Beginning

I have been striving, not to get to my 21 year old weight again, but a healthy weight.  I would like to have a healthier body in general.  But, that means losing weight.  I enjoy food (and sweets) and I also have a schedule that makes it a bit tricky to be finished eating by a certain time each night and still have a dinner with my husband and children (which I think can be harmful in and of itself to relinquish).

January 2, 2015 I realized wanted to do something… I feel like my weight was getting the better of me and I needed to change.  I had seen an advertisement for a Mayo Clinic Diet, but I didn't want to waste money on something I might not follow through with but after looking at it more closely, I realized this diet/ lifestyle fits my values/ views and I was excited to get started, and have been more impressed since attempting it for the last three week and 9 lbs. lighter, with other benefits, that I never could have dreamed of (more positive outlook, more excited about accomplishing my daily jobs, satisfaction that I can control what I am doing).  I am heavier than I should be, but I feel better about my self!

I have enjoy the encouraging daily email from the Mayo Clinic.  I have also appreciate news stories and others that help me daily to hang in there!  I think it is amazing how much easier (for the time being … don't want to let my guard down), it has been three weeks into this … the first and second week are the hardest. 

I have noticed some of my trigger points… way to many!  Such as (my old habit of, after church on Sunday getting a bit of candy).  Grocery shopping with children, buying treats to help people behave to get through the store, being stressed, being on vacation, long drives, etc.

It helps to realize these trigger points, so I can be prepared and figure out ways not to let them get me down.

I have a goal to lose one point a week, until September 2015.  Then, I can just maintain my weight :)

Here are some of the articles and informations that empowers me to be stronger:

Physical Health

Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence

Jan's Story -- Mayo Clinic Diet

Hilary's Story - Mayo Clinic Diet

Identical Twins experiment: Sugars vs. Fats (and how veggies can help you!)

Trent Heppler: Lost 140 lbs. in less than a year after being overweight for a lifetime.

My body needs food for energy, not for comfort.  

It takes 3,500 calories to gain one pound (3,500 over what our body requires for energy through out the day).  It takes burning 3500 calories in a week to lose one pound.