We managed to escape the South after all on Tuesday and drove up to my parents around lunchtime. 4 hours to travel 300 miles as opposed to the 9 hours to travel 12 miles the day before. Slight improvement!
It's lovely to be home, but any thoughts of dieting have well and truly disappeared the last couple of days. There is so much food in this house, it's an absolute impossibility to avoid it all! I have decided that I will start tracking again on Sunday and just try and be a bit more sensible the next few days. Ho hum - wish me luck!
I've been spending a bit of time with my nieces which is lovely, that's keeping me on my toes a bit. Yesterday I was taught a dance routine to the Black Eyed Peas by a 5 year old. I was exhausted!
Met some friends last night for dinner and a fair few festive mulled wines. I couldn't eat everything on my plate which is definitely an improvement but I am suffering with a right dodgy tum from not being overly healthy. I am looking forward to getting back on track.
Sunday we have to leave here fairly early to drive back down to Gatwick as we are off to Tenerife for New Year. Matt's friend has a villa out there so 7 of us are flying out for just over a week of sunshine. Cannot wait, I am officially sick of snow now. Its been snowing again up here which will be lovely for tomorrow, but then it needs to disappear please.
I'm bound to be fairly quiet now while I'm away so have a fantastic Christmas and New Year everyone. Here's to healthy and slimmer 2010's.
xx
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Snowed in!
In Bracknell around 245pm yesterday the snow really started coming down so my boss told us to all get home before it got too bad. Too late. It was complete and utter chaos. Having left the office at 3pm, I proceeded to sit in traffic for over 9 hours?!! People were abandoning cars left right and centre. I needed the loo when I left the office but thought it would take me an hour at most to get home. BIG MISTAKE!!!! I spent about 3 hours trying to work out the logistics of weeing in a tupperware box (TMI?!). It was most definitely the journey from hell. I was starving, thirsty, dying for the loo and most definitely extremely grumpy.
I eventually got back to Caversham just before midnight and had to abandon my car at the bottom of the hill as there was just no chance of me getting anywhere near the flat. The roads have about 6 inches of snow and although it seems to have stopped around 2am this morning, its not melted at all.
How do we not cope in this country with a bit of snow??! This was my view on the dual carriageway - cars just at a total standstill.
Clearly there was no chance of us getting up North yesterday and it's looking increasingly unlikely we'll get out of Reading today. I am sooooo annoyed!! Think I had better pop down to Iceland and buy some emergency supplies!
I eventually got back to Caversham just before midnight and had to abandon my car at the bottom of the hill as there was just no chance of me getting anywhere near the flat. The roads have about 6 inches of snow and although it seems to have stopped around 2am this morning, its not melted at all.
How do we not cope in this country with a bit of snow??! This was my view on the dual carriageway - cars just at a total standstill.
Clearly there was no chance of us getting up North yesterday and it's looking increasingly unlikely we'll get out of Reading today. I am sooooo annoyed!! Think I had better pop down to Iceland and buy some emergency supplies!
Monday, 21 December 2009
Another weekend of excess
Spent the weekend in the Midlands to celebrate Christmas with Matt's family. We were deluged with snow on Friday down here so we left fairly early but once we got past Oxford, the snow was nowhere to be seen. I had a minor trauma in that we got stuck in traffic on the M6 and I was absolutely desperate for the loo. We were literally 10 minutes from our hotel, but got stuck for 45 minutes. Matt was trying to persuade me to go on the hard shoulder, erm yes rightio!! Anyway, we eventually managed to make an emergency stop at Burger King and I had to have myself a cheeseburger to ease the trauma. Pig.
Friday night involved a fair amount of alcohol with Matt's brother at our hotel. I stuck to Vodka and Soda however, but I did end up snaffling down some Chilli which I really didn't need. Pig again.
Saturday we had breakfast in the hotel which was a help yourself buffet styleee... My biggest nightmare. I made a conscious effort to stick to one trip and not to overload my plate - not overly easy to do when a) you're a pig b) you're slightly hungover and c) you love a good fry up. Could have been worse though, I managed to completely avoid the pastries (and also the fruit!) and I only had one of everything I fancied (apart from the mushrooms as that would have been a bit daft).
We spent the afternoon in Stafford with Matt showing me around some of his old haunts before heading back to his Mom's house for a cuppa and cake. She had about 10 different varities and took great offence when I only wanted one small slice of Christmas Cake. I had to take a Cherry Bakewell with me for later to keep her happy. Fortunately I am not overly keen so I managed to resist that.
Saturday night was our Xmas dinner at a pub near Matt's Mom's. 3 courses which we had pre ordered back in September. I am so over Turkey and Xmas Pudding already. I didn't finish everything which is progress, but I still ate way more than I needed or actually even wanted. I spent the evening being entertained by Matt's Mom and his brother with their various views of the world.
Yesterday was a bit better but only because we literally have no food whatsover in the flat other than a couple of tins of beans, low fat rice pudding and various herbs and spices. I can normally manage to rustle something up, but I admit to being defeated by that one.
Today I feel hungry - and I am sure its because the excesses over the past few weeks have stretched my stomach again. I am worried that I may lose my last little bit of self control this week. I must try harder. I seem to have developed a sod it attitude since I am not officially now weighing in until the 6th January. There are numerous cakes and sweets in the office which I have resisted so far but it gets harder every time I look at them.
We're driving up to my parents tonight around 9pm which should hopefully mean we miss all of the traffic. I am going to have a very light dinner and only take a couple of healthy snacks for the journey. Matt is unlikely to want to stop as its a 300 mile trip and he'll just want to get there. Really looking forward to spending a bit of time at home and having some time off work. Tomorrow is officially my last day of the year, but I will be working from my parents so I am not entirely sure how much actual work I will do... don't tell my boss.
Right then, I am off to torture myself with a wander past the mince pies again.
Friday night involved a fair amount of alcohol with Matt's brother at our hotel. I stuck to Vodka and Soda however, but I did end up snaffling down some Chilli which I really didn't need. Pig again.
