The Meltdown {v.15}

Progress! Points! & Breaking Plan!

Measurements:Chest: 34"Arms: 10"Waist: 25"Hips/Butt: 36.5"Thighs: 21" 

Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 2 pounds

Total Weight Lost: 24 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: 0

Total Inches Lost: 35.5 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 30

Points Balance: 372

I started this past week thinking that I would press through.  Then, Passover dinner came along, and I wanted to enjoy mashed potatoes and stuffing with béarnaise sauce with my family.  So I gave myself a cheat night.  Ate mostly back on plan on Saturday and then Sunday went to Easter brunch, where I gave myself more cheating…I actually had a piece of buttered bread.  It was the best bread I've ever tasted.  LOL.

Then we hosted a friend over for dinner that I hadn't seen in over a year, she just happened to bring in my nemesis…cold stone creamery ice cream cake.  I was like, ok, a little more cheating.  I didn't really feel guilty, as I had come to the conclusion that my body was in conservation mode.  I have been back "on-plan" with my eating since Monday morning.  I'm a bit suspicious that my 2 lb. loss is more water weight than anything else, but still, it puts me into the 130's for the first time in almost 3 years.  Yep, 139.  

As for exercise, I haven't seen Jillian in 5 days.  I am hoping to break my little exercise fast today, but again worried that exercise at this point could put me right back in conservation mode.  I just have 8 days of the shred left to complete to say I did it.  So now I am at the "to finish or not to finish" question.

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

I am actually proud of myself for allowing the cheating.  I know it helped me get back on track.

I'd like to work more on:

Keeping my food journal again.

Drinking half my body weight in ounces of water.

Eating all 6-7 of my daily mini meals. 

I totally cheated when:

I ate: mashed potatoes, stuffing, bearnaise sauce, brownies, bread with butter, fruit tart, strawberries, and ice cream cake.  And it was all delicious.

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?

Muffintop Meltdown V.1-V.14

The Meltdown {V.13}

Progress! Points! & Confessions:

   

Measurements:Chest: 34" (+.5") This is a good thing. LOLArms: 10.5" (-.5")Waist: 25.5" (-1")Hips/Butt: 37" (-1")Thighs: 21" (-.5") 

Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 1 pound

Total Weight Lost: 21 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: 3!! (+gain .5)

Total Inches Lost: 34 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 65

Points Balance: 287 

I'm in a diet funk.  I'm totally happy to be wearing my Express jeans again.  I'm happy about the shrinking mid-section and thighs too.  BUT…ugh!  I miss bread.  And pasta.  And bread.  Did I already say that?  I've reached the halfway there FUNK it seems.  Even my exercise program is going stale.  I'm bored and tired and losing motivation.

Remember when I said that it was going to be a battle from here on out?  It totally is.  I need to regroup, refocus and get myself back in line with the program.  I had a loss this week but it feels, well, unexciting.  Am I being totally ungrateful right now?  Probably a little bit.  I just want to be done and to my goal already!!  I want to be in transition so I can be moving on out of pre-packaged meals and into whole foods.  

See…don't let me fool you into thinking that I've got this whole thing in the bag.  I don't.  I'm still struggling here and there…and especially this week.  I feel like I need to confess to hold myself accountable:

Confession #1: I've completely stopped tracking/logging in my food journal.  I'm fumbling through the day barely eating all the meals I'm supposed to.  And struggling to eat every 2-3 hours.  At the time of writing this I haven't eaten for six hours.  (Don't worry, I'm setting this laptop down and going to grab something now!)

Confession #2: One of the most important things on this diet is drinking tons of water….I'm not even tracking this lately…and therefore my points and everything have gone way down.  What am I doing!? Someone slap me!

Confession #3: I've had a few meals out…and although I've still chosen healthy options…I'm kidding myself to think that its not having a negative effect on my plan.  I need to get my mind back in the game here friends.

I feel like I've reached "the Wall" in my weight-loss marathon!  I need someone to cue up some motivational music…and convince me that I need to press through this.  Oh and don't even get me started on Jillian.  Thank God I have a break on Monday.  (Only 3 days left of the Shred level 2!)

How are you doing with your goals?  Have any advice on how to get my mojo back!?

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

I'm staying with the 30 Day Shred.

I'd like to work more on:

Everything mentioned above!!!

I totally cheated when:

Not sure how, but because I've not been monitoring well…I know I'm cheating a  bit!

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?

