Healthy Holidays Update #6 - Doing Better

This week has gone much better.  There was no drastic dieting, but simply sticking to the goals I had set for myself.  There were still more higher calorie days than I need, but definitely more sticking to my plan.  

The best news, and ultimately where I want to see change, is... the scale is going back down.  I'm pleased with this.  

For the official check-in ...

1. I will exercise at least 30 minutes at least 4 times a week.  I have been a busy beaver, accomplishing much, but not always getting my exercise in.  I will exercise today and if I get it done tomorrow, then I will hit my goal.  So, yellow...because it's not quite there.  
2. I will eat "weight-loss" portions and healthier options, tracking my food on My Fitness Pal, so I will see a loss of at least 10 pounds.  Weight is 188.5, down 4 lbs. from last week (and the week before).  This is only 2/10 lbs down, but I'm so glad I'm back down.  Woot!  And the eating has gone much, much better this week.  
3. I will drink at least 32 oz. of pure water a day.  Yes!  When the weather cools I want more coffee, but I've been making myself drink water down before I drink more coffee.  I've also been drinking water with meals and that is making a difference.  :)
4. I will bake and enjoy holiday treats within reason, making sure to track what I eat no matter how high the calorie count.  Another yes!  The past couple of days I told myself I could have a sweet treat (this week it's Halloween candy) at the end of the day.  It's helped me really choose what to have.  Yesterday my husband's office gave him a large birthday cake for "you and your family"  [insert scary-I-don't-need-cake-in-my-house-face] Everyone had pieces in the evening and I had a couple bites.  I felt so proud of myself.  It's been a LONG time since I've said no or only-a-little to myself.
5. I will strive for a balance between challenging myself to stick to a healthier plan and allowing myself to mess up.  A fourth and final.. YES. Allow me to share....

This challenge has made me think about setting a good example to those that are following it.  As the hostess of the challenge I feel a need to be a good example.  If I'm going to tell people that I lost a lot of weight and I'm currently hosting a challenge, shouldn't I be living what I'm preaching?

It's been hard, because I just haven't felt like it.  

Honest.  I read a post on procrastination and the author mentioned, "Why are you procrastinating something you've been wanting to do?"  I originally started reading the article thinking of some projects I need to finish, but when I read that line my weight came to mind and I thought because I don't want to [eat healthy, watch portions]. 

I didn't dwell on the thought, but went on with my day.  I wasn't surprised by my internal response, but knew we don't always like what we have to do. 

This challenge has really been forcing me to think about my actions and whether I'm being a good example to those following.  No worries, there is no pressure to be perfect, but the pressure to at least follow what I'm preaching.  It's a healthy balance "between challenging myself to stick to a healthier plan and allowing myself to mess up.".

So, here's to another week.  If you're reading this and wondering who are the people following this challenge I'm talking about...they are all on Instagram.  I have 12 or so people on this challenge with me and I want to do better so they will be encouraged to keep it up as well.  :)

Thanks for checking in!  Have a good weekend!