Current Obsessions

My newfound dancing craze has also led to some large jumps on the scale. I was down 5 pounds in one week when I weighed in on Saturday. I typically check my weight every other day (first thing in the morning) just so I can get a semi sense of how things are going... and I am down another 4 pounds since Saturday. At this point I'm hoping that these large jumps even out a bit, because it's not great for the body to lose weight so quickly. At the same time though, it does feel good to be able to see such obvious results from such an amazing new workout obsession. I want to shout from the rooftops, "It's working AND I love it too!" Nerd that I am.

The other thing that has changed since my newfound dancing craze is that I am hungry all of the damn time. I've been using all of my anytime points each week and I'm still finding myself feeling like I'm starving. This is not typically the case while I'm on weight watchers, so I know that it can be attributed to the 34 activity points I earn from just two workouts. Last week I actually earned 77 activity points in total (the most I've ever earned in a single week). Needless to say, I've had to start experimenting with what I'm eating to see if I can find the right carb/protein combinations that leave me feeling satisfied in general and definitely less like I need to eat everything in sight. This, of course, has led to some new food obsessions. And they are...

-Hardboiled Eggs with Garlic Aioli Mustard (My breath is bad all day long and I don't care)
-Bulking up my tomato and red pepper soup with kale and canned beans
-Bananas before and after dancing sessions
-Fiberful Fruit Bars from Trader Joes

Other things I'm digging... the Gluten-Free "Oreo" cookies from Bot Bakery, mixing Cardamon Rose Water into my coffee, and finding ways to add fruit or veggies to every meal (including snacks and desserts).

According to my Saturday weigh in, I have lost a total of 62.8 pounds. Technically I'm down even further as of this morning, but I know better now to wait to announce numbers until after WW makes it official (you never know how the week is gonna go). When I hit 75 pounds lost I will be about halfway to my total weight loss goal (give or take a few pounds). My actual goal is to comfortably fit into a size 14 jean, whatever weight that will end up being for my frame I'm not really sure. I have an idea from when I was a 14 last time, but my body has changed since college. Anyway, when I hit 75 pounds (halfway baby), I will be going all out and getting myself a rather large reward in the form of a new fancy bicycle! I already have it picked out, but I'm going to go look at it today in store to see if it's actually as great as what I've seen online. Plus being able to actually touch it I think will motivate me to keep going.

All right. I know no one reads this, but at this point I am pretty much writing for posterity's sake. So... have a good week, she says to herself. :)

Taking Time

Her'e's the thing. I'm in grad school full-time and I work about 30 hours a week. I am a freaking busy lady. It's no joke. Last semester I took the time to work out and eat well along with everything else I needed to get done. And it felt good and in one semester I lost 29 pounds (total of 57 now and counting).

But here's the thing. It's really frustrating to be focused on a bunch of things that feel like work. And when you're really busy, even the things that are good for you can feel like one more thing you have to do. So this semester I am trying to adjust my attitude. Why? Because I'm busy. Because it's cold outside. Because I'm broke and could easily have a bad attitude. But I'm not going to have one because I decided something awesome: I'm going to do things for me. Because they make me feel good, empowered, happy, in the moment. Because they make me feel strong and wise and focused and calm and fill me with good energy. That is what this semester is about.

What does this look like? Or rather, what has changed? Well, for starters most of my exercise happens walking back and forth to work because it fits into my life and gives me time to listen to my podcast. That's how I'm getting it done. When I get home from class three nights a week I am lifting weights, because it makes me feel really empowered. On the weekends my walks are with Dan because it's our time to chat with each other. If it's too cold I do the wii fit. And I've yet again increased all the hearty healthy food in my diet. Here's what I'm eating during the week:

Gluten-Free Oats with Berries

Greek Yogurt and Pretzels

Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Kale

Pineapple & Mango

Gluten-Free Sandwich with Peppers, Cucumbers and Cheese

Pecans and Chocolate

And then there is this other thing. This thing that feels like a secret, except I am shouting it from the rooftops. For two hours a week I do exactly what I want. Exactly what makes me feel happy, empowered, strong, confident, and like I can kick some serious ass. I dance dance. I party party. It has already changed my life and I suspect it's going to be the key to weight loss over the winter months. But even if it doesn't make a difference - I found something that makes me totally zen and full of joy all at the same time. It's exciting.

Instead of resolutions this year, I decided to start making a list of everything I want to accomplish. Some are short term, some are long term. Some I'm already working on, some I won't likely accomplish for years to come. But these are the things that make sense to me to lead a happy, healthy life.

Things I Want to Accomplish:

MY BODY/MY MIND
Practice Inner & Outer Strength

Take long walks

Practice Yoga

Dance regularly

Make "wholesome living" choices
Eat more fruit & veggies

Drink more tea

Attend a Buddhist service

MY BRAIN

Take a pottery class
Take a painting class
Take a screen printing class
Take a crocheting class
Take a writing class

Read more about the arts, politics, and education policy

MY CAREER
Create a diverse classroom library
Get my masters degree
Earn a science endorsement
Focus in on the arts

MY FAMILY
Have a baby
Live a cozy lifestyle
Have a small, well tended garden
Express Daily Appreciation for my husband
Immerse myself in my community