Breakthroughs and Brain Changes

Over the past few weeks, I've started noticing that things are changing for me.  I've been on this weight loss journey for over a year now, and it hasn't always been easy.


Now, there have been days where I've driven through a drive-thru to get a "snack" in the form of a small Hamburger.  I've had trips to visit family where I couldn't get enough sausage balls in my mouth. 

But since Thanksgiving, I've noticed a big change in myself and in the way I look at this process.  I got back from my trip, and got RIGHT back on track... no hesitation, no faltering.  No binges.  Just good solid healthy living.


While I still have about 20 lbs left to go on my journey, I'm starting to see this as "how I live" as opposed to "how I diet."  Sure, I've heard from ALL of the experts that it's so important to change your life and not just diet.... but now, I feel like I'm living it.

I think a big part of the change is my membership at the YMCA.  I don't love working out, but I do love having that 30-60 minutes most nights that's quiet and that's mine.  I leave my phone in the car.  For those of you who know me well, you know this doesn't happen very often.  I completely disconnect during that time.  I read while I ride on the recumbent bike, and I catch up on E! News if it's on while I'm on the elliptical.  

I still haven't made friends with the treadmill.  We've met, but I'm skeptical of her.  

It's a time to do something great for my body while doing something positive for my mind.  LOVE IT.


Now, don't let me fool you into thinking that I go EVERY day.  I don't.  And, don't imagine that I like to go every time I go.  Tonight, it was SNOWING and it took everything in me to get to the gym. 

Going to the gym on a SNOWY night = DEDICATION!  I would have NEVER done that a year ago.  

The other thing I absolutely love is that I don't have to be as strict on my diet when I work out.  For example, tonight I did a lame workout because my legs were sore from last night.  So, I only burned about 294 calories; however, that's still 294 calories more that I have to work with!  


Not that I am going to eat them all, but if I decide to saute my brussels sprouts with some bacon tonight... it's not the end of the world.  And, it wasn't.  

Amazing - - Just Brussels, Onion, and Bacon

I share this today because it's probably the biggest breakthrough I've had.  Maybe it's a Christmas miracle!  Either way, I'm just hopeful that it will stay.  I love how it feels.  And, I love that it's starting to feel effortless.  It's starting to feel REAL and perhaps more importantly, sustainable.