Day 16: #90DaysChoosingHealthy

It's been sixteen days and things are going pretty good. I find that I have a lot more energy. I was practically bouncing off the walls at the gym tonight. One of my weaknesses, though, is portion control. And another weakness: eating late at night—well, eating after nine, really. So, the next ten days, that's what I'll be working on.... just in time for Thanksgiving! Anyway, portion control and no eating after nine p.m. With these two on my team, the 90 days of choosing healthy will be a success!

Like Stockton to Malone, I got this! 

In other news, the Christmas season has started. No, I haven't forgotten Thanksgiving. But I do enjoy a good Christmas tree lighting. Here's one from Traverse Mountain Outlet.

Speaking of Christmas, you still have plenty of time to pick up my calendar and Christmas booklet! Perfect gifts for all in your family.

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1462117406

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1462117066

Review: The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this in under a week and absolutely loved it. I even found myself making excuses to listen to it (rather than just listening as I ran). Very well done audible edition. Of course, I am sucker when it comes to listening to British accents, so take that into account.

The story itself is quite clever and I found myself wishing for a sequel at the end of the book. When a cemetery full of ghosts adopt a living baby boy, hilarity and adventure can only ensue. The characters were delightful, the story filled with mystery and danger, and the setting swept my imagination away. Although the book tidied up pretty neatly at the end, I felt there were still a few loose ends that could lead to another book. I found myself wanting to know more about Silas and whatever happened Bod. When I'm thinking about characters after finishing a book, I know it's a good book to recommend to my friends.

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Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. I really, really liked this book. It reminded me a bit of Terry Pratchet, but definitely had its own style. Funny in some parts, serious in others, I loved how the story weaved together as a young boy becomes entangled in bits of magic and fantasy without meaning too. Neil Gaiman narrated this book and he did an excellent job. Would recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy, especially the kind from Britain.

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#90DaysChoosingHealthy

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, I've been on a health kick for the last few years. Well, that health kick has turned into a meaningful lifestyle change, so I'm doing something a little crazy for this holiday season—ninety days of something, that is. I'm doing a ninety-day challenge. From November 1 to February 4 I am choosing not to eat processed sugar or flour.

The Reason
I've a hit a plateau in my weight-loss journey, and I'm been stuck around 185 pounds for the last couple of months. So I've decided to do something about it.

This has been a familiar number the last couple of months.
I've been bouncing between 181-185.

Introducing #90DaysChoosingHealthy! (It's the cool thing to do these days to include a hashtag, right?)  I don't really like the word diet, but how do you say that you're making adjustments to your food lifestyle without making it sound creepy or weird? I haven't figured that out yet, but that's what I'm doing: making changes to what I eat and how much I eat. It's been a slow process for me. I've lost eighty pounds in the last five years. It's something that's in constant motion. I know that I'll make mistakes, and that's okay. As long as I can get up and keeping pushing forward, that's what matters.

The past couple of months have been stressful, and I needed some motivation. This idea got me excited. I find it a lot easier to say, "I'm choosing to be healthy" rather than "I can't eat that." I like how this sounds: "I'm choosing to eat veggies because I want to." Or this: "I'm choosing to eat healthy because it makes me feel good."

The Deets
For ninety days (starting today), I'll be choosing to eat more veggies, protein, fruits, and legumes, and avoiding processed sugars and flours (in essence, treats, candy, delicious baked goods). I'm aiming for a more low-carb diet, meaning I'm not going to load up on pastas or white breads. Every day I'll choose healthy over sugar cravings, better food over instant gratification processed-food from a plastic package.

The exceptions are the holidays: Thanksgiving Day and the day after (because leftover pie for breakfast—I am definitely choosing that); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; New Year's Eve; and Martin Luther Day. On those days I'm going to enjoy food, family, and fun.

Oh, and I haven't forgotten about exercise. That's in there too.

My goal is to be 165 pounds by Jan. 30, 2016

The Reward
Isn't losing the weight reward enough? Sure. But going to California to visit my sister and Disneyland is even better. Happy February birthday to me. :)

How You Can Help
It's the holidays and one way to show love to others is by giving away delicious baked goods. I really appreciate those baked goods (oh, how I do!), but here's a confession: I'm a sugar addict. Once I start, I cannot stop. My self-control leaps out a window leaving my sugar-addicted taste buds completely in charge! And they do not make the best choices for the body. No, they do not. It's hard to say no to those awesome-looking cupcakes that are in bakeries throughout Utah County (I'm looking at you, Sweet Tooth Fairy Gourmet Bake Shop). But I'm going to do it.

I love notes! 

So instead of baked goodies, I have a couple of suggestion. Write me instead. Send me a card, a letter, an email, a FB message—anything really. I love hearing from my friends and family and I promise to send something back. Or, if you're close by, spend some time with me. Let's go for a walk (wait, snow will be flying soon... do you like to snowshoe?). Or let's meet up and have homemade soup. I'm open to suggestions. :) If you don't have my address, let me know and I'll send it to you. A third option is Amazon gift cards... won't say no that!

I appreciate your help with this journey I'm undertaking. I know great things can (and will) happen. And I love you all. Here's to choosing healthy every day!

Happy holidays!

Melissa J. Caldwell
aka Simply Melly Jean


P.S. Follow me on Twitter or Instagram to see my journey. Yep, I'm doing one of those "pics a day" things too. Haha! Wish me luck!
P.P.S. Feel free to join me. Adapt it to your own needs and let's go on the journey together.

Twitter: @caldwelleditor
Instagram: editorcaldwell