Falling Off The Wagon

I have been putting off writing the latest post for a few days now, as a result there will be two posts in one. As I wrote last week, last Monday I weighed in at 231 pounds. But between Monday morning and the next week on Monday I had let myself go and went back up to 236 pounds. I felt so ashamed (not because of the weight gain-- that is normal, everyone fluctuates). What I was ashamed about what that I knew it was not normal fluctuation. Between the two Mondays I went out to eat 10 times-- that is more than the past three weeks combined. I had soda during about half of those times (which is more soda than I had previously had during the past 2 months). But the real kicker was when I went to the movies and got a soda and candy and was ok with it. The issue with that is-- I never get a soda or candy during movies, I haven't done that in a few years.

I had also started my old routine of giving myself excuses for not doing certain exercises. "That Hip Hop Abs is 40 minutes, I do not have time for that so I will do that 30 minute one" (which is easier).  "I do not have time for the 60 minute yoga workout" but then I decide to watch an hour TV show right after I am done with 30 minute yoga workout. I started back into the process of giving myself excuses.

Yes, I was still eating right when I was at home. I was eating organic and loving it but when you go out to eat, that food is NOT organic (yet it tastes soooooo good). Sunday night (two days ago) I started looking back at the last week and realized I had a choice. I could either continue the way I was last week (which was having a lot of fun, because I do love to eat) or I can gain better control and learn from that week.

Eating out is not bad, but I could have made better choices while doing it. I let myself start to think that I needed to eat out at McDonalds 3 times in one week because I was having a busy schedule. I let myself think I needed the fries off of a friend's plate whenever they were finished because they were just going to be thrown out. In reality, those fries should have been thrown out, I did not need them.

I am human, this process is like a roller coaster (I think it is an overused cliche but it fits). There are ups and downs, it is part of the process so that in the end you learn from all of your mistakes along the way. This past week I learned, I need to find a better balance between letting go and having too much control.

I also learned it was time for me to step up the exercise routine-- I am doing the 40 minute Hip Hop Abs and 60 minutes yoga routine (no excuses unless it is honestly a time constraint when I have to leave the house). I am pushing myself to do 45 minutes on the treadmill (usually equals about 2 miles) if I feel up to it. While also doing the 30 minutes 30 day Shred.

Since Sunday night I have had better control and actually started to realize what the feeling of being hungry is which is amazing-- I had forgotten what it felt like. It is a great feeling and a great realization that my body can tell me when to eat instead of eating because of being bored or because it is that time of day. I now eat because I am hungry (and it is that time of day).

I feel better since renewing my goal of creating a new me (and shaping my body to look like Ryan Reynolds- haha). I am back on my way to 231 pounds, where I was (I am at 233 pounds currently).

I also created a very interesting supper last night-- something I had never had but is a variation of something I learned to eat only a few months ago. It is a Quinoa- Stuffed Pepper. If you are like my mother or myself you are probably asking what Quinoa is-- it is like a mix between a nut and a whole grain. It is actually quite delicious. I cooked the quinoa in the microwave and then mixed in spinach leaves and then stuffed it in the pepper. I cooked it in the oven for about minutes and put cheese on top and finally salsa (helped to add in some onions and peppers that way).

It was quite delicious-- also very stuffing. I was only able to eat half of it before I got full and put the rest in the refrigerator. I did have a turkey and cheese sandwich with it because I thought it did not appear to be enough for a meal.

I highly recommend this meal for everyone-- but there is one problem. I had to order the quinoa online-- I could not find it at any store around here (maybe I was not looking hard enough). So if anyone needs it all you have to do is ask and I would be more than happy to give you a cup to play around with.

Here is my ending advice for you-- ADD SALSA-- it is something I read and it has really stuck with me. By adding salsa to a meal, salad or anything you are getting a serving of onions, peppers and tomatoes which are essential vegetables. I have started using it instead of salad dressing and it is spicing up the meals. Granted get an organic type that is made with real vegetables and not processed stuff (it truly does taste better).