Plodding along

A good day in the bag yesterday, 7 points banked (including BPs) and I even managed to get in a cheeky Pimms with my dinner last night. Wasn't overly happy that the Boots scales showed me 1.5 pounds up from last week at WW so that gave me a kick to stick with it this week.

Today should be good, I was meant to go out with friends tonight but that's now been postponed as I have to work this evening to install a few customisations on some of our customers sites. Not much fun of an evening, but means I can leave early tomorrow to head up to Southport without having to start work at 6am.

Food today has been another Parma Ham and Low Low Cheese toasted sandwich this morning with spinach (loving them at the mo.) A fruit YoYo mid morning. Lunch will be pasta (I was over the moon to discover I can actually have 66g not just 60g for 3 points - how easily pleased am I?) with a home made mushroom sauce (mushrooms, onions, garlic, veg stock, mushroom ketchup, oregano and 2 tbsps of Elmlea single cream with a sprinkle of parmesan). Not sure what to have for dinner, but Matt is out so I can pretty much please myself with 15 points to play with. Hopefully a few will be banked.

No exercise today as we slept through the alarm, fairly bad! My aim is to do 20 minutes of my thigh master this evening - a recent ebay purchase which I am hoping will be the answer to all of my prayers. Doesn't look like this will do much for me really does it??

Will do a 3 mile walk in the morning. I promise.

Inexplicable paranoia

This is a fairly difficult post to write. It's not really weight related - or maybe it is, but I need to just write it all down and then perhaps it will no longer be such an issue... a problem shared and all that.

Over the last few weeks I have inexplicably developed some form of paranoia about me and Matt. Nothing has changed in our relationship - except we've spent a fair bit of time apart the last few weekends due to various Hen Do's, Stag Do's etc. But I have suddenly found myself doubting him and I HATE it.

My last boyfriend was an arse of the highest order, who couldn't be faithful if his life had depended on it. He almost destroyed me mentally as I became so paranoid and lacking in trust I could barely function. It took me 6 years to finally split up with him and it was the best thing I ever did. I spent 18 months on my own, getting my confidence back and loving myself again and then I met Matt.

Matt is so different to my ex and has never given me any reason to doubt him. I know he loves me loads and I know (as best as you can ever know) that he wouldn't cheat, so why do I keep having these stupid little doubts?? It's driving me mad. I hate it. If he does something even slightly similar to my ex (for example putting his phone down if I walk into the room - well the ex would hide his and have it strapped to his body at all times, but it's similar?!?), then I immediately assume the worst. It's awful. I told him last night I was a bit of a mess at the moment and he was lovely.

Maybe it's just my hormones and normal service will resume soon... I'm normally fairly sure of myself these days so I feel all at sixes and sevens... or whatever the saying is.

So people - any advice?

Back to weight loss topics soon, I promise.

Scale avoidance

I ended up being stuck at work later than anticipated yesterday and then proceeded to sit in a traffic jam for the best part of an hour, which meant WI didn't happen. I probably could have made it, but I was wearing Jeans - and I simply refuse to get weighed in such heavy items (any excuse to avoid the scales this week). Bit of a shame really as I could have done with knowing what damage I caused with Sunday's blow out... I'll get weighed in Boots at lunchtime to keep me on the straight and narrow.

EDIT - Boots have me 1.5 pounds up. Bah! Serves me bloody well right I suppose.

This morning I went for a lovely walk along the river (well I say lovely, the scenery is pleasant, walking, not so much) I did 2.5 miles in 32 minutes and was fairly sweaty and out of breath upon arrival back home. I think I am definitely getting faster, but it doesn't seem to get any easier.

A couple of scenic shots from this morning - how very arty.

Bit of a geese traffic jam....

Food today should be good, the aim is to save a few points for the weekend if I can. Toasted Parma Ham and Low Low Cheese sarnie for breakfast with Spinach, Lunch is Pasta with Broadbeans, Spinach, a bit of Parmesan and Lemon (I have no idea what it will taste like, it's what I had in the fridge so it will have to do) and Dinner is home made pizzas. Snacks are We are Bear Granola Nibbles and Fruit Yoyos. All good.

I am avoiding the kitchen presently as there is a massive home made Carrot Cake (I had to avoid doughnuts yesterday - evil).

