It's the little things

I wouldn't call this week a win in the weight loss front but I wouldn't call it a loss either. I haven't really moved from that wonderful number on the scale but I have taken notice of other changes. I had to run to the grocery store a couple times this week to pick up a few impromptu items. As I was coming back from one of these excursions I got to thinking about how all I had gotten was the yogurt that I had needed, grapes and bananas. Five months ago, heck, even four months ago, if I had to run to grab a couple items from the grocery store, I would never have left without buying myself a candy bar and pop to enjoy on the trip home (before the kids would see it, of course).

I had surprised myself with my realization that I was taking better care of myself (and my family) without purposeful intention. It took absolutely no internal dialogue and/or will power to tell myself that I didn't need a chocolate treat. There IS hope! Permanent life style changes can happen, it just takes time and commitment!

Knowing that I can change helps me to move into my next phase, nutrition, specifically eliminating pop for the zillionth time as well as limiting alcohol, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods. I have also taken notice that I have developed a new, not so great habit. Most people make sure to eat less than they would in front of large groups and then binge in the privacy of their own homes. I, on the other hand, have recently developed the opposite problem. Apparently, my subconscious has justified eating double, sometimes triple what I would usually eat when I am in social situations. "Normal" people would be worried that they may appear to be glutinous but, for some reason, I've allowed social situations to be my excuse to let loose and to eat the way I used to in the privacy of my home. I have to retrain my thought process and need to do this to get over this slump and to finally reach my goal.

I look forward to the day when I am able to focus on maintenance and toning. I know that day is right around the corner as long as I don't lose focus. I must remember, slow progress is still progress!

Sprain on my parade...

Sunday was awesome, I was so happy to have been able to run six miles... unfortunately, I don't think my body was completely ready. My muscles are not sore, but by Wednesday I was feeling pain in my foot. I went in this morning and was praying that it wasn't broken. Fortunately, the PA couldn't find any breaks but she did say it was badly sprained and I had to take it easy (no running) for at least a week. I am more than grateful that it isn't broken but less than thrilled about having to take it easy... and what does that really mean anyway? I have to move around the house and take care of my kiddos and I have to clean up and organize my classroom for end of the year checkout. I guess I'll just have to scale back on all of my extras and pray for speedy recovery?

I did HORRIBLY this week, I'm talking over eating every evening and giving up on tracking points almost the second I walked through the door after school. I know that it started with all the graduations last weekend and as I watched the scale take a hit, my self esteem did too... and as my self esteem took a hit it became easier to give up plus the added stress of last week of school paperwork, cleanup, etc.... it was kind of like my week was set up to destroy any progress I had hoped to make.

So where do I go from here? Past experiences keep surfacing to my mind and saying, "Give up,  you can't do it," "This is your body's way of saying you aren't strong enough," "It's easier to be sedentary!"

It would be really easy to say I'm done, I tried and failed, and move on but no, I just can't throw in the towel. I have to take this opportunity to prove to myself how important these changes have been to me and how much better they have made me become as a person. If I give up, I am showing my kids that it's okay to call it quits when the going gets tough. Instead, I will "take it easy" for a week and only go to spinning and weight lifting, I won't do any weight baring activities other than the normal day to day stuff and I will take care of my foot (ice, elevate, rest) as much as possible. I will also amp up my efforts in my diet, no more fluffing it or estimating that... I have to be more strict than normal to make up for the lack of cardio.

After this week I will restart my half marathon training and body sculpting efforts in a slow progression, no jumping into a six mile run! I will make sure to give myself 'rest' days and become a healthy food guru for me and my family. I am excited at this chance to learn from the challenges I've been presented and to grow into a better me. Happy Memorial Day Weekend, Welcome Summer!

Baby Steps...

This week my biggest struggle was illness. I'm still not sure if it was a quick case of the flu or food poisoning, but that combined with the cough that just wouldn't let go and my stubbornness to accept that I need to rest and not push myself , created a tough 24-48 hours. It was very difficult for me to stick to any kind of meal plan and I couldn't move enough to get any kind of workout in, I could barely walk around my classroom let alone do lunges or bicep curls!

After my bout of illness, I did make a great diet tip/ discovery. It's so very simple that I'm very disappointed in myself for not having done it earlier. This small change was fruit, yes fruit. Apples, pears and bananas (oh my!) to be exact! All of these wonderful fruits are worth ZERO Weight Watcher points, which I have known, but never really thought about how I could be eating more of those and then needing less of the snacks I have been eating worth 1-3 points. I went to the store and bought more fruit and, TA DA, ate less points each day without feeling super hungry.

Another small change I made this week was upping my water intake. My first major reason was being sick and pushing fluids but I continued this small change after feeling better as well. It's amazing how much better you feel when drinking more water and less pop.

The final change I made was fitness related. I decided to sign up to get re-certified to teach yoga (and maybe cycling) again. Even if it's just subbing at the Y, the extra pressure of being a teacher and wanting to present an image of fitness is a great motivator to get myself to the gym everyday. I also have to keep track of the classes I attend toward my certification, so that's another great incentive to get my act together!

I didn't get to go to Weight Watchers today since I'm out of town and there aren't any meetings here today. I did however (according to my mom's scale) lose a pound this week, so small steps create small changes that result in big progress over time, and progress is good! Happy weekend everyone, take baby steps in the right direction! :)

P.S. I have discovered that I have this awesome four pack but am struggling to get rid of the excess skin, etc. over the lower two of my six pack, thank you to my beautiful three children, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Currently, I think only a tummy tuck would remove it but I'm hoping for a more realistic option! ;)