Confessions of a Yo-Yo Dieter

Up and down, up and down!  I've been on a roller coaster of weight loss for quite some time now.   I lose it, then I gain it all back.  Before Hawaii, I worked really hard and lost 15 pounds!  It felt great - I went to buy beach clothes and actually had everything I took into the fitting room fit me.  That is the best feeling!  Of course, I took a break from healthy eating while I was in Hawaii - it was my honeymoon, after all.  My problem?  Taking a break for me = a downhill spiral.  I struggle to get back on track after a splurge or a vacation.  

So here I am - AGAIN.  Unfortunately, I found that 15 pounds I lost.  This time I"m determined to shed the pounds and KEEP THEM OFF!  "I'm not losing weight, I'm getting RID of it!"  I'm getting of the yo-yo coaster and I'm adopting this health lifestyle permanently.  I'm counting calories - keeping clean eating in mind!  If you're looking for a great resource on clean eating, try The Gracious Pantry.  I am trying to limit my processed foods and really amp up the fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and lean protein.   I feel like counting calories gives me the freedom to explore new recipes and sometimes have something I really want in moderation.  I also go to bootcamp Mondays & Thursdays.  Then I try to workout at least 3 other times during the week - sometimes I even do some extra cardio on bootcamp days. 

I'm learning tackling my challenges!  The other day we went to the movie theater with friends.  Instead of chowing down on 900-calorie-clog-your-arteries popcorn, I packed my snacks!  

The ingredient lists on these snack foods are ones I can actually read!

On Father's Day, we took a day trip to West Virginia.  Usually that would mean I'm done for = but not this time!  I ate breakfast at home, packed lunch & snacks, and planned ahead my dinner out.