Just for Today....Monday:

Plans are great! They are even greater when you follow through with them.  So I am sticking to my weekly goal, but lately I have strayed from it, gradually slipping into my old habit.  That is totally normal, and in fact sort of good.  My goal is simple enough for me that it requires some work and focus to keep it up,  but not so much that I am NEVER going to succeed unless I'm 100% focussed on every calorie and grain of food I eat.  However, knowing what you are eating and how much is helpful.

That is why just for today I will do all that I can to make wise choices and achieve my physical health goals for the day.

Doing things one day at a time is really helpful.  Yes, it is good to think ahead and maybe realize there is a work party and an easter party of which I'd rather use up my cheating foods on than my craving for this candy bar I found in my house.

Since it is almost 9pm I will set my goal for tomorrow.
Breakfast: eggs or oatmeal
Snacks Options: cucumbers, carrots, 1 cup of apple sauce, a serving size of rice crackers, popcorn
Lunch: left overs,  (parmesan spaghetti) with yogurt
Dinner: Don't know yet
Family Home Evening Treat: lemonade pops

Exercise: 4  mile run

The running is what turns this healthy eating from maintaing weight into hopefully losing the last 7 pounds of baby weight, plus feel a whole lot happier and healthier.

For me, the 4 miles are about the minimum I need to do in order to maintain my shape and health, unless I push it harder and faster.  So for those of you thinking, "Whoa FOUR miles, this whole 'Marathon-Style Health Plan' is  impossible.

First: I am not suggesting that you run 4 miles.   I liked how I felt when 13.1 miles was doable and not crazy at all.  It motivates me to be healthier, more involved in life and gun ho about life. I feel strong and able, like a champion,  like... like.... well you get the picture!

Consider your health situation.  Find something that will push you into a great work out.  Four miles would seem like a marathon to some people who have never run more than a mile in their life, and not recently for that matter.  Maybe you are more of a swimmer, or a yoga gal, or kick boxing.
Be aware that how intense the workout is, is more important than how long or how far.  For example: usually I can't stand running on a treadmill. It tires me out a lot sooner, while not giving me the workout I need because I want to get off so badly.  Then I put my earphones in my iphone and watched movie.  I ran  for the whole movie, running more than 9 miles.  This is nuts! Two weeks ago I could barely get through 2.5 miles.  What is the difference? Two things, the intensity of the workout and the  distraction of tiredness being different.

Running on a treadmill cannot replace a true run.  However, it is better than nothing.  Treadmills may have inclines, but nothing compared to an unsuspecting steep hill at the end of your run. Also, the treadmill has no scenery, no breeze, and a really loud noise that reminds you that you are being forced to move and it feels like FOREVER!   My run on that treadmill that day was a good workout, but suprisingly easy for not having run more than 4 maybe even 3.5 miles in more than a year.  In fact, I would have kept going if I hadn't had more important priorities.  I ran it a LOT slower. It wasn't super slow, but a lot slower than I usually do. I also had noise to cover the sound of the machine, right in my ear, and a movie to distract my for the fact that NOTHING is moving around me, and the little red light that shows me how many times I would have run on a standard track (400 M oval) is bare progressing forward.
On that note: Happy goal-setting! Get out there, and do your best and even up it a little!