Another Month Bites the Dust

Praises: I actually turned down Carlock doughnut holes!

I also struggled with water intake towards the end of the month.

Monthly Lessons

1. When I don't track my points throughout the day, I tend to over eat - even if I'm writing everything down. I learned that I have to make sure I'm staying on track by being aware of my points. My iPhone app is an essential tool in this!

2. Eating when I'm on vacation isn't as bad as I thought it would be as long as I can cook my meals. Eating out just kills your points no matter what you eat!

3. When I plan to eat out, choosing what I'm going to eat at the beginning of the day and adjusting the rest of my meals around that specific meal helps to keep me where I need to be and makes sure I do not overeat.

4. Stress really takes a toll on my physical health. Headaches, stomach problems, chest pains...

It made it extremely hard for me to work out at the end of the day because I often did not feel good. I opted for a early nights sleep, which I think is also important.

End of First Month

So I made my goal weight this month! I'm totally excited that I was able to make my first target, plus some. When I initially started I managed to gain 3 solid extra pounds, so I actually had to loose that as well, plus my original 4. Things I've learned...

1. Eating is my biggest downfall. WeighWatchers is the reason I lost my weight this month. I didn't loose anything (but actually gained) until I started. It helps me monitor my food intake, makes sure I don't over eat, allows me to get enough to nurse my little man, and encourages me to make healthier choices.

2. As I said before, sushi is my new friend! It's a great "eating out" alternative.

3. Eating out (besides sushi or something similar) is a guaranteed next day weight gain, even if I stay within my daily points. ESPECIALLY when I eat Mexican food! :( And if you're going to eat out, don't make it your dinner meal. Eat out for breakfast or lunch and have a light dinner. It gives you a chance to work it off during the day.

4. Stress makes weight loss twice as hard. When you don't feel good about yourself it's hard to find the motivation and self confidence to continue even when you're doing excellent.

Another praise...I can actually see a difference in my monthly photos. Yes, that's right I'm taking the gross pictures of me in a bra and pants to show my progress visually. When I get down to a more attractive weight I might be brave enough to post the starting weight photo alongside the new and improved me. But right now it's just plain yuck! However, I can see that I'm getting tighter in my mid-section (result of working out), which is pretty exciting for me to actually notice a change in my body just in this first month. So pat on the back there :)

Anyway, keep up the GREAT work. Don't give up. Only 11 months to go.