Coffee, please

Coffee is a simple pleasure that nurtures my spirit.  It doesn't take much to prepare it, other that carefully measuring the right amount of beans to grind, and water to percolate (or French Press).  Like some form of wizard creating a magic potion, I play with the ratio of water to beans, in order to create the desired strength. 

Opening the bag and inhaling the sweet aroma of roasted coffee beans awakens all of my senses.  I love to admire the beans- some are dark and strong and range down to a golden hue.  Just to think that a I'm mere minutes away from enjoying a pleasure brings a smile to my face.  Anticipation is the word!

Coffee has always been in my life, even as a child, always enriching moments of a hectic life.  Perhaps I should embark and review some of the fantastic coffees I've tried.  

Now with the extended induction period on Atkins, there are limited treats that I can have, and I'm glad coffee, in moderation, is one of them.  I've lost over 10 lbs with more to lose, so I make coffee a great start to my day nurturing me to conquer the world or at least tame a few dragons.

I received a scented coffee bouquet for my upcoming birthday, and can't imagine anything more delightful.

10 days later

Ten successful days have passed and 7-8 pounds have been lost. I'm proud of what I've achieved and lost.  It hasn't been extremely difficult to stay on this diet, but I'm sure it can be to others.  

I'm taking things slow- one day at a time! I have a goal to reach, how specific, don't know yet.  I'm not alone in this and it's a good feeling.  Being part of an online Atkins community has helped in some support for me, and also in cheering others on.  

I put all things in perspective, and I've noticed that others have had it easier and even more difficult than me.  Weight loss, for whatever reason, is a journey that is very individual because not two people have the same needs or support.  Also, self-esteem plays a big role.  My head is not filled with doubts at this time, but it doesn't mean it won't happen later on.  What is important that if ever such feelings and thoughts set in, to not let them paralyze me with fear or intimidation.

 

I've seen this picture/message many times in cute, funny emails that have been forwarded to me, and now I can really laugh at it with gusto. I have not lost 2 weeks; I've lost pounds.  Most importantly, I've gained knowledge.

Just because I've made the commitment to a lifestyle change doesn't mean that I will stop living. I just need to have moderation in what I eat.  Food cannot be comforting if it will cause harm- eventually! 

I haven't felt hungry once during this induction period. As a matter of fact, I'm enjoying my meals and even doing the preparation for them!  Eating cauliflower "rice" was a pleasant surprise and I'm looking forward to fixing it again.  Maybe I'll share some recipes here later on.