Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 8

I feel like this week has been a whirlwind.  I don't function well in chaos.  I know I've mentioned that before, but it's the truth.  I have not done a very good job planning meals and it shows.  "If we fail to plan, we plan to fail."  I'm not sure who said that but it really is the truth.  I also have done a lot of stress eating this week.  Most of the time I can handle this and talk myself out of eating whatever I'm about to eat to make myself feel better, not this week. After Barrett woke up with a fever Monday and Tuesday I decided to go ahead and take him to the doctor and he was diagnosed with the flu.  So we're in survival mode.  I hate seeing him sick.  I also hate that I've had to work since I just started my job, so I haven't been the one getting to cuddle him all day.  That's been hard on me.  Thankfully, I have an awesome support system that has taken great care of him and I'm only working part time so I'm not away all day.  Baseball practice started this week.  We're sad we're having to miss but one more week at home isn't so bad before the hustle and bustle of spring hits.

I'm +1 lb this week.  Not ideal.  Not proud.  Not surprised.  I've got to get my act together and get serious.  I know I can do this.  I've done it before.  We got this.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 7

It's time for Wednesday Weigh-In, just go with it.  I know it's Thursday but Monday was a holiday so it works. Maybe?  Anyway, we're still hanging in there.  I'm not overly impressed with my work this week but it is what it is and it could have been a lot worse.  I'm really trying to listen to my body and eat what I need.  I'm sure I don't need as much cake as I've eaten this week.  I haven't gotten to work this week either which is a bummer and I'm missing it.  Baseball starts next week so it looks like its going to be a while before I get back into the routine of going to a class.  I need to do something at home I guess, I know I say that every week.

161.8 

I'm the same as last week.  So I'm not complaining.  

I do feel puffier that last week and that is a direct effect of what I've been eating.  I'm so ready for spring.  I need sunshine and warm weather.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 6

We had a good week this week.  I think I'm finally settling into a decent routine which is nice.  (Just in time for baseball season to throw everything out of whack again.)  But learning to adjust is just a part of life and something that I still struggle with.  I like things to go exactly how I expect them to go.  So I guess this is something I'll be learning for the rest of my life.  I didn't get to workout this week but I've been trying to get out with the kids in the afternoon which I feel like is better than nothing.  Barrett's school hosts a family fun run in March they have a 5K and a one mile run.  So I'm planning to run the 5K.  I need to start running some to get back in some sort of shape.  I'm not a great runner but I do enjoy it.

I'm down 2.2lbs from last week.  I'll take it!  Slowly but surely I'll be back to my goal weight.

I'm down 6.4lbs in 6 weeks.  That feels like a pretty good place to be.  I'm not really eating Keto 100% of the time.  I'm trying to eat low card Monday-Friday and then indulge some on the weekend.  I feel like this time I'm doing better just listening to my body and intuitively eating.  I'm learning that when I do a "diet" I become dependent on the "rules" then when I get close to my goal it's like I forget all the "rules" and have a hard time eating like a normal person.  I've realized that if I try to eat "normally" I'm teaching myself a more healthy day to day long term lifestyle.  That all kind of sounds like bologna but it's worked for me this week.  So I'm going to stick with it and see what happens.  We've also been busier this week which actually makes it easier for me to stick with it because I'm not eating out of boredom.  Ideally, I feel better physically and mentally when I'm eating lower carb so I'm trying to stick with that most of the time.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 5

I'm up 0.6lbs this week.

I'm not surprised.  I've been eating crap.

I've managed to get to HIIT once each week.  It's not as much as I'd like to go but it's better than nothing.   Getting outside and walking with the kids has been easier since the weather's been nice this week.  Like I said a couple weeks back.  I function best in routine.  I've had to modify my routine in the last couple of weeks when I started my new job.  So I'm adjusting to our new normal and will get back into a routine in no time.  I'm jut trying to make good choices each day to better fuel my body.  I know I feel better and function better when I properly fuel my body.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 4

I'm back for Wednesday Weigh-In!  This week has been a test that I've failed more times than not.  But I did make it to the gym once and I've been able to get out in the afternoon and walk while the kids ride bikes and play.  It's not as much as an actual workout but it's better than nothing.  I've not been very disciplined with my eating but I've tried to stay within the calories even if I'm not even close to my macros. I didn't see a huge difference in the scale but anything is better than nothing.

-1.8lbs this week.

