justWEIGHT – Apr. 12 – Week #15 – Day #1 (Day 102 of 365 – lost .2 lb.) Total loss 11.0 lbs, 41.0 to go!

We’re having ice cream tonight! One thing I have heard when on various weight loss plans is to have that One Weekly Splurge if that is something that keeps you motivated. Although the justWEIGHT plan is designed to be specific, yet very flexible by substitution, I have not had the problem of needing that splurge due to the fact that it’s unlikely I will ever strap myself to eating what is on any menu plan exactly as it appears, day in and day out. Is this a piece of cake (pun intended)? Maybe. If it is truly cake that I may be craving one day, then I find a Weight Watcher’s snack cake can fix that problem easily. Almost every day this plan allows at least one yummy snack to smooge that sweet tooth. After all, we are taking this slow…the right way.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 10 – Week #14 – Day #6 (Day 100 of 365 – lost 1 lb.) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

I re-reached (is that a word?) the 20% weight loss point of this journey. Still not where I need to be but gaining good ground every day. Since I had fallen 3 pounds behind, I have made small changes in the daily menu this week and I can tell they are really helping. I substituted grapes rather than chips one day at lunch. I ate oatmeal one morning for breakfast and skipped the toast, cut a small baked potato in half and still had plenty. Five girlfriends took me out for a birthday dinner this week and one of them was really happy to split the salmon dinner special with me. You get the point. I am following the plan with smart adjustments…learning to be flexible. Take No Detours because it works.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 9 – Week #14 – Day #5 (Day 99 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 9.6 lbs, 42.4 to go!

Take ONE Homemade Brownie and Take The Rest To A Neighbor – You think I’m kidding, right? How many times have you made brownies or homemade cookies and realize you have eaten so many that you can’t even share with your family because it’s so obvious what you have done? I have actually stashed sweets in my closet and finished them off the next day all by myself just to save the embarrassment of my addiction. I think that would be called guilt on top of guilt, which just throws gas on the fire. I was scheduled to have a planning meeting yesterday for a graduation party and had two painters in my home, so they just came here for sandwiches. I had nothing in the house to offer for dessert, so I whipped up a pan of brownies. I did eat one, but when everyone left, there were six big brownies left in that pan. The painters took a break around 3:00 and I handed each of them a bottle of cold water and three brownies. I never got a better paint job and got rid of those tempting calories.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 8 – Week #14 – Day #4 (Day 98 of 365 – lost .2 lbs) Total loss 9.6 lbs, 42.4 to go!

We know anything worthwhile is a Long-Term Commitment. We also know a picture is worth a thousand words. I was hoping to be able to show a new picture at this point with a 13 pound loss, but since I forgot that little tidbit of wisdom of committing long-term, the picture will have to wait. It is coming, though, I can promise, hopefully sooner than later. I’m very proud of the .2 I lost today and am hoping for more than a full pound by the end of the week.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 7 – Week #14 – Day #3 (Day 97 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 9.4 lbs, 42.6 to go!

Learn a New Lesson Today is like swimming up stream. Still no weight loss, but stayed the same again today. I’m secretly hoping for one of those “big drops”, but figure my lesson is probably that I’ve been all talk and no action for the past few weeks. I actually got on the treadmill this morning and did a normal paced walk for 20 minutes. Didn’t burn many calories and didn’t really breath hard, but it is a start. Had a brown bag meeting at noon, so I ate lunch at home before I went, grabbed a bottle of water, and it was a snap. Tonight I met my husband and business associates at a very nice restaurant, ordered grilled salmon, grilled asparagus and a salad. I did not pick up the bread, order an appetizer or dessert. One of the men ordered a chocolate decadent lava cake and asked for extra forks. As it was passed around the table, I did take a small bite. It was wonderful and that was enough.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 6 – Week #14 – Day #2 (Day 96 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 9.4 lbs, 42.6 to go!

According to my Weight Chart, today I should have reached my 25% weight loss goal. I weigh the same as yesterday and hope the fast gain of the past two weeks has settled and my good behavior will soon be rewarded with good results. It Gets Easier is today’s lesson. Hmmmmm, hasn’t so far. Oh, some days, even some weeks go well. It’s v-e-r-y slow weight loss, and then I lose my head and all the knowledge I ever learned and bam…up four or five pounds. Have I been here before? Only dozens of times in my life. That’s usually when I get totally down and just give up trying. Not this time. I don’t really know if it gets easier. I’ll have to let you know that one later. I don’t have a trainer. I don’t have advertisers paying me for staying on track. All I have is the will and the know how that the justWEIGHT plan will work. I don’t know how long it will take me to make up for lost ground, but I was perfect yesterday, I’ll be perfect today and again tomorrow. I pray that it will get easier.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 5 – Week #14 – Day #1 (Day 95 of 365 – gained 1.6 lbs) Total loss 9.4 lbs, 42.6 to go!

Have Faith In Yourself – Well, that’s a good quote, but right now, it’s probably the hardest thing in the world for me to do. Do I feel like a failure? Yep! I’m not looking for a shoulder to cry on here, more like straps and a whip. I just got home from a four day trip after only being home three days following another four day trip. I’m hopeless! Travel will be the end of me where weight is concerned. Food, food, everywhere. I can tell from the way my rings fit that I am full of water and not the good kind. Confession is good for the soul? Let’s try this one on for size. Upon completion of the first quarter, I am 3.59 pounds from my three month goal. I am going to try and have faith in myself, because no one other than my mother could right now. I have done well today and hopefully you won’t have to listen to me having a fit tomorrow. Thanks for the shoulder.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 4 – Week #13 – Day #7 (Day 94 of 365 – lost .4 lbs) Total loss 10.8 lbs, 41.2 to go!

Final day of Week #13….final day of 1st quarter. Weighing in the morning will be very interesting. Eating that biscuit this morning was hard to do because my old “dieting” days would tell me to fast all day to assure the success of my goal. Not a good idea. What would that prove? It would prove all I have been preaching against for three months. Healthy weight loss is not about drastic measures. Who wants to have a day like that just to gain it back the next day with a couple of glasses of water? I know today’s food plan is balanced. I followed it exactly, company and all. Tomorrow is the test. I know I am close, but I don’t have all my eggs in one basket. If I succeed, great. If not, great. That’s right, I said great. I have learned so much these past three months about my habits, my insecurities, my self-induced limitations. We can’t get everything right over night or even in 94 days, but we can learn. I absolutely LOVE today’s quote….”Get Rid Of One Bad Habit”. My commitment to myself today is no more excuses regarding the drinking of a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. That’s all. I can do it, and I will honestly let you know how I do. What bad habit can you shed?

justWEIGHT – Apr. 3 – Week #13 – Day #6 (Day 93 of 365 – lost .4 lbs) Total loss 10.4 lbs, 41.6 to go!

Focus On Today - This thought should never, ever, ever, ever leave our minds. My experience is that every day I lose that thought and eat badly, I spend the next two or three days making up for lost ground. What a vicious cycle and waste of precious days. Was it worth it? Rarely. Perhaps on a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary (only yours). There are really only very few days throughout the year that total binges are worth the results. If I had about half the days of the first 12 weeks back to re-evaluate what I ate and why, I guarantee in hindsight it was a bad choice. I am making some “New Quarter” resolutions today. I will do better. I will think very hard before splurging and ruining an entire week of progress. There is no downside here. I can still eat very well, and if I will “Focus on Today” each and every day, the results will knock my socks off. I can’t wait to get started.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 2 – Week #13 – Day #5 (Day 92 of 365 – lost .2 lbs) Total loss 10.00 lbs, 42 to go!

Fill Up on Water – Three days left in this 1st quarter and I am 3 pounds behind my goal for the first three months. Water has been my best friend this week. It is flushing my body, keeping me satisfied and helping me get a perfect start on Week 14, Quarter #2. I would give an arm and a leg if I had been more diligent about my water the past 13 weeks. I strongly believe it would have made all the difference and probably helped a lot with that dry, winter skin as well. Months 4, 5 and 6 will be the test as my main goal each day is to get that water down.

justWEIGHT – Apr. 1 – Week #13 – Day #4 (Day 91 of 365 – lost .2 lbs) Total loss 9.8 lbs, 42.2 to go!

