Day 18

Well, it is about time I get back on here and update you on my progress. I have hit the three week mark and I am down 10 pounds. The long weekend was definitely a struggle but I pulled through without any cheats. I did not indulge in the usually pizza or barbecued hot dogs that we used to eat on long weekends. I stayed strong. I did try out some new foods though. The first picture I posted is a quinoa salad I had on Friday at a local new restaurant. I have dreaded going out to eat because I never know if there will be food for me to eat. Research is key! Check the menu ahead of time and have a game plan. I was lucky to find a beautiful quinoa salad on the menu with shrimps, my favourite. Also, the day before I went out for lunch I saw a nutritionist who is helping eat right with Polysistic Ovary Syndrome (I hope to have children before I am 30). She recommended trying quinoa instead of having yams all of the time. She thought I might burnout eating the same thing all of the time. So, I tried it and I was pleasantly surprised. When quinoa is cooked and seasoned the right way it is AMAZING. I was so impressed I went grocery shopping and the next day I made it for my husband for lunch. The second picture is my spin on it. I prefer spinach instead of arugula. He was hooked too. Quinoa will now be part of our meal plan. I had to cut down on the serving size though, for 1/4 cup there is 170 calories. It may be high is calories just like rice but it is definitely a healthier choice. This moderation thing is starting to work for me. Spacing out my meals is making me less hungry.

I just got back from a great workout at the gym. Working with a trainer once per week is helping to push myself a little bit harder. I never hurt the same way after I work out alone. I like feeling the burn when I leave the gym and especially the next day. I don't have so much pain anymore that I can not move the next day. The first week was the hardest. I am just a bit sore the next day but in a good way. Now that I am seeing results and feeling great I have even more drive to keep going. I really want to know how other people are doing in the challenge. I see some posts on Fb. It would be good if we all knew each other to motivate each other while we do this.

I am just finishing up my protein shake and then I am off to see Jillian Michaels! I am hoping she pumps me up even more to continue this weight loss journey.

Keep fighting out there. It is a daily battle to conquer all the food that is pushed in our faces. It is everywhere.