Progressing?

So, I didn't keep my promise to write every week. Woops. I can list some good excuses here that you may or may not think qualify as good ones, but in reality excuses are what got me here in the first place.

My weight has stayed the same, went down a little then came right back up after my son's birthday party this past weekend.

Not everything has remained the same, however. I found that jumping in both feet first just isn't going to work for me this time around. I have to be careful not to overdo it because an injury now will derail me. That is not an excuse, rather is becoming a base for me to begin from. Smaller steps are just as important as huge leaps, if not more so. They lay the foundation for something bigger, better and hopefully more sustainable over the long haul.

My first step was to cut out caffiene. Two weeks later I still have a dull headache, but it is fading. I cheated and had a cup yesterday morning and found the rush of caffiene did wonder in getting household chores done, but it also made me jittery and by 8 or so in the evening I was spent. Crash. I also didn't feel well. Is this really what I have been doing to my body? I was just so used to it that I didn't notice?

The second step is no more fast food. This has been in place for a while now mostly because we have put ourselves on a strict budget, and would rather have something to show for that money (besides larger numbers on the scale). Thus, this step was not as difficult as I thought it would be. The cravings died down fairly quickly, and the few times I have cheated the food just did not taste good. Again I am left to wonder...what have I been DOING to my body? I got to the point where this grease logged food not only tasted good, but I craved...longed for it? Or used the excuse that it was just easier to go through the drive through after a weekend away. The reality, I have come to find, is just the opposite. It is just as easy, if not more so, to make a quick meal at home. And there is no guilt attached.

Third step is to be more active in general. Oh how easy it is to sit the day away watching tv, playing games on the computer, or dozing with the baby. Still I have to tell myself "get up! get something done!" and when it works it is great. So much better to look back and see all of the accomplishments in a given day rather than pushing them off to tomorrow. Getting on the treadmill has been tough, but I will get there. This week I want to shoot for a more reasonable mile every day on top of some time on the wii, or using some of my workout dvds. I am working on getting Jim on board to exercise with me as well since it's always more fun to do with company. That is what I miss most about the Y (aside from the free child care); the classes.

Last but not least, the fourth step is to watch what I eat around the house. I am working on phasing out the junk food and replacing it with heathy choices so the ONLY choice when I want a snack is a healthy one.

I think that is enough for this time, I am blessed that this path isn't one I have to walk alone. Jim is right there with me reminding me of my goals and the rest of our family and friends there for moral support. Making life changes is never easy, but the end result will definately be worth the hard work.