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.

New round, new Blogger challenge

How I love a Blogger challenge! This round is being hosted by the VERY inspirational Leonie who I have followed since I began this program.  Check out her blog here - it's a great read!

On to this week's challenge;

1. Describe yourself in less than fifty words.  
Here's the ABC of me;
Athletic
Brave
Creative
Determined
Engaged
Funny
Grateful
House-proud
Intelligent
Just
Knowledge-seeking
Loving
Mother of two
Nourished
Optimistic
Passionate
Quietly confident
Reformed
Sugar-free
Tough
Under control
Volunteer
Work-a-holic
Xtreme
Yoghurt-eating
Zealous

2. This program is called a transformation. When you signed up for this round what was it about yourself you wanted to transform?
This is my third round in a row - so it's less about transformation now and more about cementation (I know that's not a word, but I'm going to run with it).  I want to make sure that these habits stay for life and be the best version of me possible.

3. What is it about yourself you are happy with right now? It can be related to your mind, body or soul, and of course there may well be more than one thing you are happy with.
At the age of 44 I can honestly say I have never been healthier, more stable minded, thinner and generally happy that I am now.  I've worked hard to lose this 30kg and I'm really proud of myself and the new lifestyle I've forged.

4. What aspect of this program do you think will present you with the toughest challenge. What are you going to focus on to ensure you feel successful at the end of the twelve weeks? How is your answer to number 3 going to help you overcome this challenge?
I wanted to do Lean & Strong this round but I'm SUCH a chicken in the gym. It's something about looking stupid if I do it wrong, or not knowing what to do, or feeling out of place.  I will work on this throughout the 12 weeks and get to a point of "comfort" in the gym.

5. What is it you look forward to the most in the next twelve weeks?
I love the food.  I love the exercise plans.  but what I look forward to the most is the friendships that form as a part of this program.  I've met some AMAZING (and I know it's an over-used word, but they truly are) chicks through 12wbt which has been an unexpected but delightful bonus.

6. You’ve now completed at least three days of the program. What has surprised you the most about how you’ve coped with these first days in the twelve weeks?
I'm surprised by how much harder the exercise program seems this round.  I've REALLY had to work at it and have been in DOMS city for days after.  My mindset has also been a welcome surprise - I'm just getting on with the workouts instead of thinking up imaginary reasons why I can't or shouldn't do them.

7. Can you describe what you want to see, think and feel when you look in the mirror on Sunday 18th November 2012.
The end of this round pretty much co-incides with the 12 month anniversary of my back surgery and therefore the start of this weight-loss journey (that has become so much more!).  I have a MAJOR work event on the 18th.  The kind where a room full of people have to listen to me talk for a few hours.  I want to look into the mirror and see a calm, centered and bloody hot chick smiling back at me and ready to lead the delegation into the next 12 months.  I want to reflect confidence in myself personally and professionally.  And when I do, when I get through this event and meet the challenges that will come head on, I will truly know that I'm ready to continue this without 12wbt.

Reflecting on round 2

So close to the end of my second round of 12wbt - it's literally flown by.  And here we are at the final blogger challenge for the round.

Before I start - a HUGE thank you to Jayne for hosting the challenge and stepping above and beyond her comfort zone while helping others to do the same. xx


1. How are you feeling about the 12WBT program now that you have almost completed it?
This was my second consecutive round, and I feel that I got just as much out of it as the first time around.  I feel on top of the world.  A completely different person.

2. Looking back on what you wrote in week 1, did you achieve all that you were hoping to?

I achieved every. single. goal. I set out to achieve this round.  Even the ones I didn't think I had a hope in hell of reaching.  Weight, fitness, work balance.  Tick, tick, tick.

3. Did you find that blogging was beneficial to your 12WBT journey? Will you continue to blog once this round is over?

Absolutely on both counts. This is my second blog.  The last one was a journal following our new home build, and I met some terrific people through that experience.  Blogging about 12wbt has also been great, but for different reasons.  My last blog had a fairly decent readership and of those, many were experienced bloggers who understand the "etiquette" for want of a better word.  I found it harder to engage readers with this blog, so this round I've been writing for me and no-one else. That's kind of liberating in an unexpected way.

