After a full week spent moving, cleaning, wallpaper stripping, and hoovering, Joel and I decided yesterday that we needed to get out of the city for a night, and therefore visited his friend Phil in Macclesfield for his birthday. Was a pretty good night, ate only barbequed food, only had a few bread buns, and very little ketchup. Drank Diet Coke all night, and only one cider - which I used to drink about 6 of in one night out, and could now only manage one. The times, they are a-changing!
Unfortunately, we had to leave instead of staying overnight - Joel had a headache and I was queasy. Even more unfortunately, the next morning found me hanging over the toilet bowl, being violently sick for the first time in about 3 years, so probably a good job we didn't stay, really. That's the last time I let an 18 year-old girl "cook" one of my burgers.
Recovered enough to oversee the arrival of a moving van bearing all our heavier wordly goods (bed, drawers, sofa, etc....) to the house - AND join 4 girlfriends online in booking a holiday to Turkey in October! So there you have it, we're now "officially" moved in - and I have a girly holiday in 3 months! And if that's not an incentive to lose weight, I don't know what IS. Wonder how close to a beach we'll be in Turkey......?
Saturday 30 July 2011
Monday 25 July 2011
Setbacks
GAIN: 1.5 POUNDS
Oh, bloody hell. I should have know there would be weeks when I had a gain - we're only human of course - but this is still a bit of a pain. I'm not remotely surprised if I'm honest, this week hasn't been the greatest. Both Joel and I, doing loads of work on the house (which had no fridge or electricity till recently), have been basically living on a diet of take-outs, McDonald's and Subways - things you only needs gas to cook, or things you don't need to cook at all. Bad times. A tiny part of me was hoping all the dismantling/rubbish-clearing/stairs-climbing would have shifted some weight, but a much bigger part of me had screwed up, and I knew it. And we've both booked most of this week off work to do more House stuff - so I predict more screw-ups.....
Obviously Mum was disappointed but the Group were much more diplomatic - sympathising, offering solutions and ideas..... Louise suggested getting back on track, now I knew where I'd gone wrong, and focusing on avoiding those pitfalls in future. Sounds like a plan!
On a side note, the house is going splendidly - have painted 2 bedrooms, decorated one, put multiple pictures up, moved furniture and stuff in, and even explored the local area! Downside - there are McDonald's and Subways in easy walking distance. Upsides - they are situated right in front of an Asda, packed full of cheap healthy Free foods! AND we live in a cul-de-sac off the main road - which means that every day, I have to climb a slight hill to get to work. Morning exercise, anyone?
Oh, bloody hell. I should have know there would be weeks when I had a gain - we're only human of course - but this is still a bit of a pain. I'm not remotely surprised if I'm honest, this week hasn't been the greatest. Both Joel and I, doing loads of work on the house (which had no fridge or electricity till recently), have been basically living on a diet of take-outs, McDonald's and Subways - things you only needs gas to cook, or things you don't need to cook at all. Bad times. A tiny part of me was hoping all the dismantling/rubbish-clearing/stairs-climbing would have shifted some weight, but a much bigger part of me had screwed up, and I knew it. And we've both booked most of this week off work to do more House stuff - so I predict more screw-ups.....
Obviously Mum was disappointed but the Group were much more diplomatic - sympathising, offering solutions and ideas..... Louise suggested getting back on track, now I knew where I'd gone wrong, and focusing on avoiding those pitfalls in future. Sounds like a plan!
On a side note, the house is going splendidly - have painted 2 bedrooms, decorated one, put multiple pictures up, moved furniture and stuff in, and even explored the local area! Downside - there are McDonald's and Subways in easy walking distance. Upsides - they are situated right in front of an Asda, packed full of cheap healthy Free foods! AND we live in a cul-de-sac off the main road - which means that every day, I have to climb a slight hill to get to work. Morning exercise, anyone?
Saturday 23 July 2011
Oriental Express
Yesterday was pretty fun - went out for Viv's (one of Mum's employees) 65th birthday to a Chinese restaurant. It was one of those pre-order things where you have to choose from 4 whole banquets and share everything - so Mum and I ordered the seafood banquet, with a touch of trepidation. And rightly so..... fish it may be, but DAMN was there a lot of it. After about the 6th course we sat there for half an hour, gasping and holding our stomachs, agreeing that 6 was far too much. Then, what do you know - the waiter brings two more out! It was MENTAL. Surely no-one eats THAT much Chinese in an evening?
Tried to rectify the extreme seafood antics by dancing loads - the lovely DJ was VERY forthcoming with my requests, thankfully, so attempted to shake the calories away with a bit of Shakira! Who knows, maybe it worked......
Sadly as well, Viv pressed upon me to help her finish a whole 2 bottles of wine - which I happily did..... under Mum's glaring eye unfortunately. Which I later experienced again upon returning from the bar with two "yes-mum-I-promise-they-are-just-Diet-Cokes-and-not-at-ALL-filled-with-a-double-vodka-each" drinks. Oooops. Still, it was a wicked night. Haven't been drunk in ages.
Tried to rectify the extreme seafood antics by dancing loads - the lovely DJ was VERY forthcoming with my requests, thankfully, so attempted to shake the calories away with a bit of Shakira! Who knows, maybe it worked......
Sadly as well, Viv pressed upon me to help her finish a whole 2 bottles of wine - which I happily did..... under Mum's glaring eye unfortunately. Which I later experienced again upon returning from the bar with two "yes-mum-I-promise-they-are-just-Diet-Cokes-and-not-at-ALL-filled-with-a-double-vodka-each" drinks. Oooops. Still, it was a wicked night. Haven't been drunk in ages.
Thursday 21 July 2011
Candy bar girl
Watched a very interesting programme this evening called "Candy Bar girls" - about a lesbian bar in London. One of the girls it focused on - Dannii - was a part-time pole dancer.... and strangely enough, it got me thinking about my career. Obviously I'm happy where I am at the moment, but I've always thought that if I lost weight, I'd almost definately try and get back into acting - whether theatre, TV, voluntary, whatever. I miss that life so much sometimes, and I'm fairly sure I'd have more confidence than l used to, if I was thinner.
