As I continue on my weight loss journey, I am happy to report another 1.6 pound weight loss this week, for a total of 14.8 pounds lost so far. I’m so close to the 15 pound mark I can’t wait! You can read about last week’s progress here.

It helps that I’ve been running again. I ran a scenic 10-mile run early last Saturday morning. The other thing that helps is that I am committed to this goal. I realized that if I’m not committed to a healthy lifestyle, I just may have to be committed…. to an unhappy life!

I really mean that. Studies have shown that people who exercise have a better outlook on life, and they have less depression and anxiety. I recently read somewhere that it may help prevent Alzheimer’s, too (or was that quilting that helped keep your mind focused? I think it may be both!) So not only is weight-loss good for one’s physical health, it can help prevent mental health issues, too!

Here are this week’s tips on how to stay committed:

1. Realize that like quilting, exercise is cheaper than therapy. Even with the cost of new running shoes every 4-6 months, or a gym membership, the cost of good health is way cheaper than the results of not being healthy! Plus, eating fewer groceries, and skipping fast foods and processed junk is a boon for my wallet.

2. See how far I’ve come. When I first started, it seemed like my goals were a long way off; but each week that I lose weight and gain fitness, the end goal seems much more realistic!