Ways to treat myself while still honoring my health, wellness and weight loss goals

1. Get a manicure

2. Get a pedicure

3. Read a good book

4. Take a bubble bath

5. Get a massage

6. Go to a movie

7. Download new music

8. Buy some flowers

9. Light some candles

10. Take a day trip

Life by design, not by default

Today I am making a promise to myself - to live my life by design, not default. It's time to choose how I want to live each day...to consciously choose my path and make it special. Embracing the moment yet not settling for just anything that happens to come my way.

While this journey started out to be focused on my weight, I now realize it needs to be something far greater. It's a journey about finding myself, discovering my passions and embracing joy. It's about living my life in the exceptional way I deserve. And that happens moment by moment, day by day, experience by experience.

It's my time, my life and I'm going to make it magical!

Finding my new normal

After three weeks, I'm proud to say I am still diligently tracking all my food. I have been pretty successful finding choices that allow me to have some of the special foods I enjoy without going overboard. I'm still feeling hungry a lot of the time so I need to boost up my fruit and veggie intake. The next two weeks will be a real test with four trips and a lot of deadlines. Just got to handle it one choice at a time.

My reasons for getting healthy and fit

1. To feel strong
2. To feel sexy
3. To feel confident
4. To be able to go shopping for clothes in any store I want
5. To wear sexy, strappy heels again
6. To set a good example for Sofia and Sean
7. To lower my blood pressure
8. To sleep soundly without snoring
9. To be filled with energy every day
10. To make my fifties the best decade of my life

11. To be an inspiration to others

12. To be noticed again in the best possible ways

Words to Lose By

It's not about being perfect, it's about being persistent.

Getting in the groove

This week I feel like I'm starting to find my groove. Since this journey will probably take almost two years to complete, I need to figure out how to make it my "new normal" rather than a short-term attack. As I keep looking up points for the things I like, I feel like I can figure out how to work them in rather than making it all about eating things that just are low in points. It may mean a slower pace to my weight loss, but it will mean I'm not putting my whole life on hold for 120 weeks. For example, yesterday I really wanted a Jimmy John's Beach Club sub. I went ahead and had one but it was 21 points. Next time, I"ll split it in half and add some veggies or baked chips. Then I'll get to have it for two good meals instead of one guilty one.

The good news is my efforts are paying off. Another 3.6 pounds off this week for a total of 10!

Off to a good start

The first week had some challenges - feeling hungry and wobbly, eating out, traveling - but I made the best choices I could and am starting to feel more energy. The best part - I lost 6.4 lbs. Good start!

Hit Costco on my way home from weighing in. Stocked up on lots of great, healthy options so I can be ready for another healthy, delicious week.