The other day, I hit 4500 steps. While this may not seem like a big deal to some, this is a huge accomplishment for me! For the past eight months, I have been slowly inching my way up to this number, so to finally hit my goal not only felt like a step in the right direction (pun absolutely intended), but a testament to my recovery and healing progress.
It’s been difficult to get these steps in during the summer because it is simply too hot outside, so I’ve taken after my dog and started pacing around the house. Every hour like clockwork, I get up to log my steps for the day, and oddly enough, with the COVID-19 stay at home orders/recommendations, my home has turned into a bootcamp of sorts. By the time everything opens up again and it’s safe to fully return, I’ll be entering the world with the strength to participate, resigning from my role of observer. Big cheers to that!
Why was my goal 4500 steps? Well, research suggests that women see health benefits beginning at 4400 steps a day (I did an extra 100 steps because I am an overachiever and memorized the wrong number…). To me, this number symbolized not only improvements in my physical strength and symptoms, but also represented a progression back to good health in general. I am on my way to becoming a fully abled, healthy human again and man, it feels good!
To put this all in perspective, eight months ago, I was averaging 800 steps a day. I couldn’t stand for longer than 6 minutes, I struggled climbing stairs, and many days, a simple walk to the bathroom was all that I could manage. The road forward has been daunting and painfully slow to say the least, but I’m so grateful for my team of doctors, physical therapists, psychotherapist and dietician for quite literally helping me get back on my feet.
To celebrate reaching this goal, yesterday I threw on my baking cap and whipped up a batch of ‘POTS brownies’ (minus the marijuana…). I found this gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free recipe on TikTok and can confirm from personal experience that it is absolutely delicious! I will copy and paste the recipe and share it with you all down below.
Recipe:
1/2 mashed banana
1/2 avocado
1 egg
4 tablespoons of maple syrup
1/4 cup of cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees, then devour and enjoy!!!!
Elaine Thomas
Alli, your achievement of reaching your goal of taking 4,500 steps a day despite the heat outdoors serves as a North Star for those who say it’s just too hot to walk! Thank you for sharing your recipe, too.
howellsalli
Of course! Hope you enjoy xo