2.5 years out I should be ashamed!

Well congratulations.  You've taken the first step by acknowledging the issues and that's often the hardest one.  We start out so great and then are ashamed to come back and be less than perfect when the honeymoon is over.  I've been there and am back again.  We're here for you.  First things first . . .

1.  Get back on your vitamin regimen as you know it.

2.  Get your labs, grin and bear it and if you've got a good doc, nut or just come to us and you can get plenty of guidance on adjusting your regimen to correct any deficiencies.

3.  Realize that putting yourself first is not only not-selfish, but a necessity for you to be there for your kids.  You are very important.

Hang in there, it may be rough getting back on track, but there is a great satisfaction and strength in knowing that you are regaining control.

Like so many others, I learned that when life is overwhelming, I retreat and neglect everything . . . especially myself.  I'm dealing right now with vitamin D and magnesium deficiency big time that presented by very PAINFULLY complicating the onset of sciatica in my right thigh.  Once I was able to start getting the terrible muscle cramps from the deficiency under control, the sciatica itself has been a breeze.  I still have some severe weakness in that right thigh muscle that I'm doing PT and my own workouts for, but there is small improvement steps each day and I'm thankful for it.

You'll have good days and bad days and that's normal.  Just live each day better than the next and appreciate each one and you'll be fine.  Stick with us, we'll get you through.

Try the Vitalady prepackaged vites - it sounds like you'll need at least everything in them (plus more).  Good luck!! :-)

Besides getting back into taking your vitamins, you might want to add 2-4+ protein shakes daily to get your protein levels back where they need to be.  You can do it!

Hey there, Babydoll.  A fellow Michigander!  I don't live near Detroit anymore, but I visit frequently because my family is still there.

You are getting great advice here. The Vitalady pre-packaged vites or sorting once per month is a great place to start, followed up by protein shakes.  Running labs immediately will help:  you will be able to begin supplementing what you're short in so you don't get any worse.  Tracking food on MyFitnessPal is the best to me.  Sometimes what we think we're eating and what we're actually getting are two different things.

The main thing is to get a solid system so that you're not overwhelmed.  I cook a lot in crock pots, and sometimes use a morning or afternoon to do a week's worth of cooking.  Find out what works best for you and the kids in terms of simplicity.

Keep checking in!

Thanks everyone! I am on vitalady's vitamin regiment I "normally" Sort them and set myself up a month at a time. I did look at her prepackaged and honestly it isn't worth the extra money to me to have someone sort them  for me. I'm going to go Monday to get my labs drawn so I can get a good idea of exactly where I stand. 

Anyone have any recommendations on protein?? Any new favorites out there? I myself have found the only one I can stand is Champion pure whey stack chocolate. I went to order it online where I used to get a 5 lb tub for around $45 and all I can find it for is about $80. Anyone find it cheaper?

Anyhow so far my game plan is I have set an alarm on my phone for my vitamins to keep me on track. And adding 4 protein shakes a day. I'm going back to writing down everything I put in my mouth. Once I get my labs back I'll adjust my vitamins and pray I haven't gotten myself so far into deficiency that I can't dig my self out.

I get unflavored whey protein isolate (NOW Foods) from Lucky Vitamin in a 10#  bag, and use extracts, dark cocoa and decaf hazelnut coffee as flavorings.

For me, it's much more economical, and I can change flavors at will so I don't get bored.

I like the alarm idea...setting my phone up right now!  I generally have set times that I take my vites, but a little reinforcement can't hurt!

Hmm.. I will have to try that. Does it come in smaller amounts so i can try it with out committing to a 10# bag?? I ONLY drink my protein in iced coffee so flavoring it would be right up my ally!! 

Yes, it comes in 2.5 pound jars, and you can get it in bulk at some health food stores in a 1 pound bag

There is a Michigan based DS FB group called MIDS.  Good bunch of people and I bet you would be able to go to their get togethers with locals.

I am familiar with MIDS Unfortunately I am about 2.5 hours away. I have attended a few get togethers GREAT ladies :)