For the record, I lost 3lbs this week through being unwell.
I don't recommend it, but it does remind me of a line in the Devil wears Prada where the other assistant says that she's "one bout of gastric flu away from the perfect size"
Friday, September 16, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Well, here I am again. And again I haven’t been successful in achieving my (possibly too ambitious) goal.
So, back on June 29th when I last posted, I weighed about 11st 4lbs. I started the 12 week countdown at Slimming World, but it really wasn’t going well. I lost 1.5lbs, but then I put it back on again. And, in fact, this has been the general trend! My 12 weeks isn’t over quite yet; the lowest I’ve reached was 11st 0.5lbs, though last week I was back up at 11st 02lbs.
I know where I went wrong with the 1.5lb increase because the in-laws were up and I scoffed cake and biscuits and such like. Never good.
But, the losses seem to have come from using “Red Days” from Slimming World. The concept is quite simple, you can eat as much lean meat, fresh fruit and veggies as you like, but you have to limit the amount of grains and potatoes that you eat.
On my loss weeks, here’s a sample of the sort of thing I’ve been eating:
Breakfast
Fresh fruit salad topped with 0% fat yoghurt
Snacks
One Alpen Light bar (½ healthy B), banana, Options hot chocolate (2 syns)
Lunch
2 eggs, 0% fat cottage cheese, salad
Snacks
Granny Smith apple, one Alpen Light bar (½ healthy B), Options hot chocolate (2 syns)
Dinner
Grilled pork chop (fat removed), broccoli, cauliflower, courgette and carrots
Not bad, really. I’ve also had cooked breakfasts – my favourite is scrambled eggs with smoked salmon!
Unfortunately, it’s hard to stick to any diet when you’re visiting other people, or they’re visiting you. The weekend just gone, I was at my sisters. Even though she used to do Slimming World, I’m sure I was pretty far off plan – even just from the drinks! Oh well.
Next weekend we’re at the inlaws’ house, so it’s going to be all cheese and pasta again. I don’t think there’s much I can do about that though. Then my folks are up the following weekend, but I can make SW food for them with no problems.
I went to be measured for the bridesmaid dress for my sister’s wedding at the weekend too. I was pretty happy with the numbers she was writing down, which is good, although the dressmaker said that I had a very thin chest compared to the rest of me. I’m not sure whether she was suggesting that I have big boobs or a big bum (or both) but I do seem to have a long torso! (like I didn’t know that, always having to knit longer for things to fit right!) Anyway, the fitting for that is in January, so there’s something to aim for!
I’ve also promised myself that when I get to my 1.5stone award (10st 13lbs) that I will buy myself a nice new skirt like this one from Next. for work. I’d like to treat myself to something casual too, but I’ll get a lot more wear out of something for work. If I decide that something casual is also in order, I’ll probably get something like this dress or this cute tunic
At least that’s an aim!
Well, so while I guess I’ve not made it to 10stone this 12 week countdown, I will keep trying. I just need to stick to it, I think, and that’s not going to be easy for the next couple of weeks, but I think I can do it. If I manage to stick to it on the days when I’m not visiting or being visited, then that’s well over half of the time.
So keep positive, a loss – no matter how small – is still going in the right direction.
So, back on June 29th when I last posted, I weighed about 11st 4lbs. I started the 12 week countdown at Slimming World, but it really wasn’t going well. I lost 1.5lbs, but then I put it back on again. And, in fact, this has been the general trend! My 12 weeks isn’t over quite yet; the lowest I’ve reached was 11st 0.5lbs, though last week I was back up at 11st 02lbs.
I know where I went wrong with the 1.5lb increase because the in-laws were up and I scoffed cake and biscuits and such like. Never good.
But, the losses seem to have come from using “Red Days” from Slimming World. The concept is quite simple, you can eat as much lean meat, fresh fruit and veggies as you like, but you have to limit the amount of grains and potatoes that you eat.
