What was obvious to me last week:

I was feeling either down or under the weather or both several days last week, so I didn't really push myself to exercise. But, having MFP friends who are staying active and posting about it, or who check in with me, or who ask me simple questions like, "How is your _____ routine going?" was enough of a push to get me moving when I otherwise would not have.

So, staying in contact with active & positive people helps me be active & positive, too.

(I think I read a study once about how one is more likely to reach one's goals if one has a social support group of others who are actually meeting similar goals, too...something like that. It must be true. )

Well, this week my emotional state has been on high, and I don't think it's going to get better anytime soon, but I have not given in to my emotional eating mode, I've stuck to my meal plan (mostly, had a few bumps but that's all part of the learning process.)

Was disappointed to discover today that some challenges are not as forgiving as this one, I got kicked out of a challenge this week, the reason: I gained a pound, my teammates apparently are more forgiving than the moderator of the challenge (which by the way the rules do not say that you have to lose, just that you have to check in once a week to put in your weight between Friday and Monday, I have been on Sundays)

Weight stayed the same this week, I was a little disappointed at first, but then thought about it: I didn't gain and it could mean that I'm stabilizing on this new food plan and I will start losing soon, so this could be a good sign.

For me, there has been a variety of things. First, I discovered I'm a habit-eater, not due to hunger, but just to have something to chew on. I am now chewing tons of gum. Water water water...I've been drinking tons of it when I get the urge to graze. Not every day is going to be pristine. I'm going to fall from grace. I have TONS of bad habits...good heavens. I just have to fight this battle one day at a time.