Bye Bye "Newlywed 15"!

I'm pretty proud of myself. I've almost reached my goal of losing 15 pounds! If you remember I started towards the end of July, so it's taken me about 3 months. I only have about a half a pound to go!

I started because I had pretty much gained back all the weight that I lost 3 years ago. I started feeling "guilty" in April or May. I'd be pigging out and would know that I shouldn't be doing that. I ended up having to buy new shorts because mine didn't fit anymore. I told myself I'd get back into shape one of these days. I also made up some lovely excuses. I wasn't going to start my diet before going to Florida because HELLO...food is a very important part of vacation! Then I had the 4th of July...and there's ALWAYS yummy snackage while waiting for the fireworks (although I ended up regretting my pig out session that night while I was up sick) Then of course I was going to Chicago with my friends and obviously there would be more delicious food that I was not going to want to give up.

Not to mention there is the "dread factor". Knowing that I have to cut WAY back or give up some of my favorite foods for awhile. Especially ice cream. Knowing that I'm going to be starving for a few weeks. Knowing that I have to get off my butt and actually do something about it!

The first 2 or 3 weeks are torture. Forcing myself to go take a walk, even if it's 95 degrees outside...blah. And I WAS starving. My stomach growled constantly. My head pounded for days because I cut out almost all sugar. But I started to shed pounds and that's what always becomes my motivation.

I promised myself ice cream, only after I lost 10 pounds. I must admit that I cheated and ate a bowl after 8.5. I made homemade ice cream for Jack's party and had to have some.

I've let myself have more freedom this time around. That's probably why it's taken me a little longer to lose weight this time than last night, but that's okay. I let myself eat out and not get discouraged. I eat a cookie or 2 here or there. I've indulged in a lot of stuff, but I think sticking the exercise this time has really boosted my metabolism. I'm to the point where I can eat more for lunch than a yogurt and handful of crackers and yet not go overboard. I can eat a slightly bigger portion and still see the numbers drop. I'm really happy we bought the recumbent bike. I usually ride about 8 miles each time I ride it. Plus I get to ride it in my own home, while watching TV. It's my ideal situation.

With the holidays coming, I think I'll be okay if I keep riding the bike. The good news is, my jeans are getting too loose! It's a much better feeling to have loose pants, than pants that dig into your skin when you attempt to button them!