On my loss weeks, here’s a sample of the sort of thing I’ve been eating:
Breakfast
Fresh fruit salad topped with 0% fat yoghurt
Snacks
One Alpen Light bar (½ healthy B), banana, Options hot chocolate (2 syns)
Lunch
2 eggs, 0% fat cottage cheese, salad
Snacks
Granny Smith apple, one Alpen Light bar (½ healthy B), Options hot chocolate (2 syns)
Dinner
Grilled pork chop (fat removed), broccoli, cauliflower, courgette and carrots
Not bad, really. I’ve also had cooked breakfasts – my favourite is scrambled eggs with smoked salmon!
Unfortunately, it’s hard to stick to any diet when you’re visiting other people, or they’re visiting you. The weekend just gone, I was at my sisters. Even though she used to do Slimming World, I’m sure I was pretty far off plan – even just from the drinks! Oh well.
Next weekend we’re at the inlaws’ house, so it’s going to be all cheese and pasta again. I don’t think there’s much I can do about that though. Then my folks are up the following weekend, but I can make SW food for them with no problems.
I went to be measured for the bridesmaid dress for my sister’s wedding at the weekend too. I was pretty happy with the numbers she was writing down, which is good, although the dressmaker said that I had a very thin chest compared to the rest of me. I’m not sure whether she was suggesting that I have big boobs or a big bum (or both) but I do seem to have a long torso! (like I didn’t know that, always having to knit longer for things to fit right!) Anyway, the fitting for that is in January, so there’s something to aim for!
I’ve also promised myself that when I get to my 1.5stone award (10st 13lbs) that I will buy myself a nice new skirt like this one from Next. for work. I’d like to treat myself to something casual too, but I’ll get a lot more wear out of something for work. If I decide that something casual is also in order, I’ll probably get something like this dress or this cute tunic
At least that’s an aim!
Well, so while I guess I’ve not made it to 10stone this 12 week countdown, I will keep trying. I just need to stick to it, I think, and that’s not going to be easy for the next couple of weeks, but I think I can do it. If I manage to stick to it on the days when I’m not visiting or being visited, then that’s well over half of the time.
So keep positive, a loss – no matter how small – is still going in the right direction.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Hiatus; back in business
Updates from last time:
I didn’t make it to the 1.5stone loss.
I didn’t stick to that plan of activity.
I did get into those size 12 trousers, and felt good in them too!
And so…
It has been a while since I posted anything on this part of my blog. I should have posted a while back though, because I did lose some weight for the wedding!
Ok, I didn’t lose as much as I had initially intended, but I think that’s okay. In almost all of the photos I am happy with how I look, and also in most of our holiday photos from the honeymoon.
Here’s a before and after for you.
BEFORE – 19th September 2010 – weight = 12st 06lbs – BMI = 28.1 (Overweight)
AFTER – 30th April 2011 – weight = 11st 02lbs – BMI = 25.2 (Just Overweight, by 0.2!) – Loss = 1st 04lbs
I know I still want to lose some more weight, but since I came back from my honeymoon (though not while I was there!) I have gained two pounds.
I think that this is partly to do with no longer having a goal.
So, I’m setting myself a new goal.
At Slimming World we have something where you can pay, in advance, for 12 weeks’ membership. You get benefits too, as you get two weeks free when you do that. There’s also a nice recipe book on offer this week I think! In my first 12 weeks at Slimming World I lost 11lbs. I’d like to do the same again; in fact I want to do better. My aim is to get to 10st in 12 weeks. That’s a loss of 1st 04lbs. That also means losing an average of 1.5lbs per week.
AIM – 19th September 2011 – weight = 10st – BMI = 22.6 (Healthy)
I realise that diet alone is not going to be enough to meet this aim. As a result, I’m going to need to do some working out too. My general plan is to work out in our in-the-garage-gym three times a week. I plan to do the three-step-superset that I was enjoying before. I need some extra exercises to balance this out. Perhaps something like:
Ex 1. Deadlift, Squat, Push press (with Olympic bar)
Ex 2. Bent-over row, Pull-up (maybe using the bands to begin with)
Ex 3. Crunches (30 per set), Press-ups (10 per set)
I may have to elevate the press-ups to begin with; I was able to do a set in the past but it’s been a while.
I’ll be getting weighed once a week at Slimming World. I’m pretty sure I haven’t lost any weight since the last weigh in as I’ve had a cold and we’ve been on holiday.