Let’s review a few things those of us life “dieters” already know but easily forget. It’s one thing to have a meal plan in front of you suggesting certain meats, vegetables, etc. It’s quite another to actually have those foods on hand at just the right time. Perhaps we have left over chicken and our menu calls for a beef patty. We all know we can eat the chicken instead. Just remember those simple rules of substituting ounce for ounce. I remember the old Weight Watcher days when we just counted so many proteins, milks, fats, fruits, etc. We were told not to exceed the limits and to only eat so many eggs and beef each week, eat fish several times a week and so on. Don’t waste the food you have on hand. Remember those substitutions.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 31 – Week #13 – Day #3 (Day 90 of 365 – lost .2 lbs) Total loss 9.6 lbs, 42.4 to go!

Believe In Your Goals – What’s this all about??? Of course we believe in our own goals. I am going to lose 52 pounds this year! I absolutely know I will. Well, at least I think I believe I can lose this weight. That is, unless something unexpected happens. And you can never be sure about the future, right? Something could happen that puts my goals on the back burner. Well, it could….. This self doubt, this pre-meditated excuse I am giving myself is just pre-meditated self-sabotage. We MUST believe in the ability to accomplish our goals. If I think it is hard to follow a roadmap for weight loss, well planned, good food, simple and rewarding, how in the world do I expect to keep the weight off when I reach my goal? Start it again, that’s how. I would not lose a pound a week, but rather remain at a healthy weight for my 5’ 5” frame. Some things in life just don’t have to be so hard. Why is it that we insist on keeping it that way?

justWEIGHT – Mar. 30 – Week #13 – Day #2 (Day 89 of 365 – gained 1.6 pounds) Total loss 9.4 lbs, 42.6 to go!

It was off to the grocery store early this morning with my justWEIGHT grocery list in hand and I am totally prepared for the week ahead. The next three days are easy at home, my motivation is strong. The challenge comes at the end of the week with company in the house. Today’s quote of “Use Common Sense” will be in my pocket all week. That’s all it really takes to eat well. It was actually very comforting to have simple cheese toast and orange juice for breakfast, a Cobb salad for lunch, and fish, rice, asparagus and pineapple chunks for dinner. Drank all of my water which is non-negotiable for me this week and feeling great.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 29 – Week #13 – Day #1 (Day 89 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 11.0 lbs, 41.0 to go!

If you’re still with me, you will realize this is week 13 of our 52 week journey. This is the final week of the first quarter and my goal weight loss by the end of this week is 13 pounds. This will be tricky since I am 2 pounds from that goal, but I can accomplish this and am determined to do it! Today won’t be easy with the 8 hour car ride, but I will stick to the plan as much as possible, get out every couple of hours and take a quick walk for circulation, and have plenty of water in the car. My thought today is “Easy Control”. Control is obviously the key word here and only I have it over myself. The next week will be at home, but on Friday my sister is coming for the weekend. Wonder how she feels about carrots and celery? Just kidding. I am going to take control and make this week work for me.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 28 – Week #12 – Day #7 (Day 87 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 11.0 lbs, 41.0 to go!

Don’t Forget To Eat Your Snacks – I was released from the doctor last Wednesday to start daily walking as exercise after nursing a very badly bruised and swollen knee after a fall several months ago. Although I am right on track with my weight loss, the fact that most of my waking days have been spent “off my leg” has, I feel, hampered the speed. I put off the start on the treadmill until I return home tomorrow as Santa Fe has been a real test for the knee with plenty of walking. I think we have walked enough here to make up for the 7-8 hour car ride tomorrow. I do feel better and stronger already and also motivated to be more diligent on following the plan along with the walks. Pretty exciting. Today’s reminder to eat my snacks is great as the snacks help me stay on track and eat the right things.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 27 – Week #12 – Day #6 (Day 86 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 11.0 lbs, 41.0 to go!

Do Not Get Discouraged – This quote is unbelievably timely. Being in beautiful Santa Fe, there is certainly no chance of discouragement. Walking the square, admiring the beautiful craft of the Indians and sampling foods prepared New Mexico style is exquisite. Nothing like a good buddy to make brilliant statements such as, “Let’s pass on the dessert (noon) and splurge on a Pomegranate Margarita after dinner tonight.” I know she did that for me as she is trying to help me stay on track without actually bringing it up. I’m so glad I have my food guide with me to refer to before each meal, but I am much more thankful that I have such a wonderful friend.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 26 – Week #12 – Day #5 (Day 85 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 11.0 lbs, 41.0 to go!

Cut Desserts In Half – Oh, boy. Interesting that this “today’s quote” popped up today. I am leaving town this morning for a three day trip to Santa Fe with my best friend. Yep, just the two of us to go where we want to go, eat where we want to eat, shop, browse the galleries as long as we want. Sound perfect? It was until I read Cut Desserts In Half! You know, that’s actually pretty good. Where was my mind going with this trip anyway….eat all you want, back your progress up by 5 pounds in 3 days? No, I refuse to go there. This has caused me to think, bring me back to reality. All those “girly” things we want to do will still be perfect as at the end of each wonderful meal, we will simply split the dessert!

justWEIGHT – Mar. 25 – Week #12 – Day #4(Day 84 of 365 – lost .4) Total loss 11.0 lbs, 41.0 to go!

Commit To Improvement – As you can tell, I am just a little behind on my goal of losing one pound a week for 52 weeks. It’s just one pound, but it is absolutely ridiculous because I know the justWEIGHT plan works when I simply follow it. Life is not meant to be a schedule and it doesn’t have to be where food in concerned. This plan just simplifies my time while at the same time leading me toward my healthy goal. Why don’t I do it right every day? Just call me human. Even the days I have none of the regular excuses of travel or social events, I miss the water or give in to a sweets craving with cookies rather than a planned snack. Now you may be reading this and saying, “There’s no way I would follow a food plan. That’s just not me.” That’s okay. It’s sure not for everyone. But ask yourself this, “Am I where I want to be weight wise, health wise, and time wise?” You might consider just a few weeks trial. I think you might be surprised.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 24 – Week #12 – Day #3(Day 83 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

Center Your Thoughts – How many of your days have been consumed by thoughts of dieting? Too many to count for me. Since referring to the daily menu and weekly grocery list on the justWEIGHT plan is routine for me now, there are many more hours in the day for normal, creative, productive activity that I gave up during my “dieting” days. Eating has evolved to become a less time-consuming focus into a much simpler process of pre-planned, or at least pre-guided meals. The roadmap is amazing. It is easy to follow, quick, delicious, nutritious meals and snacks, and quite liberating. Right now, after my cereal and banana for breakfast this morning, my thoughts are drawing me outdoors. What a beautiful day.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 23 – Week #12 – Day #2(Day 82 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

Be Proud Of Your Accomplishments - I followed the plan, including drinking my water. I already feel better, which may sound a little premature, but today I feel “flushed”. Why in the world do we lose that self control and go off the deep end? I’m sure psychologists have made buckets of money explaining it to people like me, but I am just hard headed enough to know I can get the ball rolling on my own. As I was creating the justWEIGHT plan, long hours were spent developing menus as if it were a jigsaw puzzle. Balancing fats, proteins and carbs…making sure each day contained fruits, vegetables and dairy. As I have mentioned previously, I am no nutritionist, but common sense and the internet provide safe, effective weight loss plans. It takes a great deal of self control to follow any healthy eating plan. Let’s do this together. I need all the help and encouragement I can get.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 22 – Week #12 – Day #1(Day 81 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

Are You Drinking Your Water? You can bet your bottom dollar that’s one of the most important steps in any weight loss program. Think about it. Have you ever been on a plan and didn’t list that as one of the most important elements? It fills you up. It flushes you out. I did not do well last week with the water and paid the price. New commitment this week and I know I will see new results.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 21 – Week #11 – Day #7(Day 80 of 365 – gained .2 lb) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

You Are Doing Great – Stop banging your head against the wall. If you are not where you want to be with your weight today, you can get there. I am preaching to myself this morning as we had a dinner party at our house last night and I only gained .2 lbs. I say “only” because after all the tasting while cooking to make sure everything was seasoned well, I ate a portion of both lasagna and chicken penne pasta, salad, two pieces of bread, and sampled both chocolate and key lime pie. Top that off with two glasses of wine and I think .2 is pretty good considering. I am right on target with my weight loss goal, but now is the time I have to work extra hard to stay on track.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 20 – Week #11 – Day #6(Day 79 of 365 – lost .2 lb) Total loss 10.8 lbs, 41.2 to go!