Having said that, if I got to a TRULY thin stage (toned tummy, tiny bum, the works), I daresay I'd love to try a brief stint as a podium dancer in a night club, like being a pole dancer but without men shoving money in your knickers..... simply dancing along to music with the masses. On a side note, idly asked Joel what he'd think if I ever took up pole dancing as a job. His response was expected; "I wouldn't be mad keen on it, but if you wanted to, you were happy, it was in a safe environment, and no-one touched you - I'd be fine with it." Hmmm..... something to consider!
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Harry Potter and the Decreasing Dress Size
Today was pretty fun - it was my scheduled day off work, so got a taxi into town to pay for our new fridge/freezer.... and felt so healthy/happy afterwards that I did two things I've never done before: a) walked all the way into town from an unknown area (hint: just follow the Hilton) and b) went to the cinema on my own. Felt really weird standing on my own in the huge queue, but I'd been dying to see the new Harry Potter for AGES, and none of my friends were able to go see it for a few weeks, so the ends justified the means, I suppose. Unfortunately I treated myself to a small salty popcorn...... Oh well, the film was brilliant, anyway!
Monday 18 July 2011
Moving house
LOSS: 1 POUND
Well, I'm stumped. Once again, I've lost weight, without even having a single clue how I did it. I didn't do a SCRAP of exercise, severely lacked in "SuperFree" foods, and had the worst weekend known to MAN. But I'll start at the beginning:
Friday was brilliant. Met Joel for lunch in the Triangle gardens, treated myself to a chicken and bacon Co-Op wrap and some Galaxy buttons. Had forgotten just how incredible chocolate tasted, it had been that long. Which is a good thing, I suppose. As for Taylor's birthday night out, I was VERY relieved when Joel and I had to skip the buffet beforehand - no temptation in the way!! Was very well behaved, only had 2 vodkas, and stuck to Diet Coke the rest of the night. Really enjoyed myself, and no-one was any the wiser.
And then I ruined it. Because when we got home, Joel (for "old time's sake") went to get a kebab from our local take-away - as a kind of last takeout before we moved house. And I, because I am ridiculous and weak, got a pizza. It was the smallest size, but still....... Had a really upset tummy as a result on Saturday morning, and I wasn't even surprised. I completely deserved it. Mind you, maybe I've been healthy for so long, my body was literally rejecting the badness.....? Who knows. Joel wasn't too well either, unfortunately.
So Saturday rolled around, as did a quite huge event - getting our new house keys. After a quick breakfast at Mum's shop (sausage and egg muffin) followed by an enormous trek round Ikea - we started our 2-day renovation marathon. And what a weekend it was. THIS is why I was so shocked by my weight-loss tonight, because if anything, I'd have thought I'd gained at LEAST 2 pounds, given what we ate. Saturday afternoon, in between dismantling fitted wardrobes with 1 screwdriver between us, we managed to grab our first ever meal in the new house, and ate it on the lounge floor. Unfortunately, it was McDonald's. I didn't pick the healthy option this time. Even got a McFlurry.
On Sunday, armed with new power tools, we went for the whole day, and had to take food that couldn't be cooked. So lunch basically consisted of Supernoodles, crisps and cookies. Tea was sausage, eggs, and more cookies - and upon my return to the flat, knackered, stressed and sweaty, I promptly downed about half a bottle of Rose' wine in about 5 minutes (The Apprentice final being on didn't help...... Tom won, by the way!) But this is where I may have been mistaken. I THOUGHT all the crap I ate this weekend (through stress and exhaustion) would have been my downfall, but now I think about it - doing 2 solid days of manual labour and hauling huge heavy doors/planks of wood up and down the stairs for 3 hours probably classed as very good exercise, and sped up my metabolism. Not to mention I probably sweated at least half a pound. So I guess a 1 pound loss isn't that bad, after all.
Mum was disappointed when I told her, so great support there (!). Group tonight was fun though - did a Syn quiz and bought some more Hi Fi bars, plus this month's SlimmingWorld magazine, for more recipes and inspirational stories. Got a lot of compliments on the Before and After photo I compiled and put on the group's Facebook page:
Have decided that this week - despite all the stress and mental goings on when we move into the house..... I HAVE to stay calm, rise above it, and not eat comfort food like this weekend. I CAN'T have another lapse, don't know if I'll get away with it a second week. Besides, I'm only 5 pounds off my stone now, and I cannot WAIT to reach it. It would be such a huge achievement for me..... and even more so to get it done by the 1st of August. Maybe that can be my deadline. If I could lose 3 pounds one week, and 2 pounds another when I first joined, SURELY I can do it again. I'll just have to try hard not to lose focus, and make damn sure the non-cookable food we take to the house this weekend is all Free.
Friday was brilliant. Met Joel for lunch in the Triangle gardens, treated myself to a chicken and bacon Co-Op wrap and some Galaxy buttons. Had forgotten just how incredible chocolate tasted, it had been that long. Which is a good thing, I suppose. As for Taylor's birthday night out, I was VERY relieved when Joel and I had to skip the buffet beforehand - no temptation in the way!! Was very well behaved, only had 2 vodkas, and stuck to Diet Coke the rest of the night. Really enjoyed myself, and no-one was any the wiser.
And then I ruined it. Because when we got home, Joel (for "old time's sake") went to get a kebab from our local take-away - as a kind of last takeout before we moved house. And I, because I am ridiculous and weak, got a pizza. It was the smallest size, but still....... Had a really upset tummy as a result on Saturday morning, and I wasn't even surprised. I completely deserved it. Mind you, maybe I've been healthy for so long, my body was literally rejecting the badness.....? Who knows. Joel wasn't too well either, unfortunately.
