Saturday, December 29, 2012

What's around the corner?

I'm on holidays.  Well, more correctly, I'm on annual leave, which is the universally allotted time for coming up with all kinds of brilliant (?) ideas and committments...

like...

changing my blog.

To be honest, I'm a bit bored with writing about weight loss.  It's past tense.  The weight has gone.  Those crappy habits which saw me pile on the poundage over the past 20 or so years have gone.

So I'm not Making Rae Lean anymore.  But I am still Raelene in the making...



Friday, December 21, 2012

It's been how long...?

I had that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that it was due time I updated my blog, but I didn't realise that four while weeks had passed by.

It's not that I've been too busy - although work did heat up in December, wedding plans kicked into high gear and that even that happens toward the end of this month always adds a little extra crazy.

It's not that I've been "bad" - I'm still eating brilliantly, sticking to the exercise program and my head is in a great place.

It's not that I've gained weight - coz everyone does in those first few weeks of muscle building on the Lean & Strong program.

I just haven't had anything much to write.  Life is good.  Life is great. But there's nothing new in that.  Every day is like that.  And I really doubt that anyone would want to read about me gloating on how wonderful my life is.

Every single day I pinch myself.  Literally.  I'm 3 months away from marrying my best friend.  We have full control of our own lives.  Great careers.  A beautiful home.  Purposeful, happy, loving children.  Two furkids that we adore.

Everything is in balance.  Uncomplicated.  Great.

See why I haven't been posting??

For the sake of consistency, I'll update my weight;




Current Weight: 66.0kg
Last week:      65.9kg
Week's loss:    +0.1kg    
So far:        -31.0kg



Even that has remained constant.

Happy Christmas to anyone that does read this!  Make good choices, and be prepared to unleash an even better 2013 :)

Friday, November 23, 2012

Oh baby give me one more rep

Doo doo doo doo dooo doooooo dooo, oh baby give me one more rep.  (New Maroon 5 song, in case you didn't get it)

4 days of round 4, and 4 days of working out exactly to plan.  L.O.V.I.N.G. it.  It's like my whole body is alive.  And sore.  But so so alive.  every muscle group has been through it's paces, and so far they've all responded beautifully.

Barbell squats with 25kg on board.  Chest press 20kg.  Shoulder press with 2 x 8kg dumbells.  12 months ago I never even imagined that I would be able to do this; strength, fitness, confidence.  And now I'm completely devo when the workout is done.  More gym!


I had to buy myself weight gloves - I know, what a wanker - but the weights were tearing my man hands apart.  They made getting a decent pace on the rowing machine not such a chore either, so they're here to stay.

Today's warm up was on the rower, which I now love, with 1 minute intervals.  My slow is still around 2:30 per 500m, but my fast was tipping below 2:00.

We also do a few pyramid sets.  Today's were upright row with barbell. 12 reps @ 10-12.5kg, 10 reps @ 12.5 - 15kg, 8 reps @ 15-17.5kg, 12 reps @ 10-12.5kg.  I went for the top end today, and just managed to pull through the full number.  But what I did notice is how much easier the last 12 were compared to the first 12.

Heaps of triceps fun too, including;

3 sets of 8-12, too.  Owie.  But this is the goal.  Could my battle-weary body be that tight and toned in just 11 more weeks?

It seems the program follows a pattern of; Monday Legs (Quads & Calves), Tuesday upper body (Back & Biceps), Wednesday Cardio & Core, Thursday Legs (Hammys & Glutes), Friday upper body (Shoulders and triceps).  And week 2 is a repeat of week 1.

Can't wait to see how much I've improved next week!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Weigh In - R4 - Week 1

And just like that we're straight into another round of 12wbt.  Probably my last?  We'll see.

Round 1 was all about regaining control over my food, especially the whole planning and shopping in advance.  Finding some confidence in the kitchen.  Getting up the courage to start exercising post surgery.  Weight loss happened, but so did so many other aspects of my life.  It just happened, you know?

Round 2, well, I thought I knew it all.  No need to follow the plans; nutrition or exercise.  I'll just do my own thing.  I lost some more weight.  Not a huge amount.  And although I consolidated my habits, I was definitely not "cured" of my fat tendencies   And my comfort zones were pretty tight.

