Jan 19

Good morning, wonderful friends!

Lisa, in 2009 Julie and I decided to try keeping a blog together ... to see if it challenged, motivated, encouraged us to get healthier. I thought I'd resurrect that effort. :-)

So here we go!

I woke up this morning with a couple new-ish thoughts in my head about getting healthier and losing weight. First of all, I thought that since we all have the same goals, possibly we could work together to encourage each other, keep one another accountable, etc. Not sure if either of you have time or the energy to contribute, but I thought we might give it a go. Of course, we could do it via e-mail, too, if that's easier. Anyway... :)

My other two thoughts were pretty simple - nothing revolutionary.

First, I have some visual images of things I'd like to be able to do when I lose weight - clothes I'd enjoy wearing, stores in which I'd enjoy shopping, a couple tattoos I'd enjoy getting that would certainly look better on a smaller body. ;-) I'm going to try to recall those visual images when I'm having cravings, having a tough time making good decisions, or sitting around instead of exercising. Maybe actively reminding myself of my long-term goals, my long-term desires will help me put off short-term satisfaction from too much kettle corn.

Second, I am going to try a new strategy when it comes to cravings that is two-fold. First, I am going to give myself one day a week to kind of feel free to indulge a little. Second, if I am able to resist a craving, I am going to keep track of what it was I craved and on my "indulge day", I'll take a look at my list and see what items I'd still like to enjoy - in moderation, if at all possible. Hopefully, this will remind my body and my mind that I can, in actuality enjoy the things I really love without making it an unhealthy habit, without sacrificing goals, without feeling weak and without control.

Just passing these thoughts on. :)

I think I'll try to share yummy healthy recipes, when I have great successes (big or small), strategies that worked, etc. I'd love it if you guys wanted to write, too (and I've added you as authors if you'd like to do so), but no pressure, of course. If this ends up not feeling fun and motivating, then we'll quit.

Love you both! C