Emily Brewer Central

LAST DAY!

So I made it. Today is my last day on this very low calorie diet before I move into a maintenance phase that allows for a bit more normalcy in my life.  My total drop was 19 pounds total, 15.5 net although in the last 3 days I gained 1.5.  But I am going with the lowest number, I did achieve it! It just might have been a little too low and too quick for my body right now.  So phase 1 complete, I am at a lesser weight than I was when the tibia snapped like a twig and I am feeling pretty good about myself.

So….what next?  That is the million dollar question. As a lifelong dieter and weight yo-yoer it is the coming off the diet that is the hard part.  Don’t get me wrong I am damn excited to be off this diet.  It was brutally tough and required me to commit anew every dang morning.  But there is something to be said for a pre-determined diet menu that is spelled out for you that you are not allowed to deviate from.  It takes the guess work out, you definitely KNOW if you are cheating and it makes it brainless.  When you come off that restrictive phase, which of course you can’t do forever, it adds a level of choice that can sometimes be scary.

So, this week I already have two restaurant outings planned and two dinners scheduled for next week.  That will be the true test.  Can you control yourself and make appropriate choices when the world (or the menu) is your oyster?  And if some weight comes back on can you handle the issue right away versus letting a 2 lb problem turn into a 10 lb problem. I think once I master that, it will feel like a real milestone and turn this short term accomplishment into something that I can make a habit.

So, Day 1 of the maintenance phase (and my ability to have the occasional glass of wine again!) starts tomorrow.  Here’s to healthy and sane choices that keep me on the road to a smaller ass!