When round 3 rolled around, I debated with myself at length about whether to re-sign or not.  Obviously I did, but in doing so I took the time to re-set some goals and got serious about the fitness parts.  Food was still good, even though we didn't follow "the master plan".  But my great discovery was Lean & Fit, and in particular, running.  I stuck pretty closely to the schedule up until a little back twinge in week 8 curtailed my activities a little.  Again, I lost little weight - mind you I was well under my first two goals by this time.  But I found strength, and speed, and endurance.

So we're in round 4.  I've avoided the free weights area at gym like... a Carlton supporter in the last quarter when down by 10 goals to Collingwood would remove his jersey before walking past the Pies fans.  Bad analogy, but you get my drift.  It's Thursday today - day 4, and every day I've followed the fitness schedule like my life depended on it.  No cutting corners.  No extended breaks between sets. No freaking out about whether people are watching me, or if I'm doing it right, or blah blah blah.  I'm just doing it.  And loving it.  But my weight is increasing...



Current Weight: 65.9kg
Last week:      65.0kg
Week's loss:    +0.9kg    
So far:        -31.1kg



... which I'm hoping means that I'm gaining muscle.  And hungry!  Man, I could just eat all day long.  All good stuff, but so much food.  Loads of protein; lean chicken, broccoli, nuts, yoghurt.  Still sugar-free too - only 8 days to go!  Can't see me rushing out to buy a cake on December 1st though!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

A golden goal

I don't know where to start this post, and I'm really quite emotional even thinking about beginning...

I think I've said it before, and if so it's worth repeating anyway.  The best thing about 12wbt, this "journey" that I've been on is the people I've met.  The like-minded, positive, encouraging, amazingly inspiring people.

There's a group of us that have been together from the start.  The originals.  The round 1'ers.  They hold such a special place in my heart, but I'm going to single one out.

One of these ladies set herself a goal.  A HUGE goal.  The Eureka tower stair climb.  88 floors.  At the time she set herself this target she was really just beginning her own transformation, and I'm not entirely sure whether she thought she could actually do it.


She believed she could, so she did.

And I'm so incredibly proud xx


Monday, November 19, 2012

Out with the old...

Round 3 is done... gawn... over!

Here's how I went;

Not really much movement in the weight loss stakes, except for week 12 really;

And measurement wise I don't have much to report.  But my fitness tests were a bit :)

The strange thing is that my body has visibly changed in these 12 weeks, but it doesn't show on any of these indicators.  Plus I'm fitter, stronger, healthier (like A LOT)  than I was back in September.  So much so that I've decided to tackle my fears front on with an attempt at Lean and Strong - here on in referred to a L&S.

Round 4 kicked off today, and it was a goodie!  I followed the exercise program to the letter and really enjoyed the different sensation of being muscle fatigued rather than just buggered.  Got the weekly shop done after my working weekend away.  And went for a 9km walk in the late afternoon just to stretch out my legs and soak in some sun.

Nutritionally it was a great day too.  It started with the usual bran, fruit, yoghurt and LSA.  I've ditched the banana now too, and find I stay fuller for longer without it.  Morning tea was a home made protein snack.  Lunch was a berry protein smoothie post workout.  Afternoon tea, some celery with almond butter and a hand full of soaked almonds.  Dinner - well it's Monday, and that always means Salmon Stir Fry.  Yummest.  Meal.  Ever.  And to finish the day off I had some pineapple and pear with yoghurt and cinnamon.  I didn't count my calories, but my guess would be that it came in around the 1350 mark.  Oh, and water... easily 2L today, but it's not something I normally struggle with.

It's all easy when you're having a "work from home" day.  Tomorrow could be a little more challenging to fit the workout in.  But I'm organised.  My fridge has snack size steamed chicken and broccolini packed up and ready to go.  The weeks meals are all planned, purchased and hassle free.  I've just gotta get my ass into that gym.

I've also been thinking a bit about goals and the need to come up with some...  but thats a job for tomorrow!

Still sugar-free too, just in case you were wondering!


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Weigh In - R3 - Week 12

Three rounds down!

I can clearly remember that internal debate over whether to sign up or not for my first round.  Would I stick to it?  Would I be able to do the exercise?  And now at the end of my third round, I can scream the answer loudly and proudly, YES!




