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Introduction Text I first joined SparkPeople in February 2020, but really didn't understand what it was about except for a way to log calories and exercise. When the COVID-19 lockdown hit at the end of March, I gave up on it. On Sunday, August 2, 2020, someone took a photo of me meeting the new Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham (Alabama). I had planned to post the photo on Facebook, but was horrified to see how fat I looked. My shock and depression from that photo is what got me back with SparkPeople that very day. It has only been one month now, and I really haven't lost any weight to speak of, but my outlook is so much better than it was a month ago. I'm eating better and moving a lot more, and I intend to keep up the streaks I have started for both. What's so remarkable about the improvement is that I'm actually going through a pretty awful time with insomnia caused by restless legs. I'm trying to get in to see a neurologist, but the wait is long. It's hard to believe, but I'm only getting 1-2 hours of sleep most days. If I hadn't joined SP and committed myself to stick with it, I am sure I would not be enduring this as well as I am. I've joined many teams, made friends, taken on challenges--and they have all combined to help me keep my sanity and sense of humor. So that's where I am right now. Trying to sleep, trying to get medical help, trying to lose weight, but very glad for all the good that has come through joining SparkPeople. CJ 9/4/2020

I so want to lose weight to take stress off my joints, to possibly eliminate some meds, to look and feel better in clothes, and to hopefully have more energy and alertness. But with lupus am not sure if fatigue will lessen.

Tried Intermittent Fasting but it just didn't work for me. I'm now simply trying to stay within the SP recommendations for calories and fitness. Taking it slow, trying to eat better, get more exercise, and have a more positive attitude.

58 years old, married to my wonderful husband, Mark, for 27 years. Originally from Chicago, then lived in Massachusetts, then met Mark in San Diego. We moved to Birmingham, Alabama, about 15 years ago just because life in CA was getting too crazy. I have had lupus (SLE) for 18 years. Also have Sjogren's Syndrome and fibromyalgia. Biggest issues are fatigue and sun sensitivity.



Add a Link CJ Birmingham, AL (Central time)
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