The "D" Word

So, I'm not "dieting". But I have lost 11 lbs and changed my eating and drinking habits. :) About 4-5 weeks ago I started making a few long-term changes at a time.

I set myself up for success by having lots of good food and drink choices in my house that I enjoy. I also decided that I would make good choices out of the house without being too strict or obssessive about it. I decided to incorporate non-diet-soda drinks into my day. So now, I alternate a Diet Coke with water and/or sometimes a zero calorie sparkling juice/water drink.

My most recent success involves exercise. I don't hate it, but I definitely have a hard time with it. I started two days ago with 45 minutes of an old Richard Simmons tape. I did so well and actually had fun! Then yesterday I did 45 minutes of an old Jenny Craig "Tube and Tone" (without the tube). So I feel pretty darn good! (Very sore, but good). So I am going to "reward" myself by going shopping for a new "tube" and maybe a new workout DVD. And the exercise automatically has increased my water consumption. My goal here is to workout M-W-F each week, and try for at least one time of more natural activity, such as walking, over the weekend.

Why am I experiencing so much success this time without so much directed focus? Well, I am in such a different place in my life. I have so many people (my kids, husband, family, etc.) and activities in my life that I can't spend a lot of time obsessing about weight or weight loss. So, I set some habits that fit with my current schedule and lifestyle. Also, I didn't tell my husband what I was doing. I know, that's weird, but it relieves some of the pressure for me. In the past everytime I mentioned I was going to "do something" in this area it would turn into "our plan" instead of mine. Now, that's actually a good thing, and that's what happens when you're married, right? But that is a lot of pressure for me, and I tend to fail with pressure. I still feel I am having a really good influence on him, and hopefully encouraging him in this area by my example.

Some of the foods I've been enjoying are hummus, raw carrots and cucumbers, cooked broccoli and brussel sprouts, apples, pears, bananas, greek yogurt, string cheese, laughing cow cheese, triscuits, whole-wheat bread, Kashi bars, Healthy Choice Fudge Bars (100 cal), Multi-Grain Cheerios. Most of this is thanks to COSTCO.

Another motivation is my Mom. She has lost over 30 lbs in the last 5 months. It started with stress, and has recently been affected by illness. However, she has made a lot of great choices in between those times.

I have many more thoughts on this journey which I may share soon (if I'm not too busy to get back to the blog, which is questionable). I'd like to share how this is affecting my kids, what my future goals are, and how I see myself in the future. Moving forward!