Day 8: Back in the Cold Zone!

Day 7

Weight:  187 lbs
Size:  14
Blood Pressure:  135/87*
Feeling:    
  Pre-Cryo: Pretty good, looking forward to cryo! 
  Post-Cryo:    Refreshed, slightly more energy.

Who would have thought I would have looked forward to a Monday?

An old high school friend posted about a strained back muscle today  and how much pain she was in.  I highly recommended she pop in for a quick freeze that would undoubtedly set her right immediately.  She was having none of it.  I was amazed that anyone would rather continue to suffer when they could be feeling better in just a few minutes.

Another facebook friend sent me an online article that was fairly questioning of cryotherapy.  It was fairly written and pointed out that the many positive claims could not be proven scientifically.

Now, I'm not a doctor.  I'm not a scientist.  I'm just your average girl with a bit of an adventurous streak who isn't afraid to try new things.  

It's fair that a lot of claims can't be proven.  For example, the weight loss claims associated with cryotherapy can't be proven medically, no matter how many people report a difference, because the FDA has some strict rules on that and measuring the burning of calories or the metabolism isn't an exact science, as far as I know.  When it comes to pain relief, cryotherapy is akin to a massive icing effect.  Icing reduces inflammation and this is a definite icing...

As far as reducing anxiety or increasing energy, how can you prove or measure feelings?

I suppose I am somewhat amazed people would be reticent to get cold in dry air for a quick 3 minutes with so many people reporting such amazing results.  It seems like it would be at least worth the try.  Even if you don't love the cold, it's pretty fast.  I am the type who doesn't even like a cold shower, but this is just fine.  And getting into an ice bath?  Um...no freaking way.  Yet, this chamber of dry, cold air doesn't bother me a bit - I actually like it most of the time.

Did you catch the "most of the time" part?

Today, after a 1 day break, I did notice it was cold.  So much for acclimating.  It only took that single day off for my body to remember that extreme cold isn't normal...  Still, other than saying "brrr!" and marching in place a bit, I was just fine.

After yesterdays lack of energy, I was really craving cryotherapy today.  

Pre-Cryo:
I woke up after a great night of sleep - something I am really happy about.  Insomnia has plagued me since childhood and I have had no relief that wasn't chemical until now.  I felt refreshed, upbeat and happy to know I had cryotherapy ahead!  I've come a long way since my "I hate Mondays" routine.

In my mind, I already had a plan for how to use the energy I expected to get out of my cryotherapy session.  I had a small list of things to get done and was looking forward to a productive day.  My cold was behind me, other than a small cough lingering from 'what might have been' and I was ready to go.

Mentally I was in a great mood.  No stress on my mind, at least none bothering me that I could think of.  Oddly, there are probably things I should be stressing over, but I'm not...

Post-Cryo:

After my chill out session, I felt wonderful (as usual).  I was bursting with the energy I had expected and ready to put it to use.  I immediately set about getting things done.  

I did notice an immediate change to my appetite.  The moment I stepped out, my husband text messaged me to ask me if I would like him to pick me up lunch and I have him my order.  Within a few minutes, I sent him a second text to let him know I had changed my mind and wasn't hungry.  Instead, I headed straight for the grocery store and as I grabbed ingredients for a nice dinner, I chose a small, healthy snack.

I ran a few errands, enjoyed my healthy snack and continued on my productive streak until the afternoon storm update threw me off course by it's own slight change in course...my husband and I are supposed to be traveling this weekend to attend his 30th high school reunion in Texas.  An event he has largely been in charge of planning!  But the slight change in Hurricane Matthew's course now puts our hometown in a more precarious position that would make our departure on Friday irresponsible...so, we spent the rest of the afternoon entertaining "what if's" and trying to determine how to proceed.  

It's not completely off the table and I wouldn't mind losing another two pounds by the end of the week for good measure.  But I want to be sure to do it in a healthy way.  (Do you know how much it sucks to publicly post your weight, by the way?  I'm just saying...)  I've cut out my daily soda intake, which was mostly small but still harmful, and replaced it with only water.  I'm trying to be more aware of what I eat while still making sure that I do eat.  Hopefully the cryotherapy will continue to keep me motivated and help me to use my energy in positive ways.  I feel like I could even hit the gym - but, time may work against me there this week...  Still, I'm going to see if I can't do some real work here and make the momentum work with me.

I'm sorry for the late blog post!  I've been relatively glued to storm updates and trying to figure out how to proceed with three different sets of plans at the moment.  

But, hey, I gave you two goofy pictures today - so...forgive me?