New Exercise Regime!

Posted on March 12, 2006 at 7:11 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Spent the weekend at my Dad's place and am pleased to say that Dad has noticed the weight that I have lost.  Dad is my biggest critic when it comes to my weight and whilst it has only been about 3 or so weeks since I last saw him he has noticed that I have lost a little bit more.  That makes me happy, as it does when anyone notices.

I must say that I do feel alot better about myself and whilst over the last 3 or 4 weeks I havent really been following my points to the letter, I am still very mindful of what I can and cant have within the points range so try to stay in it.  It is paying off as I havent put any of it back on and even lost another .5 of a kilo so am happy!

Mowed the lawn today (or at least some of it) and I can honestly say that it is a better workout than any gym or walking session would ever give me!  My arms and legs felt it as well as my stomach for some unknown reason so exercise was achieved in a roundabout way!

Under a week to the holidays and I am determined that whilst I am away I will eat as well as possible.  I know I will do a lot of walking and that will be my goal to make sure that I do walk a lot and eat well.  I just hope that I come back a few kilos lighter but I wont bank my pay check on it.  As long as I dont put any back on I will be happy as I didnt last year and I did eat absolute crap!  This time round I am much more educated!!

New Jeans

Posted on March 3, 2006 at 8:33 AM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I tried on my old jeans the other day only to find that whilst I can still wear them, after a while they fall down so I have to keep hiking them up.  For a pair of  knock around jeans for at home they are perfect but for my trip to Canada that is in 2 weeks time they probably wouldnt be fine at all as I hate wearing belts unless they are a fashion accessory.

So I went jeans shopping which I didnt want to do until I had lost some more weight.  I hate jeans shopping at the best of times but I had to do it.  I am normally a size 12 but think I may almost be a size 10.  I debated for a while about whether or not to try on both sizes or just be brave and try on the size 10.  In the end I took just the size 10's into the change room.  Both pairs that I took in fit!  I havent been able to wear a size 10 pair of jeans in years.  So happy about that.

I had a corporate bowls day yesterday in which I wore my new jeans and had so many industry people who havent seen me since the end of last year comment on how I have lost weight so that made me very happy.  And the fact that I think my new jeans made me look skinnier! 

Plateau

Posted on February 28, 2006 at 12:00 AM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I have hit a bit of a plateau and I think that the only way I can get around it is by actually getting my butt into gear and exercising again.  I have lost 8.5 kgs and managed to keep it off.  I havent been as strict on myself the last week or so as I needed a break so to speak.  Whilst I havent been as strict with the points counting I have been point wary so choosing the lower point options anyway which is why I have kept it off I guess.  Its true when they say it is a lifestyle change!

Holidays are going to be hard with the diet but if it was like last year then I just need to keep up the lots of walking (which will happen anyway) and all should be fine.  I did want to lose another 4 before I go away but I think that realistically I may only get another 2 off.  I did want to be 60 before I go back for Prawny's wedding but I am not unhappy with where I am at the moment.

A few friends that I dont see often have all commented on how much weight I have lost which makes me feel good about myself and how I am going.  I think that the positive comments can also make me a bit lazy in trying to lose the last 6 that I have set my goal for.  I am going to do it, I guess its just taking me longer than originally planned.  I have to start exercising.  Joined the small gym that we have at work as it is only $50 a month which is a bargain and not crowded like the big gyms.  Will see how I go with that when I get back from holidays.

Past Half Way

Posted on January 29, 2006 at 7:29 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Well I weighed myself this morning, and yes I know my official weigh in day is tomorrow but I thought what the hell.  I am now at 67kgs which is past my personal set goal half way point!  I have made it to the half way point and havent given up....I personally didnt think I would get there.

I would love to lose the last 7 kilos before I go away and since that is in about 7 weeks time it is achievable.  Even if I dont, I would be really happy if I lost at least 5 more before I go.  Whilst I am away will be a challenge but if it was like last year, I did so much walking that I didnt put anything on even though I ate crap.  At least this time I will be goal focused and more conscious of what I eat.

