Continued...

Sorry for the delay...

I have recently decided that my daily cardio at the gym will consist of no less than 3 miles, no matter how long it takes me.  The faster the better, obviously, but sometimes if I haven't run in a few days, it takes a little longer to get there, but that's ok.  Considering before my lifestyle transformation I never ran more than a mile at a time, if that because I hate running, I think it's fantastic! 

It's really important to keep short term goals as well as long term goals so that you can celebrate and feel accomplished along the way.  I have 16.2 pounds to get to my final goal weight of 140, but every 10 pound benchmark is a big success for me.  Sometimes I don't feel as satisfied as I should, but that's because I want MORE, and that's ok.  I am hoping that my body agrees with my goal weight of 140.  Often times our mind's goal weight is very different from our body's IDEAL weight.  There comes a point when your body is the lightest it will get.  After that point you may lose 2 or 3 pounds or so at a time, but you'll put it right back on because your body is at its ideal weight, and that's that.  But that's why I'm hoping my body agrees with my mind on the 140.  Once I get to that, it's just a matter of toning my muscles and looking and feeling great. 

I still have a few problem areas that I'm going to try and focus on.  Mainly my issue is my entire torso.  My back feels a bit flabby all through where I used to have back fat (small success that I don't have that roll there anymore), and then there are the dreaded love handles.  Of course I'm not even close to satisfied with my stomach.  Hopefully losing the rest of the weight I'm aiming for will take away some of the flab that's still left on my stomach and I can tone up the muscles and hope for the best that one day I'll be comfortable in a bikini!  I have bought a couple of bikinis for this summer and I'm going to wear them regardless, but I'd like to feel good in them! 

One of my constant struggles is with sugar.  I think a LOT of people struggle with sugar.  There are just times when a piece of candy, or some icecream, or an oatmeal creme pie just seems like it would solve everything.  Unfortunately, I have found that it doesn't.  While it tastes good at the time, the feeling I often get afterwards isn't worth it.  It's a guilty feeling, not because I ate something bad, but because I didn't have the will power or the strength to overcome the temptation.  Sometimes I'll chew a piece of gum instead and that will satisfy my sweet tooth.  There are times when it's necessary to treat yourself, so don't think you have to cut out sugar forever, but you also don't need candy and cookies and cake and brownies on a daily basis.  I have found that sugar free gum in sweet flavors often will satisfy my sweet tooth and stave off that guilty feeling from eating something horribly fattening and sugary. 

It's really necessary that every so often you give yourself a self-evaluation and really get down to the nitty gritty.  And if you aren't tough enough on yourself, and you tend to make excuses for yourself, then ask somebody close to you if they have noticed any bad habits.  This goes for life in general and not just your weightloss journey.  It's really important to always try and make yourself better.  No matter how good you get, you can always get better!! 

Stay tuned!  I might have some new recipes to share soon!  And, as always, feedback is GREATLY appreciated!!!