Jennifer

Well this is just a valuable tool. I have to say, it is brilliant. Journaling makes me more committed and is down right necessary for me in those stressful times and then for days after. It has been more likely to keep me on track and when I do not do it, like I did not do it over the past weekend and then did not do it through out the week, I just put whatever into me with out a lot of care. I mean there is something to be said for committing to the journal. When you have to write the food down, you then have to decide if you are really hungry and if you really want to see it on the paper and feel it in you. Though last night a small Pumpkin Pie Blizzard was necessary and was big enough! Hehe….. So glad I did not go for the medium.

I do not like junk, but I still enjoy my treats. I do not like putting it in my body on a regular basis. However, if I have been a good little dieter (lol… um, last night was therapy I had with the DQ treat) and want a treat JUST BECAUSE, well that is when I really enjoy something treat-like. It also makes me more aware of what I should be eating on a day when there is an function, a party, a restaurant outing. With the knowledge of points and of course nutrition it is evident that on one of these special days, one needs to adjust there intake at other meals. Well it is evident to me now because I have seen the effects of eating one high calorie meal/snack whether it is a restaurant, take-out or an at home meal, one right after another. I use to consume huge amount of calories and of course only to have the scale go up. Well our bodies only need so much to function and I have felt myself eating too much lately.

Why I eat too much sometimes is not what I am dealing with. I know why and talking about it does not help. But ACTION is very much appropriate because I will not lose site of the “finish” line. Well I have a goal here and I am so close. That is not to say it will be the end for me. I have some tweaking to do and this part excites me. Every time I see a little more muscle tone I am thrilled. I LOVE my back. Vanity prevails! Weights/strength training never thrilled me when I was overweight and in fact it bored me to death. Well now I LOVE IT!

Lizzy commented that I look like I do not even need to lose anymore. Well fat does not often place itself evenly on our bodies. It is not evenly proportioned on me anyways *sigh*. Going to give you a visual all right - I can pinch about 3 inches of fat/skin (6 depending how you look at it) on my legs. Well I am not depressed. Far from it. My health is better so who cares if it takes some time to have the nice legs. I am here as I always say, and not there. Incidentally, I put up a before picture from grade 12. Yes, that is me on the left.

So Food Journaling is like a great sports bra. There is just no other support like it. Well, Buddyslim is highly supportive too, but you get what I am saying. For the out of control, journaling is a blessing and a learning experience. When I committed to 15 days of journaling I was so happy. Well that was the end of my journal. Last night I bought another one and have just started with it again. It is so nice - It has flowers and a little bird on the cover…hehe Like exercise, I see journaling like a pill. It’s just good medicine for me. I know one of my buddies, Inna is journaling and I think it is working out for her too.

I also want to say a big “hi” to a friend who reads my blog. I really hope that you Ang will know that this site is the most empowering tool I have found. The people in our lives often do not get the weight loss thing. But everyone here gets it, you know? Plus there is no embarrassment. Well, I have had some difficult times, but that is because I have a big voice sometimes. But for the most part, this is the most effective tool and friendly place I have ever known. Maybe you might feel good here too. But, it is up to you. No pressure. Since I have been here, I have needed to tell people about it because it would be selfish not to. I have told people because I love them. No one likes to feel disempowered in their lives! Power is everything and I believe it begins with taking the first big step. I tell myself even now that I am here, everyday is a great day to start. Sometimes it seems so scary (I can think of things that are) but eventually you come to a place where you just start. Closer and closer……

Thanks for the picture Ang and Kathy You both sent me the same forward.

And my thoughts go out to Kathy and her Mom, Julie and their entire family. Kathy is being all strong and reassuring everybody that all will be well. They had such a scare with that accident, but it makes you thankful for everything big and small…Thankful for realizations and real life hugs….. piles of leaves and fresh air.

Have a great weekend everybody.

Off for my Earl Grey tea…………….