Saturday we had breakfast in the hotel which was a help yourself buffet styleee... My biggest nightmare. I made a conscious effort to stick to one trip and not to overload my plate - not overly easy to do when a) you're a pig b) you're slightly hungover and c) you love a good fry up. Could have been worse though, I managed to completely avoid the pastries (and also the fruit!) and I only had one of everything I fancied (apart from the mushrooms as that would have been a bit daft).
We spent the afternoon in Stafford with Matt showing me around some of his old haunts before heading back to his Mom's house for a cuppa and cake. She had about 10 different varities and took great offence when I only wanted one small slice of Christmas Cake. I had to take a Cherry Bakewell with me for later to keep her happy. Fortunately I am not overly keen so I managed to resist that.
Saturday night was our Xmas dinner at a pub near Matt's Mom's. 3 courses which we had pre ordered back in September. I am so over Turkey and Xmas Pudding already. I didn't finish everything which is progress, but I still ate way more than I needed or actually even wanted. I spent the evening being entertained by Matt's Mom and his brother with their various views of the world.
Yesterday was a bit better but only because we literally have no food whatsover in the flat other than a couple of tins of beans, low fat rice pudding and various herbs and spices. I can normally manage to rustle something up, but I admit to being defeated by that one.
Today I feel hungry - and I am sure its because the excesses over the past few weeks have stretched my stomach again. I am worried that I may lose my last little bit of self control this week. I must try harder. I seem to have developed a sod it attitude since I am not officially now weighing in until the 6th January. There are numerous cakes and sweets in the office which I have resisted so far but it gets harder every time I look at them.
We're driving up to my parents tonight around 9pm which should hopefully mean we miss all of the traffic. I am going to have a very light dinner and only take a couple of healthy snacks for the journey. Matt is unlikely to want to stop as its a 300 mile trip and he'll just want to get there. Really looking forward to spending a bit of time at home and having some time off work. Tomorrow is officially my last day of the year, but I will be working from my parents so I am not entirely sure how much actual work I will do... don't tell my boss.
Right then, I am off to torture myself with a wander past the mince pies again.
Friday, 18 December 2009
Bad head
Oh dear. Well yesterday went well.... or perhaps not. It started off ok with Porridge for breakfast, but went downhill when someone opened the Celebrations at work. I only had 4... but that's 4 more than planned. I had left over bolognese for lunch and then snaffled half a doughnut - not quite the light day I'd planned in preparation for my girls night out in Richmond.
I had already decided to just enjoy myself and not worry overly about points, which I clearly stuck to! 3 Passion Fruit Martini's (each served with a shot of Champagne), copious glasses of wine, Goats Cheese with Puy Lentils, Rib Eye Steak with Hand Cut Chips and Bernaise Sauce and Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard later, I skidded towards the train station to attempt to get home.... Had a fab night, although the restaurant had stuck us in the Conservatory, which has a tent for a roof... you can imagine it wasn't the warmest. We ended up getting our desserts free and a bottle of wine since we were literally frozen so that was an added bonus. I didn't eat all of my main or even half of my dessert, but I still had too much.
The snow was fairly heavy by the time I left Richmond. I fell asleep on the train and literally woke up as we pulled into Reading, then had to wait 20 minutes in a blizzard for a taxi. The taxi couldn't get up our hill and we skidded backwards a fair few times... cue me trying to scramble the rest of the way in not overly sensible footwear. I was soooooooooo cold when I got home, that I had to wear several layers in bed. I got to bed at 2am and was awake at 7am to start work.... although don't tell anyone but I've been working from bed all morning, I am just too cold to venture out! The garden looks pretty though....
Off to the Midlands tonight to visit Matt's family. I am going to try and be a bit more restrained than I was yesterday, I don't want to undo all of my hard work in one bloody week!
Have a good weekend everyone.
I had already decided to just enjoy myself and not worry overly about points, which I clearly stuck to! 3 Passion Fruit Martini's (each served with a shot of Champagne), copious glasses of wine, Goats Cheese with Puy Lentils, Rib Eye Steak with Hand Cut Chips and Bernaise Sauce and Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard later, I skidded towards the train station to attempt to get home.... Had a fab night, although the restaurant had stuck us in the Conservatory, which has a tent for a roof... you can imagine it wasn't the warmest. We ended up getting our desserts free and a bottle of wine since we were literally frozen so that was an added bonus. I didn't eat all of my main or even half of my dessert, but I still had too much.
The snow was fairly heavy by the time I left Richmond. I fell asleep on the train and literally woke up as we pulled into Reading, then had to wait 20 minutes in a blizzard for a taxi. The taxi couldn't get up our hill and we skidded backwards a fair few times... cue me trying to scramble the rest of the way in not overly sensible footwear. I was soooooooooo cold when I got home, that I had to wear several layers in bed. I got to bed at 2am and was awake at 7am to start work.... although don't tell anyone but I've been working from bed all morning, I am just too cold to venture out! The garden looks pretty though....
Off to the Midlands tonight to visit Matt's family. I am going to try and be a bit more restrained than I was yesterday, I don't want to undo all of my hard work in one bloody week!
Have a good weekend everyone.
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Miracle and a realisation....
Erm, by some complete and utter fluke, I managed to lose 1lb. I totally don't deserve a loss after the last few weeks I've had.
BUT perhaps I am just not as bad as I think I am. Perhaps, after months of religiously (and not so religiously) counting every point that passes my lips, I am maybe a bit over critical of myself when I am not so saintly.
I need to look at the facts and start realising that there are changes within me. I know I cannot eat as much as I used to, and I am much more aware of what I do eat. I even stop when I feel full and leave things that I don't like - something I used to massively struggle with. I'd eat the stuff I didn't really like first (some form of self torture maybe??) and save the best bit on the plate until last, but there would pretty much always be an empty plate. I find fatty foods taste, well, fatty to me. I don't enjoy them like I used to.
