Hi Happy People!

Well the holidays just passed, and I'm sure that there were some folks out there who over did it just a bit. I originally planned to set some sort of intention for my holiday eating habits so that I would be able to enjoy myself yet stay on my diet. However, then I realized that there are only two times of the year where I really feel good about eating the things that I love (Thanksgiving and Christmas), so I don't really have any desire to alter that. Now b/c my eating habits have improved over time, then I am able to enjoy myself w/o stuffing myself. I did follow the typical guidelines (like eat a light lunch before dinner and take moderate portions). However, I am very pleased to have been able to indulge in a bit if everything that was prepared. I think it's worth the time spent at the gym.

Speaking of the gym, that place was packed this weekend. Folks are in there trying hard to make up for holiday eating. I went on Thursday (Thanksgiving day), Saturday and Sunday, and it was pretty crowded each day. At least I'm in good company these days. I'm trying hard to commit myself to getting to the gym 4 times a week. It is sooooooooooooo hard right now. I am pretty good with getting there Saturday and Sunday. For the most part finding the time to get there 2 days during the week isn't horrible...it's just that btwn fatigue and last minute work events, my evenings seem to disappear. I'm going to try my best to get there Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Busy season should be ending in 3 weeks, so then I'm back to 40 hrs and plenty of time in my evenings. I am hoping that makes all the difference in the world.

I have been doing a good job at taking breakfast and lunch to work :-). Seriously, it is so very helpful in maintaining a healthy diet. I still have to fight the urge to snack on the many goodies that get passed around. However, at least I know that breakfast, lunch and afternoon shack are all healthy and calorie/fat efficient. Plus, I'm saving $$, and this is, of course, the most important part.

So right now my goals are hitting the gym 4 times a week...and I'm thinking of adding in the goal of losing 5 more pounds. Here is my thinking...I think that I look good, but there are definitely some areas that are still large and in charge. However, the most important thing is to control my snacking. Right now I feel like I am eating whatever I want b/c I know that I am going to the gym. I think that the incentive of actually losing weight, which I know requires good diet AND exercise might help me to pull it in. Ultimately, if I lose weight, then that's cool, but so long as I am working out and eating right, then I will be happy.

Finally, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been helping and supporting me. I love you guys, and I definitely wouldn't be where I am without you. Thanks again!