So Saturday rolled around, as did a quite huge event - getting our new house keys. After a quick breakfast at Mum's shop (sausage and egg muffin) followed by an enormous trek round Ikea - we started our 2-day renovation marathon. And what a weekend it was. THIS is why I was so shocked by my weight-loss tonight, because if anything, I'd have thought I'd gained at LEAST 2 pounds, given what we ate. Saturday afternoon, in between dismantling fitted wardrobes with 1 screwdriver between us, we managed to grab our first ever meal in the new house, and ate it on the lounge floor. Unfortunately, it was McDonald's. I didn't pick the healthy option this time. Even got a McFlurry.
On Sunday, armed with new power tools, we went for the whole day, and had to take food that couldn't be cooked. So lunch basically consisted of Supernoodles, crisps and cookies. Tea was sausage, eggs, and more cookies - and upon my return to the flat, knackered, stressed and sweaty, I promptly downed about half a bottle of Rose' wine in about 5 minutes (The Apprentice final being on didn't help...... Tom won, by the way!) But this is where I may have been mistaken. I THOUGHT all the crap I ate this weekend (through stress and exhaustion) would have been my downfall, but now I think about it - doing 2 solid days of manual labour and hauling huge heavy doors/planks of wood up and down the stairs for 3 hours probably classed as very good exercise, and sped up my metabolism. Not to mention I probably sweated at least half a pound. So I guess a 1 pound loss isn't that bad, after all.
Mum was disappointed when I told her, so great support there (!). Group tonight was fun though - did a Syn quiz and bought some more Hi Fi bars, plus this month's SlimmingWorld magazine, for more recipes and inspirational stories. Got a lot of compliments on the Before and After photo I compiled and put on the group's Facebook page:
Have decided that this week - despite all the stress and mental goings on when we move into the house..... I HAVE to stay calm, rise above it, and not eat comfort food like this weekend. I CAN'T have another lapse, don't know if I'll get away with it a second week. Besides, I'm only 5 pounds off my stone now, and I cannot WAIT to reach it. It would be such a huge achievement for me..... and even more so to get it done by the 1st of August. Maybe that can be my deadline. If I could lose 3 pounds one week, and 2 pounds another when I first joined, SURELY I can do it again. I'll just have to try hard not to lose focus, and make damn sure the non-cookable food we take to the house this weekend is all Free.
Thursday 14 July 2011
Boring work days
Today wasn't too bad - felt happy enough in my weight loss to brave bare legs to work..... something I haven't done in YEARS. OK, so I was wearing stockings, but still, the pins were on display! Ran out of Hi Fi bars though, didn't realise until break just how dependant I was on them, which kinda sucked. Not to mention I'd had a slight row with Joel last night, which just made me want to eat EVERYTHING in the break room vending machine. Just as well I'm utterly skint, otherwise I probably would have. Have found though, that being skint really helps with weight loss - not having money means I can't spend money in the staff canteen - which means I have to make my own salads at home for lunch. Result! Free in every sense of the word.....
Anyway, pottered over to Joel's workplace at lunch to apologize - and at his suggestion ended up going for lunch at MacDonald's. Got a chicken sandwich, so at least I tried. Oh well, it was fun anyway, and at least we made up! Turns out I was completely over-reacting anyway.
Got back to my desk and ate completely Free snacks all afternoon which cheered me up no end. Spent my last tenner on healthy stuff at Iceland and had minted lamb burgers for tea. Good times!
It's Joel's friend Taylor's birthday night out tomorrow, so that should be fun. Actually, I'm really looking forward to it.
Anyway, pottered over to Joel's workplace at lunch to apologize - and at his suggestion ended up going for lunch at MacDonald's. Got a chicken sandwich, so at least I tried. Oh well, it was fun anyway, and at least we made up! Turns out I was completely over-reacting anyway.
Got back to my desk and ate completely Free snacks all afternoon which cheered me up no end. Spent my last tenner on healthy stuff at Iceland and had minted lamb burgers for tea. Good times!
It's Joel's friend Taylor's birthday night out tomorrow, so that should be fun. Actually, I'm really looking forward to it.
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Problems
The last few days have been pretty nondescript, to be honest. I think now I've slotted into the whole idea of "being on a diet" (even though I KNOW that's not SlimmingWorld's "thing") it feels boring, safe and familiar - as opposed to a month ago when the whole thing was new and exciting. Despite being 8 pounds lighter (apparently) I don't feel or look ANY different - and can't stop being paranoid that whenever people say I do, they're just trying to placate or motivate me.
I'm sick of all the "perfect" girls who walk past our bank of desks at work everyday - and even more sick of the lads on my team who ogle them. It sounds stupid, anti-feminist and pathetic, but I want to be ogled. I saw a girl outside work today in a blue and white polka dot pencil skirt - and as she bent over to retrieve something from her car, I found myself staring. Like, literally just STARING as I walked past - and all I could think was "I want that bum." See, big-headed and selfish as it sounds, I want to be one of those women. I want Joel to double-take when I walk in in a nice outfit.... I want to walk past a group of people who not only look twice but envy the way I walk, wonder what I look like out of business-wear, admire my curves...... I suppose that's what every girl wants - the only thing I hate is that I have to work for it. And not just that - I will have to work for a really really REALLY long time before it's going to come true. Sigh.
Told Imran I won't be winning the bet, so he's extended it for a week. Bless him.
Joel and I are moving house in a fortnight - with a bit of luck some of the stress will maybe help me lose weight. Unlikely though, seeing how Joel's usually the stress-head, and I'm the laid back one.
Hmmmmm...... I'm running out of options at the moment, to be honest. I'm totally bored with all the food I'm preparing, and I know Joel is too. Problem is, I'm too skint at the moment to buy loads of new ingredients, or even fruit to Speed things up. My only vegetable intake is the lettuce I have as part of my lunch salad every day - and I always find myself sneaking a pack of (6 Syn) French Fries when I get home from work. Truth is, I'm bored, and until tea I need something to do with my hands. The trouble is I'm far too lazy to scrub the kitchen/bathroom/whatever, Joel doesn't appreciate the thought of any romantic tyrsts when he comes home from work, and I can't start cooking straight away. Maybe I should take up smoking, or embroidering. I can't spend ALL my time on here, doing my SlimmingDiary.