-5lbs total this year

While it may not look like much, I'm proud of it.  I've just got to stick with it, and I know I can!

It felt so good to get to workout again lately!  I'll probably get back into a good routine about the time baseball season starts so it'll all be up in the air again.  But anything is better than nothing.  I got some ice cream from work Thursday and I definitely had some (or a lot).  Hopefully, I will adjust to my new schedule with work and get more settled into a routine in the next couple of weeks.  I do much better in a routine.  I'm not getting enough sleep at night and that sets me up for disaster every day.  I've got to get better about going to bed earlier.  So that's going to be my focus this week.  Getting everyone in bed earlier, so I can get to bed earlier!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 3

Remember all the things I talked about in my first Wednesday Weigh-In post this year?  All the things about when I gained weight.  Well I have evidence this week.  So last week was a bit of a whirlwind.  I applied for a job (not really knowing what I was applying for) not thinking they'd call me and they contacted me the day after I applied and wanted me to come in for an interview.  So I went.  It went well.  They didn't really have a job for me but thought I could be used and said they really liked me.  I still thought it wouldn't turn into anything.  Well by Thursday night I had an offer of exactly what I asked for and Friday morning I had a new part-time job.  At an ice cream shop.  I know what you're thinking.  My best friend said "Um, are you sure this is a good idea?  Isn't this like an alcoholic going to work in a bar."  And to an extent she's right.  But I'm working in the offices that are away from the shop so I can't even smell the ice cream.  Yesterday was my first day and it went really well.  Except I had to count money in front of my boss and I was so nervous I counted it wrong.  Do you know how hard it is to count some one's money with them watching you?  Its hard.  It was much better after that.  I'm really excited to learn everything.  Barrett is so excited I work at the ice cream shop.  It's really sweet!  I love that the owners (my boss) are young entrepreneurs and appreciate a flexible work environment.  I'm by far their oldest employee but I think it works well for the role I'm in.  But enough about that, this is about my weight...

All that to say, the scale is the same this week.  I'm a little bit relieved because when I weighed yesterday I was up 0.8lbs.  So to at least break even this week was nice.

165.0lbs

I'm not exactly thrilled but I'll take it considering the emotional roller coaster that was last week.  

I also manage to get in 4 workouts last week.  I went to HIIT during the day last Tuesday and Thursday but I'm not going to be able to do that now.  So I've got to figure that out again.  I also met a friend and walked one day and went to HIIT on Sunday.  MY goal is going to be to go to HIIT Sunday and Thursday and then squeeze in an at home workout one other night each week.  I hate working out at home but it's better than nothing and if I only have to do it once a week, I can handle it.

So, there you have it, the good, bad and the ugly.

Also, I'm proud of myself because I have yet to have any ice cream.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 2

I'm feeling great this week.  Sure I want crap because I like it, but I don't like feeling like crap so that's what helps me stay the course.  Last week I did pretty good with Patrick gone.  We survived mostly on hot dogs.  One of my goals for 2019 is to try one new recipe each week.  Last week I made Fried Cauliflower Rice.  It was pretty good.  I don't love to cook.  If it's got more than 5 ingredients or 5 steps I'm out.  I bought my cauliflower already riced frozen at ALDI.

This week I made Sausage Egg Muffins.

I needed something easy and quick I could eat for breakfast and the recipe I made up (based on a few is saw) made 18 muffins.  So I've been having one of those for breakfast this week.  Patrick and the kids can also grab one if they want, so that's nice too.

I'm down 3.2lbs this week.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping for more, but you have to start somewhere.  I'm also frustrated because I've already lost these pounds once (actually 3 times now if we're being honest).  I got to workout yesterday for the first time in months.  It was a "hurts so good" situation.  I'm trying to workout during the day now since my work hours are flexible.  My goal is to get in 2-3 workouts per week.  So I'm 1/125 for the year.  (I've got to pick it up in this area).  I'm meeting a friend to walk/jog today. Slow and steady!  Consistency is key. We got this!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Back to Reality

Hello there old friends.  (I'm pretty sure I'm the only person in the world that still blogs just because and not for a paycheck.)  I'm back on the Keto wagon.  I'm a little bit disgusted with myself and I need accountability again.  It's so easy to fall into bad habits again.  I can pin point most of my weight gain over the years to major life changes.  Moving to college, I lost all that weight and then some before I graduated. Getting married, I gained a lot of weight my first year of marriage. I lost all of it our third year of marriage.  Getting pregnant, well duh, but I gained entirely too much weight with Barrett and it didn't all come off before I got pregnant with AveryAnn.  I lost most of my pregnancy weight last year doing keto and working out.  Which brings us to now.  I was 12lbs from my goal last spring.  Then summer came, and I was so overwhelmed.  I was having an issue getting my medication for ADHD and it took a toll on me.  Then Barrett went to Kindergarten, AveryAnn started 2K and I lost my job.  Patrick has been working 12-14 hour days so I basically quit working out.  All the emotion, stress and worry has taken its toll on my health.

