One door closes...

...and another one opens!

It's the end of Week 26 and Round 1. Onto Week 1 and Round 2. It's a bit bittersweet for me - it's always sad when something comes to an end but I am also really happy to have a whole new cast of characters joining us on this journey of a lifetime. So, I am going to be a copycat and do a list of things I've learned too because I hope it will help some of our newbies. It will also help me see how far I've come and how much farther I have left to go.

Here's what I've learned:

• all you have to do is decide and just do it
• I'm stronger (emotionally) than I thought I was
• I'm not as strong (emotionally and physically) as I want to be
• exercise makes a huge difference
• count the calories in everything you eat
• it's very simple - put out more calories than you put in and you WILL lose weight
• exercise really makes a huge difference
• drink lots of water
• when I take a day off from salad, I miss it
• don't deny yourself anything - just eat it in small amounts and make sure to count all the calories
• even though you shouldn't deny yourself anything if you really MUST have it, fruits and vegetables are far more filling than two handfuls of chips
• cook everyday - there should be no such thing as takeout in your house
• not only will you lose weight but, you will save mone
• plan ahead
• your body will thank you
• even though I hate it (and you probably will too), exercise makes a world of difference

Good Luck to everyone in Round 2! Congrats on making the decision to change your life!