Muffintop Meltdown V.1-V.12

Muffintop Meltdown {v.12} Victory!!

Progress! Points! & New Goals:

Measurements:Chest: 33.5" (-.5")Arms: 11" (-.5")Waist: 26.5" (-.5")Hips/Butt: 38" (-1")Thighs: 21.5" (-.5")Muffintop: 31.5" (-.5") GONE! 

Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 2 pounds!! 

Total Weight Lost: 20 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: 3.5!!

Total Inches Lost: 31.5 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 85

Points Balance: 222 

(almost halfway to my next $250!)

My muffin top is GONE!  I was sitting here trying to think of whether I need a new name for my little weekly update:  The Butt Blasting, Thigh Thinning Trimdown?  The Thunder Thigh Thin-Down?  The Lean Mean Body Machine?  The Underarm Usurp?  Cellulitis NoMoritis?  Finally, I just settled that going forward I will call it, "The Meltdown".  I still have many areas that need toning and shrinking…and my weight, well, I'm still not in my "healthy" weight range.  I still have a lot of work to do here!

When I originally started this journey toward getting back in shape and being more active, I set what I thought were some challenging goals for my measurements.  Today, 12 weeks later, I have met all but one of the measurement goals.  So it is time to set even more challenging "ideal measurement" goals.  It is hard to say what are realistic ideal measurements, because body shapes are so different.  I have a medium frame but have always seemed more of a pear than hourglass.  My new measurement goals will be based on what I believe is the smallest size my body will go (without looking emaciated).  

Now that I've lost 20 pounds, I'm only 13 pounds away from my original goal weight of 130.  But as I mentioned in a previous post, I know that number may have to be re-evaluated based on my loss of almost and inch during my pregnancy.  According to the Medifast calculations, my goal weight should be 118.  That seems like a fantasy to me at this point.  The last time I weighed 118 I was in 8th grade.  Now, I think I would probably be satisfied reaching a weight of 120 at the end of my "weight-loss" phase before I transition to eating on my own, which will probably put my maintenance weight between 125-130.  For now, I'm going to leave my "ideal weight" goal at 118 and re-evaluate where I want to go when I've reached 130 and again at 125.  

Calculated via Losertown

As happy I am with the progress I've made so far, I know that the real challenge begins now.  The weight that is usually the hardest to lose is the last 10-20lbs.  I have been trying to be as realistic and honest with myself throughout this whole process, because I want to succeed.  I'm done with failing.  I've declared no excuses this year and that is an all-encompassing vow…not just for my physical well being.  So, as the rest of this journey unfolds I'm going to be working harder than ever before.  I'm going to be digging deep and fighting through intense workouts.  I'm going to be saying no now, so that I can say yes later!  I'll be sharing more of my battle plan as we move forward.

How are you doing with your goals?  Is it time to re-evaluate or re-strategize your goals?

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

I completed the first 10 days of Jillian's Michael's 30 Day Shred Level 1 and today started  Level 2!  I'm so impressed with the intensity of these 20 minute workouts.  And I'm in pain all over again with Level 2.

I feel like my energy levels are soaring these days…I'm getting outside (blue sky and sunshine helps) and staying much more active overall.  In fact, it's hard to get me to sit down for any length of time.

I'd like to work more on:

Getting to bed by 10pm, most nights.  Maybe this makes me seem like an old lady, but I really feel that sleep is critical if you want to lose weight .

Drinking my minimum of 72 ounces of water every day!!

Cutting back on the use of condiments…those sneaky calories can add up quick! 

I totally cheated when:

I haven't been cheating, unless you count taking a one day break from working out yesterday!

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?

Muffintop Meltdown V.1-V.11

Muffintop Meltdown {v.11} Ouch!

Progress! Points! & Looking Forward:

Measurements:Chest: 34"Arms: 11.5"Waist: 27" (-.5")Hips/Butt: 39" (-1.5")Thighs: 22" (-.5")Muffintop: 32" (-.5") So close to being gone forevs! 

Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 0!! Finally hit that plateau!

Total Weight Lost: 18 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: 3.5!!

Total Inches Lost: 28 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 60

Points Balance: 137

I am so sore.  And tired. I always know that I've had a great workout when it hurts to sit on the toilet seat.  Oh the pain of daily workouts with Jillian Michaels.  This lady knows what she is doing!  It isn't helping that Zion has been waking up in the middle of the night lately and I'm getting fragmented sleep which cannot be great for muscle recovery.  Today is day five of the 30 day program and tomorrow I'll be adding a little more intensity by using weights.  (I started by just using body weight to get the hang of things).  

