I got on the scale this morning. Not sure what I expected but the numbers staring back at me were not it.
You see, the last two weeks have been HARD. Yes, HARD. I've done a complete 180 when it comes to my eating habits. All of this prompted by a test result and the desire to live to see my grandkids one day.
Aside from adding exercise to my day, I have been eating tons of vegetables. If you know me, you know I have a love/hate relationship with veggies. All that ended when I found out I wasn't in as good a shape as I had thought and decided I needed to do my part and clean up my diet.
I started by cutting the carbs as much as possible from my diet. At least the "bad" carbs (is there such a thing??). I added whole grains instead, and lots and lots of veggies and fruits. Then I added exercise. The elliptical has been a part of my day for the last two weeks and four days ago I added yoga to my daily exercise as well.
Yet the number on the scale doesn't reflect any of these changes. It would be so easy to give up right now and got get that burger and fries I've been craving. But I am not a quitter; so on I got with this lifestyle change.
So in order to bust my own pity party, I decided to focus on the good things I've discovered these past two weeks while eating healthy and exercising. So here they are, in random order.
1) Oatmeal
As a child, oatmeal was a staple in my house and I loved it. No one makes better oatmeal than my mom. I became an adult and because of lack of time (sounds like a good excuse) stopped eating oatmeal. I didn't really like the instant kind and just never got around to making the other kind. Lo and behold, I have rediscovered oatmeal!
I found this way to make overnight oatmeal in a mason jar. So off to the store I went to get some steel cut oats, almond milk, and chia seeds. Add fruit and honey, and voila, I have found a new way to eat oatmeal. I admit I was a bit skeptical but this is so delicious!
2) Zucchini, Sweet Potato, Black Beans...
I had eaten all of these before but I have found many different ways to cook them without getting bored eating the same stuff over and over.
3) Yoga
I will admit, yoga has always been scary to me. For years, I have fought against even trying. I have told myself I'm not flexible enough to try any of that stuff. Until now. I decided if I'm going to change my lifestyle, I might as well try something new. So for the last 4 days, I have done yoga. Don't get all excited, I have not done any pretzel shape poses or head stands. This is yoga for complete beginners like me. I found I actually enjoy it. It isn't easy but I noticed today the routine was a lot easier than the first day. I guess it's all about consistency, I can see keeping this in my exercise routine.
4) Hummus
I had eaten hummus before, but if I had to choose between queso dip and hummus, guess which one won? I bought some last weekend, and oh emm gee, is there anything better with veggies? Even the kids love it. Win-win in my book.
5) Almond Milk
As a kid, I loved drinking milk. Whole milk, none of that skim milk yuckiness. My love of all things dairy continued until pregnancy happened and I became lactose intolerant. So when it came time to try this overnight oatmeal, I knew I needed some type of milk to go with it. My sweet daughter suggested almond milk, since she knows I love almonds. I'm so glad she did, I'm sold!
Last but not least, I have learned that I can survive without fast food, junk food, and fried food. Even though those were not a part of my daily diet, I have learned to prepare quick meals at home, rather than run through the drive thru on my way home from whatever activity the kids had that night.
Truth be told, I do feel better. I can feel a difference in the way my body feels now that I have gotten rid of most of the processed stuff. It hasn't been easy, but I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
