dieting?!

I pretty much hate the term "diet," and it's probably because whenever I feel like I am "dieting," the worse I eat.  It just feels like so much pressure!  So I am really REALLY working on trying to change my thoughts / feelings about food.  I don't want to "diet" to lose weight.  I want to start eating healthy and enjoy eating healthy!  I want to be healthy!  Don't get me wrong...dropping 15 lbs sounds absolutely great, but I am not trying to stress over the scale.  So this is how I am doing it...


I eat breakfast EVERY DAY!  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, people!  (and good thing because I am ALWAYS hungry in the morning).  Breakfast changes daily, though.  Sometimes I will have a slimfast, sometimes yogurt, sometimes cereal or oatmeal.  I like switching it up so I don't get bored, and I always feel good after eating any of the above.  I feel like I am starting my day off on the right track!


A little while after breakfast, I do my workout.  My workouts also change daily so that I do not get tired of doing it.  I wish I was the person that could go run 3 miles in 90 degree weather, but I am not...at least not at this point in my life.  Instead, I have a workout video game.  Yep, you read that right.  I use the xbox kinect to "play" Your Shape Fitness Evolved, and I LOVE it. There are so many "activities" like jump rope or running, specific body part workouts for your arms, abs, back, legs, etc, and workouts that include bootcamp, boxing, yoga, and different dance classes.  All of the variety allows me to workout each day, focusing on different body parts, and never getting bored.  


Lunch and dinner get a little more tricky.  I am doing my best to incorporate more veggies and fruits while limiting all of my carbs.  (Definitely not eliminating carbs since I am such a huge fan, but I guess I can limit my intake!)  It gets challenging because I have to make my dinner before heading to work, and it's a time thing.  I have been getting better, though!  Yesterday I made a pork loin and peas for dinner.  Tonight, I plan on making a chicken breast to put in a salad!  Hopefully I can keep it up! (It's a bummer because work has free meals for me, so it is hard spending so much more on groceries (especially "healthy" groceries) to take my own.)


My biggest accomplishment is my avoiding ice cream!  Work has ice cream in the freezer, and I have ice cream at home.  I refuse to give up my ice cream because it is my absolute favorite snack, but I realize I cannot have it every night.  I have gone 3 days without any ice cream, and I am super proud of myself!


Over the past 2 weeks, I am done about 4 pounds (after having lost 5, and gained 10 earlier this year)...basically, I am back where I started in January.  I would like to lose 10-15 lbs still, so I am working hard to stay accountable and focusing on my goal!  I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!

one class down!

So I know you have all been on the edge of your seats waiting...I officially finished my summer class!  One class down, only 3 years and a few classes to go ;)   It is nice to have one class at SIUe done.  I am pretty happy I had a pre-req that I had to take.  Definitely good practice before the real deal...which is starting soon!  We have registration Aug 15th and 17th, and classes start the next week!  Classes will include Cognitive Assessment, Developmental, and Stats.  Plus, I will have my practicum and graduate assistantship to keep me busy ;)  My plate will definitely be full, but I am really excited to be a student again.  I am a nerd at heart, and being in grad school learning about all these things that really interest me is hopefully going to feel very rewarding!


So along the same lines, I am done with CHS (full-time) Aug 1!  That means 3 weeks (with one day already down this week)!  There is a lot changing at CHS, and I am ready to move on to other options!  I don't plan to pick up too many shifts in Aug (if any) but I am planning on picking up as many as possible once school starts.  I will definitely need the money.  Plus, part of me will miss being there.  Some days those boys really make me laugh...and having a real conversation (which can be few and far between) can be rewarding.  I can't lie...having a kid be honest and opening up about where they are and what is going on with them can feel awesome because you know if they are coming to you, odds are, they are listening a little better than they did in group!


Other things are going on, too!  In Aug, I am going home for Lauren's bridal shower!  I am really excited to celebrate my soon to be sister!  Also, I am going to try and take a quick trip up to MN to see one of the best friends I have had in my life.  It's been awhile because life keeps taking us in different directions, so I think it's time to take some control and just fly up there!  I am hoping it works out!  This weekend, Dan and I may start registering, which I am pretty excited about!  I'll be sure to tell you all about it!