Had a really nice day today. Went to the Christmas markets with Joel, his brother and his dad for a little exploration. Managed to completely avoid buying hot dogs and Nutella pancakes for the first time EVER, but sadly found myself scoffing bits of smoked sausage and various cheeses that we bought. To be fair, it was totally worth it - but we'll just have to see what the result of my European-binge is at weigh-in tomorrow.
TODAY I BOUGHT:
Pork and Stilton pork pie
Red wine cheese
Garlic cheese
Goat's cheese
Smoked brie
Truffle pudding
Sadly, I ate bits of all of them for tea. But again - worth it. Besides, had a lovely Free lunch at Tampopo's (again!) and being a creature of habit, ordered the same meal I always get. Well, if it aint broke.....!
Sorry, this isn't half a boring blog today. Not much been going on recently, although a friend at work told me I was looking good - which always helps! Bring on the next stone!
(Although it may be slowed down somewhat after this week - Subway, half a pizza and Christmas market fares? Not bloody likely!)
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Friday, 30 November 2012
Slimmer of the Month!
Dear Diary,
How on EARTH could I have forgotten to mention??! On Monday, I won an award at Group:
How on EARTH could I have forgotten to mention??! On Monday, I won an award at Group:
Thanks to my completely unusual and unbelievable 8-pound loss earlier this month, I won Slimmer of the Month! Chose the gorgeous silver keyring to give myself a daily reminder of how far I'd come. Oh and ended up on the coveted board, too:
OK, so you have to squint a little, but I'm definitely on there!
xxxxxx
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
The making of a bridesmaid
Yesterday, I got some news. The best news ever. And since it links SLIGHTLY to my ongoing battle for weight loss, I thought it warranted a mention on this humble blog.
Louise - my friend, who I've known for 14 years since that first month of high school - my fellow warrior on the path to slimness...... is GETTING MARRIED!!!
Found out last night, as I was dropping off to sleep. My phone buzzed, and reluctant as I was to check it, Joel convinced me it might be important. And boy, was it. Short and sweet, all it said was this:
"Will you be my bridesmaid? :-D"
She'd texted me from holiday, where presumably Mark (her partner of 5 years) had proposed. Naturally got very excited, and a texting flurry began. So there you have it. If I didn't have enough already, an extra incentive to lose as much weight as possible, in order to look beautiful in a bridesmaid's dress. Got very giddy at the thought of dress fittings and hen parties, spa breaks and rehearsals with my friends...... all of us slimmer, healthier and on the road to success!
It still hasn't sunk in yet. Needless to say, keep getting randomly giggly and smiley at the thought of not only Louise's happiness, but also of walking down the aisle in a stunning dress, my hair and make-up professionally done, posing for photographs. I suppose that sounds a bit vain, but who DOESN'T like to look good?
And it certainly takes my mind of the fact that Joel bought us Subways for tea tonight, and I didn't say no. But in all fairness, I've saved my Syns so far this week and had plenty to spare. Was originally saving them for my favourite annual treat (a Nutella pancake and and a hot dog) at the Christmas market on Sunday, when Joel and I are going with his dad and brother. But we've decided to take them to Tampopo's for tea afterwards, so I shouldn't be filling up on rich snacks beforehand. So, a perfect excuse not to indulge, followed by one of my favourite Free meals afterwards! Perfect.
Louise - my friend, who I've known for 14 years since that first month of high school - my fellow warrior on the path to slimness...... is GETTING MARRIED!!!
Found out last night, as I was dropping off to sleep. My phone buzzed, and reluctant as I was to check it, Joel convinced me it might be important. And boy, was it. Short and sweet, all it said was this:
"Will you be my bridesmaid? :-D"
She'd texted me from holiday, where presumably Mark (her partner of 5 years) had proposed. Naturally got very excited, and a texting flurry began. So there you have it. If I didn't have enough already, an extra incentive to lose as much weight as possible, in order to look beautiful in a bridesmaid's dress. Got very giddy at the thought of dress fittings and hen parties, spa breaks and rehearsals with my friends...... all of us slimmer, healthier and on the road to success!
