I'm a Lifetime Member!!

Well, I did it, I really, really did it! After completing my 6 weeks of maintenance after reaching my goal weight, I officially became a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member tonight! I love the new "me"! I pray with all my heart that my energies and focus will keep me at this point for the rest of my life. I've taken control, I'm healthy, and I feel so good! Here are some of the things I've learned about food and myself:

• I can do anything I set my mind to, if I want it bad enough.
• I can control myself around homemade brownies and cookies.
• It's okay to leave food on your plate, even at restaurants.
• It's okay to say "no, thank you" and it won't offend your real friends.
• It's possible to find healthy food anywhere you go, if you want to find it.
• I have an amazing support system, and I love them so much.
• I know when I'm satisfied, and no longer overeat to bursting point.
• Eating healthy food is more expensive than eating junk food.
• I can have a 32 year-old body, even after I turn 40.
• Planning is the key to success. If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.
• Tracking (even though I hate it) is the key to staying on top of the food game.
• Losing weight and exercising regularly helped me knock off two contributors to diabetes and heart disease.
• Walking on the treadmill is a lot more fun with a good audio book.
• If you fill your plate with salad and vegetables, there's not much room left for potatoes and gravy.
• I LOVE fruits and vegetables!
• There are lots of delicious low-fat and low-calorie substitutes out there, you just have to be willing to try them.
• Eating right is a decision. It's hard sometimes, but so very worth it.

There are a lot more, but I can't think of them right now. I think the most wonderful things that happened are the changes that happened inside of me. I learned that I CAN control myself, that I CAN have energy to keep up with my kids, I CAN feel good on the inside and out, and I CAN do whatever I want to, with a desire to change, lots of support, conscious effort, and prayer!

The turning point in my "healthy-me" journey was definitely when I joined Weight Watchers with my mom. I have said this before, but I love Weight Watchers! Here's why:

• I had to have someone to report to, weigh in with, and be accountable to (my leaders).
• I had to have money spent (monthly fee) so I would be motivated to make it work.
• I had to have success right away so I could see that it would work.
• I love that the new PointsPlusTM program encourages lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and controlled portions of lean protein (just like the Word of Wisdom).
• I love that Weight Watchers teaches you ways to cope with stress, emotions and celebrations in non-food ways; helps you look inside of yourself for cues; and helps you explore the real "you" inside and instills courage, hope and strength from within.
• I loved going to group meetings. There was lots of support, celebrating, ideas, recipes and knowledge swapped there that gave me much to think about, and the tools I needed for success.
• I lost 20 pounds (and 2 pants sizes) I'd been carrying around for at least 17 years.
• There is flexibility in the plan that allows you to eat out, have birthday treats, satisfy cravings, and enjoy life!
• It's easy to understand, makes sense with everything you know about living a healthy lifestyle, and was created with the latest scientific research.
• It works!!