Today I thought I'd share with you a couple of the things I want when I get to my ideal weight, and feel confident enough:

 The first thing I want and will need is an updated wardrobe.  Yesterday I bought a new pair of jeans a size smaller than I've been wearing.  I realize it will soon be time to get smaller shirts too.  Most of all though, I really want to buy clothes that I love, that really represent my style.  I think when I've reached my goal, I'm going to be honest about my closet…you will see that I've been stuck in wearing things that have either been given to me or are just simple and plain because I didn't want to buy anything until I reached my goal.  I can't wait for my big shopping date…I'm believing it will be right before my 4 year wedding anniversary! :)

I've been wanting to do a few crazy and fun things to my hair, but have always worked in a corporate environment…that is until becoming a stay-at-home mom.  I am by all means a wild colored hair, nose piercing type of girl, but because of forced conservatism I've not had the opportunity to break out of the doldrums.  This is going to change.  I feel like I can only pull off the look I want at my ideal weight.  So, unless I get there, the extreme makeover - mama gone wild edition will have to wait!

What rewards are motivating you to stay on track with your goals?

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

I've been getting up every morning and doing the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels (and my hubby!)

Not really by choice, but I've been drinking way less coffee since I started working out.

I'd like to work more on:

I NEED SLEEP, I REPEAT I NEED SLEEP!

Eating at the scheduled times: I've been slacking on eating in the first hour upon waking, plus not consistently eating every 2-3 hours! 

I totally cheated when:

I've been cheating a bit, but wait, it isn't what you think.  I have had more calories than I would if I was just sticking to the plan, but they have been good calories: extra veggies, a bit more lean protein.

Okay, I confess I did have a few bites of coconut ice cream at lunch on Sunday…but I promise…it was less than 1/4 cup!

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?

Muffintop Meltdown V.1-V.10

Muffintop Meltdown {V.10} Here Comes the Shred

Progress! Points! & The Shred

Progress Report:

Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 4 pounds!!

Total Weight Lost: 18 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: 3 inches!!

Total Inches Lost: 23.5 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 70

Points Balance: 77

(I cashed in my first 500 points last week for $250 cash!)

Now that I'm losing weight consistently and my clothes are starting to look pretty silly…it's time to focus on getting toned up a bit.  I mean, I'm thrilled that I'm losing weight and almost halfway to my goal, but I don't want to get to goal and be skinny-flabby.  

That is why this Sunday I am going to start Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred!  I'm going to be totally honest with you, I am kind of intimidated.  I am worried about the intensity of the workouts and how it is going to effect my body.  I guess the only way to find out is to give it a go!

Either way, more exercise and activity is in order.  Not to speed up my weight loss, because quite frankly if I was losing any more weight, I'd be quite concerned.  I can't even tell you the shock I experienced seeing 4 pounds gone on the scale this week, while it made me happy, it also concerned me.  My weight loss has yet to slow down to 2 lbs or less, which I was sure it would have by now.  

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just don't want my weight to yo-yo and I know that slow weight loss (1-3 pounds/per week) is the best indicator that I won't just put a bunch of weight back on when I transition out of Medifast!  Enough with the worries and concerns….did I mention that I can:

Fit back into my 7 jeans!!! Remember, that was Jeans goal #1!!!  Now, my muffin top looks like it is back with a vengeance in this picture, but that is because the jeans are pretty tight still.  I do believe I'll be able to wear them comfortably by the end of next week though!!  Either way, I'm super happy.  And…my muffin top in my regular clothes is almost completely gone friends!!

What little tips have you learned that have made a difference in meeting your weight loss goals?

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

I'm staying on plan with Medifast!  

Our whole family is eating better now (even Zion has been wanting more green veggies)!

I'd like to work more on:

Exercise, period.

Refocusing on getting full nights of sleep! 

I totally cheated when:

I didn't really cheat at all this week, however; I've taken in a few more calories than what the plan would have me take in, and it really hasn't upset things at all.   I'm still in shock that I lost 4 lbs!

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?

Muffintop Meltdown V.1-V.9

A Few Tips for Navigating Today's Healthcare System

Okay, so in a previous life…I actually did high level contract negotiations with health insurance carriers.  I gave 12 years to health care administration and billing before I came home full-time to be with Zion.  Over the years, I have learned quite a bit of things that industry professionals do not want you to know.