Anyways nothing more to tell except that I am happily past the half way point!

Slow But Steady

Posted on January 29, 2006 at 12:24 AM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I am not losing as much weight now as fast as I would like but I cant complain too much.  I am losing about half a kilo a week which isnt too bad.  On most days I am following the points plan but unfortunately I work in that industry that when you get offered lunch it isnt going to be a low points option.

I caught up with a friend that I havent seen in a few months and the very first thing that she said to me was that I had lost weight which made me feel better that she could notice.  I am not finished at all but I do need to make some time to start exercising to help this process along a bit.  Work has been so busy that exercise is the last thing that I have wanted to do.

My favourite jeans are now a bit big, I have to wear a belt with them.  Whilst this is great they are also the jeans that I want to take away to Canada so will have to see how I go.  My work pants are starting to fall down now too which is good (not that I am flashing the underwear but good I can see some results!).

Anyway this week I am looking on track to losing another half to 1 kilo so I am happy.  Its great that when I have a week where I am sure that I havent been following the points as well I was would like that I can still lose something.

Of course I wish it was all faster but it makes me feel better knowing that i have lasted as long as I have and quite succesfully as well.

Getting There

Posted on January 8, 2006 at 11:40 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I know it has been so long since I have entered something into my weight loss blog.  I havent been disheartened just busy.  Christmas was Christmas and I admire anyone who can stick to their points plan.  I did make better choices and didnt stuff myself silly as per every other year.  However I wasnt too fanatical about sticking to my points.  I did not weigh myself for a week after either as I was way too scared for that.

So when I did weigh myself I was so excited as it was after New years also....I have passed my first personal goal of 5kgs.  It now gives me more determination to keep at it considering those few weeks I wasnt trying too hard and still managed to lose some weight. 

Last week was hard as all of my clubs and hotels gave me lunch and there isnt too much on those menus that isnt extremly high in points.  I tried my best and made sure that I didnt have too bad a dinner.  I will be happy if my weight just stays the same but am hoping for a miracle and at least a half a kilo loss.

I am almost at the half way mark.  I put on a pair of jeans today and was so happy to see that they fall down now so almost need a belt.  I also put on a skirt last weekend that when I bought it it was a bit tight and didnt fit too well.  Thank goodness it now fits...some incentive to be had that is for sure!

I am going to try and be good and write more in this blog.  It kind of makes me accountable for what I do also.  I have been bad and done almost no exercise but work has been keeping me busy.  It is also way too hot as well.  I need to try and change that.

Surprising Week

Posted on December 13, 2005 at 8:45 AM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Even though I had a bad week with all the Christmas parties that were going on I still managed to lose half a kilo!!  I am now under the 70kg mark and am excited.  I am half a kilo off of losing 5 kgs which means I get to reward myself with a pedicure and facial!

It just goes to show that whilst I may not have been good every day of last week but I did try my best even when eating out to choose the healthier options.  I almost have myself convinced that I dont even like hot chips!!  Okay I did say almost, but I am strong enough that I will ask for my food orders without chips.

Lets just hope this week keeps on just as well if not better.

Bad Week

Posted on December 11, 2005 at 6:50 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I have now made it through my week of Christmas parties and sales meetings etc.  Whilst I have not kept within my point range on some of these days, I did do my best to try and make better choices.  I surprised myself more than anyone else when eating out.  I made sure I went for the lowest point options that I could find and had smaller portions so I dont feel as guilty.

Our staff Christmas party proved to be havoc with the alcohol intake but this is a once a year occassion so I decided to bite the bullet and join in the festivities.  I wish I hadnt have enjoyed them as much as I did but I am back on track again. 

I dont think that I will lose anything this week and if I am lucky nothing will also be gained.  I am not discouraged and am still determined to see this through to the end.

So with this week out of the way I have no excuses for not staying on track now until Christmas day rocks around.

