Hey everyone,

Today, I wanted to share a more personal update with you all about my health journey over the past year. In May of 2024, I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It was a big wake-up call. It led me to make significant lifestyle changes. I focused particularly on diet and daily habits. This experience has changed how I take care of myself. It has also deepened my understanding of what health and well-being really mean.

Adapting to a New Lifestyle
Since my diagnosis, a lot has changed. To manage my condition, I now go to dialysis three times a week. That’s become a regular part of my life. It’s challenging, but it’s also been essential in helping me feel better. It helps keep things under control. Alongside dialysis, I’ve made a complete overhaul of my diet. I’ve shifted to a low-sodium, low-potassium diet to better support my kidneys. So far, I’ve lost 75 pounds, and while that’s been a positive change, it’s not without its challenges.

One of the hardest parts of this new diet is adjusting to how different food tastes. Without all the added sodium, foods I used to enjoy now taste incredibly salty, to the point where they’re overwhelming. It’s interesting how our taste buds adapt to what we regularly consume, and I’m relearning what “flavor” truly is. My go-to meal these days is a salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette. This way, I can control the sodium content. I still get something fresh and satisfying.

Struggling to Get Enough Protein
One of the biggest hurdles I face is getting enough protein. Protein is essential, especially when dealing with chronic health issues. However, most meats at the grocery store come loaded with salt. It’s been tough to find protein sources that fit within my dietary needs. I’m exploring new options and learning as I go, but it’s definitely a work in progress.

Reflections on Health and Wellness
Living with CKD has taught me an important lesson. Health is about more than just how you look or feel on the outside. It’s about the choices we make every day. It involves how we fuel our bodies. It also includes the way we respond to life’s unexpected challenges. This experience has reminded me that health is a journey – one that looks different for each of us.

It’s easy to take our health for granted, especially when everything seems fine. But when something shifts, it changes your perspective. I’ve learned that taking small, intentional steps can make a world of difference. I am mindful of what I eat. I also find ways to stay active, even if it’s just a short walk. These actions all add up.

Moving Forward
I know that this is just one chapter in a much longer story. I’m committed to learning, adapting, and doing what I can to manage my condition and live fully. I’m also hoping to share more insights and tips along the way. I especially want to focus on low-sodium recipes, protein ideas, and general wellness practices. These are things that I’m finding helpful. If there’s anything specific you’d like to hear about, let me know – I’d love to connect and share ideas.

Thank you for reading, and remember: whatever you’re dealing with, big or small, health is a journey. Be kind to yourself. Listen to your body. Don’t be afraid to make changes that will help you feel your best.

Take care!