I make better choices with alcohol than I used to - once upon a time pints of cider and bottles of wine would be fairly easily polished off, these days it's vodka with soda water or the odd glass of wine or bubbly (ok, maybe more than the odd glass of late!). I exercise more and have now been a member of a gym for a year (normally I manage 3 months at most). I now think nothing of walking the 25 minutes to the train station - this time last year I'd have gotten the bus, or more likely a taxi. I actively try and go out for a walk at lunch time, instead of sitting at my desk browsing the web.
I am far from perfect and I still have a long way to go, but I've lost 48.5 pounds this year. That's an achievement. This is a life change, not a diet. There will be times, like Birthdays, Christmas and Holidays where I won't be as good as I could be. But that is normal, that is how thin people are.
Phew, I feel better for that!
So in other news.... I had my last physio session on my ankle last night. She said my balance has greatly improved, there is still some inflammation, but not much more she can do. I have exercises to perform to increase my strength and try to realign my knee (it's all out of kilter from the repeated ankle sprains). I just need to always wear an ankle support when I do any sort of activity. But I am good with that. Its still tender and a bit painful at times, but I will get there.
Tonight I need to write some Christmas cards and pack for the weekend in Birmingham. I'm going to do 30 minutes on the Wii Fit as well as a compromise for not going to the gym. Tomorrow I am meeting a load of girls I used to work with at DHL. We are off to a gorgeous place in Richmond for dinner and drinks. There will be 9 of us so it should be really good fun. My last train home is at 2354 so I have to make sure I don't miss that as Matt is away at his Christmas Do, there is no chance of him coming to rescue me (not that he ever would!). I fully intend to relax and enjoy myself, choose wisely and not over do it.
Friday we drive up to Birmingham for Christmas with Matt's family and then Monday I have another former DHL night out in London. I may have to forgo this one however as we drive to my parents on Tuesday and I need to pack for that and for our New Year holiday in Tenerife at some point. Too much to do and too little time!
So now I am off out for a stomp around in the snow. Have a good one everyone and lets all stop beating ourselves up about enjoying the festivities!
BUT perhaps I am just not as bad as I think I am. Perhaps, after months of religiously (and not so religiously) counting every point that passes my lips, I am maybe a bit over critical of myself when I am not so saintly.
I need to look at the facts and start realising that there are changes within me. I know I cannot eat as much as I used to, and I am much more aware of what I do eat. I even stop when I feel full and leave things that I don't like - something I used to massively struggle with. I'd eat the stuff I didn't really like first (some form of self torture maybe??) and save the best bit on the plate until last, but there would pretty much always be an empty plate. I find fatty foods taste, well, fatty to me. I don't enjoy them like I used to.
I make better choices with alcohol than I used to - once upon a time pints of cider and bottles of wine would be fairly easily polished off, these days it's vodka with soda water or the odd glass of wine or bubbly (ok, maybe more than the odd glass of late!). I exercise more and have now been a member of a gym for a year (normally I manage 3 months at most). I now think nothing of walking the 25 minutes to the train station - this time last year I'd have gotten the bus, or more likely a taxi. I actively try and go out for a walk at lunch time, instead of sitting at my desk browsing the web.
I am far from perfect and I still have a long way to go, but I've lost 48.5 pounds this year. That's an achievement. This is a life change, not a diet. There will be times, like Birthdays, Christmas and Holidays where I won't be as good as I could be. But that is normal, that is how thin people are.
Phew, I feel better for that!
So in other news.... I had my last physio session on my ankle last night. She said my balance has greatly improved, there is still some inflammation, but not much more she can do. I have exercises to perform to increase my strength and try to realign my knee (it's all out of kilter from the repeated ankle sprains). I just need to always wear an ankle support when I do any sort of activity. But I am good with that. Its still tender and a bit painful at times, but I will get there.
Tonight I need to write some Christmas cards and pack for the weekend in Birmingham. I'm going to do 30 minutes on the Wii Fit as well as a compromise for not going to the gym. Tomorrow I am meeting a load of girls I used to work with at DHL. We are off to a gorgeous place in Richmond for dinner and drinks. There will be 9 of us so it should be really good fun. My last train home is at 2354 so I have to make sure I don't miss that as Matt is away at his Christmas Do, there is no chance of him coming to rescue me (not that he ever would!). I fully intend to relax and enjoy myself, choose wisely and not over do it.
Friday we drive up to Birmingham for Christmas with Matt's family and then Monday I have another former DHL night out in London. I may have to forgo this one however as we drive to my parents on Tuesday and I need to pack for that and for our New Year holiday in Tenerife at some point. Too much to do and too little time!
So now I am off out for a stomp around in the snow. Have a good one everyone and lets all stop beating ourselves up about enjoying the festivities!
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Free car anyone??
I think my car is on a mission to severely upset me this week. After the mammoth amount of money I spent last week getting it through its MOT and the cracked windscreen on Saturday, it decided it wouldn't start last night when I was leaving work. Seriously car, what is wrong with you?? Thankfully Mr. AA man was fairly prompt in arriving, diagnosing the issue (corroded earth strap by all accounts) and getting me on my way. It did mean that I ended up stuck in traffic for ever and arrived late at the pub to meet my friend Laura, so we had a rather rushed dinner and I clearly didn't make the healthiest of choices. Tuna Fishcakes with chips... Ho Hum. Very tasty but I am sure way over the 12 points I had left. I then came home and had myself a bit of left over Xmas Pudding (we still have enough to feed 25 people I hasten to add) All in all, not the best of days.
Today hasn't really been much better. I've been working from home and we are very low on supplies given we are away for the weekend and then off for Xmas to my parents next Tuesday. Food so far today has been, 1 slice of toast with reduced fat peanut butter, 1 mince pie, 2 Birds eye potato waffles and 3 Aunt Bessies Yorkshire puddings with Bisto. Random?? I've spent the last 2 hours in Costa with some friends (working of course) and I managed to avoid all cakes and just stuck to a skinny latte, but its really not shaping up to be the best day ever.
I've stuck a healthy Bolognese in the slow cooker so I'll have that later. Tomorrow's WI is not something I am overly relishing. I anticipate a gain, but lets hope its minimal. Enough to give me a kick up the jacksy, but not enough to severely annoy me.
