Day 26: Stay The Course

Day 26 on Nutrisystem. As the days go by I am more and more convinced this was absolutely the right decision for me. Although I was very well aware of what I needed to do in order to lose weight (eat less, eat healthier and exercise) I just couldn’t put together a sensible plan on my own. The structure of this plan is exactly what I needed. Some people may think it’s crazy to pay all this money and eat what amounts to mostly processed food, but the way I see it this is a temporary situation AND I was eating processed food anyway ! Nutrisystem does encourage you to eat a “flex” meal one day per week but I’ve decided to stick with just their food for the first 3 months. I feel like I’ll have put some past bad habits behind me after 90 days and have a better idea of portions and sensible foods. Portions have been eye opening for me. I look at what I am eating versus what I would normally eat and I’m astonished. It’s no wonder the weight piled on. I can tell you I don’t feel deprived and most of the time I’m not walking around starving. Sure, I miss that giant coffee with cream and sugar in the morning. Sure I miss ice cream and candy and cookies. I miss all that stuff - I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. The difference is today I can live without it. Today I know I have to live without it in order to achieve my goals. I have to live without it if I want to live. Although I am healthy today I am at much higher risk for diabetes and high blood pressure and heart disease in general. My joints may support my weight today but will they support it in 10 years ? So it’s important that I stay the course no matter what. Nutrisystem is not just a diet, it’s a way of life. I expect I’ll be eating some of their foods for years to come but I’m also looking at healthier ways to eat. “Clean Eating” is the buzz now and I follow a few clean eaters on Instagram who share amazing recipes. So once I get my weight down significantly I plan to transition to clean eating as much as possible.

Breakfast today was a 2.5 ounce 160 calorie package of waffles, spread with some peanut butter, which adds 95 calories. I also had some french vanilla coffee. My morning snack was a 120 calorie chocolate shake. Lunch was a 1.7 ounce 200 calorie cup of three cheese chicken. It was sort of like tuna noodle casserole made with chicken. You add water so the cooked weight is a lot more than 1.7 ounces. I had a piece of string cheese (50 calories) and some raw carrots with it. My afternoon snack was an 80 calorie 1/2 cup of cottage cheese with a pickle. Dinner was a new shelf stable entree - Tuscan Inspired Pasta. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it because it looked a bit unappetizing ... but it was delicious ! I did add a teaspoon of grated romano cheese for extra flavor. This item is 9 ounces but only 240 calories. I can still have some veggies and a Nutrisystem snack if I’m hungry later. I’m only at 946 calories for the day and I’m allowed 1400.

I am surprised I was able to stay the course after being told my office is closing. As an emotional eater this should have sent me on quite the binge. KFC, Haagen Dazs and Hershey were my friends. They were waiting to comfort me ! I guess the fact that I decided to change my personal life before AT&T decided to change my professional life made the difference. I also weighed the financial impacts in the beginning since I am spending a good deal on Nutrisystem and I do have a home and car to pay for. I love my house and my car and the thought of losing either of them was devastating. There is also the fact that I love my job. I am ready, willing and able to take on something new but I’d also be happy to continue doing what I’m doing. I wouldn’t close myself off from other opportunities but there would be less urgency. For now I will keep doing my job to the best of my abilities and hope for the best.

I’m glad there are only 2 more days left in January ! Winter has set in but for me February means we’re past the half way mark and it’s a short month ! I cannot wait for Spring ! My yard is a blank canvas and I can’t wait to see green grass. With the fence and brush gone the guy who’s been mowing my front yard will be able to mow the entire yard now, so I won’t have to worry about it. I’d like to put some color out there but I’m thinking clay pots with flowers and greenery. I figure that will be easier to maintain. I also have a patio set that I’ve never used, cushions and all ! It would be nice to sit out there and enjoy the nice weather.