4. Did your exercise go according to plan or did you have to change it around compared with what you wrote in Week 1?

I DID have to change my exercise up a fair bit as the round progressed.  I carried a few minor, yet limiting injuries this round, so I had to find other ways to break a sweat. And I definitely didn't expect to fall so deeply in love with running.  It's not an obsession, just a joyful release on those days when it feels good.  Unfortunately there are also days when it's just a damn hard slog.  But they make you appreciate the good days all the more.

5. How did your greatest strength help you this round? Was it as you thought it would?

My inner competitor came out to play BIG TIME during this round.  When I say inner, I mean self-competition, rather than against others.  Failing just hasn't been an option, and I feel I've become a lot stronger mentally as a result.

6. Did the fears that you outlined in Week 1 come to pass? How/how not?

My biggest fear was injury. And (as I touched on above) although the injuries I did have were relatively minor, I just took them in my stride and continued on as best I could.  There's still that nagging fear of re-injuring my back or knee, but after such extensive rehab following both surgeries, it's only natural, and probably a good thing that I do hold an element of fear.

7. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from this program?

WOW!  Tough question.  I've learnt so many things.  Probably the power of choice.  That everything I do is a choice.  I either can or I can not.  And the line between the two is up to me.

8. In question 9 of the Week 1 challenge question, you wrote about your downfall. How did you go with this challenge over the last 11 weeks?

I don't remember what my biggest downfall was - probably snacking at night.  I've ditched that habit, and that container of lollies (my biggest weakness) that sits at the bottom of the pantry hasn't even had the lid flipped open - by me - for about 5 weeks. This was partly willpower and partly reading the book "sweet poison".

9. What is your biggest achievement since the start of the program? What are you the most proud of?

There have been so many this round;

• Running at 16kph on the treadmill
• Competing in my first 5km race - and not walking at any point
• Reaching goal weight, then re-setting my goal, and reaching that too.
• Buying size 10 clothes
• Becoming more confident in my professional life.

10. Will you be coming back for another round of the 12WBT?

I've already signed up!
Not sure what I'llget out of a third round, but I'll never know unless I give it a go.  And when I reach the point of reflection at the end of a round and feel that I've learnt all there is to learn, well then I'll know that I'm done!

prop-backing-help-assistance-aid-rest

sup·port/səˈpôrt/

Verb:	Bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.
Noun:	A thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright: "the best support for a camera is a tripod".
Synonyms:	verb.  sustain - maintain - uphold - bear - back - favour noun.  prop - backing - help - assistance - aid - rest

This week's blogger challenge is all about support, and acknowledging those who have played a leading role in your transformation...

1. What would you tell yourself at the start of the program in support of yourself?

Raelene, I'm proud of you for signing up to this challenge and recognising that things HAVE to change. Leave the fear of injury behind, and continue to work on getting your body strong again.  In fact, leave the fear of EVERYTHING behind.  Embrace the challenges that will come your way and the changes you will make.  Enjoy each and every lesson.  And don't forget to laugh along the way :)

2. What would you tell those around you that may not have been that supportive?

Just like support takes many different forms, so too does not being supportive.  I've really struggled with some people's reactions.  A couple of people have been downright nasty.  And whilst I understand that it's their issue, it still hurts like hell at the time.  You have to be brave to firstly acknowledge the need to change, and then even braver to follow it through.  You also have to be wise enough to work out who has your back and who doesn't.  To those who fall in the second category - no hard feelings.  You're right.  I'm not the same person I was in so many ways.  And thank God for that.  There's no judgement coming back your way though.  It's your choice to like me or not.  Just as it's my choice to look after my body.

There's also the indirect type of non-support.  And I get that not everyone is comfortable having a conversation with the scary boss lady about her ever shrinking frame.  But there are MANY people I work with who have not said a single word to me about dropping 28kg. The reactions of others have taught me SOOOO much about how NOT to behave in - well just about every situation.