I thought today that I would share a couple of things and perhaps save you and your family from learning some tough lessons the hard way.

1.  Know the lingo:  wording is everything when it comes to dealing with insurance companies as well as choosing doctors and dentists.

Do you see a difference between the following two statements?
Yes, we accept your insurance.
Yes, we participate with your insurance.

The difference could actually cost you hundreds of dollars.

When a physician's office tells you that they "accept your insurance" what they might actually be saying is that they will file a health insurance claim on your behalf, and that they will be glad to receive whatever payment your insurance pays as partial payment for their services.  In the end they will look at the amount your insurance pays and if it is a high enough payment usually cut you a "really good deal" on the balance, but either way you will still be surprised by unexpected fees.

When a medical practice tells you that they "participate with your insurance", they are saying that they have a contracted agreement with your insurance company, and accept a pre-negotiated rate for services they provide.  You may still owe a copay or coinsurance according to your family health insurance plan, but you won't be responsible for amounts outside your contract, or subject to inflated fees.

The bottom line:  always ask if they are a contracted participating provider with your specific plan.

2.  Know the loopholes:  when your health is at stake, making a little noise can work in your favor.  I personally worked for a group of the top neurosurgeons in New York and only a small handful participated with insurance.  However; I specialized in getting these physicians one-time contracts with insurance companies by pushing their specific techniques, specialization in a field and the failure of other surgeons to provide the same level of care.

The bottom line: it is your body, and you do have a choice on who provides your care, even when certain contracts restrict you to a network of providers.  Your fight will be in not giving in to the insurance company's attempts to persuade you to settle for something else.  I cannot in any way guarantee that a fight will always end in your favor, however; if it is important to you, you should fight until all options are exhausted, including all levels of appeals.

3.  Know that its a business:  the health care industry is a booming one.  The insurance company's are trying to make money, and so are the doctors.   Taking care of you is a means to an end.  Sad, yes, but very true.

The bottom line: Don't just behave like a patient, behave like a consumer.  Shop around.  Review recommendations online before wasting your time.  Don't go back to a place if you are treated poorly, the place is a dump or there are any red flags.  Get second opinions.  Sadly, some surgeons (I'd wager more than half)  really care more about the number of surgeries they perform than your personal surgery.  They may even try to do a more complex or invasive procedure than is needed.

I hope these tips help you, and feel free to send me an email if you have specific health care related questions.  I'll do my best to help you find your way.

Muffintop Meltdown {v.9} What working for lap band surgeons taught me!

Progress! Points! & Lessons From My {former} Day Job

Progress Report:

Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 3 pounds!!

Total Weight Lost: 14 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: 2.5 inches!!

Total Inches Lost: 21.5 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 85

Points Balance: 507!!! (First $250 earned!!!)

Before I became a stay-at-home mom, my day job was handling billing for several bariatric surgeons.  Specifically a few excellent specialists that perform lap band surgery.  Lap band surgery is a procedure that helps severely obese people to essentially utilize less of their stomach, therefore becoming full after very small portions of food are consumed.  It is portion control for those who have tried other methods and failed.  It was always fascinating to see the amazing transformations of people I'd see before and after having their surgeries.  

I met a couple of really great nutritionists that worked with the patients to help them adapt to a healthy eating routine both in preparation for surgery as well as after surgery. If you’re interested in learning more about nutrition, you might want to check out NutritionDegreeOnline.org. I thought I'd share a couple of tips that have always stuck with me in terms of losing weight and making right choices in eating:

1} If you aren't hungry enough to eat an apple, you probably aren't hungry at all.  This is so true!  There have been so many times that I have opened my fridge at home looking for something to snack on, but refused to eat any of the healthy options.  If you are an emotional or boredom snacker like I am, this is a good reminder to ask yourself if you are hungry enough to eat that apple!

2} Don't drink water/beverages during your meals.  There are several different views on this particular tip, but essentially a small sip of water is fine, but chugging fluids of any kind can actually interfere with digestion and raise insulin levels (which can cause more fat to be stored!).  Water should be your go to beverage between meals.

3} If you do nothing else, walk!!  Walking is actually the exercise of choice for the most successful weight-loss veterans.  You can do it anywhere, including in place in the privacy of your home.  Rain or shine, walking can get you moving toward your goal!

What little tips have you learned that have made a difference in meeting your weight loss goals?

