New page for April onwards .... here
Saturday, 31st March 2007...
Feeling positive today! I've got back on track, I've done done a good healthy grocery shop and I've got my exercise mojo back! Hoorah :)
When I shopped today I avoided the usual bag on fun sized choc bars as I know I just can't stop at one. Instead I bought one Milky Way bar and that's it until after next weigh-in. Instead I have been having a Hunt's Fat Free choc pudding each night....so, so yummy and only 1.5pt's each. They are in the shelf dessert section of the supermarket (not cold) and a pack of 4 is only about $3 - bargain. I also made sure I stocked up on healthy cereal, sensible lunch options and plenty of veg to go with evening meals. I made sure I shopped after I'd had lunch and instead of the usual chocolate bar I'd have a shopping treat most weeks I got 6 fresh tiger prawns instead - delish! I made up some low fat thousand Island dressing for them with a tbs of low fat mayo and a squirt of tomato sauce for only 0.5pt's and it was so yummy and I felt like I'd had a real treat :)
Exercise wise...I'm feeling like I'm finally back at it. This week has been:
Tuesday - 40 min pram walk + 50 rowing reps
Wednesday - 30 min pram walk
Thursday - 1hr 15min pram walk, 20 row reps, 20 butterfly chest presses, 10 dips and
5 inclined sit-ups
Friday - rest
Saturday - 1hr walk this morning with 2x100m jogging periods
It felt great to finally get back to some jogging this morning (with my old friend the sports bra *wink*) and I look forward to building that up to longer distances again with each walk to come. I can still hardly believe I built up to jogging half of my 1hr circuit straight before and I can't wait to do that again!
This afternoon after the boys wake from their afternoon naps we are going to the nearby school to use the exercise equipment there. I know we are technically not meant to be on school grounds but they have a big circuit of the same type of machines recently installed on the Esplanade, right next to a great playground that Caleb would love and it's all down the oval away from school buildings so who are we hurting?? It's also sheltered by some tree's but if someone see's us they'll ask us to leave of course. It is a Saturday though so we are happy to live on the edge and see what happens *wink* I hope to get a good session of resistance training in there including rowing, sit-ups, cross trainer, push-ups and whatever else I find there. Yeah!!! I'm so excited to be back at it.
This morning (Talyn has been sleeping through until 5am or later for his first feed) after Talyn's feed I had the option of going back to bed or going for a walk. It was 6am, a beautiful morning and I was really motivated to get some exercise done early so that nothing got in the way of it. It was my first 1hr walk back on my old circuit and it felt SO good. I dusted off my old iPod and hit the road, smiling to my self and singing along to music all the way.
I thought about all I wanted to achieve, how badly I wanted to get back to where I was before the pregnancy so that I could then continue past that point towards my final goal. I want to be not just thin....but fit and healthy....and sexy wouldn't hurt either *wink*....hehehe
One little step at at time is all it will take. And this week, I hope to make that step a good one :)
TFTD: "If it is to be it is up to me!!!"
Cheers P
Wednesday, 28th March 2007...
My name is Paulene and I am a wuss!!
hehehe
Yep....I didn't weigh yesterday. I intended to. Right up until about 5hrs before hand. My home scales showed that I was in for a no loss/no gain or perhaps a teeny loss. But I was restricting my food and fluid intake that day in order to keep that and I realised it just wasn't healthy. Don't get me wrong...I had a cereal for breakfast and a Lean Cuisine for lunch so I wasn't starving. But I was thirsty! I knew that if I quenched my thirst and protected my valuable milk supply in doing so than I would probably force the scales up into gain territory.
I wavered back and forth as to what to do...and in the end...decided to drink as I wished and to hell with the scales this week.
I know...like I said...I'm a wuss *wink*
But I'm not slacking off because of it. In the last week I finally made some progress towards returning to regular exercise. I did a 20min pram walk... a 40min pram walk with small bursts of jogging (note to self: maternity bra does not equal sports bra for jogging...those girls were bouncing all over the shop!! Ouch!)....50 rows on the rowing machine....and yesterday I did a 30min pram walk also.
Today I have a date to meet my mother in law for some more exercise. I'm going to push Talyn in the pram, Caleb is going to ride his new bike and Granny will walk the dogs on the Esplanade with us. The route we plan will take about an hour and we'll be trying out all the new exercise machines along the way. I feel tired just thinking about it...but excited too!
I really want to make a difference this week! I want to start amping up the exercise again, tracking and doing all I can for a big loss next week. I'd love a kilo or more to go this week but I'll be happy just to get into the 106s at least (a loss of 0.5kg will achieve this). Slowly but surely I want to make my way back to those 90s.
While walking yesterday I caught a look at myself in a shop window - Ugh!! Exercise clothing aside .... I hated what I saw!! Last night I lay in bed thinking of all my thin clothes in the cupboard, how I have nothing I like to wear right now and remembering how good, how confident and how healthy I felt as I approached the 80s last time.
I want that again....and I want it NOW!!!
TFTD: "NOTHING tastes as good as success feels!"
Cheers P
Tuesday, 27th March 2007...
Finally a few minutes for a quick update. The last week has been CRAZY!
Between birthdays, out of town visitors and birthday parties - busy, busy, busy.
I wish I could say that I was too busy too eat anything naughty but it's the exact opposite...so busy you grab what you can when you can and it's more often then not a bad choice based on convenience and fatigue rather then health and goodness. D'oh!
The birthday and party for Caleb's 4th birthday went fantastic but I will leave the story of both for the next update at Caleb's site. Will let you know when that's done.
I'm busy doing the great undoing right now. Trying desperately to achieve a loss by tomorrow nights weigh-in. It's not looking great but I've achieved bigger losses before so I won't whinge until the results are in.
I've been back on track now for two days and even managed a 20min walk on Wednesday with the pram and a 40min walk with the pram today and 50 reps on the rowing machine down on the Esplanade this morning. It feels so strange to feel so sore in my chest/shoulders/arms after that as it's been a long time since I felt that post exercise burn! It feels great!!! I'll be heading out to do more of the same tomorrow also.
