Week Eight Intentions

Last week, I felt so much better than I have in a while. I was sleeping better, doing yoga every morning before work, I hit the weights twice (which is my goal), and did interval training on the elliptical almost every day. My food choices were a lot better, too, and by the end of the week, my gut was the happiest it's been in months! Which made me happy, too. Most importantly, I was spending time on my bible study every day, which is good for my spirit. And, the cherry on top was making time for my weekly dance lesson.

No, my week wasn't perfect. A guy I've had a couple dates with decided he wasn't interested in seeing me again (his loss, because I'm a great catch), and I got an ugly email at work. I didn't let either ruin my days.

This coming week, I intend to keep doing the things that make my body and soul happy, which then makes me a better teacher:
- leave work at work
- spend time regularly in Bible study & prayer
- yoga every weekday morning & HIIT every school night
- weights twice a week
- home cooked meals
- drinking plenty of water
- go to dance lesson

... And maybe I'll eventually clean my bathroom.

Hey, it's about progress not perfection, as Lysa TerKeurst writes in a couple of her books!

More Than a Number

This weekend was the final weigh-in before the holidays. Didn't lose that last 0.7 pounds last week to make my goal; in fact, I am up a bit. And guess what- I'm ok with that.

The holidays, and preparations for them, are stressful enough without the addition of weight loss. Weight loss is hard enough without the stress of the holidays. I know why the scale went up a bit this week. I didn't eat very well. I did exercise, but I didn't eat enough fruits and veggies like I like to and I ate way more sweets than I care to admit to. So yah, the scale went up a bit.

I'll keep doing what I need to do to take care of myself this week. I'll enjoy Christmas Day dinner with family and while I won't go overboard with eating, I won't worry about staying under a certain number of calories. My plan is to fill my plate with lots of veggies and protein, take the special foods that I don't get often and the foods that I enjoy. And taste the other foods. And, if something special or that is only served on special occasions isn't as good as I had hoped, I give myself permission to leave it on my plate.

I'm not worried about the number on the scale because I know I am so much more and have achieved so many great things this year.
I can run. (Slowly, but I can do it!)
I can walk a long ways.
I can hike.
I can plank.
I can chase my niece and nephew around playing football and not get winded.
I can climb rock walls.
I can dance.
I can sing.
I feel comfortable in my own skin. With and without clothes on. I can look at myself naked in the mirror and like what I see.
I can play with  my students.
I can crawl around on the floor with them.
I can walk into a crowded room and not want to be a wall flower, but rather want to mingle and meet people.
I can laugh with others and at myself.
I can speak my mind and ask for what I want and need (do you know how liberating this is!?).
I can love and be loved.
There are so many things I can do, that I'm not going to let a number on a scale bring me down.

Getting Back On Track

Making progress despite "mistakes" along the way.

I've been (mostly) sugar-free since Wednesday. Mostly only natural sugars from fruits, but you know... it's the holidays and there's lots of goodies being shared. It can be hard to resist.

Thankfully, I was feeling more like myself for my dinner date last night. And he was so sweet. I had been going crazy for no reason (other than the sugar overload coursing through my body and making me feel off).

I did have some homemade candy this afternoon that had been part of a present from a student. It was so good that I couldn't hardly stop myself. Ok, I could have stopped myself, but thankfully they only gave me a little bit so I didn't do too much damage. ...and I spent about an hour and a half on the treadmill/elliptical this evening to make up for it. I'm feeling pretty darned good.

Tomorrow I will weigh in in the morning. We'll see what the scale says; will I make my goal before Christmas? Regardless of what the scale says, I'm feeling really good and looking really good. My clothes fit well. I feel healthy and happy and whole. I feel vibrant.

Now, I just need to remember those things every time I encounter sweets over the holidays so I can stay focused on keeping me healthy and happy.

Progress Towards My Goal

Doing my weekly weigh in this morning... With some fear and trepidation because I was off my normal routine for several days due to travel. So glad I did it though, because I'm only three and a half pounds away from my short term goal! I WILL be at under 200 lbs by my birthday!