Saturday was weight and measure day.  I have decided that routine checks of my progress with both weight AND measurements will help in the long run.  As someone who has had weight struggles for many years, I have a love-hate relationship with the scale.

Mostly hate.

The scale has been my truth-teller for more years than I care to admit.  I would qualify myself as “good” or “bad” depending on the number on the scale.  I would label myself  as “fit” or “fat” based on a number on the scale.  I worked to try to trick the scale to push the number down to an “acceptable” number.   I figured I starved myself I could make the scale creep down.  If I starved myself I also gave up the ability to feel energetic day to day. 

First, I like food way too much to starve myself.  Aside from that, Christmas is coming and there are many tasty treats I want to enjoy!

Second, I like feeling energized, alert, and able to get through whatever my day may bring.

So, I continue to eat.

It has taken me years to come to the realization that what the scale can tell me is not the entire story.  I deserve more information about my body than just that number on the scale.

I added measurements.  Measurements may change, even if the scale does not.  For me, maintaining energy and fitness is really important.  Therefore, I want the muscle I have built to stay put.  I want the excess fat to go.  I know my body needs some of the fat to remain healthy and I am good with that.  Given that muscle weight more than fat, the scale may not change, but the inches around my middle may have melted a bit. 

In order to know whether or not my healthy habits are working, I have to measure something.  It is sort of like a science project.  I change a habit, measure results, and determine whether or not the habit was effective.  If it was, I can keep going.  If it is not, then I need to re-evaluate what I am doing. 

Saturday I got on the scale and found my weight down two and a half pounds. 

Awesome!

Saturday I measured and found my overall measurements were down two inches. 

Awesome!

I am celebrating my success, but not with food.

Is it hard?

Yes… some days it is hard.  Most days, it is getting easier to stick to my habits. I only picked two things to work on.   I picked two things that I thought would give me the best results with the least amount of change. 

It is simple, but not always easy.

I am feeling better when I am active.  I am more energetic day to day.  Those are not even the best parts.

The best part has been feedback from other people who have decided that they too can benefit from finding a habit or two to work on and feel better. 

One of those people is Mum. 

Mum listened to my project and decided that she was not feeling the best she could feel.  She decided that she would add a protein smoothie to her morning routine and she would find a way to exercise five days a week, even if it was just for 10 or 15 minutes. 

Mum is 71 years old and I need to brag about her a bit.

She has been getting up every morning and either riding her bike (on a trainer), or walking on her treadmill.  On top of that, she has had the energy to shovel snow from her walkway and driveway.  She feels good and is enjoying being active.

How awesome is that?

She noticed a change in her health this past week, not likely related to her habit changes.  She called her doctor and addressed the issue.  I give her extra credit for that.  She knows that being responsible about her health, and addressing any issues or injury is important.

I love my Mum. 

The best part is that her jumping on board only motivates me to want to continue to do well with MY healthy habits.  It is infectious… in a good way!  I am looking forward to raising a glass to OUR health during our Christmas Eve dinner.

I am going to stick to my two habits for now, given my results.  I will continue to get in five days of some sort of exercise.  I will also continue to avoid junk food, allowing myself one cheat meal per week.  I have another two weeks until weight and measurements.  I like the way I am feeling and am motivated to keep going!

I know not every day will feel this good. 

I will keep pushing, one step at a time. 

Thank you for all of your positive comments and support.  As always, I am here for you as you are for me!