May 2008 Be Great

And so begins another year.  It's 4:40 p.m. here in my part of the world.  I've done one mile on the gazelle which took me 32.5 minutes.  I've only snacked twice, once on a protein bar and once on beef jerky.  There are candies calling my name, but I am resisting.  I will continue to resist.  I've done my first day in the 100 day challenge of Weight Loss Joy.  I really like it, I hope it helps me with my compulsive eating and negative self talk as well as my believing that food is my comfort.  How silly is that?  Jesus is my comfort, not food.   I was going to make split pea soup tonight, but am not really in the mood.  Besides, we have leftovers from last night.  I am not going to deny myself anything, but in all things moderation.  I have to deny the candy because I must break that nasty habit.  It is out of control!!!

Does it seem like I'm babbling?  I feel like I'm babbling.  Okay, I'll try again tomorrow!!

Another Year Ends

And so it is that 2007 is coming to an end.  I'm so excited about 2008, because I have so many plans to make it an even better year. 

It all begins with an attitude that with God and His power and love, I can do whatever it is that He wants me to do.  He is ready to give me the desires of my heart. 

And so that being said, here are my plans.  In writing, so that if I forget, they're right here for me to remind myself.

1.  Spend time with God each and every morning.

2.  I have bought my stars and will do the 100 Day Challenge of Weight Loss Joy.  (www.weightlossjoy.com) 

3.  I will eat protein first, veggies/fruit second, and if there's room, whole grains.

4.  I will exercise!  If I can watch TV, I can gazelle.

5.  I will do 5-minute pickups in each room each day.  Maybe someday my house will be in order.

6.  I will measure myself weekly, and record it on my body log.  I will blog each day even if it's a line or two.

7.  I will write more letters, real letters, not emails.

8.  I will wash and moisturize my face every night, not just in the morning!

Okay, I'm not calling these New Year resolutions because those are always broken.  I am calling these my 8 committments for 2008.  Only 5.  They can be done.  They will be done. 

I CAN DO THIS!! I AM WORTHY!! 

What Am I Waiting For?

I vow to start my newest weight loss program on January 1st, but today I was thinking, "What am I waiting for?" 

Today is the day I'm stopping sugar.  There is so much candy sitting around this house, beckoning me with its temptations of a sweet time. 

But Jesus is beckoning me, also.  I know that I need him more than I need sugar. 

While I still plan to start my new weight loss journey on January 1, 2008, I am vowing now to seek Jesus more and more throughout my life journey, for every aspect, for every need, and thank him for every joy.

It's so wonderful to be so loved.

In Preparation for Weight Loss Joy

I was excited to read on another blog about Linda Spangler and her "Weight Loss Joy" (http://www.weightlossjoy.com/).  JOY just happens to be my favorite word, and what I strive for in my life.  I checked out the website, ordered the books, downloaded the journal, etc., and prepared my notebook.  January 1, 2008, I will begin her 100 Day Challenge.  It's more than losing weight, it's about changing my lifestyle and learning who I really am.  I'm impressed with the journal, and the questions it poses.  I am an emotional eater; how many of us aren't?

I wonder if there are others who are starting this challenge on January 1st?

I am the best ? ? ?

It's not even 5:30 am and I've eaten cookies, more cookies than I should.  Why do I sabotage my own self by even baking cookies.    My neighbors would not miss them; there are other things I can give. 

And so I sit, waiting for the others to wake, drinking my tea, sickened by the cookies I ate, not just physically but emotionally.  

I'm anticipating a quiet Christmas, just Rick and Genesy and myself. Maybe a nap, play with Genesy, and take another nap.  

On a brighter note, yesterday I called a friend I hadn't talked to in a dozen years or so, maybe less but not too many years less.  It was wonderful.  We plan to get together this new year, and I want to look my best.

At work, when I mention wanting to lose 20 pounds (at the rate I'm eating junk, it will be 30 pounds), I'm told not to get too skinny.  Oh just once I want to be "skinny" but truly I want to be healthy. Where do I start?

From the beginning.  I've known so many diet beginnings, so full of hope, excitement and commitment.  But those feelings come crashing down around the scales, that monster that sits quietly on the bathroom floor waiting to yell, "Pig! Pig! Pig!"  And I silently agree. 

No more!  I need my scale to say, "You're the best." 

Christmas Eve Day

I should be cleaning house.  I should be doing something besides sitting here playing Scrabble on line, and thinking about the cookies and candies I've made. 

Though so far I've resisted temptation, today anyway.  So far.

I Shall Be The Snail

I read in the January issue of Good Housekeeping, and I have heard this before, that those who journal, or blog as we are here, are more successful than those who don't.  I know that when I track my calories, I am more aware of what I put in my mouth. 

But I've made the decision that I am not going to stress about my "diet" so to speak until after Christmas.  I seem to eat more when I stress.  When I think about food too much. 

And why does most of the "work" around the holidays involve women.  My husband puts up the tree and puts the lights on.  I do the rest.  He buys and wraps my presents.  I do the rest.  Okay, to be fair, he did buy his dad a couple things.  And he does help clean the house (to his standards but he helps).  The holidays are exhausting.  And food is such a terribly sweet reward. 

But I refuse to gain any more weight than I have since Thanksgiving.  I am bouncing around a pound since I started here, which is good. 

And so I recommit myself to blogging every day, gain or lose.  And not to worry about what goes in my mouth until after the holidays, though I will try to make healthier choices.  The food will aways be there, of that I can be thankful.

First Step To Better Control

Here it is Saturday,10 days until Christmas.  I actually wish the holidays were over so I wouldn't find just one more excuse to not eat right.  I keep telling myself that I'll get on a good program after the holidays.  But what kind of reasoning is that? 

So I logged my breakfast.  I had a scrambled egg sandwich.  It's one of my favorite treats, and had 18 grams of protein.  I keep thinking of the baking I want to do, but should I just wait until next weekend, otherwise I'll eat it and then won't have any for gifts.

I also need to figure out an exercise program.  Okay, let's just say I need to DO an exercise program.  Instead of lying on the couch in front of the boob tube, I should do a mile or more on the Gazelle. 

I'm so happy to have found this site.  I know that I can reach my goal with the help of this site, the help of my new friends, and the help of Jesus Christ.  Thank you, God.

Blog Until I Start

I'm having trouble getting started, and feel my eating is out of control.  I'm waiting for a book to arrive, Body For Life, which a friend recommended.  She is also a gastric bypass patient,  several years out, and doing well with keeping the weight off.  Gastric byass is a tool, not a miracle.  I keep thinking I'll wait until the holidays are over but I'm afraid of how much I'll need to lose.  I really need to watch what I eat, study the book, and make a plan.  I also need to up my exercise.  Okay, make that add some exercise.  The long walk to my office and back everyday doesn't count.  Or so says my doctor.  But it does help!

I can and I will do this!

Wow, What a Warm Welcome

I'm in awe at all the kind comments people have made welcoming me.  The warmth and friendliness confirm my thoughts that this is a nice place to be.  I still need to do some exploring on this site and see how I can make it most effective for me.