Found it! Fresh Motivation for 2021

I was beginning to think I was never going to feel motivated to lose more weight. These past few months, I felt content to drift along with what I lost in the first 6 months of 2020. But the 32-lb loss I was so proud of has steadily eroded...adding a pound here, two pounds there. Happy to say I'm still 23 pounds lighter than at Christmas 2019. But I'm getting into the danger zone. It's good timing for fresh motivation!

What changed? Worsening hip joint pain, for one thing. It's a daily problem. I lined up new health insurance for 2021 and scheduled a doctor's appointment (by Zoom) in early January. Hope new x-rays and an MRI will pin down the cause this time, and lead to treatment. Not even a 30-lb weight loss will fix the problem, but carrying less weight would alleviate some pressure.

Another reason is that I'd like to be able to do more outdoorsy activities with my boo. He's incredibly patient and understanding of my limitations. He also hates seeing me in pain, and encouraged me to get new diagnostics. It's just the kind of boost I needed. We all need a little support sometimes!

The third reason is just that as I watch my father and others age and struggle with health issues, it makes me want to be healthier. Diabetes is common on both sides of my family, and I know excess belly fat puts me at higher risk, especially being over 50. Fortunately, I've avoided COVID-19 so far, but it'll probably be at least 4 months before I can get the vaccine. Losing weight *might* lower my risk of complications if I do contract it.

I also want to feel and look good. I want more energy! And my size 12 jeans feel too snug for comfort lately.

So this is my fresh start heading into 2021. I'm following a slightly modified version of the Mediterranean-style Sonoma Diet for 10 days, just allowing myself more non-fat dairy. I'm combining it with a few days per week of 16:8 fasting, where I eat during an 8- or 9-hour window and don't eat the remaining 15 or 16 hours.

And I'll be taking a little break for New Year's Eve, to sip some champagne at least. After a tragic year, I'll celebrate the good and hope things getting better for us all.