Hey friends! Hope your week is off to a fantastic start!
Workout
I haven’t really posted about my workouts in quite some time, huh? Well, I’ve been toning it down on the HIIT and circuit-style workouts, opting to do them only once per week. Instead, I’m going to be strength training most days and doing HIIT once a week, and of course getting in at least one rest day. I might replace a strength day with yoga, depending on what I feel like. It’s just a basic outline, really. I’m just excited to get into a new routine!
Today, I did a shoulders and back (with a little bit of legs) workout, taking inspiration from Laura Bailey’s muscle building program. (Side note: Thanks to Meg for the recommendation!) I completed five supersets that looked like this:
- Shoulder Press: 3 sets of 15 reps
- Bent Over Row: 3 sets of 15 reps
- Side Lateral Raises: 3 sets of 15 reps
- Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 20
- Front Raises: 3 sets of 15 reps
- Rear Delt Flyes: 3 sets of 20 reps
- Arnold Presses: 3 sets of 15 reps
- Deadlifts: 3 set sof 20
- Plank Shoulder Taps: 3 sets of 20 (1 rep is a shoulder tap on each side)
- Downward Dog Push-ups: 3 sets of 15 reps
I totally felt the burn on this one, guys! A few of you asked for a workout created by yours truly, so I hope you try it out. If you do, let me know how it goes!
Today, Matty and I spent the afternoon together before he had to go to work. When lunch time rolled around, I made a batch of unpictured (oops!) sweet potato wedges and a gigantic salad.
This was heavenly. While the sweet potato wedges were in the oven, I sauteed 1/2 a block of tempeh in some cooking spray and 2 tsp. of Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki sauce. Meanwhile, I put a bunch of kale, 1/4 sliced red pepper, and 1/2 an avocado into a bowl and topped it with 1 Tbsp. of nutritional yeast and a homemade dressing made from 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp. of spicy mustard, and 1/4 tsp. garam masala. How random, huh? Oh well, I can assure you it tasted fantastic!
Update on the Bod Pod
So, I promised you all an update today on my journey towards getting my period back. Well, it’s here! This was definitely one of the more challenging vlogs I’ve had to shoot. My stomach was in knots because it is an uncomfortable topic for me to discuss so openly – and I’ve candidly laid it all out there for you. That being said, I hope you watch it and take what you can. 
Stay lovely,
Heather
Thanks for posting the workout! I love it! What sort of weights did you use? Great video by the way, love your honesty, true beauty from within
I used 8 and 12 lb. dumbbells…I’m working my way up! For the front and side raises, I used 8 lbs and 12 lbs for the rest of the exercises. You can adjust as needed.
STANDING OVATION Heather!! You rock, thank you so much for you strength and honesty! It takes a lot of guts to be open about issues in a blog let alone a vlog! You are so inspiring! So glad to hear your progress is heading in a positive direction!
Oh my goodness, Lydia! YOU ROCK. Thank you for making me feel like a million bucks.
xoxo
You WILL get there.
Thanks for sharing! I’m struggling with endocrine issues and am on progesterone as well. Trusting my own sense of things, my healthy habits and my phenomenal healthcare dream team.
Amen, sister! Gotta listen to what our bodies want and need. We’ll get there! One day at a time.
Heather–that was such a brave post!! I’ve also had period issues for most of my life. I was also a late bloomer and got my period really late–like at 17 and have never gotten it regularly on my own. I’ve always had to either take Provera or the pill. I am happy for you that you are figuring out your body issues and listening to your body. You are a bright, strong, and intelligent girl–and you’ll get through this! Just give the body time to heal–and it will!
PS: You’re gorgeous girl! I love your hippy/free-spirit style. Do you wear Free People? I like that brand a lot–it’s just so darn expensive!
Yaara, you’re amazing! Thank you so much. I wish that I could AFFORD Free People – it’s definitely a clothing line I admire from afar. Maybe some day! Haha. You can check out my fashion page for ideas on where I get my clothes.
Thank you so much for sharing this- – a couple wks ago when you mentioned your ‘birthday gift to yourself’ I finally made an appt with my MD to discuss my amenorrhea. I’ve been seeing a Naturopath, MD & am now waiting for an appt with an endo. to discuss holistic tx plans to balance my hormones. I’m so glad that I’m not the only one struggling with this. It’s so frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re doing everything ‘right’ nutritionally, spiritually & physically.
You’re so fortunate to have a naturopath that is an MD, Jo! I would love to see a naturopath but there isn’t one around me and the ones that are nearby aren’t covered by my insurance plan, which is very frustrating! I’m so happy that you’re taking matters into your own hands. You’re an inspiration! <3
Beautiful post
Love your honesty and openness. You will get there! One step at a time! Love you!
