"Things only get as bad as you're willing to let them."

"Things only get as bad as you're willing to let them." -Unknown

I wish I knew who said this because I would like to shake his or her hand. I am constantly reminding myself of this. When I don't do what I am supposed to, whether it's with eating or working out, I am the reason it goes on for too long. When I gain a couple of pounds back, it's because I've let myself. I am the only one to blame when I am not doing well. Lately, I've gotten myself back to where I want to be in terms of my discipline, but I'm still mad at myself for allowing myself to have gotten this far from the goal. I know, I can't dwell on it, that's only going to make me focus on the negative. I have to move on and focus on motivating myself again. I've allowed too much room for mistakes lately and not being strict enough. Yes, I, me, Rachel, am the only one who has control over this. I'm talking to you, as well. Don't let it get too out of hand. It's much harder to go back and fix what you've messed up than it is to just keep pushing forward. Trust me. 

On another note, my new favorite snack in the whole world is apples sauteed in maple syrup. Dear Lord, it's amazing. I slice the apple, drop the pieces in a pan with a little bit of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!", some sugar sub, and about 2 tbsp of sugar-free maple syrup (I use Smucker's Sugar-Free Breakfast Syrup). I've always loved the sauteed apples, but the syrup adds such a sweet, smooth touch. Seriously, try it. Depending on the apple size, this snack would be between 100-115 calories. Not bad for such a filling treat. I've also done this with sliced banana, also quite scrumptious. 

I've been doing the same things, in terms of food, for so long now that I'd actually forgotten how awesome it is to discover new foods, meals, snacks, etc. I've also missed preparing and cooking my own meals. I was eating out, eating pre-prepared or pre-packaged meals, just being lazy basically, just doing what was easy. Now that I've really settled in here and am doing the grocery shopping, I'm able to get the things that I want and need in order to pick up where I left off a few months ago. I'm only allowing myself to make good decisions. I'm allowing myself to get back to that disciplined, self-motivating chick that I was this time last year. Honestly, I'm glad it's all on me, that there's no one else to rely on or blame. So, when I do well, the sense of accomplishment is much greater.