It’s Not About the Number on the Scale…Translation, I did not lose another 5.7 lbs. I’ve been up and down by one pound all week. This morning I was up again resulting in an overall loss of 4.7 lbs. for the last two weeks. Still not a bad number, however, it’s not about the number on the scale…really!

My month of BECOMING is about losing some stored fat through behavior and mindset modification. While the win of losing weight is commonly measure by the scale, achievement of this goal can only occur, for me, when my habits and routines are supporting a positive relationship with food.

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far this month and that is what I stay focused on. However, for the purpose of this blog, I’m going to share what didn’t go so well for me. My reason for this is to let you know I’m far from perfect; this is not an easy journey for me. I have continued challenges and struggles; I just don’t focus on them. I believe what you focus on grows, so I try to give my attention to the things I do well.

Here’s the rundown.

What didn’t go as well as I’d like:

• I ate out twice: Meal 1) brisket, coleslaw, one corn muffin w/butter, a few sweet potato fries, and two whisky drinks, Meal 2) lobster mac and cheese and water
• I drank alcohol three evenings: the whisky mentioned above and wine at home – two glasses one night, three glasses the other night – no judgement!
• I exercised one time this week: I allowed a rainy week to excuse me from my normal workouts.
• I thought about getting ice cream several times. And I thought about pizza a few times. And I thought about cheeseburgers.

What did go well:

• While eating out, I ordered what I really wanted but didn’t over-indulge. I chose ONE thing on the menu, the entrée I wanted. I did not add appetizers or dessert.
• I ate only when I was physically hungry.
• I was active with cleaning and moving furniture.
• I made an effort to drink plenty of water each day.
• When food crossed my mind, you know, the ice cream, burgers, and pizza, I asked myself why I was thinking of the food. I questioned if I was physically or emotionally hungry.
• I thought about how I would feel both if I ate the food, and if I chose not to eat it.
• I never told myself I couldn’t have a food.
• I didn’t identify foods as good or bad, right or wrong.
• I didn’t identify myself as good or bad based on my food choices.
• I reminded myself that I was the one in control and I could make any choice I wanted.
• I did not get the ice cream.
• I did not get the pizza.
• I made a cheeseburger at home with better quality ingredients than are available from a fast food joint. So, yes, I ate the cheeseburger.
• Knowing that I tend to eat when I get bored, I stayed busy by planning ahead.
• Knowing that I also tend to eat when I drink wine, I planned how much I would drink ahead of time so as not to over consume and start snacking.

Look how many more positives I found than negatives. Positives are always there if you take the time to look for them!

This is what I want you to takeaway. Acknowledge the importance of self-reflection, focus on the good, and invest time and energy in yourself. Believe that you can BECOME the best/desired version of yourself.