Well we have hit a month and it has been an amazing ride.  There have been many ups and downs but the payoff so far has been worth it. My first eye opener was on the first day when Sara made us quit drinking soda, on the spot.  I was so angry because I thought I could have it until Monday.  Sounds dumb but my head was not ready on that Friday.  So I was stewing about it all day. 

When Don and I were eating dinner I said to him, "I am not so angry anymore." And it hit me that the food was soothing me.  I know I eat emotionally but to have it slap me in the face like that was an eye opener!  The workouts are grueling but along the way I have come to love how powerful your body can feel when you are getting your butt kicked.  I had a huge weight loss the first week and have continued to go down pretty well every other week but I get discouraged that it is not more.  I also get angry at myself for letting myself get to where I am.
 
I can say the highlights of this month have blown me away.  The support from Sara and the rest of the Anytime Fitness staff have been wonderful.  Family and friends are being 100% supportive and my own family is my greatest source of strength.  We are so fortunate that we are making the lifestyle change together.  My body is craving the workouts which I never thought I would enjoy.  That doesn't mean that they don't suck also but getting them done is very empowering.  There are downsides though; lots of soreness, apparently my kids say I am more crabby, lots of frustration, and I am now starting to feel hungry more often.  It may seem weird but I am not one who usually feels hunger, even though, I am as big as I am. Yet another sign that I was eating for the wrong reasons.  I am making sure I don't binge when I get so hungry and pick something healthy.  Our food has been good; all natural, no fake stuff as much organic as we can do and I am noticing changes in my whole family. Don's blood sugar has been normal, Lexie has decreased her carb intake, Ben is picking more healthy stuff (he is my worst junk food kid), and Erin is feeling better.
 
Even though the other team is beating us (not for much longer  I feel like we are on this road together and it is great to see their success, as well.  This is a win for everyone no matter who comes in first. I am worried about the future and being able to stick with this long term but I also feel more prepared than I have with any other program I have tried.  This isn't a diet this is a new way of life. My new saying is that it can only go down from here. Here is to next month and a stronger, healthier Team Schleede!!!