A Journey to 40 -- Day 2

Yesterday was my 39th birthday. In the last 18 months or so I've gained 18 lbs. That also happens to be the time I hit peri-menopause. So hormones are in flux ALL. THE. TIME.

While I was on vacation I gave it some thought. Magic/ Crystal Springs Theme Park magically afforded me some time to think while it was DH's turn to patrol Miss B. Since I hit maintenance my habits really have not changed all that much. That was 6 years ago. But my body chemistry has to the point that my original loss and maintaining formula will not work. It just won't and I am not unique in this. From what I understand it is fairly common. Or at least my doctor says so.

But I also understand I don't have to accept it. I can re-learn my body. I can lose this 18 lbs and be back where I want to be. Yes it's frustrating! But I knew for long term health this was part of the deal. It's a regular re-evaluation.

I did talk to my doctor in May. She said managing stress and anxiety should come first. Because I am a walking ball of anxiety. She suggested a few things to try besides prescription meds. I don't do well on the meds. So I was proactive before vacation. I invested in a bottle of St. Johns Wort when the B-complex wasn't cutting it. I can tell that my moods have improved and I'm more motivated to get up and move. I've chosen a habit-building app, in addition to spark. It sends me nice reminders to drink water and take a 10-minute walk a few times per day. It also prompts me to prep for bed. As in find some brain quieting time. All those things were done a couple of weeks ago.

So I set a goal. It's 1 year from yesterday. I want to shed these 18 lbs. And I intend to share the journey with you. Don't worry. I'm not going to bore you every day with my work out or food choices. But I will keep you informed of what worked and what did not work. Right now I'm not counting calories as much as I'm keeping a "freggie diary." I do better counting freggies than I do counting calories. I'm counting water cups. And it's hot as Hades in Tennessee so drinking water is easy enough.

Weight: 167.6
Goal: 150.0