Day 108: Life Only Comes Around Once

“Life only comes around once, so do whatever makes you happy, and be around those who make you smile.”

A perfect sentiment for today, since I spent it with my entire family. I wasn’t worried about falling off the Nutrisystem plan because I planned ahead and I knew what I could and couldn’t eat. I should probably say I knew what I “would and wouldn’t” eat, because it’s a conscious decision I made. Many fellow Nutrisystem people went off plan today and ate whatever they wanted, but I couldn’t do that to myself. I worked too hard to get where I am and if I used every holiday as an excuse to overeat I would soon fail. My change in eating habits needs to be an “every day for the rest of my life” decision. I’m only 108 days into that mindset and my goal weight is still pretty far away, so there are still dangerous waters ahead. I packed an insulated bag with some carrots, my water, an afternoon snack, a Nutrisystem dessert and my salad dressing so I knew I was prepared for whatever the day had in store for me !

Breakfast was a 2.1 ounce cinnamon roll with vanilla caramel cream coffee. Although I have completely embraced drinking black coffee there are times I miss the cream and sugar I used to put in it. I didn’t have my breakfast Power Fuel. Morning snack was a 155 calorie vanilla shake with peanut butter powder. And then came Easter dinner ....

Since this was a day out I combined my lunch, afternoon snack and dinner and didn’t worry about calories. I focused more on portions and what I was eating. So I had 3 deviled eggs, which is basically 1.5 eggs. The 3 eggs equal about 105 calories yolk and all but the mayo in the filling adds a bit more. I had raw carrots with them. I also had a wonderful glass of pinot noir wine before dinner. That was my treat for the day ! For dinner I had 2 thin slices of ham, about a tablespoon of my mom’s green bean casserole, some roasted carrots and a strip of lasagna that was about 1 inch wide and maybe 2 inches long. I also had a large tossed salad with good seasons dressing. I opted to have the dressing my sister made since she adds much more vinegar than oil so that cuts down on the calories. And that was it for the day ! After dinner I had a cup of black coffee. I had to say no to the chocolate bunnies my brother handed out. I also had to say no to the delicious blueberry pie my niece made. I also had to say no to the cookies someone else brought ... which everyone said were amazing. I had brought a snack with me but I wasn’t hungry nor was I craving anything sweet. We took a walk after dinner that involved scaling a pretty steep hill and although I was out of breath at the top I was able to keep pace with my nieces .... who are fit and trim and in their 20’s !! So I was proud of that achievement. I was able to make my deviled eggs last night so I took that time and used it to get a pre-Easter dinner workout this morning. I also worked out when I got home so I feel like I won my first holiday challenge ! I wore a pair of new jeans that are 2 sizes smaller and I really felt good. Seeing results gives me more motivation to keep going, which is good because I still have a long way to go. I did have a Nutrisytem snack after my evening workout - a 3.4 ounce 90 calorie frozen orange cream bar. I had an amazing Easter and with one holiday behind me I feel like I’m up for the challenge of all the rest to come. Next Sunday I have a baby shower at an Italian restaurant and that could be a challenge, since I have no idea what is on the menu. Hopefully there will be veggies and salad available !

I’m pretty tired so it’s time for a hot shower and a warm cozy bed ! I can’t wait to crawl under the covers !