Girl Scouts Honor

Friday night we had a blackout. The lights went out at 7:30pm (prime time!) and didn't come on again until 11pm. I had just finished dinner, had a roaring fire going and was completely snuggled in for the night. There was a storm a brewing outside so I was ready for an evening watching movies and catching up on my recorded shows.  Thankfully I have plenty of candles and I knew where the matches were, but my flashlights all needed batteries. I was mostly prepared, but would I have been prepared if this were a real disaster like an earthquake? Not really. I'm pretty proud of the fact that I was a Girl Scout. It made a real impact on me. I'm usually the one who always has a bandaid in her purse. I like the motto "always prepared" and I still help old ladies across the street. It made me think about what I have to do to get ready. Bottled water, food for me AND for Riley and the cats, batteries, a wrench by the gas valve and a bag packed with a pair of shoes, socks, underwear, sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Sounds like a lot, right? These are just the basics. Think about it, what would you to survive a week?

It's really helped me to be successful in my new eating plan. In the morning, before I go to work, I get all my food ready for the eight hour day. Everything I eat will generally be in that bag. An apple and banana for a snack that I usually pair with Sunflower seed butter and little prepackaged pieces of cheese I keep at work, Arugula (I keep Grape seed oil and Rice vinegar at work as well), Lean Cuisine and these great single serving veggie containers from Green Giant that are an awesome addition to a meal or alone between meals and a little something sweet, either a WW 2 point bar or a little square of chocolate. I'm also fortunate to have a Starbucks at work so if I need a pick me up I can get a short latte. By the way, did you know that Starbucks has a "short" option? It's a perfect size if you don't want a lot of milk. It's a lot of food, but it's what I need to get through my day.  I know what I have to eat and can manage it better that if I were just flying by the seat of my pants. I try to eat every 1 1/2 to 2 hours and try not to get too hungry.  When I get home I tend to eat dinner earlier in the night which is so much better for me. Although I am snacking all day long, it's on things that are healthier for me and not just food that's filling me up.

Being prepared not only makes me feel in control, but it gives me a sense of accomplishment because it works! I'm less than a pound away from my 10lb total loss.  I have a black tie event tonight so we'll see what tomorrows weigh in brings. I hope to be onto my next goal of 5 more pounds!