Just a few short years ago if you asked me if I could ever see myself writing a blog post for a blog focused on being active with cystic fibrosis I would have laughed.  As a child I was active. I woke up early just so I could jump on the trampoline. I danced and even did gymnastics for a few years. I rode my bike and rollerbladed around the neighborhood. I enjoyed being active and outside and somewhere along the way I lost that.

I can’t say exactly when or why I lost that, but at least part of the reason was lack of energy. I just didn’t have as much energy as I used to. Napping sounded muchmore appealing then working out or even going for a walk. After awhile I got sick of being tired all the time. I started searching for ways to increase my energy. Itried a lot of different things, including lots of coffee and energy drinks, but it wasn’t working and it just wasn’t healthy. At this time my diet consisted of a lot of processed foods and fast food. I wasn’t the greatest cook so foods that were convenient were my ‘go to’.  This is where I decided to make a change: a change that would impact my life for the better. 

I starting reading all I could about food, nutrition and cooking. I taught myself to cook by following recipes, watching cooking shows on TV, and just getting in the kitchen and getting to work.  Over time my energy started to increase and my digestive issues started to get better. I have tried many different ways of eating to better my health. I have done the vegetarian thing, added back in fish, incorporated juicing, ate 

‘clean’, etc. In the past year I found a ‘new’ way of eating. A diet based in whole, real, nutrient dense foods. A diet without processed foods, less sugar, and absent of foods that cause inflammation and are hard for the body to digest. Some people know this way of eating as Paleo. Call it whatever you want, but as soon as I started eating a diet based in whole nutrient dense foods, everything else just fell into place. My digestive issues, which I figured would always be there because of my cystic fibrosis, improved dramatically: less bloating, gas, and better absorption of foods. My energy increased, and many days I now feel like it’s through the roof! I also have a clearer head with less mental fog.

With the change in diet came increased energy, and with the increased energy my love of being active and outdoors came back! Even though I work full-time I still have enough energy to stay active without being exhausted.

I weight train 3-4 days a week, and do some sort of cardio 2-3 days a week.  But what I really love is yoga and hiking. I incorporate yoga in my day every single day. I am certified to teach yoga in recovery, to at risk-youth, and those who have been through any sort of trauma. I have also been certified in yoga and the 12-Steps of recovery and hope to become a registered yoga teacher within the next year. I also love hiking. I try to go at least once a week, even if it’s a short hike.

A few months ago my husband and I went to Yosemite and did one of my longest hikes yet. I was able to hike for 10 hours without feeling absolutely exhausted. Yes, 10 whole hours! I was able to enjoy every minute of it! In less than a month we will be taking on a 20 mile Xtreme Hike with the CFF to help raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis. I also have a goal, and it’s a big one, to hike the John Muir Trail which is 200+ miles in 2016. Hiking and yoga are great for my mind and soul, but for my health as well. My lungs appreciate all the activity and challenges. Working out for health doesn’t have to be boring. Find something you love and do it often. I also love kayaking and want to try paddle boarding. Get creative and get active. If you find yourself lacking the energy and motivation look to your nutrition and see if you can make some changes there. Eat well, get creative, and stay active. Your lungs will thank you for it!