Coming Clean

Okay so here's the deal. I do have a weight loss update. I haven't posted over the course of the past several weeks because, I'll be honest, it's been a battle. I had some weight changes- some negative, some positive. However, one of my fears is that when the "losing weight" part of the process is over and I'm working to maintain my goal weight, I'll lose focus and gain it all back. Over the past several weeks, I have unintentionally seen my ability to maintain. I gained a little a couple weeks ago. I was definitely not happy about it, but what can you do? If I get mad and stress myself out about it, guess what I'll start craving? Chocolate. And large amounts of it. So instead of letting a 1 or 2 pound weight gain get me down, I used it as motivation to do better the next week. You can't dwell on what you've done. Instead, focus on what you need to do in the future. So, after a very difficult week full of temptation (I went to Red Lobster AND PF Changs this week- AHHHH!- My survival secrets are below!), I have battled back into the game. I am now at a point to confidently tell all of you where I am and where I need to be- the actual numbers. My prayer is that not only will this be an extra motivation to keep going, it will be a complete picture of honesty about what I'm going through. I'm ashamed I EVER let myself get as unhealthy as I did. But I am joyful about all of the exciting changes I'm going through in my journey to be a healthier person. So here it is. The NUMBERS:

Starting weight: 190 pounds (technically 186 because of the scale glitch, but it was too late to change it)
Weight loss so far: 29.2 pounds
Current weight: 160.8 pounds
Approximate goal weight: 130-ish pounds (It's kind of up in the air, I don't want to get to that "unhealthy" skinny, but after some research, I'm thinking my goal weight will be in the 130s.

So there it is, folks. I feel a little vulnerable now, but it's also refreshing to be totally and completely honest. I know many of you are trying to do the same thing I am and I pray I can be an encouragement to you. All of you who comment and encourage me are definitely blessing my life and keeping me going!

As promised, I feel the need to share some restaurant survival tips because that is probably everyone's biggest struggle. The first thing to know is that it really is possible to go to a place like Red Lobster and eat a wonderful, delicious, and healthy meal. Here are my go-to meals at some wonderful restaurants:

Red Lobster: Create your own feast choose any two entree- Garlic grilled shrimp and Steamed snow crab legs, side of broccoli and ask for the rice pilaf instead of the salad (the dressings will get ya!)
McCalister's: Fire Roasted vegetable soup OR Broccoli and Cheese soup in a bread bowl- the bread is actually not that bad for you!
On the Border: The Chicken Tortilla soup is AMAZING! If you're afraid of overdoing it on the chips, pace yourself, go more for the salsa than the cheese dip, AND think about getting the soup in a cup instead of a bowl, so you'll have more room for their delicious chips! Their black beans are also really good. Sometimes I just order them by themselves and make a meal out of chips, salsa, and black beans.
Chili's: STAY AWAY FROM THE FRIED THINGS! You don't even wanna know how bad those Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are for you. If you don't have a heart attack after looking at the nutrition facts, you will after you eat them. Grilled things like the Margarita Grilled Chicken are MUUUCHHH better!

And although your heart might be aching for one of those decadent chocolate desserts on the dessert menu, skip it. Instead, go to your local grocery store and grab some of these:

They're actually 4 points on WW now due to the new PointsPlus system, but they will give you your chocolate fix without the guilt. AND, they are really, truly good- I promise! There's also Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Fudge Brownie, and Chocolate Turtle available!

This is officially my longest post ever, but I guess I'm making up for a few weeks' absence! Keep praying!

For His glory,

K