One Goal Met: New Level of the Mountain to Climb

This update has been long in coming, I know. 

    I finally reached the goal weight that I had set for April! I have lost 17 pounds, I was down to 188. Then we went on vacation. Thankfully, I only added back 2lbs 6 oz. Considering we were not very active beyond walking places, and ate out every night, I am pleased. I tried to be smart and not over eat or get things too horribly unhealthy. I was super encouraged that I desperately missed working out in the mornings. My working out habit has successfully ingrained itself! 

    Being on vacation, eating all sorts of foods we haven't had for a while as we are trying to eat healthier, my stomach reacted more violently than it has for a long time. This has convinced me of what I have suspected for years: I most definitely have some food intolerances and sensitivities. I did some research online and decided I should do the good old stop eating certain foods for a time, then reintroduce them.

    So today, Clay and I have started a very basic diet. We are not eating any grain or dairy or legumes. (the source of many people's intolerances) and are eating fruits, vegetables, and meat (including all nuts but Peanuts,which are actually a legume). My exception to dairy is my ranch salad dressing. If i'm eating tons of salad, I must at least enjoy the flavor a little!  I have a feeling I will be sticking to this one more than Clay. Especially since he does not have any known allergies or intolerances. He is interested to discover if he does after-all. 

    After 2 weeks, we plan on evaluating where we are and how we feel. I do not know when, but we will slowly introduce back the food groups we have stoped eating. I am hoping to be able to diagnose the main culprits to my several digestive and weight-loss issues. Those who know I interact with in the next few weeks... please bear with meis I get exceptionally grumpy. I may be craving bread, or a nice, tall glass of milk. :) 

40 days...or rather about 10.....

 My husband and I decided to do a 40 day media fast of sorts. Our purpose was to see ways we are potentially wasting time on things that are insignificant in the long run. So! 

1-We agreed to only listen to Christian music.

2-We agreed to not spend time reading books just for recreation. 

3-We agreed to not watch movies. 

4-We agreed to not get on social networking sights or on the Internet unless we were getting in touch with friends and family.

This was week 3 and we've kinda given up pursuing the fast.

1- Our music has mostly stayed Christian. I wanted to see how different our attitudes would be if that's all we listened to. We're still trying to stick with it despite some non christian songs mixed in and I feel there is less irritation and bad moods: especially when driving.

2- The second point was more directed towards me, because I'm the most likely of us to spend hours reading. So, I limited myself to reading research, or writing help books. Because of that, I've finished 5 research books I was putting off. I have worked through 3/4 of a writing tools workbook full of exercises to make my writing skills (hopefully) better. I feel accomplished and productive. I forgot how much I love reading research. 

3- Our first 2 weeks of not watching movies actually produced a lot more conversation than we've had in a while. We enjoyed playing some board and video games, hanging out, talking and even had a date night. Yay for spending time together! 2 days ago, we needed to veg and just watch a movie. So, we did. Tonight, we're going to the movies with friends. 

4- Our limiting Facebook failed almost immediately because of events we needed to be updated on and well, notifications kept me scrolling and... yeah. I now recognize I shouldn't be on Facebook while neglecting those I am around. So that is my new challenge. 

So, there is that. We may not have stuck with the fast, but I believe we are more aware of the time we spend and how we spend it. So, I guess it was a success after all?

Have you ever tried a fast like this? Did you end early because you feel you accomplished your goal?Or, is it better to stick through to the end despite everything to discipline yourself?

Losing Marbles: Meeting Goals

        I told myself that I would update our marbles picture once I lost 10lbs...

     That day arrived today! :)

 

      Mine are red... all 10 of them! Clay's are clear... 13. I am reminding myself once again that this is not a competition. 4 of those pounds were lost in the last three weeks. I'm 11lbs away from my original goal of 185 by our anniversary. Which is today! But, I am not discouraged.  Juicing has definitely helped with energy and feeling healthier. I still crave chocolate and sweets but, not as much. We had an adventure trying 3 different restaurants on Saturday to get a Coke. It was so rare for us to eat out and for me to want a soft drink that Clay indulged me. 

      My goals got a bit off track when my chronic migraines and back pain flared up. So, 3 weeks ago I decided to finally call and schedule a chiropractic appointment. My first adjustment was extremely insightful. I discovered I had been living with chronic pain a 4 or more for about 20 years. I hope to get pics of the X-rays taken of my spine it was freaky! 3 adjustments in, 4th scheduled tomorrow, and I feel like my pain is about a 3. Yes, I'm a little excited. 

       So, dear readers, a questions to provoke interaction :) 

      Do you find it easier to become discouraged with a little progress (slow, steady and predictable) or when you progress by leaps and bounds and then plateau?