Current Weight: 65.0kg
Last week:      67.2kg
Week's loss:    -2.2kg    
So far:        -32.0kg


As seems to happen on the last weigh in of each round, I've met my goal.  My third goal to be exact.  There's still a little bit of weight in a couple of places.  And usually when I have a huge week like this it's followed by a quick rebound.  But that's okay.  It's all part of the weight management tidal changes.  I plan on riding the waves for the rest of my days.

Oh, I'm still sugar-free too.  It's been a challenge the last few days as the pre-event stress is tightening big time.  Still haven't had a coffee.  Still haven't eaten a packet of chocolate coated raspberry bullets.  Still am choosing to be kind to my body rather than loading my insides with even more stress caused by crappy food choices.  On Sunday afternoon when it's all done, I'll quiz the man and see if I've handled the stress better or worse than normal this year.  But will he be honest??

The major up-side of this event being over is I can go back to reading my nutrition texts.  I wonder if I can fit some formal study into my pretty jam packed lifestyle?

So from here it's on to another round of 12wbt.  Do I dare attempt some weights on the Lean & Strong program?  Hmmm.  Maybe!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Weigh In - R3, Week 11

Strange week!  I'm still sugar free, but I was mostly exercise free as well.  I'm so, so tired, and work is biting me on the ass right now.

I have a HUGE event coming up this next weekend.  It's annual.  It's grueling.  And it's confrontational.  I was glad to miss it last year, even though it meant I was laying flat on my back recovering from surgery.  I've been trying to come up with ways to get out of it.  I know - that's not very adult of me.  And I know that I just have to face up to it - to the critics and the criticism and the negativity.

May seem strange to talk about this in here, but there is a definite relationship between my stress levels and my weight.  And I've discovered that it's not just the over-eating and generally digesting crap that adds to the scales, coz sugar-free has meant that there is nothing "bad" in the house.  Stress really does make me fat.  Or at the very least, make me feel heavier.

Therefore, it was no surprise to see a little gain this week;



Current Weight: 67.2kg
Last week:      66.9kg
Week's loss:    +0.3kg    
So far:        -29.8kg


That was Wednesday, and this is the first chance I've had to update in here.  But this morning (yes, I'm still weighing daily) I clocked in at 66.0.  There's no way I've lost 1.2kg in two days!

This next week coming up, I will NOT give up on my sugar-free status.  I WILL exercise every day, even if it's just a 30 minute walk per day.  And come next weekend, I WILL just face up to my fears and deal with the fact that I am a public figure in this role, and conducting this event, hosting the meetings and workshops, commanding the attention of the room and confidently responding to the smart ass remarks, heckling and general poor behaviour of some volunteers IS my job.  Therefore I WILL do it, not run from it.  (as much as I would like to right now!!!)

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Happy anniversary...

...to me!  Today marks one year since my back surgery.  I'm really emotional  about it.

This was me on November 3, 2011;

I was sad.  Really sad. And despite having a "bad back" for a number of years, I took none of the advice given.  I didn't exercise.  Not even walk.  I ate terribly.  And I can remember making excuses for my weight, like; I've got the world's slowest metabolism.  I work long hours and I'm too busy to exercise.  I've always been big.  I even threw the big boned thing out there on occasion.  oh, and my favourite self-justification that I HAVE said out loud to people...I only have to walk past a donut shop and I put on a kilo.  OMG - what bullshit!  If I didn't go IN to the donut shop and buy 3, that might have made a difference.

But, you get the picture... I was fat, and sad, and crippled with back pain to the point that paralysis set in down my left side and I was rushed to Monash and operated on the next morning.

And that's when I said goodbye to sad, pathetic, fat me.  I didn't want that kind of a life.

When I got home from hospital, my gorgeous man bought me an ipad, and I began searching for ways to turn my life around.  I stumbled across Rebecca's blog which is where I first heard about 12wbt.  I remember reading about all the things she was doing, not for even one second thinking that a year later I would be doing them too.  I was inspired.  And in true Raelene fashion, I researched the living daylights out of it.

So this was early November, and the next "round" of 12wbt didn't start until February.  I REALLY wanted to do it, but could only walk short distances, but often.  In fact, the first time I made it to the driveway next door I thought there should have been some type of parade!  But I persevered.   The man bought me Michelle Bridges books and a wii-fit. And each day I walked a little further, cooked a little better, and by the time 12wbt pre-season started in January, I was around 10kg down.