I do love this time of year, I can't wait to go home for Christmas and spend time with my family, but there is so much temptation around it's a minefield. I feel a lot better equipped to deal with it this year though as I really don't want to end up back where I started, I feel much better educated about food, portion sizes and healthier options and I know what I need to do to shift any weight I do manage to gain over the Festive period.
Today hasn't really been much better. I've been working from home and we are very low on supplies given we are away for the weekend and then off for Xmas to my parents next Tuesday. Food so far today has been, 1 slice of toast with reduced fat peanut butter, 1 mince pie, 2 Birds eye potato waffles and 3 Aunt Bessies Yorkshire puddings with Bisto. Random?? I've spent the last 2 hours in Costa with some friends (working of course) and I managed to avoid all cakes and just stuck to a skinny latte, but its really not shaping up to be the best day ever.
I've stuck a healthy Bolognese in the slow cooker so I'll have that later. Tomorrow's WI is not something I am overly relishing. I anticipate a gain, but lets hope its minimal. Enough to give me a kick up the jacksy, but not enough to severely annoy me.
I do love this time of year, I can't wait to go home for Christmas and spend time with my family, but there is so much temptation around it's a minefield. I feel a lot better equipped to deal with it this year though as I really don't want to end up back where I started, I feel much better educated about food, portion sizes and healthier options and I know what I need to do to shift any weight I do manage to gain over the Festive period.
Monday, 14 December 2009
Unmitigated disaster
Well I think that just about sums it up really. I don't seem to have stopped shovelling food and alcohol down my mouth since Friday evening.
Friday was meant to be a girls night out, but it became a girls night in after my car failed its MOT and cost me nearly £500 to get it through. I pleaded poverty and my lovely friends came to me instead. We indulged in Pizza, Champers and enough crisps to sink a ship. How very healthy.
Saturday wasn't much better, in fact it was probably much worse. My car windscreen decided to crack (do you get the feeling I should bin this bloody car??) so more blooming money. We then headed to Matt's friend Mark's to help prepare Xmas dinner for 9 people. Much food, wine, champers, port, amaretto and baileys later, we stumbled home feeling ever so slightly worse for wear.
Yesterday I had a token visit to the gym and managed 20 minutes on the Tread Climber and 10 minutes on the bike, before heading to the jacuzzi. We then ended up back at Mark's to help him finish off some leftovers - so Cheese board, Roast Potatoes and Xmas Pudding was lunch. My only saving grace yesterday was I was too full to eat dinner last night. Which also meant I spent the evening surgically attached to the sofa. Our bloody TV decided to shadow everything in green so we had to resort to bringing the little bedroom TV into the front room to watch the X Factor final. Well pleased that a fellow Geordie was victorious. Really hoping that the TV is not bust, I cannot afford any more expenditure this month!
So all in all, pretty disasterous on the diet front, but a fab weekend. Wednesday will be my last WI before Xmas and I am not anticipating good things at all. Another busy week ahead, pub dinner tonight, girls night out on Thursday and a weekend in Brum visiting Matt's family.
Oh heck.
Friday was meant to be a girls night out, but it became a girls night in after my car failed its MOT and cost me nearly £500 to get it through. I pleaded poverty and my lovely friends came to me instead. We indulged in Pizza, Champers and enough crisps to sink a ship. How very healthy.
Saturday wasn't much better, in fact it was probably much worse. My car windscreen decided to crack (do you get the feeling I should bin this bloody car??) so more blooming money. We then headed to Matt's friend Mark's to help prepare Xmas dinner for 9 people. Much food, wine, champers, port, amaretto and baileys later, we stumbled home feeling ever so slightly worse for wear.
Yesterday I had a token visit to the gym and managed 20 minutes on the Tread Climber and 10 minutes on the bike, before heading to the jacuzzi. We then ended up back at Mark's to help him finish off some leftovers - so Cheese board, Roast Potatoes and Xmas Pudding was lunch. My only saving grace yesterday was I was too full to eat dinner last night. Which also meant I spent the evening surgically attached to the sofa. Our bloody TV decided to shadow everything in green so we had to resort to bringing the little bedroom TV into the front room to watch the X Factor final. Well pleased that a fellow Geordie was victorious. Really hoping that the TV is not bust, I cannot afford any more expenditure this month!
So all in all, pretty disasterous on the diet front, but a fab weekend. Wednesday will be my last WI before Xmas and I am not anticipating good things at all. Another busy week ahead, pub dinner tonight, girls night out on Thursday and a weekend in Brum visiting Matt's family.
Oh heck.
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Food sabotage
The past 2 days have kind of gone 'ok'. I ended up eating out unexpectedly on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights, which threw a bit of a spanner in the works. Tuesday I opted for Steak at our local, said no thanks to the chips and asked for veg instead. Shame the Steak came with its own oil slick which actually made me feel pretty queasy. I mopped most of it off the plate with my napkin, but it still wasn't ideal.
Yesterday I had a 6am start for work which mean working from home - so no WI. I feel a little bit lost as I needed to know how much of an impact the weekend had on me. I could go to another class, but I am not overly sure how useful that would be as I get weighed in of a morning usually and all other local classes are night times. Ho Hum. I guess I will have to wait until next week to find out.
Last night I ended up in a different pub which was totally unplanned. I ordered Herbed Turkey escalope with New Potatoes, Broccoli and Cranberry Jam. Ok - make that Deep Fried Turkey escalope, Fried New Potatoes and butter drenched Broccoli and Cranberry Jam - oh and a side order of oil slick for good measure. I couldn't really eat most of it - I am finding of late that if I eat a lot of fat, I end up with fairly bad stomach cramps and a fairly sharpish trip to the loo is required (sorry TMI!). Not sure what that's all about, but it certainly puts me off eating too much fat.
