Gosh I haven’t posted in here for a long time!!!!  I’ve had a mixed bag lately.  Life has been good, been reconnecting to people from my past whom I have missed which is always nice, holiday was good too.  Had some real stresses lately, mundane stuff.  Car issues, cable issues, broken fingers.  I have been trying to work through all the “Life stuff that gets in the way” and still be healthy, but have felt that my workouts aren’t what they used to be and well I need to get back on the horse again.  I have months of where I do super good-kick butt take names good, then weeks of well, ugliness when it comes to living healthy.  I know it is totally stress related.  During those times I listen to Scott’s podcasts then get even more frustrated with myself since he makes it seem so easy.  If I could donate my lust for chocolate to him, I gladly would!!!!

We are in a bit of a family crisis (missed the conference call due to a family “emergency” gathering).  My brother in law and his wife went through in vitro to get pregnant, went in to their 20 week ultrasound yesterday to discover some serious issues with their baby.  They discovered it was a boy who seems to have a spinal problem, heart issues, and dents in its skull.  We really don’t know too much other than that until they go to the specialist (Which is today) and a genetic counselor.  As a mom myself, I was heartbroken.  Seems like “life’ is testing this family and well, I hope to get a high score and make it through.  I keep reminding myself that I need to invest in myself...one step at a time right????

Wow Julie, that is heartbreaking. I can’t imagine what your family must be feeling right now. My thoughts and prayers are with your brother in law and family.

I’m really sorry, shocked and saddened from the news about your BIL & SIL and their baby. I know how devastating the news is to them and my prayers go out to them and all of your family. I know they are taking it hard and I’m really glad that you’re there for them to provide support.

We all found out that the baby has a severe case of Spinal Bifida along with club foot.  The dents in the head are related to the SB (Fluid around the brain).  The doctors tell my SIL that she will be able to go full term and have a c-section.  This really is a mixed bag of emotions, you never really know what quite to say to make them feel better, you don’t want to make a huge fuss over them either to make them feel “Different” either.  I just called my SIL and BIL to tell them that my husband and I will always be a support system for them and this little guy will be loved no matter what.  I really think my workouts are going to be a good stress reliever.

So sorry your family is going through this tough spell. I’m glad you’ll be there for them. That little guy will be lucky to have you for an Auntie. Hang in there, kiddo.

Ouch. That’s a tough break. But God certainly seemed to choose a loving and supportive family to place this child in. Who but those who want a baby so desperately would be better to parent this soul? Bless them, it says so much about them to be given such a gift and responsibility. I’ll be praying for them, and you, they need a good support system around them.

About the workouts, remember that show Scott did about training? Athletes train for their sport, and relax more in the off season. Maybe this is your off season. You can’t keep up the high intensity all year long. Especially with the running you do, IMO. So cut yourself some slack and just keep up with the minimum until your training season starts again. And relax, you are a hot momma. Can’t complain about that.

Bree

My prayers are with you and your family. God will only give us what we can handle. Sometimes it may not seem like it, but he knows how strong we truly are!  Try to keep your chin up! My best to your family.

Bree’s advice sounds good to me even though the situation is frustrating to you. Maintenance might be all you and your body (I know they’re one entity) can handle right now.

I’ll pray for your family.

Ok so yesterday I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting.  I was put on the “Flex Plan” since right now I need total structure with my diet.  I work well with writing things down, keeping track of points...this plan is good for me right now until I can keep my carnal ways with food under control.  It is funny, I seem to either have a Love/Hate relationship with food, once anorexic now the opposite, eating TOO much. That is where Weight Watchers comes in.  Hope it will teach me more and refresh me of all those lessons I have learned about healthy eating.  For the last few weeks I haven’t worked out regularly, making the excuse of either too busy or too stressed.  Ate like a girl gone wild and hidden my shame the entire time.  I was spiralling out of control.  I decided enough was enough, WW will be for me.  I believe now I am in the right frame of mind for my journey to continue.  I mean I always knew this was going to be hard, but wow, I really got drop-kicked.

I guess listening to the podcasts, Scott makes it all sound so easy...I struggle to put the right things in my mouth EVERY SINGLE DAY, combine that with hormones that makes you crave everything you shouldn’t , well, it is a struggle not to think, “Well why does he have it so easy getting his life under control and not me?” Another reason why Weight Watchers came to mind, I can surround myself with women who struggle with the same thing.  If only this MTM forum could do the same thing, weekly meetings!!!!! 

With all that life has thrown me and my family, I really need to get this act together, and I am doing it....one day at a time.

Julie, it sounds like you are handling this at least normally, if not better than normal. After all, you’ve taken a step; you’ve gone to Weight Watchers. That’s a positive thing.  If this getting fit thing were easy to do, none of us would be posting here OR listening to podcasts. It’s not easy; it’s hard--especially when stress hits big time. Just remember that the exercise will help you deal with the stress.

Good luck.

Absolutely! Exactly what Joan says.

Hi Julie -

I read your thread a couple of days ago and I have been thinking about it since then.  I am just like you.  I have periods of doing really well, working out regularly and eating healthy with the occasional treat.  And then something happens and I fall off the wagon, come up with every excuse not to work out, am more badder than gooder, leaving empty pop tart wrappers in my wake. 

I really admire you for putting your struggle out here, and I am excited for you that you are pointed back in the right direction and have WW to help. Just remember, while we may not be there in person, all of your MTM buddies are here to help encourage you when you hit a bumpy spot and celebrate with you when you do well. 

Laura

Gosh Laura, you really don’t know how much that means to me!!!!  Sometimes it gets overwhelming seeing how well everyone is doing, that I sometimes feel alone in my struggles.  I have been on Weight Watchers for a week now come tomorrow....it was ALMOST EASY!  I think that was my problem before, I worked out like a maniac and I think my lack of weight loss was due to the fact I didn’t really control portion control.  I ate good stuff, just a lot of it.  This weekend was really good.  I was a bit stressed since all of our Christmas parties started and when there is a party, there is food.  I actually ate before the party knowing that there most likely wouldn’t be any healthy options for me which turned out to be a good thing.  I was right, nobody brought anything healthy (What is up with that?!) so I didn’t eat at the party.  I had to think, “Well, why am I at this party? Did I come just for the food? NO. “ So with the fact that I was there to socialize and dust off my social butterfly wings, I focused on chit chat and not food.  No cheating this weekend, no bad stuff in this body. 

I keep telling my husband over and over that I am so excited to weigh in tomorrow.....having my husband do this WW with me has been a big blessing.  Knowing that he can’t eat the things that tempt me the most is quite helpful.  I think my “Funk” has finally turned around for the better.  And you are right, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without my MTM buddies.

You did great this weekend, Julie. You are right, too. No one ever seems to bring healthy options to these Holiday parties. Why is that? I’m usually the only person that brings the veggies and fat free dip.

Hi Julie,

It is so great that you husband is doing WW with you.