Well to cut to the chase, my weight today was 229. This is likely more accurate than yesterday's weight of 230, because right after that weigh-in I realized I had some *ahem* extra weight in my digestive system that was accounting for some of that. Post-workout, water, AND breakfast I was 229.9 yesterday, so I think my weight was more accurate today (especially given that I saw some 220's last week, too!).

It's no big deal to anyone but me, as the 220 range gives me conniptions of happiness, but it does reinforce what a fickle mistress the Electronic Number Generator can be. It is good for a general assessment, but 1-3 pound swings on either side are quite normal and not indicative of any real gain or loss of fat without other measurements (like eating habits, stamina, or inches) being taken in to account

I did well last week and my body lost some fat. Whether it was 1.6 or 2.6 pounds is entirely unknown, but is also entirely immaterial. I LOST!!! And darn it, even if it is a tenth of a gram it is still progress toward health, better self esteem, more attractive appearance and the place I want to be. I can quibble which number is 'correct' until the cows come home, but it means little beyond my own personal goals (the 220 range being a BIG one) and the speed at which I arrive at my arbitrary weight benchmarks.

It would be nice to think that, even with some fun food on Friday I managed to shed 2.6 pounds, and given my TOM bloat the previous week it is even likely; but ultimately it is the direction the scale is going that is more important, more than the speed at which it progresses that way. I have been exercising and eating healthfully and mindfully the majority of the time, so it is no real surprise that the scale reflects that. Still, I have to give myself a big pat on the back for another good set of choices.

Speaking of good choices, I unfortunately stayed awake very late last night reading, and was too tired to wake up and exercise. Does this mean I just won't do it today? NO! This is part of what I am very successfully changing with the Missouri 60 challenge - in the past I'd just chalk it up to a missed opportunity and work out tomorrow, but I need and want to do this. Thus, instead of shrugging or making excuses for my laziness, I am just going to make time for that half hour of 'me-time' when the kids are napping this afternoon. My habits ARE changing, and I am so grateful for that.

It is these small, continual, sustainable lifestyle changes that are getting me where I want to be. Not bariatric surgery, a special mail-order food plan, weight loss pills or some fad, but sensible and healthy choices every day, little by little. I in no way decry or disdain the aforementioned health choices - they save LIVES and self esteem for some individuals -but as I have talked about before, those things were just not for me. I needed a solution that would be for life, would work during pregnancy and breastfeeding, be flexible enough that I didn't go nuts or deprive my family of their enjoyment of food, and one that made me an overall healthier person.

For me, "The Don't Go Hungry Diet" has been the solution I had been praying for, but your mileage may vary. Any diet works if it creates a calorie deficit... Where the rub comes in is finding one that works for YOU and your life, and one that will not jeopardize your greater health for the lesser goal of weight control. This is one of those things that every individual needs to decide, but I am just thanking God that I found the thing that is saving me so early in my weightloss journey.

The scale may be a fickle mistress and plans sometimes go awry, but as always I am the culmination of a thousand small choices and every day have a new opportunity to move myself in the direction I truly want to go. Amen for that!

As a small aside; new weight comparison photos will be taken once I hit 220 pounds even (so roughly nine pounds away, however long that will take me) and I HOPE will show me the difference in my body everyone else seems to notice :). I know I am feeling better and clothes are dropping in sizes, but my eyes don't quite see the change just yet. So more retina-searing fat images to come!