So let's hope I remain on track. We're heading up to Southport on Friday for my friend Debbie's wedding and I am very much looking forward to it now my outfit is sorted. Not entirely sure how points will work out but I'll do my best to be as good as I can.

Half good, half bad

A weekend of mixed eating for me. I still struggle with weekends and seem to battle against adopting a "Sod it" attitude. Friday, despite a 6 course meal, I managed to stay pretty much within points. The Chris Horridge Menu at L'Ortolan is all about nutrition which means it's fairly healthy food - I enjoyed it, but I am not entirely sure I want healthy when I am eating out. Is that bad??? This was coupled with a few glasses of vino (nothing like the 10 glasses we had the last time we did a tasting menu there). So all in all, fairly good, considering it could have been a dieting disaster. Below is the menu we troffed our way through:

• Essence of kiwi-tomato, parmesan and truffle gnocchi
  
  
• Cured pigeon, zest puree, broccoli shoots and young leaves
  
  
• ‘Balm glazed seabass, tarragon cream and herb powders
  
  
• Lamb rump, broad beans, honey comb and cinnamon
  
  
• Kefir berry soup, basil jelly and mango petal paper
  
  
• Chocolate-cherry ‘cuboid’, verbena snow and coriander

All of which were minuscule portions, but filling all the same.

Saturday morning I tackled the hill of hell 5 times in a 20 minute period. It hurt. A lot. I get out of breath walking up it once, so 5 times was a bit of a killer. I'm told interval training is great for one's fitness... so this could be a new fixture for me since it's only 20 minutes of my life. I shall be attempting it again tomorrow.

We went for breakfast after exercising and I had a skinny latte and a bacon sandwich while Matt tucked into a Full English. I wasn't jealous. Much. I then drove over to Twickenham to meet my friend Caroline for lunch at a lovely little Italian Restaurant. I opted for Chicken Milanese, which was breaded Chicken served with Spaghetti Pomodoro. Not bad at all. A tiny sliver of Victoria Sponge with a cuppa in her garden mid afternoon rounded off my eats for the day. We had a few drinks near Clapham for my friend's hubby's birthday afterwards, but I was driving so stuck to Lime and Soda. A really good Saturday for me on the points front for once.

Yesterday was a disaster. I couldn't sleep, so was up at 6am after 5 hours in bed. I then ate a slice of toast and peanut butter with a coffee to try and give myself a bit of a boost. Once Matt dragged himself out of bed at 1030am, I cooked scrambled eggs on sourdough toast. Followed this with more coffee, a mini cupcake and then a meat feast for lunch (Lamb Chop, Burger, Pork and Scrumpy Sausage and Salad). We watched 2 films (Duplicity - Good and District 9 - Dreadful) and drank a couple of bottles of Vino in the process... I think I had around 40 points yesterday and I have no idea why I felt the need for such gluttony. Harumph.

That see's me with a 4 point deficit today which I can make up, but I've used all my Bonus Points, which is bloody annoying. So who knows what tomorrow night will bring?

Annoyed.

Note to self...

Dear Linz, a little word of advice: DO NOT BUY MULTI-PACKS OF WALKERS READY SALTED CRISPS. Yes, they are smaller than a 'normal' bag of crisps and therefore less points, but that is somewhat negated when you eat 2 packets instead... and yes it's also cheaper to buy in bulk.... but that is also somewhat negated when you scoff 4 packets in 2 days. You have no self control and the salty and crispy goodness calls to you from your desk drawer and you are powerless to resist. Do not do this again. Thanks very much.

Despite the crisp incident yesterday, I still managed to bank 2 points - it would have been 4 if I had any self control. Gah!

This morning I had planned to do the 'hill of hell' as many times as I could manage in 15 mins, but my legs are steadfastly refusing to work after the squats and yesterday's walk. I am even struggling with the toilet since I barely lower myself down thanks to extreme thigh ache - and I've not perfected standing up straight and peeing :) TMI??

Breakfast (I'm ashamed to say) has been 2 packets of crisps since I forgot my yoghurt, cereal and fruit. Same points as I'd planned (4), but fairly bad hey? Lunch is left over Cous Cous and roasted Veggies from last nights dinner - which I guess I don't need to point as I pointed it yesterday and didn't eat it all so that's a Brucie Bonus. Not sure what Dinner tonight will be since we're off out, but I've got 22 points available plus 15 banked from exercise and extra points so in theory I should be ok?

