positive weekends lead to positive weigh ins

This weekend was one for the books. As I mentioned in my previous post, weekends are hard for me. I struggle a lot with the temptation of unhealthy foods and the lack of structure which dictates my workout schedule. However, this weekend was different. I allowed myself a cheat meal Saturday night and another on Sunday morning. I also managed to make it to the gym on Saturday night, and Sunday I took a long walk in the afternoon. My hard work and dedication payed off this morning, when I weighed in and saw that I didn’t weigh more than I did last week. This came as a huge shock to me because normally I gain at least 2 pounds back over the weekend.
It would have been very easy for me to deviate from my diet this weekend. I had to be at work at 4am Saturday morning, and when I left at 10 I could have easily swung through the Starbucks near my work. But I decided against it. Saturday afternoon I went to my nephew’s birthday party. I indulged in the snacks, but only allowed myself 1 slice of cake. When dinner time came, I had no problem indulging in the pit burgers on white bread and potato chips (I can’t even remember the last time I had white bread). Sunday morning I let myself have whatever I wanted for breakfast with my family at Denny’s, but didn’t go to Starbucks at the outlet mall or indulge in a milkshake from Whataburger like my grandmother. I didn’t eat another meal Sunday – just spearmint tea before bed.
It would have been equally easy for me to skip physical activity this weekend. By the time we got home from the birthday party on Saturday, I was exhausted having been up since 2:30 that morning and wanted nothing more than to cuddle up with my sister and watch Netflix until we fell asleep. But instead we changed clothes, took off our makeup, and went to the gym (where I broke my personal leg press record). Sunday I was mildly active throughout the day because we went to the outlet mall and grocery shopping. So I could have easily justified taking a bubble bath instead of going on a walk. But instead I threw on my sneakers and hit the road, puppy dog in tow. I added an extra 3,000 steps to my daily total and 31 active minutes. 
It just goes to show that by being dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve your goals. No one stood over my shoulder and counted the chips I put into my mouth to make sure I didn’t overeat. No one lectured me when I got home and told me I had better get to the gym. I am completely in control of my own health. By keeping myself focused on my health goals over the weekend, I was able to make the choices that brought me so much happiness this morning when I stepped on the scale.

Working on shoulders this weekend. Photo taken by my sister Emry.