Wow, how these past three months have totally changed my outlook. There I was in September, cursing myself for letting my weight get out of control again. I really didn't think I could lose weight...AGAIN. I felt like a failure and thought I wouldn't make it past the first week. Boy was I wrong!
For some reason, this go around has been slower but easier. I seemed to get on the good path early on in this journey. I made it past week one and never looked back even though I wasn't dropping weight in the beginning like most people do. My victories were in tenths, not pounds. But I perservered.
There are a couple things that kept me on track and motivated me at the same time.
1) My Fitness Pal. I swear by this app and am astonished that it is still free. I log every single thing that goes in my mouth and every single second I spend in fitness. I love to analyze the numbers trying to figure out what the right balance of nutrients is (protein, fat, carbs)...however, I still am not sure. But this app is my BFF when it comes to living healthy.
2) Chris Powell. I am not sure if carb cycling is for everyone but it worked for me. I bought the Kindle version of the book and loosely followed the diet plan outlined in the book. The amazing thing is, I don't even crave carbs anymore. Some days, I don't even care if I eat because I am just not hungry. I was never like that. Food was always on my mind even on other diet plans. But now, it is not a priority anymore. It may sound corny, but now I eat to live and don't live to eat. Honestly!
3) My Dogs. I have two pooches that I adore. Sadly, over the years of having pets, I did not get them out for exercise like I should have. I decided that while I am out trying to get fit on this go around, that it would be unfair for me to walk without them. So, I let them romp and play in the woods behind my house while I take a good brisk 45-60 minute walk on the trails most days of the week. Now, if WE don't get out for our walks, I feel extremely guilty because of them. This has motivated me to go out in all kinds of weather including rain, snow, ice.
4) My Daughter. Unfortunately, my daughter also struggles with her weight and I want to be a good example for her. We are in this together so I keep steady on my plan so that if she slips, she can see that she can get right back on.
5) DietBet. Last but not least...DietBet. I love this forum for keeping me on track. I can honestly say that although I am doing very well at the moment, my DietBets have kept me totally on track during the Thanksgiving holiday. If I didn't have an official weigh-in looming in a couple weeks, I would have probably allowed myself a few more liberties that would have completely stalled my weight loss efforts if I would have given in.
Now I go into December loving life. I am departing for a vacation tomorrow and I have my skinnier clothes packed. I am 1/2 pound away from losing 20 since mid-September. I feel strong enough to be able to maneuver vacation without gaining any weight back. I have plans to meet with a personal trainer when I return so that I can focus on transforming my body into a lean machine in 2015. I have so much to look forward to with a much brighter outlook.
Thanks DB friends for your support. Keep the faith...
Tammi