Tomorrow I will walk in the morning, even if my legs are still screaming. Matt is off to Brum to see his brother and I am meeting friends in Putney for afternoon drinks to celebrate a birthday. I will drive however as that stops me boozing and also it's a bloody nightmare to get home otherwise. I could stay over at a friend's, but I told Matt I didn't want to go to Brum as I am sick of all my weekend gallivating - I've had one weekend at home since the beginning of June, so I can't very well then be a dirty stop out in London. Doh.

So, in theory, I should maintain some control this weekend. Fingers crossed.

Have a good weekend everybody!

Ouchness

I hurt today. My body is not happy with the sudden onslaught of movement and it seems to have gone on strike. Instead of walking last night, Alex came round for dinner, and we did 20 minutes of boxing, squats and sit ups in the garden. Oh My God. My arms feel like lead today and I can barely breathe for the pain in my abs. Strangely, I like it.

Food yesterday was good. 1 slice of wholemeal toast with Marmite for breakfast, Lunch was pasta with homemade cheese sauce (Sauce flour is my saviour - I can make a cheesy-ish sauce for 2.5 points), with spinach, mushrooms and onions and dinner was the Pork Saltimbocca dish I mentioned a few weeks ago served with yet more Spinach and Sliced Potatoes cooked in the oven followed by a Muller Light for Dessert. Lovely jubbly. I am feeling a real sense of achievement when I really enjoy my food and I bank a few points. Saddo.

This morning I have further pained my abs with 50 sit-ups (I am seriously deranged) and I've walked 3 miles in a world record time of 38 minutes (ok - world record for me, Alex even commented on the fact that I am getting faster). I was sweating extremely profusely by the time I got home (I did the hill of hell 3 times) and now my legs feel like lead to add to the pain. Happy days.

Another good day of food is planned. Scrambled eggs (post walk) with one slice of toast and then some pineapple when I made it to work. A toasted Parma Ham and Babybel light sandwich for lunch with extra light mayo and yet more spinach (seriously toaster bags rock) and dinner is to be chicken breast stuffed with Boursin Light and wrapped in Pancetta with Salad and perhaps a little bit of cous cous if I feel like really pushing the boat out.

So, in theory I should have a fair few points banked for tomorrow nights gastronomic feast. I really want to be back to my lowest weight by my Sister's Hen Do at the end of August. So that's 7 pounds to lose in 5 weeks. Definitely achievable and something to aim for. I'd better go and get some water down my neck to assist me in my quest.

WI and pimped up shoes

A 1.5 pound loss at WI last night. I'm happy enough with that, although a little frustrated that I'm still 7 pounds heavier than my lowest back in Feb, but at least it's going in the right direction I guess. Here's to another week of point counting and weight losing. Hopefully.

Food yesterday was ok. I've still not quite worked out what I can and can't consume on WI day. I worry about eating too much and therefore being heavier, but obviously the minute I tell myself I have to reign it in, I develop a ravenous hunger. I had meant to go for a walk yesterday morning, but our alarm didn't go off at 6am as planned and we awoke at 7am. Not ideal since I needed to start work at 8.

I need to try and save as many points as I can for Friday as we're off for a fancy meal which involves 5 courses. It's all going to be small portions, but I'd rather have a few points banked. Exercise this week will consist of walking mainly. I'm off for a 3 mile walk tonight and I've done 30 mins of Wii fit this morning (since I am working from home.....).

As requested - here's a picture of my pimped up shoes by my little sister. I asked her to hide as much of the nasty shoe as possible and I am fairly pleased with the results.

Weekend round up

Had a lovely weekend with the Ladies of the family although I am utterly exhausted today.

My flight was delayed on Friday thanks to wind (??) so I arrived home about an hour and a half later than planned. Rushed home, changed quickly and then headed out with my mother and sisters and some of their friends for drinks. I forgot what an occasion it is going out at home, everyone dresses up to the nines and really makes an effort, no going out in jeans or work clothes as is the norm for me! Generally, the ladies are out with fellow ladies and men out with fellow men, none of this mixed group business you get so much down South. My sisters are both bloody gorgeous and extremely skinny, so I usually feel like a right minger next to them, but I'd put on a maxi dress with a waist cincher belt and a pair of sparkly new sandals, so I actually felt quite good about myself next to them for once.

