God, I am SHATTERED. Mum asked me to a "Zumba Party" one of her friends runs, so had to tag along. It was all very fun - authentic Jamaican drummer guy accompanying the music, that gloriously nostalgic school-gym-hall smell, the dancing. But I'm completely exhausted. It was weirdly easy enough to slot back into doing exercise (after barely ever doing ANY) but by the end the sweat was pretty much POURING off me. Mind you, seeing Mum getting complimented on how much "energy" she has (this is the woman who used to refuse bike rides and swimming pools) was definately something of an inspiration, not to mention she's looking thinner by the day. Except when she looks in the mirror, she still sees her huge belly from 2 years ago. How is that possible, I wonder? To lose SO much weight, and yet still think you look the same? I know I'm currently like that, but that's 5 measly pounds, not 3 and a half stone. I wonder how long it'll be before I notice a difference? 1 stone? 2? Ah, who knows.
Anyway, Mum cooked us tea - as I went straight to hers and Dad's after work - which was a delicious bacon and potato omlette with spaghetti hoops - all Free as usual! So that was kind of a relief - not having to cook tea for a change. Certainly a nice break. All I need to do now is figure out what to make tomorrow. Have Overtime 10-3pm both Saturday and Sunday, so can maybe pick up some nice ingredients in town, or see what we have in. Either way, I'm determined to knock off the remaining 2lbs that stands between me and my Half Stone award by Monday. Hopefully the Zumba class will have sped it along.......
As to the rest of today, well, nothing interesting happened. Got propositioned by a friend to join him for our traditional Friday trip to "Lloyds" for lunch - only to discover that our favourite meal of Nachos and Rose wine would equal a combined total of about 40 Syns. So we sacked it off and opted for a canteen salad again, instead. Oh well, can't argue with quality!
Joel's talking about us possibly joining a gym together - a good idea, if I can only get my head around the idea of him continuously seeing me at my worst. The man won't even HUG me when I'm mildly sweaty, what would seeing me in "Exercise Mode" be like?? Anyway, we scoped out a place in Spinningfields, and are looking at other options. Even if we just go 3 times a week, we can still motivate each other, I guess.
Friday, 7 September 2012
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Burger Queen
Obviously, they looked better cooked, but I was unable to photograph them due to mutual enthusiasm of eating the damned things! Joel LOVED them, which was the most important thing - and he agreed that, for once, I'd just used the perfect amount of chilli flakes...... being that I usually completely overdo it and set several mouths on fire!
So, all very happy in the O'Connor-Moore household this evening. I've said it before, but my love of cooking really has been re-ignited. It's so much fun to really PREPARE something and put work into it, as opposed to taking 10 minutes to just re-heat a meal.
Oh, and I've found some cracking "Before" photos for when (I refuse to tempt fate with the word "if") I become a SW Cover Girl and they print my story.
Goodnight, all!
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Illness does NOT equal weakness!
I must admit - I've become a complete fanatic for the SW magazines in the past few days. Since I borrowed Mum's back catalogue the other day and spent almost ALL day reading them, I'm now completely obsessed. Particularly with the inspirational stories - picturing myself one day as a Cover girl. Although it does annoy me slightly when reading about a woman who says she's lost about 6 stone - right before noticing the "Before" photo, which depicts a perfectly normal, healthy-looking person. I realise that everyone has their own journey to go on, but it doesn't make me feel any better when my Target size is the one I'm looking at in somebody's "Before" photo. As bad as it sounds, I prefer the ones where people are REALLY overweight, to the point of having problems. Because reading then that they lost it all in 18 months? THAT'S what inspires me. And that's the kind of story that really makes me believe. Because if they can do it, I certainly can.
Back to today - Joel persuaded me to leave the house for a little fresh air, so off we went, in pursuit of medication. Only problem is, he then bought me a Subway for lunch; "to make you feel better." Bless him. Whilst it was a slight mistake, I never tried to stop him - and I really did feel better afterwards. But instead of sinking into a junk-food-depression, I resolved to spend the rest of the day being healthy...... and so spent all afternoon preparing two delicious and completely Free teas: Smoked Salmon Terrine and French Onion soup. To my surprise, they were incredibly easy to make and it felt good to focus on something other than my illness.
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Holiday talks
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!
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!
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)