I didn’t make it to the 1.5stone loss.
I didn’t stick to that plan of activity.
I did get into those size 12 trousers, and felt good in them too!
And so…
It has been a while since I posted anything on this part of my blog. I should have posted a while back though, because I did lose some weight for the wedding!
Ok, I didn’t lose as much as I had initially intended, but I think that’s okay. In almost all of the photos I am happy with how I look, and also in most of our holiday photos from the honeymoon.
Here’s a before and after for you.
BEFORE – 19th September 2010 – weight = 12st 06lbs – BMI = 28.1 (Overweight)
AFTER – 30th April 2011 – weight = 11st 02lbs – BMI = 25.2 (Just Overweight, by 0.2!) – Loss = 1st 04lbs
I know I still want to lose some more weight, but since I came back from my honeymoon (though not while I was there!) I have gained two pounds.
I think that this is partly to do with no longer having a goal.
So, I’m setting myself a new goal.
At Slimming World we have something where you can pay, in advance, for 12 weeks’ membership. You get benefits too, as you get two weeks free when you do that. There’s also a nice recipe book on offer this week I think! In my first 12 weeks at Slimming World I lost 11lbs. I’d like to do the same again; in fact I want to do better. My aim is to get to 10st in 12 weeks. That’s a loss of 1st 04lbs. That also means losing an average of 1.5lbs per week.
AIM – 19th September 2011 – weight = 10st – BMI = 22.6 (Healthy)
I realise that diet alone is not going to be enough to meet this aim. As a result, I’m going to need to do some working out too. My general plan is to work out in our in-the-garage-gym three times a week. I plan to do the three-step-superset that I was enjoying before. I need some extra exercises to balance this out. Perhaps something like:
Ex 1. Deadlift, Squat, Push press (with Olympic bar)
Ex 2. Bent-over row, Pull-up (maybe using the bands to begin with)
Ex 3. Crunches (30 per set), Press-ups (10 per set)
I may have to elevate the press-ups to begin with; I was able to do a set in the past but it’s been a while.
I’ll be getting weighed once a week at Slimming World. I’m pretty sure I haven’t lost any weight since the last weigh in as I’ve had a cold and we’ve been on holiday.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sad - but with a plan
This weekend I was feeling very down about myself. While I put it partly down to wedding stress, there’s no hiding from it; I’ve adjusted to my new size and I loathe my body once more. Perhaps loathe is a little strong, but on Sunday morning that was how I felt.
We’ve got a nice little gym setup in the garage now, but for some reason I couldn’t face it. I don’t know why (though it not exactly being warm in there didn’t help!). So despite having my own Olympic bar (though FH has had more use out of it than I have!) I’ve not really been using it. The new setup does have some safety features which should mean I can do more with the bar without as much risk. Having seen a recent photo of me where I am less than impressed with how I look, I know I need to do something about my soft pudgy shoulders. Whether I can do anything of note in 4 weeks (yes people, it’s one month to the wedding), is another question, but if I don’t try how will I know.
Anyway, on Sunday I finally bucked myself up enough to have 20 minutes on DDR 3 on the Wii. It allows you to set an amount of time you want to dance for, and then you’re away. It accused me of being heavier than last time I played, which might be all the layers of clothes I was wearing! I do enjoy DDR, so it’s a good way for me to get some cardio in! I also did about 10 minutes on the Wii Fit, which though short was fun again. I need to do more of the strength exercises!
Well, I have a sort-of-plan too. I know I need to do more stuff in order to get my weight down, I’ve shown I can lose with just diet, but doing some exercise should really help. So, here it is:
Mondays – nothing, this is knit-night
Tuesdays – we go shopping, so 2x8 shoulder press, tricep curl, pushup (if I can), crunch, plank (2x30s)
Wednesday – is slimming world night, so probably nothing
Thursday – DDR x 20mins, weights as per Tuesday
Friday – WiiFit x 20mins on the strength/yoga moves
Saturday – weights as per Tuesday
Sunday – DDR x 20mins, WiiFit x 20mins
Do you think I can stick to that? Is it realistic to expect to do some kind of activity when I get home from work every night, before dinner? Should I look to do some of it in the mornings before work?