Anyway, a good time was had by all. I stuck to Vodka and Soda, but was absolutely famished at the end of the night due to no dinner and a small salad for lunch, so did succumb to a Cheese Pattie from the chip shop on my way home and possibly a few chips with scraps (all the lovely bits of batter that have fallen off the fish). Heaven, Chip Shops down South just aren't the same. You can't even get gravy in our local one down here.... a travesty.

Saturday was a bit of a busy day, bit of shopping with my mother and then the afternoon spent with my nieces, they are lush, but hard blooming work! Food was ok mostly, but I did pick at a lot of things I probably shouldn't have eaten. No points were counted but I don't imagine I was within my allocation. Yesterday was a bit better, I did 40 minutes of Nordic Walking with my Mother (her latest fad to which she attributes a 13lb weight loss). Hard work I can tell you - plus you feel a bit of a spanner, but glad I gave it a go all the same. Not sure I'll be rushing out to buy myself a pair of poles like. Watch this space however.

In other news, my little sister has worked wonders on my nasty white shoes, they are now sporting some glittery cherries and a bow to match my dress so I think I will definitely be wearing them for the wedding next week. Bless her, she's a star.

I've no major plans this week so I should be able to fit in a fair few walks and also stay on top of my food. I've signed up for Ruggersize from next week - which is described as "non contact fitness exercises with a rugby twist, run by an experienced female coach" Ahem. Interesting if nothing else.

Was fairly hopeful for a loss this week, but after last weeks gain and not really having full control at the weekend, I am not going to expect too much.

Weekend up North

It's been a long week, I am very happy to see Friday I can tell you. My mood has been hideous all week and I am not entirely sure why. A number of little niggles combined with tiredness I suppose. I got so frustrated at work yesterday that I nearly burst into tears - which is unlike me, I rarely lose it like that! Anyway, I am cheerful today so I'll not dwell on my moodiness too much.

Eating is going ok, I've been within my points all week. Went out with the girls on Wednesday night and I opted for Spaghetti Pomodoro while they all tucked into Pizza. Yesterday I met another couple of friends for a pub lunch and I had a Chicken Salad while they had Burgers and Chips, so I am getting there. Didn't manage to get up in time for a walk yesterday morning but I forced Matt to come with me last night and we did a quick 3 mile round trip in just over 40 minutes with my Easytone's on.

It's my Brother-in-Law-to-be's stag weekend in Brighton today, so I am off up North to spend time with the ladies of the family while Matt, my Dad and other Bro-in-Law are off gallivanting. Looking forward to it very much. My 3 year old niece called me yesterday to ask if her and her sister (aged 6) can sit next to me when we have a girl's night on Saturday as both my sister's will be at my Mam's for the weekend too. Too cute. I adore those kiddies, will be lovely to spend the weekend with them.

So hopefully I will manage to stay on track the next few days. I meant to pack my trainers so I could do a walk while I'm at home, but I've left the buggers by the front door (along with my lunch for today, curses) so I may have to rethink that - perhaps running around after the nieces will do trick. I am hopeful I can stick to this and see those blasted scales shift in a downward manner on Tuesday. You'll hear me cursing from here if not.

Have a fab weekend everyone.

Grump over

Thanks all for your comments on my post last night. I was in a right grump, ridiculously so, I knew a loss would have been down to illness or the starvation diet, but I was still expecting one all the same. It's a little bit disappointing when you hop on the scales all cheerful and see the bloody things go up. I was in such a mood, I didn't even stay for the class and stomped off like a petulant child. I am such a buffoon at times. 34 going on 4.

So, in order to shock my now not-so-poorly body out of it's starvation mode, I ate a fair bit last night. Half a portion of Fish and Chips with Mushy peas (shared with Matt) and a slice of bread and butter - bloody lovely and within my points for the day due to the enforced starvation of WI day. Take that body. That will teach you.

Back to normal today. I didn't walk this morning as I did 4 miles yesterday in my Reebok Easytone's and my legs are really feeling it - not to mention my poor blistered feet. I am going to have to attempt to walk in the morning, very early on my own, which will be a struggle, but needs must.

