Should there be regrets in long-term weight loss?

Motivation is hard.

Motivation is REALLY hard when I'm stressed and looking for distraction.

I have excellent will power... it's will not power that is seriously lacking in my life right now.

Sigh...

Ok, here's the thing, I BLEW my calorie count with beer and snacking this past Saturday. Oh well, shit happens. I'm supposed to get right back on the wagon the next day and pretend it never happened. That 16 pounds to One-derland turned back to 20? Oh well, it'll be fine, just get back to healthier choices. Sunday and Monday I did well. Then Cinco de Mayo came around with co-workers wanting to go get Mexican food. I did ok with the better choices thing. No margarita, chicken fajitas, no tortilla, no sour cream, etc. Then I did not as ok- too many chips with salsa, refried beans and I ate the rice. I felt TERRIBLE afterwards. Like a brick was sitting in my stomach. I really wish I could learn my lesson before I put things in my mouth. Plus, all I could think about was the harm I was doing, which upset me, which led to more eating.

Tonight, a friend is celebrating finishing her last class in her degree plan that she's been working really hard on, and I want to go celebrate with her. Mexican again, a different restaurant. New strategy- no chips and salsa. I just can't stop if I start. Maybe try a salad with no dressing or cheese this time. Then I can eat everything on my plate and not feel guilty about it (I'm looking at you rice and beans.). With the end of the semester comes a lot of stress and weird hours... this is a serious test of the habits I've been developing the last few months. Hopefully I'll pass this test a little better than my students have.

Recipes for the day (you get two because I need to remind myself of the good choices I've made this week)...

First up, breakfast this morning. An egg white, spinach, mushroom, feta, and cherry tomato scramble with grapes. This was AMAZING, and it really didn't take that long to make. I'm glad I went with the egg whites over the whole egg, lots of veggies, and some grapes that really needed to be eaten today.
4 egg whites + 1 whole egg - beat and set to the side
handful of chopped, frozen spinach
handful of fresh sliced mushrooms
5 cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 TB feta cheese
salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste (I actually have this as a premix by my stove.)

Saute spinach and mushrooms until cooked, add tomatoes and feta and stir a minute. Pour beaten eggs over and scramble.

Next was dinner on Monday night. It felt fancy, healthy, and delicious!

Mixed greens salad with Newman's light ginger dressing.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts- here's the thing, there is a notorious story in my family about me avoiding brussels sprouts. I have never cooked them before and I decided to give it a go (after all, I love cabbage). Tossed in olive oil, sprinkled with my salt, pepper, garlic powder mix mentioned above, and roasted at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes. They were great, and a new staple in my kitchen.

Roasted Sweet Potato slices- same as the brussels sprouts. I actually cooked them on the same pan.

Quinoa, corn, pepper, and black bean stuffed salmon fillet from HEB. I made one of these before, and this one didn't disappoint either. It's a great, quick meat dish that has been a fun treat.