Another Year Healthier

Another year gone, and I'm healthier still.  Last Christmas I was participating in a 10 days without sweets challenge on the lapband board so I didn't get a sweet until after Christmas.  That wasn't easy, but it helped show me what was possible.

I can usually remember what I was wearing (including size) on all major holidays, and for some reason, I have no idea what size I was last Christmas (and my hard drive is still fried where the data is stored, so I'm not being lazy, I really can't get to it).  I was preparing to go to Florida to help out with a sick friend, and I think I had just tossed my cane for good.  Ok, it's a really kick arse cane-so now I use it as a herding stick-but I no longer need it to walk.

I went to the Christmas Party at Mom's water aerobics-I hadn't been to class since May.  I had to borrow a bathing suit, mine were all too small.  When I dropped my pants in the dressing room-I got a gasp from the ladies (and it was a good gasp) so I felt pretty good about that.

For a festive breakfast-I put a little coffee and sugar free chocolate in my usual protein drink.  My larder is full of lean protein and a few veggies.  I don't plan out menus, but I know that I'll have roughly 3 small meals today and if I snack it will be on an ostrich stick or some almonds.  I don't really have that sick, worried "what if I eat too much" feeling that used to accompany holidays, nor do I have that sick at my stomach feeling from eating a couple of rum balls "for breakfast".

I still have out control days and probably always will.  Some days it's a deliberate "day off" and surrendering of control, other days it's ripped out of my grasp.  But I don't panic any longer, because I know I can get it back.

Don't get so caught up in the food and food struggles that you miss the beauty of the season.  I think if you open your heart to your friends and family, food might even half less of a place in your tummy, and if something does find it's way in there, do not despair.  Despair opens the way up for more "comfort".  Instead, enjoy it, and then move on.