Going Well

Posted on December 3, 2005 at 8:42 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

It has been a while since I last wrote an entry but I am pleased to note that I have been doing really well.  I am on track and still losing weight although not as fast as I would like (but it will never happen that quickly!).  I even went out for dinner a few nights ago and we went to a pizza joint which by the way is not the dieters best friend!  I ate a salad and one slice of pizza.  I was so proud of myself.

I have almost hit the 5kg mark which is great and means a small reward for me.  I think Christmas is still going to be a challenge but not as bad as I first thought.

Not much to write as I am doing much better than I thought I would be by now.  I think I have been on this diet for either 3 or 4 weeks and it only feels like 2 at the most so that has to be a good sign!

Anyway will let you know how I go next week over the staff Christmas party etc.

No Alcohol Please

Posted on November 25, 2005 at 9:19 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Well I am doing so well with the no alcohol.  I have abided by my contract and limited myself to 3-4 drinks only at a function (which at the moment I seem to have one or two a week).  Today I only had 1 and then drank water and diet coke for the rest of it.  Surprisingly it isnt as hard as I thought especially since I am the sober driver for a few people so they dont hassle you to drink as otherwise they lose their ride home...it is a great little trick.

I wasnt so good at lunch today as there werent too many healthy choices but again I gave the potato salad a miss and the old me would never have done that.  I also ate fruit instead of the cheeses for "desert".  No dinner for me tonight though except for vegetables which was enough anyway as I am so full from lunch but ate because I thought I needed to.

I have exercised every morning this week except this morning and that was only because it was raining and I was thankful for the rest.  I will go for a walk every day over the weekend though so that will make up for it.  Met a friend that I havent seen for a long time today at the luncheon and he now competes in triathlons so that is also an inspiration.

I Hate Christmas

Posted on November 22, 2005 at 11:07 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Okay another work function today....there will be a few more before Christmas and these are posing a bit of a challenge to the WW program.  I didnt do too bad today.  I started the day with an hour walk as I knew that it would be a mystery as to what I could have for lunch so that was a postive start.  Lunch was a buffet which was good but there were so many temptations in front of me and I think I did pretty well.  If I had to add up the points though I am sure that it took me to my days limits.

I did well with choices though....I didnt touch my favourites such as potato salad, coleslaw, roast potatoes etc and went for the salads and some lean meats.  All in all not too bad for me but I made sure my dinner was a 0 points feed.  I wasnt too hungry as I was still full from lunch so that was helpful.

I am going to get up and go for a walk again tomorrow morning so that will make me feel better.  I did weigh myself this morning and I am back on track after the weekend so I am happy again.

I have a work lunch on Friday so I am hoping that I can be just as good.  This diet isnt proving to be too difficult but I think that it is because this is a decision that I have made and want to stick with.  A positive attitude is a big step in helping to cope.  I havent even had any alcoholic drinks (well after the weekend) which is unusual at work functions.

I am feeling happy about this aspect of my life and that is great and what I need at the moment.

Back On Track

Posted on November 21, 2005 at 1:29 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

So admittedly falling off the bandwagon was expected on the weekend but getting back on it wasnt as hard as I thought it would be.  Today has been quite easy eating within my point range again....even though the housemate once again is cooking all the bad things that we dont want to smell like bacon and eggs.  He moves out in a week so I wont have to worry about what temptations will be cooking or stored in my fridge or cupboard.  Oh and also him eating my food which seems to be a common thing even though I dont eat his....but that is a different gripe.

I am surprising myself more and more each day with what I can do.  I now choose not to eat bad things.  Even when making dinner if it is high in points I somehow convince myself that I do not want to eat those foods and even that I dont like those foods.  It's quite amazing what we can talk ourselves into.

Anyway I did weigh myself and as I guesses I pretty much countered all the good work that I did the week before but that just makes me more determined to lose that weight again.  I guess in essence it puts me a week behind my schedule so it is heads down and bum up again for a while to get back to where I was.  I tell you what though, it sure makes me want to stick to this plan of mine as it can be very disappointing when you go backwards.

