I made the decision to focus on maintaining the weight I've lost for a few months until I am ready to begin the work of shedding these last 15 pounds. At the beginning of the year, I put myself under a lot of pressure to whisk the weight away, but I now know that it's going to take tremendous time, energy and effort to lose the weight. There are many things that are picking up in other areas of my life that have prevented me from focusing on weight loss. Still, I'm committed to maintaining my weight and continuing to build on the new eating habits I've established.

I haven't been writing down everything I eat every day, but I have been weighing in almost daily. I've returned to drinking my morning smoothies and have been experimenting with new SP recipes to remain satisfied with what I'm eating. I don't exercise as much as I need in order to lose weight. I really need 5x a week for about an hour, but the reality is that I'm exercising 3-4x a week for an hour. I'm "picking" more at high calorie foods, which I need to watch, but the good news is that 90% of the time, I'm eating mindfully--even if it's something that's not ideal. I've fallen into a rhythm of cutting back on the days following times where I've overindulged. This week, I overate at a casino buffet and at a baby shower. I followed it up with a few days of eating within my calorie range. I weighed in and have not gained---so far, so good.

I'm still fearful of regaining the 50 lbs. It's always in the back of my head and when I over indulge, I'm worried about losing control not just at one meal, but for days, weeks, and months. I've worked so hard to get to where I'm at, so I feel it's imperative to remain vigilant and not return to inactivity and a diet of junk-food.

My class reunion is in August. That's just under six months away. I am hoping that my desire to do the work to shed the last of my weight will return once winter passes and the longer days and warmer temperatures of spring return. Even if I'm not there yet, I'm going to continue to try new foods and activities that will keep my mind engaged in a healthier lifestyle.

Hopefully, in the wake of many changes to come both personally and professionally, I will stay on this path and keep the weight off.