Whew!

I'm feeling good and relieved that the injections are over and I'm on to the next step... maintenance plan.  I already have been told that the maintenance plan is basically the Atkins plan, no carbs and sugar.  I am just hoping that I can add a bit of variety to my diet.  One of the proteins that I could eat was shrimp, so I had my fill of shrimp in the past three weeks. 

Last night we went to Red Lobster for a dinner party for Paul's men's group from church.  I just could not order shrimp, so I chose oven-grilled flounder and broccoli.  Yes, I did have ONE of their delicious biscuits.  It tasted good, it was the most carbs I've had in three weeks!  Usually, when eating at Red Lobster, I have been known to eat at least two, if not three of those biscuits.  I have learned over the past weeks, that my body can not take that much carbs, without raising my blood sugar and adding weight. 

Tonight I go to the doctor for my final weigh-in and measurements.  I know that I lost 23 pounds and some inches, I can tell it in my clothes.  I am thankful for this loss and I am thankful I decided to do something for myself.  I hope I have learned for the last time, that I must eat healthier in order to be healthier!  I know that I have learned this lesson many times before when I have lost weight.  Only to go back to nasty old habits and regain the weight.  At my age, I don't know how many more chances I will get to relearn this lesson, if I don't take it seriously right now!  Lord help me!

Into the future!

In another week or so I will be done with this phase of an intensive weight loss program.  The injections and the very low calorie diet will be done.  Done, just in time to go on vacation.  Do I ever plan things right?  Because the next phase will be upping my daily calorie intake a bit, in other words I can have more vegetables. I never would have thought that I would crave broccoli and green beans. 

I am already thinking (read - worrying) about the future.  Will I be able to maintain my weight loss while on vacation, when all my meals will be bought in a restaurant?  Will I be able to find enough foods that I can eat?  Will I cave in to my cravings... other than broccoli and green beans? 

The program suggests that a person take a portable scale with them on vacation so that you can monitor weight gains and act appropriately.  It is also written that if you depend on how your clothes fit, you won't get the true status of your body.  I know that it may seem as though I'm obsessive about weight and checking it every day.  But I have to admit that my weight gains of 5-10# have usually occurred when I have NOT looked at my scale in weeks or months.  It is true for me that I don't realize I'm gaining THAT MUCH weight until it's too late. 

Too-late for me is dangerous.  High weight for me = High cholesterol, high blood sugar, high risk of heart attack or stroke.  Those are "highs" I don't need. 

Lord, help me focus on today's food plan and not worry about the tomorrows of my life.  My only "worry" should be how to pack my portable scale in my luggage.  Don't worry, I will find a way!