Tuna Salad Dinner...

I got home tonight - an hour or more later than usual - and realized...oh man, I'm supposed to take my nephew home.  He was camped out on my couch, where he had been since he walked over from the bus stop after school.  Well, I was already struggling with wanting to pick something up.  I wasn't going to do it, but having to go out again almost put me over the edge.  Then he happens to mention that they have some boiled eggs at his house...bingo.

I took some of the boiled eggs, came home and made myself some quick tuna salad.  I have since realized that nothing fills me up faster than tuna salad.  Yep, after 32 years, I still am not a fan of tuna from a can.  Ugh.  However, it did curb my appetite and help me stick to my plan.

So, now it's 8:30, the BCS Championship game is on, and yet - I think I'm about to read a few minutes and head to bed.  Hoping for some pretty great sleep tonight. 

This is a beautiful healthier life.

One Week Later...

One week into the New Year, I'm feeling pretty great.  I made my first dentist appointment, bought a bed, washed my face and moisturized probably more times than I did in all of 2011, and most importantly for the new year, I've really been accountable for the losing weight portion of my goal. 

I've said it more than once this week, but this time, the process just feels different.  I feel almost like there is a difference in where my heart is.  Yeah, I know that might sound funny, but it's true.  It's not about beating myself up over where I am, but more about focusing on where I'm going.  I also feel more determined than I have before.  I realize that we are only one week into the year, but I am still more determined after one week than I have been ever before.

I told my sister earlier this week, that each time before, I've always looked forward to a "cheat" day, but I don't feel that way now.  I feel like this is a new life for me - a new lifestyle.

I'm excited to see what this year is going to bring.  This is a beautiful healthier life. 

One Resolution Down...

I bought a bed today.  A nice, comfy king sized bed.  I wish finding bedding for it was as easy.  I bought one from Kohl's only to return it after I got home, made the bed, and realized how much I just didn't like it.  After several stores, I ended up just getting nice sheets and a plain comforter.  I guess I'll keep my eyes open and hope I spot something soon.  Until then...

I'm hoping I can count some sheep and get several hours worth of sleep tonight.  =)

Yeah, So...

It's Friday - I cooked - Shake and Bake w/ Ranch seasoning for JD and baked chicken with Mrs. Dash for me with steamed broccoli.  I even put chicken in the crock pot for tomorrow. 

Yeah, it's Friday, my most likely day to eat out and I cooked.  I'm walking away with the win today.

It's a beautiful - healthier - life!

Best Dessert Ever?

Okay, so it is not a secret that sweets are not my downfall.  Lasagna?  Yes.  Cheeseburgers?  Yes.  Sweets...not so much.  However, what I find interesting is that when I start to get serious about watching what I'm eating - especially my refined carbs - it's like I suddenly develop a sweet tooth.  Some might call it weird...I just plain out call it the devil. ha! 

Well, that last few nights, I've found the perfect thing to put that to rest:  one half cup of cottage cheese.  Seriously.  I  measure it out and eat it out of the measuring cup so that I don't cheat.  Yes, seriously.  Now, I realize that some of you might not like cottage cheese and well, I'm sorry for that, because it is doing the trick for me.



Today - on this 5th day of the year - I am still feeling encouraged.  I really do think that your mindset goes a long way towards reaching your goals.  I'm going to savor the moments of strength in preparation for days that may be harder in the future.  Yeah, I know I'm only five days in, but I haven't seriously considered "cheating" at all in those 5 days, and that says a lot.  I think I've realized this time that the only person being cheated is me when I continue to make poor choices.

This is a healthier beautiful life.

Weigh-In Wednesday...

Today was my first official Wednesday Weigh-In of 2012.  I weigh and write it down everyday.  Yes, I know they say that you should only weigh once a week, but it helps keep me in check to weigh.  I don't get discouraged or encouraged, just like to see where I am.  However, Wednesday is my official day - the one that counts.  So, this morning, I bravely stepped up on the scale.  It was what I thought it would be.  I'm looking forward to each week - and what the results will be from here on out.  =)

Another step I took today was to do something pretty radical for me.  I talked to four friends and decided to tell them exactly what I weigh, and I will report to them each Wednesday what my new weight is.  I will also email one of them what I've eaten during the day for extra accountability.  You see, when JD is with his dad, and it is just me, it is easy to just pick something up on the way home or sit around and eat something convenient.  I mean, after all, it's just me - who is going to know, right?  Well, not any more, because they are going to know.  In my note to my friends I told them that this is the year I lose the weight, because I am worth more than the struggle to lose weight...more than this making resolutions and going back on them.  I am just worth more.

Today has been a pretty good day, as far as hunger and motivation go.  Yesterday was a little rough, so it is nice that today was better.  I know that there will be easier days and then some pretty tough days, too, but this time I feel different about the decision to be healthier.  I feel like I did when I made the commitment to run the half marathon - like my mind is made up - now, I will just continue to follow through.

This is a beautiful life!

Refocusing my Priorities...

Part of honoring my temple in 2012 is about me being able to refocus my priorities.  It is about me focusing on doing some things for myself and my health in order to accomplish what I really desire to accomplish.  Today, I had a situation where I was once again reminded what I do and what I don't want out of life...what I'm not willing to settle for.

So - this is me - reaffirming that God knows the true desires of my heart, and I believe that He has a plan, greater than I can imagine.