How Kickboxing at 9Round Has Changed My Health

Last week I went to the doctor for my annual checkup and blood work. And was so nervous to get my results.

My health this year has really scared me. My last checkup in January of 2017 showed that I was almost pre-diabetic with a Hemoglobin a1C level of 5.7 (5.7 and below is normal, 5.7-6.4 is pre-diabetic, and 6.4 or higher indicates type 2 diabetes). I have a family history of diabetes, so when my levels showed borderline pre-diabetes, I jumped to the worst-case scenario.

Especially because my blood sugar levels showed a fasting glucose of 108 mg/dL, when normal is under 100 mg/dL.

Though Ha1C levels are used to diagnose diabetes, it alarmed me to see my fasting blood sugar that high!

Post-checkup

I actually got an accuCheck blood sugar reader which I used for two months, trying to track my blood sugar levels on my own. It was especially discouraging because it seemed like every reading was high, even after long fasting periods. There is a phenomenon called the Dawn Phenomenon that explains higher than normal blood sugar levels in the morning. But other weird stuff was coming up, like normal levels after eating a huge lunch at a work event.

I eventually got really fed up and stopped using my accuCheck. I convinced myself that I was mentally causing my blood sugar levels to increase because of my anxiety.

Anyway, I tried eating a lower-carb diet- but I allowed more and more carbs as the year went on.

Fast forward to last month when we went to Paris.

Paris

We are normally gluten-free, but gave ourselves the freedom to eat whatever we wanted while in Paris.

And let me tell you- we definitely enjoyed ourselves in Paris!

For example, our favorite pastry shop was next to the closest metro station to us, so on our last day, on our way to the airport, we got:

  • 2 croissants
  • a baguette sandwich (it was huge)
  • a chocolate pistachio roll
  • a chocolate almond croissant
  • a giant eclair

We told ourselves we would eat some, and finish the rest when we landed in America.

It was gone within the first hour of our flight. (Seriously the best meal I think I’ve ever had!!)

2018 checkup

Okay, back to my blood work.

I had my doctor’s appointment last week and was so nervous about it! You see, the Ha1C number is calculated with your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.

Seeing as Paris was within the past few weeks, I braced myself for high levels.

But when I got my results, I was so surprised!

Ha1C: 5.3 (normal is 4.6%-5.7%)

Glucose: 87 mg/dL (normal is under 100 mg/dL)

And that was after eating so many carbs and sugars. I was floored!

I realized the only true lifestyle change I had made between last year and this year was starting a consistent workout.

Getting fit

I joined 9Round in late January with my blogger best friend, Mary. It’s a short 30-minute kickboxing workout that kicks your butt (you can check out my post about getting fit at 9Round for more details about the workout.)

On average, I go about three times a week. Other than that, I really don’t work out at all. But it has made all the difference in my health.

Two months later, my blood work is normal, my cholesterol has gone down (I also have high cholesterol), and I feel great.

We were able to walk so many miles each day in Paris without getting exhausted (just my feet hurt).

This lifestyle change has made such a difference in such a short time!

Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you all!

XO,

Jasmine

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Jasmine Alley

Jasmine Alley

I'm a Dallas-based, full-time travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust! Through my website and Instagram, I hope to help others plan picture-perfect trips to the most beautiful places in the world! When I travel, I like to emphasize nature, hidden gems, and unique places.
Jasmine Alley

Jasmine Alley

I'm a Dallas-based, full-time travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust! Through my website and Instagram, I hope to help others plan picture-perfect trips to the most beautiful places in the world! When I travel, I like to emphasize nature, hidden gems, and unique places.

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Hi, I’m Jasmine! I’m a nature-obsessed, beauty-finding, Jesus-loving dreamer with a serious case of wanderlust. I love to create photo-worthy travel content and hope to fill your travel plans with incredible beauty and breathtaking views! Thanks for following along on my adventures!

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