I’ll let you know.
Currently 3lbs more required to have lost 1.5 stone.
We’ve got a nice little gym setup in the garage now, but for some reason I couldn’t face it. I don’t know why (though it not exactly being warm in there didn’t help!). So despite having my own Olympic bar (though FH has had more use out of it than I have!) I’ve not really been using it. The new setup does have some safety features which should mean I can do more with the bar without as much risk. Having seen a recent photo of me where I am less than impressed with how I look, I know I need to do something about my soft pudgy shoulders. Whether I can do anything of note in 4 weeks (yes people, it’s one month to the wedding), is another question, but if I don’t try how will I know.
Anyway, on Sunday I finally bucked myself up enough to have 20 minutes on DDR 3 on the Wii. It allows you to set an amount of time you want to dance for, and then you’re away. It accused me of being heavier than last time I played, which might be all the layers of clothes I was wearing! I do enjoy DDR, so it’s a good way for me to get some cardio in! I also did about 10 minutes on the Wii Fit, which though short was fun again. I need to do more of the strength exercises!
Well, I have a sort-of-plan too. I know I need to do more stuff in order to get my weight down, I’ve shown I can lose with just diet, but doing some exercise should really help. So, here it is:
Mondays – nothing, this is knit-night
Tuesdays – we go shopping, so 2x8 shoulder press, tricep curl, pushup (if I can), crunch, plank (2x30s)
Wednesday – is slimming world night, so probably nothing
Thursday – DDR x 20mins, weights as per Tuesday
Friday – WiiFit x 20mins on the strength/yoga moves
Saturday – weights as per Tuesday
Sunday – DDR x 20mins, WiiFit x 20mins
Do you think I can stick to that? Is it realistic to expect to do some kind of activity when I get home from work every night, before dinner? Should I look to do some of it in the mornings before work?
I’ll let you know.
Currently 3lbs more required to have lost 1.5 stone.
Monday, March 14, 2011
the benefits of 10% loss
Well, despite not feeling well, I went along to Slimming World last Wednesday. I only stayed for the weigh in, because of this darned head-cold. Nothing to do with the diet fortunately.
Anyway it turned out that I had lost 3lbs! Hooray! That brought me down to a lovely place. I've lost 10% of my original bodyweight. I'm told that losing just 10% of your bodyweight (if you are overweight or obese) is very good for you - it improves everything from skin condition to fertility! The former is certainly true, and while the latter is not something I wish to test right now, I feel a lot better in myself and sexier than I have in a long time.
I had a great shopping trip last week too. When I lost my stone, I rewarded myself with a pair of jeans that fit me. They were grey straight leg jeans from New Look in a size 14. Well, I've just bought the exact same jeans in a size 12 in the sale. I rock! I'm so pleased with myself! Now I'm looking forward to my next award, which will be 1.5 stones lost. After that the world is my oyster. Well, perhaps not, but it will be a great feeling.
We also went out for a bike ride on Saturday. It didn't go well, mostly due to the ill effects of the cold I still had. However, we made about a 3 mile round trip, and other than some saddle soreness I felt okay afterwards. I know I need to up the activity, it's my main problem now. I think I'd like to do something but I know it's not zumba! I enjoy swimming, but there's not many places to swim round here. I'll think of something I enjoy and can access!
Anyway it turned out that I had lost 3lbs! Hooray! That brought me down to a lovely place. I've lost 10% of my original bodyweight. I'm told that losing just 10% of your bodyweight (if you are overweight or obese) is very good for you - it improves everything from skin condition to fertility! The former is certainly true, and while the latter is not something I wish to test right now, I feel a lot better in myself and sexier than I have in a long time.
I had a great shopping trip last week too. When I lost my stone, I rewarded myself with a pair of jeans that fit me. They were grey straight leg jeans from New Look in a size 14. Well, I've just bought the exact same jeans in a size 12 in the sale. I rock! I'm so pleased with myself! Now I'm looking forward to my next award, which will be 1.5 stones lost. After that the world is my oyster. Well, perhaps not, but it will be a great feeling.
