Woke up feeling absolutely rotten this morning. I wasn't too well yesterday either, but just put it down to having a busy weekend - whereas this is full-on headaches, aching joints, coughing, sore throat, et al. Tried to force it away through the power of health by scoffing apples, salad for lunch, and that old nourishing favourite - Cheesy Pasta - for tea.
Sadly, the dish was so damned delicious and popular, I was only able to photograph half of it, in the end! But definately worth the preparation time - and I promise a photo and recipe will be coming soon!
Had my weekly Skype meeting with Louise and Alex to discuss how well we're all doing - proud to report we've ALL had losses this week! So it's definately working. Have promised to email the general basics of SW to them, so they can follow it themselves, and got Louise's address so I can post them anything useful! Had to make the video call from under a duvet sniffling, but it was fun talking to them again. And similar to Mum's revelatory statement the other night, Louise pointed out that if we lost 1 pound a week for a YEAR - that by September 2013, we would each be 3 and a half stone lighter!! So we're going to reward ourselves with a girly holiday upon reaching 4 stone - and whoever gets there first gets to name the holiday destination as a prize. Is that an incentive, or what? I've got my eye on Dubai...... luxury hotels, fawning waiters, and PLENTY of pampering!
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Monday, 3 September 2012
Post-birthday fun times
LOSS: 3 POUNDS
GET IN!!! So in 2 weeks I've lost an amazing 5 pounds. And DAMN, it feels good. Not physically - truth be told, I don't feel the slightest bit different and don't remotely understand why people say they do. But am very proud of myself, as are several friends and family members!
In continuing with Joel's birthday celebrations, he and I booked today off work, and so did a little Body Magic by going for a lovely long walk around town - particularly Deansgate and Spinningfields. Went to Nando's for lunch - got a sharing platter which involved Chicken and chips for Joel, Chicken and Salad for me..... same as Tampopos, it just felt amazing to be eating out in town and not having to worry about any of it.
Got back home and did our first Unbelievably-Healthy-Big-Shop - I won't lie, as much as I'm not a veggie woman, it was fantastic to see our trolley piled high with greenery and fresh ingredients, as opposed to ready meals, pizza, crisps, cheese and bread. Oh, and chocolate! Finally, our shopping trolley looked like that of two professional adults - and not of two children who've just discovered independance.
Skipped tea tonight, as we were having a Taster evening to welcome new members (and celebrate Ellen - our target member's - 92nd birthday!). Got weighed and cheered so loud I made the nearest 2 members jump - before stocking up on Hi Fi bars (my godsends!) and this months SW magazine.
BODY MAGIC: Walking through town for 2 hours
GET IN!!! So in 2 weeks I've lost an amazing 5 pounds. And DAMN, it feels good. Not physically - truth be told, I don't feel the slightest bit different and don't remotely understand why people say they do. But am very proud of myself, as are several friends and family members!
In continuing with Joel's birthday celebrations, he and I booked today off work, and so did a little Body Magic by going for a lovely long walk around town - particularly Deansgate and Spinningfields. Went to Nando's for lunch - got a sharing platter which involved Chicken and chips for Joel, Chicken and Salad for me..... same as Tampopos, it just felt amazing to be eating out in town and not having to worry about any of it.
Got back home and did our first Unbelievably-Healthy-Big-Shop - I won't lie, as much as I'm not a veggie woman, it was fantastic to see our trolley piled high with greenery and fresh ingredients, as opposed to ready meals, pizza, crisps, cheese and bread. Oh, and chocolate! Finally, our shopping trolley looked like that of two professional adults - and not of two children who've just discovered independance.
Skipped tea tonight, as we were having a Taster evening to welcome new members (and celebrate Ellen - our target member's - 92nd birthday!). Got weighed and cheered so loud I made the nearest 2 members jump - before stocking up on Hi Fi bars (my godsends!) and this months SW magazine.
BODY MAGIC: Walking through town for 2 hours
Sunday, 2 September 2012
Boyfriend's birthday
It's Joel's birthday today! 29 years old. Sadly, I was in work wih no possible chance of a holiday, so had to make do with counting down the hours till we could celebrate in style. Had the remainder of last nights Chinese for lunch, which - after a reliable parade of boring sandwiches from Greggs on my Sunday shifts - felt like a waterfall in a desert. Still in the habit of taking Hi Fi bars and apples to work, which really, really helps.