I'm sick of all the "perfect" girls who walk past our bank of desks at work everyday - and even more sick of the lads on my team who ogle them. It sounds stupid, anti-feminist and pathetic, but I want to be ogled. I saw a girl outside work today in a blue and white polka dot pencil skirt - and as she bent over to retrieve something from her car, I found myself staring. Like, literally just STARING as I walked past - and all I could think was "I want that bum." See, big-headed and selfish as it sounds, I want to be one of those women. I want Joel to double-take when I walk in in a nice outfit.... I want to walk past a group of people who not only look twice but envy the way I walk, wonder what I look like out of business-wear, admire my curves...... I suppose that's what every girl wants - the only thing I hate is that I have to work for it. And not just that - I will have to work for a really really REALLY long time before it's going to come true. Sigh.
Told Imran I won't be winning the bet, so he's extended it for a week. Bless him.
Joel and I are moving house in a fortnight - with a bit of luck some of the stress will maybe help me lose weight. Unlikely though, seeing how Joel's usually the stress-head, and I'm the laid back one.
Hmmmmm...... I'm running out of options at the moment, to be honest. I'm totally bored with all the food I'm preparing, and I know Joel is too. Problem is, I'm too skint at the moment to buy loads of new ingredients, or even fruit to Speed things up. My only vegetable intake is the lettuce I have as part of my lunch salad every day - and I always find myself sneaking a pack of (6 Syn) French Fries when I get home from work. Truth is, I'm bored, and until tea I need something to do with my hands. The trouble is I'm far too lazy to scrub the kitchen/bathroom/whatever, Joel doesn't appreciate the thought of any romantic tyrsts when he comes home from work, and I can't start cooking straight away. Maybe I should take up smoking, or embroidering. I can't spend ALL my time on here, doing my SlimmingDiary.
Monday 11 July 2011
Honeymoon period
LOSS: 1 POUND
Oh. My. God. How on earth did this HAPPEN??! OK, so I know I ask that rhetorically every week, but SERIOUSLY??! I went to a WEDDING and I haven't even GAINED anything?! I thought at the very least I'd have maintained, but it seems I was under-estimating myself....... I mean, hell, it's not much, not at all - but to have even LOST anything this week is a huge achievment! That said, I was VERY well behaved at the wedding, ate all the food that were Free, and only had a small chunk of a chocolate brownie. Feel incredibly chuffed with myself - although it's marred by the fact that Mum barely ate anything all week and still GAINED a pound. Not entirely sure how that happened, but she is VERY annoyed. Oops.
Unfortunately, she then spent a lot of time trying to analyse exactly what I did differently to her. Did ponder it myself to be honest - Louise suggested she hadn't eaten as much but starved herself, which never helps. Mum suggested that maybe the end of my Star Week (and therefore, Water Retention) helped me lose the pound. I kept quiet, and very wisely didn't tell her about the somewhat strenuous exercise marathon that Joel and I participated in last night....... But I BET that's what did it......! Well, they do say sex contributes to weight loss! Or do they? I'm sure I read that somewhere......
Oh well, today was great! Refreshed from last night's good times, I sold 6 policies at work, ate a delicious hand-made Caesar salad from the canteen for lunch, and went to Group this week in scales-appropriate clothing! Less people there today, so Image Therapy went quicker than usual - didn't really get any advice this week, but I suppose I'm getting the hang of it now. As I'm getting back on track this week (no weddings, events or even nights out - how boring do I sound?) I should be back up to my usual rate without the emcumberence of "Star Weeks" and the like...... so I've aimed to have 2.5 pounds off by next week. Seems unlikely by now that I'll win my £10 bet with Imran from work - but still, I'm chuffed to have 8 pounds off in the space of a month. Never saw that one coming (said the blind prostitute.......). I'm just wondering now how long it'll take for the remaining six pounds to come off - feels like forever, but then again, Mum and Mandy from group lost similar sized chunks in a week - so I guess it's not entirely hopeless. Just have to wait and see. And in the meantime, just keep chipping away.
Like I mentioned earlier, I just want it to be over with now. I'm fed up of waiting, and just want to get the first stone out of the way - not because I reckon I'll look any different (I certainly don't seem to at the moment), but because then I'll have reached a goal, a sort of touchstone that says "I've got one out the way, now let's focus on losing the next one". Because I don't reckon I'll truly be thin, or look good, until I'll got at least 3-4 stone off. And that could take a while.
Oh. My. God. How on earth did this HAPPEN??! OK, so I know I ask that rhetorically every week, but SERIOUSLY??! I went to a WEDDING and I haven't even GAINED anything?! I thought at the very least I'd have maintained, but it seems I was under-estimating myself....... I mean, hell, it's not much, not at all - but to have even LOST anything this week is a huge achievment! That said, I was VERY well behaved at the wedding, ate all the food that were Free, and only had a small chunk of a chocolate brownie. Feel incredibly chuffed with myself - although it's marred by the fact that Mum barely ate anything all week and still GAINED a pound. Not entirely sure how that happened, but she is VERY annoyed. Oops.
Unfortunately, she then spent a lot of time trying to analyse exactly what I did differently to her. Did ponder it myself to be honest - Louise suggested she hadn't eaten as much but starved herself, which never helps. Mum suggested that maybe the end of my Star Week (and therefore, Water Retention) helped me lose the pound. I kept quiet, and very wisely didn't tell her about the somewhat strenuous exercise marathon that Joel and I participated in last night....... But I BET that's what did it......! Well, they do say sex contributes to weight loss! Or do they? I'm sure I read that somewhere......
Oh well, today was great! Refreshed from last night's good times, I sold 6 policies at work, ate a delicious hand-made Caesar salad from the canteen for lunch, and went to Group this week in scales-appropriate clothing! Less people there today, so Image Therapy went quicker than usual - didn't really get any advice this week, but I suppose I'm getting the hang of it now. As I'm getting back on track this week (no weddings, events or even nights out - how boring do I sound?) I should be back up to my usual rate without the emcumberence of "Star Weeks" and the like...... so I've aimed to have 2.5 pounds off by next week. Seems unlikely by now that I'll win my £10 bet with Imran from work - but still, I'm chuffed to have 8 pounds off in the space of a month. Never saw that one coming (said the blind prostitute.......). I'm just wondering now how long it'll take for the remaining six pounds to come off - feels like forever, but then again, Mum and Mandy from group lost similar sized chunks in a week - so I guess it's not entirely hopeless. Just have to wait and see. And in the meantime, just keep chipping away.