3. Who would you like to thank for being there for you and helping you on your 12WBT journey so far?

My man, future husband and love of my life - the things you've done to help me lose the weight. And the acceptance you've shown towards changing OUR lifestyle too!  Embracing a healthier way of eating hasn't been easy for you, but I think you've only sooked twice in the last 9 months.  And fair call on that veggie dish - it was a shocker!  Thanks for being my culinary guinea pig, my cheersquad, my voice of reason, and in fact, the main reason I started this in the first place. Thanks for doing the washing on a Saturday morning when I'm out getting my sweat on with the girls.  And thanks for sharing me with the girls too!

And the girls - the CC12C (Casey-Cardinia Crew) who have, quite simply, changed my life.  Nicole, Lisa, Liv, Katrina, and my almost twin sister Judy, plus the many girls who pop onto FB for the occasional comment.  There will never be words to adequately express how I feel about each of you. xx

Plus my two favourite 12wbt bloggers, Miss Janie & Miss Jayne.  The former for her ever cheerful comments, just to make me know at least someone out there in the interweb reads my crap.  the latter for hosting this round's blogger challenge.  It's been fantastic to have an avenue for personal writing again, rather than churning out the vanilla media of my job.

Reflect & Revise: Blogger Challenge Week 6

The lovely Jayne over at On a mission to prove anything is possible has set us another great task this week; to look back over our past 6 weeks and identify what's working for us and identify and little tweaks that need to be made to ensure our success for the second half of this round.

Have you been doing your 6 days of training?

Most weeks, yes I do bash out 6 sessions each week.  I actually feel more tired if I don't sweat each day, and I definitely find it harder to keep on track with my nutrition if I've been slack with my exercise.  Some days I'll only get to around 250 - 300 calories burnt, especially on strength days.  And on those REALLY bad days when everything conspires against you, I'll still make sure I at least ride the exercise bike for 20 minutes, whack out 150 crunches and 40 pushups.  It really is second nature now.

 

How has your nutrition been?

I'm really proud of my nutrition.  I still plan the week ahead and cook from the 12wbt recipes.  The last couple of weeks I've been playing around with more protein, particularly for snacks.  I'm SOOOO interested in the different food types and the effect they have on your body.  When work settles down a bit (September) I'm going to start some form of informal learning on exercise nutrition.

 

What needs to change?

I have let a small weakness sneak back in of late.  It's a controlled sneak rather than a snowball rolling down a hill.  My weakness has ALWAYS been lollies.  I've been able to turn a blind eye to the fact that "the man" has them on hos pantry shelf - at least I WAS.  It's nothing like the bag a day I used to poison myself with.  Just a small handfull a couple of times each week.  I'm not sure that I'm okay with this.  I can justify it in that I'm in maintenance phase but still losing weight.  But really, do I need that crappy stuff fueling my body?  The answer is no...but...it's like my only vice.  Okay - lollies must go!

 

Is there anything you want to do differently going into the next 6 weeks?

I want to get out of bed earlier and go for a walk before work each morning.  I miss walking.  I especially miss walking around Albert Park Lake at lunchtime. 

 

What are you committing to?

Starting Tuesday (I work VERY late on Sunday nights) I WILL walk first thing in the morning.

The first week of September I WILL begin some passive research and reading on the topic of nutrition, specifically for exercise.

What are your goals?

Weight:   67kg

Exercise:  To try a new class every fortnight.

Nutrition:  Ditch the lollies, try a protein suppliment.

 

Why you want to do it?

Weight:   Really, it's just for me to say I've lost 30kg.  Total vanity and brag fodder!

Exercise: It's important for me to stretch my comfort zones mix things up a bit to stave off boredom and to see how far I can push myself.

Nutrition:  I've always been interested in natural health and have noticed that different foods respond in different ways.  I think it's imprtant for me to know the science behind it all.

 

How will you get there?

Ditch the lollies (ha ha).  I just have to keep on the same slow and steady track.

 

What is your ultimate goal if you have one?

I want to continue to live this amazingly purposeful, healthy life for a long, long time.  To still be able to travel to remote locations in my old age.  In fact, I want to slow the ageing process as much as I can.  I'm having too much fun to get old :)

Food glorious fooooooddddd

Week 5 (goodness me - this round is flying) blogger challenge hosted by the very gorgeous Jayne is all about FOOOOOOOD.  And let's face it, none of us would be reforming fatties if it wasn't for our lust for the yummy stuff.