Exercise has been practically zero. My car is in for its MOT today which means I can't get to the gym later unless I want to walk the 4 miles there (which I am not overly up for). I've been out for a wander at lunchtime and I walked to the station this morning at a fairly brisk pace, but its not really the same is it? Mind you, once upon a time I would have gotten the bus to the station, so it's progress of sorts. I've just been told I need to pay £368 to get said car through its MOT - I am inclined to walk to the station every day from now on. Gah!
The plan tonight is to cook a very low pointed dinner and do a bit of Wii Fit so at least I am moving. I'm out with the girls tomorrow night which again involves much alcohol and Saturday with have Christmas dinner with Matt's friends. I'm finding it practically impossible to stay within points at the moment!
Fingers crossed I can get through the next few weeks unscathed. I had hoped for another 2.5 off by the New Year, but I think for now, maintenance has to be the aim.
Yesterday I had a 6am start for work which mean working from home - so no WI. I feel a little bit lost as I needed to know how much of an impact the weekend had on me. I could go to another class, but I am not overly sure how useful that would be as I get weighed in of a morning usually and all other local classes are night times. Ho Hum. I guess I will have to wait until next week to find out.
Last night I ended up in a different pub which was totally unplanned. I ordered Herbed Turkey escalope with New Potatoes, Broccoli and Cranberry Jam. Ok - make that Deep Fried Turkey escalope, Fried New Potatoes and butter drenched Broccoli and Cranberry Jam - oh and a side order of oil slick for good measure. I couldn't really eat most of it - I am finding of late that if I eat a lot of fat, I end up with fairly bad stomach cramps and a fairly sharpish trip to the loo is required (sorry TMI!). Not sure what that's all about, but it certainly puts me off eating too much fat.
Exercise has been practically zero. My car is in for its MOT today which means I can't get to the gym later unless I want to walk the 4 miles there (which I am not overly up for). I've been out for a wander at lunchtime and I walked to the station this morning at a fairly brisk pace, but its not really the same is it? Mind you, once upon a time I would have gotten the bus to the station, so it's progress of sorts. I've just been told I need to pay £368 to get said car through its MOT - I am inclined to walk to the station every day from now on. Gah!
The plan tonight is to cook a very low pointed dinner and do a bit of Wii Fit so at least I am moving. I'm out with the girls tomorrow night which again involves much alcohol and Saturday with have Christmas dinner with Matt's friends. I'm finding it practically impossible to stay within points at the moment!
Fingers crossed I can get through the next few weeks unscathed. I had hoped for another 2.5 off by the New Year, but I think for now, maintenance has to be the aim.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Grown up?
I may have to work from home tomorrow which means I miss my usual weigh in - which means I have an excuse to take my eye off the ball and be a little bit lapse with my pointing. However, given the horrors of the weekend, I am determined to try and stick with it. I don't mind a STS, but I am not in the market for a gain thanks ever so.
Off to Knitting Club tonight (how old do I sound??) My scarf is coming along slowly - its more of a hanky at the moment (with many holes). I am not sure I have found my forte with this one, but it's enjoyable all the same and keeps the old hands out of the fridge. Don't know what I will do about dinner later as I have an appointment with my osteopath first. Hopefully I won't resort to peanuts in the pub.....
Exercise of late has been practically zero, I just don't seem to have the time at the minute - actually correction, I don't seem to be making the time. I need a kick up the bum on that front. I should make Spinning tomorrow, but then I am struggling again to work out when I can fit anything else in. I guess I just need to be a bit more strict with myself.
I've just had one of those moments where I wonder what I have been doing with my life of late. I had an email from an old school friend who I've not spoken to for a long while. She asked me what I had been up to..... Hmmmmm, what have I been doing? Well, I go out and get drunk, I go to work and I go home and I go on holiday sometimes..... Is that really it? I kind of feel like I am not a proper grown up as all of my friends are getting married and having babies and the thought of that scares the bejesus out of me. Marriage I could probably cope with - but kids?? I still feel like I am too immature for anything that involves the responsibility for another life. I can't even keep plants alive! I guess I shouldn't compare myself to others, I have a good life, great friends and I live with my favourite ever boy, just because I don't have any announcements of the baby or wedding variety, doesn't mean my life is going nowhere. I just need to remember that.
Ok, I have rambled enough. Time for lunch me thinks. Will I stick to salad from the Italian Deli or will the Lasagne tempt me....... answers on a postcard please....
Off to Knitting Club tonight (how old do I sound??) My scarf is coming along slowly - its more of a hanky at the moment (with many holes). I am not sure I have found my forte with this one, but it's enjoyable all the same and keeps the old hands out of the fridge. Don't know what I will do about dinner later as I have an appointment with my osteopath first. Hopefully I won't resort to peanuts in the pub.....
Exercise of late has been practically zero, I just don't seem to have the time at the minute - actually correction, I don't seem to be making the time. I need a kick up the bum on that front. I should make Spinning tomorrow, but then I am struggling again to work out when I can fit anything else in. I guess I just need to be a bit more strict with myself.
I've just had one of those moments where I wonder what I have been doing with my life of late. I had an email from an old school friend who I've not spoken to for a long while. She asked me what I had been up to..... Hmmmmm, what have I been doing? Well, I go out and get drunk, I go to work and I go home and I go on holiday sometimes..... Is that really it? I kind of feel like I am not a proper grown up as all of my friends are getting married and having babies and the thought of that scares the bejesus out of me. Marriage I could probably cope with - but kids?? I still feel like I am too immature for anything that involves the responsibility for another life. I can't even keep plants alive! I guess I shouldn't compare myself to others, I have a good life, great friends and I live with my favourite ever boy, just because I don't have any announcements of the baby or wedding variety, doesn't mean my life is going nowhere. I just need to remember that.
Ok, I have rambled enough. Time for lunch me thinks. Will I stick to salad from the Italian Deli or will the Lasagne tempt me....... answers on a postcard please....
Monday, 7 December 2009
It all went a bit Pete Tong....
As predicted at the weekend I really struggled to stay within my points. Saturday morning started off at our local Cafe where I went for a bacon sandwich instead of the Big Breakfast that was calling my name, so far not so bad. We then headed to the station to get the train over to Twickenham for the rugby. Cue the hottest, busiest train journey ever. I think I must've lost around a stone in weight on that journey - my many layers of clothing didn't really account for fact that I would be bloody boiling on the train.
