Let Me Give You the Skinny

Okay, people, the new size 10 me has been around for a year! 

(And before I start this little diatribe, please note:

I looked pretty happy at all weights in my life.

Thin does not mean gorgeous.

No matter what size you are buying,

Girl,

you are powerful and fierce!)

March 2011, at a friend's wedding...

Size 24, 220 pounds.

My husband had me by 20 pounds.

I could borrow his shorts.

 I'm 5'7", he's 6'3".

My math needed a tweak.

By her first anniversary party, no one recognized me

Lifestyle changes and a few rewards shaved off 85 pounds at age 51.

This was my favorite visual aid, and it still gets used,

like after the call of the wild baklava this last weekend was too loud to ignore!

 I prefer facing 52 like this.

 I've had some email requests with all those New Year's resolutions still fresh

on how I made this woman leave my house for good.

(Side note: Savannah went from a 15 to an 11 in the last few months,

and is still gym-ratting with her Dad.)

 Putting down my wine glass helped.

Did you realize a standard 6oz glass of chardonnay has 175 calories?

Who the hell drinks six ounces?

My glasses held 10 ounces, times 3 *cough* glasses,

and before you know it...

900 calories!!!

...or more. Just sayin'...

You could easily drink a good portion of the calories you're allowed in a day. 

That goes for any other alcohol, and read the soda bottle while you're at it.

Crystal Light and I have become chummy.

They also have cocktail flavors on the shelf!

I can easily do a 5 calorie virgin mojito with zero guilt.

Bloody Marys are a favorite brunch indulgence, so I simply skip the vodka,

use V-8, and make it into a bonus veggie for the day. 

And non-alcoholic champagne was the base for some pretty tasty mimosas

over the holidays, at only 60 calories.

I can be a little bad, right? 

I hate the gym, so instead, if the store is within three miles, and I'm not getting lumber,

the shopping cart and I head off at a BRISK pace.

No lolligagging, girls!

Add some ankle and wrist weights so you look like a total dork, and most teenagers

will even grant you a slice of precious solitude...

not The Minions, mind you...

...but in reality, I probably boost their cool cred.

 Food, however, is the big thing.

Tomorrow, I'd like to share four of my favorite soup recipes,

all with a bite taken out of their bottom line, that you can make simultaneously

and freeze ahead if you like!

One meaty chili, and three vegetarian soups, with one of those being actually vegan,

should make everyone in the house happy.

Because I'm a new convert to the fact that my love of these...

...should not make me and my mirror break up.

Yesterday, February 19, 2013, 145 pounds.

145???

Where's my Pounds to Lose Jar???

*Damned baklava*

NOTE: I'm not a weight loss guru or expert.

I'm a wife and mother who cut down on alcohol and fat and started exercising more, period.

 Consult a doctor before starting any weight loss program.

Set realistic goals not based on super models,

and remember, you are gorgeous at any weight.

Work it, Girl.