It's A Family Affair

I guess my enthusiasm and success with my weigh loss is contagious.  My mom has joined me on the weight loss journey by signing up with WW.  And so, by default, my dad is following as well.  AND, my sister actually scouted out the WW center near her, which she said is in a strip mall with a cupcake place, ice cream shop, burger joint and a Mexican restaurant.  That's just as bad as my old gym being next to a Dairy Queen).  Why do they do that?!?

My parents were here over the weekend.  And usually, this could result in an eating/drinking catastrophe.  We were all so disciplined!! Plus, I got them both out for a walk.  I am happy that they are taking steps to be healthier.  I want them around for a LONG time.  Mom celebrated a great scale victory her first week (way to go mom!!).  

I went to a Pop Up Boutique party and I actually bought a skirt that was a size medium.   Last week, I dropped to a size 12 in my favorite jeans.  A 12.  I was in an 18 when I started this journey.  (This is really full disclosure, people).  All of this makes me feel so good about my new direction in life. 

I celebrated another scale victory on Saturday.  I honestly can't believe it sometimes.  I looked - I mean really looked - at myself in the mirror and was shocked at what I saw.  I still don't love what I see but knowing where I was and where I am now, WOW.  And better than how I look - I feel FANTASTIC. It certainly doesn't hurt that hubby keeps complimenting me and can't keep his hands to himself (ha ha).

I am weighing in early this week because I am going to a scrapbook convention.  I am planning to take food, snacks and water hoping to keep somewhat in control.  I will be counting on BFF to keep me straight (hear that KH??).   

Meat and The Weekend

My husband is a meat master (aka grill master).  Everything he cooks is like heaven on earth.  This weekend he grilled a top sirloin roast that was to die for.  I truly could not stop eating it.  It was like crack.  Seriously, it was that good.  I knew how much I should've eaten (I weighed it).  But I. Could. Not. Stop. Plus we had friends over, and I took on an "oh well" attitude (living in the moment). I'm not proud of myself for getting a little (or a lot?) out of control. 

Today I had a great outing with my girls.  A winery, a brewery, and a BBQ joint (all with serious eating incident potentials).  I packed a picnic of WW friendly snack foods (and pre-tracked them) so that I could enjoy some wine.  It was such a great day and I tried so hard to not be so obsessed by what I was eating and drinking so I could just enjoy the day.  The problem with that is once I take on that attitude (much like last night's oh well attitude), I tend to slip - a lot.  And I just can't afford to slip backwards. 

It's almost like I have  Bad Sheri on one shoulder saying "oh go ahead - eat it.  You've done great so far - you deserve it" and then Skinnier Sheri on the other shoulder reminding me that I HAVE done great so far and how much better I feel and how much healthier I am.  There's a tug-o-war going on inside my brain that I sometimes can't turn off.

Tonight I was lacking half of my steps (half!!!).  Hubby suggested I just relax since I had a long day.  I was going to take a walk but it was like Africa hot.  So, instead I put on my exercise clothes and got on the elliptical for 45 minutes.  Now, I feel a bit better and the slippery slope I was on has been righted.  

And tomorrow is another day. 

Losing Battle? I think NOT.

"Losing Weight is Often a Losing Battle: Researchers said the overall chances of an obese man obtaining a normal body weight were 1 in 210. For women, it was 1 in 124". This is according to researchers in the UK.

For the rest of the article, visit:

http://www.healthline.com/health-news/obese-people-have-slim-chance-of-obtaining-normal-body-weight-071615#1

Well, if that isn't a daunting statement!! I mean, I plan to be one of those 124. But I think that's because I am SO committed and focused. But, what if someone who's head is not so much in the game saw this on the news or read it online? Maybe they would think "oh well...what's the point then?" and give up.

I know that I will never get back to my high school weight. And, quite frankly, I don't want to be that small (I do like SOME of my curves). But, I think - no I KNOW - I can get to a good healthy weight. It's my plan to get there and STAY there. This is a life change. It's not a temporary "fix".

I really believe that anyone can eat healthy and by eating healthy you will lose weight. But eating the right things is only part of it. You have to get active. I was heading towards a very crippling life. There were days that I could barely walk up the stairs. The extra weight and being inactive obviously contributed to the issues I was already having with my feet. I used to make jokes with hubby about saving for my hoover round scooter. I don't make that joke anymore.