Meeting the girls tonight in Richmond for dinner so food today will be minimal until then. Some Bear Granola nibbles for breakfast and a Cottage Cheese Salad for lunch - does it get any more exciting? I may go OTT and have myself 4 apricots later as well. Kerazy.

I shall continue my plodding on and hopefully the scales will appreciate my efforts next week. Evil things.

Harumph

So, I expected a loss thanks to stomach issues, lack of food and walking 21 miles in a week.... And I gained half a sodding pound. Gah!

I know it is unlikely to be a real gain, but it's still really bloody annoying.

My stomach is back to normal and my appetite has returned with a vengeance. I'm off to eat now since starving myself all day was in vain.

Tres grumpy.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Church Rd,Reading,United Kingdom

I heart Paris, but I hate my guts...

Fear not people, this is not a post of self flagellation. I literally do hate my guts. Paris was lovely, but I was once again struck down by a bout of dysentery (ok I exaggerate but you get my drift). I love Paris, it's been a while since I was there and Matt has never been, so it was lovely to explore... but man, it was hot! I can honesty say I don't think I have ever perspired so much in my life. Very attractive I can assure you. Couple that with some sort of stomach bug which left me needing the loo more often than not, well let's just say I am fairly glad that it wasn't our first romantic trip away. We might not have made it through, I can tell you.

Me looking fairly yuck near the Eiffel Tower after consuming wine and cheese.

The wine and cheese tasting was amazing, our sommelier was brilliant and we learnt a lot without being bored to tears. We are talking of doing a wine holiday next year - well a drive around France visiting the wine regions, that's how impressed we were. In hindsight, eating cheese and drinking wine on a dodgy stomach wasn't my finest moment, but it was kinda worth it.

Look at all that cheesy goodness. Lovely.

We walked a lot - 13 miles over 2 days according to my pedometer and after the cheese and wine fest, I managed to eat approximately 5 frites and 2 mouthfuls of steak on Saturday. I am thinking I was probably ok from a points perspective due to the bonus points, dysentery and lack of proper food.

Me looking a little bit less yuck near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday night after a mammoth 3 hour snooze. There's a tower theme here... but our hotel was right next door to said tower.

Sunday, I felt a little bit better thankfully so we bought some Metro Passes and set about doing some more exploration. Man those Metros are hot. Honestly, how do Parisians use these things daily and still manage to look chic? It was like travelling on a sauna. I dread to think how I would have been 3 stone ago. Yuck.

We went to Ile. Saint-Louis, which is lovely. I think I want to live there. This is me on the main street. Well worth a visit if you are ever in Paris.

All day yesterday I ate half a portion of frites and a biscuit, we went for breakfast and lunch in Paris, but for once in my life, I looked at the menu's and there wasn't a single item that I wanted to eat. This stomach upset is a very good dieting tool, I can tell you. I drank so much water and a couple of Sprites as I felt completely dehydrated. I literally couldn't get enough liquid inside of me. Obviously due to the hideous sweat/sh*t combination (sorry TMI).

Today, I am still not feeling 100%, but a little bit more in control of my bodily functions you'll be pleased to hear. I walked to the train station this morning (about 1.5 miles) as I'd left my car at work. Food today has been nothing for breakfast as I couldn't face anything (another first), half a 6 inch Chicken Breast Subway for lunch (no cheese) which didn't sit overly well with me either and then a bit of my home-made Shepherd's Pie for dinner. I was massively craving comfort food and this seems to have done the trick. Fingers crossed my guts are now going to cooperate with me.

WI tomorrow night and I am expecting a loss due to dehydration, but it's not likely to be a true fat loss really so I'll not get overly excited. I've a 4 mile walk planned in the morning with Alex which will be my exercise du jour.

In other news, I was very pleased to come back from Gay Paris to a lovely delivery from the gorgeous Lou. Look at these cute earrings, this girl is very talented. My picture does them no justice at all so check out her post, iPhone camera is fairly pants and I've left my proper one at work. Very cute cupcake earrings, I so wish I could make things.

So that's it for me people, I shall be back tomorrow hopefully with a loss to report and no further updates on my bowel movements. I think you've learnt enough.

Just a quick one

....to say thanks for all your comments re. the dress situation. I am now fairly sure I can wear one of those outfits (yet to decide which one still) with a few tweaks, stress levels have returned to normal. Thanking you all.

