Some of My Struggles

I stepped onto the scales again after over a month of not weighing and was pleasantly surprised.  Since my scales at the house have been broken, I had to go to the gym.  That happened this past Sunday morning.  It has been a while since I have written about my weight here but I'm happy to report that I am down to 194 pounds.  That is a total of 47 pounds that I have lost since I started on this journey.  I have lost it slow and since I have adopted a new lifestyle, I believe have a greater chance of keeping it off for the very long term.  I haven't taken a pill or used any other weight loss product either.  I also haven't gone on any of the many diets that are floating around now.  I have simply eaten healthier while still eating "junk" sometimes.

With all of that said, I still have struggles.  Although it might seem that I have lost all of the weight easily, it hasn't been.  Today I want to tell you about some of the times that I struggle.

First, I'll start with the diet side.  Around the big holidays are some of the times that I really struggle to not eat when I'm not hungry.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are the worst because of all the food that is usually sitting around.  If the food around your house is anything like at mine then most of it isn't a healthy choice.  I will still try to pick a protein like turkey to eat or some raw veggies.  I'm lucky with the veggie part because most people like to dip them in ranch dressing but since I don't like it, I just eat the veggie.

Another time that I struggle with what I eat is while I'm on the road.  I eat pretty healthy for the most part while I'm out but sometimes it seems I just have to have a burger and fries.  My biggest challenge is getting by a Chester's Chicken.  I love the chicken tenders and potato wedges.  The last few months it has been getting easier to skip it though.  I usually want to snack more than normal when I'm just sitting around waiting to get loaded or unloaded.   I try to keep fresh fruit in the truck with me and snack on it. Even without the limitations of the truck, we tend to get tired of eating the same foods day in and day out.  That is when I will turn to eating out.  When i do eat out, I usually eat at Subway.  I don't eat there as often as I once did though because they use HFCS in their bread.  Wendy's is another place I like to eat at because of the grilled chicken sandwich and chili that is full of protein.

You see, it's not an easy journey but you do have the power to overcome these and other struggles.  If you make the wrong choice one day, that doesn't mean that it's all over.  You can just start over at the next decision.  I've heard people say, "Well, I ate a bad breakfast so I'll just start back tomorrow."  I disagree! You still have a chance to make it right at lunch and dinner.  You'll just be that far ahead of the game then.

At Shiloh Battlefield looking toward the Indian Mounds

I did run three times this past week and two of those were just 5K.  My long run was a great run at the Shiloh Battlefield.  Jeff and I joined the group there and got in a 10 miler.  This was my fourth time to run the battlefield and I was determined that I was going to run every mile, even the big hill near the river.  As Jeff and I approached the indian mounds, I slowed my pace just a bit because it is downhill and I wanted to be able to keep my pace going up the hill.  Once you get to the bottom of the hill by the river, it doesn't flatten out very far and then starts up again and gets steeper.  By the time I got the the top of the hill, I was glad I was there.  It was a great feeling to be able to run all the way up that hill without having to walk.

Two more things! Did you notice that new picture where my picture used to be?  This is my new logo and was designed by my daughter, Abigale.  Please leave your comments about it in the comments below and let her know how she did.  I love it but I might be a little biased.  Also, if you haven't "liked" my Facebook page, please do so at the link on the right of the page under the "Additional Links" section.  The Facebook page and Twitter profile include the new logo and a picture that I took Saturday at Shiloh.  You comments are welcome there too.

Thanks for stopping by and I will see you again next week.