strategies

I have learned that the number on the scale isn't the most important thing, and if I'm doing my best with the circumstances I get handed every day, I'm ok with that. However, the weekly weigh-in, same time, same place, is a good measure of how well I'm managing. Reporting it is neither here nor there to me, as I'm recording this whole blog for my reflection and benefit, and that's just part of it. Being honest with myself is the key.

The blog is another part of maintaining awareness for me. Sometimes I don't even realize how tough or wonderful the day has been until I consciously reflect on it. It's a valuable tool for me, as journaling in the more traditional sense has never worked for me.

Not using any electronics while eating has definitely proven to be very useful to me, as I'm not only more aware when I'm full, but I also enjoy fully the eating itself.

Portion control has been big to learn about. I used to tell myself that if it was healthy, I could have as much as I wanted. NOT! I have realized that I'm satisfied easier with less food, if I'm not doing that. Of course, if I'm out of control, I still try to make the healthiest choices possible.

I'm having weekly meetings with Cory, where I make a simple supper for us and we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly. There is nothing quite like sharing with someone else who really understands the struggles, and who has also completed the program and is familiar with it. The support is wonderful.

As you all know, my place of work presents it's own special challenges in that food is served 4 times during the school day. Lots of staff and students eat right in the kitchen, and a few eat out in the common area. I try to stay out of the kitchen as much as possible, so that I'm not tempted, and I also bring lots of good food once a week from home, so I have plenty of good food to choose from myself.

I'm not always tracking my intake, but I'm always doing better when I am. If things are starting to get a little sketchy, it's the first thing I return to, if I'm not currently doing so.

I eat every day within a half hour of getting up, and tend to have most or all of my food consumed by 5 pm. Initially I tried saving more of it for the evening, so I could munch on something, but have found that if I make sure that I've had enough during the day, I don't have nearly as many cravings during the evening.

The latest thing that I've discovered is when I'm home alone in the evening, I knit. My hands and mind are busy, it's a nice distraction, plus I'm making hats and scarves like crazy!

As for an update, today was wonderful, except for the sewer back-up that happened while Adrian and Aubrey were in the shower... sigh... Also, last weekend I locked up my finger again. I was just shooing the dogs out, but I had not taped it up yet. Fortunately I was able to pull it open. Needless to say, I've been much more careful about keeping it taped!

Love for the journey, elly