Not a lot to report here really. Diet is not overly fantastic so far. A not very skinny Cappuccino and 2 packets of Bear Granola Nibbles for breakfast - I officially love the Cocoa Cherry Pie version (can you tell??)

I have to stress that's not all for today - my delivery arrived this morning. Honest.

Lunch was Pasta, Pesto and Cherry tomatoes (end of the week = no food in the fridge). It's not hideous I guess, but I am not sure what will be consumed tonight. We arrive in Paris around 8pm so by the time we get to our hotel etc. etc. it may be just a case of grabbing a quick something. We shall see.

So that's it for me for now. I shall be walking myself stupid over the next couple of days in a bid to negate the Cheese and Wine tasting Lunch tomorrow (about which I appear stupidly excited, my 2 favourite things at once along with Matt of course.)

Have a fab weekend and enjoy the heatwave!

Dress Decisions

Excuse this post having nowt (I've lapsed into Geordie tonight for some reason) to do with my eating habits, it's more of a lifestyle post for my 'lifestyle change' I suppose.

I've spent hours looking for a dress for my friends wedding (I've maybe mentioned this a few times!!) and it's starting to stress me. So, I am now trawling my wardrobe for suitable options instead. None of the below dresses have been worn more than once so it's bloody ridiculous to be looking for something else new. Excuse the crap photos.

Option 1 - Purple 80's styleee.

Now I love this dress, but I think it's perhaps a bit too 80's. I did consider removing the shoulder pads or even the sleeves, but I think I'll leave it in tact. Would be worn with silver shoes, belt and bag.

Option 2 - Silk Floral Tea Dress

I've worn this a few times with leggings, but it's a lovely silk dress so it would be fitting for a wedding I think. I've popped a 50's style petticoat underneath to make it a bit longer and a pair of black peep toes. I quite like this one.

Option 3 - dull black dress with red accessories.

This actually doesn't look too bad, however I wore a black dress with red shoes and belt for another best friends wedding so this is perhaps a bit too similar.

Option 4 - Red and White spotty circle dress

I like this, but the shoes are stressing me. I've ordered a white belt to go with it and bought these fairly nasty shoes for a fiver. My little sister is going to do something with them for me next weekend to make them less awful. I'm thinking cherries on them or a nice big bow perhaps....

So people - what do you think? I am inclined to go with Option 2 or Option 4.

Walking difficulties

Alarm set for: 0600

Number of times alarm snoozed: 4

Time actually left the house: 0640

Miles walked this morning: 3

Amount of rain that fell on me: A LOT

Thoughts of "WTF am I doing?": 20000

Time taken to walk 3 miles: 40 mins

As you can guess, I struggled a bit this morning with my walk. I had to go early (therefore on my own) as I needed to start work for 8am. It was hard. I am not overly good at self motivation, I can bound out of bed like Tigger when I've arranged to meet Alex for an early morning walk, but when it's only myself I'll be letting down, it's a whole different ball game. Still, I got up and did it and I'd love to say I've reaped the benefits today, but actually I am bloody knackered.

Food last night was fairly fab, a massive Rib Eye Steak from our local butchers served with onions, mushrooms and oven roasted cherry tomatoes. Gorgeous. I am really enjoying my food now I am back on the wagon, not just inhaling it as had been the case of late. No carbs yesterday either - not intentionally, but I did feel fairly full from the mass of protein.

Today is going ok-ish. Toast with peanut butter for breakfast but then I went to the pub at lunchtime to meet friends and the most diet (sorry lifestyle change) friendly item on the menu was a Chicken Caesar Salad. I am imagining it's probably got as many points in it as a Big Mac and Fries, but I guess I'll have myself a low point dinner tonight to compensate. I hope not to blow it at the weekend in Paris, but we've already booked ourselves in for a wine and cheese tasting lunch on Saturday. Ahem. I guess I'll have to walk as much as possible. Happy Days.

I'm still stressing over my outfit for my friends Wedding at the end of the month. I had decided on the red and white spotty dress, but I'm finding accessories a nightmare. I can't find any shoes that I'll even be able to attempt to walk in so I am wondering if I need to look for dress number 24 in this process. What is a girl to do?

WI result

Over the moon to report a 3 pound loss at WI last night. I was even more excited when the clerk told me I'd lost 4, but she just couldn't count which is a bit of a shame. Anyway, I'm still full of my renewed enthusiasm for this weight loss malarkey, so long may it continue. Very happy with that given I ate out 4 times last week and Pimms was my friend.

