Today, I am embarking on a 2 day spiritual fast. I have never fasted before for that reason. Of course, I fasted prior to my surgery and afterwards, but that was not to get closer to GOD. This fast is two get closer to GOD. I am excited and scared all at once. I pray that I have the self-discipline to stick to it. Due to my nutritional needs as a bariatric patient, I will be having 2 protein shakes a day, but I will not have any foods that I can chew. So I will be drinking water, green tea, and broths today and tomorrow and praying. Here we go....

Hello, everyone it is has been awhile since I have posted anything. I went through a rough patch, but by the grace of God I came through. I graduated last December with my masters in Education and Principal certification. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a job in administration. I am thankful to still have my teaching positions. I was extremely unhappy last year (school year) and of course my eating got the best of me. I regained 20lbs. I was not where I wanted to be professionally or personally and I just stopped caring. I prayed to God for guidance and direction and when I started to listen things begin to become clearer.

I restarted the prayer group at work and that has helped me stay positive about where I am professionally. My department is expanding next year; something I have been working towards for 6 years. I am returning to school in the Spring to work on a master degree in Criminal Justice. My ultimate educational goal is to get a doctoral degree or a law degree.

Personally, I am looking into foster/adoption. I have a strong desire to be a mother and I have been unlucky in love. I have never been one to allow my goals to be dependent on someone else. So I am continuing on with my goal of motherhood alone. If love finds me along the way, then so be it.

I find that now that I have more clarity in the path my life is going that I have more control over my health. I have started exercising again and I am keeping up with what i am eating. I do not want to ruin the gift (pouch) I have been blessed with. Today I am fasting. Having protein shakes. I want to get closer to God and I want to get into better tune with my pouch. I choose today because it will be a challenge not to eat as I cook for the holiday. I will restrict myself to the little spoon to taste for seasonings; not the grazing I normally do. It will take much prayer and discipline. But I am going to lose this 15 lbs (already lost 5 of the 20 regained) and then continue on to my goal.

It has been a long time since I posted anything. I have been busy living life. I find myself getting out of the house more and being social. On June 18, I went to Houston to participate in a 2 mile charity beer run. It was so much fun. My team won 3rd place for team costume. I am still struggling with making better food choices, but I have come to the realization that I will probably always have this struggle.  I will always have to make conscious decisions about the food I put in my mouth. I guess in a way it is like how an alcholic must daily make the decision not to drink. I must daily make the decision to eat healthy and right.  Somedays are easier than others.

On a more positive note, my exercise schedule has improved greatly.  I get the the gym at least 3 times a week and most weeks it is 4 times.  I am hoping to workout 5 times a week now that school is out.  Professionally, things are going well. I will graduate in December with my master's degree and principal certification.  I hope to move to the Houston area after the completion of this upcoming school year.  Life is good!

Well, I did pretty good this week.  I lost my goal of 2lbs despite the fact that I was on period and craving carbs!  I did give in a little but not too much.  I did not exercise as much as I should have and I paid for it Saturday when I did my third 5K. It kicked my ass. I had the worse time ever. I am going to have to keep up my exercise routine. I need to hit the gym or track at least 3 times a week. Last week I just went to the track once.

Well, this week my goal is to lose another 2lbs.

Hola OH family, it has been awhile since I posted.  I have had a derailment on the weight loss track.  Old eating habits have returned and my weight loss has come to a stand still.  Thank GOD I have not gained anything, but I am not losing weight either.  I find myself snacking and drinking while I eat, not getting my protein in or taking my vitamins regularly.  I am deeply disappointed in my lack of stamina. I did what I was supposed to for 5 months and I have been off track for the past 2 months. I am beginning to see that this is truly a life long battle that I will have to fight for the rest of my life.  I have endured too much not to lose the weight I want to--need to lose.

So I am recommitting to the process today.  Food is no longer a source of entertainement for me, but a means to keep my body nurished.  I have to ensure that I am eating the right kinds of food and not just what tastes good to me.  I have to be mindful of everything I put in my body.  I have another 60lbs that I have to lose to reach my goal. I know that I can do it only if I work the tool that has been given to me. It is Sunday, the start of a new week and the restart to my new relationship with food. I am back on track.....