I've gained 24lbs from my lowest weight last year.

That makes me so angry to even have to admit.  Of course you can look at me and tell.  I'm only 5'2" so every pound shows.  Not that that matters at all because it really doesn't.  The thing that matters is that I feel like crap and I don't want to feel like that anymore.  So I'm starting fresh and bettering myself.  I know this is not how it's supposed to be and I have control over this, so its up to me to fix it.

So here we are.

168.2lbs for this years starting weight.

I'm still working towards my goal weight of 135lbs.  I've said before if I get to a place where my muscle tone is where I'd like it and it's above 135lbs I'll adjust my goals but based on my previous weight and muscle tone etc I feel like 135lbs is realistic.  Like I said in the beginning I'm back to eating Keto and my goal is 125 workouts for the year.  Ideally I'd like to work out 2-3 times a week but I know there are some weeks that I won't be able to do that and other weeks I would be able to work out more.  So by setting the number of workouts for the year I should be able to meet that goal.  So who's jumping back on the wagon with me!?!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 3

It's not been a great week.  I seriously can't get my crap together.  I have been in the gym 3 times this week plus Saturday morning Brittany and I walked some hills.  I just can't get it together.  I should probably not even bother with this post.  I haven't weighed. I don't want to weigh.  I'm sure I haven't lost any weight.  I've done somewhat better about tracking until about 3:00, then it's like I lose all control and we're just trying to survive until bedtime.  I need to focus on just making better choices.  Not just eating because I'm bored or because it's there.  I also try to not keep junk in the house because the truth is none of us need it.  My kids don't need it nor to Patrick and I.  We've been grilling a lot more.  I feel like we're eating pretty healthy overall, its the snacking and sweets that are killing me.  I will do better this week. I have to.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 2

Alternate title: I Don't Think I Can Do This.

Why is this so hard?  I love working out.  Okay that's not entirely true...I don't hate working out.  I also notice a significant difference in my stamina and overall performance when I've properly fueled my body before a workout.  But I can't for the life of me cut out the carbs again.  There are temptations everywhere and last summer I could easily turn up my nose and resist the temptation.  This summer I can't pass up anything.  I have given up soft drinks. I'll have a sparkling water with meals but that's it.  It's all the other junk.  This weekend being a holiday didn't help.  Plus it has been raining all week so basically all I've done is eat and plan what I'm going to eat next.  I have managed to get to HIIT 3 times since my last post.  Thursday night I even had to take my kids.  So I'm celebrating that small goal.  

-0.8lbs.  It's not the 2lbs I needed to lose to reach my goal by my birthday but it's better than nothing I suppose.  I'm not going to let it get me down.  I'm going to pick up and do better this week.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week I've lost count so lets just start over at 1

Well, I'm back.  Life is starting to slow down some and I feel like I can finally get back in a good routine.  Something about me, I thrive on routine.  I do better when my days are predictable week to week.  So now that baseball is over and we're home most every afternoon, I can cook every night and get back to my favorite class at the gym.  I'm so excited for summer, I started last summer with such a dread.  I didn't want to wear shorts or tank tops or dresses, definitely not a swim suit.  I had no energy to do anything fun.  I was miserable to say the least.  This summer I'm looking forward to all the Summer things.  I've loved buying new clothes and swimsuits.  Part of that is due to the breast reduction.  I can now buy a swimsuit that actually fits properly and that is life changing.  But it's mostly because I'm comfortable in my skin.  I don't get tired just standing outside.  I can be active with my kids.  My diet has been terrible lately, like give me all the sweets and carbs.  I've been drinking sodas.  And I feel like crap.  I haven't been sleeping well, I haven't been able to work out with any consistency.  I finally got to go to HIIT Sunday for the first time in two weeks and I couldn't believe how exhausting it was.  I could definitely tell I hadn't been taking care of myself.  I can even tell a difference in my overall mood.  So this is week 1 of getting back on the wagon.  I finally got on the scale this morning, while it's wasn't ideal, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting.  I've always given myself a 5lb cushion while maintaining and I'm just couple pounds over that cushion.  I'm only 17lbs from my goal.  I've lost 50lbs, why is this last 17 so hard.  I'm a month away from the one year anniversary of starting this journey.  I fully expected to be at my goal weight, in my goal size, living my goal life.  I may not be at my goal weight or size, but life is pretty sweet right now.  I'm ready to reach my goal but I'm also ready to feel better again.  I can't believe how bad my poor diet has made me feel.  I'm ready to be back to feeling like it did last summer. 

