Is there such a thing as The Seven Week Itch?

I hope not because as of today I am at week seven of my self-proclaimed lifestyle change {if you’re just joining me, take a moment and read this to get caught up.} Seven weeks in, I think it’s safe to say that the lifestyle change is sticking. And I’m not going to lie, it’s actually been fairly painless.

I mean, once I got past the incessant craving for generic boxes of macaroni & cheese.

My day to day routine has consisted of lots of water {take your body weight, cut in half and that’s about how many ounces you need each day}, mostly fresh foods, good proteins, whole grain carbs and exercise four times a week. The results? Thirteen pounds lost and some delightfully loose clothing.

Honestly, as fun as it is to see the weight I’ve lost, what’s even better about all this is how much better I feel.  It’s been fascinating to watch how my body and mind together have responded to this change. I feel good.

While we were at the beach with Jason’s family I did my best to stick to the plan. It was helpful to have a full kitchen where I could make my fresh and healthy breakfast & lunch, as well as rooming with my brother and sister-in-law who eat mostly organic themselves. It made indulging in the communal dinners less guilt-laden. One afternoon late in the week we had lunch at one of those infamous 140 item seafood buffet places. Y’all, I went to town. Lifestyle change abandoned for the afternoon and fried foods galore.

I don’t know that my tummy has ever been more mad at me. Things were not right in that area until a good day and a half later.

I’m amazed at how sensitive my palate and stomach have become. Sweet tea is over the top now and so I drink half sweet & half unsweet. If I eat stuff that’s too fatty or preservative laden, I feel like crap for the next day or so. As of right now, I’m also not as preoccupied with food as I used to be. Food is food, nothing more. We’ve had a couple of really stressful weeks here at the Petree house and for the first time in I don’t know how long, I’m not using food to comfort me or numb out. Instead I head out the door to workout.

I know. It freaks me out too.

I’ve stuck mostly with power walking this time around. I’ve dabbled in a run here and there but the power walking seems to be something that my body is really responding to. I’ve found myself getting antsy if I haven’t gotten out and done three miles or so.

I know. It freaks me out too.

So there you have it. Pretty basic but apparently very effective. Who knew?