Weight Watchers: I'll drive from Timbuktu

This is me with my AWESOME leader, Elizabeth! She is funny,sassy, and encouraging! 

Pounds Lost So Far: 47. 4

I have made a decision about this whole Weight Watchers journey. Since my meeting closed a few weeks ago things have not been going very well. I haven't kept track of the food I'm eating. I've felt very discouraged. A trip to Culvers left me feeling physically full and emotionally empty. I decided that if I'm going to continue, I am not going to do it half way. If I need to drive from Timbuktu to a meeting, I am going to do it. 

 Meetings are essential to me. Many people have great success using the Weight Watchers online program. I need the meeting. It is so helpful to know that there are other people out there who struggle with their weight. The tips and motivation I receive keep me going! 

Today I woke up early and drove into Cincinnati to attend my new meeting. It was amazing to see Elizabeth there. She gave me a huge hug and introduced me around. It is good to be seen. So much of my life I have tried to blend into the background. Not any more! 

Physical Changes: Overshare time! My digestion problems have disappeared. I would have stomach issues three to four times a week. Now they are gone! Ewwww...Enough said! 

Favorite Food: Smart Ones Breakfast Quesadilla

It is a "sin" how incredibly good these things are! They are gooey,cheesy, and filling. Ones of these and some fruit add up to a very filling meal. It sticks with you for a while. 

Biggest Success: Michael asked me to bring home donuts for him. Are you kidding me? Donuts are my gateway food. Yet he wanted some and so I brought two home for him. A donut has not been in my hands since June. The temptation was avoided and I felt like a super hero!

What is your biggest success of the week?

Weight Watchers: I need that cheerleader!

Pounds Lost: 43.6 lbs. 

The last few weeks have been really hard. The downward spiral started when my Weight Watchers meeting was closed. It wasn't a very large meeting, which is one of the reasons why I liked it. Elizabeth, the leader was AMAZING and so encouraging! I have attended a few new meeting and have just not found the right fit. One meeting I attended, the leader was really loud and put people on the spot. I wanted to walk out after about five minutes. Too bad I was sitting on the other side of the room from the door. 

Through this process of trying to find a new meeting I haven't been mindful of what I have been eating. I haven't been keeping up on my exercise routine either. I haven't been tracking what I'm eating.I find myself slipping back into old habits.

Now that I don't have a meeting to call "home" I haven't had the encouragement. I haven't received those high fives and silly stickers that have kept me motivated. People at work haven't asked me in weeks how things are going. I am feeling pretty low. 

The first few months were not amazingly difficult. I worked hard and I saw the numbers on the scale change. Now is when the rubber meets the road. Am I going to let these setbacks undo all the work I put into this? Am I going to let those destructive habits creep back into my life?

 NO! I can do this. 

I can choose to lace  up the sneakers and head out for a walk.

I can choose what I eat!

I can do this.

I will do this.

I AM DOING THIS.

Weight Watchers Update 9/15/13

Pounds lost so far:42 lbs.

Physical Changes: Two clothing sizes down. I have purchased quite a few new skirts at Goodwill and Kmart. Found a cute button down shirt at Target. Yahoo!! This is getting fun! Can't wait to get out of plus size clothing!

I can finally get my rings off of my fingers. Haven't been able to take them off for over 5 years. Plan to get them professionally cleaned. Once I hit my goal weight, I will get them resized!

The heat has bothered me as long as I can remember. It makes me moody and uncomfortable. This summer the heat hasn't bothered me as much as in past years. Maybe next year I can be one of those girls who actually can look cute during the summer. 

Favorite Food:

Who doesn't love chocolate milk? The Silk Pure Almond Dark Chocolate Milk is amazing. It is thick,creamy,and delicious! Last week I tried the Blue Diamond brand of chocolate almond milk. It was good,but not even in the same league as the Silk brand. Plus, the Blue Diamond brand has more calories per 8 oz. serving. The price is pretty much the same. So if you want a an indulgence, go with the Silk brand. 

Biggest Temptation: This past Friday I had a lot to do. I had forgotten my computer at home, so I had to go back and get it. Along the way I stopped at McDonald's for lunch. I don't know why, I had a perfectly good Weight Watchers meal in the fridge waiting for me. I let my frazzled mind talk me into McDonalds. I ordered a cheeseburger kids meal, which wasn't a horrible choice, but a much higher point value than I had originally planned.

Biggest Success: While at Target today I really looked at myself in the mirror. I still had in my head that I looked the way I did when I first started Weight Watchers. Sure, my cloths are baggy. Yet, there is just something about looking at yourself in the mirror.Today I saw that my shoulders are becoming more narrow. My legs are smaller and my face is thinning out. It is such an amazing feeling to look at yourself and actually see that your hard work is paying off. It is such a boost. I have come this far. I can do this. This is do-able! 

Highlight: The meetings are incredible. Even though I don't talk a lot during the meeting, I am getting so much out of it. My leader, Elizabeth is such a fun and encouraging person. She is always ready with a hug or a high-five! I haven't missed a meeting since joining. I look forward to going each week. I love the stickers. 

During the meeting today one of the women said something that made me want to jump up and shout. 

"Deprivation leads to desperation." 

Can I get this stitched on a pillow?! When we deprive ourselves of a certain food it gains power over us. If we keep depriving ourselves of that food that we REALLY want, we come to a point where we become so desperate for it that we lose control and eat a ton of it. We control the food, it doesn't need to control us. 

Don't forget to check out my post on my favorite work out songs!