Made it for week three!

Well, week three has had it's own challenges.  But, I made it through week three still going strong on the Take Shape For Life program.  I am actually loving this program more and more each week I am on it.  It is amazing how good I feel.  How much Healthier I feel, in just three weeks.  How much happier I am.  How much more I love my kids, and my husband, and most importantly, how much more I am loving myself.
This week I acheived another goal!  I have officially lost 20 pounds since I started the program.  I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed I only lost 3 pounds this week, but I do feel there were things this week that led to the lower number.  For one, I have been dealing with a lot of stress at work.  I've always heard that stress can affect weightloss.  I don't know of the accuracy of this, but plan on doing some research about it tonight.  Secondly, I have had to deal with my "friendly" monthly visitor this week, and I know that a lot of women gain a pound or two during this friendly visit.  (Which by the way, I did NOT miss during my pregnancy........) But I feel like the two combined may be why I only lost three pounds.  Or I could just be slowing down on the weightloss a bit, either way, it is what it is.  I am very happy that I am losing weight and not gaining it, however!  A loss is a loss, even if it is just a small one.  It's progress!  I just have to keep reminding myself of that, and not get discouraged!
With all that being said, I do want to talk a little bit about an issue I have found myself coming across, that is causing part of the stress I mentioned before.  For those who don't know, I work in a kitchen.  I'm a pastry chef, and a cook.  I am good at what I do, and most of the time I enjoy it.  Starting this program has created a unique challenge when it comes to working in a kitchen, and my boss has laid out the cards and now I have to figure out how to play the hand.  When you work in a kitchen, you taste your product, to make sure it is what you want, or has the flavor it needs, etc.  Being on this program, and being so incredibly concious of what is going in my body, and only allowing certain things (lean meats, healthy vegetables, and the 5 meal replacements) has made tasting product a challenge.  Even a few extra carbs a day, could kick my system out of what is called "fat burn" and slow down or even halt all the progress I have made thus far.  But, my boss made it very clear that he will not have a cook in the kitchen who does not taste their product.... I understand it, and Up until now, I have relied on others to taste things for me.  But now I am feel I am at a point where, as extreme as it may sound, I must chose between my job and my health.  I am still pondering all this, and am pretty sure I have come up with a fairly clear decision, but I still need to take time to really think about all of it, and figure out all my options.  I am not going to quit this program, and I am not going to compromise my health any longer.  I can't.  My husband, and my beautiful children need me.  Or, I need them.  Either way, I want to ensure a long healthy life with my family.  A part time job isn't a reason for me to stop persuing my goals, and become a healthy and, dare I say it, Thin, person.  I just hope that a little luck is on my side, and we as a family can make all ends meet.  We always have, and I am confident that from now on, things are only going to be brighter and better for our futures!