Good Afternoon to all! It has been a hot minute since I have typed about my life and challenges with weight loss! How many missed me LOL!!! I sure did miss myself. What you say; why did she write that. Well you know it helps me to write about my challenges and if I am not writing about my challenges, sometimes I feel like I am not staying true to myself or the goal I am working towards! I have been reading many blogs and post from Pinterest and my weight app "sparkle" and I have found some great food ideas, and exercise ideas. How many of you are still facing the sugar monster? What do you crave and then do you break down and eat this monster crave? Here are some things you can do avert the monster crave? The number one is exercise! Not skipping breakfast as this is the best way to beat the monster crave (sugar)! I read this one article which shows that eating "a protein packed breakfast will help to curve the monster crave". For example "eggs, peanut butter, Greek yogurt" just to name a few. Depriving yourself of sleep is a major factor in creating the "monster crave" as well. You must have around 7-9 hours sleep per night as this will help to curve the the crave of the sugar monster. What are some ways you beat the sugar monster crave? Keeping a diary of what works and what doesn't work for you, offers guidance towards winning over the injustice of weight loss! I was at the doctor's office on Friday for my weigh-in and I was fortunate to meet a very nice person which allowed me an opportunity to speak with her on my weight loss journey of the highs and lows. Yes we all face them. WE have days that are better than others, and weeks that WE are strong and keep on the correct path, and then WE have weeks where we just give in and say tomorrow is another day! WE all must stay strong and empower each other to stay on course! The most important thing to remember is we are not alone in this battle! Find a food buddy, that you feel comfortable with and offer them strength and allow them to offer you strength! I struggle everyday and sometimes I feel like just giving up, then I REMEMBER oh wait; I cannot give up, I have lost 45 pounds since Jan of this year! I still have a long way to go, to win this battle. Just remember set a goal that is obtainable within a time frame. For some it might be one pound per month, or two pounds in 2 weeks. It is what works best for you. I am going to keep moving forward and stay strong! The holiday's are fast approaching with all the goodies being baked and brought to work, home or school, be strong and remember to keep the faith and stay strong and this too shall pass. My wish for you all is find the strength, a food buddy to help you maintain or overcome the hurdle you are facing with weight or life in general! God speed! Cheryl