Your new and improved Cruise Consultant…………….

It’s been a challenging time over the last 6 months for me, having spent years living the good life, spending time on over 40 cruise ships and eating all the delicious food on offer and working my way through the cocktails menus, sitting at a desk day in and day out and not doing enough exercise, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes last September. It came as an enormous shock to be honest as I had experienced none of the typical symptoms, and I also felt deeply ashamed that I had become not only a statistic but a part of the epidemic that is draining the resources of our already overstretched NHS! I now had what is classed as a ‘chronic health condition’, in a nutshell I was mortified.

I thought that that was that. A lifetime of blood sugars and medication, however, I hadn’t counted on my wonderful GP who decided that I was going to be his project. We were going to reverse it. With diet and exercise this could be done and we were going to work together to make it happen.

Well, me exercise? Me diet? Oh Lordy! But do you know what, there is nothing quite like a Diabetes diagnosis to give you the kick up the backside that I needed, that and the fact that I have to be Mother of the bride at the end of August. I decided that I was going to do this, embrace it fully.

I started a new eating regime, none of these faddy diets but one that was sustainable long term, more healthy eating than diet. I embraced exercise like I never have done in my life before. I started swimming, and I have to say I amazed myself. I have never been a strong swimmer but I now do 32 lengths, half a mile, twice a week having gradually built up my lengths. My son arrived home one day with an exercise bike in tow which I tentatively tried out and now do 5k every morning and another 5k every evening. The new me!

I am thrilled to say that within 3 months of this new regime I had completely reversed my Diabetes and a further two months down the line I am off all medication. I have also lost two stone in the process 🙂

I have to say I am loving my new lifestyle, I feel like a brand new woman and the exercise is addictive. Sos much so that I am trying something new tomorrow night. Middle son has been going to Hot Pod Yoga classes and has asked me to go with him and his mates. I have never tried yoga before so I am really looking forward to trying it out. The ‘hot pod’ is like a domed tent and is heated to 37 degrees, there is low lighting and ‘immersive soundscopes’. I am really looking forward to trying out this new venture, how good I will be at it is another matter but let’s see.

If you had told me last summer that I would be where I am now I would never have believed you but here I am, feeling younger by the minute and fitter than I have felt for years. I am now looking forward to all the new clothes I can buy for my next cruise, many sizes smaller than I have worn for years, and of course my special outfit for my daughters wedding at the end of August. I will be sure to post all about that special day in September.

For now folks, take good care of yourselves and happy cruising! By the way, the photo above isn’t me, not just yet! Doing my best to get there though!