The First and Second Meetings

The first meeting (this time around) was on Monday, June 2, 2014.  There is a location closer to my house but they didn't have Monday meetings and I felt I had to get this started on Monday. The location I chose is one I've been to before and not really out of my way. Another plus is that they have open weigh-ins (drop-in hours) Tuesday through Friday. I'm not looking to skip meetings but some weeks, Monday morning might not work. This flexibility will help without giving me too much leeway.

The number on the scale is what I expected it to be. I may eventually reveal that number but there are no plans on doing so yet. A few things in the program have changed which actually seem easier than the last time I climbed onto this merry-go-round. 

I read over the suggested meal plans and shopped accordingly that afternoon. I am using the e-tools and began tracking right away, even though that isn't a requisite the first two weeks. I'm new to this version, but not new to WW.

I had no problem with food choices or hunger these first weeks. In the past I've avoided returning to WW or starting another plan until after an event. I never feel that our social life is so busy but once I start thinking that I'll wait until after....well, the after part never comes, there is always another date around the corner. The Saturday after joining WW my son and daughter-in-law hosted a luau party. They served pulled pork and shredded chicken. I had some of the pork, but no bun. I took fruit kabobs and also skewers of cheese, cherry tomatoes and a strip of lean ham or turkey woven onto the skewer between the cheese and tomatoes. I drank water or diet Coke most of the evening. No one noticed what I was eating or not eating. Other than my husband, no one else knows what I'm doing.

Drinking alcohol isn't an issue for me. I drink when I feel like it but don't drink often anymore. The kids had a luge (block of ice with channels in it, liquor poured down the channel to chill for the recipient on the end) and I probably wouldn't have partaken except my long time friend and neighbor who almost never drinks was up for this. Here we are in our Hawaiian splendor.

Monday's weigh in was remarkable! I was down 7.4 pounds!

The following week I was just as faithful tracking. There were two evenings that I ate out in restaurants, both times choosing a salad with grilled chicken added. The first time was a choice that I happily anticipated. The second time was at a coney island restaurant where in the past I've usually ordered two coney dogs and fries. It didn't feel like a sacrifice to order the salad (which was actually very good), it felt like a good choice.

The following Monday's weigh in wasn't remarkable. I stayed the same. I don't have a poker face and didn't realize I betrayed any emotion, but the leader was behind the counter and assured me right away that this isn't unusual. 

I thought about this during the meeting. The weight didn't come on overnight, it isn't going to disappear overnight. I'm 61, not 31 and my focus really is different this time. There's no denying that a loss at the scale makes you feel good, but I'm not obsessed by the number. The goal in my head isn't a dress size or number on the scale.

I've said that before but have rarely meant it for long. I really am doing this THIS time for better health and agility. I don't have any major problems but a few things like an ache in my heel would undoubtedly feel better without so much weight.