I had planned to do the same workout yesterday morning but rain drove me home. Turns out it was just as well it did as I wasn't home long before my cat came inside in obvious distress. He's a big ginger fluff ball named Atlas and we've had him for 12years. However yesterday, the vet believes he was bitten by a snake and I had to make the difficult decision to have him euthanased. It was heartbreaking! I could have tried an antivenin but it cost $800(!!!!) and the vet felt he was deteriorating so fast it would most likely be ineffective. I was given the choice to be with him for the end and chose to do so. I stroked him and told him what a great friend and pet he'd been for over a decade and sobbed when it was all over :(
Then we had to break the news to Caleb yesterday arvo. In the last month our dog was re-homed with his Granny, our bird died and now the cat! We've gone from a zoo down to just our 3 big fish tanks. This time though he had a grave to visit and lay flowers on and we were able to explain why he died and what happened. He took it fairly well but was sad and kept asking why the snake bit pussy on the leg. :(
Now I'm paranoid that Caleb is at risk of snakebite in our own yard!!!
RIP Atlas :(
TFTD: "Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today!"
Cheers P
Wednesday, 21st March 2007...
Have set myself a new mini goal for this week.
It's simple and straight to the point - lose weight this week!
hehehaha
I don't care if it's 1kg or 0.1kg...so long as the numbers go down.
I've got to be realistic and I know I have a lot on this week with birthday celebrations and out of town visitors so I need to set a realistic goal. So a loss it is!
And for today.....HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY my beautiful boy Caleb!!!!!! :)
TFTD: "Today....4 yrs ago...A little miracle entered the world!!"
Cheers P
Tuesday, 20th March 2007...
Well I'll be darned!
It seems that breastfeeding or not, I retain my crown as the great un-doer! *wink*
When I got home from my weekend away on Saturday arvo I was about 1.7kg up from last weigh-in. This morning my official WW weigh-in showed a loss of 0.2kg.
A loss!!!!!
I was sure I'd gain at least half a kilo or more??
Sunday I got back on track but still had a bit of a chocolate splurge that evening. Then yesterday I was near perfect all day but yet again had a bit of chocky. I did manage a 45min walk with the pram yesterday so I guess that paid off also...but still? I'm shocked and thrilled!
Reaching 107.4kg means I also got to check off my next short term goal - that of being back to my start weight of the original WHO magazine challenge (107.4kg). Now if only I could lose another 13.7kg in the next 12 weeks as I did during the 12wk WHO challenge with the help of the awesome Enforcer I'd be a happy girl!!! Yeah like that's going to happen by myself!!!!!!!! *wink*
I have not tracked properly for weeks now so first thing tomorrow I'm dusting off the tracker and giving it my best shot for the week. If I can undo a 1-2kg gain in 2 days of moderately good eating just imagine what I can do with a week of good tracking! Of course the last time I thought that I hardly lost anything that week - go figure?? But all the same I'm going to give it a shot again this week and see how I go.
Tomorrow is Caleb's 4th birthday and Saturday is his birthday party. That day my sister and her husband and kids will be arriving from out of town and staying with us for the night. We have already planned an easy take away for tea after the birthday party so I'll either have to make a good choice with that or I may even put something into the crock-pot at lunchtime that day instead so it's all ready for when we get home. Either way I can't let that distract me from my best intentions this week!
I know 0.2kg is a small loss for the week but I'm stoked to see that overall I have lost 4kg in 8wk's. That's 0.5kg a week overall which is exactly what is recommended for long term weight loss...Hoorah!
I really want to take off another big chunk this week if I can manage it though. It's looking highly unlikely that I will make my challenge goal of being back in the 90s but every little bit closer to it I can get is success as far as I'm concerned. I started in the 110kg+ so even if I finish under 105kg I'll be happy :) I so want to kiss these 100kg's good-bye again for the very last time!!!!!
I'm a pretty stubborn girl and what I want I generally get so it's time I make this happen. After all - nobody else but me can! :)
TFTD: "Success is getting what you want - happiness is wanting what you get!"
Cheers P
Sunday, 18th March 2007...
Phew what a big weekend!
We left home at 3am on Friday to travel 4.5hrs to get our new car. After an exhausting day of driving around, doing paperwork, finding banks etc...it all worked out and in the end we drove out of the dealership with our new car at about 4.30pm. We purchased a 2004 Kia Carnival and I love it, love it, love it!!! Caleb is thrilled with it and we've been driving it to visit everyone and show it off since getting home yesterday. Now we have so much space for the family and room to grow bigger still in years to come. Yippee!!
However...while away my eating was atrocious! Chocolate, coke and take away galore!! I'm sure to have a gain this week now and I'm pissed at myself for it!
It's like I had a big loss last week when I didn't deserve it so on some level my brain goes..."Oh well I got that when I was being slack so I can keep slacking off and expect more good results".
Derrr Paulene!! It doesn't work that way :(
So alas....of course I've been thinking...I don't want to weigh, I don't want to weigh. However I know I must! I've just updated the challenge stats for the weekend and reminded myself that plenty of us gain some weeks and yet we keep on keeping on. At the end of the day that's all we can do :)
So I give you my word I will weigh this week. Whatever the results bring I'll handle it. However I am afraid - very afraid *wink*
TFTD: "One week of neglect could mean one month of repair!! Is it worth it?"
Cheers P
Tuesday, 13th March 2007...
Hip-hip-Hooray!
A decent loss at last. The scales showed a drop of 1.5kg this morning and I was thrilled. As I said in yesterday's entry - I'm not sure how that happened as I don't feel I've been doing too good in the last week. The nasty chocolate loving bug bit again and I've not been tracking well either??
Still it was there so who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth. Instead I'm going to count my blessings and try to do extra well this week to ensure it doesn't go back on me again. I'm lucky to have this loss and I want to use it to inspire more of the same from me in coming weeks.
I'm only 0.2kg away from my next mini goal which is to be back to the weight I was at the start of the original WHO magazine 12wk challenge. I know I will then have a lot further to go after that to get back to my lowest pre-pregnancy weight, and then further still to get to my final goal. But if I take it in baby steps and break it down all the way along the journey it will seem all the more achievable.
Just a quick message re email. A few people had commented on the change of email format they were directed to from the link above. I'm not sure when or how the change occurred but I have removed the old link and made my own now so hopefully no further problems. In any case my email is slimming4health@dodo.com.au. Always feel free to drop me a line anytime. I also have the guestbook link below the latest journal entry each time for those who wish to comment there also. :)
I've had some weird email problems myself of late and some emails that I reply to (particularly hotmail for some reason?) keep bouncing back. Please know that I reply to every email I get, including challenge result emails, so if you've not heard back from me I either did not get your email or your reply has bounced back. So please try again!
