Star Date June 2011

Yes, the title is strange, but that’s when I started my weight loss journey. While on this path I have learned things about myself, and how to maintain good eating habits even while camping.

I weighed in today, and learned that I have lost another 2 pounds. Yes, 2 pounds. How cool is that? I’m so proud of this, as silly as it sounds. But I have taken off a total of 16 pounds since I started this life style change. That’s a 10 pound bag of potato’s and a 5 pound sack of sugar. You have the visual now right?

Wow, what a feeling. But here are somethings I have learned about myself along the way. Food is my comforter, my vice. If I’m depressed, sad, happy, or bored, I eat. In fact, I would eat just about anything in site. My favorite, Chips. Then came popcorn full of butter, cookies,chocolate and Coke. I still eat food for comfort, but now I try to “watch”, what it is I’m shoveling into my mouth.

Food choices were never really vegetables, unless of course they were doused in dressing. Everyone made fun of me and my obsession with the “Dr. Oz” drink, but that has actually spurred me on to have more vegetables now than I ever did. I’ve learned that vegetables are your friend, not your foe. Sure there is still a lot I don’t like, but it’s getting better.

I also learned portion control. Prior to WW (Weight Watchers), I would eat until I was full and over flowing. I’m sure I could have been the next Thanksgiving Turkey. Now I’ve learned to actually taste my food, slow down and have made new and exciting dishes.

I credit all this to WW. They make it so easy to count points, and still eat all the same foods like my chips, popcorn with butter, cookies, chocolate and Coke. I also have to add, I was a two to three Coke person a day. I love my Coke. I’m now down to maybe one a week, sometimes two if it’s been a good week.

I have replaced Coke, with Water, Lemon Ginger Tea (cold), Milk, and did I mention Water? I still have soda, but I make it from “Soda Stream”. They have a cola flavor, not as good as Coke, but I like it. Plus, it’s only 1 point per 8 oz. glass. I totally recommend purchasing one if you don’t already own one.

I also wanted to mention, two years ago I had a physical. Unfortunately it wasn’t the best I have ever had. In fact, the doctor discussed putting me on cholesterol medicine, if I couldn’t bring my cholesterol down. Good news, my cholesterol is back to normal, and my physical a week ago was much better than the last. The doctor was impressed!

So as time goes on, I hope to remain faithful to my life style change, and remember this feeling of reaching my first 10% goal. With that said, here’s to another 24.4 pounds remaining to lose and the heart to know that I can do it.