Like I mentioned earlier, I just want it to be over with now. I'm fed up of waiting, and just want to get the first stone out of the way - not because I reckon I'll look any different (I certainly don't seem to at the moment), but because then I'll have reached a goal, a sort of touchstone that says "I've got one out the way, now let's focus on losing the next one". Because I don't reckon I'll truly be thin, or look good, until I'll got at least 3-4 stone off. And that could take a while.
Sunday 10 July 2011
Here comes the wide
Well, it's the morning after the night before - and I'm very pleased to report that the wedding was a great success! True to form, I spent so long getting ready that I completely forgot to eat anything before I left - and as a result, didn't eat at all until 5 oclock. I'd stashed a few Hi Fi bars in my clutch bag as an emergency, but didn't need them in the end - I wasn't even hungry all day! Wonder how that happened......
And it gets better - the meal at the Reception was pretty much all Free food!! Apart from the odd items which I let myself have small portions of, as a treat. The meal - for me - went as follows:
So as you can see, delicious, rustic food which I didn't even have to feel guilty about! Which I suppose is the whole concept of SlimmingWorld..... so, good times! Was pretty fun sitting next to Mum and getting excited over what we were allowed to have - we'd tried to be good all week too, so this felt like a great reward - without even having to deprive ourselves and look like ungrateful guests! Did have to drink wine and champagne, but they were put on the table for us...... and what's a wedding without a few toasts?
Here's the Ascot dress:
But the main part of the night that I was particularly thrilled with, was the evening. I'd been slightly nervous, wondering if I was going to buckle under pressure and just get as drunk as I usually would at such an event. Not that I'd be under pressure as such, just that I've never been out or to an event that hasnt resulted in me getting at least a LITTLE drunk. Well, what a surprise I gave myself.
All I had all night were 2 vodka + Diet Cokes - and then D. Coke for the rest of the evening. Cannot TELL you how impressed I am with myself - that sounds big-headed, but for me, going out to a big do like that and NOT drinking is pretty new...... not to mention it saved a load of money, drinking the cheapest item from behind the bar. And I still had an AMAZING time!! Looking at what I drank, I'm amazed - normally, past the 6th cocktail of the night, I can't remember what I drank from then onwards. Yesterday, I could count the drinks I had on one hand! What a difference...... Joel was on lager of course, but we still got up and danced our socks off with everyone else - dancing the calories away! And I didn't even have a hangover this morning! DEFINATELY worth it. What was weird though, was the way I still felt quite tipsy, despite not drinking much (1 and a half glasses of white wine, half a glass of Prosecco and the two vodka and diet cokes). Maybe it was the effects of not drinking for about a month, or not eating all day, who knows? Maybe I was just really really enjoying myself, which gave me a huge buzz...... Either way, it was one hell of a fun night, and I'm fairly sure the amount of dancing helped!
Speaking of which, I've taken to dancing every night in my bedroom, as a weird and alternative form of exercise. I can't really afford classes at the moment, and I hate being in a room with other people, struggling to keep up. So what I do instead is go in the bedroom while Joel's busy, switch the lights off, put my earphones in and dance away (at my own pace) to my favourite tunes. I'm really getting into Pitbull at the moment - his songs are kind of like Dance merged with Latin beats, which make them a lot easier to shake your body to!
Have eaten some Brie and Ritz crackers today, which I'm not entirely proud of - but it's Sunday, and since I only ate one meal yesterday, I feel I should have a little treat. I'm looking forward to Group tomorrow, but I've since decided not to get my hopes up about losing weight. It's still a long shot, but I'm not as worried about it now as I was the other day...... if I've gained or maintained then so be it. I had a great day and a fun weekend, and if I HAVE lost weight, then I'll be pleasantly surprised.
And it gets better - the meal at the Reception was pretty much all Free food!! Apart from the odd items which I let myself have small portions of, as a treat. The meal - for me - went as follows:
STARTER:
Home baked bread with salted butter
MAIN:
1/2 chicken in tomato sauce, and ham
HEALTHY EXTRA:
Brie
DESSERT:
Strawberries
Small bite of chocolate brownie
1 small fairy cake
So as you can see, delicious, rustic food which I didn't even have to feel guilty about! Which I suppose is the whole concept of SlimmingWorld..... so, good times! Was pretty fun sitting next to Mum and getting excited over what we were allowed to have - we'd tried to be good all week too, so this felt like a great reward - without even having to deprive ourselves and look like ungrateful guests! Did have to drink wine and champagne, but they were put on the table for us...... and what's a wedding without a few toasts?
Here's the Ascot dress:
But the main part of the night that I was particularly thrilled with, was the evening. I'd been slightly nervous, wondering if I was going to buckle under pressure and just get as drunk as I usually would at such an event. Not that I'd be under pressure as such, just that I've never been out or to an event that hasnt resulted in me getting at least a LITTLE drunk. Well, what a surprise I gave myself.
All I had all night were 2 vodka + Diet Cokes - and then D. Coke for the rest of the evening. Cannot TELL you how impressed I am with myself - that sounds big-headed, but for me, going out to a big do like that and NOT drinking is pretty new...... not to mention it saved a load of money, drinking the cheapest item from behind the bar. And I still had an AMAZING time!! Looking at what I drank, I'm amazed - normally, past the 6th cocktail of the night, I can't remember what I drank from then onwards. Yesterday, I could count the drinks I had on one hand! What a difference...... Joel was on lager of course, but we still got up and danced our socks off with everyone else - dancing the calories away! And I didn't even have a hangover this morning! DEFINATELY worth it. What was weird though, was the way I still felt quite tipsy, despite not drinking much (1 and a half glasses of white wine, half a glass of Prosecco and the two vodka and diet cokes). Maybe it was the effects of not drinking for about a month, or not eating all day, who knows? Maybe I was just really really enjoying myself, which gave me a huge buzz...... Either way, it was one hell of a fun night, and I'm fairly sure the amount of dancing helped!