Watch The Sunset – Now this little pocket wisdom today is after my own heart. Is it literal? Could be. But to me, it is just a simple reminder to slow down and enjoy life. We go way too fast, push, push, push. Kiss the kids, ask your spouse or significant other what you can do for them today. You better mean it, because you just might get a request that you are now committed to fulfill. We are nearing the end of month 3 of this year long journey and should be feeling better about ourselves, realize that slow weight loss is obviously the way to go, and when we are happy within our own hearts, we are then able to share that contentment with the ones we love.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 19 – Week #11 – Day #5(Day 78 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

Understand The Plan - It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Fast weight loss does not work long term. I am an expert. I can make that statement. The justWEIGHT plan is a year long, slow weight loss plan to lose and keep the weight off. The food is real, it’s simple and the only thing you are deprived of is over-indulging.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 18 – Week #11 – Day #4(Day 77 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

Take Responsibility For Yourself – You know that no one else can do this for you. I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts (sorry, shouldn’t use that word) you, just like me, have blamed everyone from your great-great grandmother to the Easter Bunny for your weight problems. Why do I know this? I am an expert. I have been doing this my whole life. Now I am trying to focus on getting up in the morning, weighing, and being extremely thankful for the same weight, like today, or a small loss. The gains get us down, but I think we just have to start again each and every morning.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 17 – Week #11 – Day #3(Day 76 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

Stay Alert - Doesn’t this just mean pay attention? As is par for the course, I missed my water yesterday and weighed exactly the same this morning. Somehow I keep forgetting it’s the small choices, and I might add it’s every single one of them, that make all the difference. When you are eating chips, yes you may eat chips, just count them out. I have 9 at a time on my food plan. In the beginning, I started buying the individual serving bags, tricking myself into thinking I would just eat one bag and not over eat on the chips. Wrong! I was not alert at all, rather rationalizing to keep it simple. Trust me, it is less expensive and just as easy to buy a regular bag, count out 9 or the equivalent of up to 80-100 calories. You are only tricking yourself.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 16 – Week #11 – Day #2(Day 75 of 365 – lost .2) Total loss 10.6 lbs, 41.4 to go!

Smoother Days By Planning – Heard this theme before? You’ll probably hear it again, but without planning, I might as well sit down, grab a stick of butter and smear it on my hips because that’s where it will most certainly land anyway. It’s like drawing a line in the sand. Just don’t cross it. I check my food plan outline for the day and every time I am tempted or think my stomach is going to attach itself to my backbone if I don’t grab that cookie, I visualize that line. Remember my favorite saying of all? Just don’t eat it! That’s it. It is really that simple. Drink some water and move on.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 15 – Week #11 – Day #1(Day 74 of 365 – lost .4) Total loss 10.4 lbs, 41.6 to go!

Shop Smart – On the justWEIGHTplan, I have discovered the majority of the recommended food items are on the outside perimeter of the grocery store…produce, dairy, meat, fish, poultry. With my shopping list in hand, it’s quick and easy to make that round and only hit the occasional isle for cereals, pastas, canned items, toiletries, etc. I am saving time and money which is very important to me. But the biggest advantage is that I am not wandering up and down and impulsively buying food that “looks” yummy. Who are we kidding? If it looks yummy in the store, it will no doubt look yummier at home. How many times have I bought those bakery sugar cookies with the bright colored icing? Now be honest. You know the ones. They absolutely dissolve in your mouth without chewing. I bring them home promising myself I will just eat one and freeze the rest. Guess what? They are just as good frozen. Actually, they have so much shorting they don’t even freeze hard! I would have eaten three before that devil in me even started chuckling. No more. I have learned to shop smart.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 14 – Week #10 – Day #6(Day 73 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 10.0 lbs, 42 to go!

March 14, Week #10 – Day #7, Day 73 – 295 to go
Tackle Your Obstacles – Each of you will have your own obstacles to overcome. At this point in the justWEIGHTplan, I still struggle with getting enough water down each day. The other obstacle I am having a hard time with is getting hungry in the morning. We eat breakfast around 6:00 am each morning and by noon I am starving. I have switched my snacks to mid-morning and mid-afternoon rather than having one after dinner. This works really well for me as I am not an evening snacker anyway. Get creative and figure out what tactics work for you to make it easy to tackle your obstacles.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 13 – Week #10 – Day #6(Day 72 of 365 – gained .4 today) Total loss 10.0 lbs, 42 to go!

Pursue Your Dreams – I just love this thought for today. We should absolutely go for it, put your arms around it, and never, ever throw in the towel. Don't really know some days what causes the weight gain. I did everything right yesterday. Publishing the justWEIGHTplan and proving it by my own weight loss is one of many dreams I am pursuing. It’s early in the game plan, but I am right on tract and it’s working!

justWEIGHT – Mar. 12 – Week #10 – Day #5(Day 71 of 365 – lost .4 today) Total loss 10.4 lbs, 41.6 to go!

Another .4 lb loss! Do you ever catch yourself smiling when no one else is around just because you are happy with, well, YOU? The past few days I was able to get all my water in, but today I only drank about half of it. I have discovered that is one of my biggest weaknesses. If I don’t get it in early and try to make it up at the end of the day, I end up with a couple of middle of the night trips to the bathroom. Looking at today’s quote, Make Positive Changes In Yourself, I am going to set myself a schedule for the water. For me, I am going to try to develop a habit of drinking 16 oz. before 10:00 am (which will also help me cut back on too much coffee), 16 oz. before 1:00 pm, 16 oz. before 4:00 pm and the last 16 oz. with dinner. Everyone should do what works best for them. I’ll let you know how it goes and see if I can’t make another positive change in habits.

justWEIGHT – Week #10 – Day #4(Day 70 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 10 lbs, 42.0 to go!

What a fabulous day. As of yesterday, I have lost almost 20% of my 52 pound goal. Yep, 10 pounds down, 42 to go. That’s one-fifth in 70 days. Okay, call me grippe, because I know many days I moan and groan, but looking back over the past 9 1/2 weeks, and especially considering the daily challenges we all face, it simply hasn’t been that bad. In fact, it boils down to all those split second food and exercise decisions we make. Today’s wise words, If You Take A Day Off, Pick Right Back Up is great advice. I didn’t need it today as I am super motivated (10 pounds, if I may repeat myself), but I will keep that thought on my to read “first thing in the morning” list as it should be a daily reminder. Never give up. After all, this is a 52 week journey and a lifetime habit. I know if I follow the plan, it’s an ace in the hole!

justWEIGHT – Mar. 10 – Week #10 – Day #3(Day 69 of 365 lost .4 lbs.) Total loss 10 lbs, 42.0 to go!

For me, the whole point of following the justWEIGHT plan is convenience and simplicity. I have created this plan for myself so I simply don’t have to think about what I am going to eat or what I need to buy from the store. As the creator, however, it’s a little more complicated. As I have mentioned, I am no certified nutritionist. In creating justWEIGHT, I am entering each meal each day in FitDay, a fitness log in order to gage calorie, carbohydrate and fat consumption. It also tracks information on nutrition for an overall good, healthy balance. Energize is our key word today. It’s those split second decisions that will make or break our success. Get smart.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 9 – Week #10 – Day #2(Day 68 of 365 lost .4 lbs.) Total loss 9.6, 42.4 to go!

Clean Your Spirit – Now that’s an interesting thought. I think it might be easier to clean your closet, clean your bathroom, clean the garage for heaven’s sake! Our spirit is what guides us. Some days my spirit is strong, other days, weak. Thank goodness there is a higher Spirit to help guide our days just for the asking. Strength comes from within. Today I lost .4 pound. It feels good. It feels right. Stay busy, stay focused, and stay on the plan.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 8 – Week #10 – Day #1(Day 67 of 365 same weight) Total loss 9.2, 42.8 to go!

Be Successful - We all want to be successful in whatever endeavor we are engaged in at the time. Is this venture only about weight loss? Not for me, it isn’t. Being successful on the justWEIGHT plan, for me, means being successful at reaching a goal I have had for years. It means success at being healthier and therefore making life easier, more fun, more fulfilling and hopefully, longer. It’s having energy and just plain feeling better about myself. Read between the lines here, amigos, I am going to like myself better. What more could you ask? Along with weight loss you rediscover a certain amount of confidence that has been lost somewhere along the way, care just a little more about the way you look, the clothes you wear, and the first thing you know, life is just a little better. Success is wonderful medicine.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 7 – Week #9 – Day #7(Day 66 of 365 same weight) Total loss 9.2, 42.8 to go!