TFTD: "Don't expect people to listen to your advice and ignore your example!!"
Cheers P
Monday, 12th March 2007...
I wanted to begin today by saying a big thank you to those who said I 'inspired' them to face their own scale demons last week following my last post. It is this accountability to, and support from, others that really helps me to do the best I can and I thank you all so much for your ongoing support and faith in me :)
This week has been strange?? I've not eaten really well....nothing too bad but a bit too much chocolate again...yet my home scales are showing a good loss?? I don't' know why but I'm not about to complain *wink*
I'll wait until tomorrow's official weigh-in before I get too excited over it as I guess the scales could still go back up in the next 24hrs? Keep you posted on that tomorrow.
I also have Talyn's first immunisation needles tomorrow morning after weigh-in so I hope to get an update done by lunchtime if I'm lucky. I will just have to see how I go??
I mentioned a new car in my last post. We are just waiting on the bank to finalise the paper work but sometime in the next week we are purchasing a 2004 Kia Carnival. I'm so excited!!!! Right now we have a Lancer wagon (a compact wagon) that has no where near enough space for two car seats, prams etc...let alone if we were to try to holiday with port-a-cots and suitcases etc as well. The Kia is a 7 seater van and at 7 years newer then my current car it will be the newest car we've ever owned and probably ever will own. So exciting!! I've found a similar one here you can check out if you want to. Once we get ours I'll post you some pic's of it too. Squeal!!!!
TFTD: "All problems become smaller if you don't dodge them but confront them!!"
Cheers P
Thursday, 8th March 2007...
Well anyone with an eagle eye on the challenge page in the last 24hrs would have seen that I posted two different results for myself this week.
It's been a bad week. Poor food choices and only 2 gentle walks totaling 50min's for exercise. I knew I was going to gain and that only made things worse. The emotional eating took a jump and I had that silly attitude of "oh well if I'm going to gain anyway what does it matter if I eat blah, blah, blah"
And I did the worse thing of all. I decided not to weigh. I put 0.0kg down for myself on the challenge page as I have for so many others who don't face the scales each week for whatever reason.
But then I got angry at myself! I also knew that I try to always talk people into facing the scales no matter what. I know from bitter experience that one missed week can soon snowball into total disaster as you miss more and more trying to achieve a loss before returning. I knew that as we are likely to be going out of town in the next few days to buy a new car (more on that next post) I would be faced with difficult food choices and even less chance of exercise. So I knew it was likely next week would be another bad one and that could mean two missed meetings.
So...despite having eaten freely all yesterday (although surprisingly still only on 16 out of 30 points just before tea despite this) and having drank near my body weight in water that afternoon - that I had to JUST DO IT!
So I did it :) I faced the scales. It was a gain of 0.7kg....much better then I had feared (as it always seems to be - I should remember this next time I'm worried hey *wink*) and now it's done. Simon was proud of me and I was proud of myself...Hoorah!
Now it's a new week and anything is possible :)
Had a terrible night last night. After putting Talyn to bed as usual we went in to investigate some strange noises and our hearts almost stopped to see him choking on his own vomit! It was absolutely everywhere and he couldn't get a breath out of his nose or mouth! He was stiff, terrified and getting paler by the second. Boy did we all get a terrible fright! But after cleaning him up and cuddling him for ages and ages (to sooth him and us) he went to bed and slept 8hrs until his first feed as usual. I on the other hand barely slept all night for watching him so it's going to be one hell of a long day today. I've not had any day sleeps all week as I'm trying to break my dependence on them but today will be the exception I think!
TFTD: "Determination determines the outcome!!"
Cheers P
Sunday, 4th March 2007...
Ok...you've been warned! I may come across as a moaning cow in this post. So if you don't want to be bummed out then look away now *wink*
Having said that though, I'm not feeling depressed on that down on myself. Just a bit reflective I guess?
I feel like I'm not meeting my expectations of myself since Talyn's arrival? Now before you tell me to give myself a break - I am, honestly! I know that I have lost 3kg in the 5wk's I have been back at WW. I know that I have lost 4 out of those 5 weeks. I know I am doing the best I can as my body recovers from birth and a complicated recovery from my caesarian. I also know that I do not have the 2hrs a day that I used to devote to exercise now that I have my two boys to care for.
But.....?
I still want more.
:)
I guess I just thought the losses would come a little easier. That the return to exercise would feel a little more enjoyable. That I would succeed faster and that by now I would already be shrinking back through my prior clothing sizes.
Alas that has not happened.
I still struggle on a daily basis to make good food choices. My exercise has been non existent except for one 30min walk a week or so ago and a 30min family walk/Caleb bike ride this morning along the Esplanade. As far as exercise goes....it's hot! It's hard to schedule it around demand feeding a newborn and wanting to shower etc between exercise and breastfeeding. Most days I find it hard enough to get a shower as it is (during the day that is - I still shower every night when Simon is home) let alone squeezing it and a workout in around Talyn's needs and Caleb's needs. I know that will get easier in time and even more so when I am no longer breastfeeding. But I hope to feed until he is at least 6months old so I've got to find some system that works in the meantime as I sure as hell can't sit around on my ever growing ass until then *wink*
The clothing thing is a nightmare! Nothing fits...and what does fit looks bad. I don't want to bare my arms any more as I once finally learnt to do - and that goes ditto for my upper thighs. I know that means I need to get back into some serious workouts to get my body back to how it once was becoming as I dropped down to the low 90's range prior to pregnancy...but while hovering around 108kg that seems a long way away!
On a positive note our city has finally done a fantastic thing for health conscious in our region. As many have heard me talk about the Esplanade before....and the paved path that runs the full length of our beautiful foreshore from one end to the other (15km) is perfect for walking/jogging/riding and pram pushing along. Well now the council have installed exercise stations along the way. Awesome equipment such as cycles, cross-trainers, pec dec's, stepping machines, rowing machines you name it! All made from sturdy metal with no options of altered resistance etc but still - how fantastic is that! So if I can get over my shyness I could walk the pram along the path and stop to work out various machines along the way! I bet my old Enforcer is loving putting people through their paces on those things!! hehehe When I trained with her I used tables for push-ups and dips and car park rails for step ups etc...but I never felt too self conscious because I guess it was obvious to onlookers I was being trained under direction?? But to use this stuff alone??? Hmmm...I'll have to see how I go with that.
