Does preparing and planning actually work?

I would absolutely say, yes it sure does!

This weekend I headed up to Palm Springs to celebrate my youngest child's birthday!

I knew all the temptations would be staring at me the moment we arrived.

Come to find out, the Temptations were there the entire ride up.

Honestly, how many billboards can they put up to promote food?

(I’m just saying) J

The great thing is I packed my snacks along with microwaving my dinner before we headed out.

I will not say, I have come to master how to enjoy and have fun with the family without it being all about food.

 However, I can definitely say this weekend was a success.

It's about “progress not perfection”

It’s amazing how even the closest people that surround you become

“Diet Saboteurs” without realizing they are doing it.

I had to be strong and not let others persuade me. I wasn’t able to find the courage to say stop “but” I was able to listen to my inner voice!

(I won’t tell you what he was saying!J)

It sounds crazy, but I prepared and planed for each event in my head before it even happened.

We took my son to a pizza parlor with the family and friends. I brought my Jenny with me and asked the cook to warm it up and he did, believe it or not you just have to ask and you will receive.

Normally I would feel embarrassed and just give in.

This time; I was not going to allow myself to go down that path.

We had an amazing day at the poolside enjoyed the family and great conversation with friends, I allowed myself to incorporate a skinny margarita without feeling bad.

Just knowing that I planned this event along with what I was putting in my mouth felt good.

For once, I didn't feel like I was doing something bad.

It's amazing what will happen when you “prepare and plan” for real life events.

I'm feeling good about my progress this week.

~ Much more to come ~ V

What will be different this time?

I'm beginning to see “Skinny Vinny”..!

I have taken this ride many times before.
However for some strange reason, I'm in it to win it more than I have ever been before.
Eight weeks in, and I hit my 20 pound loss. “Sweet”
This is a mile stone for me and I’m just getting started.

The big difference this time around is I am truly enjoying the opportunity to share my experience with others.

For so long and so many years I have tried to hide the fact that I needed to change my behaviors.

I guess you can say it was denial.

I Help change lives, it’s time I change mine.

Starting on this journey eight weeks ago I never thought in 1 million years I would ever be enjoying it as much as I have been.

Too often I have come to this cross road in my Journey of weight loss.

Time and time again I loose focus, get frustrated and feel like I'm in this world all alone and that's when I go back to the bad behaviors.

Having my buddy “Tony” has allowed me the outlet to share, learn, laugh and at times just vent. Thank you Sir!  (But I’ll still beat you)

Sharing my goals and talking about them has allowed me to see my own reality.
I like the new me!! I refuse to allow myself to experience defeat this time around.

I have finally come to realize I have control of how this next chapter will be written.

~Much more to come~ V