Rugby was good, atomosphere is always great at Twickenham and the game was really good to watch despite me not really understanding all of the rules.
So foodwise, Hog Roast Bap with stuffing at Twickenham Stadium , 2 ciders, 2 lagers, followed by dinner at a really nice wine bar (lots of bread and butter, olives, half a baked Camembert, Mushrooms and Leeks in cream sauce on toasted Brioche, coffee, amaretto, 1/2 a bottle of wine) - didn't exactly go according to plan really. So much so that I was actually up most of Saturday night feeling really ill - probably due to all the flipping fat I managed to consume.
My only saving grace for Saturday is that we literally walked loads (about 6 miles in total). My feet are in a right state from blisters caused by my new boots - I even had to buy some emergency shoes on Sunday to get me to Clapham! I think forcing my jeans into my already overly tight boots may have been a step too far.... well 6 miles worth of steps too far in the end.
Sunday was in much the same vein - breakfast at the hotel in Richmond (bread and cheese). 2 glasses of Mulled wine in the pub before heading to Nina's for Xmas dinner - I did actually fill my plate with the least amount of food, but I still managed to get through some smoked salmon blinis, Turkey with all of the trimmings, Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding with Baileys Cream and Cheese - all washed down with shed loads of Prosecco and Port. Hecky Thump.
Again I felt ill last night when we got home - clearly a sign that my body doesn't like being filled with fat as much as it used to.
Anyway, no point stressing about it, damage is now done. I had a fab weekend with everyone which is what it was all about really. I'm back on track today and not even slightly hungry. It's reached 3pm and I am still feeling full from my Porridge at 8am. I am not planning on trying to bank loads of points as I think its pretty darn unlikely I can make back any sort of defecit by Wednesday. If the weekend has taught me anything, it's that I don't like the feeling I get when I overdo it and that eating lots of fatty foods makes me feel bloody ill!
Rugby was good, atomosphere is always great at Twickenham and the game was really good to watch despite me not really understanding all of the rules.
So foodwise, Hog Roast Bap with stuffing at Twickenham Stadium , 2 ciders, 2 lagers, followed by dinner at a really nice wine bar (lots of bread and butter, olives, half a baked Camembert, Mushrooms and Leeks in cream sauce on toasted Brioche, coffee, amaretto, 1/2 a bottle of wine) - didn't exactly go according to plan really. So much so that I was actually up most of Saturday night feeling really ill - probably due to all the flipping fat I managed to consume.
My only saving grace for Saturday is that we literally walked loads (about 6 miles in total). My feet are in a right state from blisters caused by my new boots - I even had to buy some emergency shoes on Sunday to get me to Clapham! I think forcing my jeans into my already overly tight boots may have been a step too far.... well 6 miles worth of steps too far in the end.
Sunday was in much the same vein - breakfast at the hotel in Richmond (bread and cheese). 2 glasses of Mulled wine in the pub before heading to Nina's for Xmas dinner - I did actually fill my plate with the least amount of food, but I still managed to get through some smoked salmon blinis, Turkey with all of the trimmings, Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding with Baileys Cream and Cheese - all washed down with shed loads of Prosecco and Port. Hecky Thump.
Again I felt ill last night when we got home - clearly a sign that my body doesn't like being filled with fat as much as it used to.
Anyway, no point stressing about it, damage is now done. I had a fab weekend with everyone which is what it was all about really. I'm back on track today and not even slightly hungry. It's reached 3pm and I am still feeling full from my Porridge at 8am. I am not planning on trying to bank loads of points as I think its pretty darn unlikely I can make back any sort of defecit by Wednesday. If the weekend has taught me anything, it's that I don't like the feeling I get when I overdo it and that eating lots of fatty foods makes me feel bloody ill!
Friday, 4 December 2009
Busy weekend ahead
I was very restrained last night at the pub, only 2 drinks and I even managed to watch Alex eat ham, egg and chips without too much salivating. I did nearly hit Matt when I got home and he told me that dinner was ok, but a bit "fatty" for his liking.... Fatty??? It was 5.5 points each... and so says the man who happily polished off a Donner Kebab and Chips on Tuesday. He's lucky he didn't end up wearing it.
The weekend is going to be tricky. Tomorrow we are off to Twickenham for Caroline's hubby's birthday. Some form of rugby match (Barbarians v New Zealand perhaps?!) which will no doubt involve much alcohol and not much in the way of healthy options. I guess I'll just have to try and moderate my intake. We're then staying over in Richmond as we're heading to Clapham on Sunday for a Christmas Lunch at Nina's. She's catering for 10 of us - not sure she realises what she has let herself in for! Slightly concerned I will overdo it, but I'll give it a shot at being good.
I don't think I am going to do much tonight, except maybe put the Xmas tree up. I've had an ok day foodwise, but I've just remembered a coffee I went for earlier when I inadvertantly snaffled a pecan and date cookie... Doh. It said reduced fat on the jar so I was sucked in. Numpty.
I am wearing my new boots today with a dress, I am not normally a dress girl unless its over jeans, but I don't have a cat in hell's chance of getting jeans under these boots at the moment so it had to be tights....
It's all a bit ladylike for me! The boots aren't quite so restrictive as yesterday - at least I don't feel like I am wearing callipers anymore. Dress is a bit short for my fat legs as well, but I've had a couple of compliments about it so I can't be looking too much of a lump.
Work has been ridiculous this week so I am very glad the weekend is fast approaching. I also discovered that I am stupid and have managed to book 2 different hotels for the same weekend to stay in Birmingham. Wouldn't be such a trauma, except they were both special rates and are therefore non-refundable or changeable. Great stuff. I've tried begging both hotels to let me change the date. No joy. I can't even palm it off on anyone I know. Maybe me and Matt will just have to stay in different places to get our money's worth! Sometimes I am overly blonde.
Anyway, I think I am about to make a hasty exit before I get saddled with more work.