About this time, something completely changed my life.  Facebook.  Until now I'd avoided it for various reasons that aren't relevant here.  On the 12wbt forums, someone had posted about a FB group in the Casey Cardinia area that had started up, so I took the plunge and signed up.  I was REALLY timid at first.  Too shy/scared to go to the group walks they had planned.  In retrospect, I was worried that my recovery wasn't fast enough and that I wouldn't be able to keep up.  That everyone would be fitter than me, and I'd be liability city.

A couple of the ladies reached out to me, and from then on I was hooked.  Olivia, Judy, Nicole, Katrina, Lisa, and a cast of hundreds really.  Amazing ladies.  Generous with their time and their hearts, and I love them all dearly.

And as I plucked up the courage to start attending group sessions, my fitness and recovery came on at a great rate of knots.  So too did my interest in and knowledge of nutrition and turning this fad diet thing into a sustainable lifestyle.

I've marked todays anniversary in two ways and with two of my biggest supporters.  Yesterday afternoon I went for a loong walk with my Mum.  I love spending time with her so very very much.  And today, my gorgeous man came on a 20km walk with me, from our house to Fountain Gate shopping centre and back, for no other reason than we could.  Crazy about the man by the way - still - after all these years!

I could recount all the highs and lows of this past 12 months - mostly highs coz that's the kind of life we live.  But all I need to say is that I'm no longer sad and I'm no longer fat.

I don't know who reads this blog, and frankly it's not about that. But if you do read it and you can relate to how the "before me" felt, please look up www.12wbt.com and don't waste another day being unhappy and without purpose.  It'll change your life in ways you'd never expect xx




Thursday, November 1, 2012

Shhhh - oog - aarrrggggghhhhh

Today was Day 1 of...

...which, at about 3.30pm today seemed like a freaking stupid thing to attempt.  In all honesty I didn't think it would be as difficult as it was.  I've gone sugar-free before and didn't really feel the pinch until about day 4.  And really, I thought my eating was pretty good.  Reality check!

So I've discovered a couple of trigger / danger points;

  • Mid-afternoon coffee, and therefore sugar hit.
  • Prepping dinner whilst nibbling out on my nemesis, jelly type lollies.
  • After dinner Lindt dark with passionfruit and almonds.

I didn't succumb to any of these, but I sure as heck felt the pull of sugar addiction.  I have a thumping headache.  I'm a little bit shaky. And I'm a lot sensitive.

How badly do I want to beat this thing?  Freaking badly.  Sugar is an evil, vindictive, sadistic mistress.  Be gone naughty white powdery goodness :)


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Weigh In - R3 - Week 10

What a crazy week.  What a crazy weigh in.

Friday morning I woke up to 65.9 on the scales,which shocked the heck out of me...mostly because this was the week that I rediscovered cake!

It started last Wednesday.  A girl at work was heading off to prepare for her wedding and we gave her a bit of a send off.  With cake.  Flourless chocolate cake.  Normally I would politely decline.  This day wasn't normal.  Oh my God did it taste gooooooood! And when I weighed in the next morning I had lost some weight.

Hmmmmm...

So on Thursday I was out for a work meeting at a coffee place.  I don't even drink coffee any more.  But this day I did.  And I ordered cake.  With whipped cream on the side.  Flourless orange.  Yummo.  And when I weighed in on Friday morning, I hit my low point of 65.9kg.

Friday was cake free.  As was Saturday.  Sunday morning I weighed in at 65.5kg.  So obviously my cake eating had a positive impact on my weight, yeah?

So it's Sunday, and it's my darling Nan's 87th birthday party here at my house.  There was cake.  Sooo much cake.  Flourless orange. Almond semolina.  So I had a piece of each.  And then backed it up with an encore slice of almond cake.  With double cream.

I felt so disgustingly bloated, and full, and disgusting.  And when I weighed in on Monday morning, holy crap, I weighed 69.5kg.

