Day 28

Okay, so I am going to have to stop labeling my posts by days now that I have officially decided to keep this blog going beyond the original 30 days. I figure April 30th will be my last "numbered" post. Now I will have to come up with something a little more creative!

Now, some exciting news first: I just found out that a blog I wrote on Shine (from Yahoo!) has been selected as an "Editor's pick". It is a piece I wrote that pertains to this blog, so I am super-excited about it! Sometimes it is the little things that makes one's day. I mean, I am just giddy with excitement right now, even though it is a small thing. Maybe I will write another blog for Shine...

Today was not a hugely eventful day. I did manage to do a little exercise, just not at the gym. I did some walking which I figured was better than nothing. I also went grocery shopping and I was pleasantly surprised to find that, not only were my food choices quite sensible, but it was a whole lot easier to shop than it has

been in recent weeks. It occurred to me that the reason for this is because I am already learning my food labels and already know what I should buy. This may seem like a small thing, but believe me--I see it as a huge step to making permanent, long-lasting changes.

Oh, and I still cannot find my Special K fruit crisps anywhere. I went to two different stores tonight in my vain search to find them. I guess I really don't need the processed food, but I sure miss them!

And on a side note, I kept having to pull my damned pants up the whole time I was shopping. A sign of weight loss? I sure hope so! But I am sticking to my promise not to weigh in again until I meet with my trainer again, which will be next Tuesday.

Not to stray too off topic, but I have to make a comment about the book I am reading, "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I have never had a book cause so many emotions for me before! I am only on chapter 9 (and they are very short chapters, in case you haven't read it already), but I have never experienced a book quite like this before. I can relate to the author on so many levels (for example, it turns out we were both going through our respective divorces at the very same time). At the same time, I have never had the kind of "luck" she seems to have (a hint--chapter 8 reveals something about her luck). I started a journal of sorts, jotting down my thoughts and feelings as I read this. I can't explain it, but I felt compelled to do so. This book just has me mesmerized right now!

Tomorrow is back to work--again. I really feel like I needed more time off this week than what I had. At least I feel more prepared, food-wise. I am trying to be more conscientious this week about my fruit and vegetable intake. I am finally getting the hang of planning my 5-6 meals each day and staying within my 1500-1600 calorie range, I just need more fruit and vegetables than what I have been eating. The great part about the smaller meals is that I can't seem to eat as much as I used to. No more stuffing myself silly! I like it!

Thank you to everyone who has answered my poll and to those who have taken the time to post a comment. I truly value your feedback and comments! And Cassandra--what can I say? You have been my biggest cheerleader so far and have kept pushing me and feeding me advice and for that a big THANK YOU!

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't -- you are right."

Day 27

As you may have noticed, I have changed the name of my blog. I think it makes more sense and it is something I should have done a while ago. Especially if I plan to keep my blog going longer than 30 days.

What do you think? I'd love to hear some feedback!

Today I was just plain tired and I slept a lot more than I would have liked. My period started (of course) so that left me feeling tired and bloated and...well, all of the things we women know are associated with that time of the month. I certainly don't need to go into detail, do I? On the plus side, I kept my eating on track today. I was happy about that at least...

I decided to spend some time today cleaning out my e-mail. I have a ton of e-mails and junk emails that I just haven't gotten around to reading or deleting. While I was going through my -inbox, I noticed a bunch of e-mails for Sparkpeople, a web-site I had joined over a year ago. I am not sure why I haven't gone back and looked at that site until today, but I am so glad I did! I had forgotten how great the site is! They have hundreds of fabulous recipes in a variety of categories that suit just about any lifestyle or weight loss program. There are a multitude of articles, message boards and weight loss teams you can join. When you sign up or join, you have an arsenal of tools, tips and advice at your disposal. You can track exercise, water intake and a variety of other things through their site. I would encourage anyone who is trying to lose weight or looking for a healthier way of life to check it out: http://www.sparkpeople.com/ It is a site chock full of resources!

One article in particular stuck out for me today: Healthier Ways to Get Your Chocolate Fix
Anyone want to take a guess as to why that one in particular was of interest to me?

Speaking of chocolate, I finally had my Skinny Cow ice cream tonight. I thought it was delicious, especially for only 150 calories! Chocolate Fudge Brownie (yum): 150 calories, 2 grams of fat and 4 grams of fiber. I enjoyed it immensely and it certainly helped quell my chocolate cravings! It is a product I will most definitely buy again, especially as the warmer weather nears.

Ok, I have been dragging my feet with my confession that I did not go to the gym today. Something about cramping, bloating and fatigue just doesn't inspire one to haul the sorry butt to the gym. It probably would have been the best thing I could have done for myself today and the mind was willing, body was weak. It is at the top of my agenda for tomorrow, though.

I have decided that I need to start reading some inspirational books or something. You know, sort of the "feed the mind and soul" as well as the body type of thing. I have a book picked out but I just started it last night while I was at work and haven't gotten very far. It is the book "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Has anyone else read it? If so, what are your thoughts?

Anyway, leave some feedback as to what you think of the new name of this blog or what you think of sparkpeople or "Eat, Pray, Love"...or anything else that is on your mind!

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't -- you are right."