Have a great weekend!
The weekend is going to be tricky. Tomorrow we are off to Twickenham for Caroline's hubby's birthday. Some form of rugby match (Barbarians v New Zealand perhaps?!) which will no doubt involve much alcohol and not much in the way of healthy options. I guess I'll just have to try and moderate my intake. We're then staying over in Richmond as we're heading to Clapham on Sunday for a Christmas Lunch at Nina's. She's catering for 10 of us - not sure she realises what she has let herself in for! Slightly concerned I will overdo it, but I'll give it a shot at being good.
I don't think I am going to do much tonight, except maybe put the Xmas tree up. I've had an ok day foodwise, but I've just remembered a coffee I went for earlier when I inadvertantly snaffled a pecan and date cookie... Doh. It said reduced fat on the jar so I was sucked in. Numpty.
I am wearing my new boots today with a dress, I am not normally a dress girl unless its over jeans, but I don't have a cat in hell's chance of getting jeans under these boots at the moment so it had to be tights....
It's all a bit ladylike for me! The boots aren't quite so restrictive as yesterday - at least I don't feel like I am wearing callipers anymore. Dress is a bit short for my fat legs as well, but I've had a couple of compliments about it so I can't be looking too much of a lump.
Work has been ridiculous this week so I am very glad the weekend is fast approaching. I also discovered that I am stupid and have managed to book 2 different hotels for the same weekend to stay in Birmingham. Wouldn't be such a trauma, except they were both special rates and are therefore non-refundable or changeable. Great stuff. I've tried begging both hotels to let me change the date. No joy. I can't even palm it off on anyone I know. Maybe me and Matt will just have to stay in different places to get our money's worth! Sometimes I am overly blonde.
Anyway, I think I am about to make a hasty exit before I get saddled with more work.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Not much to report
Food seems to be going fairly well so far. Banked 1.5 points yesterday which I've been struggling to do of late. Food was all planned and pointed and I didn't deviate from that at all. The fact that I am so busy at work, I barely get time to go to the toilet is probably helping me stick to plan.
I spent most of yesterday talking myself out of Spinning, but I am pleased to say I gave myself a rather large kick up the jacksy and I went. I worked really hard, but I didn't seem to find it as difficult as I usually do. Maybe I am actually getting fitter, either that or I am kidding myself when I think I am working hard. Might need to invest in an HRM after Xmas.
Today has been good on the food front too, porridge for breakfast, Jacket Spud and Beans and Les Kol cheese for lunch and I've just had a Slow cooker concoction of chicken thighs cooked in Campbells low fat mushroom soup, stock cube, onions, mushrooms and leeks. Bloody lovely with a bit of rice. I've got 8 points left so I am going to spend them wisely and meet my friend Alex in the pub for a couple of cheeky vinos.
I was meant to go to Yoga tonight and I'd already had a word with myself to make sure I went. However, I am completely stupid and when I took the rubbish bag out to the bins this morning, I managed to deposit my gym kit in the bin store. Dozy cow. I intended to pop out at lunch time and buy a cheap vest and joggers but I seriously didn't leave my desk all day... ok that's a bit OTT, I did get to the kitchen to heat up my Jacket spud and beans, but I didn't get time to go out. Anyway, enough of the excuses, I am crap and I should have done something. Bad Linz.
In other news, my darling boyfriend has bought me a pair of DUO boots for Xmas. I ordered them 4cms smaller per calf than my last pair of DUO boots which I have worn to death in the vain hope that they would fit and last me a bit longer. They arrived today so obviously I had to try them on. I nearly gave myself a dislocated shoulder trying to get the flipping zips up. I've seriously blistered my fingers but I got the buggers on!! I think I lost most of the circulation in my calves whilst wearing them and I was a bit restricted in my movement, but I got them on! Yay! Thanks Matt :)
I've just come home to a flipping speeding ticket - Grrrr. I've got a clean licence for the first time since I passed my test and now I am going to get 3 bloody points again! I can't even do the Speed Awareness Course as I've already done it once - clearly it made a lot of difference to me. Doh.
Right then, I'll stop my blethering and get myself down t'pub.
I spent most of yesterday talking myself out of Spinning, but I am pleased to say I gave myself a rather large kick up the jacksy and I went. I worked really hard, but I didn't seem to find it as difficult as I usually do. Maybe I am actually getting fitter, either that or I am kidding myself when I think I am working hard. Might need to invest in an HRM after Xmas.
Today has been good on the food front too, porridge for breakfast, Jacket Spud and Beans and Les Kol cheese for lunch and I've just had a Slow cooker concoction of chicken thighs cooked in Campbells low fat mushroom soup, stock cube, onions, mushrooms and leeks. Bloody lovely with a bit of rice. I've got 8 points left so I am going to spend them wisely and meet my friend Alex in the pub for a couple of cheeky vinos.
I was meant to go to Yoga tonight and I'd already had a word with myself to make sure I went. However, I am completely stupid and when I took the rubbish bag out to the bins this morning, I managed to deposit my gym kit in the bin store. Dozy cow. I intended to pop out at lunch time and buy a cheap vest and joggers but I seriously didn't leave my desk all day... ok that's a bit OTT, I did get to the kitchen to heat up my Jacket spud and beans, but I didn't get time to go out. Anyway, enough of the excuses, I am crap and I should have done something. Bad Linz.
In other news, my darling boyfriend has bought me a pair of DUO boots for Xmas. I ordered them 4cms smaller per calf than my last pair of DUO boots which I have worn to death in the vain hope that they would fit and last me a bit longer. They arrived today so obviously I had to try them on. I nearly gave myself a dislocated shoulder trying to get the flipping zips up. I've seriously blistered my fingers but I got the buggers on!! I think I lost most of the circulation in my calves whilst wearing them and I was a bit restricted in my movement, but I got them on! Yay! Thanks Matt :)
I've just come home to a flipping speeding ticket - Grrrr. I've got a clean licence for the first time since I passed my test and now I am going to get 3 bloody points again! I can't even do the Speed Awareness Course as I've already done it once - clearly it made a lot of difference to me. Doh.