Oh man!  So on go the brakes - big time.  Lace up my runners, eat squeaky clean, and this is what I woke to this morning;




Current Weight: 66.9kg
Last week:      66.9kg
Week's loss:    +0.0kg    
So far:        -30.1kg



I have dodged a major bullet.  No more cake.  In fact, I've just started up a sugar-free November challenge with my local 12wbt Facebook group.  Perfect timing to get me back on the straight and cake-free narrow!

Unless I find a sugar-free cake recipe.  Best I don't go looking :)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Weigh in - R3 - Weeks 8 & 9

You know, I was thinking whether I should update this blog or not.  With a readership of maybe 3 people, it barely seems worth the effort to post.  But I've had a bit of a think about it and I looked back to why I started this blog in the first place - it's for me and no one else.

So here's my week 8 and as it turns out week 9 weigh in - I stayed the exact same weight...yay!



Current Weight: 66.9kg
Last week:      66.8kg
Week's loss:    +0.1kg    
So far:        -30.1kg


I no longer exercise every day.  Most days I get out and do a little spot of something, but its not always on plan and I don't always record my calories.

One thing that's remained consistent is my nutrition.  Even on crappy days when it feels as though the ceiling at work is resting on my manly shoulders.  I'm still exploring my own recipes and combinations.  And it's fun!

***********************************************************************

A really spunky little chicken that I work with excitedly whispered in my ear today that she's at her goal weight.  I had noticed (and told her so) that she'd lost some weight and was looking fantastic on a couple of occasions - and I meant it too.  When she revealed her weight to me today my first reaction was a mixture of excitement and pride for what she'd achieved.  Then it sunk in.  She actually weighs more than me.  Does that mean I look that good?  Despite the 30kg I still don't see myself as "small".  But perhaps I need to have a closer look.

How long does it take until your self-perception catches up?

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Weign in - R3 - Week 7

I'm not sure whether my cup is half full or half empty today.  not my water glass - that's always sitting on empty after downing 2L per day.



Current Weight: 66.8kg
Last week:      66.7kg
Week's loss:    +0.1kg    
So far:        -30.2kg


My weight loss cup is definitely below the mid-way point.  We're now into the second half of this round and in reailty I've not even lost a kilo as yet. 



600g to be exact!  Sure there's not a lot left to lose, but gaining and losing the same few hundred grams each week is a little trying on the patience.

The funny thing is that without fail, every Saturday morning I weigh in at an all time low.  Is it stress that holds weight on me during the week?  Meh.  I'll keep trying hard this round and then maybe relax the nutrition side of things a little to see what happens.


Saturday, October 6, 2012

What's cookin??

I've never been much of a cook.  Sure, I could heat up a tray of frozen crap, grill the bejeezus out of a piece of steak in my George Foreman, and even rip the top off a packet of Latina Fresh pastsa sauce and throw it in the microwave.

Never did I count calories, or spare a thought for the nutritional content of my meals.  The food pyramid was me balancing chips, chocolate and lollies on  my walk from pantry to couch.  I could go on, but you get the idea!

One of the MANY things that 12wbt has given me is a sense of confidence in the kitchen and a real interest in food and nutrition.  Like...I read nutrition text books as my bedtime wind down, and share my new-found wisdom with the man.  I reckon he could reel off about 20 superfoods :)

Anyway - here's what I whipped up yesterday;

 



Needless to say, I was full as a State School after that - and all within 1200 calories :)  So, so yum, and just quietly, I'm a little proud of my efforts.

Friday, October 5, 2012

The week of 6

 
  • Melbourne turned out it's first 30 degree day (I take back everything I said about you Melbourne xx)
  • I tried Teresa Cutter's "power porridge" which was yummo but left me craving carbs like a crazy woman.
  • My back decided that 11 months of goodness was enough and it gave me one hell of a reality check, hence the 6km WALKS.  I miss my running :(
  • The veggie beds are prepped and ready to take their first seedlings of the season.
  • Lean & fit has taken a back seat this week due to the back, but I'll continue to do what I can.
  • And what about those scales?
 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Weigh in - R3 - Week 6

Well...I've finally cracked the 30kg mark on a weigh in AND I'm now less than I was at the start of this round.  Not that it worried me too much as there was clearly some muscle gain and the tape measure was singing a tune I like the sound of.



Current Weight: 66.7kg
Last week:      67.5kg
Week's loss:    -0.8kg    
So far:        -30.3kg



Really enjoying eating squeaky clean and trying some new foods to boot.

