2 steps forward, 1 step back

"Fall seven times, get up eight." - Japanese Proverb
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." - Chinese Proverb
"Never give in. Never. Never. Never. Never." - Winston Churchill
"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance." - Samuel Johnson

I keep reminding myself that I have made huge strides towards being healthier and happier since July 26th 2010 (when I had the horrible coughing/allergy attack that in turn led to the pulmonary emboli --blood clots in my lungs--which in turn led to the discovery of my other 'ailments.')

1) I have lost 8 pounds so far.
2) I have given up full-sugar Coca Cola and I haven't looked back.
3) I have given up full fat ice cream because I simply can't eat it in moderation.
4) I read labels even more than I used to and I have cut way back on sodium, sugar, fat, and cholesterol.
5) I eat 2 meals a day at a minimum now whereas I used to eat one large meal per day (which was usually high in fat, cholesterol and sodium)
6) I am eating more whole grains which is helping with my IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
7) I am eating more vegetables and fruit which helps with the IBS as well as with the weight loss
8) I can walk without being short of breath
9) I am only using the oxygen at night now

The 1 step back was the arm/shoulder/flu shot/pneumonia shot debacle.  My shoulder hurt so bad that I couldn't ride the exercise bike for over a week and I still haven't gotten back into the swing of riding it.  But I did continue to use the dumbbells and ankle weights even when my shoulder hurt, and I walked inside the house too.

I keep reminding myself that I couldn't possibly gain 8 pounds back in a week unless I went back to the old unhealthy habits--and I didn't. I wasn't even tempted to go get ice cream or a full-sugar Coca-Cola.

The new healthier me LIKES being healthier and happier!!

"Fall seven times, get up eight." - Japanese Proverb
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." - Chinese Proverb
"Never give in. Never. Never. Never. Never." - Winston Churchill
"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance." - Samuel Johnson