There is a girl at my class who has lost 16 pounds in 8 weeks which is great, but she has denied herself anything nice (alcohol, cheese, chocolate, bread). She is about to go off on a 2 week holiday and is beyond stressed about it. I'm not sure I could lose weight like that. I wonder how she'll cope when she gets to goal - will she never eat those things again??

Monday was a little bit naughty, in that I was off work sick and spent most of the day lying around doing my dying swan impression. I wasn't really all that poorly, but just exhausted due to a fairly rubbish night's sleep. Food was ok, I cooked a lovely pork dish which was fairly good on the old points, but I was picking at bits and pieces all day which I have a tendancy to do when I am bored. Must find some other way to occupy myself.

I was up early yesterday to do a 3 mile walk before work. Ankle is very swollen still so I strapped it up until it would barely bend, a slight hinderance to walking but at least I cannot do myself any more damage. I've ordered a new ankle support which has plastic inserts at the side, so any further sprains should be a thing of the past. It's a monstrosity and I am not sure I'll fit my trainer on over it, but I'll give it a go.

Other than that, not much to report in Linzerello land. I've a couple of rare nights in tonight and tomorrow and then we are off to Paris for the weekend. Lots of walking is on the agenda and I'll try and be as good as possible on the food front. I've downloaded a new app to my iPhone called iWatchr which has a WW tracker and points calculator which I am hoping will help me stay on track at the weekend. I've already proven to myself that I can do it, so I just need to keep the bugger up.

It was all going so well...

Well this weekend has been 90% virtuous. Friday night I didn't drink any form of alcohol whatsoever, instead of a takeaway I cooked a healthy alternative and we stayed in with a DVD and a fairly early night. I was almost blinded by my halo gleaming.

Yesterday morning I was up bright and early to walk with my best mate. She assured me it was an easy walk (this woman walks every day and is very fit - I am clearly not). So, 7 miles (yes 7!!) and 1 hour and 45 minutes later we arrive at our destination and I honestly thought my legs might refuse to move any further, even sitting down was an effort. We are blessed by some fairly lovely countryside around these parts and I am not normally one for enjoying the great outdoors, but I couldn't resist a little snap of these strange creatures en route.


Alpacas by all accounts. I actually really enjoyed the walk, but I'll not be telling anyone that obviously.

I was rewarded for all my hard work, with another bloody sprained ankle. Approximately 4 miles in I was felled by a minor pebble on a bridleway which has resulted in an ankle resembling a small melon. Fanbloodytastic. I even wore an ankle support and I still managed to do myself some damage. Most frustrating. If anyone has any tips for ankle strengthening exercises, I will be all ears. This is the 5th time I've sprained the bloody thing, although nowhere near as bad as the last few times, it's just getting to be more than a little bit annoying now.


After my walk I headed into Reading to meet another friend for lunch and 5 hours wandering around the shops. By last night I was beyond tired, my body was in revolt. It's not used to such amounts of exercise of late and I slept for 10 whole hours last night. Unheard of for me. But a lovely day was had by all.

Today hasn't been ideal. No alcohol Friday or Saturday, but I seem to have made up for that a bit today. Me and Matt went for lunch and had a bottle of prosecco and then headed to a BBQ shortly afterwards where I seemed to drink my body weight in Pimms. I've not eaten massive amounts (half a burger, one rib and some salad and a tiny bit of cheese), but probably far too much and I feel very bloated now. Matt's been in bed for hours, but I think I'll be awake all night if I attempt to sleep whilst feeling this full.

So, I've worked out my points as best as I can, and I seem to be ok if I use my bonus points, not ideal but better than recent weeks I guess. Tomorrow I am going to swim after work - seems to be the only thing that won't cause me injury and try and stick to around 20 points (I'm allowed 26). If I don't drop a pound at least on Tuesday, I will very definitely be hopping (ha ha - do you see what I did there??) mad.

