Since my childhood I never liked the month of February. I often seemed to have some challenging experience in the usually coldest yet shortest month. While this February was unpredictably warm, it still had several obstacles to health and wellness for me to overcome.
The stress of returning to the classroom along with nursing sick kids and eventually myself tested my commitment to gradual health and wellness. Both my bodyweight and physique were volatile throughout the month. I started the month around 195, then went up to 198 before crashing as low as 190 after catching a bug from the kids.
After a few days of reveling in a “reset” of my weight, I allowed job stress to excuse a weekend of indulgence with cheap but tasty baked goods. Coupled with a few rounds of avocado and homemade pasta, I’m back at 195. My body looks and feels the benefits of consistent exercise, but I’m still adjusting to my new normal of teaching again.
I’m happy to share that I’ve been able to stay within a threshold that keeps my weight below 200, but there’s definitely room to grow. For example, my work lunches are fairly nutritious with fruit and veggies. However, I sometimes give in to the “need” to catch up with a calorie-laden snack after work, a few hours before dinner.
The truth is that I rarely need the snack or a robust dinner. Some days I give in to my body’s urges for dopamine through comfort foods or just a little extra of any food. It’s a struggle, but I want to increase my serotonin levels to keep or enhance my disciplined eating.
Despite my recent struggles, I’m still 50+ pounds lighter!! I’m determined to keep pushing for greater balance! Perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles to health and wellness.