False Start

I swear I should be able to predict some things by now.  For example, I will usually go bonkers right after posting my new years resolutions.  Everything started off right on track, I came home from work Friday night and we hung out and ate at home.  Saturday started off with brunch (with a coupon) then the remodeling show (coupon) followed by happy hour (reward credits and a gift card) then things got out of hand.  We ended up on the roof deck of a hotel with a bunch of people and not a coupon in the mix!  So basically I can't spend any money or calories for the next month.  Luckily I had a great time!
Now it's time to get serious.  I have been riding my bike which has been a pleasant experience, I would like to get back to 8 miles in 30 minutes then we can change it up.  It's time to mix in some weights, but I kind of dread it.  It's hard to commit to weights some times because at the moment I feel totally bloated and I just want to do some cardio and sweat it out.  Also, I think it helps me with my attitude which is another goal.  However, the science is irrefutable and I have to make it work.
I'm almost excited to start cooking.  I have a tendency to get excited about starting things, but the follow through is another story.  I have two recipes in mind that I'd like to try so maybe I'll grab some pictures and let you know how it goes.  Here's to the first fresh start of 2016!

Vacation Rebound

I had the best vacation ever!!!  I hit my goal weight the day before we left and I enjoyed every minute of our trip.  It’s to be expected that I have put on a few pounds after two weeks on vacation.  What I had forgotten about is the post vacation diet rebound.  In order to keep the vacation vibe going I tend to overindulge, and this month is Portland Restaurant Month where the best restaurants in town offer a three course menu for $29.  

Needless to say I am having a bit of trouble with moderation.  Luckily the one thing that’s going on track is my exercise habit.  I feel very lucky to have the convenience of a stationary bike at home.  It eliminates the excuses and makes things so easy for me.  We are also very fortunate to be having really great weather in Portland right now.  

I want to remember how ecstatic I was when I hit my goal weight, it was one of the best feelings.  I feel like the bathing suit weather vacation really gave me the drive to meet my goals.  I have a birthday coming up in just over a month and I want to get back to my pre vacation weight.  I need to go back to doing exactly what I was doing before I left.  I know it works and hopefully it will be easy to fall into those habits.  I need to do a full hour of cardio most days and weights a few times a week.  I also need to record my calories in myfitnesspal app for every bite I take and I need to leave some calories on the table at the end of each day.  There, now I just need to execute.

2015 Day 15 Not Discouraged yet!

I am 15 days into my resolutions and I am not that much lower on the scale, but I'm still not discouraged.  I am exercising more regularly than I have in a long time, it's become part of my daily routine and I don't seem to dread it as much as in the past.  Cooking at home has been a really pleasant surprise, I don't seem to hate that as much as I usually do either.  Call it New Year optimism or pre-vacation motivation, either way it's helping me out.
One thing that is a constant distraction from my goals is time out with friends.  On the one hand I am really trying to stick to my program and lose weight and save money.  On the other hand, what is life without fun and friends?!  My strategy has been to record everything I eat and drink even when I go out and I try to do extra cardio before and after.  I haven't lost as much weight as I would like, but I'm not miserable in fact I feel happy and excited.  That has got to be a win especially when it comes to the idea of building a healthy lifestyle rather than a temporary diet.  My husband has been so supportive and helpful!