Beginning my third month of the justWEIGHT plan had me very excited. The first month was a total loss of 7.4 pounds. That is magnificent! I had some struggles, but did very well and lost good, solid weight. Month #2 was a very different story in that I lost only 2.8 pounds for the month. I am still right on track with my goal of losing an average of a pound a week, but now am even on my weight loss track rather than ahead. What happened in that second month? Had I not been blogging and talking with you every day, I might not know the answer. But it is perfectly clear. It’s in black and white and fully documented. If you have followed this blog you know that there have been days I really wanted to throw in the towel and go back to my stash of sugar. Some days I did, but mostly I just rationalized that it would be okay to eat just a little bit more, or just eat this instead of that. Did I know when I was doing that? You bet your booties I did. Part of the problem was that losing that extra 3 pounds the first month gave me way too much cushion in my zone. I became lax and oblivious, always thinking I had room to roam. When I realized I have lost only 2.8 pounds in the second month, reality came screaming in with a vengeance. Today’s very appropriate message - A Worthwhile Mission

justWEIGHT – Mar. 6 – Week #9 – Day #6(Day 65 of 365 lost 1.4) Total loss 9.2, 42.8 to go!

Do you think we can make or break ourselves? I certainly do, at least most of the time. Circumstances in life sometime shift our gears, but mostly we have our own hands on the controls. There is a fine line between most opposites, you know, right and wrong, which road to take, get off your bottom and move or take the easy road and sit. It all boils down to choices. Do I eat it or not. Is it a fair substitution or not. Do I finish my water or not. Today my husband and I went to a sporting clay’s event. We had the opportunity to ride around the course in a cart to watch the participants, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Rather than ride, I opted to walk that half mile and enjoy nature and take advantage of a small bit of exercise. It’s just Attitude! Attitude! Attitude! Have a talk with yourself today and get that attitude heading in the right direction. I just did…for today at least.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 5 – Week #9 – Day #5(Day 64 of 365 – gained 1 pound) Total loss 7.8, 44.2 to go!

Banish Negative Thoughts – I am normally a pretty positive person. It just always makes for a better day. There is not usually much you can do about most circumstances anyway if they are things out of your control. I do, however, seem to get a bit negative when I don’t do a very good job of making the best out of a situation when I can. One weakness that has become apparent to me is eating my fruits. Most days of the justWEIGHT plan have enough fruit, but I don’t always get it in each day. Often, I would rather have a piece of cheese or a protein bar. Sometimes, when I have overeaten on meat or bread, I forfeit the fruit at that meal to balance calories. That’s not good. Fruit is very important as are your vegetables. Bottom line, I am going to stick with the fruits and vegetables listed on the plan or make appropriate substitutions within the same food group. Stay positive.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 4 – Week #9 – Day #4(Day 63 of 365 – gained 1 pound) Total loss 8.8, 43.2 to go!

Be Content With Your Progress – Let’s cut to the core, I am not content with my progress. It’s a great thought. It’s a positive thought. Here’s my story. This is day 63 of the justWEIGHT plan for me and this is the first day I am behind on this journey. Yes, it is only .2 pounds, but I never wanted to go into the red. Yesterday I claimed to have followed the plan about 25% of the time. I think that might have been a stretch. Tonight, there was not a single exchange I could make to justify the apple cobbler I ate that was on the table in front of me. Should I be content with a total weight loss in 63 days of 8.8 pounds? Probably. A nutritionist would say that is perfect. Slow and steady, remember? .2 pounds should be easy to overcome, but not if I can’t get control of myself and be disciplined. I’m thinking I need to start walking!

justWEIGHT – Mar. 3 – Week #9 – Day #3(Day 62 of 365 – lost 1 pound) Total loss 9.8, 42.2 to go!

Take it from me, a very humbling experience is getting on the scale after a big day of gaining and see that you have indeed lost. Today it is 1 pound. After the nightmare of yesterday’s gain, I was better today, not perfect, but better. I actually anticipated a weight gain as my weight, gain or loss, seems to continue over several days of splurging. I am elated! It was merely a setback to deal with and move on. In the past, I would have used that gain as a time to talk myself into quitting completely and thinking I would do this weight loss thing another time. One of the best things that came out of the “Feeder” party for me was being in on a conversation among several ladies. One had the lap-band surgery and the other gastric bypass. Both had horror stories and one of them had been in intensive care for weeks. That conversation just made me stronger and more determined than ever to conquer this beast naturally. My pocket friend today wisely says, Build Your Foundation. The foundation for me is eating right using the justWEIGHT plan as my guide.

justWEIGHT – Mar. 2 – Week #9 – Day #2 (Day 61 of 365 – gained 1.4) Total loss 8.8, 43.2 to go!

As I have mentioned in an earlier blog, our worst enemy is “the Feeder”. It turns out the Feeder is any person you are around that encourages you to eat things you are not supposed to eat. They are sabotage extraordinaire! I had one of those days today feeling pretty cocky about doing so well and ate just a couple of cookies and a hand full of almonds this afternoon because I was going to dinner with girlfriends for one of their birthdays and knew in the back of my mind that I would over-indulge tonight anyway and maybe, just maybe, this extra snack would curb my appetite. Sound familiar? Rationalization is amazing when you are arguing with yourself. One friend called and asked if I wanted to meet her early and have a glass of wine while we waited, and being the good friend that I am, said of course. The special at the restaurant was nothing I could even begin to substitute for today’s menu, but it sounded so incredible and came with dessert! How could I say no? Gaining 1.4 pounds, that’s how. Yes, that’s correct, 1.4. Stay Away From “The Feeder” should have been on my mind all day. The wake-up call here is that the “Feeder” is the weak side of me. I’ve got to get away from that girl!

justWEIGHT – Mar. 1 – Week #9 – Day #1 (Day 60 of 365 – lost 1 pound) Total loss 10.2, 41.8 to go!

It was Monday morning grocery shopping early for me today. Apparently I am a slow learner, but have realized that if I get this done early in the day, the rest of my day, and week, seem better prepared. With a brown bag lunch meeting, I will eat a tuna salad, crackers and carrots before I leave. Armed with enthusiasm today, due to a 1.2 weight loss for Week #8, I am strong and determined. If you are thinking that’s nothing to write home about, you obviously are not a lifetime “dieter”. Believe me, 1.2 pounds is a true success story. As you know, my goal is 1 pound a week and to date, my average weekly weight loss following the justWEIGHT plan, I am very proud to announce, is 1.28!!! Right on track and not bad if I do say so myself. Grocery Shop Weekly

justWEIGHT – Feb. 28 – Week #8 – Day #7 (Day 59 of 365 – lost 1 pound) Total loss 9.2, 43.8 to go

Today wraps up the end of week #8. I have had good days and bad, but over the course of the past 59 days, I have lost 9.2 pounds. It has been slow. I have probably had only 25% of those days that I have either been able or been willing to follow the justWEIGHT plan exactly as printed or making correct substitutions. On the other hand, that’s what this weight loss plan is about. Substituting foods you have on hand or substituting foods you are offered for the right foods in the plan and having those daily menus in your head or in your pocket. The handwriting is on the wall…portion control, saying no. It’s the planning, thinking, and getting right back on track that are key. Do Not Get Discouraged.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 27 – Week #8 – Day #6 (Day 58 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 8.2, 43.8 to go!

Plan Ahead. This is one of those timely quotes for me as I have a busy week coming up…three fun lunches and three business, but fun, dinners out. Will this be a challenge? Probably so, but I am planning my week. I do know that each dinner will most likely have meat, vegetables and salad. If I don’t go off the deep end and eat the whole enchilada, but instead leave off bread and dessert, I should do great. Plan, plan, plan. The next seven days for me could be tricky.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 26 – Week #8 – Day #5 (Day 57 of 365 – gained .2 lbs) Total loss 8.2, 43.8 to go!

As luck would have it, this was one of those days I had the chance to stay home and in total control of what I prepared to eat. It was also grocery day, but I was in the mood to stay in and not even leave the house. I piddled in the yard, did a little laundry and caught myself checking out cookbooks for healthy recipes. I had some broccoli and cauliflower in a bag that needed to be steamed and no fresh vegetables for a green salad that was on today’s food plan, so I took my own advice to Substitute Vegetables You Have On Hand. After a week of struggling, I am back on track and doing great.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 25 – Week #8 – Day #4 (Day 56 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 8.4, 43.6 to go!

