Two Month Check-In

We are two months in with the Vent Fitness Reinvent Challenge.  This is the most dedicated I have ever been to a challenge I have participated in.  I can't pinpoint what is different this time except desire.  I think when you truly have a food addiction it takes a long time to find a place where you can truly accept change.  Over the past three years I have slowly accepted change. 

One thing that I think really helped me was photo journaling all of my food.  It's not only helped me stay on track with accountability -- but it's allowed me to look back and see what I was eating when I was losing more or less weight. 

I have started cooking more and more and actually enjoying it.  This is big for me, because honestly Rob has really cooked for me 90% of the time over the past ten years.  I have stopped eating certain foods, like cheese that I think are truly a trigger for me when it comes to binge eating.  I am not saying I will never eat another bite of cheese, but I am surviving just fine without it.  I have started eating more seafood -- and LOVING it. 

What I am not doing is starving myself.  I am not binge eating -- I honestly do not remember the last time I did binge.  This almost takes my breath away, because before this challenge -- I was binge eating several times a week.

I am down 20 pounds.  I am hoping to lose 10 more before the challenge is over.  My original goal for  this challenge was to lose 50 pounds and my biggest reason was to "win" the challenge.  I now have come to realize, winning the challenge would be amazing -- but I am now winning my life back.  Although I have been on this journey for some time now, before I viewed it as punishment.  Don't get me wrong, I still have bad days.  I still have cravings.  BUT, I am winning.  I am also getting better and better about not having those cravings so much. 

For anyone reading this who is on the verge of making a healthier choice -- DO IT!  Two months ago when this all started, I still had reservations of whether I would stick to this way of eating or not.  Now, I know that even after the challenge this is doable.  My life is so much more than these twelve weeks -- but these 12 weeks taught me so much about myself.  I can do this.  I will do this.  I am doing this. 

My Morning Crew

Typically in my blog I write about my successes and struggles of weight loss; today is different.  Today, for the first week day since I moved to New York -- I woke up to my favorite two people not being on the radio.  I can hear people saying right now, "it's just a radio station.... what's the big deal?"

When I first moved here, I had ZERO local friends.  I spent a lot of time shopping and a lot of time driving around.  I have always been a fan of music in general, so I found myself naturally listening to the radio.  I remember coming home at times and telling Rob stories about the radio personalities, as if they were long-lost friends.  I had a special love for the morning show.  I remember around 2009ish when Jim left and I was crushed.  After all, these were "my people."  I felt like I lost a friend.  I continued to listen to Brian and Chrissy, and after a while -- got used to the trio now being  a duo.

I can honestly say in the past 9 years, I have probably only missed 50 shows.  I remember Rob even bought me a shower radio, so I wouldn't miss anything while I was getting ready for work.  The addition of Jess to the mix was an added bonus.  I love making fun of her hatred for pie crust and chips, and look forward for her humorous stories.

Eventually I bonded with Brian and Chrissy on an  actual personal level.  I now consider them  friends.  They have supported my weight loss journey on a level that I can never express enough gratitude for.   They have supported (or made fun of) my love of New Kids on the Block to the point where I think every person in the Albany area knows of my obsession. 

I felt such a mixture of emotions today.  You would have truly thought I was personally going through a major change in life.  I cannot imagine how they must feel today.  Social media is both a blessing and a curse.  Everyone feels free to express opinions and not think of the consequences of what they are saying.  I found myself pouring through social media comments and wanting to respond to each one personally..... but, I thought I may be better off not to start a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogging war.  HA!  You can't make everyone happy -- you never will, but I have NO doubt this trio will continue to do GREAT things in radio, the community and in life!

I look forward to Brian talking about Brody, Sam, Poker Joe, casinos, Papa Codes and continuing to make fun of Luke Bryan (FYI -- I LOVE country music and I LOVE to make fun of Luke Bryan -- it's totally allowed and expected)!
I look forward to Chrissy talking about Jen, Ryan, Freddie, Disney, Nana, eggplant parm, and family.  From day one, I knew that Chrissy was my "spirit animal!"   
Jess, you keep on top of these two and continue to do amazing things. My goal in life is to find a pie crust you love.  Above all, I never want any of you to doubt how talented you are.

I am excited for the future of these friends.  When one door closes, another opens.  I believe that with all my heart.