This is so boring to read I know but it helps me along the way to be able to write these thoughts and concerns down.  Christmas is going to be so hard as Dad is having a pig on the spit and roast pork is my absolute favourite.  I dont suppose that crackling fits into my points program anywhere does it???  Didnt think so.  I will just have to be prepared and take along my WW dinners I think to get by.

What a Disaster Weekend

Posted on November 20, 2005 at 8:17 PM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Uggghhh....I knew this weekend wasnt going to be good for my diet even with all my best intentions.  I had the Roma races on and knew that eating within the points range wouldnt happen.  It is also a real bummer as before I left I weighed myself to see how I was going and I had lost another 1.5kgs.  I am sure that I would have put that back on by now and that really gets to me.  Way too scared to weigh myself even though I know tomorrow is weigh in day.

I started off well on Friday.  Colleen stopped at Macca's on the way to get food and I ate my apple.  I was so strong and proud.  The weekend involved alcohol which I knew would blow my points anyway and being in such a small country town the food choices were also limited.  I did try to eat the best options but they were well above what I was allowed.  I know that was a minor set back for me this week but I am back on track again.  This morning we left early and there was no where open to get food so when we stopped I had to go for the very limited menu which was not good.

I did eat a healthy and low point dinner so feel a bit better.  I am determined that this isnt going to stop me.  I was afraid that the weekend wouldnt be too good and was as prepared as I could be.  I was better than I thought I would be too which helped.  I just really want to succeed at this.

I hope that this week goes well for me.

Sleep Wanted/Needed

Posted on November 15, 2005 at 4:59 PM - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Isnt it funny that when you are tired you dont want to eat?  I have also found another distraction in my life....that is blogging.  At least now when I am bored I just write some crap on my web page or here and it keeps me amused and not thinking about food.  Actually I havent eaten much today and really am not that hungry....I think its because I am too tired to care.

I'm not physically tired but more exhausted if that makes sense.  Someone was telling me today that we really need 8.5 hours sleep a night.  I thought it was good if I got 7.  I dont sleep too well so if I get between 5-7 hours sleep I think that is great.  I think on a weekend is the only time that I will get 8 hours and that is if I let myself lie in bed after I have woken.  It does catch up with me occasionally but thats what life is about I guess.

Nothing exciting to report today....just that I am tired.

Success

Posted on November 14, 2005 at 9:20 AM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Okay it has officially been a week since I started on Weight Watchers.  With a lot of deligence and dedication I had my first weigh in today....drum roll please!  I did better than expected.  I lost 2kgs in the first week.  I am absolutely rapt and my dedication is even stronger beacuse now I know I can do it and it wasnt even really that hard.

I did fail at getting out of bed early this morning to go for a walk...but I was so tired.  So as a make up I will have to go after work today and I hate walking after work.  Just because I missed my planned appointment doesnt mean that I can get out of it entirely,  Besides it's in my contract!

I am feeling better about myself and cant wait until I can see the proof of losing weight.  Even more so I cant wait to show my family when it does happen!

I have a few tough weeks coming up.  All these Christmas lunches and I have the Roma races on the weekend and I know there isnt going to be too much in the way of healthy options.  I dont know how I am going to tackle this one yet but I will have to try and think of something.  I have a few more days yet.  As for the work lunches I am going to be the sober driver so that is my way out of not having alcohol and usually the lunches arent too bad as they usually consist of a steak and vegetables so I hope that is going to be the case.  I am almost dreading the races on the weekend though.  I do not want to put back on the 2kgs that I have lost this week.

Temptation

Posted on November 13, 2005 at 7:48 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

How hard is it to be on a diet when your housemate has ordered Chinese food and it was enough to feed a family of 5....oh and this was all for himself!!!  So not only did I have to look at and smell it wishing that I was the one indulging but I will have to see the leftovers in the fridge for the rest of the week.  In my fridge.....is there no pity for someone like me?  My saving grace was that I had made my dinner and eaten it prior to him coming home so I was full already but the smell!

