My Red Tutu

I missed my post on Friday and now its Monday so that accounts for the 6.3.

This past week was a bit of a downslide for me.  I ate out more than usual including a hamburger and fries that tasted great but a few hours later made me feel sluggish.  I had chicken pot pie that was delicious and a brownie sundae with my sister.  I had beer and wine and more cheese than normal.

I am noticing more and more how various foods make me feel.  I am learning what gives me energy and what saps it, what makes me bloated and what fills the hunger without any side effects.  I feel like I have a long way to go but one step at a time.

Since I am heading out of town for the rest of the week I’m sure I will be tempted with all types of foods I’ve been avoiding…that’s what happens when you go on vacation.  I am sure that I’ll have a lot to share when I return next week.

Until then, check in with Karen at Journey Back to Self and please feel free to share your journey here.

Wheatless Waffles from Trader Joes

Its a new year and I see all kinds of people making resolutions to get healthy, eat better, lose weight.  At the Pilates studio, we are starting to see some new faces, people looking to turn over a new leaf.  My cousins are starting a Biggest Loser contest amongst the family.  Everyone on a pursuit to get healthy.

Karen over at Journey Back to Self and I started this pursuit to encourage each other but hope we can do that for you too.

The holidays were a bit of a challenge to eat healthy.  I did give in to temptation a time or two…hello cheesecake.  But I did learn a few things that I want to share.

• it wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought to not eat every single cookie that was put out.  one or two and I was good
• taking just a little bit of all the food that was put out was satisfying
• when eating out, I’m still learning what to eat.  I went to PF Changs and had some rice noodles with chicken and shrimp, I was so bloated afterward and the next day felt like I had a hangover without the booze…crazy!
• I am still learning what my trigger foods are, what makes me bloat up, what makes me dehydrated, etc.  Its a process and it takes time…learning patience.

The weight loss as remained pretty constant, around 8 pounds total to date, although I am feeling better physically so I’m not as concerned that the pounds aren’t melting away.

How about you?  Any revelations over the holidays?  Anything new you have learned on your pursuit?

Please feel free to link here.  And don’t forget to go visit Karen to check out what she has to say this week.

It has been a challenge the last week and a half to stay on track with my goals.  I was traveling part of the time and this week has been busy getting ready for the holiday.  I’ve been sleeping in late (or should I say oversleeping) every morning so my breakfasts this week have been protein bars (pictured above).  I like these particular bars because they have 20 grams of protein and I don’t know about you, but I need crave protein in the morning.  And if I’m planning on getting a workout in, its a must.  I would much rather enjoy some eggs or oatmeal with fruit and nuts but this week I’ve been rushed so these bars have done the trick.

I did indulge a bit while traveling in LA so my weight loss had a little set back.  I enjoyed prosecco at the big book launch and fries with oysters which is Christine and my traditional meal.  I have decided not to beat myself up about it because I enjoyed every single moment.  I’m learning what food means to me, what it represents.  I’m not quite ready to share that yet but I will very soon.

I’m learning some very interesting lessons on this pursuit and I can’t wait to share more in the new year.  I think I’ll be taking a week off for the holidays and will see you back here in 2012!

Now go check out Karen’s latest post as I think she has some good stuff to share.

And if you are joining us on this pursuit and want to share, be sure to link up here.

Sweet Josie Amber Ale

As you read this post I will be in Los Angeles getting ready to attend the big launch party for Desire to Inspire.  Another reason for this post on Thursday is that on Friday, Christine Mason Miller will be a guest here with a little snippet from her latest book, Desire to Inspire.  There will be a Giveaway too so be sure to check back tomorrow!

Now on to my health observations since last Friday.  Normally when I face a stressful situation, I eat whatever is quick and easy and I tend to add alcohol in the mix too.  On Friday, when Allie got home from her surgery the first thing I thought was I need a glass of wine.  I didn’t necessarily want it though.  I think there is a trigger in my head that says, you have stress then have a drink.  Don’t get me wrong, if I really wanted that drink I would have had it.  Instead I had some sparkling water and celery with hummus.  This was not the best meal to have either but it was far more healthy than pizza and beer.  Again, I’m not saying that if I really wanted those things I would have denied myself, I’m just listening to my body more and realizing what I do and do not need or want to eat.

I haven’t had coffee in a few weeks so on Saturday I thought I’d try a cup to see if I really missed it.  I learned I didn’t miss it one bit.  The cup was not at all satisfying so I’ll continue to drink my tea instead.  I’m sure I’ll try again at some point but for now, no coffee.

These past two weeks have been a great kick-off to eating healthier.  I know when I get out to LA, I will have lots of temptations but with this foundation I am building, I will focus more on what feels right for me to eat or drink.  I will pay less attention to what everyone else is doing and more on what works for me.

These lessons I’m learning about my eating habits can easily apply to all other aspects of my life.  I’ll focus more on that at a later date.  Until then, I have dropped 2 more pounds since Friday.  I like seeing the scale go down but I am less focused on that then how I feel.  I am feeling so much better in the last two weeks than I have in quite awhile.  I know I’m on the right track.

Don’t forget to go check out Karen’s latest post on Journey Back to Self and see how she’s doing on her Pursuit to Healthfulness.

And if you have decided to join us and want to link to this post, please add your link below.