Introduction
Dec 29th 2010
Hi.
My name is Lizzy. I, like a huge number of people at this time of year, am thinking about how I'm going to go about losing weight. I have gained and lost weight countless times in the past but, this time I am older, bigger and less fit and think that public humiliation is, really, the only way I have any chance of maintaining my enthusiasm for the task in hand for anything longer than a week!
A bit of background....
I am average. I am 37. I am 5 ft 5. I am currently 11 st 11lbs. I am not horrifically obese, I'm not even fat enough to be welcomed as a friend at Slimming World. But I am overweight. So I'm stuck - not slim enough to be happy, not fat enough to be taken seriously as needing to diet. I carry my weight evenly so I don't look too bad in clothes. But I know I'm saggy where I used to be firm.
Three years ago I was 10st 4lbs. I played tennis around 5 hours per week, trained for and then ran a 10km charity run as well as having a heathy social life, healthy diet and healthy health! Oh yes, and I was supermum to my gorgeous son, superwife to my lovely Hubby and a successful financial adviser too. I then fell ill and was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which knocked me and my fitness for six. 3 years on and I am well again. I have changed my career and now work part time in schools. I am getting back into tennis and have been on a couple of 1km jogs. However, I am also a stone and a half heavier and can't seem to stop eating crap! Food is my hobby (I have discovered a love of cooking) and my downfall.
A month ago I was 11 stone 4lbs and knew I had a bit to lose. But during the run up to and over Christmas I have eaten everything and anything that has caught my eye. The snow has meant no tennis or running and the Wii Fit board has stayed firmly under the TV cabinet. I feel as though I have turned into a huge blob. Which gets me down. Which makes me want to eat. Which makes me fatter. Arrrgggh!
Ok. Enough with the history, let's talk about how I'm going to do this.......
Health freaks (now on known as HFs) talk about goals, targets and being realistic. So, I'm going to be realistic. This diet will not start until the New Year. There is a table full of chocolate, biscuits and snacks to be finished and we are going for a huge fry-up with friends on New Years Day. So, my diet will start on
MONDAY 3RD JANUARY
Goals then. My Lovely Hubby (now known as LH) and I have had this silly goal for 2 years that if I ever got to 10 st 7lbs I would get two goldfish as a prize. I've never really got close but I still like the idea of that goal so I'm sticking with it. By the way, the goldfish will be called Norf and Dank - don't ask why!
GOAL WEIGHT : 10 STONE 7 POUNDS
So when to get down to this weight by? This is where it gets tricky. Too soon and I'll fail and be upset. Too far away and I'll get bored and give up. So...how to calculate? The HFs reckon 2lbs per week is achievable and sensible. That would be 9 weeks then. Let's add a couple for good measure and say
TARGET WEIGHT DATE : SATURDAY 19TH MARCH 2011
So, there we go. I'm all set up with what I want to achieve and by when. How I'm going to do it I have no idea - that's what the next 4 days is all about. I know I don't want to do an insane diet where I'll end up a size zero but will feel like crap and smell worse. Looking like Gillian Mckeith is not my plan. I want to do this healthily and I don't want to be miserable so I've got some researching to do!
Feel free to join me on my journey to getting smaller! Whether you just want to read my blog through morbid curiosity, help me with any ideas you may have for diet and exersize or join me in trying to lost weight, I'd love to have you along. I will try to update my blog every day with how I'm doing and how I'm feeling and, hopefully, there will be less of me when I sign off in a few weeks time!
Speak soon
Lizzy xx
p.s. My LH has just called me Betty Blogger, which I think is quite cool!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Preparation for detox!!
30th December 2010
This is so weird. Now I've decided to do this, I've found myself actually getting excited about starting my diet on the 3rd Jan. Not excited enough to stop me and my LH from eating spaghetti bolognese for four and a huge bar of Aero between us last night!
Started looking on the web to find something to kick start the diet on the 3rd. Lots of weird detox drinks and mad diets by the HFs, but I did find one that looks quite good.
www.weightlossresources.co.uk Juliettes 7-day Detox Plan. Juliette claims that this plan is safer and more sensible than some of the extreme plans, so I'm going to have a go at it.
