FAT Tuesday ... It's Like a Blank Check

Tomorrow is "Fat Tuesday", the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Now I'm not Catholic, but I've participated in the practice of giving up something I enjoy very much during the Lenton season for a number of years because I think it's a good exercise in sacrifice. It has shown me that I am capable of saying no to the cookies and ice cream (two of my larger vices and what I'll be "giving up" this year). I guess it's easier when you're doing it for God as opposed to yourself. I'm less likey to cheat him than myself. But I wonder, do people (not just me) look at Fat Tuesday like a blank check? "I'm giving up cookies and ice cream so on Tuesday I eat a whole freakin' package of Oreos and a 1/2 gallon of chocolate and peanut butter ice cream"... I can't be the only one who has that thought cross my mind. So in all honesty, I intend to eat both a couple cookies and a little ice cream but I will keep it under control... I promise.

My husband and I are both desperate to get into some kind of shape before the weather becomes warm enough to wear shorts and tank tops. Our goals are realistic but serious effort still needs to be applied so we are using this Lent to help kick-start the beginnings of a completely healthier lifestyle. That being said, for us, it's not all about "giving up" things we love. I've also included the practice of adding something good and this year it is a vow to have a vegetable at every dinner no matter what. That may not sound like a big deal but in a house where dinner is usually meat and potatoes or a simple starchy carb-fest, adding a veggie to each meal is a big step and one that I intend to make a good habit.

In the meantime, look forward to reading some interesting posts during Lent as I will not have my comfort food for emotional control (lol).

Weigh-In Wednesday

My official weigh-in days are Wednesdays. I have wonderful support on this journey from a couple friends, one who happens to be my cousin. They live in a different state as me but we keep in touch and encourage eachother via email. We all give our weigh-in results on Wednesdays. This week I was down 2 lbs. to 194.5 -- Yea!! It felt so good. Just that little bit can be so encouraging and I think what did it for me was cutting out the eating after 8 p.m. That was a hard one for me because I love to have that snack right before bed. It was usually a bowl of cereal. This week I settled for a small glass of milk. I'm proud of myself for that one, it's not easy still.

Today is a pretty rough day for eating. I'm paying attention to my feelings and mood when I want to eat and I'm finding that my biggest struggle is when I'm tired. Today I am exhausted and find myself constantly wanting to put food in my mouth. I need to figure this one out... and I will.

Thank you and Love to R and E, my friends in IN for keeping spirits up and keep on pushing. Also thanks and love to S and L from weightlosswars.com for always sending words of encouragement. All of you ladies ROCK!!! XOXOXO

My Aching Feet & Those Damn Cookies!

I woke up this morning like every morning, not wanting to get out of bed. Not because I was still tired. I'm a mother of 3 young boys, I'm always tired. I didn't want to get out of bed because I know what awaits me. Pains shooting through my feet as soon as they hit the floor and I put the weight of my body on them. I ask myself "When did my body go to pot?" I mean, I've hovered around this weight (up and down 10 lbs or so) for the last 5 years and don't remember aches and pains like this. Dare I say it ... When did I become old? Is 36 the majic number for me?

HELL NO! I'm fighting this one all the way!!

And as for those damn cookies... A popular grocery store around here makes these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that I LOVE!! Just like a junkie needs to stay away from drugs and the areas where the dealers sell them, I really need to keep my butt out of this store. Like yesterday, I went there for lots of other things but you know I didn't leave without a container of those cookies from the bakery. Eventhough it was a small container and not the jumbo size, I need to steer clear of the entire area. This one for me is definitely "you can't eat just one". No portion control here... sign must say STRICTLY PROHIBITED!