I suck at blogging.

Let's be honest. I kind of suck at blogging. But perhaps you've already noticed this. Anywho...

I thought I'd try something different with this blog for a few weeks. I meet with Lois (who I've started calling my wellness coach, when people ask me who she is) every Saturday for a quick 10 (ok 15. OK! 20!) minute phone call to talk about the prior week and set goals for the upcoming week. I thought this might be a good place to put those goals in writing, along with a snapshot of my progress. Here goes...

Since I started this journey roughly six weeks ago, I've lost exactly 14.8 pounds. I like that My Fitness Pal (www.myfitnesspal.com) rounds that up to 15.00 pounds. Let me say that again. 15 pounds. That's equal to 10 dozen eggs. Or three chihuahuas. Or bowling ball. I've lost the equivalent of a bowling ball. That's awesome. I have five pounds (fine. 5.2 pounds) to go to meet my first goal. I am hoping I make the goal by Friday, September 7. That would mean 20 pounds in eight weeks. I CAN DO THIS!

So here's the skinny (pun intended): Last week was stressful and emotional. In the week between weigh-ins, I lost two team members at work. It's hard to see people go when you've worked hard with them, no matter what the reason is. It took me the entire week - everything was over with by this past Friday - to realize I had gone into stress mode. I realized I get SUPER tired when I'm stressed, and just want to sleep. And when I"m not sleeping, I want to eat pizza. Allow me to say now these are not great coping mechanisms. I did not work out last week, but managed to keep my nutrition plan on the healthy side. I'm still really proud that I never ordered pizza, or hit McDonald's or DQ during that week. I was tempted, but never did it. YEAH ME!

So what now? Here's my plan for the next week (and a few going forward):

• Recognize my stress triggers: fatigue and cravings. When they happen at the same time, I'm wigging out about something and need to get it together. I also need to get moving to de-stress.
• Remember what I've achieved thus far. My friends and co-workers have started to notice I'm losing weight. I have a pair of jeans I no longer need to unbutton / unzip to take them off. I have one pair of capri's I really shouldn't wear anymore because they're too big.
• Return to working out, at least four times for 30 minutes a time this week. That includes adding some kind of activity on the weekend. Saturday and Sunday aren't days for me to lay around anymore, kids. This week? Renewed walking that gets my heart rate going.
• I'm adding fish and new veggies to my meal plans this week. I'm aiming for wild fish instead of farm-raised to avoid the extra mercury, etc. And on the veggie front, I'm going to try something new. I've been doing LOTS of salad, and while it's great, it's time to change things up a bit. Perhaps it's time to revisit brussel sprouts? Grab some green beans? Roast some cauliflower? Maybe I'll just do all three.

There you have it. My goals for the week. I may or may not provide you with a mid-week update (since we've already established I suck at blogging), but I will give a progress report next Saturday after coaching with Lois.

Thanks for all the support! I'm off to make my book purchasing list since I'm so close to my first goal I can taste it! Or should I say read it...