Motivation

The end of the month was supposed to be celebrated by a healthy dinner party.  Most of us didn’t reach the 10 pound goal, but all of us made healthy changes to our lifestyles.  The funeral last weekend just happened to fall on the day of the healthy dinner party, so I wasn’t able to go, but the amazing ladies still made me little motivation jars to help me keep track of my weight loss.  The ladybugs are for luck and the fancy beach drinks and bikini are for motivation….not that I’m ever planning to don a bikini…but the motivation aspect is definitely effective!

I keep these right next to our Girl Scout cookies.  It helps.

So far, I’ve only lost 5 pounds.  It looks like such a small amount compared to the 35 that I still want to lose, but I also know how hard I’ve worked for those 5 pounds.

I have kept a food diary of everything I’ve eaten since January 1st.  I’ve gone running at least 3 times a week and pushed myself harder than I ever thought I’d be able to.  I’ve tried to cut down on my unhealthy addictions (think fried potatoes in just about any form followed by all the cupcakes) and tried to fill my diet with fruits and vegetables.  I’ve tried to change the way I cook/bake, focusing on the foods that have the most beneficial nutritional value (think quinoa). 

It’s so easy to focus on how much I still have left to lose.

But I’m trying to focus on all of the small victories.  Because, eventually, they’ll add up.  And those 5 measly little marbles will grow to 40 and I will FINALLY reach my goal weight. 

So bring it, marble jars. I can do this.

P.S.  I added one more marble to the bikini jar this morning.  34 pounds to go!