet

Consequently, I am making other changes:

• I am avoiding chocolate
• I’ve cut right down on alcohol (not a drop during the week and a small quantity Friday and maybe Saturday night)
• I am avoiding chocolate
• I am rarely eating meat (well, I am consuming fish). As an A+ blood type, my body finds it easy to digest carbohydrates but hard to process meat
• I am avoiding chocolate (total success so far, by some miracle).
• Did I mention the chocolate?

How

• The chocolate is hidden in the fridge. I’ve recently been told that Australian chocolate has additional preservatives to prevent it melting as quickly.
• I’m drinking a lot more water – ensuring my intake is at least 3 litres per day
• The less chocolate and meat I eat – the less I crave it. So it’s becoming easier.

Results so far

1. I have loads of energy (driving hubby nuts)
2. I wake up less grumpy (hubby happy)
3. My digestive system is working a treat (everyone’s happy!)
4. My head has been quite clear for a week (again – everyone’s happy)
5. I’m losing weight (yay me!)
6. My perpetually dry lips are starting to repair (whoop whoop)

Relapse

I know I will struggle at times (Noel ate a meat pie yesterday and my stomach growled in protest!). When it happens I will just revert back to the better behaviour the next day and carry on.

I’m looking forward to reporting how I do. AND – why is this subject on my author blog? Well, sore eyes and head are rather important to avoid if I want to write!