It’s accountability day today, girl, and boy do I need it. And after you see my food list (it’s at the very bottom of this post), you’ll know why. But before giving you my list, I’m going to put it right out there, get it over with, and share my weigh-in with you. Gulp, here goes:
Remember those 2 pounds I lost last week? Well . . . I found them again. That’s right, sisters. Read it and weep (and that’s exactly what I feel like doing): I gained 2 pounds this week.
I could blame my weight gain on water retention, a hectic schedule, or even on Bill who rocked my world last week with this newsworthy little nugget: “Laurie, do you realize that when I have my birthday next month,” (which, as of today, is THIS month), “I’ll be eligible for senior discounts? And so will you on your next birthday.” In a shock-and-awe moment like that, only Oreos can console me.
The Blame Game. It comes in very handy at times like these, doesn’t it? But the real reasons for my weight gain this week are very obvious on my food list. Too many empty, sugary, salty calories, and too few long, sweaty, calorie-burning workouts. And I have no one to blame for those except myself.
But today is a new day. And hallelujah for Lamentations 3:21-24!
Lamentations 3:21-24 (NASB)
21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.
22 The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”
Because of God’s love and compassion, I have hope today (and so do you, precious sister)! So, this is what I choose to do:
- Embrace His Word
- Confess my sins to God and to you (James 5:16)
- Receive forgiveness
- Move forward by faith
I am not quitting. I will not allow my flesh to win this battle. I will fight back with prayer (as Oswald Chambers wisely said, “Prayer is the battle,” girls), the Word, and the power of His Spirit within me.
But I will also do my part. I will:
- Plan healthy meals
- Count my calories and keep a food list
- Exercise 4-5 times this week
- Remain accountable to you
Now, what about you? If you’re a Get Down Glo Girl, it’s your turn to be accountable. I’ve told you how my week and weigh-in went, so how was yours? Post your comment (or confession, like me) right now, and let’s continue to encourage and pray for one another as we begin this new week of our 10-week journey together, okay? And if you lost a pound or two or three, share it, girl! You will encourage all of us, and we will rejoice with you (Romans 12:15).
And in the spirit of moving forward, not quitting, and planning for success, here are a few of the low-cal meals on my menu this week (just click the link for the recipe, calorie, and nutrition info):
I love this veggie pizza! But instead of prosciutto and arugula, I substitute diced sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Delish!
Don’t have time to cook? This quick-and-easy, 20-minute dish — Skillet Pork Chops with Peaches — is perfect when you’re pressed for time. I substitute canned peaches for fresh (when they’re not in season), and it works great. Serve it over couscous (another quickie) for a fast-and-fabulous, guilt-free dinner!
Perfect for cool fall evenings, I adore this Black-eyed Pea Stew. Bill . . . not so much. So I fix him a pot of pinto beans with lite sausage instead. I begin cooking his pot two or three hours before starting mine, and voila! We’re both happy for days and days (in other words, you’ll have leftovers galore).
All of the recipes above are from Cooking Light, one of my favorite magazines (you might want to pick up a copy – it inspires me). Many of the Cooking Light recipes are so good that your family won’t even know they’re eating healthy!
Can’t wait to hear from you Get Down Glo Girls! Share your comments, and let’s do what the Bible tells us to do:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 NASB
Whether you’re weeping, confessing, or rejoicing today (and I’m doing all three), let’s get down and glo, girls!
Your sister,
C’mon all of you Get Down Glo Girls! Post your comment now, and let’s Romans 12:15 one another.
My read-it-and-weep Week 2 food list: Week 2 Get Down Glo Girl Food List