The Numbers Game

Today is Saturday.  This means I've spent another week on 'The Program'.  It's not a 12-step program.  In fact it's a life-long commitment to better living.

In 2010 I decided it was time to make some changes for the better.  I started by reminding myself I can't change that which I have no control. My Mantra.  In other words, stop worrying about what others in your life are doing or thinking and do what's best for your and your family.  It does no good to sit and hope someone will like you because you want them to and you've been around forever when in fact their actions say different. I can only do so much from this end and I'm tired of the silence. Their loss.

I also decided it was time to shed some El-Be's.  I started exercising, even making it up to a 30-45 run (hey I'm so NOT a runner) on a treadmill inclined...  until I did something to the ligament in my foot and had to have surgery.  I nursed it way longer than I should -  I felt I had a great excuse and psychologically I couldn't get past it.  It was all me.  And I gained 20 of the 35 lbs I lost.

I tried Weight Watchers on line last year to prepare for our daughter's wedding and quite frankly it was VERY apparent I require a tad more accountability.  As I adjusted to a new work schedule and longer days when I worked, I found I had yet another excuse for not doing what I wanted.  I made a slight effort but failed at accomplishing anything remarkable.

This year in January I tried heading back over to the Y to work out - me and 60,000 (a slight exageration) others who made a New Years Resolution to work out.  Very discouraged I left and vowed to return...  later.  In February I was speaking to a coworker about losing weight.  I saw where Weight Watchers was having a special rate.  I learned there are several from our department who are attending Weight Watchers.  I made a decision to join that first week.  And announced it - THERE I said it.

I began my journey topping out at a number I couldn't believe.  Surely someone with a horrible sense of humor had set a cement block behind me.  Nope - what was behind me was ALL me! 

Counting points is a task for the meticulous and therefore I do well.  Everything I eat gets tracked.  I use their website and phone apps. Planning ahead helps to know what to eat and be prepared.  I am a list maker and organizer so this all falls right into my lifestyle.  I find myself eating breakfast which I never did before.  Lunch can be a challenge on work days but since I am not inclined to eat the cafeteria food (even their "Healthy choice Happy Meals") I usually dish up a portion of last night's dinner.  Dinner is sometimes a challenge.  Variety.  Planning is not Mike's strong suit so on days when I work I try to come up with something he can easily put together and still not break the "point bank".  We've even found some lower point meals which we can enjoy on our date nights.

Mike wanted to tag along on this journey.  Thankfully.  We signed him up for the on-line Weight Watchers.  It's less expensive and he doesn't weigh in at meetings.  He has access to all of the on-line and Smart phone tools.  Naturally, as men are over-achievers, he is doing great and dropping pounds faster than me.  Where he's noticed is his belt.  He's had to add four new notches and a belt IS a requirement!  Healthwise he is off several of his prescription meds. 

So where is my rambling headed... 

Today I stepped on the scale very apprehensively.  Last week my weight went up a 6/10's of a pound.  I am always naughty and weigh in at home to compare.  I didn't like what I saw this week at home and reluctantly left the house.  This week I lost 2.4 lbs.  My second strong week of no cheating, walking 4 nights, working in the yard and making the right food choices for meals.  I saw numbers on the scale which I haven't seen in YEARS!  I'm sooo close to my goal for my first 10% before we leave on our vacation - and believe I might even make my second goal of 10lbs before Krieg and Karissa's wedding in August.  Wow.  I said that outloud. 

This is a journey.  It started because I have one more opportunity to NOT be the fat momma at our youngest child's wedding.  Well, that and my decision to change my way of living.  I've brought my best friend with me, and my folks in Wisconsin are also following the Weight Watchers program.   Even Ethel in Georgia found out her health insurance will help cover the monthly dues and signed up.  When I'm struggling at work my coworkers nudge me along.  I'm so proud of us all.

I still have to remind myself not to get upset about the things I have no control over. Sometimes an energetic playlist on the iPod and some fresh air is a great cure. I'm definitely healthier.  I hope to lower my blood pressure meds over time.  My cholesterol has improved.  My energy has skyrocketed (I went from slug to catepillar...).  I even bought some clothes a size smaller. 

Today as a reminder I tried on my dress for the wedding.  It fits better than it did in May.  I'm definitely heading in the right direction - I'm moving forward (with so many things...)!