[gimmeMYbodyBACK]

Well, I haven't been on here for a few months... for many reasons, but the main reason is that I have just been so consumed by work that it's taken over my life, made me stressed, miserable, depressed... I knew I had to change something.

I've worked for my company for 6.5 years in the construction industry, managing projects, and the office, I've been contemplating quitting for awhile, and finally just did it! I got a new apartment last week in Massachusetts last month (I currently live in NYC for work), gave my notice to my work last week, and now I just need to find a new job! WOW.

But, I guess the point I'm trying to make is that when I originally decided, this is it, I am quitting, the 190 pound plateau I've been stuck at for months finally saw changes! I think it really is the stress! Even my trainer said it. It's not even that I was overeating, or not working out, because since I live in NYC all I do is work and now go to the gym 5 days a week, it really was just my body not adapting to the stress I think! Some people may not agree that's a "scientific" reason for weight loss or weight gain, but it's working for me.

I've tried to lose weight before, but either never did it whole heartedly, I would cheat, I would work out but never change my diet, (yada yada yada), but since the beginning of the year, I have been ON IT as far as exercising, I started the Medifast program (which I am on and off still - that I do cheat with since I am now better with my own calorie counting, but I really do need to get back on), and just trying to be happier. I got myself a 2012 Daily Affirmations calendar for the new year, and I've never been "one of those" people who look to a higher power, or are looking for a higher meaning in life, and I don't know if this calendar has changed me, but I honestly think it has. I love my daily affirmations, they make me think, they give me purpose.

I've attached what May had for the month, how true is that!
The calendar is through www.healyourlife.com

Anyways, I know I'm rambling, maybe because it's 8AM, I'm alone (that is going to change now that I've quit that damn job!), but the sun is also shining and I'm excited for today!

I have an appointment at noon to get my bridesmaid dress altered! YES! Bought that dress late last year, and it's huge now!

So in short, change your life!!! Get out of that rut!!! There is absolutely NO reason to not be happy, life is not only about money, it's about relationships and enjoyment and fullfillment. I know I didn't wanna wake up and already be 40, unmarried, not have had a real relationship in over 10 years, no kids, no time for friends or family and have been miserable for over 10 years, not what I want for my life!!!!

AHHHHHHH - Thanks!!! I feel good now.

[SJKduke]

Welcome back! Congrats on quitting your job--I know how stressful it can be to do something that drives you crazy.

[pixelllate]

Ohhh man I am in NYC working right now - it has been HARD to reduce my stress level.
Stress can cause a lot of water retention, so maybe that is why your weight loss is a lot better now? I am trying to remind myself to chill out, no matter what the situation is, its hard - everyone in this city (or most people) is so stressed stressed stressed! To a degree, I like the competition - it keeps me on my toes, but the anxiety gets to be too much at times.

[MeganTheMushroom]

Happy!!!
I've gone almost a month now without a major binge. That last big binge made me gain 3 lbs back that I had lost the month before in only 3 days. It wasn't water weight, because it took weeks to finally see a change. But I weighed myself Saturday, and finally was back down to 164- just 1 lb above where I had been before that binge. Sunday brought even more smiles- 162!!! That's my lowest since the Summer!

I got home from school today hungry. I had a salad all prepared: kale, tahni dressing, apple chunks, and sweet potato. I ate it... but I was still so hungry. And I wound up eating some avocado-choco pudding in the fridge, granola, cereal... I could see where things were going, so I stopped myself and compromised with a small bowl of puffed millet (only 50 calories per cup) with almond milk (40 calories per cup). So a low cal way to satisfy myself.
I'm not mad. I'll have green juice for dinner, and tomorrow I'll do better. I've made so much progress, and really can't call today a binge. Because when I used a little baby spoon to take another little scoop of avo-chocolate pudding, I stopped myself and asked, "What are you doing?" And I could stop.

So here's to May. They month I'll continue to lose this weight I've gained. I've lost 4 lbs total so far. I can't backtrack now- no way!