How fitting that my previous post was about not liking roller coasters. I feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster since I got back from the staycation! I got home late on Friday and then spent all day Saturday on a boat as part of a manatee rescue attempt. It was a long, hot, frustrating and tiring day. Yesterday I played catch up – which you know you always have to do that when you get back from vacation. Today I worked and tomorrow, we’re heading out on the boat again. Whew!
But that’s not the point of this post. Remember before I left I talked about wanting to enjoy myself and maintain my weight loss. Well, I really had a great time. Unfortunately, I didn’t rigidly maintain the weight loss. I’m 100% sure that I’m carrying around some bloat. History has shown that as soon as I deviate even a little from my food plan, my body sucks in water and weight gain like I’m a human sponge.
Mentally and emotionally, I’m having a very healthy, balanced reaction. I’m not beating up on myself. I’m not regretting the treats that I allowed myself. Instead, I’m remembering that this isn’t really full poundage. Simple math confirms that, if nothing else does. Besides, even though I enjoyed some treats, I also recall walking more than 15-freaking miles in two days.
The weight will come off just as fast.
The mental/emotional balance matters a great deal because it helped me achieve the most important goal: Getting right back on the horse today. I woke up all energized and determined. Took the dogs out for a brisk walk, which they enjoyed too. After work, I started the day’s workout — Total Cardio – and gave it my all for the full 30 minutes. Then I took the dogs for another walk.
It’s been a great day. Booyah!
The attitude that I can take a break without destroying my whole effort is a huge, healthy improvement for me. For years, if I messed up or took a break, it could mean the end of the entire effort and plunge me back into the phase of gaining back all of the weight that I’d lost. I don’t want to get cocky and think, “yeah, I got this”. Control, when one is a compulsive binge eater, is a very thin illusion. That I can redirect myself back on the path I want to journey is a big, positive sign.
Weighty Matters 
go, you! so glad you had a great vacation!
Booyah!