To read about my weight loss journey, here are the links. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.

During my first weight loss journey, I played what I called a numbers’ game. I was obsessed with the number of calories I was eating but not the nutritional value. I would then play the game of it, “This doughnut is only 200 calories.” to rationalize why I was eating a doughnut. Then I would ensure I eat 200 fewer calories later in the day. Another trick I would do was look at a bag of potato chips and then divide it into smaller portions. “7 chips equals 70 calories so I’ll only eat that many.” I didn’t care about how much fat was in the chips. All I cared about was the number of calories.

I really didn’t learn anything about how to eat healthier. So it was easier for me to not maintain my weight in the long run.

Then there was the year I gave up drinking pop. I gave it up cold turkey and did great. After a year, I picked up my first can and gradually began drinking it again. Not a good thing – I maintained my weight, and my teeth were in great shape while not drinking pop. Soon I was drinking a pop a day, sometimes 2 pops a day. My favorites changed from time to time. When I stopped drinking pop 2 months ago, my favorite pop was Coke.

As I stated 2 months ago, I opened my last pop and drank a sip or two. Then I decided it was not worth it and gave it up once again cold turkey. I gave my Coke bottles to my sister-in-la so I didn’t have the temptation.

I’ve started on another weight loss journey. I decided not to just focus on the calories even though I look at the calories of different foods, especially when I’m eating out, so I can make the healthiest choices. My changes have come from eating differently and healthier. I’ve eaten new things in the past month and have discovered new flavors – kale and quinoa are two.

I also found Slender Kitchen. She has meal plans that are based on weight watchers. It’s what I’ve been looking for. I’ve got plans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Do I follow them exactly? No, but at least I’ve got a starting point. In the last two weeks, I’ve followed those plans and lost five pounds! I’m satisfied with the food, so there is no overeating. Some of the recipes are simple, and others require some prep time.

I realize you need to worry about the calories you eat versus the amount you burn. For me, I need to focus on learning how to eat healthier.

The next step in my journey is learning how to be more active.

So November of 2012, I was transferred from middle school to elementary school, and I joined Elf 4 Health.

The bathroom right next to my room has a full-length mirror in it. Almost every time I went to the restroom. I would look at a side view of myself and shake my head. I couldn’t believe how I let myself go. I was afraid I would continue to gain weight. Not a very good feeling.

My first elf was Lyndi. She is awesome. We emailed each other daily, several times a day. We discussed what we were eating and about our day. She encouraged me. During that time, I did most of the challenges and started to get my feet wet into a lifestyle change, not just me playing a numbers game.

Then I was matched up with Gretchen. We still email each other several times a week. She also encouraged me. I felt like I could do this.

My third elf only emailed me a few times. Fortunately, Gretchen and I continued to be each other’s elves.

I participated in more challenges during the last few weeks of Elf 4 Health. I loved they were both for spiritual well-being and also physical health.

Although I had already learned some new eating habits, I learned even more. I tried new foods – chia seeds, PB2, and green smoothies. I started putting more veggies in my dishes. I became aware of how much fiber needed to be in my diet.

I learned how it’s important to move and be active. I’m not where I need or want to be in becoming healthy.

Most of I learned to love myself! Once that occurred, the extra weight began to come off. I’m now 0.5 pounds from having what is considered a healthy BMI.

My journey is not complete. I still have more to learn. But I’m on my way to becoming healthier.