Goals, Hikes

Our fall has been really unusual this year. A lot less rain in town; less snow in the mountains; and about 10° warmer than usual. So I have been able to enjoy hiking late into the season. Here are a few photos from recent hikes.

Hike along the upper river trail with Hanne







Hike up Pilot Butte with Linda





Tumalo State Park with Moon











I also enjoyed several other hikes where I did not take photos. I particularly enjoyed the group hike, where Moon had the opportunity to meet Hanne and Jeanni and my other friends. With Hanne and Jeanni in the lead, that hike was just too fast paced for me to stop and take photos.

I have been thinking about my goals for the next few months. I do not want to go off the rails with overeating during the holidays. Our WW group leader pointed out that there are 132 meals between now and January 2. Three of those are big holiday meals; and most of us attend a few parties as well. I will probably have around 10 celebration meals or parties. And about 122 opportunities for my usual healthy choices. Plus, I can make better choices at the holiday meals. One glass of wine instead of multiple caloric beverages; step away from the appetizers; a tiny portion of dessert; lots of vegetables; skip the bread and butter; and enjoy my meal at a leisurely pace.

And I can plan ahead for staying with my sister over the Christmas holiday. She does not eat breakfast; she has a very late lunch; and a huge meal with her husband very late at night (preceded by cocktails and crusty bread and cheeses). My other sister and I can just go out for breakfast and lunch; that will help us to keep from over indulging at their late night feast. I cannot expect my older sister to change her family’s long-term habits. All I can do is make sure I don’t get so hungry that I overeat at night.

My goal is to another 10 pounds between November 1 and January 1. And to make sure that I get exercise every single day, even when I am traveling. Losing weight is for my health; exercising is for relaxation and stress relief.