Thanks, Kris! You’re the best. I love you too! <3
Thanks for sharing this, it is nice to hear what information other people are getting. I have never heard about your body taking 3 years to menstruate again (and I have seen a lot of doctors). I have been waiting over 10 years, so obviously it is not true for me. I am surprised the endocrinologist prescribed hormones for you. The reproductive endocrinologist I work with specifically said no hormones/birth control pill because it prevents your body from trying to get your period naturally. The feedback system can essentially remain dormant during the period you are taking the hormones. Just curious are you seeing a reproductive endocrinologist or a regular endocrinologist?
Well anyway best of luck, I hope this works out for you. I have made significant changes in my diet and am just starting to see major signs of my period returning after almost a decade of amenorrhea (hello acne!)
Hi Liz, I am seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. I see the point your endocrinologist makes but, again, everyone is different. In my case, I’ve never had a regular period but my hormones are in check. I’m so happy for you, Liz!!! That is AMAZING. Congrats girl. You must be so proud and happy!
You are right. I was thinking more about my own personal experiences and forgot that we are all different and respond differently to certain treatments. Thanks for the encouragement and I can’t wait to hear about your own progress. We are all in this together and I wish you the best of luck on your journey! You seem like such a positive person and I would not be surprised if your period back soon!
This post meant so much to me.
Thank you for sharing this, it will help so many people like myself.
One of the main reasons I forced myself into recovery is because I am now in my 20′s and one day I hope to have a baby.I know how difficult it can be for people who have suffered from ED.
This post has put me at ease at not worrying to much and to just keep looking after my body this best I can and my menstrual cycle will return x
I’m SO happy this post helped you, Lisa! You’re not alone. It’s very challenging but, as long as you are doing all of the necessary things for your body, you will see positive changes down the road. I know that it’s scary but it’s for your vitality and longevity! You’ve got this, girl! xoxo
LOL this was weird for me to watch…
Thank you for this post. It is helpful to know that I am not alone with my struggles to regain my period. I also previously have suffered from an eating disorder, losing my period around age 16 and still waiting for its return (I am now 24). Even after regaining the weight I had lost, limiting exercise and upping my fat intake, my body still cannot produce a period on its own.
My husband and I are now considering having a baby and it has been a struggle. I have been taking provera to induce a period, then must take other fertility pills (we have tried clomid, femarra, and repronex (shots!)) to try to grow my follicles. So far no luck and it has been a very emotional journey. To think that I could have done this to myself is hard to swallow some days. But I know that now I am doing all I can to get and stay healthy.
I hope this is not too personal, but I was wondering if you are concerned about how this could affect your fertility in the future?
Thanks for sharing your story, Carly. I’m praying for you and your husband as you move forward with your journey to having a baby. Sending you so much love and light! I’m trying not to think about my fertility right now, as Matty and I are not married and I’m not in that space yet. Once day at a time, one step at a time, one situation at a time. I trust that God will take care of everything.
you’re so inspiring! thank you for opening up and sharing your experience and knowledge. xx
You are awesome Heather!!! Thank you for your honesty and sharing your experiences. I know so many women and girls are struggling out there with the same problem as you and know first hand how comforting it can be to know that there is someone else out there experiencing what you are. Coming back from the same place that you are in has been a continual struggle for me too but I am happy to say that the more time I give it the more things seem to be working themselves out! Always here for you!
YOU are so awesome, Danielle! Honestly, I look forward to your comments every day. They do not go unnoticed or under-appreciated, that’s for sure! I’m praying for you, girl!
You are a very special person, Heather. An inspiration.
Right back atcha, Ali!
Thank you sooooooo much for posting this! I also have struggled with an eating disorder and being a late bloomer, I never got my period on my own because my restriction messed with the timing of when I should have started it. I am so glad you advocate for medicine, at least in some cases, because I was prescribed birth control so I could finally get a period and hopefully undo some of the damage I caused. I definitely believe eating a higher fat vegan diet like I’m striving towards can help but medicine is needed sometimes and it’s okay to take it! I know one day I want to get mine naturally but I’m hoping this will help in the meantime!
It can take a long, long time for the period to return, Heather. You are absolutely taking a brave and smart step in choosing hormonal treatment right now: no, it’s not an easy choice, and yes, you probably wish you didn’t have to, but these kinds of interventions can sometimes give our bodies the “boost” they need in the right direction.
But rest assured that with time and proper nourishment, your cycle will come back to you. Patience, the support of good doctors, and belief in your body’s ability to heal is all very important. (I’m sure you’ll get there, and in the meantime, relax and be glad that you’re getting great advice and support.
xo
Coming from you, someone I look up to so much (on so many levels), this means so much to me. Patience is key, you’re right. It’s a challenge but I know that I’ll get there. And having your encouragement is so, so helpful. Love!
That workout looks awesome, I’ll definitely have to try it out soon!
I’m glad everything turned out okay, and it was really awesome that you shared your experience. It’s a problem a lot of girls have, but not one many people take time to talk about and it could definitely use some more attention.
