"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward." -- Amelia Earhart
I built this site for the people I've met through WeightWatchers. Seeing people's success is helping me a lot, and it seemed like time to share where I am in the journey. Besides, maybe making it public will keep me more accountable for losing the last 20 lbs. (UPDATE - made Goal after 16 months.)
For the record... I used WeightWatchers Flex as my eating plan for the first 50 lbs, and moved to Core when I was getting hungry all the time. (UPDATE - Basicallly following the "Simply Filling" version of the Momentum plan.) The treadmill was my go-to plan for exercise, but I eventually took up running, joined the local sports club and started taking classes to mix it up. (UPDATE - I love my exercise classes, starting to train for a 10K in a few months.) The Beck Diet Solution helped me completely change how I think about and react to food. It's like having a personal counselor at your side all the time.
The obligatory progress photos are on the "Photos" page. I don't hate the camera as much as I used to, but it's still not my favorite thing.
Check "Surprises, NSVs, etc" for more motivation, and an idea of what's in store for you on the journey.
"Random Thoughts" is pretty much what it says. (No warranties expressed or implied.)
"Favorite Finds" are a few things I've come across as I'm changing my habits and my lifestyle.
"Tips" came about because I'm lazy, or efficient, if you prefer. I wanted a link I could post whenever someone asks for hints for newcomers.
Hope you enjoy it, leave me a note in the "Guestbook," and GOOD LUCK for everyone on WW.
Why "Blackberry Patch"?
Growing up, one of my favorite places in the world was Washington state in the summer, where the blackberries grow wild. Behind my grandma's house was a forest. I'd climb in through some bushes, and disappear into a world all my own. I would love being able to pick fresh berries, and just eat them hanging out in that little zone. Nibbling at the berries in grandma's woods is one of my few childhood memories that involves a healthy relationship with food, so it seemed an appropriate name for this journal.
My family still goes to an island up there every year, and when I can, I plan the trip for when the blackberries are ripe.