Jen

It’s been six months, and so far I’ve not gained a pound back. I just focus on daily small choices and try not to overdo it. But, being human, of course, at some point, we all will overdo once in a while (esp. around the holidays); and I’ve learned that that’s okay. We just get right back on that horse and keep galloping toward our goal and don’t look back and fret!
Jen

I visited the huge Sri Siva Vishnu (sp?) Temple that happened to be just two miles from me in Lanham, MD, and I happened to do it without even knowing on a day of the “puja” to Lord Vishnu. It was mostly my own curiosity about other religions and my feeling that there are many ways to the same God “force” that led me to do this on my own. I was one of the few non-Indians or non-Nelapese there, but it certainly was a wonderful spiritual feeling to connect with so many others and a learning experience for me. I met many wonderful, nice people who were welcoming and open to sharing their religion with me and made a couple of friends as well. I met two other Caucasians, one blonde middle-aged lady from Utah wearing a slightly traditional pantsuit with her Indian husband accompanying her and a gay male couple who had come to share in the festivities. It was very spiritual and very eye-opening, even though I wish I’d understood more and been able to translate better : ) Jen

When I went on my deployment to the Middle East in January 2006, I vowed I was going to lose the 40 pounds I’d gained during an unhappy relationship prior to that.

I weighed 195 pounds when I left, and I currently, at the writing of this entry, weigh 155. I still want to lose 10 more to get where I’d choose to be, but I’m fitting into all of my old size 8 jeans and clothing already and happy about that. It’s great that I kept them and don’t have to waste my money on a whole new wardrobe. I’m pretty frugal, and I think there are better things to spend a lot of money on than a closet full of clothing—like traveling!

To anyone who wants to also lose 40 pounds: It’s not as hard as it seems. It takes the willingness to give it some time and make small changes. Crash diets and pills are not the answer. You really do not even have to change your diet as much as your portions; and you just need to pay attention to when you are full and stop when your body tells you so. Also, drink loads of water, or at least your recommended daily allowance of 8-10 glasses. Cut out the sodas though and the sugar and avoid things that say they are low-fat or healthy but are full of sugar. Switch to whole-grain rather than eating a lot of simple carbs. Also, have a buddy who can help motivate you and not undermine your efforts.

It took me about seven months to get where I wanted to be, and now I’m just concentrating on maintaining the weight for now. Also, just keep moving, even if it’s just walking a bit more each day. I walk on my lunch hour, which helps me to get out of the stifling office environment too.

I won’t lie that the heat and the missions I was on probably helped me to stay active and upped my metabolism. But YOU CAN DO IT! Feel free to contact me if you’d like.

I also recommend ALWAYS eating SOMETHING for breakfast, even if you have to do like me. I am NOT a morning person, so I keep Power Bars and other energy bars in my desk drawer at work or take in a box of oatmeal packets and just add the hot water. There is never any excuse for mistreating our bodies.