What were your old food habits like?


Oh dear, I was a shocker!  I had some awful habits.

Like;
every Saturday we would drive down to see our new build taking shape and would stop at the bakery on the way home.  EVERY SATURDAY I would have a pie AND some sort of slice FOR LUNCH!!!

every time I did the grocery shopping (on my own) I would also grab an iced coffee AND a bag of chocolate coated licorice bullets...as my REWARD (a couple of times a week)!

every single work day I would buy my lunch.  Some days pizza.  Some days chicken & chips.  Or pasta.  Or calamari and chips.

we had takeaway for dinner 3 or 4 times each week.  Thursday night was KFC.  We'd get a family bucket - between the two of us (I'm cringing right now).  Friday night would usually be fish and chips.  Fried fish, of course.  Or maybe even a hamburger.

snackage - oh blimey!  Tim tams, chips, coke, chocolate, lollies, ice cream.  In fact, my trolley used to be 90% crap.

And then when you add in dessert, second helpings and no exercise...well...need I say more?

What were you like before embarking on this journey to become a healthier version of yourself?


Great question Jayne.  In fact, I've spent time in the last few days on this topic, and I don't like the answers.  I was nothing.  I did nothing.  I looked forward to nothing.  I found joy in nothing.  I was just going through the motions day after day after day.  I was bored, un-motivated, un-interested. I was stressed out all the time.  Emotional (in a bad way). Lazy.

But all labels aside, I wasn't happy with me.  I hadn't been happy with me for a long time.  I'd changed everything; cars, several  jobs, moved house again and again, left a 20 year marriage.  The only thing I hadn't tried to change was me - my mindset - my inner and outer self - the one thing that had the power to make me happy.

Was there anything you struggled with but have overcome?

I struggled (and to a point still do struggle) with portion sizes.  I tend to choose meals that have loads of veggies and a smaller amount of protein so I get that plateful type of feeling when I sit down to dinner.  And I miss sweet things.  Coke. And my hands look for something to pop into my mouth when I'm watching TV at night.

How do you do it?

Cold turkey.  I made the decision to clean up my act and get the weight off when I was laying in the recovery room after emergency back surgery.  I've rarely gone over 1200 calories a day since then.

What are your new eating habits like?

About 90% of my food intake is fresh produce, compared to the 10% it used to be.  I cook every single night - no takeaway.  We've probably eaten out 6 times in the past 8 months, and what's coming out of my wok is as good as anything I've eaten out.  I savour my mood and really taste it.  And I'm so well prepared now.  I plan the week in advance and stick to it.  Shop once each week. And no garbage finds it's way into the trolley these days (other than the man's chicken potato chips - yuk!)

How do you feel now? What is the difference?  How is it changing your life?


I'm a completely different person.  Truly.  And it's not just the weight.  My mood has stabilised, I'm happier. Much more optimistic.  And others have noticed this too. I'm a better partner, boss, mother, friend. I have confidence again in the kitchen.  Confidence everywhere actually. And I like the person I am becoming.  I say becoming, as I consider myself  a work in progress.

I'm alive.  I have purpose.  It's that simple really.

Why has it been and continues to be worth it?

I'm struggling to answer this one.  Will "I AM WORTH IT" suffice?

Ex non-exerciser

I'm working my way (backwards) through this rounds blogger challenge questions to catch up...

Week 2 was all things exercise, and here are Jaynes prompts;


When and where do you workout?   I wouldn't say I really have a "routine". My job is pretty dynamic in terms of hours and workload, so I try to keep things flexible rather than bogging myself down with more commitments. Some days I will steal a long lunch break and go for a shuffle.  Most days I will  do 10 or so km's on the exercise bike after dinner. All of this month I have done "Mean Abs June" either when dinner is cooking or after my ride.  On strength days I'll bash out the Lean and Fit program after dinner too.  Thursday is my weekend substitute coz I work Saturday nights and all of Sunday, so I'll go to gym for either a class or a sesh on the machines. Saturday morning I will do something special - like this morning i went to a group run coaching session.  So as you can see, I mix it up ALL the time.


