I'm returning to the Weight Watchers plan this time around (because it seemed to be working the last time I had some success), and the first three days have been interesting to say the least. Just the simple act of tracking the points and monitoring what goes into my body has been illuminating. I get 29 points each day, and the first two days, I was blowing through those pretty quickly, especially from late afternoon into evening, where I'd finish the day having consumed around 40 points. Yesterday, I was really mindful about what I was eating, and at 10pm, I still had 4.5 points left. So, I guess I know it can be done, I just need to be conscientious about it and figure out what are the "filling foods" for me.

Beyond that, I worked out yesterday using the Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD, and I'm definitely feeling it today. It was a fun workout, though (to the extent that working out can be considered "fun" -- I'm not entirely sold on that!). I may try another DVD this evening or just go for a walk.

Tomorrow marks my return to school. It's a teacher workday, which I'm thankful for, but it will be a challenge to keep on track. It's always so much easier for me on the days when I'm off to squeeze in exercise and make healthy choices. In some ways, school is the bane of my existence healthwise. I have to get up so early in the morning, and I'm not a morning person. In theory, I'd like to workout before school because I'm so exhausted at the end of the day, but I struggle with the snooze button, so that historically hasn't happened. I have a weird lunch time (10:50am!), and the teacher's lounge is a hotbed of unhealthy diversions. Last year, I avoided eating in the lounge just so I wouldn't be tempted, but it's hard for me to do that socially. The people on my grade level team eat in there, and I look forward to having a half hour to decompress and chat. I just need to do it without the treats. Hopefully, I can spend today mapping out my meals and snacks for the week so I can keep that all under control. I know I'll do better as long as I'm organized.

Welcome to EP and good luck on your journey!  Good for you paying attention to what is working and not working this time so you know how to tweak things.

Have a great new week!!

Alison,

We're at about the same point, with the same amount to lose and a similar goal -- but I've got 25 years on you (so I'm guessing post-menopausal weight loss won't be as easy).  Congrats on your good beginning.  Let's all hang in there together this year!

i stick to plan so much better when i'm at school.... i eat NONSTOP when i'm home... and school has me so stressed out this year that when i was on break - i only went to the gym 1 day... out of 18!!

the worse part for me is the water (which you already read) and the bad food coworkers like to have (and share) oh and monthly happy hours which have turned into weekly!

i hope you find your routine for during school time!