Weighting -- an update, Keep at it!

Neither sleet, nor snow, nor rain, nor hail, nor weekends will stop me from my healthy eating! But stress? Yes, stress will do it. And getting sick is also a major disruptor to the caring about what I eat... then there's travel coming up... So many things can distract us from a well-intended goal!

So here's my update: I've actually been doing very good! I lost 8 pounds in two weeks, basically eating less and healthier, exercise still takes a backseat to my busy life, but at least I'm aware of it and have good intentions and timers set to try to fit it in.

As far as the rest of the world, here are the top Resolutions of 2017 (not much has changed!)

1. Lose Weight / Healthier Eating 
2. Life / Self Improvements  
3. Better Financial Decisions 
4. Quit Smoking / Less Drinking

Unfortunately, one-third are broken by the end of January, then 80% overall. (from Statistics Brain and Franklin Covey via Answers.com)

These are not good odds. It is soooo easy to slip back into old habits. When you go back to work, you look sadly at your measly lunch, then snack for the afternoon pick-me-up and "What's for dinner?" chorus when you get home. These distractions can gang up on someone trying to lose weight and eat healthier--especially when no one around you is concerned about it!

You have to make it about YOU. Want to be happier with yourself? Is your "resolution" going to help you? Then you have to keep at it to reach your goal! When something is important to you, you will get it done. (wisdom from my dad!) The key is to make a conscious effort to think about everything differently. Experts agree: 

"Unless you first change your mind, don't expect your health goals to materialize." from US News

Though I'm sick and about to take a trip (so easy to eat poorly when we travel!) I'm keeping my goal in mind. Splurging a little is okay, but for too many days in a row--that's falling off the wagon. Gotta manage myself, and here's how I intend to do that:

• Reminders, notes, timers, and the journal sitting out on the counter--these are all helpful tools to keep my mind focused.
• Need a snack? Think about it! How many calories do I have left? I remind myself: fruit and veg are "free" calories.
• Have a drink instead of a snack. Flavored water is very helpful for my tastes and holds the hunger at bay for a bit.
• Keep busy! This is not hard for me. I always have stuff to do. And it keeps me from raiding the snacks!
• Don't stock sweets and snacks you like. I try to buy things my family likes that I don't. If I don't like it, I won't eat it!

How are you doing with your "resolutions?" Whatever your goals--I hope you're having a successful 2019 so far!