Month 2 Weigh In

First of all, I really can't express my sincerest gratitude for all of the comments, likes, and love that all of you have left on Facebook and the blog.  It means more than you know.  The support, prayers, and positive thinking is what is getting me through this sometimes frustrating journey.

With all the being said, month 2 is in the books!!  I didn't quite reach my goal of 14 lbs lost, but I'm not quite at 10 weeks.  I decided just to focus on 2 months.  I am (in total) 22 lbs down!  It's still just a chip in the whole block of weight, but it's definitely a start.

THE GOOD - 

• I'm still enjoying going to the YMCA.  I am only logging in 2-3 times a week, which I would like to be more, but it's still better than nothing!
• I took my first yoga class a couple weeks ago.  Yesterday, I did my 3rd class and it still is extremely challenging!  I feel limbs stretching that haven't been stretched in a very long time!  I used to think I was really limber...full disclosure, I might have been 6....but, at 28, I am not so much anymore!  
• I'm getting more adventurous in the food category!  I'm making more and trying different recipes.  Some have gone over really well, some have not.  I'm enjoying making and testing foods.  My recent favorite (thanks to my aunt, Angie) is this lime cilantro vinaigrette.  I am a HUGE fan of cilantro, so this was right up my alley.  I've eaten with my salad for the past two days and can't get enough!!
• Smoothies are delicious.  I am NOT a morning person (just ask my mom), so it's hard for me to want to get up early and make breakfast.  Smoothies have helped this problem.  My favorite is a simple strawberry/banana smoothie (with Greek yogurt and Almond Milk), but I've tried a couple other recipes.  I've gotten making it down to an art!
• Some of my clothes are fitting a little better!  A lot of people ask, "Can you tell in your clothes?"  A great question and one of the things I want desperately.  And overall, meh, not a super huge amount.  Clothes are more comfortable...and that is nice :)
• Food Favorites: Dasani Lemon Sparkling Water (mmm), La Croix Orange, cilantro, chicken over spinach and feta, smoothies, baked potatoes, fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, and apples are my faves), Essential Chocolate Drink (for bfast), mushroom pita pizza (another thanks to Angie for this amazing recipe). 

THE BAD - 

• There's no sugar coating it (both literally and figuratively), dieting sometimes sucks.  Working out sucks.  Thinking CONSTANTLY about what I am putting in my mouth sucks.  Not seeing results every week sucks.  I have to keep myself focused and positive to outweigh these sucky things!!
• Addiction - I strongly believe that eating is an addiction.  Just like alcohol, cigarettes, running, or anything else, eating overtakes you.  It was a struggle to not stop at McDonald's when I passed it the other day.  It was a struggle not to lick the bowl of icing that I made for my cake class.  It was a BIG struggle to give up my daily sodas.  My body so desperately wanted it.  Not just my body, but my mind.  It was an internal struggle to say no.  To tell myself I didn't need it.  And in all honesty, sometimes the addiction won.  Not many times, but sometimes.  It's hard.  It's a process. It's an uphill battle.
• Social Media - I have been a member of Facebook since its first year in 2004 (yea, I'm old).  As soon as Instagram was available for Droids (which I had at the time), I was all over it like cake.  And I still love it.  However, it can also be a place where I feel shame and unworthiness.  Seeing skinny people in clothes that are beautiful is hard.  Seeing someone talk about exercise and loving it is hard.  I don't feel skinny and I sure as hell don't love to exercise.  I've had to do a lot of reflection and realization with this.   Understanding that I can't compare myself to others.  I can't constantly look at others and think it's how I'm suppose to be.  It is ridiculous.  But, it's hard.

THE UGLY - 

• MENTAL GAME - just like anything else, dieting and exercising are both mental games.  Learning to enjoy healthy foods and exercise is a challenge I constantly face.  I'm hard on myself.  I've had to learn to give myself a break when I don't see the pounds come off as fast as I want them to.  
• HOLY MONEY! - I mentioned this before, but eating healthy is hella expensive.  I mean, dang!  The other night I went in the store and bought cilantro, cheese, organic milk, sparkling water, and something I can't think of right now, and it was over $30!!  Blargh.

The good always outweighs the bad and the ugly.  It's all trial and error at this point.  Giving myself a cheat day has helped MAJORLY.  I'm anticipating warmer weather so I can mix up the YMCA with walking.  Not weighing on Monday morning is really helpful (as my friend, Kelly, pointed out).  The best part of all this is getting to really understand food.  The good, bad, and ugly of it.  It's hard work for me to eat healthy.  I know there are people who love it, who enjoy it, who have found their niche with it, but I am still learning.

Thanks again for the support and love!  Please let me know if you have any favorite recipes for a super picky eater trying to eat healthy or any great blogs with recipes!  A HUGE thanks again to my amazingly awesome, wonderful, patient cousin, Leah.  Couldn't do it without you!!

WEIGHT LOSS FOR MONTH 2 : 8 lbs

TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS (2 MONTHS IN): 22 lbs

GOAL FOR MONTH 3: 8 lbs (total of 30 lbs)