Saturday, 16 March 2013

Highs and lows

Weight: 17st 8lb

Another two pounds gone, yay! However, its hard to forget that I got here a few weeks ago and the last couple of weeks have been only been undoing bad work!

But I will be chirpy. I'm still in the right direction, getting close to my first official stone, and feel like my habits are changing. I'm quite happy with less chocolate, even the Lovely Husband has begun to accept a more grown-up attitude to cooking fat! So, viewed as life improvement, its getting there.

Work continues to be mental, but the end is in sight. Though now I'm scared of Easter as I put on weight over half term! Careful planning required I think.

TTFN

Saturday, 9 March 2013

Meh, or struggling for inspiration

Weight: 17st10

I'm getting so fed up right now with my weight. It's been a frustrating couple of weeks weight-wise, but I'm attempting to persevere.

There are some mitigating circumstances; half-term, our anniversary, my birthday and hellish work. But now it has to be back to business; I'm getting into a clearer space and I still want to make progress.

And there have been successes. I got asked if I'd lost weight by a few people at Nan and Granddad's Diamond Anniversary party (very nice). I wore a dress I didn't fit a few months ago to dinner last week. I can buy size 20 trousers on ebay and actually wear them. This is all good stuff, but I want more! I'm aiming to hit 1stone from my start in the next three weeks. I want to be 16- something by May half term.

I tell the kids to set SMART targets, so I'm going to follow my own advice!

Saturday, 16 February 2013

Nice surprise, or undeserved success

Weight: 17st 8lb

3lb off this week, and each one is undeserved if I'm honest! I was stood on the wiifit with my eyes closed, fingers crossed I had only put on one. So, shock and elation when I was told I've lost three! This is particularly lovely as my weight today is exactly 2st lighter than my heaviest recorded weight. (It is worth remembering that this is heaviest RECORDED; I suspect that I got heavier than that if I'm honest.)

The coming week is also making me feel pretty optimistic. It's half term, so the Lovely Husband and I are on a decorating mission. Shockingly, our bedroom has not been in any way touched since we moved in nearly 6 years ago. The time has come to remedy this! Materials have been purchased (minus a seam roller, but that too shall be obtained) and we are to attempt papering! I'm really looking forward to it; I loved learning the tiling necessary for doing the kitchen and bathroom, so I'm eager to add another skill to my repetoire.

This enthusiasm always gets a lot of raised eyebrows though I don't know why. My job is so often cerebral and physically constrained that I relish the opportunity to stand up straight and stretch my limbs while using a more practical part of my brain. The Lovely Husband and I are celebrating our two year anniversary this week as well, so it feels fitting that we spend the coming seven days in home improvements.

However, please note the throwaway mention of our anniversary. We're heading off to a preview evening of a new menu for a sister restaurant of our favourite place. I have had to accept that this may, for the sake of vital research, involve the ingestion of butter, cream and even, perhaps, chocolate. It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it!

Sunday, 10 February 2013

Overworked, or seeing the positive side of stress

Weight: 17st 11lb

Really quite delighted with this week's progress. Can't deny that I've indulged in the bread (normally a very dangerous choice for me) and even cracked so far as to thoroughly enjoy a couple of cream eggs (well, when they're gone, they're gone!).

So I'm very happy to have lost another couple of pounds this week. I was holding my breath and crossing my fingers when I stood on the scales, just hoping I'd held onto my achievement from last week and it would still register as 17-13. Nearly jumped for joy when it told me I'd actually lost!

It's been rough at work lately, so I can only presume the stress is having an impact. I know this is supposed to be a bad thing but I'll take the silver lining where I can. Me and the Lovely Husband are also struggling a bit, though not with each other.

 I'm nearly 28 now (which feels very close to 30) and I can't help starting to worry about kids. We both want them but I'm starting to get twitchy about a more imminent plan. Unfortunately this mostly relies on the Lovely Husband getting a better job to be anywhere near able to afford The Next Stage.

One of the things I'm struggling with, however, is the Lovely Husband's approach. Because he knows there's nothing to be done right now, he keeps avoiding serious conversations about the issue. Even when talking about a new job he just talks about new cars and holidays. It's started to occur to me that maybe he's not quite as on-board with the idea. I can't tell if he's just not dealing with it because it's a non-issue right now or because he's not as keen. I know if I talk to him he'll tell me what I want to hear. So, for now, we aren't having the Proper Talk. And it's bothering me.

Instead, I'll stick to the weight loss. This is an issue I can do something about. Something I can have some control over. And, when The Next Phase does become an option, I'll be in better shape to deal with it.

Enough of the serious reflections I think. Clearly 'Call the Midwife'is a bad influence. Next week we return to our normal schedule and, hopefully, the more whimsical tone.

Saturday, 2 February 2013

17 again!

Weight: 17st 13lb

A good day today- my wii fit has given me the magic info that I now weigh 17st something. Admittedly it's 17st 13lb, but the psychological boost is something to celebrate!

I know for many people this would have been accomplished much faster (and I'm sure there's people looking down on this paltry achievement) but for me, I'm proud. My thyroid is always going to make this process more of a 'Lord of the Rings' epic journey than a Usain Bolt performance, and the steps on the road need to be marked accordingly.