I did also get up and walk this morning on a Sunday.  I am so proud of myself for that and it was hot outside and that never does much for motivating you.  I even got serious and wrote myself a weight loss contract with conditions as this needs to be a life style decision for me so I thought I would make it one, on paper!  I have also decided that I will not be eating dinner after 7:30pm either so I am going to be like my grandparents and eat early. Groan, I am beginning to sound old but have decided I am not going to be swayed from my weight loss goal.

I am finding that I eat slower which is good and am feeling a lot fuller than before and my meal sizes are smaller.  Well the bad part of the meal is smaller, the good part such as vegies and salads is larger because these are point free...yay!

I am finding that by doing this journal it is also making me more accountable for what I am doing and eating and that is a postive thing.  Like not even tasting the chinese food that still has the aroma floating through my house.  Even I am proud of not sneaking a bit.  That is the difference this time and why this diet is going to work for me.  I am not swayed from my goals and not tempted.  Previously I would have had some and not counted it in my points because it wasnt really my meal.  There is no logic behind this I know but that was why I was failing.

Tomorrow is a week exactly so I am excited to see how much weight I have lost.  I am hoping from 1-2kgs.  I will be very disappointed if this is not the case.

A Decision Made

Posted on November 11, 2005 at 10:26 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Okay I know that this is going to sound cliche but I was watching an Oprah episode tonight about weight loss and there was something that she said that is spot on.  You will succeed when you make the choice/decision.  Saying I am going to try to lose weight is a sure fire sign of failure.  You need to make the decision to do it.  This time I will not be swayed from my goal.  As mentioned before I made the decision to do WW to lose weight before my brothers wedding.  I do however have another reason which I havent shared.  I am going to Canada next year to see a friend and I want to be the same weight that I was when I met him about 8 years ago.  It's also something that I want to do for myself.

I couldnt resist the tempation today to jump on the scales to see how I was going.  It hasnt been a week yet, as I only started on Monday, but I feel like I am doing well.  This is mainly in part to sticking on the points and only going over on one day by 2 points.  The last few days however I have been under and it hasnt even been a struggle.  So back to the point of the scales.  I have lost 1kg so far.  I know its not a milestone but it is the motivation that I need to make sure I stay postive.  Listen to me, you would think I am dying and have been doing this for weeks.  I have set this goal for about 12 weeks.

I cant possible drink anymore water though.....I am sick of having to find the loo and relieved when I do.  I was feeling a bit sick today so I didnt get up and go for a walk but will make sure that I do tomorrow even though it is a weekend!  I have to do the exercise as otherwise I am sure that I would not lose the weight that I want to.

So a week almost down and I am still positive.  I have found an awesome recipe for a pumpkin and spinach curry.  I dont normally like pumpkin but this is to die for and even better is that it has no points!  Goes to show that tasty food is and can be point free.  I am dreading Christmas though and the work functions that I have coming up.  The way around them is going to be being the sober driver.  It may mean that I wont need to constantly explain to people why I am not drinking.  When you say you are on a diet you will be surprised at how many people will sub conciously try to put you off of it.

Hope this weekend stays as positive!

To Walk or Not To Walk

Posted on November 10, 2005 at 8:41 AM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Guilt is such a great alarm clock.  Lastnight I had told myself that I would get up early this morning to go for an hour walk.  In some ways this was more to convince myself rather than an actual desire to actually get up and do it.  I didnt set the alarm as I am quite good at waking up unassisted but woke up half an hour before my self set walking time.  I tried so hard to shut my eyes and try to "accidently fall back to sleep".  Well that didnt work and I thought what the heck......might as well do what I was planning on doing and that was going for a walk. 