After work, was whisked back home with a little help from Dad, where we picked up the birthday boy and took him to Mum and Dad's where we greeted the rest of the family. Mum had made the most AMAZING Free buffet - which everyone enjoyed. The only things with Syns were the pork pies and prawn cocktail, so a solid effort!
Had a whale of a time - as did Joel. For his birthday, Mum, Dad, Sean, Auntie Pam, David and Grandma had all clubbed together and bought us a weekend at a beautiful rustic inn in Northumberland, complete with healthy pub food, surrounded by stunning walks and cycle paths. A little R + R PLUS Body Magic? Winner! Besides, he's been really stressed and knackered from work lately (plus me with my overtime) so a little holiday will do us the world of good. Particularly since we can't afford one this year - as we're doing the bathroom AND trying to save up to go to New York next year. By the way, Mum said something about that tonight, which really put things in perspective...... if I lose a pound - that's a mere POUND - per week, I'll have lost 2 stone by the time I go.
So I've decided my new goals are:
Lose half a stone in a month (which is the 10th of September)
Lose 1 stone before my birthday (which is the 23rd of October)
Lose 1 and a half stone before Christmas (you know when Christmas is)
Lose 2 stone before New York (which is February)
Wow, that's a lot of goals. But then again, I guess the purpose of SW is NOT to limit yourself, so bring on all the goals, I say!
Oh, also managed to nab Mum's extensive back catalogue of SW magazines from last year, which I've promised to return so she can continue using the recipes. Can't wait to read them!
After work, was whisked back home with a little help from Dad, where we picked up the birthday boy and took him to Mum and Dad's where we greeted the rest of the family. Mum had made the most AMAZING Free buffet - which everyone enjoyed. The only things with Syns were the pork pies and prawn cocktail, so a solid effort!
Had a whale of a time - as did Joel. For his birthday, Mum, Dad, Sean, Auntie Pam, David and Grandma had all clubbed together and bought us a weekend at a beautiful rustic inn in Northumberland, complete with healthy pub food, surrounded by stunning walks and cycle paths. A little R + R PLUS Body Magic? Winner! Besides, he's been really stressed and knackered from work lately (plus me with my overtime) so a little holiday will do us the world of good. Particularly since we can't afford one this year - as we're doing the bathroom AND trying to save up to go to New York next year. By the way, Mum said something about that tonight, which really put things in perspective...... if I lose a pound - that's a mere POUND - per week, I'll have lost 2 stone by the time I go.
So I've decided my new goals are:
Lose half a stone in a month (which is the 10th of September)
Lose 1 stone before my birthday (which is the 23rd of October)
Lose 1 and a half stone before Christmas (you know when Christmas is)
Lose 2 stone before New York (which is February)
Wow, that's a lot of goals. But then again, I guess the purpose of SW is NOT to limit yourself, so bring on all the goals, I say!
Oh, also managed to nab Mum's extensive back catalogue of SW magazines from last year, which I've promised to return so she can continue using the recipes. Can't wait to read them!
Saturday, 1 September 2012
Asian treats
Faced two temptations today, in the form of a shopping trip with my Auntie Pam and a Chinese with Joel's dad and brother. But to my utter delight, I was able to swerve both of them - utilising the healthy options available and Flexible Syns.
Started off the day with 3 hours of overtime at work, before meeting Auntie Pam for lunch. We opted for "Tampopos," an East-Asian kind of place I'd never been before. Well, it was absolutely AMAZING. Had a lovely catch-up with Auntie Pam over Diet Coke, and a BEAUTIFUL Vietnamese dish called "Pho," which consisted of chunky noodles in an Asian stock, topped with sliced chicken breast and Star Anise - and a side dish of spring and red onions, which I tipped into the noodle soup for more flavouring. An absolute DELIGHT.