Life is good.  Very, very good.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Old vs New

I am a well practised camera avoider.  This has both it's up sides and negatives, in that, sure there's no photos of you floating around, but then when one does sneak through somehow, it comes as a MASSIVE surprise.

Every year at work we hold an annual dinner.  It's always at the same place (coz there's very few places in Melbourne that can hold 600 bods) and always at the sme time of year give or take a week.  Our photographer sent me some images yesterday that completely stopped me in my tracks.  Like - I was a mixture of physically ill, totally stunned and really, in shock.

I know I've lost a lot of weight and I feel fantastic for it, but I had NOOOOOO idea just how bad I looked before.  And although I've shared this on facebook, it's important to me to share it here too.  I NEVER want to go back to this.  And if I have to, I'll blow this pic up and stick it in every room in the house.

 (I'm not posting this to prompt compliments from people - it's for two reasons only - to show others that 12wbt really can work and to remind me of the sad person I was before!)  I don't even recognise me in this.  Who is that old woman?  And how did she let herself go to that extent??

Never again.


Monday, October 1, 2012

Couscous for breakfast? Yesyes!


It's October. The home of daylight savings. Of warmer days. Longer days. And the beginning of the end for our dietary rut. It's not a bad rut mind you. It's comfortable and easy and nourishing and yummy. But the time has come to venture beyond our tried and tested usual fare. To test drive some new recipes using the ingredients we now love.

My breakfast vocabulary is three words long; oats, muesli, bran. Their adjectives are fruit - usually berries (if I can find blueberries) and banana. The adverbs, natural yoghurt and a sprinkle of LSA. Aaaaaand that's pretty much the end of the sentence.

So without further ado, I introduce you you, and my taste buds, the amazingly tasty couscous with apple, cinnamon and yoghurt. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Friday, September 28, 2012

The times, they are a-changing

And speaking of time... it's time for the next Blogger Challenge entry, hosted by the lovely Noni;

If we want to transform ourselves we can't expect it to just happen - we have to make an effort and make changes in our lives.  This week's challenge is about the changes you have made to your life - whether you have been on this journey for three weeks or three years - or anywhere in between.

1.  What do you think were the three most important changes you have made so far?
All three of mine centre around nutrition.  Menu planning, shopping list and a once weekly shop.  For the first time in my adult life I feel in control of my food choices, and strangely enough, a lot more confident in the kitchen too.

Flahead fillets on stir-fried asian greens

2.  How have these changes to your food, exercise or mindset impacted on the rest of your life?
In every single way.  I'm more calm, centered and under control in every situation.  A lot more upbeat too.  The daily grind of coming up with something to eat had well and truly worn me down.  Now that "the man" has completely embraced our nutrition changes, it makes everything so much easier.

The JFDI mentality has an access all areas pass too.  I just get up and do things now, instead of sitting back waiting for someone else to do them.  And it doesn't even phase me (most of the time at least!)

3.  What did you have to do in order to make sure these changes happened?
When I first began I used to look forward to my weekly planning and shopping sessions.  then, as motivation waned, I began to resent it again.  One weekend I just didn't make the time - made 1,000 excuses to not do it - mostly out of spite, and as a result, my week was chaos.  Just wasn't worth it and didn't make a point to anyone other than myself.  Lesson learned, I now just suck it up and get the job done.

4.  What difference have these changes made to your body transformation?
The week I cracked the sads and didn't plan resulted in a gain of over a kilo.  I've worked too damn hard to let it slip, so this experiement demonstrated the importance of planning and eating good food.  If I eat well, the scales play nice.  When I get a little slack, the results are there for me on a Wednesday.  And there's no use making an excuse or justifying it.  You've just got to do what you know HAS to be done.  No excuses.  East well, and within your calorie range and you'll lose (or maintain) weight.  It's THAT simple!

5.  Have these changes been hard or easy for you to make?  Why?
Hard is a difficult thing to answer.  I've been so freaking motivated and in reality, have slipped up on very few occasions.  Does that mean it's been easy for me?  I don't know.  Has it been hard?  I don't know that either.  Hard for me, no.  But is that mindset related?  Probably.

