• Back to Center

    Back to Center: Update 1

    The Recovering Pessimist: Back to Center Update 1 -- My journey to wellness begins. | www.therecoveringpessimist.me #amwriting #recoveringpessimist #optimisticpessimistIt’s been a while since I’ve posted Back to Center and I’m LONG overdue for an update. Currently, my weight ranges from 159-162. I’m pretty excited. I’m maintaining existing habits, establishing new habits, and had a few light bulb moments.

    Without further adieu, let’s dive in!

    Infused Water

    Plain water can become a bit boring. I’ve added lemon juice to ice water for a while, but now I want to add fruit, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Pinterest has a ton of infused water recipes.

    Portion Control

    I had no concept of portion control. I would put huge portions on my plate AND eat all of it! Despite healthy eating habits, overeating was preventing me from shedding the pounds.

    Light bulb moment.

    I paid more attention not only what I was eating, but how much I was eating. I started listening to my stomach tell my brain it was full. Once I felt full, I put the cutlery down and pushed the plate away.

    Hello Sexy

    I brought a full length mirror so I could really track my progress. One random day, I happened to stand in the mirror and noticed that I could clearly see my waist…without having to contort my body.

    *insert happy dance here*

     Seeing my curves inspired me to overhaul my wardrobe. This is the first summer in a LONG time that I won’t be wearing  jeans. I’ve browsed websites for dresses, skirts, and sandals for the warm weather. Skin will be shown!!

    Embrace the Kitchen

    I’ve managed to bring fewer and fewer processed foods into my home. Since the weather is warmer, I eat lighter meals. Heat and heavy food is never a winner. For inspiration, I frequent Pinterest, TheKitchn, and YumSugar. I promised myself that I would freeze a lot of fruits and veggies this year so I won’t crave them in the colder months.

    At this point, it’s more about maintaining my progress. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far and I want it to stay that way. As far as the next update is concerned, I won’t take so long to post it. Promise.

     

    Updated March 4, 2016

  • The Complexities of Life

    Seasonal Change Brings Personal Upgrade

    Fall is almost here! Of course, Summer will always be my favorite, but Fall is when I do the majority of my personal upgrades. The weather change seems to motivate me. Besides, the summer heat this year was like a daily field trip to Hell. All I wanted to do was exist…in the soothing coolness of air conditioning.

    Here are a few things I’m trying to upgrade during the cooler months:

    Changing my clothing style

    I’ve lost a bit of weight and a LOT of inches (go me, go me!). While I’m in love with my slimmer self, I’m in utter despair over my clothing. Like I hate just about 80% of what’s in my dresser and closet. If it isn’t too big, it fits me like a tent, or I feel like I “aged out” of it. Not cute at all. I need to do some experimentation. Introduce some sexy to my wardrobe. Invest in slimmer pants/jeans, feminine blouses, bright colors, and heels. Yes, heels. Writing that took my break away.

    Working out

    Majority of my weight loss is attributed to diet. Soda is a distant memory. Fast food and I are no longer in a hot love affair and I want it to stay that way. Currently, working out consists of 15-30 minute yoga sessions. My back thanks me, but I need to move more. Slowly, I’m integrating cardio into the mix.  Cold weather is a great time to start walking.

    Cooking

    I have a lot of recipes  on Pinterest that I want to try out. My crock pot is going to be doing a lot of work *insert evil laugh here*.

    Decorating

    My apartment is so plain. I want so much more. I want my personality to be reflected. How can I translate random, inappropriate, and sexy into decor. Lots of work to do.

    Have you been inspired to do some personal upgrades lately? I wanna know!