Changes...

Update:

Weight: 252.6 lbs x 2 days
Net Cal: -1204 cal Sat, -1486 cal Sun
Exercise: walk the dogs 10 min x2, 35 min walk to and from the Timbers game

Fall is always a time of change and I think that is one reason why I love fall so much.  The leaves change color, the weather turns cooler, the nights start getting longer, and it is a time to pull in, cozy up with each other, and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.  I learned today that my friend and awesome team lead is moving on.  Everything changes.  She will be missed, but I am also very excited for her :)  The children are getting ready to start 2nd grade.  Soccer has started and Hebrew school won't be too far behind.  The High Holy Days are almost upon us, and it is always a busy but celebratory time.

I've been listening to Sugarland a lot lately.  There is a song, Very Last Country Song that seems to be really hitting home with me right now.  Everything changes, nothing stays the same.  For good or bad, there is no "stuck".  There is always movement.  I have to keep reminding myself of this.   I look at the lack of actual weight loss and feel discouraged, yet if I am willing to see the changes I've made, I have a whole different outlook.

I am now walking at least 3-5 days per week.  Because of this, I did not have any shortness of breath climbing the hill to the Japanese Gardens or walking up Burnside from Jeld-Wen field to 23rd street.  I actually visualized myself starting to jog a bit.  I don't know if I will follow through with that visualization because I have horrible knees.  I am feeling stronger and find that even though I get exhausted, I am more engaged during the day.

I am eating better.  This is evident in my labs.  I am eating fewer calories and eating more fruits and veggies.  My food choices are better.  I have learned to not panic when I feel that I don't have access to food.  I can't say that my relationship with food has changed, but it has become more honest and I'm more aware.  I have also started to tackle my barrier to counting calories.  I have bought a scale and at least once a day I weigh something I'm eating.

So even though my weight is not changing, I do see changes that are essential for weight loss.  I am healthier regardless of what my weight is.  I can only keep on the path and expect some side trips.  Those side trips can be a wrong turn, or the hidden path to a wonderful sight that was just out of sight.  So, to change and the continued journey, I go forth...

Successes: Walked at lunch, have continued to keep my caloric intake down below 2000
Barriers: tired