Now for the scale.

152.4lbs  I'm 17.4lbs away from my goal.  I'm working really hard to get there by my birthday, July 27th.  I've got 9 weeks.  That's 2lbs a week.  It is 100% doable.  I'm getting back into the routine of tracking everything I eat in MyFitnessPal.  I'm going back to Keto.  Because I was successful but also because I felt so good.  I plan to eat more "healthy" carbs in vegetables and fruit but I'm eliminating all the processed junk that bogs me down both mentally and physically.  I'm excited to get back at it, I'm going to miss sweets but I know it's worth it.  I just have to remember that. It will all be 100% worth it!  Thanks for sticking around!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 13 & 14

Ooops, I did it again.  I ate sweets and couldn't stop.  I've avoided the scale and I'm pretty sure I've gained those same 5 damn pounds again. I didn't weigh in today because I just don't need that negativity in my life right now.  I have a crazy busy week this week and I haven't been able to go to the gym at all.  I'm itching to go but I just haven't been able to work it in.  So is life.  I feel like I'm at a bit of a crossroads.  I've been obsessed with a number on a scale.  I've got about 15 pounds of excess weight I need to lose according to my last body fat analysis.  I've felt a little hopeless with that number and haven't been doing what it takes to make it move. I'm trying not to get down and frustrated but its hard. 

When I start to feel discouraged, I usually pull up a comparison shot and realize how far I've already come.  I'm so proud of how far I've come.  I really do want to feel good.  I can tell I've been eating like crap lately, but I can't make myself not eat the pie at night, or the Reese eggs.  I took almost all of our Easter candy to Barrett's classroom today to get it out of our house. (The teacher asked us to bring candy because they were almost out)  I've been better this week.  I'm really just trying to make better choices every meal, every day.  I know it's worth it.  I just have to keep reminding myself. 

Thanks for hanging around for this rambling post. 

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 12

Week 12.  I really thought I'd be at my goal by this point in 2018.  I'm not.  I'm trying to be patient and consistent but it's not easy.  I have to keep reminding myself of what I've already accomplished.  It's easy to get caught up in the little bit left in the journey and forget how far you've come.   Some days I'm so proud I can hardly contain myself, and some days I'm so discouraged I'm not at my goal I want to quit it all and eat all the things.  I am feeling much better since getting back on track last week.  It's amazing how much better I feel physically when I'm eating to fuel my body and not just eating because I want to.  I really don't think I'll ever not want to eat cupcakes or drink margaritas.  I just keep telling myself I will be able to have those things again in moderation.  Baseball has me scrambling to get my workouts in.  I'm still managing to get there twice a week and I'm hoping to keep that up.  I need to throw in an at home workout at some point during the week but I haven't yet.  I really love how strong I'm feeling these days and seeing muscles doesn't hurt either.  

Now, for this weeks weigh-in...

147.0

I think that's my lowest WW so far on this journey, so that's exciting!

I'm down 2.4lbs from last week!  I'm down 0.6lbs from the WW before that!  So, finally trending down again!  It's amazing, when you eat right and so what you're supposed to the scale goes down!  Imagine that!  I'm 12lbs away from my goal.  I need all 12 of those pounds to come from my gut.  I've got 5 weeks before our anniversary trip.  I'm going to work my tail off to make my goal before then.  I'm soooo close!  I have to get back to the mindset of "it's not worth it".  In the beginning I would ask myself  "is it worth it?" when I wanted to cheat and most of the time it isn't! 

Thanks for following along! 

