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Finishing up week #5 | Weight loss journey & Lifestyle change

My linen pants fit again! I’ve lost enough weight now that I can get them on without a struggle. They don’t fit perfectly but they no longer cut me in half. And I’m noticing that other articles of clothing fit better too.

For the past two summers I have not been able to wear “my uniform”. I have been wearing linen pants and linen shirts all summer long since menopause set in. They are the only things that keep me cool in the hot & humid PA summer weather. For the last few summers, I’ve been limping along with different work outfits that were make-do replacements until I could get back into the linen uniform again.

Today is the last day of week #5 on my weight loss/ lifestyle change. I have decided that it is a lifestyle change more than a weight loss journey. Without changing my lifestyle this weight could quickly come back which I do not want. I will be at this for at least twelve months.

As of today I have lost a total of 15.3 pounds!! I am very excited because I have never been able to shed weight in years – only gain it. I’m eating protein and vegetables and drinking lots of water and it’s working. The first few weeks haven’t been easy but they have gone by quickly. And the results have been rewarding.

The weekly “spa days” and weigh-ins are something that I look forward to. It’s a great way to see my progress but also a nice reward to a week’s worth of work with vibration therapy, a dry sauna and a skin wrap.

As as of today the total loss has been 15.3 pounds. WooHoo!

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Tears, Temptations, and Triumph: Navigating My Food Journey

Days 1 thru 7

Today I had a good cry.  I wept for myself.  Wept because I have had to make these hard decisions about food.  Crazy food!!  Not decisions about work, or my relationship, not family,  not any other normal decision….FOOD! 

I realized that today is the first day that I have truly ever said no to myself. Usually, I give myself an escape hatch.  The last six days have been tough following this new regime.  Usually while on a diet I would have given into my cravings by now and run for a pretzel or a chip but today I said no.  No, to the “innocent” nibble of food that is off limits at the moment.  No, to the cracker and no to the pretzel…

And by saying that definitive “NO!”, I felt very sorry for myself all day.  Near tears.  Ready to run (if I could) screaming to the cupboard to salve my wounds with food.  It made me mad, it made me sad, and I wanted to stomp my feet like a toddler.

But today I said no.

I have committed myself to 6+ months of nutritional counseling which includes diet instruction, vitamin and nutritional supplements, spa therapy and more.   This may be the first time that I have ever really spent money on my own self-care.  Strange to think of it after these 60+ years that I haven’t given myself this level of self-care.

A quote from Mel Robbins showed up in my feed today.  It said, “Doubting yourself is normal.  But letting doubt stop you is a choice.”  I am choosing not to stop, which is one of the many reasons that I am making a blog entry here.  I need to hold myself accountable. I am not courageous enough to put all of this on TikToc or Facebook or YT but that may change.

To explain:  For the next 36 days, I have chosen to give up wine (boohoo!), all sugar & sweeteners, wheat & other grains, dairy, caffeine (not quite there yet), starchy vegetables, beans, fruit, processed foods and processed meats. 

So, what’s left?  A lot. All the vegetables that you can think of except corn.  And lots of chicken & fish.  Limited amounts of beef, lamb and pork.  I can eat up to 4 eggs per day.  I’m a good cook so this list of items should give me enough to make some great meals. I can eat as much as I want until I am full.

The tough part has been saying no to the list of items to avoid.  Wine was difficult for the first few days.  Today doesn’t feel so bad without it, however I know at five o’clock tomorrow I will be like Pavlov’s dog salivating for a drink. 

I’m now preparing for the first five-day fast.  The fast is preceded by two days of only vegetables and then finishing with two more days of vegetables at the end. The five days are in the middle.  Two friends have gone through this program with successful results.  One has lost 100 pounds, the other successfully lost 35 pounds for her wedding day. And they have kept the weight off.

The results for this week has been 6.5 pounds lost!! WooHoo!!! It won’t come off as quickly in the future but this is a great way to kick start the new episode of life.

Wish me luck….  Cheer me on…. Pray for me…..  I will need all the help that I can get.

And if you’re on a similar journey, let’s connect!

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Allentown Neighborhoods: The West End

Today, I’d like to introduce you to a charming neighborhood in Allentown, PA, where you can find homes that have stood the test of time. This section of the neighborhood was built from the 1920s through the 1970s, and it’s easy to see how the architecture has evolved over time.

I’ve added a map so that you can see the small area that I am talking about. The west side of Allentown is larger than this neighborhood so I am going to talk about a small part of it. This part of the West End Allentown neighborhood is bordered by 19th Street, Cedar Crest Boulevard and it’s all north of Tilghman Street.

You can find lovely Cape Cod style homes priced between $250,000 to $350,000. These homes are perfect for those who love cozy spaces and traditional design.

Ranch homes are also a popular option in this neighborhood, ranging from $300,000 to $400,000. They are perfect for those who prefer single-story living and modern architecture.

Ranch home

If you’re looking for a classic colonial style home, you can find small colonials priced between $300,000 to $400,000. These homes are perfect for those who want a traditional home with a few more modern style updates.

Colonial

For those who prefer a larger living space or need a larger space for a growing family, there are large Colonial style & Dutch colonial homes priced between $400,000 to $600,000. These homes offer plenty of space for families to grow and are a spot to create memories.

As the neighborhood expanded through the years, the styles of homes changed with the times. From charming cape cods to split levels and bi-level homes, you can see a mix of architecture that reflects the changing trends over the decades as you drive through the neighborhood.

Split level in the West End

One of the most charming features of this neighborhood are the beautiful sycamore and oak trees that line the streets. They provide shade in the summer and stunning foliage in the fall. You will surely get your exercise throughout the fall as you rake up leaves.

Sycamore and Oak line the streets

This neighborhood is not just about the homes, but also about the community. It’s a place where families can come together and create lasting memories.

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the past and present of this lovely community. If I can help you with your next move, please contact me.