So now I've rejoined the world of the sub-18st people, my intention is to stay there! I'm noticing little changes; one of my favourite work skirts is looser at the waist, my trousers aren't so tight across the hips. If I can lose another pound this week, then I'll have hit half a stone. Then it's only another few pounds to 2stones from my very biggest.

Therefore, a reaffirmation. I've let my tracking slip a bit the last couple of weeks (not least because I've got a new sexy phone and lost all my apps!) and I know this process needs to be kept a careful eye on. I've also struggled to get my pilates in; this one has really annoyed me as I was starting to really appreciate the stretching and calming effect! Unfortunately, work has been demented in the last couple of weeks and my hours have just been too long. Though the multiple Phones4U trips haven't helped either! But even as I type they sound like silly excuses. So it shall be remedied.

My aim for this week is to stick under 18 and to fit in some pilates; I preach SMART targets enough at school and need to set them in my own life. Check back next week for the thrilling reveal- am I still feeling as perky?

Friday, 25 January 2013

Ho-hum, or apparently it DOES count when it's snowing!

Weight: 18st 2lb

Ah. I have been lied to. I was assured that food contains no calories when it's snowing, and I had tried to take full advantage of that! Unfortunately it turns out I was given false information, as I have In fact put on 2lb!

In all honesty, I should probably be grateful to get away with so little. I had a distinct weekend 'off', so I do deserve it. In my own defence though, it is also my TOTM, which is known for fucking with my weight. And it's evening, which my wiifit claims can make a difference. So, it could be worse.

Tonight is pay-day steak, then it's back on duty tomorrow. I'm still eager and, if I work hard this week, I might be able to see 17-something next week. That would feel like I'd accomplished something.

So, see y'all next week to see if my ambition is realised!

Friday, 18 January 2013

Snow day, or the cold can work miracles

Weight: 18st 0lb

Quick update, just to say woo-hoo!

Have brought weigh day forward as its a snow day today and so all bets are off. I've got pain perdu on my mind, so I wanted to get a progress update first.

Must admit to not being optimistic- weighed myself on Tuesday and I hadn't changed, so was approaching this weigh in with what can only be described as trepidation. However, cue the funk and celebrate! Lost 4lb!

I'm so relieved- I've been working hard on making changes and being healthier which, I know, should be its own reward. But let's face facts: I want results. And last week really took the wind from my sails.

Now though, feeling motivated again (after my pain perdu) and so will be chirpy on Sunday when work recommences!

Fingers crossed the progress continues!

Saturday, 12 January 2013

First weigh-in, or feeling slightly crushed

Weight: 18st 4lb

Um. Lost 1lb. Feel quite sad. I know all loss is good loss and all that, but still...

I can honestly, hand on heart, say I've been doing good things. I've kept track of everything I've eaten. I've reintroduced healthy breakfast (yogurt and rolled oats). I've ditched bread, only had 2 glasses of wine, cut back on the oil in cooking and reduced portion sizes. I've even done more dog walking and 2 Pilates sessions! So what happened?! Where did I go wrong?

I was hoping that after Christmas and stuff I'd have a better first week than most. Can only hope I do ok next week- otherwise I'm going to find my morale in serious jeopardy.

I even turned down a bacon sandwich this morning...

Wednesday, 9 January 2013

Progress, or mid-week sneak peek

Quick update: I've been pretty good so far (mostly thanks to a nifty calorie-tracking app I found) and so the Lovely Husband has taken the dog for a walk and I've sneaked a peek at the scales.

According to the wii fit I've lost 1lb; I'm pretty pleased! I'm doing this in the evening rather than the morning weigh in on Saturday so I knew it wouldn't be great, but it's the right direction. However, I'm not counting this as a proper measurement, so it's still fingers crossed till Saturday!

Sunday, 6 January 2013

Things I've learned today

Continuing with my optimism and enthusiasm I got up and did my Pilates this morning. However, I have learned an important lesson:

The calming, meditative mindset I can reach in Pilates is severely messed with when an attention- whore of a Labrador wants to play. I have been trodden on, hit in the face with a tail, had a cuddly toy dropped on me, been licked in the face and had been knocked over while doing push-ups.

Still, feel good about myself!

As soon as I'm done butter wouldn't melt...

Saturday, 5 January 2013

January resolutions, or I really mean it this time!

Weight: 18st 5lb

Despite the fact that I've technically lost 1st 3lb from my top weight already, I'm taking today's weigh-in as a new beginning of a new mindset.

Now that my thyroid stuff is stabilising and my metabolism is beginning to reactivate I feel I'm in a place where I can actually start to address the weight. I'm feeling reasonably inspired; we want to start a family in the next year or two, so I figure it's sensible to get into a shape other than round before that happens!

So, let's set out the manifesto.

1. No chocolate or crisps during the week
2. Weigh-in on Saturday mornings with the 'light clothes' option on the wii-fit
3. At least one session of Pilates a week to do something about the distinct lack of toning
4. Re-adoption of grilling over frying where possible
5. Keep the fat in food to a minimum
6. Yogurt for breakfast on weekdays
7. No beating myself up for caving- it's better than obsession!
8. Stick to the routine, even if I know the weigh-in isn't going to be good!

Till next week, same bat-time, same bat-channel folks!