Are you doing anything different this round? Yeah, I so am.  I'm giving the Lean & Fit program a run at the moment.  There's loads of running, and I've always said that I can't run.  Hmmm.  Seems I actually CAN. And unlike last round I'm sticking quite closely to the actual program rather than doing my own thing. 


Is there anything that you'd like to do but not yet done? I've been thinking of doing something that takes some upper body strength, like a ropes course or even trapeze. Swimming lessons to get some technique down with a view to the pink triathlon in February. And I've noticed the "sunset series" of runs later in the year.  Same course once a month for three months.  Would be great to gauge my improvement over that time.

Are you still holding back? As much as I'd like to say no to this question, it's a big fat YES. Always, in the back of mind, is the thought of injury and this, without a doubt, holds me back. Part of me thinks I should cut myself some slack - it HAS only been 7 months since my back surgery.  And part of me thinks to hell with it - if I'm going to re-injure myself it will happen regardless. I could do more. I could also do less. But mostly, the balance is about right for a 43 year old with pre-existing injuries.  


I'm using that word a lot in this post; "injury".  It doesn't define me, or limit me really. What it does do is make me appreciate how it feels now to move without pain.  Scared or brave - it's a fine line.

Motivation Station

I'm a bit late jumping on board this rounds "blogger challenge" hosted by the VERY inspirational Jayne - always late but worth(?) the wait.  Actually, I've been pretty crap at blogging since about week 10 of round 1 which, not coincidently, is around my gorgeous man asked me to be his wife. 


 *wagon*  *me jumping on*

This week's prompts;
What motivates you?  Initially, it was all about recovery from back surgery.  Now, 7 months later I've got a completely different focus.  I have a VERY beautiful but expensive ivory dress hanging in my spare room.  I can't post a pic of it here, just in case my future husband checks in here (unlikely). Its freaking stunning.  Its a freaking size 12, which in wedding dress terms is more like a 10.  And I'm freaking not.  It's so so close to fitting.  Maybe 2cm more across my back would make it zip all the way up, and a couple more from my hips would make sitting down a more pleasant experience.  My first wedding, at the age of 17, was crap.  Lasted for 20 years, but this time around it's so much more special.  I want to take his breath away when he first sees me.  That's what drives me.  And I want to look back at my wedding pictures are be proud of the woman I see.  Superficial - m'eh.

What drives you to a better version of yourself?  I don't think I was a particularly great person.  Yep, I was fat, but I was pretty grumpy, and negative, and low on confidence, and took things personally.  I'm a work in progress, but am already noticing changes in the way I view certain situations. And in turn, noticing the different way people then interact with me. People do treat me differently now that I'm "thin", but I treat me differently too.  What came first?  The latter me thinks.

What is making you just get up early with no excuses and just getting out there getting your workout done and eating healthy meals?  Confession.  I DON'T train in the mornings.  I MAY at some stage, but right now, I don't.  No excuses, I just don't.  But I DO workout every day, and I DO cook with fresh,clean ingredients every night.  It's all just a routine now.  There's no question of will I do this today.  I just do.  I hope that means that I've had the breakthrough and this is now my permanent lifestyle.

What makes you push that little bit harder?  I had my first "fun run" experience a few weeks ago, and it won't be my last.  My current push is to get my 5km time under 30 mins.  Funny really, coz I couldn't even run 5km a month ago.  But once I cracked that mental barrier of can't, then it just became easier.  There's always a personal time to beat, or getting to a certain distance, or hitting a certain calorie burn. It's the internal competition that pushed me on.  I'm not competing with anyone other than myself.  Strange, considering I grew up playing competitive team sports.  But I'm finding self-competition so much more rewarding. Although the lack of team-mates to celebrate with is taking some getting used to. High-fiving myself mostly happens internally - don't want to look like too much of a dick now, do I??