Speaking of which, I've taken to dancing every night in my bedroom, as a weird and alternative form of exercise. I can't really afford classes at the moment, and I hate being in a room with other people, struggling to keep up. So what I do instead is go in the bedroom while Joel's busy, switch the lights off, put my earphones in and dance away (at my own pace) to my favourite tunes. I'm really getting into Pitbull at the moment - his songs are kind of like Dance merged with Latin beats, which make them a lot easier to shake your body to!
Have eaten some Brie and Ritz crackers today, which I'm not entirely proud of - but it's Sunday, and since I only ate one meal yesterday, I feel I should have a little treat. I'm looking forward to Group tomorrow, but I've since decided not to get my hopes up about losing weight. It's still a long shot, but I'm not as worried about it now as I was the other day...... if I've gained or maintained then so be it. I had a great day and a fun weekend, and if I HAVE lost weight, then I'll be pleasantly surprised.
Friday 8 July 2011
Musings
One day left to go! Sadly, 3 weeks of dieting got to me again today, meaning I bought 2 packets of crisps for lunch and after tea. French Fries and Squares, so no-one can say I went TOTALLY mad - god, even when splashing out I still go for low-fat. I guess the message has been ingrained into my brain now...... FOREVER! Oh well, if it means I hit 25 years of age as a thin woman, then so be it.
Today was pretty nondescript - walked to the Co-Op again for a chicken and bacon wrap..... they're not even that great but it gets me out of the building. Made Mum's famous "Cheesy pasta" recipe I inherited last year for tea - all Free, and one of my favourite meals EVER...... so no complaints there! Posted the recipe on the SlimmingWorld Facebook page, and saved some to eat before the wedding tomorrow, so I won't be hungry when I get there (have got to say, am finding the Facebook page very useful at the moment, am on it every night looking at recipes and other people's inspiring messages!).
Very much looking forward to tomorrow now - have stopped looking at it with trepidation and instead realised it's a fun event to look forward to. I'm fairly sure I can control myself, and Joel has promised to stand me Diet Cokes for most of the evening! Just can't wait to get those sexy dresses on and sashay into the reception!
Today was pretty nondescript - walked to the Co-Op again for a chicken and bacon wrap..... they're not even that great but it gets me out of the building. Made Mum's famous "Cheesy pasta" recipe I inherited last year for tea - all Free, and one of my favourite meals EVER...... so no complaints there! Posted the recipe on the SlimmingWorld Facebook page, and saved some to eat before the wedding tomorrow, so I won't be hungry when I get there (have got to say, am finding the Facebook page very useful at the moment, am on it every night looking at recipes and other people's inspiring messages!).
Very much looking forward to tomorrow now - have stopped looking at it with trepidation and instead realised it's a fun event to look forward to. I'm fairly sure I can control myself, and Joel has promised to stand me Diet Cokes for most of the evening! Just can't wait to get those sexy dresses on and sashay into the reception!
Thursday 7 July 2011
Wedding nerves!
Well, upon returning home from work, the pie STILL hadn't set. Joel said it had, but it felt WAY too gooey. Tried it - it was runny and weird, and looked like vomit with bananas in. Not feeling too pleased with myself but at least I've learnt for next time. Now I know! (*fights urge to shout "..... and knowing is half the battle!") Oh well, other than that slight hiccup, I was healthy as ever today - and the canteen stocked my favourite boxed salad that only comes into rotation about twice a month, so that made me a happy bunny! Wow, never thought I'd see the day when I got excited about salad! Hmmmm..... I've cracked. I'll never go back now, haha.
Two days to go till the wedding on Saturday - Mum seems to be pretty excited about it. I am too - not just to show off my dresses but also in a weird nervous kinda way, like one would await a test of judgement or similar. I'm very much looking forward to a family friend getting married in a converted Victorian swimming bath, 2 costume changes, and a lovely buffet/night out/party. But, whilst I'm not exactly dreading it - I am feeling a little tingle of "will I crack?" pressure. I mean, we have no idea what the food will be - and the alcohol alone will be enough to colonise my weekly Syns. Maybe I could just eat the smallest imaginable portions of everything and stick to Diet Coke all night? Worth a shot.
Oh well, dresses are ironed, and hair appointment booked. Just got to get through one more day at work and I'm sorted!
On a side note, I've been thinking about how utterly utterly fantastic it would be if I were to still have lost weight when I get weighed on Monday at group. I mean, obviously, thanks to the wedding, I'm expecting to gain weight - or at the very least, maintain. But it's still kind of like a step back for me - I love when each Monday rolls around and knowing that I'm slowly gravitating towards something..... beavering away, bit by bit, towards a goal. Putting weight on this weekend or even maintaining would just be like a sock in the stomach. A sock that says; "Why bother being healthy all week? You're exactly where you left off two weeks ago!" I suppose I'm just so lazy, I can't be bothered repeating a week where I should have lost weight. Actually, if I'm truly honest, I want it to be over NOW. I've seen the size I could become, and I want it here, within my grasp, this instant. Unfortunately, I've still got a long road ahead. But where I'm going, I don't need roads...... (sorry, couldn't resist. I'm a geek)
Two days to go till the wedding on Saturday - Mum seems to be pretty excited about it. I am too - not just to show off my dresses but also in a weird nervous kinda way, like one would await a test of judgement or similar. I'm very much looking forward to a family friend getting married in a converted Victorian swimming bath, 2 costume changes, and a lovely buffet/night out/party. But, whilst I'm not exactly dreading it - I am feeling a little tingle of "will I crack?" pressure. I mean, we have no idea what the food will be - and the alcohol alone will be enough to colonise my weekly Syns. Maybe I could just eat the smallest imaginable portions of everything and stick to Diet Coke all night? Worth a shot.
