Onward, ho!

For the first time in 5 months, I didn't see a loss. I did, however, maintain my weight exactly. I'll take it! I'm determined to not let this deter me. Negativity and dwelling on it won't help me. :)

A couple of things I want to focus on:

- Not getting too comfortable...even though I have learned that I can lose by eating yummy foods (Raising Cane's, pizza), I need to limit those kinds of meals, and incorporate more veggies & protein.
- Drinking more water...this is a struggle for me sometimes, but can do it if I want to.

In March, there's going to be a new endeavor...learning to ride a bike.
No, I don't know how to ride one. But determination is my middle name! I want to learn! It looks so fun!
After going today to look at them, I think I found the one I want:

Townie 21D
http://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/townie-original21d-bikes-ladies-181126

My brother in law Chris took these shots while we were walking on Friday. That long path ahead of me symbolizes the journey that I have ahead of me...long, but definitely not to steep to climb.

Oh Cupid...

Is it just me, or are most holidays centered around food?
The 2 most obvious ones are Thanksgiving & Christmas, with pies, cookies, and big meals.
Halloween makes our teeth hurt with bags of candy...even after we grow up.
Easter is celebrated with chocolate bunnies and marshmallow birds...or the glorious egg gum that I love. (adorable lil egg crates!)
And then there is Valentine's Day.
Ah, yes. The day that chocolate is consumed in terrifying amounts & diets are nowhere to be found. I indulged a little and split a cupcake with my hubby. It was very, very tasty! :)

I wanted to share some smart sweet treats that you can enjoy on regular days that you can't afford to waste precious calories on a piece of candy.

These are a great replacement for you coconut lovers out there! It's only 160 calories for 3 pieces! (one satisfies my sweet tooth!)   Don't let the "suger free" part scare you off. They are delish!

Caramel is addictive, isn't it? For 28 calories a piece, you can savor the rich flavor of gooey goodness. No guilt, I promise. 

Happy Valentine's Day friends! Make small steps for big results! xo 

50!

We've been on this journey for 5 months now, and I can now say I've lost 50 pounds! I cannot express how ecstatic I was this morning when I saw my new weight! My sweet husband was so excited for me too! About an hour afterwards, it hit me how far I've come. Being the girly-girl I am, I let the tears flow. All the focus, determination, and work has amounted to a huge accomplishment, and it didn't really take that long to do it either. I thought back to every treat I have turned down, every walk I've taken, and every smarter choice I have made. It has truly been worth it. There may be days where it's not as easy, but overall, I can honestly say it has become our new life.
Someone asked me the other day if I missed good food. It made me wonder, do people think that people who are losing weight eat only tofu & grass? My reply was that I don't miss good food...because I still eat it! Before we started this, I knew that it was a portion problem. My mantra is that you can eat what you want, but in moderation. I still enjoy pizza, wings, enchiladas, and even dessert! Instead of gorging myself, I pace myself and enjoy the flavors and make sure I don't over indulge. In the past, I could easily put down half of a pizza. Could I still do it if I wanted to? Absolutely. But my mental state wouldn't allow me to now. I've come too far. (and my stomach has shrunk!)
During the week, I try to not indulge too much. There are days where we'll go out to eat if we're too tired to cook dinner. We make smarter choices, and they have to be within our daily calorie goal. Even on the weekend, we try not to have cheat days. Instead, we have cheat meals. That way you don't undo all the effort you've made!
Happy February! What steps and goals are you making for yourself this month?