Body's 2nd Brain

Ever had a physical sensation that something wasn’t quite right? Or perhaps an odd feeling that a situation was somehow dangerous? Or have you had “butterflies” in your stomach just before an important meeting or situation? That was your second brain in action... “My second brain?” you ask. Yes. Unknown to most people, we actually have two physical brains. You’re intimately familiar with the brain encased in your skull. But did you know you also have a second brain in your gut? Actually, over one half of your nerve cells are located in your gut. And you may be even more surprised to learn that your second “gut brain” contains neurons and neurotransmitters just like those found in your skull. Plus here’s something that may come as even more of a shock! Just like your primary brain, your “gut brain” is also able to learn, remember, and produce emotion-based feelings. The expression “gut-level feeling” isn’t just a “saying.” We really do have feelings in our gut. Our two brains communicate back and forth via a major nerve trunk extending down from the base of your brain all the way down into your abdomen. Because of this, your two brains directly influence each other. When one brain becomes upset, the other joins right in. That’s why your stomach might get “fluttery” because of anxiety before an important meeting. Or why a late night spicy snack that’s hard on your stomach might also give you some nasty nightmares.

my journey

My journey is never ending. I struggled to lose weight after my 1st child because I did not exercise and eat healthy while pregnant.

I have never been a small eater. I really like to eat!!!! I love ice cream. I love pasta. Anything with the word "italian" and I am there!!!

I started exercising taking classes and doing weight watchers to lose waiting after my first. With the second I stayed fit during my pregnancy and the weight came off easier. I decided after the birth of my 2nd that I was no longer going to be a slave to my compulsive/emotional eating habits. When my second was 6 months old I began running. I loved running...I ran every morning from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. I lost all my baby weight. I love the alone time and often the friend time. it was a great way to start my day, refresh my mind and prepare for the long day of crying kids, dirty diapers, and play dough messes!!!

I still struggle with eating. I used to fall into the trap of thinking that I could eat whatever I wanted because I had ran 8 miles that morning. After about a year of struggling to lose the last few pounds I wised up and used some common sense eating. Most of us know what we are doing wrong .... I did and I still always do.

Fake it 'till you make it

When I first began this program last October, I was so jazzed and ready to get back in shape. I had my second son in March and was giving myself time to adjust to being a Mom to two young boys who needed alot from me, and I didn't want to focus on my weight just yet. By the end of the summer, I was out of excuses and missing my cute clothes. Time to do something. I lost 8 pounds in 7 weeks and felt really good. I was being more thoughtful about what I was eating and was able to run a little without dying. I was stronger and leaner that I had been in 2 years. Then I made a big mistake. When the session was over, I didn't return. I stopped exersizing and Winter set in. I did nothing for 4 months. I am not really sure why except that I put myself last on my list.
Once January was over, I started the session again. This time I would reach my goal. This time would be better than last time. So I signed up for 2 classes. And then the kids got sick. Then I got sick. Then it was snowing. A million excuses got in the way, and I was so unmotivated. I did not know how to get moving again. I knew I wouldn't quit, but I was not into it like before. But I showed up. I had to just go to class, get it done and then I would feel better. I had to fake it, then maybe I would make it. It took a few weeks, and then Mendy gave us a food challenge. Eat 7-8 small, healthy meals or snacks. At first I was like, no way. I don't eat that way. It is unnatural for me. 4 days into it and I was hooked. This was a major boost for me. I loved being able to eat something, not waiting 4 hours until lunch. I loved not feeling stuffed and bloated after dinner, rolling myself to bed to sleep on hundreds of calories. This new way of eating really worked for me. After the first week of eating this way, I lost 4 1/2 pounds. Wow. I have never lost that much in one week in my life! I have more energy, and I eat healthier this way. I have never been a perfect eater; I love junk food. But I am making much better choices. Now I need to make the same progress with exersize. And if I have to fake it 'till I make it, I will do it.

Here is one of my favorite quotes:

Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. Will Rogers

Kendra