Great questions / prompts Jayne :)

Blogger Challenge: week 6

I'm a little behind with this week's blogger challenge, but since we're women of our word, we don't just NOT get something done we say we're going to do.  So here's my belated and somewhat bland responses to this week's questions;

1.  What adjustments have you had to make to your exercise regime over the last 6 weeks?
I think I could safely say that I have found "balance" this week.  Early on (including pre-season) I would go hell for leather and then crash.  I'm now following Mish's outdoor intermediate program pretty faithfully, which means that on some days I burn nowhere near 500.  Seems to be working though.

2.  What have you changed in regards to your food intake?
We (and I say we coz my amazingly, brilliantly supportive man is a large part of our nutrition plan) don't follow Mish's plan all that much.  When the menu is released each week, we discuss the things we'd like to try from it and forget about the rest.  We have though, built up a short-list of about 3 absolute favs which we'll have every week, and mix these in with other recipes either from the program or Mish's recipe books.  Monday night is ALWAYS salmon stir-fry...love, love, love it.  Caramalised Pork is also in there, and Sunday is ALWAYS a roast so the man has something tasty for his sangers during the week.

Huge shout out to the man right here - for a fussy eater, you've come a loooong way.  The biggest thank you for giving everything I serve up a go - even if it does make you pull faces at times. xx

3.  What is the difference in your mindset?
I don't know the old me any more.  I exercise because I want to, and I don't give up until I'm done.  In fact, that little demonic voice inside your head that tells you that you can't do something... gone!  When I train, I go hard.  I push myself continuously, making the move harder or bigger, the distance longer, the time shorter.  I just do it.
Where food related mindset is concerned, I've been pretty darn good since the day the penny dropped, so there's not a lot of change around this area.  I'm just not tempted.  I want it too much to screw it all up now.

As we're at the half way point, I'm a lot more relaxed about the program. I intend to use these next 6 weeks to consolidate and make sure that these habits become unbreakable.  It's all just a series of choices and I'm not interested in regretting mine - life's too short for that.

In sickness and in health...

Although I doubt many brides parrot these vows back to their betrothed these days, its a topic prompted by Whirslie's blogger challenge for week 5;
So what does being healthy mean to you? What is it that has made you start this journey into being a healthier you?  


I've written about my back surgery on November 3 last year, blah blah blah, which was definitely the reason I STARTED this gig, but the first part of the question has had me digging a little deeper.


The old boy, as I affectionately call him, is 11 years my senior.  I know, scandal, right? He went through hell for us to be together.  You don't need the details, but you do need to know that I want to make it worth his while.  So if I stayed as I was; eating poorly, putting on weight, working too much, virtually crippled with back pain, then it would be only natural for him to regret it, yeah?

So this health thing is as much (if not more) for him, us, as it is for me.


What does healthy look like?  It's a glow. And I think that glow comes from within.  From a place where you're satisfied with the choices you make, physically, emotionally & probably spiritually in whatever form that takes for you.  


I would class myself as an apprentice in this healthy lifestyle thing. I'm learning so much about me, my body, how I interact with others and my place in the world. Some days I get it right, others horribly wrong. But I'm finding that the "right" days are outweighing the "wrong" ones with each week that passes.  A trend I hope continues, as I intend to be around, living healthily, with the love of my life for many many years to come.  Vows or no vows...til death do us part (a long time from now please!)

Good girl Raelene xxx

Every week I look forward to the next round of Whirlsie's blogger challenge, and this week she's given us a great topic to focus on;

How will you acknowledge and reward yourself during round 1, 2012 12WBT?  What are the small wins?  What are your big accomplishments?  How will you achieve these and how will you reward your effort? (food doesn't count!)

I'm a self-rewarder from waaaaaaaay back.  I detest grocery shopping.  Loathe it.  So as a "reward" to myself I would pick up a treat - an ice-break iced coffee and a bag of choc coated raspberry licorice.  I'll press the pause button here for a tick while I check out the calories in this nutritional masterpiece...  OMG - Iced coffee = 169 cals & bullets = 322 cals.  491 cals that I would scoff down in the 5 minute car trip home.  But get this - I didn't shop weekly, it was EVERY COUPLE OF DAYS.  Yes, why DID I put on weight??


But I digress.


