It was a great day at work, I did a training with a really nice colleague who I enjoy working with. Everyone got a lot out of our time together and that is a very rewarding feeling. However, with professional development (PD) comes the awful temptations of snacks.  So here is a tip to avoid eating the snacks and staying on plan. If willpower is a muscle, and having a plan helps to train that muscle, this is what I do:

1. Acknowledge that the snack is something I would enjoy eating because I would…
2. Take a picture of the snack and pass it on down the line knowing that I would be sharing my “win” here later…
3. Post the picture and celebrate!

I know to a “civilian” this seems so basic, but believe me, I’m doing my happy dance. I have made up for my over indulgences from Saturday and that feels fantastic. I do like that I can “recover” with the rollover points because it’s something I always thought about and it helps to see the number decrease.

I have another thing to celebrate, I am almost at “low risk” according to my Waist to Hip Ratio…

I’m in this to feel more confident, to increase my energy level, and to improve my overall health. The Waist-to-hip ratio is better than the BMI as far as predicting serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast cancer, and fertility.

This journey has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I can’t encourage you enough to give yourself a chance to be successful.  I know it’s hard when you have a lot of weight to lose. You may be feeling hopeless and that it’s all too much and you don’t even know how to begin.  You’re not alone I understand. This is hard. However, I can also say that it also puts you in touch with your inner power. That is an incredible feeling and it is only possible because this is hard.  Vulnerability sucks.

Embrace it, run to it, be vulnerable so you can be brave. When you are ready to begin that will be an amazing day because that means you are kindling the hope for change. In the meantime,  I am sending you my best hoping these words will be the kind words in your head that you decide to listen to. So, listen… You are spectacular, there is no one else like you and you matter. You deserve to live your life in the body that you want for yourself. Start small but start, and celebrate every little thing.