Chapter 2 - Settling into a new routine

A year ago, right before starting my current job, I finally managed to lose 40lbs, the most I've ever lost in my life. At 150lbs I was able to go from wearing a large in shirts and leggings to a medium comfortably. Like I said, I never wore jeans so I'm not sure when it comes to sizes on those. I needed to wait until Zeke was done breastfeeding because my body did not allow me to maintain my milk supply while cutting carbs from my diet. My stomach has some extra skin but I didn't mind; I was just happy to finally feel a little more comfortable in my skin again.

I packed away all of my large clothes and for the first time in a while bought myself some new medium clothes. Working at my new job, over the course of the last year I only gained back 5lbs, which I expected at a sedentary desk environment. I'd go on walks on my breaks and try to bring healthy lunches, so I couldn't imagine how much weight I would have gained back if I didn't do those things.

Then March 2020 hit and we were sent home to work due to the Coronavirus quarantine. We live in a 3 bedroom house so it was pretty spacious. Our master bedroom was in the back of the house with Zeke's room across from ours. We kept the third bedroom as a guest/spare room, and I didn't want to feel closed off in there so I mostly work from my laptop in the dining room. Sometimes if work is slow, I'll bring my laptop into the living room or bedroom so I can watch TV or relax.

Jason makes good money, and after Zeke was born he bought the house. Jason works at an IT company and I work at a marketing firm. He makes enough money to where I don't have to work but I've always been independent and don't like to not feel like I'm contributing. A couple months ago, January 2020, we got married at the courthouse. The virus was announced and based off news it looked like things were going to start closing down so we wanted to at least be officially married. We want to do a big reception for the family later but I want to lose some weight first so I'll feel more confident. I wasn't at my ideal weight when I reached a plateau after the 40 lbs and decided to take a break from my strict diet. But then because of the pandemic everything got put on hold anyway. I see this as an opportunity to buy time.

Now in late April, Jason and I have our new routine down. According to studies, it takes approximately 66 days for a behavior to become a habit, but it took us less than that. Over the last month I have been cooking from home all of our dinners since so many restaurants are closed. Jason is still going into the office 5 long days a week but we both have weekends off and enjoy our family time together. I don't have to get dressed up anymore; we don't have our cameras on for work meetings so I am able to wear comfy clothes all day.

However, because my computer is generally right by the kitchen, I find myself snacking quite often. I started going for walks around the block on my breaks again like I did in office because it's nice outside. Here in central Arizona we get what feels like about 8 months of summer and 4 cooler months. It's already up to the '80s in April so no more hiding under hoodies. It's time for my break so I put on some high waisted bicycle shorts and a loose-fitting t-shirt. It's nice enough yet warm enough to do 2 laps around the block. When I get back I find myself in the kitchen roaming for a snack. I settle on pretzels, the healthier of the snacks. I am home basically all day by myself so I don't have anyone to see me eat.

My weight has fluctuated a little but I've kept up with limiting my portions and using the walks to offset my lack of leaving the house. After I get Zeke from school, sometimes I like to spend time with him outside, like walking with him as he rides his tricycle or playing with chalk. It'll get hotter before we know it.

For dinner tonight, looks like it's chicken alfredo for the boys and a vegetarian chicken alfredo for me. One of the reasons I chose to be vegetarian was for my weight and it makes me feel healthier, but one of my major downfalls is I do enjoy pasta and carbs.

Jason spends long hours in the office, so I take on almost all of the household duties which is fine by me. Lately he's been working on a very stressful string of coding so when he gets home I try my best to de-stress him. For the last month I've been using the time after our son goes to sleep to relieve some of his stress in the bedroom more often. One night we even had a few drinks after dinner before messing around. It's so nice to be comfortable enough in my body to enjoy my man again.