Glad to be of help, my dear! I feel like it’s my duty to talk about these things with everyone. Thanks for always commenting and being so supportive. You’re amazing, Lea!
I am SOOO sososo glad everything is going to be okay!! That is very interesting about the 3-4 years for your body to realize your period thing. I was a late bloomer as well and have always been somewhat irregular. Thank you for sharing the info with us. I’m sure so many people will find this helpful. You’re amazing! and I literally just LOLed at Matt’s comment.
Thank you, babe! Hahaha, yeah, I did too. Leave it to Matt to bring the humor, right?
Hi Heather. It sounds like things are in good hands. I went through pretty much exactly the same thing, so I know the pill will definitely get your cycle going, which is great. Glad you’re taking care of yourself and doing what is best for your body. You’re going to be just fine
Take care!
Thank you, Stephanie! Your words are more comforting than you could possibly know.
Thanks for this love. I’m so proud you have taken the steps your body needs to recover. I needed to watch this and I know I need to scale back my workouts and eat at like 2500 calories a day to get back my menstruation. It will be hard, but so worth it in the end. I’ve gotten my calories up a lot, but having more troubles with the workouts for some reason. I am very happy to hear everything will be okay for you. With your healthy diet, mindset, and patience your body will gain back its ability to function normally. Our bodies are capable of such great things after we have done them wrong with eating disorders. Its amazing, and so are you! xox
Lisa, can I hug you?! (Can’t wait to actually do so at HLS). We’re going to get through our own personal struggles together. Love you!
I am so proud of you and happy that you were able to open up so much about this. You are such an inspiration for me and many, many other girls. Thank you for that! This helped me, personally, more than you could know!
I know that you’re going to overcome this. The fact that you’re so passionate about staying healthy is proof enough! <3
The workout sounds awesome, by the way! I'm definitely going to try it!
Thank you so much for your support, Emily! You’re amazing and your words are a total source of encouragement for me. Love you, girl!
thinking of you girl! sounds like you are on the right path. and I am happy to hear that it can take time for the body to heal. I have never really been worried about not having a period, but still nice to hear, as I know it will over time.
xoxo
Heather, I’m so glad to hear that you are on the road to figuring out your health — I know how frustrating it is when our bodies don’t function exactly as they please. This is random, but I was wondering: do you have any thyroid problems? I know that isn’t a period-related question, but after recovering from my borderline ED, I had blood work done and my thyroid is sluggish. I was curious if anybody else had encountered this problem too!
Heather,
Thank you so much for sharing that. That takes so much courage. I am glad that I found your blog.
Thanks
~Heidi
Hey! I’m really new to your blog( I wish I’d found it sooner!),and I adooore you and your outlook on life, Fortheloveofkale is a absolute joy for me to read:).
The video ( I could only see your arm , not your face for some reason, haha)was realy informative and taught me some stuff. I really admire your attititude towards being truly balalnced and healthy, its an inspiration for me dealing with my own struggles. And I do hope that all this period biznaz works out well for you , I can tell it will be a weight lifted for you!xxx
Heather you are such an amazing young woman! You are helping so many others by sharing your stories of struggles and success and I truly admire you! Sending positive thoughts your way and hope to hear some happy updates soon
xo
[...] Um, wow. You guys are beyond amazing. Thank you so much for all of your supportive comments on yesterday’s post. Your words gave me and so many other girls a lot of hope! It also freaked poor Matt out. Ha! Sha [...]
Thank you for sharing this. I know it was hard but I hope it made you feel better at the same time. It seems to me that you are doing an amazing job of eating clean and exercising in a healthy way….keep it up! I love using your ideas and incorporating them into my routine. Best wishes
Thank you, Liz! I’m so happy that you’re taking away some ideas and incorporating them into your lifestyle. Makes me so happy to hear that. You rock, girl!
Thanks for sharing this Heather – such a brave post. It probably helps so many girls, including me.
It’s comforting to know that it takes 3-4 years to your body to regognize the menstrual cycle! I found your blog a while ago and I’ve been a fan since! It’s amazing how openly and honestly you write. I love your positive and supportive attitude to live healthy, balanced and happy life. Keep your spirit high and everything will be ok.
Thanks for the encouragement, Suvi! Your comment made me smile from ear to ear.
[...] tried this back/shoulder workout from Heather at For The Love of Kale and absolutely loved it! I added some plyometrics between each [...]
Babe, SIS, thank you for putting this together for us <3 I am so so so so happy that you shared this. I need to know as much as I can about my sister <3
I'm here if you ever need to talk
<3 I love you
THANK YOU, MEG! I love you dearly. <3
p.s. you are an incredible speaker, sis!
[...] the Love of Kale: Update on the Bod Pod~I am so inspired by Heather’s honesty on her struggles. I am also so proud of her [...]
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