Daily Dose- Some thoughts and revelations

I would like to be at a weight and exercise level that I can safely eat an average of 1600-2000 calories a day and maintain my weight. I do not want to have to be hyper vigilant for the rest of my life about my weight. I want good choices to become second nature and pleasurable. Each time I start to try and lose weight I am reminded how much I like to eat veggies and some fruits. Salad is something I enjoy. I am finding other things that I enjoy eating that are not that high in calories or fat. I have found out that the small 3 musketeers are good for my chocolate fix when needed. I can be satisfied with a miniature candy bar. I have learned I can not have them at home because I will reach toward the pack and pig out on the whole thing when stressed. I can take the packages to work and have them on break. It keeps me from spending money and getting a full sized bar out of the vending machines. It also saves money. I only by 1- 20oz soda a day at work.

Eating out does not have to be reward for a good day or the reward to uplift a bad day. It is not the only way to hang out with people and have fun. I can make good choices if I do go out and eat.

I do not miss chips or french fries. I decided to cut out one thing and that was it. I know that when faced with chips or fries I can and will mindlessly eat all that is around. I have found alternatives for the salt craving like sunflower seeds in the shell, and some crackers.

Eating healthier will cost more but we will save so much by not eating out so much. Caritas is a very good cook and I have enjoyed many of the recipes she has tried. We are slowly building a rotation of meals that we can eat. I have been trying to have at least 1 serving of veggies at dinner no matter what we have. By adding the veggie I cut back on the other foods being cooked for dinner. Frozen bagged veggies are becoming my friend.

I am not dieting, but making healthy lifestyle changes. I am enjoying it this time around. I am still at times obsessed around the scale. I am better at realizing it could be other factors and that this is a slow process. I am not giving up if I see a pound back on the scale. I am really enjoying the idea of the 80/20 rule. Making 80% of my meals healthy and being forgiving if about 20% a week are not.

This is one of the longest stretches I have done with a healthy change in awhile. I know I can do it this time.

Kroger Run

Caritas and I went to Kroger the other night. We spent $40.83 and saved $35.61 for a total savings of 46%. We got 41 items as well. That is not bad. I am starting to like the close Kroger's more than Meijer just for the ease of shopping. We are trying to buy enough pink ticket items to get $10 off our next shopping trip. We need to go back once more to finish spending $50 on the special items. I am waiting on a coupon order to get here. I hope it comes tomorrow. We can definitely finish up the trip when they get here.

Why Yes I am Chatty Tonight

Work has been going good. Today is my year anniversary at this job. Time sure flies when you are having fun. I am enjoying my job. I just got a raise that started this week. I am also trying to make sure that I can test up to the next operator level to get another raise. *fingers crossed* We shall see. I will know in 2 weeks if I get to test or not. I feel respected at my job. That is always a good feeling.

I have a 1/2 day tomorrow and I am off Friday for a medical procedure. I am getting very nervous about it. I will feel very self conscious and such. It is Friday at 1pm. Think good thoughts.

In other NEWS:

We are finally having our YARD SALE. It will be this Sat from 9-2. I placed the ad today in the Herald Leader to run Friday and Sat. Most of the money we make at the sale will be for the Convention we are going to over Labor Day weekend.

I think that is about it. I should head to bed soon since I have to get up at 3:45am to drive Jeshua to work. He is counting at Ulta on Nicholasville Rd tomorrow. He has to be there at 4:45. Fun Fun.