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 10-11

Wednesday Weigh-In didn't happen last week.  I think I've been pretty honest lately that I've been struggling to get back on track.  I needed something to get back in gear so I decided to try a KETO ReBoot.  My cousins did it back in February and said they liked it so I decided to give it a try this month.  I'm tired of losing and gaining the same 5 pounds every two weeks.  I'm ready to lose this weight for good.  I feel like I'm doing great maintaining, problem is this is not the weight I want to maintain.  So the ReBoot kicked off Sunday night at 8:00pm.  It's basically a 60 hour fast.  In the kit you get meal supplements that are packed full of ketones to send your body into ketosis.  Yall, this was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  The supplements were awful.  I can usually eat just about anything and I could not choke these things down.  One wasn't too bad but that was it.  Monday night I was nearly in tears I was so hungry.  I decided to go to HIIT to get my mind off of food.  I actually had a really good workout.  I had more energy than I'd had in a long time.  The ketones were definitely working.  I struggled through Tuesday.  Considering giving up several times but I'd made it that far I wasn't going to quit now.  I made it all the way until this morning.  I couldn't wait to get up and make bacon and eggs and drink a cup of coffee.  It was delicious.  Will I do the ReBoot again?  Probably not.  I feel like I can achieve the same results without buying the kit, especially since I didn't like most of the products.  Am I glad I did it?  Yes, I wanted to try the products anyway and I needed something to reset my system and get me back into ketosis and I accomplished both of those things.  My goal is to stay in ketosis for 5-6 weeks.  I'm not sure I'll survive Easter but I'm going to give it my best shot! I really want these last 14 pounds gone forever! and I really do feel so  much better, I sleep better and have more mental clarity when I'm in ketosis.  You'd think that alone would be motivation enough but sweets are a powerful thing.  

I'm up 1.8lbs from two weeks ago.  I'm not happy about it but I'm not going to let it undo everything I've worked so hard for.  I'm still so close to my goal.  I'm more focused and determined now.  I'm confident I can knock these last pounds out before summer!  If I didn't eat for 60ish hours, I'm pretty sure I can do this.  

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 9

Hey, Hey!  It's Wednesday!  I feel like I've been so busy this week (not really sure why though).  We had a busy weekend and we've got a couple of busy ones coming up.  I'm afraid we're going to be busy for a couple of months.  I hate being busy.  My diet is the first thing to go when we're busy.  I'm trying to plan ahead so that doesn't happen this time!  (How many times can I say busy in this post?)  I've been to the gym 3 times a week for 9 straight weeks now and I can definitely see results.  When I was doing my hair the other day, I noticed I have biceps now.  So that's exciting.  I feel like there's not a whole lot to talk about these days but I need these posts to hold myself accountable.  

-1lb from last week.  I know I say it every week but slow and steady.  Each pound adds up.  I'm only 12.6lbs away from my goal weight.  I'm feeling stronger than ever. 

I had to share this before and after.  That was me at AveryAnn's birthday party last year.  There weren't many pictures of me.  I did a pretty good job avoiding the camera.  Then, there's me last Saturday at AveryAnn's birthday party.  Not scared to be in a picture with my daughter.  It is so freeing not being so uncomfortable in my own skin.  I know I say it every week but the hardest part is getting started.  I promise it is so worth it.  It's worth the work and sacrifice.  I'm so glad I started and now I'm down 55lbs and I'm 12lbs away from my goal.  This journey has been life changing for me.  I've learned so much about myself.  If you're on the fence, just start.  Take it one day at time.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 8

I'm finally feeling more in control this week.  I'm feeling stronger than ever in the gym.  I'm starting to really love the definition I'm seeing in my muscles.  For the first time in my life I'm not dreading summer and swimsuit season.  (Even when I was at my goal weight and working out, I still dreaded wearing a swimsuit because my boobs were so big and didn't fit into any normal swimsuits).  I can tell a difference in my overall energy level this week since I've been eating better. I feel like this week was what I needed to get myself back in gear.  

I'm down 3.4lbs from last week.  (Down 1.2lbs from my lowest WW weight.)