Oh well, dresses are ironed, and hair appointment booked. Just got to get through one more day at work and I'm sorted!
On a side note, I've been thinking about how utterly utterly fantastic it would be if I were to still have lost weight when I get weighed on Monday at group. I mean, obviously, thanks to the wedding, I'm expecting to gain weight - or at the very least, maintain. But it's still kind of like a step back for me - I love when each Monday rolls around and knowing that I'm slowly gravitating towards something..... beavering away, bit by bit, towards a goal. Putting weight on this weekend or even maintaining would just be like a sock in the stomach. A sock that says; "Why bother being healthy all week? You're exactly where you left off two weeks ago!" I suppose I'm just so lazy, I can't be bothered repeating a week where I should have lost weight. Actually, if I'm truly honest, I want it to be over NOW. I've seen the size I could become, and I want it here, within my grasp, this instant. Unfortunately, I've still got a long road ahead. But where I'm going, I don't need roads...... (sorry, couldn't resist. I'm a geek)
Wednesday 6 July 2011
Baking fail
Had a fun day back at work today - showed Imran my half-stone certificate to prove I'm on the way to earning that tenner..... and before I knew it, word had spread round the team and I was getting high fives in the break room! Everyone said they were dead impressed - felt very happy.
It DEFINATELY helps being back at work and having a routine. At home the temptation to snack relentlessly whenever I want is WAY too great - whereas having timed breaks and lunches makes it SO much easier to work my Healthy Extras around. Usually, my day goes something like this:
10:30 (usually when I start getting hungry) - Apple
11:40 (Break) - Hi Fi bar, and Baby Bel Light
1:00 (Lunch) - Usually healthy wrap from Co-Op, salad from the canteen, or home-made salad (chicken and pasta today)
3:00 - Baby Bel Light
7:00 (ish) - Meal
Most days I find an excuse to walk to the Co-Op round the corner, even if it's just to buy a Diet Coke, magazine or a scratchcard. It gets me out the building, stops me sitting on my backside for 8 straight hours - and I usually stick my Ipod on and power-walk, which makes it slightly more fun!
Had a nice surprise tonight - Joel decided to cook tea instead. I have to say, the man is an ARTIST in the kitchen - tonight he made Feta-stuffed herby chicken breast and light-fried potatos with a side of chopped tomatos..... it was AMAZING!! I still maintain that he's a better cook than me - but was very impressed with him using all Free ingredients..... obviously he listens more than I think he does! Love him to bits.
Decided to impress him right back by making Banoffee Pie, using a recipe I found on the group Facebook page. It was originally supposed to be the 3rd course of last night, which I gave up after just wanting to flop on the sofa after the first two! So it's setting in the fridge as I type - hopefully it will be sorted by the time "The Apprentice" comes on! I've done the unthinkable this week and ditched my glass of wine (6 Syns) for a helping of Banoffee pie (4.5 Syns) - it's so strange and bizarre to think that such a creamy pudding contains less Syns than one little glass of Rose'. Hmmmm...... Let's hope the pudding works anyway, never made it before.......
LATER
It didn't work. Used WAY too much boiling water with the powdered gelatine and now the damned thing is all sloppy. Tried draining it, but nearly lost all the yoghurt down the sink. Grr.... feeling very annoyed now - but at least I've got enough ingredients to make another, if it truly goes balls up.
It DEFINATELY helps being back at work and having a routine. At home the temptation to snack relentlessly whenever I want is WAY too great - whereas having timed breaks and lunches makes it SO much easier to work my Healthy Extras around. Usually, my day goes something like this:
10:30 (usually when I start getting hungry) - Apple
11:40 (Break) - Hi Fi bar, and Baby Bel Light
1:00 (Lunch) - Usually healthy wrap from Co-Op, salad from the canteen, or home-made salad (chicken and pasta today)
3:00 - Baby Bel Light
7:00 (ish) - Meal
Most days I find an excuse to walk to the Co-Op round the corner, even if it's just to buy a Diet Coke, magazine or a scratchcard. It gets me out the building, stops me sitting on my backside for 8 straight hours - and I usually stick my Ipod on and power-walk, which makes it slightly more fun!
Had a nice surprise tonight - Joel decided to cook tea instead. I have to say, the man is an ARTIST in the kitchen - tonight he made Feta-stuffed herby chicken breast and light-fried potatos with a side of chopped tomatos..... it was AMAZING!! I still maintain that he's a better cook than me - but was very impressed with him using all Free ingredients..... obviously he listens more than I think he does! Love him to bits.
Decided to impress him right back by making Banoffee Pie, using a recipe I found on the group Facebook page. It was originally supposed to be the 3rd course of last night, which I gave up after just wanting to flop on the sofa after the first two! So it's setting in the fridge as I type - hopefully it will be sorted by the time "The Apprentice" comes on! I've done the unthinkable this week and ditched my glass of wine (6 Syns) for a helping of Banoffee pie (4.5 Syns) - it's so strange and bizarre to think that such a creamy pudding contains less Syns than one little glass of Rose'. Hmmmm...... Let's hope the pudding works anyway, never made it before.......
LATER
It didn't work. Used WAY too much boiling water with the powdered gelatine and now the damned thing is all sloppy. Tried draining it, but nearly lost all the yoghurt down the sink. Grr.... feeling very annoyed now - but at least I've got enough ingredients to make another, if it truly goes balls up.
Tuesday 5 July 2011
Menu planning
Today didn't start off too well - Day 2 of "Star weeks" is always a huge pain for me (literally as well as mentally)...... Found myself eating some of the things Joel and I picked up at M+S last night to make myself feel less bad - low fat chocolate sundae, cheesy puffs, etc..... Not proud of it, considering Saturday's approaching..... But I'll just have to be very well behaved all week. Back at work tomorrow, so having some routine should definately help. Just like when I tried to diet during my GCSEs.
Got another encouraging text from Dad, though:
"Well done darling, some slow weeks, some quick - don't matter so long as it's coming off!"
God bless him.
