2009 in Review and Looking Forward to 2010

I moan each time I look at the numbers on the scale and in my numerous spreadsheets – that number just didn’t go down much in the last year. I accomplished a total of 10 lbs. In a YEAR!!  It’s pretty sad really….. There is no one to blame but my own self.

There are so many folks out there in Blogland that I am so proud of and love reading their successes. I know why I haven’t had so very many successes (in the scale number anyway)  it is always my choices that I have made over the year.

However on a positive note: When I look back on the year, there are a LOT of things that I have learned and done right.

• My blood pressure is back down to normal.
• My blood work numbers are all excellent. Everything that was a concern in October 2008 when I weighed 210 lbs are much different than they are today. I am a LOT healthier
•  I am learning to eat more cleanly, making healthier choices. Selecting organic and using foods not processed. I am juicing fresh organic vegetables once or twice a day and soon Wheatgrass on a daily basis.
•  I started a “Learn to Run” program and although I couldn’t finish the actual course due to injury’s (foot in May, Hip in September), I continued through the months of June/July on my own and I was able to jog for the longest time I have ever in my entire life. I never ever thought I would ever jog, so getting up to 20 minutes in September was a HUGE victory for me. I am back at it again, more stretching this time, so I will make the 5k in 2010 (not sure which one yet).
•  I’ve made a ton of new online friends since starting blogging in February and it is an amazing world out there.

So when I look at the whole picture, it was not a wasted year. It was a learning year. Now next year I have to faithfully put into practice what I have learned and I may need everyone’s push once in awhile when I start going off track. My biggest time of the year to lose weight is between February and April – that seems to be when my body is responsive to it the most. So I have to work on establishing very good habits in January and then just watch the inches fall off in Feb/March/April. Then focus on keeping them off for the rest of the year.

I must put this out there, in my face, and admit to everyone that reads this blog that alcohol is a HUGE factor in why I am not losing weight like I should be. I certainly don’t overeat but I do drink and with it, sometimes there are very bad food choices. They always say that after a few drinks, your inhibitions seem to melt away and then I get that “I can start again tomorrow” attitude or “I’ve worked really hard today so I can afford to have this”. But it is the long term effects that I need to put out there in my face when I am making these choices. Having a couple of beers a week may not hurt me at that time, but they have a longer term affect and my body can keep the lbs on for days on end after. Then I go out again a few days later and I am not doing myself any good, it doesn’t pile on, but it doesn’t go away. AND I must stop eating chips…..

In a couple of days I am going to post my “Plan” for 2010 and you guys can critique it for me. Hopefully see spots that I may be able to improve (we can all help each other).  I need an accountability partner and why not all 40 people that read my blog J

I hope everyone is having a FANTASTIC day and is all ready for Christmas (if you celebrate). Make good choices – someone has to cause it certainly hasn’t been me lately.

Ttyl

Sandra

(Kat, email me and we can work on the Level2 plan J)