Friday, July 6, 2012

Eating well without eating everything

With this 4th of July, I experienced my first holiday where people gather and eat since I started on my journey. I have to admit that I was worried about it. I've eaten out consistently since I've started living healthier, but I always do it on the weekend so I have plenty of time to work off what I eat. This time it was going to be on a Wednesday, only two days before I weighed in. Thankfully, I was eating at the house of a friend who is also on her journey to being healthier so I knew that there would be options for healthy eating. But, I was still nervous.

My friend and I met to work out in the morning before everything was starting, which made me feel better because I was doing good things to start the day. I made sure to eat light before we went: veggies, fruit, and a little protein. I knew how many points I had available for my day and reminded myself that I always have around 100 points left at the end of the week (between the 49 weekly "flex" points and the activity points I earn) so I had some flexibility. I took a fruit salad with fresh fruit (0 points) and a veggie tray with Greek yogurt ranch dipping sauce (veggies 0 points and dipping sauce 1 point for 1/4 c) so I knew there would be things to fill me up.

I am happy to report that I had a wonderful evening and ate plenty so I did not feel deprived but didn't feel ridiculously full. When I got home that night, I put everything in my Plan Manager and discovered that I had only gone over my daily points by 2 points! That was an awesome feeling! I'm really learning what I can eat and what I can't without having to feel hungry or like I'm missing out on something. The evening was doubly great. I had a wonderful time with great friends who I love spending time with and I didn't have to feel guilty or stuffed because of unwise food choices. With every new hurdle I defeat, I believe more that I really will be able to do this and that I have the strength and power to be healthy and happy! Turtle Power!!

Now I know I saved this for last because while it's wonderful news, I think what I shared above is just as powerful if not more so. This week I lost five more pounds!!! I am down 36 points and am feeling so incredible! It's been a powerful week and I couldn't be happier!