I’m running late today. Post-work visits to my father, who’s now moved into Palliative Care and resultant sleepless nights have impacted on my pre / post-work blogging. Plus… I’ve been trying to get to the gym or exercise at lunchtime, so have lost that blog writing/reading time as well.

Given that I spent the first month of this round of my weight-loss program whining and moaning I thought it might be useful to check in today, while also responding to the latest blog challenge from fellow program participant, Kath.

As indicated in my last few blogs, despite the ongoing crap, I feel like I’ve turned a bit of a corner since the chocolate debacle (and many before that) last Saturday. I’ve continued to exercise daily and kept within my calorie limit and am generally feeling more upbeat. After a few ‘gains’ on the scales I had a loss this week, so (dare I say?) I feel like I’m back on track. The last few weeks have made me realise my resilience and coping skills need some improvement, but I guess the good thing is that – I’m baaaaack.

And Kath’s blogging challenge this week is again timely as it reminds us that, while motivation may have inspired us ‘once upon a time’ the shiny glow of this weight-loss program may have dimmed a bit. (Ummm…. yes indeedy!)

So, she asks us to reflect: to remember who were WERE; and celebrate who we ARE.

1. Describe in 25 words or less (why is it always 25 words) the you that you were before the program
I only need three words: Uncomfortable, unhealthy, unhappy. 

2. Now – who are you now??
Healthier, happier, but still poised for change and improvement.

3. What has the hardest been the hardest thing to make habit this time around?
Dealing with stress and unexpected things. My coping skills aren’t what I’d like them to be so I keep succumbing to ‘treats’ to help me feel better. Sadly my crutches are all unhealthy ones (junk food and alcohol!).

4. What has been easier to make habit than you thought it would be?
Exercise. I’ve been making time to go to the gym at lunchtime and hope this continues. 

5. How has your body changed THIS ROUND?
I don’t feel as if it has changed a lot. I’ve only lost a couple of centimetres from my waist and chest, but a work colleague told me the other day that my body shape has changed, so… yay!

6. How has your mindset changed this round?
I feel I’m less ‘committed’ and resolute than I was last round of the program, but this time I’ve ‘cheated’ and recovered. Last round I had NO chocolate or junk food in the 12 weeks (though did indulge in alcohol a few times) so I wasn’t really AS tested.

7. Finish this sentence “I now know I am strong because …”
… I’ve bounced back (I hope!) and haven’t ‘thrown in the towel’ because of other crap happening in my life.

8. Finish this sentence “I am proudest of ….”
…the weight I lost during the first round of this program and lifestyle changes I’ve made since I started.

9. Finish this sentence “In 8 more weeks you will see me ….”
…reach double digits (ie. be less than 100kg) and perhaps deign to get my photo taken (also so I can renew my passport).

10. What word applies to you now – that you never would have used before this program?
Hopeful.