Nifty Fifty

Here I am... fifty pounds lighter than I was in December.  Fifty pounds.  Wow.  Who would have thunk it?  That's fifty pounds in 5 months... approximately 10 pounds per month.  If you think about it, that's a big bag of dog food.  It's like a fourth grader.  It's a 20 inch tube television.  It's $200 in quarters.  It’s Fifty pounds. 

I cannot describe how much better I feel.  I can sit with my legs crossed… comfortably.  I never thought that would be something I would talk about much less be posting for all to read.  I also never thought that would be something that would be such a milestone; but there it is.

I’ve had a lot of people ask me how I have lost weight.  I love having these conversations.  Seriously, there is no secret.  No magic pill.  No smoke and mirrors.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money either.  It just takes hard work, determination and you have to burn more calories than you take in...did I mention it was gonna be hard? Not always.... but somedays will be harder than others.  That's life.  Now, I’m not knocking all of those programs, supplements and diets out there.  I’ve tried a lot of them and they all work differently on different people.  I’ve been successful with some and not so much with others.  The bottom line is that I’m trying to learn more about nutrition.  I know I can do a whole lot better and I need to be better educated.  That’s a work in progress… and I know it's something I need more work and help with.

I seriously think that I just had to come to the realization that I needed to make a change in my life.  Sort of like my epiphany.  If you aren’t serious and ready to put your whole heart into it, you just aren’t going to be as successful.  Sure, it may work for a while but it’s easy to get discouraged because you don’t see any progress and quit, it’s also easy to put the weight back on.  Believe me, I know that all too well.  I have quit so many times it’s not funny.  I’m not saying everyone has to get up before the roosters and go to the gym every morning like I do… that’s a personal preference.  I know that I have more energy in the morning.  I prefer that the gym isn’t super crowded.  I like to go early so I can focus on other things during the day (and because I don’t want to have to take another shower and wash my hair at the end of the day… call me lazy).  I also know that I’m tired at the end of the day and won’t get as good of a work out… it’s up to each person.  Do you have to buy an expensive gym membership?  No, absolutely not.  I started by walking a track.  It didn’t cost a dime.  It just takes time.  You have to make a commitment to yourself and stick with it.  You have to set goals.  It has to become a part of your daily routine, even when you just aren’t feeling it… I’ve had plenty of days like that.  I guarantee, when you are having a day like that, I promise you will feel better and you will be proud and feel like you have made an real accomplishment when you finish your exercise, whatever it is. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with making modifications along the way either.  That’s what I have done.  It’s how I learn what works best for me.  Remember, everyone is different so what works best on me might not work best on you.  Let me let you in on another little secret…
If you haven’t already started, read your labels.  Educate yourself on the nutritional facts.  Keep a record of what you eat.  Wait…. What?  Yeah,  that’s not always easy.  I’ve lied to myself and not put down something that I ate because I didn’t want to feel the guilt of it later on… but really…. Who does it hurt other than you??  It’s about accountability.  No one needs to see your food journal other than you. 

I went to dinner one night with my aunt and I’ll be honest, I was looking forward to it all day.  I knew just what I wanted to eat, I was “jones-ing” for one of my favorite items on the menu, I’ve had it lots of times.  It was a shrimp taco.  Seafood, cabbage,cilantro…. YUM…. And it was going to be healthy; I couldn’t wait.  We met for dinner and just for the heck of it, I pulled out my trusty phone and looked up the calories  I was about to consume on my nifty little app….. HOLD UP….. WAIT A MINUTE….. WHAT?  My favorite menu item consisted of my entire caloric allowance for the whole day.  Holy Guacamole, Batman!  Needless to say, my heart was sad but I passed and went in search of a new favorite food item to order.  Since that time, I have to put a lot more thought into things.  I don’t go out to eat very often anymore.  Sure there is the occasional lunch or dinner out, I have even been spotted at a local all you can eat Chinese Buffet but the difference is that I plan out where I’m going.  I look up the menu online and I know what I’m going to order once I get there.  The buffet was a rare thing but I still was able to make some descent choices.  My son wanted to go… so far be it from me to tell him no, especially when we had something from his school to celebrate.  I pass on deserts and let me tell you… that is not always easy!!  I just know that I have choices to make and then I have consequences.  Do I eat deserts?  Ocassionally, yes.  I even drink my weekly glass (or 2) of wine… that’s my choice and my reward for doing so well during the week.  What are the consequences you ask?  Well, that may be the needle inching up on the scale.  But it’s give and take… it’s choices that I make and I am in control of what I eat.  I own up and I take the responsibility.  I give myself a free day so I can enjoy (in moderation) the things I don’t normally eat  but what is funny is that I still plan ahead, I still watch what I eat, I still track those calories.  Why?  Because it’s habit. 

Exercise and diet/food in moderation is the key.  Find what works best for you.  Staying focused, being accountable and finding new ways to stay motivated… that is what will help you to be successful.  If I, the Queen of Quitting and of Excuses, can do this… seriously, anyone can.

Fifty pounds..... wow.  I've got quite a journey left to travel and once I reach my target, I move into the maintenance phase... but one thing at a time.  I'm happy about my accomplishment and I will continue doing what I'm doing and I will celebrate each day and with each accomplishment because I'm proud of myself.