Day 21 of 84 - 1/4 of the Way There!!!

It's hard to believe we are 1/4 of the way through the 12 week challenge. What's even crazier is that I haven't gone over my calories ONCE in that time and I have really behaved myself. That means we've hit that 21 day mark that everyone says is pivotal to creating a habit. Funny enough... I can honestly check off some things that I now do without really thinking about it that I didn't before the challenge.

1. Plan & pack meals the night before
2. Prep for lunches on the weekend
3. Drink water (I don't have to force it down anymore)
4. Plan workouts into my week - they now have pretty designated days of the week
5. Reach for a healthy snack, even when the kids ask for one

I'll leave it at that, but those are some pretty big game changers in the grand scheme of things. Don't get me wrong, I've had a couple cravings here and there, but I have no missed McDonalds as much as I thought I would. I've cut my soda intake back to 1-2 per WEEK instead of 2-3 per day. I don't feel deprive or like I'm missing out on anything. I'm thoroughly enjoying having me time again to workout. I needed that outlet more than I even realized. I've had a couple moments of weakness, but they've been controlled weaknesses and I don't tell myself I can't have something. I just try to satiate my craving with a tiny amount of what's tempting me.

So... one quarter down, three quarters to go. Kind of like a football game! Luckily for me, half time will come a bit earlier than the half way point. The hubby and I are going out of town this weekend and plan to enjoy ourselves. Yes, I'll do it in moderation. We already planned a healthy breakfast and lunch, but we will enjoy a wonderful dinner with no guilt and a few drinks throughout the day as we tour a couple distilleries and breweries - something we both enjoy doing. Then right back on track! I feel confident going into it. I know I can enjoy our time and the goodies that go along with it, but unlike most times, I also know I can recover and get back on track. I can't let my partner down!!!

With that... today's "What's in the Bag?" is very much like the previous days. Work days do tend to get a bit boring. I did get to shake it up a bit with an Herbalife shake thrown in there when I went home to let the dogs out. Plus, we are starting to recycle some of the super yummy recipes we've already tried during the challenge. So, like I said... kind of a dull day and week food-wise. But even though it's dull... it's completely on track and satisfying, so I won't complain!

I'll also be taking my pictures after weigh in this week. I'm curious to see how I look. I know how my clothes feel and how I feel. But the proof is in the pictures right?? My weight isn't exactly FLYING off. When I said that around some girlfriends, my best friend said "Welcome to middle age. It goes on super fast and comes off at the pace of a snail." UGH! Reality sucks sometimes! But, it just means I have to try a bit harder for what I want. And I WANT to get healthy and be happy with myself. There's really no number that goes along with that. Just a point where I'm happy and can maintain and I'll consider myself at my goal. With that, I saw this today and felt that it really hit home!