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Goal #1...(Physically) Less of Me to Love

When I wrote about my perfect word for 2015 last week, "Climb" I wrote that I had four goals for the year, as well, and that I would be sharing them during January. We're now solidly into January and after jury duty I have returned to the pursuit of these dreams. I've done some work on all four, but have really put a focus on two this last week. I'm going to write about the first of these dreams/goals today, losing weight.

  Temptation around every corner -- cake, pie and more cake at a local diner.
 
I am the veteran of hundreds of diets. I've never counted, but it's been an endless parade. Weight watchers, low carb, low fat, paleo and the B6 Cider Lecithin diet of 1975 are just a few. Some worked better than others, but emotional eating always got the best of me. My trip to Savannah this October nudged something inside of me. I was travelling with friends I had met in a Weight Watchers chat group a dozen years ago. Of the five of us, three had come close to their Weight Watcher goals, one in the last year. We did less snacking on this trip, even though we were in one of the great food cities of America and we did a lot of walking. I was amazed and thrilled to find that I hadn't gained an ounce while I was in Savannah. It was just the impetus I needed to go back to Weight Watchers. The day after my return to New York I was a returning member. 
 
I made a commitment that I wouldn't miss a meeting and I wouldn't give up quickly, and I've stuck to it. I tried several different meetings and found one that I really enjoy on Wednesday mornings. I track my food, plan my meals and treats and read labels carefully. I quickly realized during jury duty that eating lunch out every day, especially with the alluring restaurants of Chinatown a block away, would be the undoing of my efforts. I began to bring my lunch and my treat was coffee or a diet soda. This is the first time I can remember that I did not gain three/four/five pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years and look at my closet with complete despair in January. I am down one size and my next aim is another size. I'm not thinking about how many pounds I'd like to lose, but focusing on the good changes I'm making. The thing that most surprises me is I don't feel deprived and sad about what I'm giving up, but so pleased with what I'm getting, a trimmer and healthier me. 

I didn't write about Weight Watchers or even mention it to many friends because I was concerned I wouldn't stick with it. But I happily have and getting trimmer is a major goal for 2015. It's not a new year's resolution, but an ongoing effort to get healthier. My only new year's resolution is however about food. I'm giving up kale for 2015. I've tried and tried to like it and I'm done with kale. I'm eating healthy, but I'm giving up all efforts to force myself to eat kale.

Yes, it's really cold in New York, but I got myself dressed in many layers for a walk this afternoon. I keep remembering that I grew up in New England and in 1958 I would have been walking to school and back twice a day in weather just like this. That may be the equivalent of all the stories of olden times and walking five miles to school in a blizzard, and so be it. I am a fan of getting out for "fresh air" and it actually felt good. 

As always, thanks so much for visiting. Take care keep cozy!
 

14 comments

TARYTERRE said...

Had to chuckle about you giving up kale. I wish you continued success in your weight goal pursuits in 2015. It's cold out there. Bundle up for sure.

Nellie said...

Buttercup, I give you permission to send me any kale you don't want!:-) It was my favorite of the greens in the garden when I was growing up, and I love it still.:-) Also, I'm a Lifetime Weight Watcher on a journey to make that goal weight point as I am about 10 pounds above. Yay for you for your successes!

Pondside said...

Giving up Kale? I love it!
We had kale in our salad this evening, and The Great Dane pronounced that he only likes 'top kale'. I think he meant that he only likes the smallest, most tender bits. I consider it like cabbage and the cruciform veggies - a necessary evil!

Debbie Harris said...

Congratulations to you!
There's something wonderful about getting out in the fresh air for exercise, even if you have to bundle up.
you put a smile on my face when you mentioned the kale. :-)
I love it, but my husband could do without out it.
I just made a salad with kale this evening and added pomegranate, blueberries, walnuts and red onion served with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Yum!

Blessings, Debbie

Paula said...

Congratulations and good luck to continued success!

Mizumatte said...

well done, if you don't like kale don't eat it. I found your blog for two days ago and am reading it fr the beginning and really enjoying it. so I.hope you will keep on and write for time. greetinga from Sweden Jaana

Theresa said...

My Daughter just started WW again! She loves it and it really works for her:) Good luck to you! I'll be cheering you on! I am also working at losing a few pounds, eating less junk and more healthy choices! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!

Linda said...

Soda is a bad thing, even diet soda, wink. Good for you, Buttercup. Look forward to reading more about your word for the year. Blessings

Sola Scriptura said...

Well done! I find it easier to think of losing weight as making small lifestyle changes. I really don't like the word "diet".

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

I feel your pain! There is temptation everywhere.I say, don't eat something you don't like. Much success to you in this new year. xo

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Good job, Carol! I'm not crazy about kale either. You feel about kale as john feels about Brussels Sprouts. He does not like them! I do but he cant stomach them. Keep warm, my friend!

Cranberry Morning said...

Haha. You're giving up kale. That's a tough one. ;-) Every year I tell myself that I'm not going to indulge in the goodies at Christmastime, and after the calendar says January, I regret having done just that. I want to get rid of 10 pounds. TEN measly pounds. Should that be so hard??!! I know it's all about sugar, whether the refined or more complex, as in pasta. So much easier to talk about it than to DO it. :-)

Ida said...

Keep up the good work, it sounds like WW is working for you.

I've never been a person to try a particular "diet" and up until I was 40 I was pretty thin. Then I went on Thyroid medication and started gaining weight. It's really hard to lose while on this medication. I'm better at losing weight by cutting back on how much I eat (mainly sweets and pop). I'm getting more exercise too by starting back walking on a daily basis.

Terra said...

I admire how you are having success in losing weight. We do love kale at our house though, so much so that I plant it every spring. Your idea of taking your lunch rather than eating often in restuarants is a wise one.