The scale moved again!

Finally, after 5 weeks at the same weight, I am down 2 more pounds to 217.  I literally jumped up and down after weighing because I was so excited to see a different number on the scale-and it went in the right direction!  I even weighed a second time just to make sure.

I suppose this was a mini plateau and I must say it sucked.  I kept on exercising though and stayed in the right calorie zone for the most part.  I did have a few "screw it" moments and went over my calories, but I have had no "binges" since I began this journey in April.  It just wouldn't be worth it.  I don't miss the hurting stuffed stomach or the acid reflux from eating too much.  I have come close with the Watermelon this summer, but better Watermelon than the processed carbs I used to binge on.

I still have an obsession with food and I constantly think about eating.  I am a food addict.  I know that sounds strange and just outright ridiculous to people who eat normal, but it is true.  I don't know that I will ever stop struggling.  I do know that I want a healthier relationship with food and that I want a healthy body and that means I have to work at it daily.  So, I can't really escape the food.  Unlike alcoholics and drug addicts, I need my drug of choice to sustain life.  Life would be so much easier if I didn't need food.  I could just quit cold turkey and fill my days with so many other things.  Sigh.

For exercise I have been attending a fitness class 3 times a week.  It is very intense for someone my size, but I do feel like I am in much better shape.  The first time around that I took the class (for one month when I weighed 258) I literally thought I might die - that my heart was going to pop out of my chest.  Now, I merely get out of breath, but about 15-20 minutes after class I literally feel energized!  The instructor is obsessed with squats (are you seeing this Brian?????- More back of the leg exercises please!) so the fronts on my thighs are rock hard.  I feel like I am getting Hulk thighs!!  Meanwhile the backs on my legs (hamstrings??) feel mushy and desperately need to be toned.  Squats don't do it for me- I only feel it in the front part of my legs.  Anyway, I have started doing exercises at home for the back of my legs - it makes me feel better even though I have been told I can't "spot train." 

Since three times a week isn't enough I am stepping up the exercise and on the off days I have been bike riding with my 6 year old who thinks it is great fun.  It IS great fun being able to keep up with him!!  This is what I have been dreaming about.  Although I am not at goal weight yet, this was one of my goals - to bike ride with the kids.  As the weight keeps coming off I envision longer and more exciting rides.

Here is the most recent photo - this weight was 219:

So, it's weird.  In these photos I prefer the side view, but when I am wearing my workout clothes I much prefer the front view.  I am starting to like the curves in my hip area and I am enjoying the smaller size of my legs. 

Speaking of legs, my legs and butt are still one size smaller than my gut.  I can now squeeze into the Size 16 jeans hanging in my closet and at the store I pulled a 16 off the rack and it went on with ease and there was no muffin top.  I think when I am down about 5-8 more pounds my 16's should fit comfortably and be wearable in public. I can't wait!!!