Debbie Cousins's Journal, 08 Dec 23

There are weeks like that! Hit your re-set button and get started again. Look at what you have accomplished! The give and takes keeps it interesting.  

You have accomplished a lot. Tons to show for your effort. Now you need to concentrate on yourself. You can do it. 

What would re-inspire you? 

It would be a shame to undo all that you've accomplished this year. 

Debbie, you have made too much progress to totally screw it up, now! If you need to take a break from weight loss during the holidays, make your best effort to maintain the loss you have accomplished. Try replacing every other diet coke with water. Have your treats, but in small portions. You know you CAN do it, because you already have.  

You’re right, Shirley. Back up to 181 this morning. As to what would inspire me, Ancient Hippie, I gave away the last piece of that decadent cake today (after I ate the next to last one), so it will be a little easier now. I’ll make some more Jell-O today to have for snacks. Unfortunately, I’m in the mindset right now that there’s no use trying because I’ve got the church Christmas next Saturday and then our family Christmas get-together the next week. After that will be leftovers! I am not usually one to set New Year’s resolutions, but by then, I’m sure to be ready to start getting serious about losing weight again. 

Just a bump in the road on your weight loss journey. Focus on what you have accomplished. Then during your Bible reading each day ask God to give you the motivation you need to get back on track. We’re all rooting for you. 🏃🏼🍌🍑🥦🥑 

Just because you have higher calorie occasions doesn't mean every day needs to be one. I know I'll be eating more on certain days, just like you. I don't feel guilty...I'll enjoy those days. But, I also throw a few lower calorie meals in there, too.  

Wow Debbie! You are a super busy lady and I wish I had half the juice you do! It's been years since I was even walking the block and now at 71, I can only stand 5-7 minutes before my back gives out and my legs go numb...sad state of affairs. I do get water....but all else falls by the wayside. You are such an inspiration! CAKE: I have one piece of carrot cake on my order for today...as my "birthday cake"....I will be 71 in 4 days. 

It sounds like overall you are doing really good. I’m sure you will get back on track after the holidays if not sooner. If we feel too deprived it often causes a backlash of overeating. And by January everyone will be dieting and that makes it easier. My big temptation is peppermint stick ice cream only available in November and December. I haven’t gained but I haven’t lost either. 😹. Good luck 

Sometimes, I find after being in a slight deficit for many days in a row, I need MORE calories after about 4-5 days. Also, the more I’m building muscle, my body seems to need more protein. You got this! I’d try and increase the water 💦 in take. So necessary for a healthy body. 

I don't know what you pay for diet coke but when I quit I saved between 60-80$ a month. Just think what you could do with that extra cash!  

Don't beat yourself up. After the holidays you can get back on track 

Redrose54, I only buy them when they are Buy 1 Get 1 Free, but that’s still $4.50 per 12-pack, and lately I’ve been drinking that much every day! So, it would be well over $100 month for me! 

Superstar!!! and if I dont find the recipe for the poke cake in these comments, please post it!!! 

Pick one thing to change. Substitute the soda for water. This way, by increasing your water and decreasing soda, you've accomplished two goals with one change. As to your holiday accomplishments, I'm jealous. 

Debbie do you think you self-sabotaged yourself because you finally got to sub 180’s? Ive been known to do things like that to myself. Almost like telling oneself we dont deserve to keep improving our health? Or other such nonsense that rambles around inside the head unbidden? Food for thought. Pun unintended. 

Orrrrrrr….like a rebellious teenager? 

Debbie, it seems like you completely stopped eating fruits and vegetables. You could eat tons of fruit and veggies (or butter beans like you used to) and you’d feel so full and you wouldn’t even come close to the amount of calories/fat/sugar you’ve been consuming. Maybe start adding some healthier foods to your meals and you would feel satisfied without all the snacks and sodas?  

Debbie, pls have grace with yourself……grace is the only true motivator anyhow. Shame works only for the short term. Plus! Reading the Bible plan on schedule is NOT small! I couldn’t do it this year! You know what you need to do. You’re wise and not lazy. Try reining in one area at a time….not all of the out of control areas. I’m kinda in the same boat….except that I’m in maintenance, so any topsy Turvy days lead to a 2 lb gain.🙄 Try to step aside for a minute or 2, breathe, think it through…..when we stop for just a minute or 2, we can make the choice (!!!) to do something positive, instead of the rat race driving us down the same old bad habits . Sorry for preaching. But I know the frustration with yourself when you know what to go but can’t get it done….think Romans 7…….but! Paul doesn’t live in Roman’s 7….go on to Romans 8! There’s grace and a way through the muddle.