Getting Started

One of the reasons I am journaling this process is to keep myself on track. I also hope that this helps to motivate others who are also trying to embrace a healthier lifestyle. I want to share ideas about what helps me to make healthy choices along the way.

As a bit of background, I am 44 years old, 5' 8" and started the program (My Successful Weight Loss) at 161 pounds. I have been on the pre-diet part of the program for about two weeks. The big challenges for me were dropping sugar and alcohol. I love a glass of wine with dinner but I thought that ritual was probably getting a little too frequent anyway. I haven't been drinking at all during the week and have had only a glass on the weekends. I have an incredible sweet tooth. I really find the protein based proti-source help me get through the cravings and I find it good to always have one in my purse just in case I don't get home to eat in time. I really have remember my water intake (8 glasses a day). I find that I feel better when I'm on top of it.

Of course I eat better during the week. My routine is very regular during the week so it is easier to stay on track. Last week it was my son's birthday so I indulged in a piece of cake on that day. As well we went to the Medieval Times on the weekend for his special day and it is a fixed menu of pretty high calorie food.  I indulged and my weight was up a pound but I try not to stress about the bumps in the road. They are always going to be there. I enjoy the indulgence and try not to overdo it. I don't let my whole efforts go down the drain, though. I just get back on track the next day. Really, I find I feel better anyway.

After two weeks I''ve lost five pounds which I'm pretty happy about. I still have to make an effort to get my water intake in. It's not a totally natural habit yet. I also want to start making sure I'm taking my multi-vitamin every day and the essential fatty acids. (EFAs)

Soon I will do the diet-prep which I find takes effort and focus but which I stick to religiously because I find my body does respond well to it.

An Introduction

I am on the health/ fitness/ weight-loss journey and thought I would like to journal and share the ups and downs of the process. I have used the "My Successful Weight Loss" program before, with the help of Nutritionist Audrey Vanderstoop. It really worked well for me.

The last year has been extremely stressful, however, and I put on unwanted pounds. I was not eating in a healthy manner and it caught up with me. I actually felt that I had to make a change last spring but I knew that I didn't have the energy or the level of commitment needed to focus on my weight loss. Instead, I tried to get more active as a way to reduce my stress levels and feel better about my health. I started a Zumba class, which I love and returned to yoga. This was a great way to be kind to myself and take a little step towards a healthier me and it kept the scale from continuing to creep up.

Somehow at the beginning of September I felt it was time to make a change. Things have started to settle in my life so the stress levels aren't as high. I thought by journaling I could share what works for me and what are challenges. I'm also interested in cooking so that will probably come up as well.So, here's to the journey!