New Year, new resolve

So I've gotten back on track with my weight loss goals. I lost my way towards the end of 2008 and I honestly think it was good for me. For a few months there, I wasn't tracking my points or getting any exercise at all. I signed back up with Weight Watchers this past Saturday and I weighed in and it was then that I realized that in the 5 months that I had been off the wagon, I had only gained 5 pounds. It might seem ridiculous to be excited about gaining weight but it meant something to me that it was only 5 pounds. It meant that in the time that I was doing Weight Watchers, I really learned something and truly did change my lifestyle. When I "went off the deep end" and stopped tracking points, I didn't really go all that crazy. I still kept things in moderation. I probably ate more chocolate than I would've had I been tracking points and I'm sure my portion sizes were bigger but still, I only gained 5 pounds!! I remember about 6 years ago when I went on Atkins. I was on it for about 6 weeks and I think I lost about 20 pounds. When I stopped doing it, I gained all the weight back plus about 15 extra pounds. I didn't retain anything from my experience with Atkins for one simple reason: DIETS DON'T WORK. Which is what is so brilliant about Weight Watchers, it isn't a diet. It's a lifestyle change. And I realize now that I truly have changed my lifestyle. To be able to fall off the wagon for 5 months and only gain 5 pounds, that really means something.

Topher got me a Wii Fit for Christmas and I swear it's the best Christmas gift I've ever gotten. I've never had so much fun with exercising. It makes that 30 m inutes of activity a day goal very attainable. I've also gotten really good at planning menues for the entire week and sticking to making dinner every night. It's become part of my routine. On Saturdays I plan the menu for the coming week, make a grocery list based on that and then go grocery shopping. With the exception of just a few nights, I made dinner every single night last month. That's amazing for me. I'm also realizing how much I'm enjoying cooking. After spending the whole day with Jonas, it's kind of a nice break to escape to the kitchen and just kind of unwind. It sounds silly but I can kind of zone out when I'm cooking and nothing gives me a greater sense of accomplishment than cooking a meal and watching my family eat and enjoy it. It must be a woman thing but the nurturing side of me thrives big time when I make dinner for my guys. I've also recently discovered the joys of the slow cooker. I was a late bloomer on this one but I'm glad I caught up. I've made 5 different recipes so far. Right now my success rate is 3 for 5. Not too bad. Tonight we had chicken stew which was delicious and pretty low in points.

I'm pretty excited about getting back on track and I'm more motivated than ever. My weight loss journey is taking longer than I thought it would but you know what? I weigh alot less now than I would've had I never started Weight Watchers in May of 2007. I'm going to try to keep up with the blogging and my weight loss efforts. I don't have any losses or gains to report this week because I just started back up but I'm hoping for a good week! I'm going to stay focused and keep my goal in my head. Wish me luck!