Week 17

I'll be honest, I didn't even try this week. And I gained a pound. I've been dealing with lots of issues the past few weeks besides trying to focus on weight loss and being healthy.

But I think I'm ready to start trying again. I've got a menu plan and an exercise plan for this week. But I've also got a birthday, a work lunch, and Easter this week. I'm going to stick to my menu and exercise plan, but I'm also going to take Matt out for his birthday, make a bunny cake with Emily for Easter, and enjoy my work lunch. And I'm not going to feel guilty for doing that.

I think I've realized that if I keep feeling guilty for everything I'm not doing that I wish I were doing, I'm never going to get anywhere.

Sure, I'd like to think I can exercise for an hour 6 days a week like I used to, or spend more time making healthy meals, or whatever, but I just can't right now, and I need to accept that. And let go of the guilt.

As Paul said in Phillipians 4:11, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

So that's what I'm going to try and do this week. Let go of the "should haves" and "wish I could haves" and focus on being content with my efforts, no matter how small they may be. I'm going to try to not compare my efforts to what I used to be able to do or what other people can do.

Do you do this? How do you let go of the guilt and the comparing?

Week 16

WEIGH-IN
Current weight: 175 lbs.
Week's weight loss/gain: +/-0 lbs.
Total weight loss: -15 lbs.

Blah, blah, blah. I am frustrated. I feel like a complete lame-o. Why can't I do this? On top of being stuck on the scale, I'm frustrated that Emmy is NOT interested in potty-training, frustrated that none of my clothes or shoes fit, frustrated that I can't seem to do anything right, frustrated that Zach is still not sleeping through the night, etc., etc.

I need to re-group and get motivated again. What do you do when you're in a slump?

Week 15

WEIGH-IN
Current weight: 175 lbs.
Week's weight loss/gain: +/-0 lbs.
Total weight loss: -15 lbs.

I have three words for why I didn't lose anything this week: Girl Scout Cookies. Anyone else have this problem? I just can't resist. Those darn Samoas get me every time!



GOAL REPORT 
Try to think more realistically. I really don't know how to evaluate this one. I think I did, but it's always hard to tell. I think this is going to have to be a more long-term goal.

NEW GOAL
Drink 96 oz of water daily. I have been struggling with my water drinking lately, and I need to be better about it. I've got my 32-oz bottle, and I need to drink 3 of them daily. I'm going to be marking it off in my food journal this week to get back on track.

Spring

Can I just say how HAPPY I am that it's FINALLY starting to get warmer? I've been taking the kiddies on walks a few times a week, and it's so lovely! We got ourselves this lovely double jogging stroller for Christmas and although I haven't yet used it for jogging, I LOVE it!

BOB Revolution Duallie

We live exactly a half mile away from a pretty great jogging/walking trail. The trailhead is at the bottom of the hill that we live on the top of, so pushing these babies up that hill is quite the workout! Plus, there's a playground and a river with ducks along the trail so Emmy loves it too! I'm sure BOB, the kids and I will spend many happy moments along the trail this spring/summer/fall.

Speaking of the kids, look at my little chub! He's almost 5 months old!

 Check out those rolls on his thighs!

Happy Spring!

Retraining the after-dinner routine

I was reading this article on 13 secrets to portion control, and this idea really stuck out to me. I'll have to try it! I've been doing well at my Lent resolution to not have seconds, but I often want dessert after dinner!

Cue Your Taste Buds: The Meal Is Over

Many of us don’t feel a meal is complete without dessert. Try retraining your taste buds. Healthy eating means knowing when to stop. Next time you eat, skip the chocolate cake and try establishing a new food cue instead. Drinking coffee or tea, or chewing a piece of gum, is a healthier way to signal the end of a meal.

Week 14 & 15 Pounds!!!

Dun-dun-du-dun!!!! I hit the 15-lbs lost mark....Woo-hooo!!!!!!

WEIGH-IN
Current weight: 175 lbs.
Week's weight loss/gain: -4 lbs.
Total weight loss: -15 lbs.

And the monthly measurements...
Bust: 42.5 (+3???  Maybe last time I measured Zach had just eaten ALOT????)
Waist: 33.5 (-1.5)
Hips 42.5 (+.5 ??? What the???)

Inches lost: This month=+2. Total= -4.5.

I'm kind of bummed about this. Why would I be losing pounds but not inches? At least I lost some inches in the waist.

GOAL REPORT 
Go for a run. Preferably outside. I did a short one. It was ok. I think that maybe race training right now is not really the best goal for me right now and that I need to focus on something else. Since I'm home by myself all day, I think I would be better served to go to some classes at the gym instead of trying to run by myself. I enjoy them better, and it's more motivating to me. This week I did Zumba and Yoga and went for a few walks.

NEW GOAL
Try to think more realistically. This is hard for me. I've always been a big dreamer, and I feel like I used to be able to do so much. I don't want to lose my ability to dream big because I think that it's a good thing and helps me to grow, but I also don't want to be unrealistic either. I don't want to feel guilty for not being able to accomplish my goals. Any tips for this?