Hi SparkFriends!
The month of May was highly stressful for my husband and I. Medical issues, job issues, and challenges to just keep it all together. In my past this would have been a real trigger to eat like crazy. I am proud to say, I did not do that. I did have more "special" selections of foods, however, it never triggered an eating episode and I often made sure I cut out other things to be sure not to lose control. This is the true "lifestyle change"! I did not have that famous dialog in my head of "I will start over tomorrow, I screwed up today", etc. That is change and freedom! I am amazed that if I choose to eat pizza and wings...I still counted the slices and number of wings to record, I paid attention to how full I felt, and stopped before I was stuffed! I also rarely eat the leftovers and the control I have learned means as much to me as the weight loss. This means I will not be gaining and losing and in that dreaded cycle that has been my life! I keep in mind to eat fruits and veggies...if I do indulge in something I try to add a salad...for the healthy aspect but also to fill me up, so I still have something special but do not just eat that! And water...although I still struggle with the 8 total, I am no longer drink soda. I actually do not like diet cola's at all...even question how I drank them in the past!? I no longer live with a salt shaker in my hand and this was what I thought was impossible! I could literally eat salt! I picked it off pretzels and threw the pretzels away!!! I love these changes and know they all lead to health. I am off my acid reflux prescription medication, I am on a very low dose of blood pressure meds now, and I have lowered my diabetes meds...this is awesome!!!
I have started weighing in monthly! It helps keep me focused on lifestyle change and body change. I weighed in today and I lost 3 pounds in May...not alot, but I am disabled...in a wheelchair if I leave the house and walk very little and with a cane in the house. I need double knee replacement and the weight loss will enable me to have successful, safe surgery and easier rehab after it. So, I am pleased with the number. That is a total of 44 pounds since Aug last year! My personal total it is 107 pounds since I was weighed in the hospital when I had pneumonia and breathing issues and had to be admitted to the hospital. I am hoping to lose another 40 pounds and then pursue the surgery. That is the weight I was married at 18 years ago this month! I remember how well I was able to move and, although I will still need more weight loss, is reasonable weight. And the fact I will be able to move around again...I will get a boost for weight loss. I can't imagine the joy of walking around the block or being able to go grocery shopping!!!
I would like to take this time to thank my SparkFriends for their support and encouragement! I have no words for how much it means and how important you are to me! I think of you daily and wish for you the very best.
I wish you all success on your journey and hope you are also making progress and keeping positive!
Love & Hugs,
Mary