It still hasn't sunk in yet. Needless to say, keep getting randomly giggly and smiley at the thought of not only Louise's happiness, but also of walking down the aisle in a stunning dress, my hair and make-up professionally done, posing for photographs. I suppose that sounds a bit vain, but who DOESN'T like to look good?
And it certainly takes my mind of the fact that Joel bought us Subways for tea tonight, and I didn't say no. But in all fairness, I've saved my Syns so far this week and had plenty to spare. Was originally saving them for my favourite annual treat (a Nutella pancake and and a hot dog) at the Christmas market on Sunday, when Joel and I are going with his dad and brother. But we've decided to take them to Tampopo's for tea afterwards, so I shouldn't be filling up on rich snacks beforehand. So, a perfect excuse not to indulge, followed by one of my favourite Free meals afterwards! Perfect.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Slight disappointments
LOSS: 1/2 A POUND
Yep, it seems that even after a week of sticking RELENTLESSLY to Food Optimising, following Slimming World better than I've ever done in my life and generally being healthy as all hell - it doesn't make too much of a difference. It feels like all of it was for nothing and that I might as well have had all those extra Syns I really wanted this week.
That's what I thought, originally, after finding out about my pathetic, and practically microscopic loss.
I went into Group tonight on Cloud 9. Genuinely looking forward to it, thrilled in myself at the amazing week I had had, excited about being weighed for the first time in ages. At first I'd GAINED half a pound, but once I did a quick dress-swap with Mum (out of the slightly heavier clothes I was wearing today) it was revealed to actually be a loss. But still - half a measley pound??! Was pretty pissed off at first, until everyone reassured me that it's more likely that my body doesn't know it's Monday yet, and that I'm probably still catching up from my awesome week. So, most likely (as long as I stick to it this week too) I'll have an amazing loss next Monday instead, which I guess is something to cling on to! And as we all know, Slimming World logic more often than not doesn't make ANY amount of sense. So, you know...... whatever. I'll just take it as it comes, and pray for losses every week, beavering away towards the goal. At least I'd be getting healthier.
On the bright side, my 8 pound loss last week meant that I was able to be entered into the Free end-of-year raffle 8 times, not to mention getting 8 shots at the win-a-bottle-of-champagne-for-Christmas game as well! Sadly, I didn't win Slimmer of the Week - due to not having a loss BEFORE my highest-in-the-group loss last week, or whatever the hell the rules are. Apparently, if I lose the most in the group NEXT week, I'd win Slimmer of the Week because I had a loss this week (ie: the week before). Confusing!
So, I've got my week prepared and am raring to go. Going to try harder than ever, whilst doing the same as usual - relentlessly planning Free meals for tea and eating the remains for lunch. Writing EVERYTHING in my Food Diary for Joan by day, and blogging by night. I'm going to the German Christmas Markets on Sunday with Joel and his family, so planning to save up loads of Syns throughout the week, so I can enjoy my annual Bratwurst hot dog/Nutella pancake treat. And have persuaded the Moore men to try Tampopo's for tea after all the walking around, so still a nice Free yummy meal on a Christmas day out. Exciting times!!
Yep, it seems that even after a week of sticking RELENTLESSLY to Food Optimising, following Slimming World better than I've ever done in my life and generally being healthy as all hell - it doesn't make too much of a difference. It feels like all of it was for nothing and that I might as well have had all those extra Syns I really wanted this week.
That's what I thought, originally, after finding out about my pathetic, and practically microscopic loss.