So did I do it?  Did I make it?  And do I feel better?  Well the answer to all of these is YES!  I walked for an hour in the stifling heat with my music going and fell much better for doing it.  I have even put on the pedometer again and am surprised to find that I have done more than half the 10,000 steps required.  It is also an incentive to make sure I ea ta good breakfast and drink plenty of water before I leave for the day so as not to undo the good work.  I am going to have to make a conscious effort to do this at least 3 times a week.  Talk about a lifestyle change!

The downside to waking up early to walk was that when I left my housemate was home so I didnt take my keys.  Assuming that he would still be in bed when I get home (as he always is when not wokring the early shift) I left the house.  I have a spare key hidden so it wouldnt matter.  Got back and as luck would have it, housemate gone and the spare key not in its usual place thanks to my brother not returning it.  Had to track down my cousin to come home and let me in.  Lesson learnt.  I will take my keys next time even if the clanging sound will interfere with the walking music.

Day 2 seems to be looking okay on the diet front and with exercise incorporated I am staying positive!!

Enthusiasm Is High

Posted on November 9, 2005 at 11:24 PM in General - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Okay so I know that I only started this blog thing....so technical I know....today but I suddnely have so much more to say.  It makes me wonder why that I never kept a diary as a child (yes Rachelle, I am still claiming that I never had one!). 

Where to start?  Well work has been giving me the shits as of late but I did have a rather good day today.  Yesterday I would have done anything to get out of work and in fact I think I did.  Does donating blood count as bludging?  I think it does when the reason you think of doing it is to get an hour off of work and then have people feel sorry for you afterwards.  Okay I did also do it because it is a noble cause and I am in high demand...or at least my blood type is and since that is a part of me that means I am in demand!  Yay for me!

But back to my original story.  Work wasnt as demanding today and one of my agents bought me lunch which was nice...although sad to admit that it wasnt a great way to start my diet.  But surprise surprise I did manage to work it into my points plan.  I cant afford too many more days like that though.

I have big plans on getting out of bed early to go for a walk but you know how it is...that extra hour could sometimes be spent so much better laying in bed (at least it feels better).

Was hoping to catch a friend on msn tonight but it seems our schedules havent been too in tune.  It doesnt help that there is a time difference of about 15 hours.  I now know what they mean by worlds apart.  So I guess to amuse myself I will just type this entry.  I am a bit of a nutter that is happy to amuse myself and others with endless banterings of nothing.

Anyways....have to do some work emails.  Although procrastination can be a great tool in the Aussie way of avoiding things that arent really high on our list of priorities, although I am sure that my company would disagree.  Until I next write remember this, "Courage, like a muscle is strengthened by use"

Why the heck not?!?!

Posted on November 9, 2005 at 11:07 PM in Weight Loss - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Okay so I have now joined the world of blogging.  I know that I am not the first person in the world to get on this band wagon but they do say that it is better late than never!!  The reason for it?  To be honest I am not entirely sure myself but I guess there are a few contributing factors.  The first is that I have decided that I need to lose weight (many thanks to family for pointing this out to me) and making a journal of this journey is supposedly good for motivating and keeping me on track.  Heres to hoping that this train wont get too bored of the idea so soon.  That is the idea of writing an "online journal" as well as the idea of losing weight.

I guess the other reason is that I have become quite bad at keeping in contact with my friends and family that do not live near me so I guess this is another good way for people to keep up to date with what is happening in my life.  Although at times there isnt really too much to tell.

I guess I am taking a positive step in my life with the weight loss thing but with my job that can be so hard to do.  My little brother is getting married in 7 months and I would like to lose about 15 kilos prior to going back to my home town of Darwin and seeing all the realtives again.  I was always so skinny as a child and in the last 5 years I have put on much more than I would like.  It's hard to admit to yourself that you need to do something about those love handles that you would hope that people find so "you".

So here is the first day of changes in my life....and well I was never really the keeper of a diary as a child so sorry to disappoint my sister (who still insists that she read it....hard to do when you didnt have one) she can now read this one with everyone else.  Not as exciting but hey....would hate to disappoint!