Short and Sweet

Just a short post this week. Lost 2 pounds for a total of 32 pounds. It was a great week and I even enjoyed a few treats here and there. I do have a bit of a cold but I'm still moving around and getting things done. Celebrated my 37th wedding anniversary this week, and my husband sent me the most beautiful arrangement of flowers. He's such a sweetie. Enjoying some new clothes and I have a feeling a smaller size will be due by Thanksgiving. I've lost a total of 4 1/2 inches off my waist and 4 1/4 off my hips. No wonder my clothes keep getting baggy. I'm in a pretty good routine now and eating is not a problem. I don't seem to mind that others are eating lots of sweets when I have just a taste. I find I'm much easier satisfied now. That's all for now. I'll be back in a week and, I hope, 2 pounds lighter!!

Another Milestone

Well who thought going back to work could be so healthy for you. I'm back at school working with children. I have lost 3 pounds this week for a total of 30 pounds! Yeah! I have to admit that I was a little concerned about leaving the comfortable controlled environment of my home for the active and sometimes unpredictable one of school. First of all, everyone at work is so encouraging about my weight loss. They are a great bunch of people and fun to work with. Second, I make sure to have a good breakfast before I go (all the Live the Life breakfasts are tasty and healthy) and, third, I pack my lunch. Since I can't have gluten, I can rarely eat anything offered at school. I have access to plenty of water to drink so I'm set. I found I had plenty of energy for playground duty, rearranging books, furniture and hopping from classroom to classroom. And I seem to be more alert - no brain fog! What is a wonderful result of this lifestyle is I sleep so soundly and usually wake up BEFORE my alarm goes off at 5:45 a.m.! Now who could have predicted that? I also wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed! I'm now more conscientious about my appearance and take care in applying my make-up and styling my hair. I can remember some time back, hitting the snooze button repeatedly and just having time to brush my teeth, wash my face, run a comb through my hair and run to work without breakfast. Now my mornings are unrushed and I can enjoy my breakfast and visit with family before leaving at 7:14 a.m. It puts a great big smile on my morning and the rest of the day seems to follow in the same manner.

All in all, I feel like my life has turned around and I will just steadily lose weight until I reach the point where my caloric intake and burn even out. Then that will be my ideal weight. I don't believe God made anyone fat. He made us as we should be, and if we listen to our body and feed it only when it's hungry and stop when we are satisfied (not full), then our body will maintain a proper weight for maximum health. Not eating when I'm bored or depressed has been a huge change for me. I find I'm rarely bored or depressed and I think that's due to my energy level and proper rest. I also find I don't do "busy work" to keep my mind off of something. I deal with whatever the issue is as best I can, and if I can't deal with it, I leave it to God and trust Him. Let me tell you, your blood pressure will settle down and you'll be happier and healthier with that attitude.

Economizing

It was back to work this week. I had a lot of great compliments from my co-workers. They are so caring and supportive. It really bolstered my resolve to eat clean and stop mindless eating. So this week I lost another 2 pounds for a total of 27 pounds lost!! We've had great dinners this week and I've also eaten out a few times and I've still lost weight without feeling deprived or weak. My energy level is amazing. People are even commenting on that. When you work with 10 and 11 year olds, you'd better have energy.

Here's one of my little insights into having a leaner body. I noticed this week that I use a lot less lotion on my body after my shower! I know it's not a big thing, but to me, it's huge! With a smaller body you can buy better quality of lotion, use less, and end up spending the same amount of money!

Another aspect I've added to my new lifestyle is getting in tune with my body. What it wants and needs and how it feels. I eat only when I'm hungry. I wait for hunger to call me and then I respond with one of the great meals from the Live the Life program. I eat my favorite parts of the meal slowly and gauge my fullness level. I don't really eat until I'm full, I eat until I'm satisfied and the hunger's gone away. Then I wrap up my leftovers or get a "to-go" box and go on my merry way. I'm good until hunger comes knocking again. Then I repeat the process. I was kicked out of the "Clean Plate Club" and lost weight because of it! I've had a physically demanding week and I was never weak or dizzy. I made sure to drink plenty of water since I worked up a sweat this week and we live in a dry climate. But, aside from the water, I find very little food sustains me just fine and I feel great. It's a very powerful feeling when you can take one bite of pie after a good meal and feel you are satisfied. Why eat it all and be miserable physically and emotionally. No more regrets. And I'm really saving on my food bill.

So here's the summation: Eat less, lose weight, save money, buy clothes! Have a great week and have a caring conversation with your body. It will thank you.