Sheepishly poking my head back in...

So how's this for ridiculous:

I haven't posted for more than 6 weeks.
I missed my June weigh in
I have been to the gym twice in 4 weeks
I have made bread a way-too-big part of my diet

The good news is I'm still in my normal range for weight. The bad news is my energy is way down.

The good news is I am still very conscientious of it. The bad news I haven't written in my journal or posted for way too long.

The renovations are done - we just have yard work and the garage to complete. I should have more time to focus on my health. We purchased a trampoline today that will be my main source of activity for the next 4 months for sure - so I have NO excuses not to get in a great cardio & core workout!

I feel good about my maintenance - but need to worry about those last stubborn little pounds!!!

My story continues

So fast forward 15 months. I have lost 91 pounds, and have kept it off since reaching my 88 pound goal in November. I achieved lifetime membership, and have unwravelled a whole new world of challenges... maintenance.

I understood losing. Sacrifice and extra exercise, constant moderation and monitoring. Maintenance (even with all the warnings) seemed like a destination. Ease up on some of the vigilance... splurge on the odd thing here and there. The trouble with that is, it opens up tiny little wholes for my bad habits to creep in. So I am working on losing another 9 pounds, taking my sweet arse time with it, and trying to tone up some excess skin along the way. It's slow going. I've been playing with the same 5-6 pounds since Christmas, but I am committed to reaching 149.9 by September. That's less than 1.5 pounds a month. If it doesn't pick up soon, I may just go back to weight loss mode to get there. But I'll play it by ear for now.

When I look back at what I've lost over the last 14 months, it's actually much more about what I've gained:
* A lot more self confidence (must keep that in check now, some days!!!)
* Energy. I have much more to spare. I just can't sit in front of the TV like I used to!
* Better eating habits. In general!
* Smaller portion sizes (AKA reasonable portions!)
* The love of clean eating. I'm not perfect at it, but I'm working on it!
* A much better legacy to leave for my daughter.... there will be many posts on the struggles I face with this.

Ok, time for bed. I am struggling with getting enough sleep lately, so I'd best start the night time routine a little earlier from now on.