I went into Group tonight on Cloud 9. Genuinely looking forward to it, thrilled in myself at the amazing week I had had, excited about being weighed for the first time in ages. At first I'd GAINED half a pound, but once I did a quick dress-swap with Mum (out of the slightly heavier clothes I was wearing today) it was revealed to actually be a loss. But still - half a measley pound??! Was pretty pissed off at first, until everyone reassured me that it's more likely that my body doesn't know it's Monday yet, and that I'm probably still catching up from my awesome week. So, most likely (as long as I stick to it this week too) I'll have an amazing loss next Monday instead, which I guess is something to cling on to! And as we all know, Slimming World logic more often than not doesn't make ANY amount of sense. So, you know...... whatever. I'll just take it as it comes, and pray for losses every week, beavering away towards the goal. At least I'd be getting healthier.
On the bright side, my 8 pound loss last week meant that I was able to be entered into the Free end-of-year raffle 8 times, not to mention getting 8 shots at the win-a-bottle-of-champagne-for-Christmas game as well! Sadly, I didn't win Slimmer of the Week - due to not having a loss BEFORE my highest-in-the-group loss last week, or whatever the hell the rules are. Apparently, if I lose the most in the group NEXT week, I'd win Slimmer of the Week because I had a loss this week (ie: the week before). Confusing!
So, I've got my week prepared and am raring to go. Going to try harder than ever, whilst doing the same as usual - relentlessly planning Free meals for tea and eating the remains for lunch. Writing EVERYTHING in my Food Diary for Joan by day, and blogging by night. I'm going to the German Christmas Markets on Sunday with Joel and his family, so planning to save up loads of Syns throughout the week, so I can enjoy my annual Bratwurst hot dog/Nutella pancake treat. And have persuaded the Moore men to try Tampopo's for tea after all the walking around, so still a nice Free yummy meal on a Christmas day out. Exciting times!!
Sunday, 25 November 2012
RECIPE: Lemon and Garlic Chicken Bake
This is another one of those marvellous meals that not only looks multicoloured during preparation, but also smells INCREDIBLE. Again, it takes a while to make - but this is perfect for a lazy day like today. And it tastes fantastic - the sweetness of roasted vegetables combining with the tanginess of lemon and garlic makes for a wonderful Sunday dinner (and a damn good first-ever-experience of roast vegetables for yours truly!)
YOU NEED:
1 tbsp Reduced Fat/Fat Free Balsamic Vinegar
Chicken legs/thighs (with skin removed)
Carrots (peeled and sliced)
Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Fry Light
2 garlic cloves
Lemon juice
Parsley
SYNS:
1/2
TO MAKE:
Spread all of your peeled, chopped, and freshly-washed veg over a baking tray and spray with Fry Light. Season, toss, and drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar.
Nestle the chicken legs/thighs between the veg, and bake the whole tray at 180 for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix together the lemon juice, crushed garlic and parsley together.
After 40 minutes, bring out the tray, and coat the chicken in the lemon mix. If any remains, spread over the surrounding veg.
Cook in the oven for a further 10 minutes, then SERVE.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
An excellent week
So, today's post is going to be an absolute EXTRAVAGANZA of photos. Mainly of things I forgot to post earlier, combined with some actual photos taken of me today! But that's another story......
Firstly, forgot to mention, I received this on Monday:
A lovely ornamental stone, to symbolise my first Stone loss. So far, I've taken it with me absolutely EVERYWHERE - kind of like a talisman to remind me of how far I've come. And also, everytime I'm tempted (as cheesy as this sounds) to eat bad things, a simple fiddle of the stone reminds me of my achievement so far, and not to blow it.
Secondly, I got this in the post yesterday - ANOTHER card from Joan!
Inside, it congratulates me on my "amazing" loss, and reminds me to keep it up. Well, there's no need to worry about that. I've been an absolute ROBOT this week - sticking religiously to Food Optimising, keeping my Syns lower than 15 (and occasionally 10!) every day, and steering COMPLETELY clear of crisps, chocolate and alcohol in ANY form.
Well, apart from today, when I had 2 glasses of Bucks Fizz. But it was only 7 Syns in total, I had a Free tea afterwards, and it was in mitigating circumstances! Those being that today was basically, just PERFECT. Stayed in bed with Joel till about 12 oclock, before we decided to go into town for some lunch. Guess where we ended up? Tampopos! So I broke out the incredible "Pho" noodles I had last time, and we shared some Tempura prawns.
