Yesterday, I checked in with the team that joined SP the same time I did, the Class of April 15-21, 2012. Responding to question, "How is everyone doing?" I had the epiphany that my biggest change has been on the inside. Yes, I have lost 16 pounds so far (almost half way), I have done this before...unfortunately, many, many, times before. Something is different this time. Something good.

Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers helped me lose a lot of weight in my 30's and 40's. But I ended up back in the same place...overweight, stressed out, and out of shape. I turned 50 in December. I was starting to feel the effects of age and weight creeping in and I did not like it. I can't do anything about getting older except enjoy the time I have left, however long that is. I CAN do something about the weight. In November, I recommitted to lose the weight, the same way that I had done before....lose it and then you can do what you want. I was setting myself up for another struggle with weight in my 60's. NO NO NO!!!!! I won't do this AGAIN! It has to be different this time because it isn't getting any easier!

By reading the articles on SP and involving myself with the community of AWESOME, supportive people, something clicked. This is my life, not a diet. It's that simple. It is not easy, but it is simple. Making healthy choices, making the choices that will get me the results I want doesn't stop once the scale hits that magic number.

Looking back at my patterns, I now know that stress and lack of activity are my two most formidable foes. Stress leads to emotional eating and to hormonal changes that make it very difficult for me to keep the weight off. I now make a habit of asking myself, in the face of a terrible craving, which I want more...the junk food or a body that I can be proud of and feel good in? Most of the time, I choose health over a splurge item. I also know that it's not all about making the "perfect" choices. In fact, I don't see having a splurge now and then as unhealthy. It only becomes unhealthy when it occurs too often and keeps me from achieving/maintaining my ultimate goal of being healthy, fit, and meeting my nutritional goals.

Thanks to the 10 minute daily fitness challenge, I have established a healthy habit and very much look forward to my walks. It relieves stress, gives me alone time I cherish as an introvert, and burns calories! Win-win-win!

So, thank you to all of you who have supported me in this journey. Without your WooHoos, your supportive and thoughtful feedback, and your empathy, I don't think I would have changed on the inside, where I really needed the change.

Jane