Yesterday I saw the numbers 179. Thats five solid pounds lost.
The ’shift’ is taking place, I feel resolve, but it’s incremental and only feels real as I lose the pounds. I guess that’s the trick, to lose a few first. I’m very pleased with myself as I’ve not really dieted, just been making better choices. Whole healthy food choices.
Been chowing down on my own version of tabouleh which is bulgar, and bean /lentil base (with olive oil, lemon juice, salt/pepper), then bulked out with lots of minced veggies (as red onion, celery, red pepper, a bunch each of cilantro and parsley), and I believe it is a whole food with bean/legume/grain protein, olive oil fat, and veggies) Choices to hike further up the ridge, even though it’s hot and it’s harder inthe heat, with this weight. Choices not to grab that pastry with my coffee at Starbux, with trips into town (though I did use half/half in my coffee oddly, as if to reconcile) , and to bring my own snack food (plain popcorn has really helped to have handy all day when I want to chew for the sake of chewing....), choices to pick a vegetarian entree when going out, cooking more vegetarian, choices to use soy milk instead of dairy, to eat tabouleh instead of yogurt (which needs jam cuz I don't like it plain), so all in all, my meat and dairy has gone down significantly. All those choices add up (or subtract down) with the results, and , I’m becoming slowly a LessMeatarian and LessDairyatarian!
I have not excluded chocolate , not yet, and occasional little dishes of my homemade icecream w/ DH.
I realized yesterday that at this weight I will lose weight making little adjustments, but the little adjustments will have to continually be made as I lighten up, because a lower weight requires even fewer calories to do the same exercizes and to function, and thus burns fewer as well. In other words, as I lose more weight, I will have to continue to shave off , or alter, just enough from my eating, and push just a little further with the hikes, and incorporate more varied exercises to not get bored , as in riding bike next , and quick jogs when I’m near goal.
But, the thing is I need to remember, the overall affect won’t be any more difficult than it’s been in recent weeks, as I’ll have gotten use to a little sacrifice and feel good and confident about making the choices. And the best part is, I’ll be reaping the rewards bigtime to stay motivated. I’ll be inspired greatly at first by my own transformation and it’s affect on my social environment. That is going to be really interesting to get into.
Behaviors can change, and I must not ever be afraid of the long journey of behavior modification I choose to do, nor the hard work and small deprivations…. in fact, I will likely enjoy the treats even more as I am indulging far less. So much to actually be grateful about. I’m grateful the shift is finally starting to take place.