About a month before I retired I decided I needed to get a physical. I expected the doctor to mention my weight gain and knew that I would address that as soon as school was out. I was pretty sure "stress eating" was my main problem . . . that along with the fact that students love to bring KrispyKreme doughnuts for everyone on their birthdays, and as their teacher, I felt it necessary to "celebrate" with each and every one. Oh, and then there was the teacher's lounge. Try passing through there without nabbing a slice of yesterday's cake celebrating . . .celebrating . . . whatever!
There was always a decorated cake on a big sheet of cardboard (sounds tempting, right?) on the counter. So I was sure that once I was retired I could get rid of the weight. However, that was before I got my results back from the doctor. My sugar levels were high. I couldn't wait for summer. I had to get busy right away. Circumstances took me out of town for two weeks, and with my sister as a partner I started watching what I ate. I didn't step on a scale for over a week, but when I did, I had lost 5 pounds. That was great motivation to keep doing what I was doing. When I returned home, my husband jumped on board and together we stayed the course. Like a man, he soon caught up and surpassed my weight loss; however, I continued to lose. There have been few cheats on this "lifestyle change." For our 39th anniversary we did each have double scoops (If you are going to cheat, you might as well cheat big.) of our favorite ice cream, but we were immediately back on track the next day. I have always heard people say if you stop eating sweets you won't crave them. I didn't believe it, but it was true. Yes, I am sorry to the employees of BlueBell Ice Cream who may have been laid off. I'm sure production is down, but I'm glad to have taken some giant steps toward better health.
I've traded in my waffles, along with bagels, and muffins, and juice
It seems my body has had enough, and it's time to call a truce.
Those extra pounds were bothering me, but it took a doctor's warning;
So now I'm having whole wheat toast and Greek yogurt in the morning.
I used to drink my coffee with a vanilla flavored hit;
At first I used a tiny splash, but later I admit
That the coffee in my coffee had become the lesser part.
(Did you know that high cholesterol causes damage to your heart?)
So, I changed my morning habits, but lunch still needed revision,
And I soon learned that starvation mode can lead to a bad decision.
So I planned my meals ahead of time, made salads for the week
(Pinterest has so many ideas, you really should take a peek.)
Mid afternoons had always been a reason for a snack
It always seemed that 3 o'clock was the time "the munchies" attacked
And the choices were always endless in the bottom left cabinet drawer
Somehow I never seemed to miss the snack isle at the store
Oh, I purchased broccoli and carrots to place on the conveyor belt
And covered up my M & M's with a magazine entitled "Health"
I never started munching until inside my car
Amazing that in a five minute drive a person can devour
A Payday and a bag of chips and if you pass a Sonic
You have to have a milkshake, Lord, the cravings are demonic
But alas, I've given all that up; I eat almonds now instead
And did I mention, best of all, I've completely given up bread?
The rolls are certainly hard to pass up, but I have found I'm able
If I request right up front not to bring them to the table.
You can see it's time for dinner and I've cut back my calories there
And I've found that I really like salmon and can buy it most everywhere
I don't eat butter on potatoes, and I avoid other foods that are white
I'm finished eating by 7:00 which makes me sleep better at night
I bet you are having some doubts now. "She can't keep this up for long."
But it's been almost 3 months, I'm down 23 pounds, and I promise I'm still going strong.