Followed lunch up with some Body Magic - trotting round the shops for hours (and surrepticiously buying her birthday present while her back was turned!) until we were joined by Mum in the afternoon. Tricked a perfume assistant into giving me a free sample bottle of Miss Dior, which smelt HEAVENLY (nothing to do with dieting, I know, but just thought it was worth mentioning) and ended up in Kendals, admiring the frocks. And I'm telling you, if anything inspired me that day, it was admiring the gorgeous, flattering, truly beautiful dresses that I knew I could wear one day - whether in 6 months, or a year's time.
In true Auntie Pam-style, we wound up in the the Champagne bar for a little post-shopping tradition, at only 4 Syns each, thank God! Still, it felt amazing to have a Kir Royale again.
That evening, Joel's dad and brother came round with his birthday present for our monthly Chinese takeaway (we'd shuffled the birthday buffet to tomorrow instead, and cancelled the Indian meal) - so I made an effort and ordered a healthy Prawns in oyster sauce, Fried rice, and one slice of Prawn Toast (I'm a complete sucker for prawns) - at a virtuous 6 Syns in total! Only problem was that Joel's dad had brought a lovely bottle of red wine round, which I couldn't really refuse - although I cursed myself for every one of the 6 Syns I drank. Oh well! Had a wonderful evening, it really was a great end to a perfect day.
BODY MAGIC: Walking from shop to shop for 3 hours
Started off the day with 3 hours of overtime at work, before meeting Auntie Pam for lunch. We opted for "Tampopos," an East-Asian kind of place I'd never been before. Well, it was absolutely AMAZING. Had a lovely catch-up with Auntie Pam over Diet Coke, and a BEAUTIFUL Vietnamese dish called "Pho," which consisted of chunky noodles in an Asian stock, topped with sliced chicken breast and Star Anise - and a side dish of spring and red onions, which I tipped into the noodle soup for more flavouring. An absolute DELIGHT.
Followed lunch up with some Body Magic - trotting round the shops for hours (and surrepticiously buying her birthday present while her back was turned!) until we were joined by Mum in the afternoon. Tricked a perfume assistant into giving me a free sample bottle of Miss Dior, which smelt HEAVENLY (nothing to do with dieting, I know, but just thought it was worth mentioning) and ended up in Kendals, admiring the frocks. And I'm telling you, if anything inspired me that day, it was admiring the gorgeous, flattering, truly beautiful dresses that I knew I could wear one day - whether in 6 months, or a year's time.
In true Auntie Pam-style, we wound up in the the Champagne bar for a little post-shopping tradition, at only 4 Syns each, thank God! Still, it felt amazing to have a Kir Royale again.
That evening, Joel's dad and brother came round with his birthday present for our monthly Chinese takeaway (we'd shuffled the birthday buffet to tomorrow instead, and cancelled the Indian meal) - so I made an effort and ordered a healthy Prawns in oyster sauce, Fried rice, and one slice of Prawn Toast (I'm a complete sucker for prawns) - at a virtuous 6 Syns in total! Only problem was that Joel's dad had brought a lovely bottle of red wine round, which I couldn't really refuse - although I cursed myself for every one of the 6 Syns I drank. Oh well! Had a wonderful evening, it really was a great end to a perfect day.
BODY MAGIC: Walking from shop to shop for 3 hours
Friday, 31 August 2012
Bad prizes
Not much to report today. Oh, except, in a friendly team competition, I won THIS monstrosity at work:
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Normally, I would have been thrilled, and possibly scarfed the lot in that one afternoon. Instead I midly panicked for 15 seconds, before flinging them in my bag and taking them home as a present for a delighted Joel.
Seriously, I never even knew I had this kind of willpower.
.JPG)
Normally, I would have been thrilled, and possibly scarfed the lot in that one afternoon. Instead I midly panicked for 15 seconds, before flinging them in my bag and taking them home as a present for a delighted Joel.
Seriously, I never even knew I had this kind of willpower.
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Catch-ups
Today was another one of those days that really should've been quite hard. But luckily, it wasn't. Apologies for banging on about Slimming World's fabulous organisational skills - but they really helped me. Today I was off work all day - and in for overtime between 4-8. And then meeting my friend Sian for drinks and a catch-up afterwards.