Eating wise...I do ok. But ok isn't good enough! I can go all day doing great but then get an attack of the munchies mid afternoon....or the desire for an easy take-away...or a devil may care attitude that says 'screw it! I'll start again tomorrow'.
Ho-hum. What's a girl to do?
I know what I want (my shrinking body back, the thrill of success, the shocked looks from others as they watch me transform, the knowledge that I am bettering myself not only for myself but for my children, my family and my health)....I know what I need to do to get it (work out and eat right. The old equation of energy in Vs energy out. Pretty simple really!). Yet.........
Yet I don't do it??
So where to from here?? No where new really. Just continuing to try to do my best every day. To eat well and gradually build up more exercise into my routine again. Even if I can't always get out for a walk I should do toning work at home. I should do a lot of things. Oh well...as I've said before....we never fail until we quit trying. And I'm not a quitter!!!!
TFTD: "For things to change, you have to change!!"
Cheers P
PS new pic's and updates at Talyn's Album and Caleb's Album and website's. Just follow the links from the what's on page.
Thursday, 1st March 2007...
Well after this week's weigh in result I must admit I got a bit off track. Yesterday I did great all day but then caved and had a kebab and fries for tea last night - D'oh! I think for a moment I caved in to those old self defeatist thoughts of "I worked so hard last week for a lousy 0.2kg loss so why should I bother!!??". Then I really sealed the deal with chocolate for dessert!
I didn't feel that way initially, and I don't' feel that way now but I guess it was convenient to feel that way once the thought of take away entered my naughty little mind *wink*.
How do I feel? Cheated I guess. I really did work hard and I thought that after week's of imperfect effort that I was in for a really big loss this week to show for my renewed focus and effort. However that was not to be. Sulking over that and acting out by eating bad food will not change that fact - it will only make this week's result worse also.
Perhaps yesterdays lapse will already ensure another lack luster result this week now too. But so be it I guess. I cannot change yesterday. I could only ensure today was better - and it was. Still 16pt's left to use with only tea and a snack left to have for the day so I should be great. We are having apricot chicken and vege's for tea and I'm planning fruit and yoghurt for dessert while we watch Lost tonight on TV.
I'm tracking still. Planning to fit in some more exercise this week then last. I'm also going to try to resist the lure of the scales for the next few days. I'd love to be brave enough to weigh in at WW next week without having looked and with no idea of the result...but let's face it - for a scale addict like me that's unlikely. I'll give it a go though :)
I've just done an update over at Talyn's site about his and my own 6wk post natal check-up. I even had an implant yesterday!!! I'm hoping that the possibility of it causing weight gain does not eventuate though or I'll be one unhappy little camper *wink*
TFTD: "We are what we repeatedly do!!"
Cheers P
Tuesday, 27th February 2007...
Well I lost 0.2kg for my week of near perfect effort????
Go figure!
But I'm not going to get all down about it. I did my best. I lost. I did reach my next goal of 1/4 of the way my final goal so all in all a success :)
I'm sure next week will have to be a better result. Until then I just keep on taking one day at a time :)
TFTD: "You must look for the opportunity in every situation!!"
Cheers P
Monday, 26th February 2007...
I forgot to mention yesterday that I am kicking butt on the anti-Chocolate focus! I have not had a chocolate bar for 4 days now! When I went shopping this week I found some other chocolate hits for less points...like a fat free choc pudding for 1.5pt's and some low fat triple choc biscuits for only 0.5pt's each. Now granted this is still chocolate but for me I can sooth the cravings with these without eating a heap of points on a full fat chocolate bar or eating 3 or 4 low fat ones. A good solution all round I think.
II see that many of us in the challenge are having gains in 4wk. It's almost universal over the whole group and that really interests me. It's happened in previous challenge's around the week 3 or 4 mark also. Do you think it's because we can only sustain our 'good intentions' for so long without a blowout? Or is it just a cycle thing for us mainly female challengers? I'd love to hear your theories on it. Pop over the the forum to give us your opinion here where I have started a discussion topic on it.
TFTD: "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't - either way you are right!!"
Cheers P
Sunday, 25th February 2007...
Just a super quick entry today as I'm flat out but wanted to let you all know how I was going with my weekly goals.
Two words....Kicking Ass!!!
*wink*
I have tracked everything, everyday so far and am going spot on with points. Planning it and writing it in advance and tracking as soon as I eat anything else has really helped me to end the days with plenty of points to spare.
Thursday I did my first walk for exercise as planned. I did 30min's with the pram and hope to do the same tomorrow while Caleb is at Kindy also.
Reaching the 107's on the scales remains to be seen at next weeks weigh in but judging by some sneaky peaks I've had no the home scales - I'm feeling hopeful in that regard!! Hoorah!
I've also had some wins in food choices. When Caleb and Simon had to go out on Thursday night they both had their fave Hungry Jack's for tea as they were in the other town where it is located. Rather then have them bring me home something I had baked beans and a mushroom omelette that I whipped up instead.
Last night they had BBQ tea of steak for Simon and sausages for Caleb as I really felt like a stir-fry and I know neither are keen on that. So Simon took care of their cooking and I made a chicken, vege and noodle stir fry with sweet chili sauce for me - delish! And I even did a double batch so I have an extra serve in the fridge now for lunch today.
On Thursday morning I also won a major battle of will power with myself. Wednesday night is our weekly take away night and I still had half a container of my favorite Chinese left in the fridge Thursday morning. I stood with it in my hands when I woke up telling myself to throw it out straight away or for sure I would eat it later in the day. My mind was telling me not to waste perfectly good (and delish!) Chinese yet my other side was telling myself it couldn't possible taste as good as a good loss would feel this week. I literally turned back and forth between the fridge and the bin several times before finally binning it and turning my back on it with a smile :)
Each of these little battles and choices will be worth it come weigh-in this week I'm sure!!! Keep you posted.
TFTD: "It's better to sleep on what you intend doing then stay awake over what you have already done!!"
Cheers P
Thursday, 22nd February 2007...