Making my total loss 55.4lbs.  Only 13.6lbs to go!!  I made mashed cauliflower this week for the first time and I was actually impressed with how much we liked it.  Even Patrick liked it.  It will definitely be added to the weekly rotation.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 7

Week 7!  I really had every intention to be at my goal by this point in the year.  But I'm not.  I'm trying not to get discouraged but it's hard.  But I also know I'm not putting in the work that I need to put in to get there.  I can't really be surprised that I'm not losing weight when I'm still eating whatever I want whenever I want.  It just doesn't work like that.  In my head I've moved on to maintaining and I've still got 15 pounds to lose.  So I have to get back into the losing mindset and I can't seem to make myself do it.  I've had several people ask me about keto lately and how to get started.  I feel like such a fraud telling them what to do  when I can't seem to get myself back on track.  But I did have a lot of success and I do think it works.  My problem in me right now.  I think if I can get back into the mindset of "one week at a time"  that was I had to do in the beginning and it worked.  I'm so worried about 3 and 4 weeks from now that I'm sabotaging myself.  So this week, I'm focused and ready.  I want to lose 2lbs this week.  I'm cutting out sweets.  I'm done with them for now.  I will eat sweets again one day just not right now.  It's just not worth it.  It's hard to believe that when you really want that cookie but its true.  The moment of pleasure is just not worth not reaching my goals.  

I'm up 2.2lbs this week.  I'm not shocked at all.  I've eaten like crap.  And because of that I'm feeling like crap.   I'm making all my workouts but you can't out work a terrible diet.  I know all of these things but I still couldn't convince myself to eat better.  It's a new week and another chance to do better.  I know I can do this.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 6

It's Wednesday again, and I'm exhausted.  I'm not getting enough sleep and it's starting to wear on me.  I know that sounds like a lame excuse but it's true.  I've been getting up early for my quiet time each morning but I haven't been able to get in bed to make up the 30 minutes.  I know that doesn't sound like a lot but it has been for me.  I have got to start going to bed earlier.  I've felt so busy lately during the week.  I've been so tempted to skip working out so I could get to bed at a decent time.  But I really enjoy it once it's over and I don't want to skip.  So I'm going to have to start going to bed earlier.  My diet has been crap this week.  I'm blaming it on the lack of sleep.  

No change, (I'm not complaining).  I know I sound like a broken record but I have to start eating better.  I'm seeing great results from being back in the gym but I know it could be so much better it I was eating better foods.

We went for our body fat analysis this week for the first time since October.  I was pleased with my results. I was down 8 pounds from the end of October.  Which doesn't sound like a lot but since it was over the holidays I'm happy with it.  I measured 2" smaller in my chest, this is crazy to me considering this was the first measurement since my breast reduction. I was -1" in my waist.  I was 1.25" bigger in my hips but I really feel like that might be the result of a lot of squats.  Minus 0.5" in my arm and -1.5" in my leg.  Over all a loss of 5".  We've been taking progress pictures since our first meeting with Lisa in August.  I wish I had taken some when I first started but these after I'd already lost 30lbs are bad enough.  I've never shared them but I going to add them here because I just can't get over the difference.

The breast reduction helped my overall proportion tremendously but I still can't believe the little definition in my stomach.  I know I say it every week, but I've still got some work to do but I'm still so proud of how far I've come.  

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 5

Here we are, five weeks in, feeling stronger and stronger each week.  I'm seeing the number on the scale go down (slowly but surely) and I'm seeing muscle definition return after my 6 week hiatus from the gym.  There have been a lot of new people at the gym this month and so many of them remind me of myself 6 months ago.  As much as I miss all the free space before the new year, it's exciting to see people motivated to reach new goals.  I feel like I'm proof that it works if you commit to it.  I'm committed.  I know it's only going to get harder as our kids get older and busier.  So I want to make it as much of a habit as I can now.  I'm somewhat of a homebody.  When I get home in the afternoon, I like to be home.  So getting back out to go to the gym (especially when it's dark and cold) has been hard.  But it is so worth it.  Eating well is so worth it too, I'm having a harder time convincing myself of that one though.  I'm eating what I have to eat to reach my desired goal.  But I'll be honest, I'm not enjoying it.  I do feel better so that helps, but man why do cookies and chips (and margaritas) have to be so bad for you.  I went shopping this past weekend and I can't explain to you the feeling of being able to choose something off the rack and it just fit.  Part of this is the breast reduction but a big part of it is the weight loss and workout regimen.  I even tried on some shorts that I was afraid were going to be to small and they were too big!!  I feels so good to feel good in my own skin again.  (Now if I could win the lottery or somehow have a big pile of money fall in my lap so I can buy all new clothes that would be great!)

-1.2lbs this week.

I wasn't kidding when I said slowly.

