Monday Menu

I usually post motivational images/quotes on Monday and I decided that healthy recipes would be good motivation as well. Today, as with any day, is a great day to start eating healthier and to start developing a portion control habit. Remember that eating healthy alone will not get you to your optimal weight loss/healthier lifestyle goal. Add in some cardio and strength training to help get you to that goal as well.

And the journey continues...

http://inspiredreamer.com/spinach-burger-patties/

http://www.runningaragnar.com/2013/05/pioneer-woman-recipe-for-perfect-salmon.html

Telling My Story

As I have said before, I have the most amazing support system.  My husband and my two amazing sons help get me through every aspect of my life.  I have a wonderful family and many amazing friends as well.  My life would not be the same without each of them as well as each of you (the people that follow my journey).  I have been fortunate to be able to share this journey and I appreciate everyone that has shared how I have touched their lives and how inspirational that I have been for them.  You help me as well.

My story has been shared now on the Bailey Bariatrics website (www.baileybariatrics.com) and their Facebook page.  I want to thank them as I would not be where I am without the help of Dr. Kirk, Dr. Katsis and the wonderful staff at Bailey Bariatrics.

Here is the link to my story:  http://www.baileybariatrics.com/blog/blogging-about-weight-loss-journey#.U8AvJhZ8zHg

And the journey continues...

Weight lost

I still have not made it to my goal weight but I am still battling to get there and maintain that weight.  This is and never has been a diet (that word should be removed from your vocabulary).  This is a lifestyle change and developing healthy eating habits while exercising and becoming a healthy person.

Since my journey began, I have lost 123 pounds.  As of today I have officially lost the same amount of weight that my 14 year old son weighs.  I have lost an entire human.  This is a crying moment for those that know me.

And the journey continues...

Monday Motivation

A few thoughts for your Monday.

And the journey continues...

Non-scale Victories (NSV)

We all focus on that number that we register each time we step on the scales. Often we are consumed with the pound lost or gained and forget some of the NSV's that we experience.  These often are more important or actually mean more to us than that number way down there between our feet.

I personally have had several NSV's since my journey began.  Walking into my closet and pulling out a dress that I had worn almost 20 years ago, putting it on and it being too big was probably the first one.  The second major NSV was getting out of the shower and wrapping a regular bath towel around me without it gaping open.  These "victories" may sound goofy to some but for someone that has been overweight their entire life, these are moments of tears.  Some people can't/won't understand these victories but we all experience them.  These can be goals that we set for ourselves or they may be something that just happens.  Enjoy them and be proud of each NSV as  these are major accomplishments.  

One MAJOR NSV that I look forward to and set as a goal when I started this journey is my husband carrying me across the threshold of our home.  This never happened when we were first married as I weighed a considerably greater amount than he did.  My plans are for our 20th anniversary (December 2, 2015) next year, he will indeed carry me for the first time.

And the journey continues....

Time to get serious again

As some of you know, I've been on a Roadtrip vacation and have gotten in a lot of walking/hiking but I am ready to get back to some serious exercising and some real, home-cooked healthy food.  I have joined a July challenge for a "1,000 minutes of exercise" and I challenge each of you to try this as well.  You don't lose (well, maybe weight) if you don't make it to 1,000 minutes but the greatest success is trying.  

Please leave comments regarding your plans/successes.  I would love to hear what you a are doing.  

And the journey continues...