6.  Would you recommend others make these changes to their lifestyle too? Why?
OMG YES!  I wasted 25 odd years in various stages of being overweight or obese.  If I live to 100, which I highly doubt, that's one quarter of my life.  So many missed opportunities; parties I didn't go to coz I would have been the only fat one.  Experiences I missed out on because I didn't have anything to wear, or didn't have the confidence to try.  And the days, weeks that I was completely house-bound with crippling back pain - ALL related to my weight.  Why would anyone want to do that to themselves? 

Now I live.  And until you've ditched the weight, or whatever other factor it is you've got holding you back, you would have no concept of what it is to live.  To truly be free of that self-hatred.  It's an amazing feeling.

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef last week (holding some sea creature the guide handed round)

7.  What do you think the next thing is going to be that you will have to change?
My wardrobe (lol).  Even my shoes are too big!  In fact, and this seems beyond reality to write this, some of my size 10's are getting VERY loose.


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Weigh in - R3 - Weeks 4 & 5

Playing a bit of catch-up this week, because last week I was sans-scales while we were sunning ourselves here...

...which is a post or 12 at a later date.

I can't say I followed the meal plan or counted calories for the whole week, and despite a few guilty moments, mostly following a massive plate of something completely yummy, I didn't think too much about what I put in my mouth of an evening.  Breakky and lunches were spot on though.  A girl can't be bad allll the time!  We arrived home late Sunday night, so the first chance I had to assess the damage was Monday morning...



Current Weight: 68.6kg
Last week:      67.7kg
Week's loss:    +0.9kg    
So far:        -28.4kg


Could have been much, much worse!!


Two days of cleaner than clean eating gave me this result today;



Current Weight: 67.5kg
Last week:      68.6kg
Week's loss:    -1.1kg    
So far:        -29.5kg



So I've come to the following conclusions;

  • This lifestyle is completely sustainable - for the rest of my life
  • Sugar is the devil (as is bread, and ice-cream)
  • Nothing is ever as bad as you think it's going to be
  • My body responds incredibly well to this program.


Life is good (although I really should still be walking along that beach, hand in hand with the man of my dreams!)


Thursday, September 13, 2012

Sugar, sugar

As of this afternoon I can no longer say I've been six weeks



because of these...

Damn you Beta Raspberry Bullets coated in 100% real milk chocolate!

This bag of yumminess (which has always been my poison of choice) propelled itself into my hands at Coles all by itself.  All I was doing was picking up some Basa fillets for tonight's cajan fish stew, and thump, there they were, in my possession.

Unfortunately that's not how it really went down.

I've had a shite week at work.  We're on leave next week, which will be joyous, but the preparation to go away is adding to what already feels like an overload of responsibility. On Saturday night I'm hosting an awards dinner for around 600 people.  The speaking part doesn't phase me, but I feel so totally out of control and under-prepared for it.  I've delegated (not something I'm good at) almost all aspects of the event to my staff.  And it's not that I don't trust them - anything but.  But come Saturday night, anything that goes wrong is my problem.  And not being across everything makes me jumpy.  I'll be incredibly relieved when it's over and done for another year!

At work, we do a weekly online video that gets around 1,000 views.  Not channel 10 type ratings, but still significant in my little part of the world.  It's something that's never been done in my field before.  It's something that puts me in the public eye.  It's something that gives people the opportunity to pass judgement.  This morning (it's Thursday - and therefore my pseudo-weekend) I was woken up before 8am by a phone call that was very unpleasant. A "client" had taken exception to something that was said on this week's video and demanded that it be removed.  Got a bit personal, and I didn't enjoy it.

My day ended pretty much the same way yesterday.  A member of the public took exception to a different comment in the same show.  In fact, took it incredibly personally and threatened to sue me for slander.  (Did not even mention this person mind you).  So the last work task for me yesterday was leaving this person a phone message humbly apologising for the distress that I caused.

As a result of the overflowing positivity (that's sarcasm by the way) with which this week's video was received, I made the decision (at 7:45am) to delete the damn thing.

This has pissed me off no end.  I'm annoyed to be dealing with such narrow-minded negativity.  And I'm equally annoyed to have had to surrender on the back of other's bad behaviour.  The more my own life and mind-set is changing, the harder it is to accept the narrow views of others.

So feeling completely overwhelmed and out of control, I gave up on the one thing I can control - ME.