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

I'm staying disciplined and not cheating on Medifast!  

I'm drinking tons of water again.

I'm down to 16oz of coffee a day or less!

I'd like to work more on:

Adding exercise again.  My body is not quite adjusted to regular NYC activity levels.  So, I'm still easing back into a workout routine. 

I totally cheated when:

I went out to dinner for one of my best friends Birthdays.  I did awesome in ordering a salad with dressing on the side.  But then I realized they gave it to me on the salad and the side, and I think it was more sweet than savory which is not good for my current meal plan!

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?

Muffintop Meltdown V.1-V.8

This post is part of a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog.  I was compensated.  The views and opinions expressed in this post are completely my own.

Disclosure Policy

Muffintop Meltdown {v.8}

Progress! Points! & The Skinny Fridge


Progress Report:

Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 4 pounds!!

Total Weight Lost: 11 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: 5.5 inches!!

Total Inches Lost: 19 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 85

Points Balance: 422!!!

I'm back in NYC! Woot!  I can't believe how quickly three weeks flew by!  It was sad saying good-bye, but it feels great to be back at home and getting back in my own routine.  I'm now 10 days into Medifast, and I am THRILLED with the results I have had so far.  I know I went off track early in my trip to Texas, so I am sure I gained a bit of weight before starting Medifast, so the fact that I am down 4 pounds despite that fact, is AWESOME!  And motivating! 

I never had an actual work out during my trip.  I had hopes to get on the treadmill, but the treadmill was moved to the garage so a playroom could be created, making it inconvenient and unnecessary.  I will say that for probably 85% of every day, I was on my feet!  I barely sat down friends.  Now I know the secret to losing baby weight…have more kids! LOL.  As I sit here typing this I am thirsty to exercise and will be doing Pilates just as soon as I finish sharing with you.

I am convinced that Medifast can and will get me to my goal weight and expediently as well!  When I did my weight loss projections based on the minimum weight loss expected, I will be in my most ideal shape by my 4 year anniversary in June!  I will blow past my goal weight before Zion's 2nd birthday!  Can you tell how excited I am?

Before I know it, I will be looking like this:

My sister has a fridge that is a great ego booster, I call it her "Skinny" fridge.  Every time I saw my reflection in it, I was thrilled with how a skinny/fit Courtney will look!

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

I'm staying disciplined and not cheating on Medifast!  

I'm drinking tons of water again.

I made it through my stressful travel day without breaking my Medifast.

I'd like to work more on:

Continuing to cut back on coffee, perhaps switching to only one 8oz cup of coffee + adding one 8oz cup of Green Tea instead of my 2nd cup of coffee.

I'm adding exercise back this week, and I am really hoping to not overdue it and since I have only been "functionally active" for the last three weeks. 

I totally cheated when:

I got home and this morning I had no Splenda or sugar substitutes, so I added a teeny bit of spicy cocoa and Agave nectar to my coffee eek!!

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?

Muffintop Meltdown V.1-V.7

Muffintop Meltdown {v.6}

Progress, Points & My Favorite Jeans
Progress Report:

Weight Lost This Week: Unknown

Total Weight Lost: 7 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: Unknown

Total Inches Lost: 10.5 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 0 (Wasn't Counting!)

Points Balance: 307

This post is coming at you delayed, simply because I've been insanely busy this past week with the arrival of my baby niece (pictures & details to follow!)  I've been busy helping with three toddlers and other household chores.  Every night I've been utterly exhausted by the time the kids are all in bed.  

I didn't measure myself or do a weigh-in (I mentioned previously that my sister informed me that she doesn't have a  scale so that is out until I get home in NYC.)  I also decided not to track points.  I've been really needing to be flexible in everything, and I'm admittedly off track a bit.  I'm still not discouraged though.  In life there are always temporary setbacks…the key is seeing them as just that…temporary.  

Today, I thought I'd share a two part goal I have regarding two of my favorite pairs of jeans ever:

1.  Goal #1 is to fit into my 7 jeans again.  Right now I can pull them almost all the way, but I cannot button them or zip them, too much hip/butt, so as that region shrinks these will easily fit again.

2.  Goal #2 is to fit into my Express jeans again.  I haven't worn these jeans since before my wedding/honeymoon.  I can pull these up to about mid thigh right now…so I have some work to do! 

