Whew... I maintained over Christmas!

     Well, I did it! I am a little amazed that I didn't gain over Christmas! As of Dec 21 I was down 29 pounds and 3.3% bodyfat. I had been on plan for 50 days and I THOUGHT I was in need of a little splurge.  I did a quick phase off so that I could have some of my holiday favorites... I did phase 2 for 2 days, phase 3 for 2 days then was on P4 (maintenance) for 3 days.  I chose not to have any alcohol because I knew that it would lead to some EXTREME cheats. I did have a few Christmas cookies, stuffing, 2 Tom and Jerry's and coconut cake (over the 3 days).  For the first time in many years I didn't feel like I was going to explode after the holiday feast. I tolerated all my wonderful family members just fine without the glasses of wine I drank in the past. I felt good, no guilt or shame due to the food coma I had experienced in the past. All 3 days I took note of the calories in the extra food I ate. It was scary! Each Peanut butter blossom has 150 calories! Stuffing, 200 calories and coconut cake a whopping 450 calories, depending on the size!  It made me keep things in moderation when I was aware of the calories in some of my favorite foods!

     Yesterday was a beautiful day and I wanted to test out my new running shoes santa brought me. My ambition got the best of me, I jogged to Linn Mar which was around 2.5 miles and when I got there I realized that I had to jog home.  My running shoes were great but my thighs were calling for help. After more than an hour I got home and my husband asked if I got lost. He reminded me that it was September the last time I jogged. My response was quick when I told him I was 30 pounds heavier and I'm not THAT out of shape.  I walked to the bathroom with confidence and about collapsed as I shut the door to the bathroom! My joints were sore, my back hurt and my thighs were calling for help! The rest of the day was pretty mellow and low key.  Riley and Noah had a couple of friends stay the night and I needed a little time to myself. Santa had also brought me a new avocado mud mask, hair ties and candles. I put on some relaxing music, lit the candle and filled the tub with warm water. My joints needed some relief so I added some lavender essential oil, baking soda, Epson salt and fresh ginger. After soaking for about 10 minutes Noah was beating on the door needing to use the bathroom, the other one was occupied.  I covered up opened the door. He screamed because of the mask on my face. We both laughed and my peaceful bath had come to a screeching hault. Oh the joy of having kids :)!

     As of today, It is Monday and I'm back at phase 1. The scale was staring at me when I walked into work today and I couldn't avoid it. I weighed myself and was very relieved that it was the same as last week! Thank goodness! As for today I packed a large amount of veggies, water bottle and I'm drinking a cup of Detox total tea as I write. Overall I'm feeling great! I'm still in the proper ideal protein state of mind and wanting to take another 10-15 pounds off. My goal is also to get up 3 days a week and do some sort of physical activity (yoga, stretching, elliptical) & drink 80oz of water everyday. Life is good and I feel good! Good luck to you if you are on track or getting back on track! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a Happy New Year?!? I'm excited for what 2015 has to offer!!!
                  Audi surprised me and came home 2 days early from the Air Force :) So happy to have my family together!