And this is how it starts

You know, the weight gain. The back to what used to be "normal." The pounds piling back on as old bad habits return - like having ice cream, regularly. Eating cookies and candy, regularly. Counting points? What's that? I still have a few healthy choices on my plate, I'm ok, right?

Yep, this is how the "undo-ing" begins. Typically, this is when all goes out the window. The Weight Watcher's membership gets cancelled. The reasoning of "I'm still less than I was when I started WW so I'm still ok" comes into play. Then the excuses come in only this time, I'm getting tough with myself. Over the last year and a half I've learned answers to these and I now can kick that devil off my shoulder. Hell no, you aren't getting back in!!!

"I'm stressed, I need that chocolate bar." (Exercise is the best stress-buster there is - get out there and walk it off!)

"I've ONLY gained back 10lbs. . .I'm still in the 'range.'" (Yeah, what range? The range to keep on gaining?)

"I have too much going on. I don't have time." (You're right, gain all that weight back and you won't have time. ANY time - you'll be dead!)

STOP! FREEZE! PUT YOUR HANDS UP AND DROP THE DAMN CUPCAKE, ELIZABETH!!!!

The good news, I haven't cancelled my membership. I've recognized the issue (which is far better than weight loss attempts in the past). I have "only" gained 14lbs, which I KNOW I can take off in a matter of a few weeks IF and only IF I commit myself to doing this. I didn't give up. I haven't stopped. This is still the same journey. This isn't attempt #325409345093409509132845. . .no, this is still attempt #325409345093409509132844 - the same attempt and I'm simply in a valley.

So, yet again you hear me say, I'm picking myself up, dusting myself off and I'm moving forward. I am NOT a quitter and I will not stop.

This morning I woke up and took a 1 1/2 mile walk with my dog. It was great to clear my head and breath in the cool air. Time to increase the activity, make the right food choices and next week, GET BACK TO MY MEETINGS!