Celebrations

Okay, so I know it is no excuse but I am Italian and it is not uncommon for us Italianos to celebrate life's joy with food! Whether it be big events like birthdays, vacations, weddings, etc food is the main part of the festivities!

I also would celebrate the little things in life with food also. I would look forward to every opportunity to partake of a "treat" just to celebrate any moment for whatever reason. When an opportunity would present itself (especially chocolate) I would tell myself why I deserved it. Some of my reasons were: I worked hard today, I am a good person, Hubby is gone again, I did _________ well, etc.

When I would be at a restaurant, that would be a celebration in itself. I would order whatever I wanted because I would say: I may not have this opportunity again for a long time so I'd better take advantage of it, _________ food would make this experience so much better, She is eating what she wants- why can't I too?

Unfortunately, the opportunities to partake of junk were not few and far between. The experience never was better because I felt icky after because I was too full or sick, and I will NEVER EVER be that girl who can eat junk and look petite!!! NEVER!

~ Now life is different! I am celebrating soooo much more but without all the extra calories!

In my master bathroom, behind the opened door there is a wall that I can see when the door is closed. I have mentioned this bulletin board wall before. I put stickie notes up whenever I make a healthy choice. Here are some of my celebrations.... my daughter says I am bragging, but hey! I'm not waiting for anyone else to pat me on my back!
~ I completely cut out soda
~ I only ate half of a Thai Chicken Salad
~ I ordered fat free dressing for dinner
~ I have recorded every bite on "Lose It" for 21 days
~ I have walked 28 days
~ At Disneyland I made good choices the entire time
~ I went to the movies and ate nothing
~ I went to a party, brought a healthy dish and ate only that
~ I passed up banana bread at church
~ I went to a birthday party and did not eat cake or ice cream
I encourage all of you to make a list of accomplishments. If I falter or waiver I know I can look back for strength. Oh, and if you want a pat on the back you can ALWAYS turn to me and I will celebrate with you!
~

WHO ARE YOU?

Here is what I am!

• a daughter of God
• a woman
• a wife
• a mother
• a daughter
• a sister
• a friend
• a teacher
• a reader
• a decorator
• an organizer
• a volunteer
• a coordinator
• a hostess
• a student

the list can go on and on!

But WHY is it that sometimes all I feel I am is:

• short
• plump
• squishy
• frumpy
• sloppy
• uncute
• yucky!
  

Above is a recent picture of me with three great friends! This picture says it all. I am always the shortest, always the chubbiest and no matter how positive I try to be...it takes a toll! I guess you can say that sometimes I feel like Mater instead of Lightning! I should just get shorter friends! LOL

BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS: I'VE LOST 10 POUNDS SINCE THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN...SO MAYBE I CAN STICK TO THE FIRST LIST INSTEAD OF THE SECOND FROM NOW ON!

???WHO ARE YOU???

Visualization

I remember a long time ago when I sat in a Weight Watcher's meeting and they passed out a flyer about visualization. It went something like: "if you visualize yourself eating less, you will eat less". I guess it has something to do with the self-fulfilling prophecy.

Lately, a certain sort of visualization has popped into my mind and it has been quite helpful! I am not sure how it began but hey...whatever works for now I will take! ~You see, when I eat healthy things or drink water I can picture it going through my body clearly and efficiently (not a pretty picture still).
~When I think about junk food going through my body (even the yummy stuff) I picture it like a big, gross, gooey, grimey hair clog (you know you've all seen one) trying to go through my intestines. Before I even began eating better I completely gave up soda. Not because I do not like it, but it literally hurt my stomach in ways that nothing else does! I even picture soda going through my body like gasoline. Try sucking down a Diet Pepsi while picturing gasoline...I took a sip of hubby's soda out of habit and after not drinking it for a few months it literally tasted like complete chemicals.
~ Do you use visualization to get you to your goal? What are some things you have visualized or am I the only crazy one?