Success.

So far, my plan to try to get back on the wagon has been successful. I know it's only January 7, but it's the little things. I started back up with tracking WW points with a free app on my phone, and I know that works. I have found some really good recipes on Pinterest that are low points, so I've been sticking to my daily limit even though I haven't exercised a ton. We got a bunch of candy during the holidays, but instead of leaving it all out in a candy jar, I put most of it away in our spare bedroom. This way, I can have a piece here and there when I have extra points for the day, but it won't be staring at me every day when I cook.

C had a couple weeks off school, and I took a week and a half off work, and we had a super fun time with our families for Christmas and New Year's. We spent the night at my brother and sis-in-law's house on Christmas Eve, so we could wake up with the kids and see what Santa brought, which always makes it more exciting. We watched approximately 50 football games, which is my favorite way to spend a holiday break, and then stayed up way past midnight on NYE watching Pawn Stars.

When we got home, I was bummed because my sister left and I put away all the decorations and it is so dang cold outside, I never want to get out of my bed. Oh, and C's computer broke over the weekend, so that's been a financial stress for me, but he found a used one that will be much cheaper than a brand new one. I've also been trying to remind myself of the fun things I have planned for this year, and the plans I have to improve my health. Also, C started another semester yesterday, so I can keep looking forward to the next stage of our lives that will come when he is done.

My coworker is also doing WW, and she was telling me about a low point of her weekend when she ate almost 4000 calories in one sitting. It made me think about binge eating and the triggers for me. Yesterday I was super anxious because I was trying to set up my new phone, with someone coming to buy my old phone within the hour, and the Verizon activation system was down. My brain immediately went to what I could eat to alleviate my stress. Luckily, since I have experience with weight loss and issues with eating, I can usually combat those thoughts by thinking about my hunger levels and rationalizing that if I eat a bunch of candy right now, I won't have any points left for the rest of the week. I can't always do that, but when I do and overcome the urges to binge, I always feel a little bit proud.

New Year.

In the last six months, I've gained a few pounds... And by a few, I mean only certain clothes in my closet will fit and I am getting really frustrated with myself. I am okay when it comes to meals - I cook most of what we eat, when I do eat out, I try to find something moderately healthy, but I am terrible about snacking. At work, I eat snack mix, granola bars, candy, etc. When I get home from the gym after work, I will eat a handful of crackers, some chips and salsa, or whatever else is nearby while I cook dinner. Then after dinner, I always want something sweet and sometimes I make popcorn too. By the time I add up all the points in my snacking habits, it ends up being more than I expected, so I get frustrated and stop tracking points for the week.

And then I am way off track and it's just not good.

I was also working out 6-7 days per week, and I got really burned out on that. With the PF diagnosis and foot pain that doesn't seem to be getting much better, even with regular icing, massage, orthotics, and a boot I wear to bed, I need to find something that helps keep me mentally sane. Running is for sure my therapy, so when I can't do it, I kind of start to lose it and I don't really want to do anything else.

So here are my resolutions for 2014:

-Work out 4-5 days per week, and make it count. Find spin classes during the week that I can take, go with friends, find a TV show that will keep me entertained. And add weight training twice a week.
-Use the other 2 days that I don't go to the gym to volunteer at the animal shelter. Being there helps me remember what is important and that I can help the kitties feel loved until they find a home.