Because I Wanted To

Last weekend was wonderful! I was so busy on that I didn't even get on the computer until Sunday night. This is a great thing for me, for a two reasons.

• Recently I can waste a lot of time on the computer and sitting still instead of taking care of projects/chores that need to be tended to.
• In the past, I spent tons of time on the computer because I didn't have the energy to do much else.

And this leads me to some things I observed about my weekend that made me so happy.

Short story: I have an abundance of energy daily that I can't remember having, like, pretty much ever, and I ate well because I chose to, not because I felt obligated to.

Below is the long story if you're interested. I just can't stand not to write it all out, because it makes me so happy. :)

Saturday started with a soccer game at 9:00am. Husband went to do some volunteer work at the dental college and I took the kids to pick up and take a friend to work. Then we washed our van at a quick drive through with free shop vacs (love that!!), then we went to the store to find shorts for one of my daughters, which lead us to find great deals for all three kids. We stopped for lunch and took it home to eat.

During lunch I informed everyone that we needed to get to our Saturday chores before any more playing. So, then it was clean house and wash towels. I tend to hop on the computer between different housecleaning chores, but I didn't this day. (That's not weight loss related, but just having energy and staying focused. :) )

About the time housecleaning was done I realized my husband would be home from the school soon, so I texted him to ask if we could go buy the deep freezer we've been talking about.

So our evening was spent buying a deep freezer (which, yes, I'm in heaven about) and then going out for dinner. Where..... drum roll please.....

.....

....

.... I was faced with mexican restaurant food and chose to order the grilled chicken and veggies with fresh pico de gallo and rice just BECAUSE I WANTED TO.

Nothing else sounded that good. Fresh grilled chicken breast and veggies sounded much better. Yes, I had chips before our meal, but I enjoyed them in moderation. Plus, I only ate half of my dinner because I got full.

I know you all understand the excitement I was feeling as I took a picture of my plate (much to the rolled eyes of my husband) just to show you that THIS was want I wanted to eat and then I didn't even finish it all.

I went home a very contented woman, who actually ended up going and picking up aforementioned friend from work and taking her home before finally settling down for the night.

But...the good feelings don't stop there....

Sunday afternoon I was really wanting some good bar-b-q, and my husband spoiled us and let us go out to eat for a second day in a row. We went to this wonderful bar-b-q place where I ordered the baked potato with chopped brisket and everything else (but the cheese..I know...I didn't want cheese though..).

That potato hit the spot.

I ate it slowly, enjoying every bite and then suddenly began to realize I was getting full. So, I slowed even more, enjoying conversation with the kids and hubby, and then finally stopped.

I was done.

It was very good, but I was full, so I didn't eat the last couple of bites of meat and the last 1/4 of the potato. (This wasn't the HUGE ones, but a good sized potato). It felt good to leave the restaurant satisfied, but not stuffed!!

Then...more good news....

Usually about an hour prior to leaving for the evening service I'll get a munchy feeling and want to eat something sweet with my second cup of coffee. Well, that feeling kind of hit again, but I stopped, felt if I was hungry, decided I was still full from lunch and just enjoyed the coffee by itself while I caught up on blogs.

BIG change for me....and not because I forbid myself, but again BECAUSE I WANTED TO. :)

After the evening service I was definitely hungry and had a small dinner with hubby while kids enjoyed a snack before bed.

So, as I went to bed Sunday night I was content and happy that there are solid changes going on in my body and mind towards food. I am making choices because it's what I want now, and not just because it's what the plan allows or the rules say I should do.

I told Diane earlier that sometimes I get nervous wondering if these good choices will last, but I have decided to enjoy where I'm at right now and keep my eyes focused on one day at a time. I will not worry about all the tomorrows. :)

p.s. Can you see now why I imagine that dress I buy next year might be smaller than I thought originally?? :D There is hope!!