In other news, I begin my Medifast 5-in-1 program tomorrow morning.  I am excited to get things going in the right direction again.  I delayed starting the program because I had a moment of clarity about attempting to start it while watching three toddlers all by myself for 48 hours…not the brightest idea.  I can't wait to share progress with that later in the week, and let you know how it is going and what I really think of it.

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

Well, I am sure there is something to be proud of, but I can't really think of anything, eek!

I'd like to work more on:

I haven't really been working out this past week and a half, nor have I been very disciplined with my eating plan.  The family here knows how to cook, so it is REAL hard to stick to my own food! :)

I totally cheated when:

I've been having a TON of dessert, so bad, really, like ice cream, cupcakes, cookies…woe is me!

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my journey? V.5, V.4, V.3, V.2, V.1

Muffintop Metldown {v.5}

Progress, Points & Travel
No Pics this week!  Tune in Next week for progress pictures!

Progress Report:

Weight Lost Gain This Week: 1 pound

Total Weight Lost: 7 pounds

Points Earned:

Month of January: 307

I finally arrived in deep South Texas!  My sister asked me, before booking my ticket there, whether or not this trip was going to have a negative impact on my current goals.  I confidently said, "No."  While I'd be kidding myself to think there won't be any temptation, I have watched my hard work and commitment pay off, and after a little over three weeks, I'm pretty hooked!  I'm not saying it is going to be easy to stick with everything, but I did come up with a plan before going, so I'd like to share that with you today.  

I know that I show a 1 pound gain this week, but I have to admit, I have no idea why.  I kept up with workouts, have been eating well and the only thing I slacked on was water consumption.  I'm not discouraged at all though, I know that we all have our plateau weeks.  I'm actually thrilled because I am supposed to receive my first 4 weeks of Medifast meals tomorrow, which means I can begin resetting my metabolism Saturday.  I also have the use of a treadmill, which I can't wait to use tomorrow.  I have one hiccup though, I have no scale to weigh-in for the next two weeks! Eeeek!  I'm going to deal with it, and hopefully this means I will have a fantastic weigh-in on the 23rd.  Look for a more thorough update next week, I'll still measure inches and take pictures.

My tips for travel:

1.  Being realistic doesn't mean accepting failure is certain.  I can't tell you how many times I've allowed myself to fall into the trap of thinking that failure was inevitable due to the "holidays" or "vacation" or "this special event."  Instead of this mindset I have decided to recognize that I will be tempted, I may not have all the same options available, but I can still make good choices that won't set me off course.  Instead of saying, "Well, I'm on vacation, I might as well live it up" I am choosing to say, "I will take each meal as it comes and evaluate my options to make the healthiest decision possible."  Instead of saying, "Well, I'm on vacation, I'll be happy if I workout a few times while I am there" I am choosing to say, "Exercise is a part of my every day life, I will remain active, and find time to get in a minimum 20 minute workout every other day."

2.  The choice is still mine.  I don't have to make bad choices, even while away from home.  It is really empowering to me to know that I am fully equipped to turn away from temptation.  I can say "no" because I've been practicing it over the last month.  I can also say "yes" in a way that won't undermine my goals.  I can choose to say yes to a smaller sized portion of something that is "bad" for me.  And appreciate it all the more! 

3.  Preparation is key.  I've mentally prepared myself for this three week trip, and found it would be the perfect time to start my short Medifast program, eating will be no problem because I've taken the guesswork out of it.  I've also discussed options for exercise ahead of time (sister has a treadmill…no excuses!) and will be bringing my computer with easily streamed workouts.  I've considered the temptations I may encounter, and have resolved to stick with my goals because no food item is more valuable to me than reaching my healthy goal weight and being in optimal shape.

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

The  right stuff:  I am thriving on the vegetable-lean protein heavy diet, balanced by small amounts of whole grains, fruits and dairy.  I really feel good about my eating.  And my portion sizes are better.

Consistent workouts: I'm hooked!  And I can't wait to start running again while in Texas!

I'd like to work more on:

Water consumption: I slacked a bit this week.

Doing my physical therapy exercises a minimum of once per day.

Cutting down to 1 cup of coffee a day {I'm getting there! Not kidding myself after all!}.

I totally cheated when:

I totally indulged on a deluxe cheeseburger and fries from Five Guys at the airport yesterday!

How did you do this week?

Missed the last update? V.4, V.3, V.2, V.1

**I am not a certified expert on nutrition or exercise, so please, do your homework/research, and as always consult your physician before making major lifestyle changes that include diet/exercise!**