When all is said and done, The Turtle Wins The Race. We have been taught that since we were small children through the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. The same certainly holds true for weight loss. In 1996 I lost 42 pounds in 4 months. You know, one of those quick weight loss programs. It worked. What I also lost, though, was half my hair. I went to get my hair cut about half way through that diet plan and my hairdresser was combing mounds of detached hair off my head and told me she had several clients with the same problem on the same high protein, low carb diet. I also had several severe shooting pains in my chest. And, you guessed it. One year later I had gained that 42 pounds back plus five. Slow and easy. It’s not as exciting, but it gets the job done in a healthy way.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 24 – Week #8 – Day #3 (Day 55 of 365 – gained .6) Total loss 8.4, 43.6 to go!

Self Control – Well, well, well. Look who’s not laughing. I gained .6 and am struggling big time to get back on track. I know I have been behaving badly. We had dinner out last night and everything would have been just fine if that waiter had not opened his mouth and told us about the “special”. I didn’t stop there. I ate two dinner rolls with butter. I have nothing to say except bad behavior gets you absolutely nowhere and actually sets you on a reverse cycle. I am going to be perfect tomorrow and follow the justWEIGHT plan exactly and drink at least 64 ounces of water.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 23 – Week #8 – Day #2 (Day 54 of 365 – same weight today) Total loss 9.0, 43 to go!

Today was the first of four days that I have lunch scheduled with either meetings or friends. That’s always a challenge for me as I have learned I do much better at home on my own. It was a brown bag meeting and I should have packed lunch from home, but my husband had given me a Subway gift card he had received at the office so I made a quick stop on my way. I know what you are thinking…should have ordered a salad. Have I mentioned how little willpower I have? Not only a 6” sandwich with all the bread, Ranch dressing, etc. but a big bag of chips as well. Nine chips are perfectly legal, but today I ate them all. I’m just thankful I weigh the same as yesterday. Treat Yourself – I don’t think so. Today I do not deserve it.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 22 – Week #8 – Day #1 (Day 53 of 365 – same weight today) Total loss 9.0, 43 to go! (Lost .8 week)

Wish For What You Want is today’s banter. I wish for immediate satisfaction. I wish to be healthy. I wish to be rich and beautiful. This is way too easy, but possibly I’m just carried away. “They say” that wishing for what you want is actually just setting goals, and that setting goals ends in results. I truly believe this with all my heart. I began this journey with an end goal in mind and am successfully nine pounds closer to that goal and still on track according to the time table. Although I took a 3 day hiatus, I ended up losing .8 pound for the week so I refuse to cry over spilled milk. Grocery shopping this morning and I was off for a good start to this busy week.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 19 – Three day break… Total loss 9.0, 43 to go!

I am taking a three day break from the justWEIGHT plan for a very simple reason… I began this journey on a Friday and have struggled for 7 weeks to wrap my head around the fact that day 1 of each week is Friday, rather than Monday, the typical start date for me for any schedule for any week. It throws me off all the time and when I wrote the plan, I wrote it with Monday in mind as day 1. Why complicate things? Changing habits is already hard enough without adding unnecessary chaos. Therefore, I will not weight for 3 days and pick up right where I left off. That does not mean I will be out of control on my eating. I know what to eat, how much to eat, the importance of drinking my water, etc. I just won’t have an eating guide in front of me, be blogging or weighing until Monday morning. Have a great weekend.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 18 - Week #7 – Day #7 (Day 49 of 365 – same weight today) Total loss 9.0, 43 to go!

Reality seemed to start creeping in on the car ride home. Not being able to get comfortable in the seat due to lack of sleep and about 10,000 extra calories for the weekend. Thinking about facing the scale in the morning is obviously going to be doom and gloom. Most days I find the daily quote truly encouraging and right on track, but seeing Enthusiasm Is Contagious seemed a bit off today as I don’t feel enthusiasm about much of anything except crawling into bed tonight. Although a very busy week ahead, I did unpack and sit down with Week #8 and the grocery list. Interestingly enough, it did perk my enthusiasm. I don’t like feeling this sluggish from overeating. Snacking on cheese, crackers and dip along with all the wonderful, but very fattening meals, has left me waddling like a duck. What happened to the water??? I seemed to have forgotten all about it the past few days. Okay, gear up. One day at a time. Here we go.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 17 - Week #7 – Day #6 (Day 48 of 365 – lost .6 today) Total loss 9.0, 43 to go!

Okay, so today I completely abandoned ship. We are staying in the most wonderful B&B, slept late and found fresh coffee, juice and lots and lots of pastries. Rather than dressing & going in to town, I grabbed a couple of muffins, cup of coffee, went out and stuck my feet in the hot tub and watched the deer run around the meadow. No kidding, I know it sounds like a fairy tale and it was, but it was a true fairy tale. Sometime late morning, I managed to put on sweats and tennis shoes and took a long stroll around the property for just a little exercise. Nothing but exploring the rest of the afternoon and the day ended with the most wonderful dinner starting with a toast and ending with champagne. I truly took the day off from the justWEIGHT plan and needed it. Checking tonight rather than this morning, I see today’s bit of wisdom read, Easy Balance. I think this is what I did today and tomorrow is back to work.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 16 - Week #7 – Day #5 (Day 47 of 365 – gained .4 today) Total loss 8.4, 43.6 to go!

Once again the timing on my daily reminder was perfect. Eat Out & Stay True To Yourself. If you read my blog yesterday, you are aware that I left this morning for a weekend with the girls. We left early this morning (breakfast at home) and arrived at our beautiful B&B just before noon. Lunch today was at a very well known café where I was able to substitute my justWEIGHT plan peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a club sandwich. I ate only half the sandwich, about half my chips, drank my water and guess what, no one noticed a thing. We shopped all afternoon which I know burned some of the calories and had dinner this evening at a wonderful restaurant. I just thought meat, vegetable and salad, had one glass of wine, left the bread alone, and two bites of a shared dessert. Somehow, I don’t think the 30 minutes in the hot tub melted away any calories, but all in all, I think I had a pretty good food day.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 15 - Week #7 – Day #4 (Day 46 of 365 – lost .4 today) Total loss 8.8, 43.2 to go!

Determination is a much needed reminder today. Yesterday was a good day with a loss of .4 pounds which I consider a major success. A few days ago we were reminded that personal time is a necessity and I couldn’t agree more. Tomorrow, I am leaving with five girlfriends for a bed and breakfast weekend in a wonderful quaint German town full of wonderful shopping, music, and you guessed it…..restaurants. Now none of these friends are aware of my little year-long venture and I intend to keep it that way. There is nothing like ruining someone else’s time by being picky and getting attention on a vacation weekend full of fun. Here is my promise to myself and to you…..”I am DETERMINED to take my daily menu sheets in my purse, look at them, memorize my daily encouragement phrase, and practice rational substitution and portion control one day at a time because no one can do it for you.” Stay tuned………..

justWEIGHT – Feb. 14 - Week #7 – Day #3 (Day 45 of 365 – same weight today) Total loss 8.4, 43.6 to go!

Went to a dinner party tonight and feel very fortunate to weigh the same. There are No Shortcuts. That should be easy for me to remember as I am a professional dieter. It has always been those “quick weight loss” schemes for me in the past and it is a real adjustment for me to take it slow and easy…but it is working. I am still about two pounds ahead of schedule on weight loss and am in day 45. I have now lost 8.4 pounds. It does not sound like a lot. No one outside my family has noticed. I still don’t tell people because I guess I have that fear factor of failing. It seems once I make the announcement there is no turning back. You may wonder why I would even say that unless you, too, are an experienced dieter. Then you understand perfectly. I’m working on that because I know it is just an excuse. I also know there are no shortcuts and that is why I created the justWEIGHT plan in the first place. I still remind myself every day what my doctor said, “Lose a pound a week for a year and you will never gain it back.” I am 2 pounds ahead!

justWEIGHT – Feb. 13 - Week #7 – Day #2 (Day 44 of 365 – lost .2 today) Total loss 8.4, 43.6 to go!

