Choices, choices.... always so many choices!

     After a couple of months of taking a break from my Weight Watcher weigh ins, I am back to it. I never gave up the mindfulness of diet and exercise but I gave myself a a get out of jail free card to just maintain my weight.I've been back to 3 meetings and have lost a total of 5.6 lbs in those 2 1/2  weeks.Last week I challenged myself to workout for 6 out of the 7 days and I did just that! It wasn't too hard to do but there was some days I had to push myself. I am so glad I did.  This week my challenge is to get through the weekend without getting too "crazy" and stay on plan. I have just over 8 lbs to reach my goal now. I am so close! I am wearing a size of clothing that I never imagined I could or would ever fit in to again. I haven't gone on a shopping spree as of yet but I am so looking forward to that day when I do. I am holding out to really celebrate when I get there!  

     

     Every day we are faced with having to make choices. Sometimes there are easy choices and sometimes there are hard choices. Here are some of the choices I am talking about.

Work choices: 

We have very generous,kind people at work who love to share goodies with others. They bring donuts, bagels, cakes, baked goods, candy, and all kinds of stuff. Here is what it looks like quite often at work.

I am so thankful that I don't care now or ever cared for donuts. But trust me those chocolate covered pretzels on the left keep haunting me and when one box is gone, out comes another box of them. I have to say that the more I refuse these treats, the easier it is to walk away from them.
Here is how I come armed to work most days. 

I use a good chunk of fridge space at work to store all this but I need lots of variety. I make nice sandwiches filled with lots of extra veggies and many times I bring the fixings to make a really nice salad. I don't always eat all of this but if I'm hungry, I'm prepared with something good and healthy.

Out of town for the weekend choices:

I try to always be prepared when taking a trip out of town. I bring fruit, nuts, and yogurt for snacks.I never let myself get too hungry because this is when I will crack and make bad choices.I start off with a "good choice" breakfast and most likely I will carry on with the good choices the rest of the day. If I have a bad choice in the morning, it seems to carry on throughout the day.

Dining out choices: 

Yes, I  want to have something "good" but I still need to be mindful. There are so many "better" meal choices I can make along with the tons of bad choice options available to me. The bad choices are so appealing  but once I get the good choice in my stomach and feel satisfied, I am so glad for making that choice rather then feeling remorseful for making the bad choice. Sometimes the choice is just to stay home and make a meal rather then going out and be tempted to choose a less healthy choice.. Here are a couple of my easy throw together meals I have made for myself at home.

Salmon and salad dinner 

Chicken sausage, fresh vegetables and green salad with  drizzled  balsamic vinegar for my dressing.

The treat after every meal old habit:

I am one who wants a treat, sweet, or dessert after every meal. I have realized lately that I have been having hot tea after every meal. It really helps curb my sweet tooth especially with all the variety of teas I have been trying.   This has helped me alot and I believe it's becoming a "habit" now.....a good habit for once! I no longer eat the "treats" after every meal and I feel perfectly satisfied with my choice.

I love this tea and it's decaffinated!

That is all for now........ Please feel free to share any tips, thoughts or suggestions.