It's OCTOBER!!!  Favorite month and time of year.  So excited to see the leaves changing the days getting cooler, I don't even mind the rain that we have been getting...

Time to get serious.

I have let me weight continue to rise over the last 4 years and I keep saying that I'm going to change the way I eat, or get more exercise, but the truth is, its easier to sit around and stay the same.
3 days ago, that changed for me.  I decided to increase good fats and decrease carbs.  The first two days seemed so easy.  I was feeling hungry before each meal and the added fats were keeping me satisfied longer during the day.  I was able to turn away donuts and bagels sweets that were brought into the office for birthdays, and then today, its been a struggle.  I have still been eating well, but I feel like all I want to do is snack. haha.  My goal is to eat this way for a month and to see where I am at after that.

My work family is doing a weight loss challenge again. (they had one in Jan, but after two weeks I got frustrated and quit)  I did end up maintaining my original weigh in weight, but for me that was not enough.  My goal is to lose 20 lbs to start.  I would eventually like to lose 30, but I want my goal to be attainable.  I am one pound into my new goal, after 3 days.  Not bad. :)

The hardest part for me in changing up my eating habits is that I have to prepare so much more food!
There are still a few processed foods in there, but I am trying hard to cut all processed foods out and limit my fast food intake.  I am hoping that this jump starts my love for baking again and for trying out new recipes!  I still like my desserts and breads, but now I have to find a way to make them low carb and healthy.

Avocados have become my new best friend.

I am hoping to document part of my journey, if nothing more than to keep myself accountable.
Here is to a new start on my weight loss journey.  This time I know I will get to my goal.

2018

Welcome 2018!  

2017, you had your challenges, but overall you were a good year.  Promotion at work, being healthy, spending more time with family, working a lot... but thankful for that work.  

This year I have set some high goals for myself and my little family.  

The first, is to get healthier.  To help make this happen, I have joined a weight-loss challenge at work (already down 2 lbs!).  I have also started drinking way more water, and am using my fitbit that I got for Christmas to stay active.  I also received an instant pot for Christmas and have been putting that baby to work!  Chicken, mac and cheese, beef stew... all great recipes and am controlling what I put in my body in a good way!

I will also continue on with essential oils and keeping as many chemicals away from my house as I can.

The second goal, is to pay off credit card debt and get back to a place of financial stability.  This is something my husband and I are both working on.

The third goal is to take more time for myself and to do the things that bring joy to my life, as well as to stay more connected to my friends and family.  With working as much as I do to achieve other goals in my life, I can often overlook this.

I am expecting a lot from myself this year, but I know if I work hard, I can achieve all that I set out to do!  I look forward to this year, and I embrace all that it may bring.  2018, lets do this!