The journey of a thousand miles begins with 4 pounds. Huh?

I know, that sounds silly but it's kinda how I'm feeling. I've lost 4 lbs. since I made up my mind (and heart) to be healthier for me and my precious family.

Four. Whole. Pounds. Yay!!

It may not be a fantastic amount, but it's a start and I'm ridiculously giddy about it. I would have rejoiced over a single pound, at this point. A step in the right direction is what this represents for me and I needed that in a big way. Um, no pun intended.

I'm not eating less, I'm eating smarter. Well, I am eating less in the sense that I'm trying to keep my portions within an acceptable range, but I'm not starving myself. I've been eating more veggies and fresh fruit (organic when I can afford it) along with more protein throughout the day. I've noticed that if I snack on something that includes protein -like an almond/craisin mix- I'm less prone to reach for something that's full of empty calories.

Do I still crave things like chocolate? Yes, indeedy. Have I completely abandoned this sweet treat? Not a chance!

Remember that this is a life change for me and I can't reasonably expect myself (my loved ones, small animals or the general public) to suffer through the experience of me without my chocolate...especially when my "aunt" is making her monthly visit. I just grab a Skinny Cow ice cream treat after dinner or have a couple of Hershey's Extra Dark Chocolate bars.

Curves has also been a big factor. The ladies there are very helpful and instructive which keeps me focused on those days when I'm tired and unmotivated. Also, the Hubby has really been extra helpful with getting me out the door so I can go. Thanks, Babe.

It was a chicken an' pastry kinda day.

I know, I know. I'm doing a post about comfort food right after I talk about losing weight.

I'm just looney like that, I guess.

BUT, hold on a sec and let me explain! There's just something about a pot of chicken an' pastry simmering away on an overcast day that makes me smile. Without even thinking, I had snagged the soup pot and defrosted the chicken, well on my way to making a batch of this homey goodness.

My brain, the occasionally logical thing that it is, started to send out warnings. Is this pot of pastry, while yummy, going to totally sabotage my efforts to be healthier? Am I ever going to be able to eat this yummo comfort food again?!!

My whiney self let out a truly girly scream of, "NOOOOOO!"

Okay, calm down and get a grip, girl. Take a deep breath......now let it out, releasing all the bad-- Oh, for heavens sake, just look at the ingredients you're using. Geez.

Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts

Frozen pastry that has no fat or cholestorol (but is still good!)

Celery/Carrots

Other seasonings

Water (or fat free chicken broth if I've got it)

Hmmmm....no big worries there! *Big Sigh* Thank heavens.

Now I have to keep my portion within legal limits!

I just want to get something off my chest....

And my waist, thighs and rotund tushy. That something is unhealthy weight and I want to get it off and keep it off.

I'm feeling a new sense of urgency to be healthier and lose weight. I'm trying to wrap my head around the concept that being healthy, and taking the time/effort to be so, isn't detrimental to my family's well-being, it's edifying. How can I be there for my husband and boys if I'm not healthy for them? When I became a wife and mother I lost myself in the duties and roles that came along with those two titles. Did anyone impose this way of being on me or teach me that this was the "right" way to be? No. I simply thought that denying myself the right to be fit was one way to prove how much I valued my family and their needs. I placed them above me in my way of thinking. Silly, isn't it? Yes, they are supposed to be important to me and because they are important, I owe it to them and myself to be as healthy as I can be.

Can I get an amen? This is me preachin' to myself but feel free to join in on the amen corner if you feel so moved to!

I've watched my Mom and other members of my family (both sides) struggle with obesity for years and I'm all too aware of the health problems that come with it. I'm beginning to be at risk for a couple of biggies - no pun intended....I swear!

I don't want a temporary fix that, well, doesn't really "fix" anything at all. The more I think about it, what I'm aiming for is a life change and a new way of thinking when it comes to food, being active and just being healthy in general. This ain't about getting into a special outfit for an event, bein' hot for bikini season or trying to please my Hubby (he loves me just the way I am thankyaverymuch). This is about quality of life, m'dears. My family's and mine.

Will I fall along the way towards meeting my goals? You betcha. I need to go ahead and acknowledge that I will stumble along the way and that I'm not perfect. The prospect of failure has always been a big hurdle for me. After all, nobody has higher expectations for me than I do. As the Hubs tells me, I'm my own worst critic.

As my life's journey begins to take a healthier turn, I know that there will be a few sacrifices and dips in the road. Yet, I know that as I experience the weight loss I'll be gaining in other ways - joy, less pain-filled days, more energy to play with the boys and my Hubby will have a healthy support. I think it's worth a try, don't you?

New Adventure.......Of A Sweaty Sort

I've begun a new adventure, y'all. It's one that I've been meaning to begin for a couple of years now but put off for one reason or another....some valid, some not so valid. To understand why this adventure is not just one of pleasure and new experience, but one of neccessity you must understand this one fact - I'm fat.

Now before all the skinny ladies log off in horror, I assure you it's not catching! So come back out from under your chair and come down from the ceiling.......That's better. Where was I? Oh, yes - fat.

Last week I joined Curves. I chose Curves because I felt like the program was something I could maintain and would make a lasting impact on the way I take care of myself. I could've joined for any number of reasons besides those -like the endless amount of tactless things people say to me, strangers and acquaintances alike- but those were the main motivators.......that and, you know, living long enough to watch the Bubs grow up.

I've got to admit that I'm a tad nervous. I'm not trying to lose weight to look better in jeans or be more appealing to my Hubby (who loves me just like I am anyway thankyouverymuch :0) ), I'm doing this to be able to live a full, long life. With my family history of diabetes, heart disease, high blood-pressure, and cancer.....well, I've got to get my hefty hauches in gear to beat the generational cycle.

As soon as I walk in to Curves, I'm greeted with a smile and a hello. The intructors are wonderfully patient and dilligent in making sure my technique is correct on the machines and during the stretching routine. LOVE the stretching routine as it keeps back pain at bay. I've been pleasantly surprised by the level of camaraderie between the ladies. I get a kick out of watching them catch up with the latest happenings while bouncing all over the place! I leave feeling energetic and refreshed. Two adjectives that I haven't used in so long it's really not funny....really.

So I invite you to join me on my new adventure. The ups, the downs and everything in between! What's your latest adventure?

Peace Y'all!
Anna K.

*Notice the lack of picture.....yep, I'm not gonna put up a "before" pic until I've got an "after"!