But again, Rome wasn't built in a day.  I'm getting so close to my goal that I'm getting antsy and ready to just be there.  I feel like these last 14.8lbs are going to be the hardest, even harder than those first 15-20bs.  But they are going to be so worth it.  I could easily sit back right here and be happy with what I've accomplished.  But I'm determined not to settle for good enough.  I've got a goal and even if it takes me another six months to lose 14lbs, I'm going to do it.  

My tip for this week isn't new but I want to share it again.  Get an accountability partner!!!  Dave Ramsey defines this person as "someone who loves you enough to hurt your feelings."  and that description couldn't be more perfect.  (I realize Dave Ramsey is a money guy but this definition fits here too).  I may be biased but I think I have the best accountability partner.  We are pretty brutal to each other when it comes to honesty but I know she wants what's best for me and I want the same for her.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 4

I'm officially back in ketosis!!! Finally!!!  I know some people need more variety in a diet but I need something that eliminates certain foods.  I needed to get myself back in ketosis so I wouldn't want to eat cookies or sweets for fear of knocking myself out.  It's not worth it.  I feel like you can be a little looser with "good" carbs once you're in ketosis.  I don't know why but it was a lot harder for me this time.  I just kept telling myself that it was worth it.  I would feel better.  My workouts would yield better results.  I would sleep better.  I would wake easier.  For the most part these are all true.  I know from past experiences it'll be another week or so before the intense cravings for sweets goes away.  I've got a couple of  keto friendly recipes I want to try for sweets.  Another benefit of getting control of my diet and eliminating soft drinks...I went to the dentist yesterday for my cleaning and I had zero cavities.  I've almost always had at least one cavity every visit (twice a year) for most of my adult life.  So no cavities is huge.  (My dentist is probably sad for that $300 he was probably counting on from me this month.) I'm afraid that the next few months are going to be busy for us.  I really am making it a priority to workout but it's going to get tricky fitting it all in.  Patrick is having to do a lot more at home than he is used to (which it totally fine, and he doesn't mind.  It just makes me feel a little selfish.).

I'm -1 lb this week.  Doesn't seem like much but every little bit counts.  That's how I've lost the first 50lbs, one pound at a time.  That's how these last 16lbs will come off too.  Just have to be patient.  I want to wake up and be at my goal and that's just not realistic (well actually I guess one day I will wake up and be at my goal, but not without a few weeks of work first.)  

I wanted to share kind of what I eat most days.  

I have the same thing for breakfast week day.  A cup of coffee with 1/4 of a vanilla premier protein shake.  I'm not usually hungry in the mornings so I don't usually eat anything but if I am hungry I'll have a mini babybel cheese.  On the weekends I usually cook breakfast.  I'll have bacon and eggs or sausage and eggs.  This weekend I made these keto sausage balls.  I've been eating them some this week too. 

You can find the recipe here.  They were so good.  A little greasy but Patrick thought they might be better than regular sausage balls.

For lunch during the week I'm spoiled and my boss buys my lunch nearly everyday so we eat fast food most days.  I'll have a grilled chicken club without the bun, hot dog without the bun, bacon cheeseburger without the bun, salad with grilled chicken and ranch, buffalo chicken wings with ranch or steak fajitas without the tortilla.  You can have all the toppings with the fajitas so I don't even miss the tortilla.

For dinner I usually cook something.  My son and husband are somewhat picky.  Patrick will at least try everything, Barrett won't even try stuff.  My favorite is Mexican.  We do that at least once a week.  Everyone else will either eat taco shells, tortilla or use chips to make nachos.   

This is my favorite dinner.  I've made several pinterest recipes.  Another favorite is chicken baked with broccoli, cheddar cheese and bacon.  We usually have hot dogs at least once a week because everyone will eat them.  We mostly eat chicken.  And I usually just bake it and then add some sort of side, usually something starchy for them and then green beans, broccoli, or Brussel sprouts for me.

I've made fat bombs from pinterest as something sweet I also will have a spoonful of Halo Top ice cream for a sweet treat.  I also found this week Planters Salted Carmel peanuts.  They are a little high in carbs but if you've got the macros for them in you day they are a great little treat.  

So that's a little peak into my daily food diary.  Some days my macros are perfect.  Some days I'm just surviving.  My biggest tip if you're to eat keto is at first just focus on staying within your carbs.  Eat as many calories as you need to stay full without going over on carbs.  You probably wont go over by much but it will help avoid the need to snack and make bad choices.  I still use this thinking in some situations.  

That's it for this week.  Let me know if you decide to start so I can cheer you along!