Right then, I'll stop my blethering and get myself down t'pub.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
WI Wednesday
Hmmm, not sure how but I lost another pound this week. I've done no real exercise for a week and not exactly been healthy, but I'll take it! Best not to over analyse these things when they go in my favour I find.
Had physio last night on my ankle and it was incredibly painful (admittedly I am a wuss), she massaged the ligaments and I swear I nearly kicked her in the face it was that sore. Anyway, no pain, no gain and all of that. It feels a little tender today, but I guess that is to be expected.
Bit of a stressed call from my mother when I left physio as my little sister has been taken into hospital. She's got an infected Wisdom tooth which is somehow impacting her eyesight (something to do with puss apparently, yuck). I think she's ok and she's in the best place so I'm not going to worry too much.
Following on with the unhealthy theme for the week, last night's dinner consisted of Kebab Meat and salad. It was blooming lovely, but gone are the days when I could snaffle down a large Donner Kebab with Chips quite comfortably. I had 16 points left for dinner so it was completely within my points, but I still feel a bit of guilt if I eat something like that. I guess it's my many years of 'dieting' that have ingrained in me that I cannot lose weight unless I exist on Salad and Dust. That's what I love about WW, I can still eat what I want within reason. I just need to banish those feelings of guilt.
Spinning tonight which will be much fun (or maybe not). I need to bank some points for the weekend as we've much alcohol on the horizon. Happy Days!
Had physio last night on my ankle and it was incredibly painful (admittedly I am a wuss), she massaged the ligaments and I swear I nearly kicked her in the face it was that sore. Anyway, no pain, no gain and all of that. It feels a little tender today, but I guess that is to be expected.
Bit of a stressed call from my mother when I left physio as my little sister has been taken into hospital. She's got an infected Wisdom tooth which is somehow impacting her eyesight (something to do with puss apparently, yuck). I think she's ok and she's in the best place so I'm not going to worry too much.
Following on with the unhealthy theme for the week, last night's dinner consisted of Kebab Meat and salad. It was blooming lovely, but gone are the days when I could snaffle down a large Donner Kebab with Chips quite comfortably. I had 16 points left for dinner so it was completely within my points, but I still feel a bit of guilt if I eat something like that. I guess it's my many years of 'dieting' that have ingrained in me that I cannot lose weight unless I exist on Salad and Dust. That's what I love about WW, I can still eat what I want within reason. I just need to banish those feelings of guilt.
Spinning tonight which will be much fun (or maybe not). I need to bank some points for the weekend as we've much alcohol on the horizon. Happy Days!
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Plodding along
Monday wasn't the best day ever. Not bad on the food front, I managed to bank points. However I left the house in the pouring wind and rain to realise my car was in fact at work. Grrrrr. That meant a 25 minute walk to the station in monsoon conditions with my laptop, worlds largest handbag and my lunch all about my person. My umbrella spent most of its time inside out and I was sporting a large perm mid way through the journey. (Think Bridget Jones in that open top car - nice)
You can imagine I was even more happy when I got to the station to see my train leaving. 30 minutes wait til the next one. When I eventually got to my destination I couldn't get through the barrier - I thought I had lost my ticket and been trying to use an old one as a quick scan of the ticket said Maidenhead (no idea why I'd have a Maidenhead ticket as I never go there!). It was only at lunchtime that I realised that the barrier had spat out someone elses £50 weekly travel card which was nice of it. Fortunately I am the honest type so I trekked back to the station to hand it in. I had a nice, warm glow from being such an honest and upstanding citizen.
So food yesterday went ok, I had a cheese bagel with marmite for breakfast and a skinny latte while I waited for the train (6 points). A homemade parma ham and pesto sandwich for lunch with spinach and a side of cherry tomotoes and a large helping of Slow Cooker Bolognese with pasta for dinner. Banked about 6 points, but that's not going to overly make a dent in the weekend's defecit. I suppose my unplanned walking yesterday may have gained me a couple of BP's as well.
I find this time of the year quite difficult. I've a lot of social events coming up over the next month which invariably means eating and drinking. The weather is a bit depressing and I want comfort food and motivating myself to get to the gym is proving hard. I've booked in for Spinning and Yoga this week so that should help. As much as I want to lose another 3.5 pounds before the New Year, I think I'll be more than happy if I can just maintain. Obviously I am still going to try to lose, but it's not going to be a disaster if I just stay the same. I think I need to stop putting pressure on myself and realise that 46.5 pounds off since April is not bad going at all.
You can imagine I was even more happy when I got to the station to see my train leaving. 30 minutes wait til the next one. When I eventually got to my destination I couldn't get through the barrier - I thought I had lost my ticket and been trying to use an old one as a quick scan of the ticket said Maidenhead (no idea why I'd have a Maidenhead ticket as I never go there!). It was only at lunchtime that I realised that the barrier had spat out someone elses £50 weekly travel card which was nice of it. Fortunately I am the honest type so I trekked back to the station to hand it in. I had a nice, warm glow from being such an honest and upstanding citizen.
So food yesterday went ok, I had a cheese bagel with marmite for breakfast and a skinny latte while I waited for the train (6 points). A homemade parma ham and pesto sandwich for lunch with spinach and a side of cherry tomotoes and a large helping of Slow Cooker Bolognese with pasta for dinner. Banked about 6 points, but that's not going to overly make a dent in the weekend's defecit. I suppose my unplanned walking yesterday may have gained me a couple of BP's as well.
I find this time of the year quite difficult. I've a lot of social events coming up over the next month which invariably means eating and drinking. The weather is a bit depressing and I want comfort food and motivating myself to get to the gym is proving hard. I've booked in for Spinning and Yoga this week so that should help. As much as I want to lose another 3.5 pounds before the New Year, I think I'll be more than happy if I can just maintain. Obviously I am still going to try to lose, but it's not going to be a disaster if I just stay the same. I think I need to stop putting pressure on myself and realise that 46.5 pounds off since April is not bad going at all.
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