I’m almost to my first major benchmark of losing 25 pounds.  As of today, I’ve lost 20.8 pounds total! I’m really excited I’ve been able to keep up with my lifestyle changes.  And, I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for 18 weeks now!  It seems like it’s gone by really fast.

I’ve noticed that since I’ve been cutting my sodium and sugar intake, a lot of foods taste way too salty or sweet now.  I can usually deal with the too sweet, but the too salty is usually too much and I stop eating whatever I’m eating.  Some days are definitely harder than others.  I’ve found that sometimes I give in, but not all the time, which is normal … I think.  Whenever I do give in, I try to limit my intake or I don’t eat as many calories throughout the rest of the day.  I still crave bread, rolls, and breadsticks in particular.  I also crave baked goods if they’re in close proximity so I try to keep them as far away from me as possible.

Next week will be the most difficult week I’ve had since starting my lifestyle changes.  I’m going to Las Vegas for a business conference.  I leave on Monday morning (June 8th) and I don’t get back until Friday evening (June 12th).  I’m not sure how I’m going to eat healthy with all the exciting food choices at my disposal, especially when it’s on the company’s dime. I know I want sushi at least one of the days I’m there, but other than that, I’m going to try to stick to salads, vegetables, or sandwiches while I’m there.  I think I’ll also pack a few boxes of my Special K snack bars so I have a healthy snack alternative at my disposal.

I also won’t have the opportunity to exercise while I’m down there because the spa/exercise room is $50/day and I’ll be working from 7:00 am until around 10:00 pm each night.  I guess just being at the conference, wandering around the hotel and conference center, and helping out the trainers should count as some exercise, right?

Hopefully, I won’t undo everything I’ve done in the last four and a half months.  And, too bad not everything that happens in Vegas can actually stay in Vegas.  It’d be nice to eat what I want while I’m there and leave the added pounds in my hotel room.