It's Science, not Magic...

Birthday Week(s)…

The past this week (and the previous one) has held 4 birthdays in my immediate family.  Guess how this translated the the old  healthy eating plan…EPIC FAIL!!!!!  It’s not that I’ve gorged myself on cake and ice cream (I actually don’t care for cake.), it’s just the busy pace has gotten in my way.  This is the first year that I’ve had separate parties for the boys, and they were both rained out thus forcing last minute alternate plans.  Alternate plans=stress.  Stress=food.  Food=whatever is in my reach.

UGH!

I actually gained 2 pounds over the course of birthday season this time around, but I’m NOT going to let that stop my forward momentum.  I’ve come too far to turn back now.  I’d just be beating myself up 6 months down the road saying, “well if you hadn’t gained back those (x number of) pounds, then we wouldn’t be in this mess.”  I refuse to let the cycle continue. 

Yeah, so I gained 2 pounds.  Not good, but NOT THE END!!!

I am still on track with exercising.  I think I am about to start a training regimen for a half marathon.  I don’t have a specific race in mind, but I have found that I work best when working toward a goal.

Random…I’m laughing as I type this.  It’s 8:30 on the Hubs’s birthday, and he is snoring like a BANCHEE on the couch.   Hahahaha!!!  When did we get so old????

Motivation…

Where does your motivation come from??

What gets you out of the bed at 5 a.m. to go for a run??

Why are you on this journey??

What makes you say no to cake and yes to carrots??

I guess it is different for everyone.  I’m sure lots of folks would say they are doing it for their kids or just to be a healthier person.  I’m doing it for me.  So sorry if that sounds selfish, BUT it’s true.  I’m tired of being trapped in a body that I don’t feel matches the real me.  I’m going to fight this fight day after day until I become the woman that I see myself to be.  I deserve better.  No, I deserve the best.  And, along the way my family will benefit as well, and that is fabulous (‘cause I’m rather fond of them!!).  But I’m in this for me!!  I think I have to be in this for me.  If I were “in this for my kids,” then I think I would end up resenting them along the way.  The only one who needs to be resented is ME.  I did this, now it’s my time to FIX IT!!

HOOAH!!!  (sorry, I’m an Army wife, and sometimes I just can’t help it!!)

Some foods that work for me…

I am finding more everyday that this is definitely a journey and not a diet.  I am SLOWLY figuring out what food combinations work to keep me satisfied throughout the day.  You would think that I would have been able to catch on to this more quickly, but apparently I have a bit slower curve…ha!!

One thing that I have found is that I MUST have protein for breakfast.  While a nice slab of bacon would fit that bill, it wouldn’t be too accommodating of this new lifestyle.

Here’s what does:

That’s right….some yummy greek yogurt is a fabulous way for me to start my day.  Now, I do have to get the kind with fruit in it.   The plain greek yogurts are just a bit of an acquired taste for me.

Another thing that I ADORE for breakfast is a green smoothie, but that is an entire post all to itself!!

Getting back in the running groove…

…is harder than it seems!!  This winter has been unseasonably warm, and that is NOT GOOD for those of us with allergies and asthma.  I have had the hardest time shaking this flare up that started the day before the 5K.  I’ve just been running as much as my lungs can handle…however, that has translated into a LOT of walking.  I guess the main thing is that I’m still moving.  It’s just frustrating to have the desire but not the ability for a time. 

On a brighter note…I am making strides in figuring out what my body needs nutritionally.  It is definitely about finding the right balance for you.  I’ll be sharing more about my findings in posts to come.

The Reason…

Back from Disney…

We had a fabulous time, and I loved spending time with all of my boys (grown up and otherwise!).   I actually ended up losing a pound while we were there…so let’s call it a WIN!!  I totally chalk it up to my increased water intake while we were there.  You would think I could take a hint and drink more water all of the time.  UGH…Diet Coke is my vice for sure!!  I guess admitting it is the first step. 

I did have one particularly special treat while we were there.  It was a Belgian waffle sandwich with Nutella and fresh fruit.  OH MY YUMMINESS!!!!!!!!!  I may have to recreate something of the sort for an at home yummy treat.