The first thing I did this morning was to write down the daily thought, One Day At A Time, and stick it in my pocket. Okay, the first thing I did was weigh. I am still on track with my pound a week weight loss, but the weight loss is slowing down. I have had lots of distractions, but that is just life happening. I am just thinking about today. I was running errands at noon and was very tempted to substitute and go by a drive thru window. I didn’t. In my pocket was a reminder of this journey so I decided to take today and today only. I went home and made my lunch, saving calories and money, and simply making good choices. Lots of Omega 3 and fiber tonight with salmon and brown rice. I also drank lots and lots of water. Good day.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 12 - Week #7 – Day #1 (Day 43 of 365 – lost .2 today) Total loss 8.2, 43.8 to go!

Well, well, well. Miracle of miracles. I lost .6 pounds this week after all the whining. Perhaps some of this is actually sticking in my mind and I am subconsciously doing better than I had thought. You know, it’s just all about making those good choices. I am elated! Six weeks down, 43.8 to go and I am 2.2 pounds ahead of the game. It is still not a habit. It takes concentration every day. I owe a good deal of thanks to my dear friend, Martha. She is one of those “skinny eaters”, and therefore, believe it or not, thin, healthy and beautiful. She and her husband took me to a seafood restaurant for dinner Saturday. It was not a fancy restaurant and was chosen because they have televisions on every wall showing some type of sports. You know the type of place where you walk in the door and feel the grease sticking to your hair? I thought, oh boy, here I go again. Martha wasn’t even looking at the chalk boards boasting all the specials. She simply leaned over and said, “It’s all pretty good, but I get the grilled shrimp, spinach and applesauce.” I did, too. I was a skinny eater. She does not know I am on the justWEIGHT plan. She does not know it exists. That’s just the way she thinks every day. It was delicious, we all cheered for our team and went home happy. It was just not that hard. What a good lesson for me and an inspiration. I am back to my food guide roadmap and thought for the day. I’m in my comfort zone and will not leave them behind again. Oddly enough, today’s motivation…Portion Solution. Thank you, Martha, for a much needed lesson.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 11 - Week #6 – Day #7 (Day 42 of 365 – same weight today) Total loss 8.0 lbs, 44.0 to go!

It’s interesting to me that while developing the justWEIGHT plan, I would have some thought, or hear or read something that would give me a bit of encouragement. These tidbits became my daily “guides” of inspiration. When I began practicing the plan, I was amazed that almost every single day it appeared the perfect, appropriate thought was exactly what I needed that day. Now ending my sixth week of the justWEIGHT plan, I have to chuckle at myself for thinking I was so clairvoyant. Eating right, exercise, and good health are all about positive action and thought. Attitude is everything and today’s slogan of Personal Time is a Necessity hits the nail on the head. For me, at least, I must have personal time to recharge my batteries, do my planning and shopping, get my thoughts going in the right direction. Time is precious, and personal time is a necessity.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 10 - Week #6 – Day #6 (Day 41 of 365 – same weight today) Total loss 8.0 lbs, 44.0 to go!

Patience is today’s encourager. I have one more day on the road, then return home, which thus far in these first 41 days of the justWEIGHT plan, home has proven to be my only refuge. It is my safe haven, my sanctuary for self control. Yes, I do see that it is a problem. I’m working on it. Actually, being out of the house is not as big a problem as using the excuse of the influence I let other people have over what goes in my mouth. Is that ridiculous? Yes. It’s the trap of looking at a salad on the menu and having a friend say, “Oh you have to try the fried catfish. It’s absolutely the best thing you ever put in your mouth.” I’m a guest, right? I want to be invited back, right? As I am typing this I am already worrying about next weekend. Friends….. Okay, get a grip. The now 44 pounds I have left to lose over the next 324 days will not just “excuse” away. I am going to have to fight for it. I am going to have to have enough patience to follow this plan. There is not a single item that cannot be substituted with a proper food or left off completely. Now, I am not a nutritionist, but I do know carrying around this much extra weight is not going to work for me.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 9 - Week #6 – Day #5 (Day 40 of 365 – same weight today) Total loss 8.0, 44.0 to go!

I find blogging very interesting. It’s a bit like keeping a diary, but opening your secrets to the world. It’s easy and fun when everything is going the way it is supposed to, when you are in control and your story is going in the right direction. On the other hand, it is not so easy when you give up to circumstances that may or may not be in your control. Somehow, I am feeling guilty. I am out of town and not weighing but know I am eating all the wrong things. I left my “road map” at home. I should not be lost since I know full well in my head how to eat right, but, I miss that guide. I am discovering that it is a security blanket, especially the daily saying. This was another day of very bad eating. I am in someone else’s home, both wonderful cooks and hosts, but extremely hard on the waistline. There is no going back to make today better, so I will just Say “Thank You” to my friends for a wonderful day and take responsibility for myself.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 8 - Week #6 – Day #4 (Day 39 of 365 – gained .2 today) Total loss 8.0, 44.0 to go!

No One Can Do It For You – That statement is the absolute truth. Travelling again today, I substituted a club sandwich in a small town café for the tuna salad with crackers on the food plan. Did I really forget to ask the waitress to hold the chips? My destination was a good friend’s house who took me out to dinner. Bad girl, bad day. All my own fault for making one excuse after the other. How easy to make excuses. How comforting to spread the blame. No one can do it for you.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 7 - Week #6 – Day #3 (Day 38 of 365 – lost .2 today) Total loss 8.2, 43.8 to go!

Love Your Body – Why is this so hard? We are taught this lesson from the time we are small children. We are taught this lesson in the Bible. Many people say they “hate” their body and have a thousand people they would gladly swap with. I believe this literally means to simply take care of our bodies. Love them enough to stretch them out, give them nourishment. We need to focus on keeping our bodies well oiled and in as good a shape as possible so they last as long as they are meant to last. This earthy body we are given only gets one chance and there are so many circumstances over which we have no control, but there are also many circumstances over which we have complete control. I lost .2 pounds today controlling what I ate. I hope I can do the same tomorrow.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 6 - Week #6 – Day #2 (Day 37 of 365 – lost .4 today) Total loss 8.0, 44.0 to go!

Good, plain food. What a wonderful day to be home and in control. I had a half bagel and grapefruit for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and buffalo filet mignon for dinner. We received the buffalo as a Christmas gift and the meat is very lean and good for you. Drinking my water and flushing my system has made me feel so much better and have a little energy. Having indulged the past two days on some rather high calorie foods, I found around 8:00 pm I was craving that little extra something. While browsing in the fridge, I suddenly remembered seeing a friend I had not seen in quite a long time. She had lost about 40 pounds and looked absolutely fabulous. Her story was very simple. She had been to her family doctor for her annual checkup, and as she had done every year, was complaining about her weight. Her doctor simply told her that there is no magic. Her only hope to lose weight and keep it off was very simple. Just Don’t Eat It! This is my new mantra. I shut the fridge door and did not go back in the kitchen tonight at all.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 5 - Week #6 – Day #1 (Day 36 of 365 – gained .4 today) Total loss 7.6, 44.4 to go!

A new week of the justWeight plan begins today. Although I had a perfect one pound weight loss last week, I failed miserably on drinking my water. That will be my focus this week…no excuses. I did have a .4 pound setback today, probably due to overeating a bit and too much salt. Reading today’s quote of Healthier, Happier is certainly true and makes perfect sense when you come to the realization you do actually have control over everything that goes in your mouth. I did lose 1 pound this week and it is the overall week that counts and simply losing counts most of all. I am now beginning week #6 of the justWEIGHT plan and have lost a total of 7.4. I can guarantee this girl is getting healthier and happier and moving forward.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 4 - Week #5 – Day #7 (Day 35 of 365 – same weight today) Total loss 8.0, 44.0 to go!

Give Yourself Permission was, once again, the perfect statement for me today as that is exactly what I had done. I did eat the recommended sausage and biscuit for breakfast, had a meeting at lunch and kept it light. I am beginning to see a theme here. It seems that almost any thought for the day with a positive message fits perfectly somehow into any day, whether the day is routine or completely out of whack. I think this is very important to realize because each day is what we choose to make of it. It’s cold and raining today, my husband has a terrible cold, and nothing would do for dinner other than a spicy bowl of chili. By giving myself permission today, it was a warm, comfortable evening at home.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 3 - Week #5 – Day #6 (Day 34 of 365 – lost .4) Total loss 8.0, 44.0 to go!

