WLJ: Stressed is desserts spelled backwards

I have no idea how I had a loss this week. I honestly don't.

First of all, I had house guests over the weekend for Homecoming at my alma mater. I indulged in some really good foods and drank more beer than I usually do in a month's time.  But I was more set on having a good time than worrying about the scale.

Secondly (and more prominently), I have been a little stressed out.  There are some issues in my life (that I'm not willing to discuss here) that I'm trying to wade through.  I have a constant but slight stomach ache, and I've been losing sleep.  

Fortunately, I'm not one of those people who eats or drinks to deal with stress.  I do eat my feelings occasionally -- but that's usually when I'm sad or upset, not stressed.  Nope.  When I'm stressed, I mostly want to sleep and lay around -- and dwell on what's bothering me.  I've been plenty lazy over the past week. I only worked out three times (yoga last Tuesday, a walk on Wednesday and a run last night).  I fully expected my inactivity and stress levels (combined with my weekend splurges) to cause my body to hang on to some extra weight ... and maybe even add some.

I was delighted to find that wasn't the case.  Perhaps that's the Universe's way of giving me a little break.  A little ray of sunshine in my partly cloudy life.  Yeah, it's only partly cloudy.  There are only two real issues causing me concern (and I don't really feel like I can discuss them here), but there are so many other good things in my life that I can't say there's a full rain cloud over my head.

->  People who have started reading my newest book love it.  I mean, I knew my beta readers enjoyed it, but it's fun to read the positive comments from people who aren't my closest friends.

->  I'm actually enjoying dating and having success in it.  Third date set for this weekend.  I'm looking forward to seeing him.

->  I have amazing friends.  Near and far.  Each enriches my life in a different way.

Perhaps remembering some of these things has helped alleviate some of my stress and provided comfort for my mind and my body.

A cupcake still sounds pretty good though.  I think I'll be making this healthy cake batter shake tonight.  Look for a review next week.  I will also have completed five yoga sessions by then, and I'll be ready to offer my thoughts on this new element in my fitness routine.

Weight-loss goal: 40 lbs.

This week's progress: - 1.2 lbs.

Progress to date: -35.6 lbs.

Non-scale victory:  I honestly don't know if I have one this week.  I'll have to think about that some more.