Don't Even Start

The book talked about food triggers and how often the first bite of something sweet/salty/overall tempting can lead you down a bad road. So it suggests that you don 't even take the first bite. Instead, if you know that the food is going to rule you instead of you ruling it, you should use self talk to resist. Phrases like "don't even start" or "live above the crowd" etc. said to yourself over and over again are supposed to help you. You also decide if the voice should be soft/gentle, or firm, or IN YOUR FACE. Haha. I found this to be a little cheesy, but it's ok advice I suppose. We'll see if it's needed :)

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.  When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted." Psalm 138:1-3

Stimulus Narrowing

Today the book talked about narrowing your stimulus. What does this mean? It means saying "no" immediately to a temptation then walking away or getting rid of it. The example they used was a brownie in the staff room. If you look at the brownie and say "mmm I want it." Then stay an linger, thinking about it, passing by it, etc., your resolve will weaken and you're more likely to scarf that brownie down. But if you say "nope, off limits" and walk away, you're more likely to resist temptation. I do this alot! I think "mmmm now and laters" and I just focus on it until I get them. Or "mmm cupcakes" and it makes it so much harder to resist them cause you think of how moist and delicious they are. It's def better to just say "no, I can't have it" and not ponder on it. Even the "should I, should I not...how many calories is in this...etc." ponder is bad for me.

Anyway! I'm back on track...this week I made shrimp fajitas that were pretty damn good. Yum. Ate an apple with a little pb and now I'm about to work out. Gotta get back in the mix and finish what I started in January :)

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-25

Ah the combination of hearing AND doing. Sometimes it's so hard to do the right thing even when you know what the right thing is.

Goals

I just want to repeat the fact that I'm really thankful for the encouraging people in my life as far as weight loss. Surprisingly one of my biggest helps and motivators has been Meghan, a woman from my work. She just...speaks the truth...good and bad and I'm really enjoying her encouragement, wise advice, humor, and realism about this whole journey. I was telling her how I had a goal of being in the "0's" by the time DC was here and when I was about 2 weeks in kinda gave up on that. She encouraged me to have a goal so I at least have something to work for. So. I want to be out of the 200s by the time the first day of school starts. Also, I want to be able to run a 5k. I think this summer I want to start training for a 5K, and by the end of summer, I want to run one. It should be an interesting time, but I think I can do it.

I just wanted to say that I tried on a skirt that had been too small for me about 2 months ago, and now it's sliding off my body. Also, my swimsuit that was stretched to the limit last summer is now perfect on me. Perfect. It looks...so good. Now if only my thighs can get under control haha. Okie Dokie, time to get in the b.e.d.