Although I weighed in Tuesday morning I went to my meeting again last night to pick up some new points guides and a new 12wk tracker. Those trackers are sensational! Just having a neat little book to track all my eating/points/exercise/feelings etc in each day really helps to keep my on track in the past. This is my first post-pregnancy tracker and I'm going to use it to really step things up a notch this week.
I must admit I've been putting in a pretty half assed effort in my first month back at WW.
Yes I've lost 2.8kg in 4 weeks, I've reigned in many of the bad pregnancy eating habits and I know that I could not exercise due to my complicated recovery from the c-sect.
But it's not enough!
I've not been tracking. I've not ensured I stuck to my generous points allowance each day and the main thing is that I have wallowed in my chocolate cravings each and every day. No more!
Today I started my new tracker, my new week and my new focus. Today I have planned meals ahead in my tracker and as such felt less need to graze or snack. The planned snacks I have had have been fruit and yoghurt and I was surprised how filling they were. I had a diet yoghurt and diced apple for morning tea and felt full and satisfied at the end of it for only 2 pt's. Previously I would have grabbed chocolate for many more points and then allowed the guilt of my actions to cloud the other food choices I made for that day.
I have set myself 3 goals for this week.
1 - Track everything I eat, every day this week.
2 - Return to some form of exercise this week.
3 - Try to reach the 107's at my next weigh in (hence a loss of 0.7kg at least)
I know I can do number 1.
Number 2 I intend to start today. Simon and Caleb have to go out this afternoon for about 2hrs so what better time then that for Talyn and I to take the pram out for a spin. It will be my first walk (for exercise) since his arrival almost 6wk's ago so I'll begin at just 30min's. I think I'll feel great for having made a start and that will inspire me to do even more this week I'm hoping. The weather is a bit hit and miss of late so if it does happen to rain in this time I'll do some dips and push-ups at home instead. Anything just to get back to working out again!
Barbara (from the challenge) said of me in an email today "we know how much you love to exercise...once you have recovered from your c-sect". It really got me thinking. I never thought anyone would say that about me and exercise - but it's true. When I was working out 2hrs a day prior to the pregnancy I was loving the results, I loved how strong and successful it made me feel and it really had got quite addictive for me. It's time to get that back! Thanks Barbara for reminding me of that and giving me the kick start I needed in that regard. :)
As for goal number 3. Well I know I had said my goal this week was to lose 0.2kg to get to the 1/4 mark of my weight loss again....but I just know I can do so much better. If I can average 0.7kg a week over the last month with half assed effort imagine what I can do this week if I REALLY put in 100% effort. Make good choices, avoid chocolate, track AND exercise! There's no telling what I may be able to achieve!
As for the chocolate. Well I deliberately did not make any rules on myself in that regard for this week. If I do have it I'll track it in my daily points. But I've had none today, have none in the house and really just want to be relaxed about it and see what I can achieve. It's time to break the habit indeed but I know I'll rebel against any rules too strict in that regard. I'll just see how well I do at cutting back this week and reassess it again next week and see.
I am desperate, desperate to get back into my slimmer wardrobe and to like what I see in the mirror again instead of seeing all that I have gained back once more. I want to feel confident enough to bare my upper arms once more and wears skirts as I had prior to my pregnancy, after almost a decade of avoiding both.
I'll get back there again, I know that. But if I put in 100% effort now I'll get there a hell of a lot sooner!! :)
TFTD: "You can't build a reputation on things you are going to do. What the mind can perceive and believe - you can achieve!!"
Cheers P
Wednesday, 21st February 2007...
Just a reminder to you all about the Yahoo forum that I have created and that you are all invited to visit.
Come to here to chat to myself and other readers about everything from weight loss tips, recipes, exercise, The Biggest Loser and much more! If you are having a tough day chances are others will sympathise. If you are having a great day then share that with us also. All welcome!
TFTD: "If you worry about yesterday's failures, then today's successes will be few!!"
Cheers P
Tuesday, 20th February 2007...
Wahoo a loss!
Only a small one of 0.3kg but I'm happy with any loss these days :)
After all I'm still not back to exercise yet and I am eating enough chocolate to sustain a small nation *wink* so beggars can't be choosers.
For now I consider any week where I have a loss a success!!
Only 0.2kg to lose now to get back to the 1/4 way mark. That will be my mini goal for next week :)
TFTD: "Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark!!"
Cheers P
Monday, 19th February 2007...
Weigh-in day approaches and I'm feeling fairly confident of a loss. Of course you never know until you step on those scales but hopefully I should be good.
I'm still battling a major chocolate addiction *wink* I have kept it to just a small taste each day of late which seems to tide me over but it's a daily struggle. Like today - I have none in the house. After dropping Caleb off at Kindy this morning I thought Talyn and I would have a cruise around the shops. I wanted to grab the new JT album and some long pants for bub. However I knew damn sure that if I went to the shops there was no way I would leave without chocolate. So I came home instead. I did manage to call into my local store on the way to pick up some magazines but only took just enough money so that I couldn't grab chocolate on impulse *Phew* Now I'm home and enjoying a bowl of sweet watermelon instead.
Tomorrow I will weigh-in and then hit the shops for my purchases so I'm telling myself that if I can get through today chocolate free (that would be a first for weeks!) then I can treat myself to a small chocolate tomorrow. I know it's not exactly a great reward but better then having chocolate today AND tomorrow! hehehe
Last night we had a family picnic at Caleb's Kindy and we had to bring take away or BBQ food to cook. We went the take away option for ease but I still made a great choice. I got a Lean Beef Burger from McDonald's, (no fries) and a diet coke. So I felt pretty good about that choice. :) As the picnic tea was so early, like 4pm, I was hungry by 7pm so I grabbed a bowl of grapes - another good choice! In fact all day yesterday was good so I'm hoping I can do that again today.
I'm really hating my limited clothing choices right now. In some ways I have even less then when I was pregnant as I got rid of all my fat clothes as I slimmed down, and you can't wear obvious maternity clothes after bub has arrived so I have very few options. I'm hating the return of my old tuckshop arms and barge-ass too (*wink*) so I'm eager to get back into exercise pronto and get some improvement in those areas.
