cynthia motivation

I have a few quotes that I tell myself to improve my motivation. One is by Dr. Cooper of the weight loss institute in Dallas. He tells his patients "don't die of something stupid"> That helps me when that bag of chips or that bacon cheeseburger call my name. I also read the e-mails from sparkpeople.com every day if I can and that reminds me of all the things I already know about this journey. I am not on a diet, I am trying to make lasting changes that will improve my health. I try to remember that there are no forbidden foods, but each bite I take is a choice. Sometimes gooey nutty dark rich chocolate is the right choice because it fulfills my craving and lets me move on. If I ignore it for too long I will munch on any and every thing available and end up worse off than if I had given in and like Heather said eat until I am satisfied and throw the rest away.

That is my hardest challenge, I am a lifelong member of the clean plate club, and throwing food away makes me feel guilty. I try to overcome that feeling of guilt and am finding that if I actually scrape it off of my plate or otherwise destroy the rest I am beginning to feel a sense of victory and celebration just for that small act.

Motivation for exercise is more difficult. I have been battling foot and leg pain for about a year, so just getting up and walking can sometimes be painful. It helps if I call Jessica early in the day and make an appointment to go workout at the pool. I am beginning to wake up earlier in the mornings and as soon as the heat calms down I hope to take a stroll before work each day. We'll see. I have found ways to add steps to my daily routine, such as walk back and forth to the file room with individual charts at the end of the day when backup is running and work is slowed down anyway. Somehow the computer manages to work even if I don't sit and watch the screen. I also make myself park further out in the parking lot at stores and such. And get out and go in the bank instead of using the drive through. Small steps, but every little bit helps.

I am so excited that as a family we have decided to take control of our health instead of just riding the wave of genetic predispostion and complacency. Way to go Fam!!!!!