Creating the new me

Ok, I’m back. Hawaii was awesome. I’ll post more about it later with some pics. Eating healthy and exercising went out the window while I was on vacation. I tried really hard for like 2 days then gave in and had a great time. I’m back on track 100% now. Eating great, and to the gym tonight.  I have A LOT of blogs to catch up on, but I’ll get there.

More later

Well things are slowly returning to normal here. DBF is on his way home, although it will take him most of the day, double the normal drive time due to nasty weather.

WI is tomorrow morning, and I really hope to lose .8 lbs or more. That’ll get me to a total weight loss of 35 pounds!

One week from today I’ll be on a plane to Hawaii. I had hoped to lose more weight by now, but I’m still 35 pounds lighter than I would have been otherwise, and for that I am thankful.

Given that vacation is near. I wanted to take some time to review what I am going to do WW wise while I am gone. I wrote a post about it a while ago, and I re-read it as I think there some good stuff in there.

It’s hard to balance having a good relaxing time on vacation with dieting my new lifestyle. But I am going to give it my best shot. I owe it to myself to try to maintain, because I really don’t want to lose the same pound more than once. Gaining weight that you have lost is so unmotivational, for me at least.

I vow to be good to my body while gone, think about the choices that I make, and remember that having a good time has nothing to do with what I eat.

Below are a few pictures taken  about 2 weeks ago in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.  As I’ve lost REALLY close to 30 pounds now, I think I’ll also update my progress page with a new picture so I can see the full progression.

Me over the balcony of the condo. 

Here’s a pic of me drinking a fancy drink out of a coconut!

Ok, now for the NSV. I have a terrible habit of always buying clothing that doesn’t fit, but is just a little too snug. Needless to say over the years I have accumulated quite a bit of clothing in a size or two too small that has never been worn. Well when packing for Mexico I found 2 pair of shorts that still had the tags on from Eddie Bauer. Well I Packed them, and the jean shorts fit perfect, they were awesome. The second pair was WAY too big, I was a little upset because I have never worn them, but the feeling that they were too big was more powerful.

Also, I vowed to wear sleeveless shirts every day in Mexico and I accomplished that. I usually stick to T shirts because I am more comfortable in them. But, this trip I stepped out of my box and wore lots of tank tops Yeah for me for recognizing that I am looking better after having lost almost 30 pounds and daring to go out of my comfort zone :)  I think these are both great NSV’s!

In light of my upcoming trip. In order to hold myself accountable I have made a list of guidelines to live by in order to stay healthy, and continue my weight loss efforts while not at home.

1)  Relax, have fun, you are on vacation!  Relax, don’t stress about food and make the best choices available.

2) Choose healthy options when available, but don’t sweat it if there aren’t any.

3) Pay close attention to portion control, stop eating when you are full. No stuffing yourself.

4) Stay completely on program until the moment you leave home.  Don’t use the “no time” excuse or the “no food” excuse. Make time, and get the right foods in the house. 

5) Get completely back on program the moment you get home.  Don’t use the “no time” excuse or the “no food” excuse, the “no money” excuse, or the “too tired” excuse. There is always money for good, healthy food.  Make the effort.

6) Drink lots of water.

7) Alcohol.  Try to stick with zero calorie mixers if possible. But enjoy a few of the drinks you love along the way.

8 ) Pack healthy and low point snacks for drives, flights, hotel stays and the like.  That will save time searching for them later, and will save calories when you don’t have a choice of anything healthy at the vending machine or 7 Eleven.

9) Don’t be afraid to ask the waiter for special requests to your meal.  That’s what he’s there for, even in foreign countries it is OK to ask.

10) Walk more.   Getting as much extra exercise while on vacation will show on the scale at home.