My tummy is almost healed now on the open wound so I'm thinking this is my week to get moving again. Gently to begin with of course...and no crunches etc for a few more weeks but walking at least and some toning like dips, push-ups and lunges etc. Simon is keen to get back into some exercise himself so he's eager for us to walk as a family in the evenings. Bliss!!! It will be great to have each other to motivate us to get moving again.
I'm also just loving the challenge! Every email that comes in inspires me to try that little bit harder. That plus the amazing results on Biggest Loser are a fantastic boost too. Except that show makes me yearn for my old 1hr sweat soaked mega workout's of days gone by. Still I know I can work up to that again soon. Then there will be no stopping me!
I know I'm a bit behind my challenge goal. To get to 99.9kg by the end of the 12wk's I'd have to lose just under a kilo a week and would need to be up to a total loss of 3.8kg after tomorrow's weigh-in. While that's not likely I'm not worried because any closer I get to those 90s by the end will be a success in my book :) It took me about 10yrs to get out of the 100kg's last time and now I want those 90s back - like yesterday! *wink*
Oh I have finally added some new pic's to Talyn's album here for you to see and also created his new webpage here. Enjoy!
TFTD: "It's not what happens to you that matters, it's what you do about what happens that matters!!"
Cheers P
Thursday, 15th February 2007...
I have no idea how that happened but I lost 0.6kg last night!!!
I'm so glad I fought the urge to not weigh-in. It just goes to show what nice surprises can come to those who face up to the scales even when they expect bad news.
And as a bonus I also made my weekly goal to hit the 108s!!
Hoorah :)
TFTD: "Our rewards in life are in exact proportion to our contribution!!"
Cheers P
Wednesday, 14th February 2007...
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! I hope you are enjoying the day with the one you love. For those without a love in their life right now...treat yourself instead - you are worth it!!
Well it's confession time. After yesterday's chocolate binge I decided not to weigh this week. I decided that our usual once a week take away night (after weigh-in on Wednesday night usually) could be brought forward a night and I'd just start fresh today.
But then I felt bad. Really bad. I encourage everyone else to face the scales no matter how bad the week and I felt like a total hypocrite deciding to wuss out. So what did I do instead?
I put away the potato chips I was consoling myself with. I went out to the kitchen and immediately prepared tea so all I'd have to do later was turn on the vege's and pop the apricot chicken breasts into the microwave. I even set the table and everything so there was no excuse for a convenient take away later.
Just knowing that I was going to weigh in anyway tonight kept me on track the rest of the day and today so far. And the other big thing I did?
I took the chocolates back to Kindy today with only the one bag gone and paid for. I really wanted to help with the fundraising but if I was honest I knew I would not be able to resist them and that I would eat far more then I would sell. Not only could my wallet no afford that but I knew my diet definitely could not! I want to reach my goals more then I want that chocolate!
I kind of used Caleb for an excuse...hehehe...I explained that he was allergic to dairy and thus chocolate and it wasn't fair to him to have all that chocolate in the house that he could not eat :) The truth is he doesn't want it as he knows he can't eat it but they don't have to know that. It felt great to conquer that temptation like that!
So tonight I will weigh. I'm not sure if I will lose a little bit, gain a little bit or stay the same as my home scales are pretty close to last week. But whatever it is I'll take it on the chin and keep on going. After all...you never fail until you stop trying!
Caleb finally got his plaster off yesterday - hoorah! He loves seeing his arm again and while his movement is a little limited for now (he can't touch the hand to his shoulder on that side) the Dr's are hopeful it will return to full movement in time.
Today however after a rain soaked time getting Talyn back into the car seat after dropping Caleb off at Kindy..then more of the same when I went up to the hospital to the dressing clinic + Talyn screaming for a feed while I was up there...I then got a call from Kindy and had to bring Caleb home again as his arm was irritated and he was scratching it raw! Ooh what a day. All this on top of hardly any sleep last night for any of us. Between Talyn being really unsettled for the first night in weeks and Caleb wetting the bed for this first time in about 3 months ... we are all feeling a little fragile today. Thank god it's take away night huh? Hehehe.
TFTD: "Never let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do!!"
Cheers P
Tuesday, 13th February 2007...
Well thanks to a fantastic suggestion from Pascal in the challenge....I have started a yahoo discussion group! I set it up as a platform for challengers to converse with one another, get extra support, tips and inspiration. Having said that though of course any one who reads my site is most welcome to pop in for a chat. I look forward to getting to know many of your more there. Check it out here.
Otherwise.....my week of struggling with good intentions has come to a crashing halt today.
You know how I was struggling with chocolate cravings yesterday?
Well today when I dropped Caleb off at Kindy guess what was waiting there for me to collect?? A giant fundraising box of Cadbury Chocolate Easter eggs!! It's a box of 20 small bags of varying sorts of chocolate eggs (plain, caramel, candy etc). Cadbury caramello is my weakness and already one of the small bags of them has found it's way into my mouth over the course of today!! Noooooo!!!
You know how it goes. Oh I'll just have one.....one more.....one more.....one more etc....oh is the bag empty already? How did that happen?
Aaaargh!!!
TFTD: "The human mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to it's original state!!"
Cheers P
Monday, 12th February 2007...
Wow sorry for the delay in entries. I had not realised it had been so long!
Well the week has been so-so for me. I'm really struggling to get back on track after so many months off course while I was pregnant.
The meals I'm doing great with. 3 healthy meals a day is no challenge. The drinks I'm also finding easy...about 3L at least of water a day and a max of one 600ml diet coke. I rarely drink any full sugar soft drink so that's a huge improvement for me.
But chocolate! Oh evil chocolate!! I just can't seem to get enough of it of late?? I had been buying a Mars bar or some such thing each day so when I went shopping yesterday I got a bag of mini Milky Ways instead, intending to have just 2 a day for the week then drop it to 1 a day next week (they are only 1pt each from memory). Well yeah that theory was great - in theory!...except yesterday I ate four of them!!! D'oh! I just can't seem to kick the chocky craving??
I really must work harder on that if I want a loss this week as at this stage the scales have not budged at all. It's not looking likely I'll hit those 108s this week after all but I'll be happy with any loss at this point.
Keep you posted!
On a more positive note...Simon and I are going to start back into exercise this week. We are going to go for 30min walks in the arvo with the pram and with Caleb on his bike. I need to start slow to be sure I don't do any damage with my healing etc. But I'm excited just at the thought of getting back to exercise!! :) Baby steps for now but I'll build up in time. I'm already looking forward to learning to jog all over again! Bring it on!!