When I started this blog I set out some specific weight-based mini-goals and attached a reward to each.  They are on my sidebar, but I'll add them here too;

As I said, I made these before I had officially started 12wbt, and reviewing them now shows me just how far I've come.  This program is SO much more than a means to an end weight goal.  The weight-loss is more a by-product of getting your head sorted, becoming more organised, taking control of your life, shopping for and preparing nutritional meals, getting your ass off the couch and doing instead of thinking about doing.


To me, it's no longer about rewards and that facial or pedicure that I'm within 300g of doesn't serve as motivation in the slightest.  I've learnt to motivate from within, and just being able to do things without dragging that extra 20 kilos along for the ride is reward enough.  Little things like Loz (the man) telling me I look hot - and me believing him - is worth more than anything money could buy.  PB's on my lake walk.  Running up stairs at the end of a workout coz I feel so damn good. Seeing my face without the triple chin.  People smiling back at me when I don't even realise I'm smiling.  These are the rewards, and they seem to come every single day.  I am a different person.  I feel worthy.  That's enough of a reward!


(written from a non-judgemental place where self-rewarding is a-okay in my book, just not where I am right now, but may well return to by the end of these 12 weeks, or even the end of the day xx)

Blogger Challenge Week 1: Introduction

As part of my commitment to get the most I can from this experience I've decided to join Whirlsie's weekly blogger challenge.


1.  Tell us a little bit about yourself.  What makes you, you?
It's all pretty much in my profile, but; I'm not far off 44, live with the love of my life and our 2 furkids in a gorgeous new home we built last year.  Had my kids REALLY young (they're 25 & 22) and their dad and I divorced amicably 7 years ago.  In many ways I never really learnt who I was, and I'd still consider myself under investigation.


What makes me, me?  Well, I'm driven to succeed but revel in watching other's successes.  Passionate for a cause but only until I find a new project.  Hard on the outside but butter soft on the inside (not that I remember what butter tastes like).  And I'm sure I'll find out a while lot more about myself by the end of these 12 weeks...

2.  Why did you decide to do the 12WBT?
While I was recovering from back surgery, I stumbled across the blog of a 12wbt'er. At that point I could barely walk 500m and was so inspired by what I read that I read some more.  And as my back became stronger, I started to think that maybe, just maybe I could do it too.

3.  What are you hoping to achieve through the program?
Well, the obvious is weight loss.  My original goal was 75kg, but I've shocked myself and now sit just a whisper under 80kg, so I'm re-setting to 70kg to challenge myself. But its so much more than that. The health improvements are just as important to me, and I'm determined to make these changes permanent.


4.  Why have you decided to blog about the 12WBT? What will be the main focus (eg, food, exercise, a bit of everything?
I caught the blogging bug last year while we were building our new home, and as well as being an invaluable form of support through the stress of it all, we have formed some incredible friendships as well. I also love the idea of paying it forward - who knows, maybe someone might stumble upon my blog and decide to change their lives??

So far it's been a bit of everything; food, exercise, weigh in on a Wednesday, and I'm planning on a weekly wrap up on a Sunday that puts it all together (work in progress)


5.  How will you be exercising this round? Gym, home, outdoors or a mixture?
So far I've been mixing things up. Love my power walks in the fresh air. Love love the few gym classes I've tried, and don't mind throwing in one of Mich's DVD's on occasion. But group workouts with the local girls, led by Lisa Farmer (a 7 time 12wbt'er) make me sweat like crazy and work in ways I never thought possible.

6.  What is your greatest strength that will help you?
I'm a competitive bitch.  Usually with myself & very occasionally towards others, but never at their expense!

7.  What are you afraid of?
Re-injury.  Just the thought of it makes my stomach turn.

8.  What are you looking forward to the most over the next 12 weeks?
Probably the social side of the program - belonging to a team, encouraging each other, sharing other's successes.    

9.  What is your downfall? Food? Exercise? How will you overcome this?
If I repeat my past patterns, I'll get busy at work and struggle to justify going for a lunchtime walk, which will then make me feel more tired and I'll grab takeaway on the way home and veg out in front of the TV.  I HAVE to make myself a priority and not feel guilty about doing things for myself.

10. If you had to pick one word to motivate you over the next 12 weeks, what would you choose?