What Next?

At the start of this third year of banded life, I wrote that I thought this year would be about living my life to the fullest. So far, so good! I'm still going strong on the workout front, have been having a blast in my personal life, and I'm excited to be in a new relationship with someone who I am crazy about and who makes me very happy. And, with the Adirondack trip, I already hit my goal of doing a trip that was physically demanding enough that I wouldn't have done it at my start weight!

At a wine tasting event in Brooklyn on Thursday. My friend Jonny is on my left.

I'm definitely in the maintenance phase now. My scale still bounces around a little from day to day, but as long as I'm under 150 (which I have been consistently for a few months), I don't stress about it. And yes, I do still weigh myself every morning -- post-loo, pre-shower. That keeps me on top of my weight and keeps me accountable. If the scale is up a little, I try to make better choices, if it's fine, I don't worry too much about it. Working out a lot definitely makes it so that I can eat what I want within reason, and within my band's limitations.

OK, so the weird part?? Don't get me wrong -- I am THRILLED to be at goal. Seriously, I absolutely love it and wouldn't want it any other way. But.. I kind of miss the thrill of losing! That was such an awesome part of years one and two. I especially loved the feeling when I finally hit a new 10 pound marker (not to mention searching on-line for things that weighed that much.... my all-time favorite was Snooki!)

I do think... so, what next?? I've been moving to this place where I am now, slowly but surely for more than two years, and was focused on my weight-related goals every day during that time. It's kind of weird to have that part of the journey be over. It feels kind of like finishing a great book. So, I'm psyched to have read and enjoyed it, but it's a little bittersweet that it's over.

So, what next?? There isn't too much more for me to do on the weight loss/body front, beyond what I'm doing. I could stand to forgo some chocolate (seriously, I have a treat every day -- but a small one), but other than that, I feel like I have a very respectable workout schedule, and decent eating habits. I generally do 2-3 spin classes (which includes an upper-body workout with weights and an ab workout) and a yoga class. I don't feel like I need to do more than that, or want to make time for more than that. And, slowly but surely, my body is tightening up, and my legs, butt and arms are looking better all the time. It seems like the next phase is really just what I thought it would be -- it's about enjoying the benefit of the first two years' work, continuing to follow the bandster rules more often than not, and just living life to the fullest.


I love this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt and wanted to share it...