Thank you! And other miscellaneous ramblings

I just had to write and say thank you to all my Facebook friends that commented on my post. I was hesitant about linking the blog post to my Facebook page.  I felt embarrassed to admit I had gained so much weight back and that I was starting over again (for the umpteenth time!).  The responses I got were so positive and heartwarming!  A special thanks to AB and RB, whose comments brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with love.  And a shout out to KR, WK and RS, who all immediately volunteered to walk with me.  Thank you all! 

I had another good week, with lots of positive benefits from following the weight loss books.

There was one moment of self doubt.  I weigh myself twice a week, as a compromise to the two books I'm following. One book says to weigh everyday (to desensitize yourself to the scale so you use it as one of many tools to gauge how you are doing) and the other says to weigh once a week (so the scale doesn't affect your attitude during the week).  I decided to do a mid-week "check in" on Sunday with my "official" weigh in on Wednesday.  This was working great until this past Sunday.  Stepped on the scale, feeling positive, pleased with the way I had stuck to my behavior changes, and the scale turned on me.  It announced I was up 1.4 pounds.  And I'm pretty sure it was flashing that number in a mocking way.  

Laying back down on the bed, I thought about what could have caused it.. I reminded myself that weight can fluctuate as much 5 pounds a day depending on food, water and activity.  I told myself that Sunday is just a mid-week check-in, it is not of my official weigh in day.  I had a choice to make, I could accept the number as just that, a number; or I could let it be the undoing of 19 days of doing things "right."  I decided to let it go.  I would just continue on as I had been doing.  Then Hubby reminded me that I had a bout of heat exhaustion the day before (yard work in 80° to 90° heat + not enough water = heat exhaustion).  He pointed out that my body was probably still recovering from that and to not let the number on the scale get to me.  

And he was right.  When I weighed in on Wednesday, I was down 1.3 for the week.  That's 7.2 pounds in three weeks.  Yea me! 

Another challenge this past week was a family BBQ, with all the good food that entails.  I had a few slices of meat and cheese (no crackers) and a couple of chunks of watermelon for the appetizer; ate a cheeseburger (no bun), watermelon, and a green salad (which I brought) for the main meal.  I said no to the cupcakes and popsicles.  I ate slowly and mindfully, while still holding conversations with my family.  The best part?  When Hubby said he was proud of how I did!  💖

This week I had several other proud moments.  

For years, I have used an app called "Runkeeper."  I downloaded it when I was running to keep track of my distance and pace.  I also used it for the occasional hikes and walks.  Since I've started walking again, I use it as a guide for my time and distance.  After using the app on and off since May of 2013, I have logged 1000 miles of walking, hiking and running.  That made me feel good about the morning walks I had been doing, knowing those 1 - 1.5 mile walks added to the milestone.  

Fitbit is another app I have used daily since Hubby bought me my first Fitbit for Christmas in 2012.  I've had three different Fitbits over the years.  I had to replace my original one after losing it in the medical tent at the Tough Mudder in Tennesse (replaced it the next morning!) and then I bought myself a Fitbit Charge 2 several years ago.  Even when I wasn't doing any activity, I still wore it everyday. I've logged over 10,000 miles in 8 years.

In the last month, I have been slowly increasing my steps every day.  I'm working on being more active, but being cautious because I don't want to fall victim to my foot/knee pain again.  My "slow and steady" method seems to be working.  Both my steps and active minutes are up from the previous 28 days.  

I use those apps as daily motivators to keep me focused on my ultimate goals... to be healthy when I retire in 6 years and with the hope I may be able to run again in the future.  

I'm now on Day 24 of both the Beck Diet Solution and the 100 Days of Weight Loss.  I enjoy my "me time" in the mornings.  That hour I spend on getting in a walk and working on the books helps keep me focused throughout the day.  And the support of Hubby and my friends keep me going as well.  

Yes, I'm well aware I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase of my diet right now, but I'm okay with that.  I'm enjoying the newness of it all... and enjoying the way I feel.  And trying to just take this one day at time.