Good morning everyone,

It's finally sunny after a week of rain. Light is bouncing around the walls in here and the feeling of bliss has returned.

Yesterday I had a great trip to the library. I borrowed two great books to help my mental health journey. The first is called 'The Spark Solution' which is related to the free online weight loss website at the link below. You can track your weight loss, read motivational articles, join in weight loss discussions and learn about healthy eating. The book really gets into why and how proven strategies followed by thousands of people is working. A great read which I recommend.

The second book I borrowed is by Weight Watchers called 'Weight Loss That Last'. Again it reinforces positive strategies. I've been doing Weight Watchers for years to help me stay fit when things creep up on me as well as used it to help me remember portion sizes and pay attention to what I'm eating. It was years later that I discovered Spark People which is a free program and just as effective with free tools online compared to the paid service of Weight Watchers. I like them both.

One interesting thing I read in the Spark book is about expectations for your size. I am 5'2'. There is a chart with information for helping you figure out how much weight loss is realistic for your size and health situation. For smaller people like myself, a pound a week is normal. Anything more than that I am setting up an unrealistic expectation.

Honestly 1/2 pound to a pound makes me happy. Even if I just maintain for a week or two but stay the course focusing on healthy lifestyle changes I feel great. Healthy eating gives me energy. I have been ill the last two years with thyroid issues - getting my energy back is joy. Having energy means I feel like doing things again, pursuing my interests that have been laid to the side and missed.

Getting your head around your reason for weight loss and what to expect is key to long term success. Don't diet. Change your habits for life. Yes you can do crash diets - the latest news states they can be just as effective to losing the weight but where do they leave you afterwards if your habits have not changed? I don't want to have my body in a yo-yo state. That is hard on my health. I don't feel good when my weight is heavy. I really don't. I don't feel good at all if I stuff myself.

If you need a little more help with your frame of mind and can do it - visit your local library. There are many great books to help you. Not only with diet strategies but also in the cookbook section for recipe ideas. When was the last time you went to your local library?

I'd love to hear from you this week. Whether or not others post, I will continue to post weekly with the hope that others may read to get inspired to do something for themselves.

You are worth taking care of yourself. If you are on a health journey stick with it. If you need help ask, see your local health clinic, check out free community programs, engage a friend, join an online group - get support. Don't go it alone.

Have a great day! Drink water too when you can.
Cheers,
Peggy

Here is a link that might be useful: Spark People

This post was edited by mcpeg on Thu, Oct 23, 14 at 10:00

Good morning my friends,

It may have been a quiet week on this thread - don't despair I'll be getting back on track this coming week with lots more to come.

My friend is hanging in with me sharing her ups and downs along the way. One thing we are both doing is not giving up no matter what. We are following the path to success because we let go of any indulgences and return to our goal path. That is the secret of many success stories. Don't give up - get to it.

We all need to remember that no one is perfect. No one diet/exercise program fits all. You are unique. Let's focus on this for a minute.

If you are lurking and thinking about losing weight which is one of the reasons you have landed at this threat - I encourage you to come back and follow along.

Being unique allows each of us to find what works for us and what doesn't.

Where do you start? How do you start?

Start with honesty. Think about yourself for a moment. Are you happy, sad, angry, in pain? Are you frustrated? How do you feel at this moment?

Do you take time for yourself each day? Are you busy with family commitments? work? Can you allow yourself to give yourself the personal care that you are entitled to? This is an area that is vital to taking a step forward. See if you can find some time in each day where you can focus on your needs, wants and wishes.

Do you have health issues? If so, when was the last time you had a check up? Do you have or need medical support on this journey? If you have any health concerns and want to lose weight is it possible to check in with a health worker to discuss what is right for you.

What is your relationship with food? Is it your go to place when you are down? Is it your security blanket? Do you punish yourself - by that I mean when you are angry do you not eat? Do your emotions rule your eating habits? If so maybe you need some help dealing with things that are bothering you. Or maybe you need a support buddy. Your mental health is part of a health goal. You deserve to feel better emotionally so don't ignore or dismiss your feelings. How you feel is important.

How active are you? Is most of your day spent sitting? Standing? On your feet? Do you walk? Exercise? Are you active or living a sedentary lifestyle? Accessing where you are with your activity level is part of a successful health journey. There are many ways to add activity to your day with many websites dedicated to this, local community groups, interest groups such as day trippers, fun fitness such as walking groups, local sports clubs or even just a friend you can get out with. Your local library may have fitness DVDs to loan. Even housework can get you moving. Whatever suits your level of starting think about how you can do some activity each day to get moving.

What is in your kitchen? What do you put on your plate? There are many small steps you can start taking to gradually change your habits over time so you don't feel overwhelmed by the idea of losing weight. Don't think of it as a diet but a lifestyle change. No matter what you choose to do - come back to your goals if and when you have a moment or period of indulgence. This life not a prison sentence. Give yourself breathing room so you don't feel burdened by your journey.

We are each unique in our needs and goals. I welcome you to join me on my journey. I am here for support, to share and pull you along. I am not perfect. I have ooooopsy moments too but I get right back to it. I am in this for life, the long haul. If it's only a healthy change first for awhile with weight loss later what is important is the fact I am making small changes in the right direction. You can do this. I encourage you to give yourself time each day to take care. You deserve time to yourself. If you don't feel you have time - talk to me. Maybe we can figure something out together.

We are worth the effort. Let's make today a great day to put our foot down in the right direction. It's Saturday. Get out there and live a little for yourself. Love yourself today so loving others is easy.

Join Me!
Cheers,
Peggy

I love seeking inspiration where ever I can find it. Found this while searching for ideas on refashioning clothes on Pinterest. I followed one link which lead to another link and eventually hit this website. Great ideas!

I love the two jars with the pebbles - each one representing a pound of weight to be lost. Visual support is always fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: 21 Weight Loss Tips

Hi Everyone,

Found another great site for meal ideas that are delicious - check out the link below.

I'm getting ready for a new weekly thread, a new week and fresh start. Everyday is a fresh start in my books. I don't believe in failure. I do believe that staying with it leads to success - that's all you have to do - stick with it.

How has your week been? Have you enjoyed your weekend?
Stick around - there is more to come next week. I weigh in on Mondays. Over all I am looking to go from my starting weight of 155 to 127 or there abouts. I'm on my way - slowly and enjoying the ride so far!

Have a lovely evening everyone!
Cheers,
Peggy

Here is a link that might be useful: The Garden Grazer