February can be a tough month in a cold, blustery part of the world.  The weather is all over the place, with plenty of extra exercise getting the snow moved out of the way.  Jaxon and I have both been grateful that the temperatures have not been bitter cold and we can get outside.  I am so glad that dog loves the snow!  There is good news… the days are getting longer, and soon spring will be knocking on the door. 

I sit here today and wonder how many of you started a traditional New Year’s journey to better health?  I wonder if you struggle, as I do, now that it is no longer “new”.  I will give myself some credit.  I have been extremely consistent with my healthy habits.  I feel better, and I noticed this weekend as I glanced in the mirror, I can see that my efforts are paying off.

Progress is SLOW.  I have to keep reminding myself of things to keep myself optimistic and pushing forward. 

Over the weekend, Hubby and I attended a party for a friend.  The hosts provided beer and a variety of foods such as chips, pretzels, pizza, pot stickers, and cupcakes. Yes, I had a beer.  One beer.  After the beer a bottle of water remained in my hand for the rest of the evening. 

What about the food?

There were many people there. Fortunately, I was able to keep engaged in conversation and positioned myself away from the food tables.  On top of that strategy, Hubby and I ate a healthy dinner prior to leaving home so we were not hungry when we arrived.   When we got home, I did have a banana and natural peanut butter as a snack before bed. 

Some of you reading this may be getting a bit bored with the weekly reports.  Others may be skipping it entirely as the subject is not interesting.  Guess what?  I get bored with it too!  This is a long, slow process.  One of my favorite comparisons to make is that it is a marathon, not a sprint.  Sometimes, the road is long and boring… like a highway across Kansas.

BUT (there is always a “but”)… I AM making progress.  The party was a non-scale victory.  Snack foods are an Achilles’ heel to me.  If I start, I fall.  When I fall, I fall hard.  I did not fall at the party this weekend.  I DID plan and eat two slices of pizza before the Super Bowl.  Yum!

I am looking at my food differently than before.  I am making better choices more often than not.  My clothes feel better.  I am feeling stronger when I move.  I am a bit afraid to say it, but thus far, I have not been ill this winter.  

Yes, I get bored.  Yes, I struggle.  Yes, I want pizza and potato chips.  No, I am not perfect.  Yes, I am better than I was nine weeks ago… and I will get better still.

As I write, I recognize that by being able to share the message of my boredom with you, I am also seeing the successes.   By writing, I am looking at the words and in reading them, am giving myself a pat on the back.  Good job!  Now, keep it up.

I recognize that in order to continue to see progress, I have to continue to adapt my eating habits and learn how my body responds.  I have to remain tuned in and in the moment when it comes to eating.  That is NOT yet a habit.  It requires conscious thought rather than complacency. 

I have struggled with the “carbs twice a day” part of my plan.  I have not been eating breads, pasta, or rice.  My carbs have been sweet potato, winter squash, and fruit.  All good foods, right?  Right!

BUT (yes, there is another “but”)… Too much of a good thing is still too much.  Remember the road trip?  Vegan is NOT always healthy.  Healthy foods are STILL foods.  Food is fuel.  If my body has more fuel on board than it can use, it will store it… as fat.  I can give myself healthy foods, but still have to assure I am recognizing when enough is enough.  There are some foods I may have to measure out to assure a serving is really a serving…like peanut butter.  Oh how I love peanut butter!

Why am I sharing all of this?  Because saying it out loud keeps it in the open.  Having it in the open keeps me honest.  Being honest with you, and ultimately with myself, is the only way I can address the food-related issues I have and change them. 

My boring journey continues.  I am less flabby, and getting closer to fabulous. 

I can take today and make it better than yesterday.

Bottom line?

The things I cannot change I have to accept.

The things I CAN change, I make the choice to do so or not.

My life. My choices.

Today I choose to learn from the past, but not dwell in it. 

I have today.