Some days everything just seems to go right. I ate a Cobb salad for lunch (ate about half) rather than soup and sandwich, had my salmon croquette at dinner and everything else except for the popcorn which I did not eat simply because I was not hungry. Got on the scale this morning and had dropped another .4 pounds. That is huge! What a great week I am going to have. What did I do differently? I’m not sure, except that I just tried very hard to remember and live by each daily quote, follow the menu plan for the justWeight plan the best I could, and drink plenty of water. I did walk twice this week for 20 minutes and spent one morning in the yard, so I am sure the exercise helped. For those of you that have “dieted” in the past, you know that often when you do your very best, the weight just seems to sit still, then you get up one day and there it is…a significant drop. This was one of those days for me which leaves me at a loss of 15% of my weight loss goal. Today’s wisdom….Easy Choices.

justWEIGHT – Feb. 2 - Week #5 – Day #5 (Day 33 of 365 – lost .2) Total loss 7.6, 44.4 to go!

Do Your Best Today – Reading today’s reminder early this morning was the perfect thing for me to do today. I had a luncheon today with a catered meal which consisted of a Caesar chicken wrap, a side that I think may have been rice, mixed fruit and for dessert, one small piece of chocolate candy. I just happened to be sitting between two friends I have identified as “skinny eaters” and noticed both had unwrapped their wrap and were eating the chicken, lettuce and other ingredients from the inside. I acted as if that had been my original idea and followed suit, ate the fruit and also the candy. Around 2:00 this afternoon I felt my stomach was caving in against my backbone and that I surely would starve to death before reaching the kitchen. I grabbed my afternoon snack of pudding, drank 16 ounces of water, breathed deeply, and was satisfied until dinner. I did do my best today, all day long. Not the greatest day food wise, but did I mention I lost .2 pounds? Yes!

justWEIGHT – Feb. 1 - Week #5 – Day #4 (Day 32 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 7.4, 44.6 to go!

New month, new beginning. It’s easy to start Month #2 with enthusiasm since the first month went so well. I did not gain or lose any weight today, spent 7 hours in the car, unpacked, took a long bath and early to bed, but my spirits are high and I am enjoying this feeling of Control I have grasped for the moment. My weight loss of 7.4 pounds from last month has me confident that the justWeight plan will work for me if I simply follow that roadmap. I popped Stouffer’s stuffed bell peppers in the oven, boiled noodles, made a quick fruit salad and dinner was done. I did take control of this day rather than letting it take of control of me. A rare occurrence, indeed.

justWEIGHT – Jan. 31 - Week #5 – Day #3 (Day 31 of 365 - lost.6) Total loss 7.4, 44.6 to go! Month #1 = (7.4)

WINNER!!! It has been a one month journey today and I am turning cartwheels and feeling so “right” about the justWeight plan. Thinking about doing something a whole year seems like a very long time, but this month has flown by. I have now made 12% of the journey and have lost 14% of my weight loss goal. Although many days have been difficult and even lost, looking back over this past month has made me realize it is really not so bad. It’s all about not giving up. It’s all about messing up one day and eating right the next. I have not been hungry. I feel good about myself although not one single person has looked at me and said, “Have you lost weight?” When you have 52 pounds to lose, it takes more than the 7.4 pounds I have lost over the past 31 days to make enough of a difference that people would notice. But, I notice. My clothes notice. I have just a teensy bit more energy, clothes fit just a little better, and for some reason I smile more. Yes, today I am VERY proud of me. I only have 44.6 pounds to go. I am going to Buy Myself a Prize.

justWEIGHT – Jan. 30 - Week #5 – Day #2 (Day 30 of 365 - lost.2) Total loss 6.8, 45.2 to go!

Be Positive – I kept this thought all day and felt great. We are travelling for a couple of days on a business trip and get to spend time (and meals) with some of our favorite “life-long” friends we have made through the years. Breakfast with the girls, lunch with the girls, dinner with the group. One friend commented, “You’re certainly eating healthy.” That was it! No inquiry. No interrogation. Just a comment and it truly did make me “feel positive.” How did I conquer over indulging? Simply stated: I planned ahead. I took along my justWeight plan and studied each meal before eating. I did a lot of legal substituting and kept concentrating on being positive rather than pouting about passing on that bread pudding with coconut ice cream. Oh yes. I also lost .2! Slept like a baby rather than a stuffed pig. Feels really good.

justWEIGHT – Jan. 29 - Week #5, Day #1 (Day 29 of 365 – weighed the same) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

Appreciate Your Family … the perfect thought for the day for me. Not weighing every day is not going to work for me. I practically broke out in a sweat and my heart was racing as I approached the scale this morning. My anxiety was unbelievable! The relief I felt when realizing I was exactly the same as last Friday morning was so comforting until I realized I only lost .4 during week #3 of the justWeight plan and nothing at all this week. I am still a little over two pounds ahead of my “lose a pound a week” goal for this year, but that lead is rapidly diminishing. And, it’s not about last week or the week before that. It’s about today and about tomorrow and about the rest of my life. Feeling very disappointed in myself I trudged into the bedroom and made a bold statement to my husband that I was failing miserably! Very cautiously, he said, “Must have been the Chinese and Mexican food…or could have been the chocolate cake and ice cream. You did have a lot of uncontrollable meals…seemed like we ate out all week. This week will be better.” Sweet? Yes. But, not only had I been making excuses for myself all week, but now he was making excuses for me as well. “Don’t make excuses for me. I need a coach!” was my response. I’m sure he left for work shaking his head and wondering how this somehow ended up being his fault. I’m right, I do need a coach, but that coach has to be me. I do appreciate my family. It’s that wonderful, unconditional love.

justWEIGHT – Jan. 28 - Week #4, Day #7 (Day 28 of 365 – did not weigh) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

Looking back over the week, I think I have to admit failure. Rationalization tricks us into thinking something is okay when in actuality we know it is not. I let myself slide almost every day over one excuse or another. I’m struggling here. If you are reading this you understand. If you are a “dieter”, you understand. Having company, social events, don’t want to make people uncomfortable, don’t want to be a party pooper, don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. All those excuses are valid, but the truth is, you c-a-n at least maintain your weight in all these situations. Do you honestly think everyone in the room is looking at your plate and how much you are eating? That might be true if you put one dab on your plate or if you fill it to the point it is falling over the edge, but small amounts of several food items draw no attention. And, if you leave a few bites of each food on your plate, no one will think a thing about it. Throwing caution to the wind will land you in the middle of a tornado! I can feel it. I fear tomorrow morning will not be pleasant. Love Yourself sounds pretty simple. Today I had to really work on it, but decided I do love myself enough to get real and stop making these rationalizations. Healthy eating is just that…..healthy eating. My lesson at the end of this first four weeks is that I must learn that I can conquer anything one day at a time.

justWEIGHT – Jan. 27 - Week #4, Day #6 (Day 27 of 365 – did not weigh) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

Lay Your Fork Down Between Bites – Perhaps the wording should have read “Lay Your Fork Down!” My husband and I have been in a Supper Club group for the past 18 years or so. In fact, we often spend time at this monthly gathering of scrumptious feasting trying to remember exactly how long we have been doing this. Several years ago we took a Supper Club group trip to Santa Fe and attended a cooking class with Chef Johnny Vee and learned the art of cooking Santa Fe Mexican food. Last night, the hosts for this month decided to duplicate that dinner which included cheese queso, guacamole, chips, margaritas, chicken enchiladas, rice, beans and ice cream tacos for dessert. Did I think one time about the justWeight plan? No! Did I think for a second about laying my fork down between bites? No! In fact, I am quite sure I left tongue prints on my plate. It was fun, delicious, social and a big part of our lives. I gave myself a break. I will have to pay for it. I did backslide, but that’s okay. I face the scale Friday morning and plan to follow the justWeight plan exactly. In fact, I think tomorrow will undo whatever damage I did today…..and it was worth it. Adios amigos.

justWEIGHT – Jan. 26 - Week #4, Day #5 (Day 26 of 365 – did not weigh) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

Caesar salad in a bag. Don’t you just love it? Each bag has three servings, but I usually eat half a bag which contains only 135 calories including the dressing. I also cut calories and fats by using only half the dressing that comes with the bag, which is plenty. I prepared a wonderful spaghetti dinner with Caesar salad in about 20 minutes. Happy family, happy me. I stuck to the program completely today and feel much better. We have friends coming in today for a couple of days. I am trying to get ahead of the game by checking the menu plan and planning ahead. Social eating (or not eating) is the hardest! Have Realistic Expectations.

justWEIGHT – Jan. 25 - Week #4, Day #4 (Day 25 of 365 – did not weigh) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

Listen to Your Instincts Good advice, I am sure, but my instincts this morning were telling me “more sleep” rather than “get up and walk”. The pull to get on the scale is very strong, but I have made this commitment to not weigh until Friday morning (the day I have chosen as the beginning of each justWEIGHT plan week). The not knowing drives me crazy, but I will be true to my promise. Ate all meals at home today, followed plan exactly and the steak, baked potato and salad were yummy. What a treat. Although I am ahead of my loss of “one pound a week” goal, I am getting close to even, so now is no time to get sloppy. Perhaps I have been Listening to My Instincts today. Good job!

justWEIGHT – Jan. 24 - Week #4, Day #3 (Day 24 of 365 – did not weigh) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

I left off the piece of bacon this morning since yesterday I weighed the same as the day before. I intentionally did not weigh today, nor will I for the next four days, concentrating on what I eat rather than what I weigh. Drank all my water and as I was working on the justWEIGHT plan all day while sitting at the computer, I tried to get up and move around as much as possible. Park at the End of the Row and Walk! No doubt this is excellent advice, but since I did not leave the office today, I will commit it to memory. Walking at least three times a week for 20 minutes would improve anyone’s health, not to mention weight loss. I will incorporate that into my week starting tomorrow. For now, it’s off to bed.

