Food
I can't believe I'm on a diet... I mean I eat lots of fruit and veg.. literally tons of it and its really showing in my weight losses. I'm finding I'm not craving any particular foods, nor am I feeling deprived. I'm eating to my appetite and enjoying every mouthful. I've been to a wedding (which I was dreading, as I knew I'd gone over my points!!).. Did I deprive myself at the buffet?? No, I simply had less than I normally would, smaller portions of the fattier, unhealthy versions of the buffet and more of the salad and things I had bought.. I even enjoyed trifle and cream cakes and still lost half a pound that week. I'd saved all my points up to have them at the wedding, I went over by a few points.. but still lost weight.. Which was a bonus!! I went back on track the next day, which also helped and only had one small glass of champagne for the toast. My particular favourite meals have been quorn bacon, lettuce and tomato on Warburtons thins (delicious!), strawberry compote (homemade by throwing a ton of strawberries in a pan, heating them through, adding a touch of water and a bit of Stevia and reducing it to a jam-like consistency) on crumpets (Warburtons are allowed on Weight Watchers). I've also made a very nice butternut squash and chickpea tagine (which was really tasty). Another favourite has been chopping pineapple, grapefruit and mango and mixing it together.. very tasty and refreshing in the hot weather. I've also noticed I'm not feeling as hungry, as I'm drinking loads of water anyway, I'm not tempted to eat for the sake of it, the food I'm eating is leaving me feeling satisfied, instead of over stuffed and craving. I usually crave chocolate at 'that time of the month'.. and for the first time in years, I've literally not been bothered.. which is amazing. I can only presume that the foods I'm eating are nutritionally better, therefore, I'm not missing out on the nutrients that I was craving before with my poor diet.
Exercise
Well, my WEA class has now come to an end.. I was really pleased with how it went and with the lovely people there and the giggles, but I was offered the chance for a free set of gym sessions.. Which I jumped on with relish. The gym and I have a convoluted history. I used to work out in a gym around 4 times a week during my 20's and hardly had to worry about what I put into my face. However, with 20 years of basically abusing my body with food and lack of exercise, its actually quite hard to get going. However, I went for my induction last Friday and worked out till I was dripping... Its amazing how much fitness you lose when you do nothing, or very little.. Its an insidious thing that creeps up on you and before you know it, walking is an issue, your clothes don't fit and you say "stuff it, I can't be bothered".. Anyway, now I have a whole new attitude to working out... That is to make it as fun as possible and remember the outcomes will be better for it. I had been going to 'hooping', which is basically hula hooping for adults, and is incredibly hard work physically. The lessons stopped for a while, so I might pick that back up again... Anyway, back to the gym. I was shown around by the very lovely C, who explained in great detail the mechanics of the body, of how it works and what we need to do to lose weight and get healthy. This particular gym utilises ones own abilities and details are stored on a card, which is useful.. I managed 10 minutes on the treadmill... walking at a pace to get out of breath, second was a 10 minute stint on an exercise bike, with enough resistance to bring me out in a sweat and to get me out of breath again! Third up was a cross trainer, some infernal device that is used for toture..I managed a few minutes on it and was close to collapse when I climbed off.. the last was the rowing machine, which was equally intense, but in a different way. I left feeling satisfied that I'd worked hard. I didn't account for Sunday and the intense pain I felt in the muscles surrounding my right knee.. Ouch doesn't cover it. It ached and was painful at the same time.. I took some Ibuprofen and sat with my leg elevated for a couple of hours, which seemed to help. I went back to the gym today and managed 10 minutes on each machine.. which is much better, imho. I also sloped off for a spell in the hydrotherapy pool, which with its warm bubbly water was just what my aching body needed. I left the gym feeling refreshed and content with myself that I had done good work.
The Media and Text 4 Change
I have largely been left alone to get on with it, which is great really, meaning I've had time to just get on with it. The texts have been coming in everyday, full of useful tips such as "Don't be tempted to pick at the food when preparing a meal" and "If you're tempted to eat something naughty, try brushing your teeth, it'll put you off".. So, yes, still useful advice. Its coming to an end now, so I won't be getting texts after this week.. However, its Ok, as I've made loads of positive changes already. The media.. well, I've had a follow up interview last Saturday with Radio Stoke, who were keen to find out how I've done on the programme.. so, I told them.. I'm doing really well, maintaining a positive attitude and generally just getting on with it.
Lifestyle Coach
Went to my Lifestyle meeting with P and felt pleased to report good weight losses and the exercise I've been doing, P got me to fill in the forms for my gym referral, which went off and I got the call to go and be inducted (induced, just doesn't seem to sound right.. somehow). So yes, smiles all around here..
So, round up for this month...
This is me 9 weeks into Weight Watchers and weighing in at 14 stone 7 and a half pounds..
Bust: 44 inches
Waist: 39 inches
Hips: 44 inches
I shouldn't have worn a baggy t-shirt... hey ho, I know for next time. But I can tell I've lost weight now. In fact since starting the Lifestyle programme, I've lost 1 stone 5 pounds!!!
I've re-set my Weight Watchers goal to 14 stone now, from my original one which was 14 stone 8.. So, lets see how long it takes to lose this..
I look asleep on these pics, I assure you I'm not.. Just resting my eyes.. ;-)
So, what's coming up.. My birthday, school holidays, a holiday and so many jobs to do around the house and garden.. I'm hoping I can stick to it all and do as much as I can. Each step is a step toward my goal. I'm just going to keep going.... As I maintained in the beginning and I shall keep maintaining... If I can do it, anyone can.
