• 1

    You’ll learn who your friends are

    The majority of my friendships have been incredibly encouraging and helpful.  I have learned who the small majority was that didn’t want me to change, by trying to get me to eat things that I shouldn’t.  One relationship has completely drifted away and I am at peace with it.

  • 2

    Mini goals help in the journey

    People have asked me what my goal weight is or how much more I want to lose.  I honestly cannot go there in my head because the big picture is too overwhelming.  I’ll figure out that final number when it gets closer.  In the meantime mini goals help keep everything on track.  The most recent goal was to be 75 pounds down for a wedding a couple of weeks ago.  My next goal is to be 100 pounds down in July, 2015.

  • 3

    Make a list of the benefits to come

    When starting this process, I made a list of things to have in life including the big picture things like better health and setting a good example for my kids.  I also made a list of the smaller glorious things, like feeling comfortable in a movie theatre seat, not panicking if I had to fit in a booth at a restaurant, having pretty shoes instead of ones that were worn only for comfort, and someday going on the ferris wheel at Scheels with my daughter instead of watching her from the sidelines.

  • 4

    Find a diversion

    Staying busy has been extremely helpful as being bored is one of the triggers to opening the fridge.  During those times when it seems food is calling, grabbing the phone and checking facebook, painting my nails or even chewing gum and help get through the moment.

  • 5

    Enjoy the unexpected benefits

    Who would have known the thrill of people not recognizing me, including my daughter who jumped back in shock while we were shopping as she thought she had walked up to the wrong person instead of me.  My mother tapped on my shoulder to see if seats were available next to me at a recent children’s program at school and didn’t know it was me.  Another surprise is a more comfortable night's sleep.  For the last 5 years sleep apnea and snoring resulted in a c-pap at night.  Two nights ago my husband and I were getting water ready for our night time c-pap ritual and he challenged me to try sleeping without it and there was no snoring!  Thank God I’m free of a c-pap!

  • 6

    Treat yourself in new ways

    Instead of grabbing candy at the checkout or hitting the drive through for a burger, I’ll get a fancy coffee with sugar free syrup, buy a shirt, nail polish or makeup.

  • 7

    Plan ahead

    It’s easier to make the right choice when the right things to eat are close at hand.  My daily protein bar and a snack are set out the night before going to bed.  Single serve packets of salad dressing are in my purse.

  • 8

    Keep working through the challenges

    Not everything goes according to plan.  Lately getting the daily 60 ounces of water has been a challenge as coffee is so much nicer.  Another challenge is the game in my head about going to the gym, or should I say not going to the gym.  My 45 dollars per month continues to be deducted for the membership I don’t use because muscle weighs more than fat.  I’m so fixated on getting that number down on the scale that I don’t want to slow it down by gaining muscle.  Logically I see how that doesn’t make sense and how muscle will help burn fat, but slowing down the loss is a fear still being battled.  I’ll keep trying.

  • 9

    There is always hope

    Like so many people who have challenges with weight, there have been many eating plans that have been tried with either some success or no success at all.  I used to think I had tried them all and none of them worked, which brought on disappointment and defeat.  The lie in that thought was that I hadn’t tried them all.  How thankful I am to have found the courage to try one more time and to find a plan that works for me in this stage of my life.  It’s not always easy, but it is working.

  • 10

    I’m worth it

    The honest and delicate words from my friend Deb were like a seed planted inside my heart last fall.  She said, “You take care of so many people around you yet you don’t take care of yourself.”   It was a sideline comment tucked into casual conversation, but something about those words jumped out at me that helped me look for a change.  Another aspect of life that has helped make changes is being a part of this radio station, respected for my work and ideas. These things have changed how I see myself and the world around me.  I am worth the time and money  to make these changes.  You are worth it too.

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