TFTD: "An error gracefully acknowledged is a victory won!!"
Cheers P
Wednesday, 7th February 2007...
Well I weighed in a day early yesterday and I gained.
Ho-hum :) I can live with that. It was only 0.3kg after all, I'd expected a small gain anyway and I've still lost 1.9kg in the first 2 weeks back overall so I'm very pleased with that.
This time around I refuse to obsess over gains and beat myself up over it all. I need to treat myself better and view it the same way I do when others gain - it's one week, not the end of the world.
So my goal for this week is simply to crack the 108s. So that means a loss of 0.6kg.
I think I can do that! :)
TFTD: "You are successful the moment you start moving towards a worthwhile goal!!"
Cheers P
Monday, 5th February 2007...
Caleb began his first full 3 day week at Kindy this morning so in the coming weeks I'm hoping to get into a good routine on those days and begin some walking with the pram as soon as I am able.
As my second weigh in approaches I'm feeling a bit nervous. I still haven't tracked this week and I'm being pretty relaxed about my eating. I am eating good meals and no night time snacking, drinking gallons of water and only 1 diet coke a day...but I can't stop craving chocolate!! I'm having a Mars bar most days and I know I've got to stop that if I want to see results.
I know my week 1 result was still more to do with my body settling down after the pregnancy and c-sect etc and I will be happy with any loss -no matter how small- this week.
However after having family stay with us over the weekend I had a McDonald's breakfast one morning and a Chinese Noodle take away for tea another night...Ugh!
I really, really hope I can still pull off a loss this week? I've got about 2.5days until I have to get on the scales so I'm going to try to be really careful in this time and see how I go.
If I gain..well so be it? I can't starve or exercise to extreme as I used to be able to do to pull of a last minute loss on a bad week. I'm breastfeeding and still recovering so I just need to take things sensible and focus on the big picture and not so much on the individual weekly results.
Next week my goal is to track every day. I'm sure that will help to get me more back on track. And no chocolate today or tomorrow!! I went to the shop this morning and got my magazine and a diet coke but avoided the chocolate fridge at least :)
For the Aussie readers....how cool was the new season of The Biggest Loser that started back on last night! I love that show and it was murder to watch the recent US series that was on while I was pregnant and unable to put the hefty dose of motivation it gives me to good use. This time I'm watching it, knowing I am slimming again too and it so inspires me! I love it :)
Anyhoo....I'd best get moving and get some washing done before Talyn decides he needs another feed (which is anytime he is awake it seems *wink*).
Wish me luck for Wednesday nights weigh-in as I fear I might need it. Here's hoping I am pleasantly surprised though *fingers crossed*
TFTD: "You alone have the power to change!"
Cheers P
Thursday, 1st February 2007...
Holy Toledo Batgirl!
I knew I was going to lose weight last night but I didn't expect a whopping 2.2kg (especially after eating a choc top ice cream cone 30min's before weighing in *smiles at guilty pleasure*) hehehe
So that makes two goals achieved in my first week. I'm under 110kg again....and I'm back to 10kg lost in total! Wahoo :)
All the other stats flowing in have been nothing short of inspiring and I get so much motivation from you all in the challenge.
I'm so tired this morning! Talyn has had two unsettled nights in a row now. Feeding every 2 or so hours overnight or at least waking and fussing a lot. Not sure if it's just since the circumcision or perhaps he's going through a growth spurt?
I'm feeling pretty trashed that's for sure but for the first day in a week or more I have no appointments etc to go to so me and the boys are just taking it easy at home today. I hope to get a nap this afternoon if they both sleep at the same time at least? If not it's only a day or so until the weekend and I'll be able to catch up a bit while Simon is home. Then again my sister and nephew from NSW are coming to visit so second thoughts I may not get to sleep much after all?? Hehehe Oh well. Such is life with a newborn I guess :)
TFTD: "As you think, so shall you become!"
Cheers P
Wednesday, 31st January 2007...
Well as the end of my first week back at WW draws to an end I am eagerly awaiting my first weigh-in this evening.
I'm expecting good results and I can't wait!
Speaking of good results....fantastic challenge stats rolling in already!
Bravo to you all :)
TFTD: "Day by day, in every way I'm getting better and better!!"
Cheers P
Monday, 29th January 2007...
Yes I'm still around :) Latest details on health drama's at Pregnancy Site but all is going better in that regard now at least - I think *touch wood*
The challenge continues to attract new members which is great and I'm so looking forward to the first week's results flowing in. I find it so motivating to see what some people can do. And after my 9 month long absence from the weight loss world I'm just so gosh darn excited to be a part of it myself again at last!
My own scale results seem encouraging but I won't jinx myself by saying just what they are saying until my official weigh-in on Wednesday night.
I must say the best thing these days is my water intake. Having come from drinking next to no water at all (and far too much Coke instead) I'm now drinking 2-3L of water a day easily, one diet coke if that and no full sugar coke at all which is great. I drink a glass of water most times I breastfeed so that easily adds up during the course of the day.
I'm also rarely eating any take away and meals are simple and gobble down when I can find the time in my oh so busy days of late. About my only weakness right now is chocolate. I find myself really craving a taste of it every day but so long as I can fit that in my points allowance I don't think that's too bad.
I've been a bit hit and miss with my tracking this first week back but I will endeavor to improve that this coming week. I don't want to get to confident by the dropping scales right now with minimum effort because I know that won't continue if I don't put in the hard work - especially while I am unable to exercise right now.
Still.....one step at a time. Right now I just want to hit that 'under 110kg' goal for now and then work on the next one in line :)
Between all the appointments we have at hospitals etc right now (which Simon has to leave work to drive us to), adjusting to our new routine with Talyn, and Caleb starting his first day of Kindy on Wednesday.. I'm just doing the best I can to get through each day for now. Baby steps!!! Hehehe
TFTD: "We are the creators of our own surroundings!!"
Cheers P
Saturday, 27th January 2007...
Have been back in hospital again. Just got home last night.
Cheers P
Thursday, 25th January 2007...
Well I re-joined WW last night as planned.
Weighed in at 111.4kg which was about what I had expected so no surprises there.