Just Weight – Jan. 23 - Week #4, Day #2 (Day 23 of 365 - - same weight) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

Prove It To Yourself – Sounds easy enough, huh? Not so fast. After gaining yesterday, I did manage to stay the same today. The problem…eating out again. Not once, but twice! Had friends drive through from out of town and met them for Chinese food at noon, then last night a 50th birthday party for one of my best friends. It would be rude not to eat cake, right? It would be rude to only order salad when everyone else is enjoying their entrée, baked potato, and hot bread, right? WRONG. But, too late for me. I used that excuse, I rationalized. Now let’s see, I need flash cards. Whatever happened to Declare Your Position to Others, Do Not Derail, Just Make It Through the Day? I am beginning to understand how important it is to take it one day at a time. This is the point I usually give up and simply say, “I can’t do it.” Well, not this time, friends. If I can lose weight last week while traveling four day, surely I can do it at home. I do not plan to weigh until the end of the week. Today is a new day and I plan to make it perfect. Hmmm, plan seems to be a key word here.

Just Weight – Jan. 22 - Week #4, Day #1 (Day 22 of 365 - gained .8 lbs.) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45 to go!

My prediction was correct. I did not lose my pound last week, but I did lose .4 pound and am very pleased. Yesterday I repeated the old phrase “Three weeks makes a habit!” I guess that just applies to MOST people. Obviously the habit I am referring to is slow, healthy, weight loss by just eating right. Once a month I meet with a group of friends to solve the world’s problems. We are pretty good at fixing the world, but our own unidentified problem is that we meet in a Mexican food restaurant. Now, if you are one of those people I refer to as “skinny eaters”, you know the type…move their food around on their plate, take two or three bites, push away the chips. Got the picture? Well, obviously, that’s not me we are talking about. Showing up with all good intentions, I failed miserably. I ate half a basket of chips by myself and a complete dinner. Eat Slowly!!! Would have been good to have read this tip this morning rather than referring to my daily menu after lunch! Lesson for today, scan entire daily menu the night before, the morning of, and commit the daily quote to memory for 24 hours.

Just Weight – Jan. 21 - Week #3, Day #7 (Day 21 of 365 – lost .4 lbs.) Total loss 7.4 lbs, 44.6 to go!

Three Weeks Makes a Habit! Yes, it’s only been three weeks, but it’s a good start. For me, it’s been a pretty hard three weeks. It’s not the menu plans that are hard to do. In fact, having meal plans right in front of me and groceries in the pantry are a snap. It’s “the rest of the world” out there that interferes. So, in a nutshell, I have behavioral issues that I must overcome. Everyone has the same challenges and I must learn to deal effectively. They say three weeks makes a habit. I would have to say that so far, my habit needs fine tuning. Tomorrow begins a new week and there is comfort in that for me. I am afraid I will not have met my 1 pound loss for this week, but I did not lose any ground and that in itself is a success. I am putting this week to rest. No looking back.

Just Weight – Jan. 20 - Week #3 – Day #6 (Day 20 of 365 – lost .4 lbs.) Total loss 7.0 lbs, 45 to go!

There’s no place like home! Where else can you dance around like a madman and get away with it? Out of town four days and I LOST, yes, LOST, .4 pounds. Now that may not sound like much to you, but I can tell you that it is the first time in my entire life that I went on any trip without gaining weight. Trips have been the backslide result of my weight loss all my life. Yes, yes, yes. I can do this. Could I have done better? Of course. Next time I will. I still cheated way too much, did not drink my water and did not exercise at all. Another day of great motivation. If you can’t be proud of yourself, who will be? Today’s quote is Declare Your Position to Others. I can’t tell you how important I think this is. I used to think it was better to keep it to yourself and not impose on others. No more. That’s just an excuse to eat more and eat the wrong things. Most people will actually try and help you. I am making this declaration to the world today…”I am going to lose weight…my goal… a pound a week”.

Just Weight – Jan. 19 - Week #3 – Day #5 (Day 19 of 365 - same weight) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

Breathe Before Each Bite is good for thought and in practice, but after a five hour car ride and three loads of laundry, eating today was just thrown to the wind. I did consciously try to pay attention, but found it impossible to eat right. All I could do was cut back on portions, but that in itself just has to help. The morning “wake up call” will come when I strip down to bare bones and face the scale for the first time in four days. I’m drinking lots of water as that is one area in which I have been very delinquent while traveling.

Just Weight – Jan. 18 - Week #3 – Day #4 (Day 18 of 365 - same weight) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

With Do Not Derail as today’s mental plug, I wrote it down on the back of a business card to carry with me throughout the day since I had “meal” meetings at noon and this evening. That one reminder even carried me through an afternoon break at the movie theatre with only a diet coke. I did, however, slip into unconsciousness tonight and ate three pieces of pizza. Not only did I derail, but crashed and burned along the way. Hopefully tomorrow will be better as I will be heading home. I’ve just got to get this travel thing under control!

Just Weight – Jan. 17 - Week #3 – Day #3 (Day 17 of 365 – same weight) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

Cereal was easy this morning so I was off to a good start. I attended a beautiful luncheon with excellent speakers, and as I had suspected, a wonderful catered lunch. A green salad was on the table when we arrived, along with a fabulous chocolate mousse decorated as only a professional chef can do. Our plate lunch consisted of a wonderfully juicy chicken breast which was placed on top of mashed potatoes, vegetable medley and rolls. Eat Healthy Food was today’s mental note, so I dutifully ate every bite of the scrumptious chicken, salad and vegetables, turned my back on the table to face the speakers and never once did I look back at that dessert! Egg drop soup and egg roll for dinner.

Just Weight – Jan. 16 - Week #3 – Day #2 (Day 16 of 365 - lost .4 today) Total loss 6.6 lbs, 45.4 to go!

I went ahead and weighed this morning before beginning this four day trip. It’s always hard to compare if you don’t weigh on the same scale since they all vary. I lost .4 pounds yesterday (applause please) and won’t be weighing again until Saturday morning when I will be home. Just Make It Through the Day is my catch phrase for today. I need to mark this in my memory and remind myself each day throughout this trip to take it one day at a time. Did great. Ate breakfast and lunch at home, took a South Beach protein bar to eat in the car with a bottle of water, and although I did not get my printed menu of chicken, salad and garlic bread, I did substitute the meat and vegetables. As I was eating out tonight, I left off the garlic bread and dessert. Having brought along apples and bottled water from home, that was my evening snack and I think I did very well today.

Just Weight – Jan. 15 - Week #3 – Day #1 (Day 15 of 365 - lost .2 lbs) - (LOST 6.2, 45.8 to go)

Yes, yes, yes! I lost 2.2 pounds last week for a total loss of 6.2. That makes me ahead of my one pound a week goal by 4.2 pounds. Now, I simply can’t let that go to my head or I’ll be sliding down this hill backward. So Count Your Blessings. I had a most soul nourishing, fabulous, relaxing massage this morning that made any sacrifice completely worth it. This is, however going to be a challenging week for me as I am travelling again for the next four days. I am taking my just Weight food binder with me, of course, and will do as much advanced planning as possible. I know of one luncheon and one dinner that I will just have to work around, but I’m feeling strong and confident. I had my pizza fix today with one piece and a salad so I am good to go.