Thank Crunchie it's Friday

Day 3 in the Linzerello House and all is well. I managed to stick to my plan last night at Pizza Express and even managed to sneak in a cheeky low alcohol lager as a special treat. Britain's Got Bhangra was very good, (although I didn't understand a lot of the jokes), but the theatre was the hottest place known to man. I was so uncomfortable during the last half an hour as I felt like I was in the midst of a sauna and was slowly combusting. I must've lost weight in sweat alone. I've now decided that I have to learn Bhangra dancing, but I fear I may be lacking the vital rhythm. According to my friend Ashme, I just need to pretend I am screwing in lightbulbs, so perhaps its not past my capabilities.

Journey home was fairly unpleasant thanks to a diversion that I wasn't forewarned about adding another 20 minutes onto an already late home arrival so another midnight bed time for me. Not clever on a school night.

I was up at the crack of dawn to go on a 3 mile walk. When I say walk, I more mean jog since my friend Alex walks at the speed of light. I arrived home 40 minutes later in a right sweaty mess given the end of the walk meant a trek up our dreaded hill. Quite enjoyable however, but don't tell anybody that.

Today has gone ok so far. 4 apricots for breakfast and a fairly unpleasant WW Macaroni Cheese for lunch - seriously WW, where is any form of cheese taste in that gloopy, wallpaper paste excuse for a sauce? I did sneak a teeny tiny mini burger left over from an office lunch, but I don't think that's too much of a dent in my points for tonight. Diet Coke Chicken for Dinner with my own Egg fried rice and sweet chilli prawns. Hopefully that will see me with another good day under my large belt.

I've finally decided on a dress for my friend's wedding at the end of the month. Excuse the awful photo and the lack of industrial strength pants underneath to keep me a bit more in check, but I think with a heel on and a bit of good underwear, it might be ok. £20 from ebay as well. Bargain.

So, off to the pub after the tennis for a couple of cheeky lime and sodas and then home for a DVD and not much else. It's my first weekend at home in the last 5 weeks so I am very much looking forward to doing very little tonight.

I'm up early tomorrow for a 6 mile walk... gulp, but I need to bag a few bonus points to keep me in check over the weekend. Lunch with a friend tomorrow at Jamie's Italian in Reading and then a BBQ on Sunday. I should manage to get through all of this unscathed if I stick with my plan.

Fingers crossed.

I'm loving it...

....being back on track that is. It's ridiculous the sense of achievement I feel when I get one good day under my belt.

Last night I met my friend Dan near Waterloo in London for a few beverages and a bite to eat. I've not seen him for nearly a year (and I used to see him every day at work so I miss the old bugger.) It was lovely to catch up and see pictures of his kids, I've not met his son yet which is fairly poor of me given he is nearly 1 now. I was beyond good. 3 Vodkas with Slimline Tonic (no wine) and then at Chez Gerard, instead of Steak and Frites, I had a Steak with Side Salad, scraped off all the tasty herb butter and had a Sorbet for Dessert. Go me!

I had a bit of a rubbish journey home as I missed a train from Waterloo so decided I'd head to Paddington to get a fast train, which I also then missed. I was also then accosted by the World's Drunkest Man, who clearly decided I was National Rail Enquiries as he was too drunk to read any of the boards. He proceeded to slobber booze fumes all over me while systematically falling into me and stamping on my feet. Nice. My taxi from the station then had to go on a massive diversion (at massive expense - ok maybe not - £3 more than normal) due to a road closure. Despite that, I was home by 2330 which isn't too bad. You can imagine I was over the moon to then be woken up by my drunken (away with work) boyfriend texting me at 0130 to see if I was home. Given I had sent him a text when I got home to tell him and he had replied, I was a little bit mystified. Still, it shows he cares I guess.

Today is going equally well from a points perspective. I'm off to Windsor tonight to see Britain's Got Bhangra with some of my girlie friends and a few of us are popping to Pizza Express beforehand. Rustica Tomatoes for starter (1.5) and a Leggera Pizza (8) are already on my tracker, leaving me 7 points for the day and I've already had lunch. Oh, I feel a little bit smug right now, which I probably shouldn't since pride pretty much always comes before a fall.

Tomorrow morning I am meeting my bestest mate for a 3 mile walk before work. I don't know what's come over me, but long may it continue. I am hopeful I can continue to plan and be as good as gold over the weekend. I really want to go to my new class on Tuesday and have a good loss so I can stay for the meeting and feel all proud of myself when the weight losses are read out. I am so easily pleased.

Thanks all for your lovely comments yesterday too, I shall be wearing that outfit again :)