The Holidays Are Over

I'm sure I 'm not the only one who can say that the holidays were hard on my will power. My determination and healthy eating plan went out the window most days. Of course I gained weight and now I'm working on repairing the damage.

I had really good intentions of staying on track during the holidays, but I just found the temptations too overwhelming. "I'll start over tomorrow," became my go-to mantra.

Now that the holidays are over, I'm trying to get back into my groove. It's not easy. I'm just going to be real with you, I don't want to do it most days. I want a magic pill that will just make all this fat go away. But, since that's not going to happen, I have to muster up some will power and push through one day at a time.

It has been a slow start. Most days start good, but more times than I like to admit, they end badly. I just am finding it hard to get motivated. I feel like there's no point in trying sometimes. That hasn't stopped me from starting fresh each morning though, so I must still feel like there's some light at the end of the tunnel.

I am starting "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst again. It really is a good book/tool to help with Godly encouragement. There is a book and devotional. I recommend them both.

I share this with you not to discourage, but to just be transparent and real with you. I know there are others who are going through the same thing and I want you to know that you are not alone. I'm certainly not giving up and you shouldn't either. This is a marathon, just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Ten Pounds Down

If you've been keeping up with my blog then you know that I had gained weight and was literally starting over. What I didn't share before is that I reached an all time high weight, breaking my record for highest weight ever.

Since my last post it has taken me a while to get my head in the game and get things moving in the right direction, but I've finally made some progress. I've lost ten pounds and I'm feeling encouraged about the future.

I sincerely want to be an encouragement to others on this same journey. I know how hard it is to lose weight. I have hypothyroidism which makes it even harder, but I'm determined to never quit, no matter how many times I fall down.

I follow a 1200 calorie per day diet. I eat only when I'm hungry and try not to eat between meals. So far, I'm sorry to say, I've been lazy when it comes to exercise, but I plan to get back to my regular schedule of walking.

The holidays present challenges, but so far I'm handling them well by focusing on my family and conversations instead of food. Not to say that I don't treat myself; just in very small portions and I count every bite.

I know my plan isn't for everyone. Believe me, it took some time to get used to counting everything I put in my mouth. But find what works for you and stick to it. Pat yourself on the back when you do well and give yourself a break when you screw up (it's going to happen). Just don't quit!

Stuck

I know it's been a while since I have written. I have been waiting to be able to report good news.

The truth is, I have been stuck for several weeks now; not moving forward, not moving backward. And, although I'm very happy to not be moving backward, it is unbelievably frustrating to not be moving forward.

I have had several moments when I just want to throw in the towel. Moments when I tell myself maybe I'm just meant to stay this way. These are the moments I have to remind myself of how far I have come.

I also have to remind myself that it's not just about losing the weight. It's about my health and getting my blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

My next challenge will be the holidays.  Thanksgiving is this week and all I can think about is how will I get through the next few weeks without completely blowing it.

And the answer is, I will get through the next few weeks the same way I get through every single day - one day, one moment at a time.

Yes, I will mess up, yes, I will indulge (it's the holidays!).  Hopefully I will have more good days than bad and life will go on.

This journey is not easy.  It's not going to way I want it to or how I expected it to.  That's life though, isn't it?  Plans don't always go the way we had in mind.  There have been more downs than ups.  I want to kick and scream and shout, "It's not fair!"

When all is said and done I will get up and dust myself off and keep moving forward, putting one foot in front of the other.  I will get there in my time.  I will not give up, that's not an option.

Weight Watchers

Well the holidays are over and I am happy to report I only gained three pounds.  I hate that I gained, but it could have been so much worse.

Today I signed up for Weight Watchers online.  I'm eager to get back on track and I've had success with Weight Watchers in the past.  I don't know why, but it always seemed easier to count points instead of calories.  I also love the tools Weight Watchers provides.

I'm optimistic about the new year.  I look forward to continuing this journey to a healthier life.  I hope I can be an encouragement to others who are traveling this same road.  I'm not perfect and I have continual ups and downs, but I keep getting back up.

Happy New Year everyone!  Here's to a healthy year!!

Just Holding On

Sorry for the delay in updates.  The holidays have me hopping and I am just trying to survive this season without letting my diet completely go down the tubes.

I hate to say it, but I have gained three pounds in the past two weeks.  I have been somewhat out of control since my birthday.  I am getting back on track though and will hopefully have a happy report this week at my weigh-in.

I guess the ups and downs are just a part of the ride, especially with all the holidays.  I'm definitely not giving up.  I just have to take it one day at a time and lately I've been losing more than I've been winning the battle.

I continue to get up everyday with a fresh start and do my best.  I refuse to throw in the towel this time.  I may take some steps back, but I'm determined to keep pushing forward.

I hope that the holiday and Christmas season finds you all doing well.  I know that if you are like me you are staying very busy.  With that being said, I probably will not post another blog entry until after the first of the year.  I will however try to post updates on my Facebook page.

Until next year....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Weight Loss Update & Tips for Surviving the Holidays

It has been slow going, but I have lost a total of 26 pounds since returning from vacation in June.  I'm feeling so much better.  I have more energy and I am feeling more confident in myself.

I have to admit that I have fell off the wagon a few times, but I haven't given up.  I have been doing my best in the past month.  I wanted to get on track and get my head clear and straight before the holidays.  I feel more confident than ever that I can reach my goal this time.

Well, I just wanted to give a little update on my progress, but I also wanted to share some tips I have come across to stay on track during the holidays.

Choose these snacks/appetizers at parties or holiday functions:

Cheese:  A small serving (1 oz. or 5 small cubes) of full-fat cheese is loaded with protein.  Choose full-flavor cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda, their sharp taste can help satisfy cravings quickly.

Festive Nuts: Toss 1 cups each of almonds, walnuts and pecans, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary, a pinch of red pepper flakes, sea salt and pepper.  Roast in the oven at 350 on a baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes.

Nuts are high in calories.  To avoid overdoing it place a handful of nuts on your plate and snack on that throughout the evening instead of grabbing a handful every time you pass the bowl.

Dark Chocolate:  New research finds that the antioxidants found in dark chocolate can boost your mood and calm your body's response to stress.  Try a serving of one truffle or two squares of dark chocolate containing 70% or higher cocoa per day.

Shrimp:  An appetizer of 9 medium shrimp can fill you up and only contains 50 calories.  Shrimp contains omega-3 fats, which helps you stay fuller longer.