Here's how the day would've normally gone:
Get up
Eat 2 packets of crisps and a sandwich
Have some chocolate
Get bored, and have some more crisps
Have lunch (usually pasta COVERED with grated cheese and ham)
Go to work
Have tea compiled of crisps, Diet Coke and chocolate from the vending machine
Get the tram to the pub
Meet Sian, get smashed on cider and black until the pub closes
Find an open Subway on the way back to the bus station, and microwave it upon return home
Here's how the day actually went:
Got up
Had lunch (pasta with ham - both Free - and a small amount of cheese for Healthy Extra A)
Got bored, had a Hi Fi bar (Healthy Extra B)
Went to work
Had prepared tea compiled of ham and light Philadelphia wrap and low fat French Fries
Had a lovely power walk to the pub through Manchester's artiest district
Met Sian, had 2 Diet Cokes and made them last for 2 hours
Got home and ate a Fat Free yoghurt
So yeah. Had a wonderful time with Sian and was healthy all the livelong day. Even during the evening "graveyard" shift - which actually turned out to be quite busy and therefore took my mind off ALL the snacking I could have been doing. And the walk up to Piccadilly was MARVELLOUS, it should've taken me ten minutes but I ended up stretching it out as much as I could, just trying to make it last longer. I was enjoying myself so much that I was purposefully taking my time through the Northern Quarter, taking in the sights. Got to the pub and drank Diet Coke all night - giving me a nice clear head for all our catching up! Felt very proud of myself.
BODY MAGIC: Walking for 30 mins through town
Here's how the day would've normally gone:
Get up
Eat 2 packets of crisps and a sandwich
Have some chocolate
Get bored, and have some more crisps
Have lunch (usually pasta COVERED with grated cheese and ham)
Go to work
Have tea compiled of crisps, Diet Coke and chocolate from the vending machine
Get the tram to the pub
Meet Sian, get smashed on cider and black until the pub closes
Find an open Subway on the way back to the bus station, and microwave it upon return home
Here's how the day actually went:
Got up
Had lunch (pasta with ham - both Free - and a small amount of cheese for Healthy Extra A)
Got bored, had a Hi Fi bar (Healthy Extra B)
Went to work
Had prepared tea compiled of ham and light Philadelphia wrap and low fat French Fries
Had a lovely power walk to the pub through Manchester's artiest district
Met Sian, had 2 Diet Cokes and made them last for 2 hours
Got home and ate a Fat Free yoghurt
So yeah. Had a wonderful time with Sian and was healthy all the livelong day. Even during the evening "graveyard" shift - which actually turned out to be quite busy and therefore took my mind off ALL the snacking I could have been doing. And the walk up to Piccadilly was MARVELLOUS, it should've taken me ten minutes but I ended up stretching it out as much as I could, just trying to make it last longer. I was enjoying myself so much that I was purposefully taking my time through the Northern Quarter, taking in the sights. Got to the pub and drank Diet Coke all night - giving me a nice clear head for all our catching up! Felt very proud of myself.
BODY MAGIC: Walking for 30 mins through town
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Getting better......
My confidence and organisational skills are growing every day. I never thought when I joined SW a mere week ago that I'd emerge as such a newly organised person. I've even regained my love of cooking, as opposed to my usual throw-it-in-a-pan, microwave, or order-takeout attitude. And it feels SO good. Walking into my kitchen tonight - as I grilled lamb chops and boiled vegetables - it smelt like so many of those evenings spent back home, with Mum's reliably healthy meals sending delicious aromas through the house.
Mind you, I struggled today. With it STILL being a Star Week I was prone to feeling grumpy and sore, and ending up eating loads of additional stuff I didn't need. Thankfully they were all low-fat, so not the normal shite I'd grab, but still...... I've gone over my Syns for the day so definately have to try harder tomorrow.