Some of the women there thought I was just there to show Talyn etc and were surprised that I'd want to rejoin so fast...by why not? Waiting is not going to change anything. The sooner I get back at it the sooner I'll get back to those 90s again...then those 80s again and so on.
Besides...I've waited 9 long months to get my fix of that great high you feel to succeed at weight loss again and now I need my next hit!!
I tell you what was funny though....taking a newborn baby into a hall full of women!!! So funny!!! They swarmed in like a bunch of clucky hens *wink*. They all got to have a cuddle and Talyn slept through the whole lot - oblivious to the number of arms he was passed through. What a champ! :)
TFTD: "You are today what you have consented to be!"
Cheers P
Wednesday, 24th January 2007...
Back to WW tonight! Can't wait :)
I know that's weird...considering I'm somewhere around 111-112kg again *D'oh!*...but unlike times gone by I don't care!
I have a good reason for the weight gain and a beautiful baby boy to show for it!
I also know, like REALLY KNOW, that I can lose it again. I've got the exercise background now, I've got the belief in myself, and I'll just pick back up and get on with it.
The day I had Talyn I was a staggering 121kg (having gained 27kg while pregnant!!!!)....since then I've lost about 10kg and each day the scales are a little lower. Bit by bit I'll get back to where I was then it's onwards on the downhill scale path from there :)
My personal medium term goal is to get back to the 80's by my birthday on June 29th. I think that's achievable and if I can manage that I'll be feeling great. Then I'll work towards reaching my long term final goal weight before the end of 2007.
Speaking of which it begins today! Over the next 7 days...whatever day is your regular weigh-in....send me that weight as your start weight (remember to include your screen name and challenge goal). Then each week when that same day rolls around send me an updated weight. So that next week's weigh-in will be your week 1 result and so on :) (I'll be sending all challengers an email with this info anyway).
It's not too late to join if you'd like to? Just check out the challenge page link above and follow the instructions there.
Ok enough for now. I must go and do some long overdue updates on my stats, and goals pages etc. I'll be back tomorrow to let you know what my official weigh-in is tonight after my return to WW. After 9 long months of waiting I can't hardly believe I can finally go back at last. Yahoooo!!!!
TFTD: "After you've worked hard to get what you want, take the time to enjoy it!!"
Cheers P
Thursday, 18th January 2007...
Ok...super quick entry!
Baby Talyn's pic is up at pregnancy site to see!!! Full birth story will follow in next day or so.
I'm going back to WW next Wednesday night so will have final weight details then...*gulp*
Challenge start date has been set!
It will begin Wednesday 31st January 2007!!! Please submit a start weight in the week prior to this (or on that day is fine). Then each week after that on the same day that you have chosen just email me your updated weight in kg's, with amount lost or gained for the week and please remember to always include your screen name in all emails to help me get your stats to the right person.
Good luck!!!
I'll be back with more details and a better update in the next day or so :)
TFTD: "There is no greater miracle then that of birth!!"
Cheers P
Friday, 12th January 2007...
My baby is coming today!!!!
See pregnancy update here :)
Cheers P
Saturday, 6th January 2007...
Ok....no bub news to report yet but I think it will only be a matter of days now (I hope).
From now on all posts will be at the pregnancy page here. I will try to do a brief update when I leave for hospital but even if I don't manage that I have left Simon instructions as to how to update it after bub's birth. So if you are looking for baby updates go to pregnancy page!
I'll be back here after bub's arrival with all the challenge details and a return to weight loss issues once more :)
Wish me luck...I think I may need it *wink*
TFTD: "Why not go out on a limb? Isn't this where the fruit is?!"
Cheers P
Wednesday, 3rd January 2007...
Well folks, it's that time again!
Time for another new crockpot recipe :) Last night we tried this one and I did a double batch (as I'm freezing meals in preparation for bub's arrival) ... lucky it turned out so yummy since I now have a second serving of it. Simon loved it (no surprise there when one looks at the title *wink*...and even Caleb chowed down on it happily).
Beef & Beer Casserole
-600g diced steak (cheap stewing steak is fine as it gets very tender in cooking)
-2 medium onions finely chopped
-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
-2 rashers bacon, chopped
-1 to 1 1/2 cups of beer, flat or freshly opened
-2 tbs golden syrup
-2 tbs brown sugar
-2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
-salt to taste
-cornflour to thicken
Method:
-Turn slow cooker on high and coat with non-stick spray
-Place all ingrediant's except salt and cornflour into slow cooker, stir and cover
-Turn heat down to LOW and cook for 6-8hrs.
-Taste before serving and add salt or extra brown sugar only if desired (we didn't need either). About 15min's before serving, thicken with cornflour mixed to a thin paste with cold water, and turn heat to HIGH.
We enjoyed ours with creamy mashed potato and fresh corn on the cob. It was so easy to prepare and leave, no burning/drying as some dishes do, and best of all it was super yummy!
TFTD: "Let the new year bring a new you!"
Cheers P
Monday, 1st January 2007...
HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
May 2007 bring all your dreams and goals to reality :)
Oh how bittersweet it is to pass a new years day, and on a Monday of a brand new week no less - without a slew of NY resolutions and diet/exercise beginnings.
I know I have them lurking within me *wink*...but honestly what's the point in worrying too much about all that until after bub arrives?
You can read the latest on bub's progress, and my NYE story here so I won't bore you by repeating them all again now.
I'm really just treading water for now. I feel like bub must be getting close and for me that has added to the surrealism of the New Year celebrations for me. New Year's day will be the day after my next baby arrives in the world I'm sure.
And what then?
Well it will be back to Weight Watchers at last ASAP (cannot wait!!!!).
Back into healthy eating, tracking and making wise choices once more.
Back to gentle exercise until I am ready/recovered enough to re-activate my gym membership.
And back down the line of clothing sizes once more instead of up! Hehehe I have them all stacked in my wardrobe in decreasing sizes ready to shrink back into. Oh hallelujah! Just the thought of underwear that won't roll down like a retreating window blind under my huge baby belly, pants that stop at the waist instead of the bra line, shirts that don't billow in the wind or stretch precariously over my huge bump - seemingly ready to burst in a cloud of busted fabric at any moment *wink*
Ahh the promise of a new year!!!!
*wink*
TFTD: "No matter what my past has been I can always begin anew!"
Cheers P