We also went out for a bike ride on Saturday. It didn't go well, mostly due to the ill effects of the cold I still had. However, we made about a 3 mile round trip, and other than some saddle soreness I felt okay afterwards. I know I need to up the activity, it's my main problem now. I think I'd like to do something but I know it's not zumba! I enjoy swimming, but there's not many places to swim round here. I'll think of something I enjoy and can access!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Still going, but getting there
Well, it’s been almost a month since I last posted. Yes, it appears that the jeans may have had a little influence on my weight, but really not enough for me to justify it – the week after the jeans-wearing, I wore many fewer clothes and only lost 2.5lb on the previous week (which was a gain of 1.5lb) – ok, so that’s still good.
Anyway, I’m trying to keep the momentum, which has proven hard with the Future Hubby’s birthday and a visit to the future in-laws for two weekends out of the last three. Last week was a nice 1lb off, but I’m suspicious that this week will be at best a maintain – between sauces and popcorn and the like I really haven’t been that good.
All that said, today I had to go out and buy a belt. I’ve got a couple of pairs of size 14 trousers which are a bit on the big side. While this is a good thing, it’s also a bit of an issue when it comes to the trousers functioning as trousers. So a belt it is. So far so good.
I’ve also bought some new trousers in a size 12 - woo! They’re a little on the tight side, but they fasten and there’s no horrible muffin topping so I’m pretty happy with them. Next stop will be some size 12 jeans, and eventually some nice linen trousers (I’ve seen them, I’ve tried them on, they’re too tight right now but I will have them for the honeymoon!)
I have also had to order some new bras. This is a side effect of losing weight that I was expecting, but dreading. My back size has gone down – which could be a pain because it makes me a difficult size. However, I tried on a cup-size smaller than I usually would in M&S (knowing that their sizes are generous anyway) and the bra fit really nicely. Sadly they only had a blue set and I wanted the white and grey set, but they kindly ordered them in for me.
Weigh in again on Wednesday, I’ve lost 1st 1.5lb so far. My club 10 target is close now; just 2.5lb away. Perhaps not this week, maybe next week if I’m good.
Oh! In other news, we’ve seen a personal trainer and I’m going for a fitness test soon. Hopefully that will give me an idea of how out of shape I really am!
Anyway, I’m trying to keep the momentum, which has proven hard with the Future Hubby’s birthday and a visit to the future in-laws for two weekends out of the last three. Last week was a nice 1lb off, but I’m suspicious that this week will be at best a maintain – between sauces and popcorn and the like I really haven’t been that good.
All that said, today I had to go out and buy a belt. I’ve got a couple of pairs of size 14 trousers which are a bit on the big side. While this is a good thing, it’s also a bit of an issue when it comes to the trousers functioning as trousers. So a belt it is. So far so good.
I’ve also bought some new trousers in a size 12 - woo! They’re a little on the tight side, but they fasten and there’s no horrible muffin topping so I’m pretty happy with them. Next stop will be some size 12 jeans, and eventually some nice linen trousers (I’ve seen them, I’ve tried them on, they’re too tight right now but I will have them for the honeymoon!)
I have also had to order some new bras. This is a side effect of losing weight that I was expecting, but dreading. My back size has gone down – which could be a pain because it makes me a difficult size. However, I tried on a cup-size smaller than I usually would in M&S (knowing that their sizes are generous anyway) and the bra fit really nicely. Sadly they only had a blue set and I wanted the white and grey set, but they kindly ordered them in for me.
Weigh in again on Wednesday, I’ve lost 1st 1.5lb so far. My club 10 target is close now; just 2.5lb away. Perhaps not this week, maybe next week if I’m good.
Oh! In other news, we’ve seen a personal trainer and I’m going for a fitness test soon. Hopefully that will give me an idea of how out of shape I really am!
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
How heavy are your clothes?
In an effort to counteract the "Jeans" theory of last week, today I am wearing much less heavy clothing. I have on a light sweater, vest, tights and a short skirt.
All being well I will undo the nasty 1.5lb on that I saw last week!
I'll let you know :)
All being well I will undo the nasty 1.5lb on that I saw last week!
I'll let you know :)
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