The Lifestyle

Today is July 6th 2011 and it is a beautiful sunny summer day here in Montreal. I have realized something important this summer, dieting in the warm months is WAY harder then in the colder months but it is all balanced off by the abundant opportunity to be physically active. It is this balancing that I think is the key to making my changes towards the healthiest I can be actually stick. I have really tried this week to be sensible about my caloric intake and on days where I know I am going to be having a glass or two of wine on the deck with the family I eat less during the day, and not let that guilt creep in. I haven't gained because I haven't been as regimented about my diet, I have been about the same. Steadily losing weight and getting fit.

Last week I reached my 10% goal, I was seesawing between delighted and underwhelmed by it. I was proud that I reached the goal but felt "it's not 15%" Then I remembered how I felt in January when they told me how much I had to lose to reach my 10%...23.8 pounds "How the hell am I ever going to do that?". I needed to sit and revel in the accomplishment for a minute.

I am now getting daily compliments on my weight loss. I am so thankful to people who have actually made a point of cheering me on and making me feel like the work I am putting into this change is really starting to take shape. I appreciate the encouragement and that coupled with feeling so much better in my skin has been the two strongest incentives to keep up my daily running, walking, biking, swimming and dieting. Thank you for reading my blog and thank you for letting me know that it has inspired you to change some things in your life.

I know I am not the best runner or the best dieter or the best anything. All I know is that I am committed to feeling how I feel now and only getting better. If you are reading this and wondering if you should try Weight watchers or the couch 2 5 k I can tell you that although it isn't easy to feel like you're starving or to pound the road at 5 am but the feeling I have today compared to what I was 23.8 pounds ago...there is no comparison. I am a happier human today EXCLUSIVELY because of this journey. Looks matter, being healthy matters. It is worth the sweat, it is worth saying no daily to the things you want. I have reached 10%, I have run 5k, I FEEL GREAT!