I am winning this battle!

Home Sweet Home

Well, we are home and back into our "normal life".  After WW, unloading/cleaning the camper and taking it to the storage lot, 6 loads of laundry, a trip to the grocery store and making dinner, I am finally done for the day.  OH! I did manage a nice walk around the block (making sure I get my steps in!).  

Even though I weighed in on Thursday in TN, I still wanted to attend this morning's meeting.  Being with my BFF and the Saturday morning group, not to mention our great leader, is what I need to get back into the swing of things.

I remember what another leader (Wayne) used to say..."If I could do it myself, I wouldn't be here".  And it's so true.  I need the meetings and the group that we meet with.  Just hearing that others have the same thoughts, struggles and hopes I have is so helpful.  It's nice to know I'm not doing it alone. 

My friends and family that surround me are SO supportive. I LOVE them cheering me on and I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing compliments.  It keeps me going. 

This is the first vacation in a LONG time that I actually wanted my picture taken.  I looked back at a picture from last year and I can't believe how far I have come.  I am SO much happier now. I feel so much better.  

I carefully planned our menus for this week and I think I will feel a lot more in control.  I am loading up on vegetables.  Lots and lots of vegetables.  I love summertime!  All the wonderful fruits and veggies that are available...oh yes!  I think next weekend I will go to the farmer's market.  

It may have only been a .4 loss this week but considering we were on vacation and I didn't get to move around as much as I would've liked, I am happy with .4.  At least it's in the right direction.

Last Night in Music City

We have had a blast.  I don't mind telling you that I truly believe that this is where I belong. When I stepped onto Broadway, I told Matt "I'm home". Towards the end of the week (after visiting Tootsie's 4 times), Matt said this place would kill me.  Haha!! He's probably right. 

All I all, I think I managed to keep myself under control.  It was a daily struggle.  I really really mean mean it was a struggle. So many temptations. I wanted to eat and drink everything bad for me that was in sight.  I did partake in the occasional adult beverage. I did eat a Goo Goo Cluster (over 2 days). I also went to <gasp> Waffle House. But, all these things I worked into my daily points allowance.  

Here was another issue I did not think I would have a problem with - getting all my steps in.  I would've thought that for sure it would not be hard to walk 10,000 steps or more.  Sadly, I found myself lacking a few days.  

We will be home in 2 days. I will get back into my "normal" life of controlled food and my elliptical.  Weighing in today, I was a bit concerned but I was down .4.  Not much but considering I'm on vacation, I will take any loss.  

The South

I have a love/hate relationship with the south.  Traveling down here to Nashville, we passed countless signs for Krystal and White Castle.  Both of which I L❤️VE.  I quick got on my WW app to see "what can I eat" from those fine establishments. Um.  Not much unless I want to give up a whole other meal. I didn't think using a Krystal bacon cheeseburger as a meal replacement would be a very good idea.  Apparently, neither did hubby as he didn't one time hesitate while we were hurtling down the highway. 

At the grocery store, there right in front of me was a whole box of Goo Goo Clusters. If you don't know what those are, quit reading this and Google It. Just kidding.  Finish reading this THEN Google it. Oh...I WILL be having one of those this week, especially since there is a whole Goo Good store/tour downtown - which is on my list of must-dos.  Those and Moonpies just scream south to me.  And grits. And fried chicken. And booze. And.....

Yes, this vacation will be a challenge. Our first night down here, I faced a BBQ restaurant menu with not many healthy choices.  I did the best I could without my measuring cup and scale; ordering brisket, baked beans and some grilled/boiled cabbage (which was really good). Ate less than half of the meat, a little beans and all the cabbage. I think that will be key as we continue this trip. Order the healthiest option I think I can and eat 1/2. 

This morning, I dutifully went to a WW center to weigh in. Passed a Krispy Kreme on our way.  Yes the hot sign was on. No we didn't stop. Yes I wept a little.  Is it bad that I know off the top of my head how many points is in one? (5 in case you are wondering). I was very pleased to be down 2.6. I wish I had been able to stay for the meeting (I think some encouragement would be helpful this week) but I didn't want to do that to hubby.  The leader seemed so friendly and enthusiastic. Of course, she's from the south. 

Yep...I love the south. But sometimes I hate her.