Good news. I spoke to the doctor about having a hysterectomy and he no longer thinks its necessary. He explained that I will need to come in for an annual pap and colposcopy but as long as HPV testing results are negative I no longer need to contemplate this. Such a huge relief.

I have also been to see the pelvic floor physiotherapist and have added a number of different types of kegals into my exercise routine. Yes, there is more ways then one to do a kegal!!! Who knew!?!? It was explained to me that in France it is mandatory to have pelvic floor physiotherapy prior to leaving the hospital after having a baby. So, if you have had a baby get squeezing and strengthening those muscles. If you don't know how to strengthen those muscles here is what I was told:

Imagine drawing in a marble (with your rectum)
Imagine drawing in a raisin (with your urethra)
Imagine drawing in a ping pong ball (with your vagina)

Hold each contraction for 10 seconds and repeating 5 times.

You really do need a quiet space to focus on doing these exercises as its hard to do them without visualizing. You might feel silly but apparently its quite important and 1 in 3 women suffer from incontinence issues due to a weak pelvic floor. Try it out and let me know how you are doing!

I have been told not to doing any jumping exercises or heavy lifting (over 10 lbs - like that's going to happen I have 3 kids!). I have modified my exercise to accommodate this though. At first I felt set back because my workouts wouldn't be as intense but this weeks workout videos showed me that even with modifications you can still work hard. I did a 30 minute kettle bell workout (I didn't have a kettle bell so I used a 10 lbs dumbbell) and my muscles thanked me for 3-4 days. It was so intense and I LOVED it. So if you have an injury or need to build your strength and muscle before going hard then don't feel setback by taking modifications because you are still moving and that's what matters!

This week I made a healthy Sheppard's pie that turned out pretty good!

Sauté onions, carrots, celery, peas, corn, 2 garlic cloves and whatever other veggies you want. Soak cashews in water for at least half an hour and blend them in the blender with the water and add to your sautéed veggies (you can add ground beef/turkey/chicken). This will be the base of the Sheppard's pie. Sprinkle a bunch nutritional yeast onto the mixture once its in a casserole dish (this will add a cheesy flavour) and add boiled smashed cauliflower to the top and bake in the oven. Flavour with whatever spices you want and have it with braggs or Dijon mustard and YUM!