Afterwards, I ended up at Fusion Studios in the Northern Quarter..... long story short, a friend from work was meant to go with his wife for a make-over/photoshoot (like I had on my birthday) but unfortunately none of them could make it - and it would cost over £100 to cancel. So they asked if I wanted it, which is why I was trotting into town on a sunny Saturday with a huge bag full of outfits! Well, it was infinitely better than my birthday one; the make-up looked better, my hair stayed the way they styled it (as opposed to immediately wilting) and the photos made me look unbelievably different. Sadly my ass still looked huge (despite the stone loss) and the editor refused to airbrush my double chin, but the end results still made me very happy!
Firstly, forgot to mention, I received this on Monday:
A lovely ornamental stone, to symbolise my first Stone loss. So far, I've taken it with me absolutely EVERYWHERE - kind of like a talisman to remind me of how far I've come. And also, everytime I'm tempted (as cheesy as this sounds) to eat bad things, a simple fiddle of the stone reminds me of my achievement so far, and not to blow it.
Secondly, I got this in the post yesterday - ANOTHER card from Joan!
Inside, it congratulates me on my "amazing" loss, and reminds me to keep it up. Well, there's no need to worry about that. I've been an absolute ROBOT this week - sticking religiously to Food Optimising, keeping my Syns lower than 15 (and occasionally 10!) every day, and steering COMPLETELY clear of crisps, chocolate and alcohol in ANY form.
Well, apart from today, when I had 2 glasses of Bucks Fizz. But it was only 7 Syns in total, I had a Free tea afterwards, and it was in mitigating circumstances! Those being that today was basically, just PERFECT. Stayed in bed with Joel till about 12 oclock, before we decided to go into town for some lunch. Guess where we ended up? Tampopos! So I broke out the incredible "Pho" noodles I had last time, and we shared some Tempura prawns.
Afterwards, I ended up at Fusion Studios in the Northern Quarter..... long story short, a friend from work was meant to go with his wife for a make-over/photoshoot (like I had on my birthday) but unfortunately none of them could make it - and it would cost over £100 to cancel. So they asked if I wanted it, which is why I was trotting into town on a sunny Saturday with a huge bag full of outfits! Well, it was infinitely better than my birthday one; the make-up looked better, my hair stayed the way they styled it (as opposed to immediately wilting) and the photos made me look unbelievably different. Sadly my ass still looked huge (despite the stone loss) and the editor refused to airbrush my double chin, but the end results still made me very happy!
Friday, 23 November 2012
RECIPE: The Famous Cheesy Pasta!
(DISCLAIMER: As I'm terrible at measurements, quantities etc.... I won't put any down. My recipes are always to serve 2 - just use your own common sense. If you make too much, freeze some for another day. If you make too little - learn for next time!)
YOU NEED:
Tomato Passatta
Pasta
Mozzarella (try to get Light)
Fresh Basil (off a plant, not packaged)
SYNS:
Not sure. Count 40g of Mozzarella as your Healthy Extra A, but depending on how much of this meal you eat, I usually count 3.5 and leave it at that.
TO MAKE:
Dead easy. Pour your passatta into a huge wok/pan. Stir whilst on a Medium heat (you want it bubbling, not leaping)
Meanwhile, grate the mozzarella into the passatta, and stir until melted (ideally until you see a white stringy texture)
Chop the basil and sprinkle on top of the simmering mix. Put to one side but KEEP WARM.
Meanwhile, boil pasta in boiling water and pre-heat oven to 180.
When cooked, mix the pasta into the tomato mix - which, in honour of it's origins, should now be a mass of red, green, and white...... and should smell of Heaven via Italy.
Bake in oven for 10 mins (until the top gets a slight crust). SERVE.
(For a treat, add Garlic Bread!)
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