The Dark Side

So, I've been keeping a little secret from y'all. Well, all 2 of you that I haven't already told. Because I'm about as good as a 4 year old at keeping secrets. Five weeks ago I started Weight Watchers.

Yes, I know, some of you think I've joined the Dark Side. However you feel about it, that's great, but it's working for me. And from time to time, I may blog about it. Because right now? At the beginning of this exploration into the great unknown? Learning how to take care of myself in the food department is a bit distracting. In fact, I would use the term all-consuming.

I had a pretty good idea about how the program works, so I chose to join online. Because, contrary to what you might think about the way I air all of my laundry right here on the world wide web, I'm a pretty private person. At least when it comes to my weight issues. I want to be in control of which person knows what details. The idea of going to a meeting just isn't my thang. So one early Saturday morning, I jumped in online with both feet, and I've haven't looked back since.

I'm loving it! It really isn't rocket science. For me, I've realized that I know much more about a healthy lifestyle than I thought I did. Call me crazy, but for the longest time I thought there were these great diet tips that I just wasn't privy to. I kept watching the news and reading magazines hoping to pick up on the golden nugget of truth that would make me drop a few pounds.

Over the past few weeks I've learned that there really isn't some great mystery that only skinny people know. I just needed something to get me to doing all of those healthy things I already knew at the same time and with some consistency. I'm watching, meaning literally writing down and being very aware of every bite I take, what I eat. I'm stopping when I've had enough. I'm weighing my options and making choices about the food I eat instead of just eating everthing I'm in the mood for. I'm making decisions to be more physically active.

This journey has already made me a better person. Along the way, I've become so thankful for the life that I have. I have a wonderful husband, 3 beautiful, healthy kids, enough money to pay the bills, and good friends to share it all with. My life isn't nearly as stressful as I tell myself it is as I put away the sugar cookies and brownies. I don't need to reward myself with a whole entire basket of chips and queso to know that I'm a good mom. And even if I don't feel like cooking, I can still eat at my favorite restaurants and have my favorite foods, just a little less of the food than normal.

And slowly, my normals are changing. My attitude is brighter and my taste buds are adjusting. It's a process, but I'm in it for the long haul.