I think the calorie log is really important. Not that writing the stuff down in itself is valuable, but by doing that, yes, we learn how many calories are in the foods we eat. Write them down even if you know you’re going off diet. That way, the next time you get those 20 chicken nugget’s you’ll know how many calories that is.

Also in this episode, I talk about motivation. Have you ever NOT done something because you thought you weren’t in good enough shape? Going to the beach, or playing in a softball league at work or church or wherever? For me, one of the things is my music. I don’t think I sound as good singing when I’m this much overweight. So I think about that when I’m eating, or in the grocery store buying things to eat, or working out or not working out. Keep the goal in mind. There may be something driving you to eat too much. Sometimes stress does this. But is the relief of that stress in this unhealthy way more important than that thing that keeps you going? That’s a balance I have to weigh and that’s what’s going on in my mind.

UPDATE 10/19 – Starting week 8 I have gained 1 pound overall. But the last few days I have been exercising in the morning and getting pretty good sleep. Last night I got over 8 hours, waking up only once during the night. I’m focusing on these things to help manage the higher stress levels I have experienced recently. Some of the other actions I have planned are more social interactions, meditation, and just learning more about the things I am stressing over, so there is less to be stressed about. I really feel like stress management and reduction should be my first priority now, that it is causing the most damage.

Yesterday I went to my podiatrist. He discovered I still have a fungus or bacterial infection, or something in my toenails. We’ll try the pills again, a different kind, and see if that helps this time. Also the callus we’ll get removed without doing anything to the bone. If it comes back, we’ll have to look at something bone-related. The callus will wait until the new year as I have not spent my deductible this year. But at least I have a better plan now. Today I see the dentist! What fun!

Theme music “Drivin’ Into Town” by Repo Man:
http://RepoManBand.com

Photo by Sourav Mishra from Pexels
https://www.pexels.com/@photosbymishra?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels