Joanna - Thursday

Wow - what a difference a day makes! Yesterday Monday-Wednesday I felt like a wreck. I felt weak - physically and emotionally. I was grumpy, I felt sick - all around just felt poopy. I still ate clean, but my workouts were 1/2 hearted and pathetic.

Then today I had a feeling as I headed to Leslie's that it would be the same thing. I dreaded it. But it ended up being awesome! I ended up wanting to stay and work some more, wishing I'd pushed it a little harder on the weights and feeling a burst of energy. It was like I was back! I loved the rush of energy I felt and it's carried on through the day. It's been awesome! Sad that it took till Thursday to get that....but still felt awesome!!!

Food for today:

1. berry and carbmaster smoothie (When I open my fridge after my workout and see my husband has made me one of these I just about cry every time. Such a small thing - but fills up my love tank big time!)
2. cottage cheese & orange
3. string cheese, yogurt and carrots
4. ?
5. Healthy sushi & side salad
6. Protein bar

Gratitudes:

• I am grateful for mid-week dates with my hubby (going to a movie and out to dinner tonight - and I feel giddy like a school girl - I'm excited!)
• I'm grateful for reset buttons - the chance to just reset and move on. We all need those in life sometimes don't we?
• Belts - I have been fighting with this particular pair of jeans lately and Cory keeps suggesting I just wear a belt. I did today and I feel a lot better :) (I normally hate belts - but it feels better than pulling at my jeans all the time.
• I'm also grateful for moments where I get to share this journey. I love feeling the excitement of sharing it with my friends and family and feeling like the excitement of what missionaries must feel. Knowing something works and having a "testimony" of it. I have felt like that a few times this week as I've shared my feelings about this journey with "non-members". :)

One last thing - if you're not on Leslie's thread @ t.com, or didn't take her up on her challenge to us today - take a second and make a list of 5 areas you've made PROGRESS in. We're not aiming for being PERFECT - we're working for progress. We've all made it - so think about it for a second and list some of your progress. Here's some of mine:

1. I am feeding my body healthy, clean food every day.
2. I have gone out to eat a couple of times only to choose healthy options. Before starting this I would have given in just at the sight of junk food. Choosing clean food and healthy portions was empowering!
3. Most weeks I am exercising 5-6 times a week. This is compared to 0 times per week before - BIG progress.
4. I purchased a new shirt this past week in a smaller size and after wearing it a friend said it almost looked too big on me. Felt great!
5. My depression and anxiety levels are down SIGNIFICANTLY. Getting a glimpse each day of improvement in this and it feels amazing - better than any of the physical benefits.
6. I have cut down my diet soda habit considerably. I haven't cut it out completly (wasn't my goal) - but I have gotten down to much smaller amounts, and later in the day. It is empowering to know that I don't have to have a soda in the morning to get going and I love that I don't go into our local convenienc store at all anymore - it feels powerful each and every time I drive past without stopping!

Anyway - I hope you all have a fantastic rest of the week!