All that's left are the memories.......

and my pretty awesome tan!

Thankfully, I did not return with any "vacation pounds".   As a matter of fact, I came back a few pounds lighter than when I left.  Now if that ain't somethin', I don't know what is!
Although I do credit my band restriction for this lovely reward, I also have to give props to the intensely sweltering heat we experienced as well as to the education that I have experienced over the past five years. 
 I mention the heat because damn it was HOT!   It was over 100 degrees on the beach each day....and I was on the beach each day!  So, there was no beach munching or beach blanket spreads of  gourmet snacks.  And, although I did hydrate with some pretty yummy beach drinks, I also had to have enough water to keep myself alert and not pummeled by heat stroke!  Plus, I was uber careful not to get too overlibated since the walk back to our beach house...although not far....was not exactly fun with the heat even if you were stone sober.  So, yeah....thank you sizzling heat.  
As for what I mean about the education I experienced over the past five years---I  am talking about every little thing that I've learned as a result of being banded.  For one thing, I found out the joys of not being 250 pounds.  That's a biggie (no pun intended!).  In addition--I have learned that I don't need to eat huge portions of everything to enjoy it---a few bites or one serving is all I need to enjoy the taste of or to be satisfied by something I love. Furthermore--- I have learned what a reasonable portion is and I have come to grips with the notion that you don't have to eat every damn thing on your plate just because it's there!   Also---and I think this is the biggest thing---I have learned that there are no forbidden foods.   Knowing that there are no forbidden foods has rescued me from a life of thinking that vacations and celebrations and bad luck and justbecauseit'sTuesday  were the only legal excuses to gorge on eat certain foods.  I have come to understand that I can have whatever I want, whenever I want...... so there's no reason to dive into huge plates because I may not eat it for a very long time.  I could eat it tomorrow if I wanted.  I have learned the enjoyment value of food at a brand new level.   My band has given me more than restriction--it has given me a whole new way of living with and loving food.  In fact, I think food is even more important to me today than it was 5 years go.  So, there you go.......my name is Judi and I am a foodie. 
Now, let's revisit my hot vacation.....

Carmen kicking off vacation at the hot tub party!

Carmen and I getting some pool time.....

A little respite from the morning heat after a trip to the light house....

My kind of FIRST AID....a cooler full of martini fixin's

Another sizzlin' day on the beach.....

A double rainbow after a very big storm!

Getting ready to head to the beach with my son, the Doctor!

Going out for a little shopping before hitting the beach!

Flying our Pittsburgh colors at our beach house!

Two men at the table next to us at a Sports Bar did a food eating challenge. Yuck!  It was enough to kill my appetite!

Closing out another lovely beach vacation......

Happy August everyone!
It's my 5th Bandiversary Month and it's gonna be a busy one!