Today picked up though, was off work again, so went for a little shop in the village for some ingredients and ended up making an amazing (and completely FREE) 2-course meal for me and Joel.
Overdid the chilli flakes unfortunately, so as of now, both mine and Joel's mouths are ever so slightly on fire. But still, feel very proud of those meals. I am the MASTER!!!
Got another encouraging text from Dad, though:
"Well done darling, some slow weeks, some quick - don't matter so long as it's coming off!"
God bless him.
Today picked up though, was off work again, so went for a little shop in the village for some ingredients and ended up making an amazing (and completely FREE) 2-course meal for me and Joel.
STARTER
:
Chilli and Garlic marinated prawns on a bed of smoked salmon and babyleaf salad
MAIN:
Pasta Norma with Feta (substituted aubergines for diced chicken breast)
Overdid the chilli flakes unfortunately, so as of now, both mine and Joel's mouths are ever so slightly on fire. But still, feel very proud of those meals. I am the MASTER!!!
Monday 4 July 2011
More losses.....
LOSS: 1.5 POUNDS
Today was a very conflicting day - I'm pleased and annoyed in equal measures. Annoyed because it's my time of the month (which means I just want to eat ALL the chocolate) and pleased because I lost the 1.5 pounds I needed to reach half a stone! So I've made it!! Was a bit embarrassing at first - stood on the scales and I'd only lost a pound (that damned pizza!) But then Louise pointed out that jeans weigh a lot - I'd never worn them to the meetings before, so had to very speedily swap with Mum in the kitchen, and got weighed in her floaty skirt. And surprise - I was down 1.5 pounds! Mum then came in and pointed out to Louise that's it's a "Star week" for me (which I later found out was some glorious euphemism for the "Russians" arriving) - apparently they take that into account.
One girl - Mandy has lost 5 POUNDS in this last week, had to find out her secret. Apparently it was Scanbread - so I bought a load afterwards. Oh, and I was awarded my 1/2 stone certiificate! Loved getting an award in front of everyone - feels like I'm at school again! Or I'm just a huge attention seeker.....
To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel. I mean, yeah I'm thrilled that I've dropped half a stone for the wedding like I said - and in only 3 weeks, too! But Mandy was saying how 5 pounds made it easier for her to tie her shoes - I don't feel any different, or any small changes at all. I don't even think I look different. I wonder how long it takes before it becomes actually noticeable? A stone? Two? Hmmm.....
Anyway, Mum won Slimmer of the Week - and gave me the winnings to take home. So tomorrow, I'm going to plan a luxurious (Free) 3 course meal for me and Joel, since I'm off work. Mum and I have vowed to be really good this week, so we can enjoy ourselves at the wedding - but I'm still going to eat something before I go.
Today was a very conflicting day - I'm pleased and annoyed in equal measures. Annoyed because it's my time of the month (which means I just want to eat ALL the chocolate) and pleased because I lost the 1.5 pounds I needed to reach half a stone! So I've made it!! Was a bit embarrassing at first - stood on the scales and I'd only lost a pound (that damned pizza!) But then Louise pointed out that jeans weigh a lot - I'd never worn them to the meetings before, so had to very speedily swap with Mum in the kitchen, and got weighed in her floaty skirt. And surprise - I was down 1.5 pounds! Mum then came in and pointed out to Louise that's it's a "Star week" for me (which I later found out was some glorious euphemism for the "Russians" arriving) - apparently they take that into account.
One girl - Mandy has lost 5 POUNDS in this last week, had to find out her secret. Apparently it was Scanbread - so I bought a load afterwards. Oh, and I was awarded my 1/2 stone certiificate! Loved getting an award in front of everyone - feels like I'm at school again! Or I'm just a huge attention seeker.....
To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel. I mean, yeah I'm thrilled that I've dropped half a stone for the wedding like I said - and in only 3 weeks, too! But Mandy was saying how 5 pounds made it easier for her to tie her shoes - I don't feel any different, or any small changes at all. I don't even think I look different. I wonder how long it takes before it becomes actually noticeable? A stone? Two? Hmmm.....
Anyway, Mum won Slimmer of the Week - and gave me the winnings to take home. So tomorrow, I'm going to plan a luxurious (Free) 3 course meal for me and Joel, since I'm off work. Mum and I have vowed to be really good this week, so we can enjoy ourselves at the wedding - but I'm still going to eat something before I go.
Saturday 2 July 2011
Dress shopping!
Today was fun - went shopping with Mum and Auntie Pam for a dress to wear to Rebecca's wedding. As you may remember - I'm determined to lose half a stone for the do, and Mum a stone. Had the most amazing time and found 2 BEAUTIFUL frocks in Evans - the first being a belted, knee-length 50's-style brown dress that looks like I'm off to the Royal Ascot. Was initially planning on just wearing that - until Mum insisted I tried on this stunning red and black African-style maxi-dress for the reception. The trouble is, all maxi dresses I try on tend to make me look 6 months pregnant and give me a huge bum - so I left it on the hook and simply pretended I'd tried it. Mum however, insisted I showed her - so I grudgingly put it on. And what a shock I got. Once I got in front of the dressing room corridor full-length mirror - I was astonished. The dress was AMAZING - scooped me in at the waist, made my hips looks amazing, and even supported my chest. Not sure if it was the dress or the weight loss, but I looked fantastic. Mum was so thrilled that she treated me to the maxi dress - and we all celebrated with a Caesar salad (no dressing) and a glass of Champagne in Selfridges!
Had a huge HUGE slip-up in the evening though - Joel and I ordered a pizza each from Dominoes. Such a huge mistake - and it didn't even taste as nice as I remember. It's strange, I used to love them, but this one tasted..... unusual somehow. Maybe it's because I'm used to healthiness now - who knows?
Had a huge HUGE slip-up in the evening though - Joel and I ordered a pizza each from Dominoes. Such a huge mistake - and it didn't even taste as nice as I remember. It's strange, I used to love them, but this one tasted..... unusual somehow. Maybe it's because I'm used to healthiness now - who knows?
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