The rest of the story...

So, when I was about 34, I joined Weight Watchers and had a lot of success.  I lost weight pretty much every week, even throughout the holidays and reached my goal weight 7 months later with a total weight loss of 55 pounds.  

It is an understatement to say that I was happy, excited, and ready to share the awesomeness of Weight Watchers with anyone who would listen...and even those who were trying not to!  I learned so much, was in control of my eating in a way I had never been, armed with knowledge I had never had.  I was so in love with Weight Watchers that I decided to work for the company as a receptionist and then as a Leader.  It was such a rewarding job and I loved helping other people.  I worked for them for 8 years and decided to leave when I was becoming too bitter about how the company is run and how poorly they treat and pay their employees.  I was also at the point where I felt I had shared everything I had to share and was tired of talking about the same topics over and over.  I was no longer as good of a meeting facilitator as I had once been.  And...I had started gaining weight.

So, that is where I am today, at a bit of a crossroads.  I really believe that at every decade, our bodies change, so turning 40 (in addition to freaking me out) equaled weight gain.  I can no longer get away with some old habits that have returned for a visit and am trying to figure out a healthy balance that is realistic and sustainable.  To be more consistent in doing what I know.  So, here is the game plan that I have put into place.  

1. Eat primarily a plant based diet - fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains.

2.  Limit animal products (including my favorite - cheese) and processed foods.

3.  Exercise consistently, do with friends whenever possible as it helps with accountability and is a lot more fun.

4.  Sign up and complete half marathons to give my running meaning (3-4 per year).

5.  Limit alcohol - for me that is wine & margaritas.  One night a week is plenty.

6. Be open to new ideas and strategies such as juiced fruits and vegetables to add more micronutrients to my diet.

7.  Focus on health and healthy habits as opposed to how much I weigh and various body issues that bring me down.

8.  Eliminate night time eating - munching after dinner is never a good thing and does not bring about good choices.

9.  2 Diet Cokes per day or less...not sure that I can commit to zero per day at this point.

10. Repeat to stay within a healthy weight range.

Here's to focusing on health, it really is worth it!