Time to Face the Music!

It was time to face the music today!  I’ve been in Korea for about 5 weeks now and have not stepped on the scale…it was time.  So, I bought a scale, took a deep breath, and stepped on…I was pleasantly surprised to see that I have stayed within two pounds of my goal weight!  What a relief!?!

As many people know, I was worried about maintaining my weight over here because I have no idea of the calorie count or point count of the foods I’m eating.  Clearly, though, I’ve learned something over the past five years because I am maintaining.  As I reflected on what I’m doing to maintain, a few key things stand out:

• I’m paying more attention to my hunger signals.  If I’m not hungry, I’m less likely to eat.  Before, I tended to eat things based on how many points I have left.
• I’m having one big meal a day, and that’s usually lunch.  I make my typical breakfast (omelet with an egg, egg white, and veggies), and have a light dinner (often a salad).  The school lunch is usually pretty big and filling.
• I’m eating healthier foods and less processed foods.  In general, Korean food consists of a lot of soups and vegetables with various seasoning…and, of course, rice and kimchi. 
• I’m also not using artificial sweeteners anymore because you can’t get them over here.  I’ve often heard that they can contribute to weight gain but was never one to pay attention to that.  Now I’m beginning to think there may have been something to it...
• And, finally, I’ve been making sure to get activity in.  I do lots of walking to and from bus stops.  I’m taking taekwondo two times a week and joined a weekly badminton club with the teachers at my school.  I’ve also taken to Pilates, which is easy enough to do in my apartment.

So, all in all, it’s pretty empowering to see that I have indeed developed some healthy living habits over the years.  Habits that will stick with me and help me continue a healthy lifestyle.  What about you?  As you reflect on changes you’ve made over the years, what habits really stick out?  What helps you maintain a healthier lifestyle?

Since I'm feeling so empowered today, a little-known Gloria Gaynor song was my muse for this week's poem:

Inspiration for Today's Poem (er..re-written lyrics)

I Will Be Thin!

(to the theme of “I Will Survive”)

At first I was afraid I was petrified,

Wondering how I could maintain without my points to count.

But then I spent so many years

Changing what I had done wrong,

And I grew strong,

And I learned how to be healthy.

And now I’m good.

I’m right on track.

I formed some habits, learned some tips to help me wipe that weight away.

I should have done this years ago.

I should have searched to find the key.

If I had known for just one second how easy it would be.

But now I’m here, oh yes I’m here!

Won’t turn around now

Cause the weight’s not welcome anymore.

I am the one who is empowered to succeed.

I will not crumble.

I will not put weight back on my thigh.

Oh no, not I -- I will be thin.

Oh, as long as I know how to eat

I know I will maintain.

I’ve got all my life to live.

I’ve got more energy to move, and I’ll be thin!

I will be thin!