Today I had:
Breakfast: Apple (amazed I've kept this up, I normally tire of fruit very quickly)
Lunch: Chicken and Bacon wrap (unfortunately with a dressing made of Caesar AND mayo)
Snack: Snack a Jack crisps
Tea: Rosemary Lamb chops with potatoes and broccoli
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Snack: Hi Fi bar
Snack: French Fries crisps with Chicken Pate
Snack: Vanilla fat-free yoghurt
Ugh. I mean, I'm still sticking to the Healthy part at least (as apposed to snacking on biscuits and chocolate), but MAN do those Syns add up quickly. Must make more of an effort. I keep hearing and reading stories about people who lost half a STONE in their first week - so presumably sticking RELIGIOUSLY to the plan must have something to do with it. I also bought a Slimming World magazine at Asda after work...... right before realising that it's almost a quid cheaper when bought at group. Oh well!
Just to briefly digress - in regards to this diary, I'm now not going to mention walking to and from the bus stop as "Body Magic," as it's something I do every day, and not really worth noting.
On the plus side though, I have a weekend coming up with 3 events that would certainly involve a great deal of temptation...... and I've managed to completely avoid all of it.
Mind you, I struggled today. With it STILL being a Star Week I was prone to feeling grumpy and sore, and ending up eating loads of additional stuff I didn't need. Thankfully they were all low-fat, so not the normal shite I'd grab, but still...... I've gone over my Syns for the day so definately have to try harder tomorrow.
Today I had:
Breakfast: Apple (amazed I've kept this up, I normally tire of fruit very quickly)
Lunch: Chicken and Bacon wrap (unfortunately with a dressing made of Caesar AND mayo)
Snack: Snack a Jack crisps
Tea: Rosemary Lamb chops with potatoes and broccoli
.JPG)
Snack: Hi Fi bar
Snack: French Fries crisps with Chicken Pate
Snack: Vanilla fat-free yoghurt
Ugh. I mean, I'm still sticking to the Healthy part at least (as apposed to snacking on biscuits and chocolate), but MAN do those Syns add up quickly. Must make more of an effort. I keep hearing and reading stories about people who lost half a STONE in their first week - so presumably sticking RELIGIOUSLY to the plan must have something to do with it. I also bought a Slimming World magazine at Asda after work...... right before realising that it's almost a quid cheaper when bought at group. Oh well!
Just to briefly digress - in regards to this diary, I'm now not going to mention walking to and from the bus stop as "Body Magic," as it's something I do every day, and not really worth noting.
On the plus side though, I have a weekend coming up with 3 events that would certainly involve a great deal of temptation...... and I've managed to completely avoid all of it.
EVENT 1
Shopping in town with Auntie Pam and Mum
WHEN
Saturday afternoon
TEMPTATION
Have been asked if we want to "do lunch"
SOLUTION
Have sourced (with the help of UrbanSpoon) some local restaurants that specialise in healthy options, yummy salads and tasty noodle dishes. Currently have it narrowed down to Croma or Wagamama's.
EVENT 2
A celebratory tea at Mum and Dad's in honour of Grandma visiting and Joel's birthday
WHEN
Saturday evening
TEMPTATION
An O'Connor family celebration? Crack open the wine, cheese and biscuits!
SOLUTION
Standing proud with my fellow SW member and Woman of the Year - who has promised to make a delicious, healthy, Free meal that everyone can enjoy. DESSERTS INCLUDED!
EVENT 3
Joel's 29th birthday meal
WHEN
Sunday evening
TEMPTATION
After exhausting all possible ideas of a restaurant he'd like, we have opted for a posh Indian. Which involves curries.
SOLUTION
After relentlessly poring through the Indian section of the Syns tables, I've planned in advance to order either a Prawn Bhuna or Lamb Rogan Josh with plain Rice (without naans and poppadoms) - as 2 options I know I'd still enjoy, but with slightly lower Syn values than the other available dishes. This will be accompanied by only one cheeky glass of wine to celebrate, followed by some virtuous Diet Cokes.
It's funny, ORGANISING my own food on a night out should suck the fun RIGHT out of it. But it doesn't. It actually feels amazing.
Along with this I've spent tonight curled up on the sofa with the latest SW magazine - tearing out recipes and continuing to feel inspired by countless Before and After photos. To me, the moment of truly knowing I've made it, is if I ever got picked to be a SW cover girl. I can think of no higher accomplishment.
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