I have planned all my meals, snacks and drinks for 7 days from Monday. Main no-no's are meat (fish is fine) dairy products (apart from natural yoghurt) and anything that contains wheat. No alcohol, tea or coffee and no chocolate and sweets. Eeeeek!
Pics coming soon of the "before" Lizzy. (Not looking forward to having those taken - oh what shall I wear!)
Speak soon
Betty xx
Preparation for Get Fit!
31st December 2010
Jack (my 6 year old) and me went to HMV today to look at fitness DVDs. I had no idea there were so many to choose from or the variation in price! From £60 for some yoga master DVD down to £6 for a dodgy looking Latin American dance routine. Most of the celeb ones were around £20 - all with a frumpy before and heavily airbrushed after picture and all with claims of losing twenty stone and thirty inches of fat in three and a half hours!
Jack and I settled on "The Hotpants Workout" by Dan Karaty. I am, apparently, going to dance away a stone from my BLT (that's bum, legs and tum to you and me. BLT is a sandwich as far as I'm concerned) in one month. Hmmmm, we'll see. I'll give Dan a chance to impress me, he looks a nice enough man on the back of the DVD, I'm sure we are going to be great friends.
My life seems now to have become a challange to see how much I can eat before the 3rd. Robin and I took Jack out for a huge Italian meal last night and I have sorted a three course meal for tonight. (Robin and myself aren't ones for going out on New Year - we have a nice meal and watch Joolze Holland). The Big Fry Up is tomorrow morning round a friends house and I'm getting through the shortbread and Quality Street very well. I reckon I'll be 12 stone by Monday!!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Preparation - complete embarrassment
1st January 2011 (Happy New Year!!)
Oh My God. I've heard that it there is a defining moment that tells you when you really need to diet. Well this is it. I have just done my "before" pics and am so disgusted by them I almost didn't post them on here. But public humiliation is what I've decided to go for and, if I'm going to do this properly and publicly then "Those Pics" need to be on here. I have chosen the shorts that I did my 10k run in 3 years ago. I don't even fit into the top I wore any more. I will wear the same thing again on the 19th March and, hopefuly, won't be so ashamed of myself. Think I'm going to keep a copy of "Those Pics" in my purse so I can remind myself why I'm doing this when I grab a chocolate bar in the supermarket or find myself veering towards Ben's Cookies while in town!
Really looking forward to starting this thing now. I am so determined to get fit and slim again. On the other hand, my New Years fry up was bloody lovely and I am really going to miss bad food over the next few weeks!
Glad that Bobredelephant is joining me on a health drive....anyone else??
Speak soon
Betty xx
Preparation - last day of freedom!
Detoxing isn't cheap is it! Just been to Tesco to do the weekly shopping. It was so strange to spend the majority of my time in the fruit and veg section and there were whole aisles that I didn't have to go down as I'm not allowed to eat anything in them for a week! Got some lovely stuff though - plans for prawn and avocado salads, stir fry, tuna steak with rice noodles, quorn shepherds pie and all sorts. I don't want to starve myself, just eat really good food that is on the OK list on the detox. Got some mango and melon too to make fruit a bit more exiting than the apples and satsumas that I normally buy! Shopping ended up about £30 more expensive for the week than normal but, I figure, if this saves me having to buy a new size 14 wardrobe then it'll be worth the expense for this week!
Finishing off food like mad today - eaten the rest of the christmas cheeses, shortbread, mince pies and we have a pizza fest tonight. Mmmmm.
The official weigh in and measurements will be tomorrow morning.....wish me luck!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 1 - The weigh-in
So, here we go. I've been building up to this for a week and now it's here!
The vital statistics are below, measured about 10 minutes ago. This did have it's challanges...where do you measure your waist? I googled and, apparently for weight loss, I should measure both the slimmist bit (my official "waist") and the fattest bit (my big fat lardy "tummy") so I did. Hip measurement should be across the bum and leg measurement should be on the fattest bit of my thigh (which seems to be as big as a celebrity's waist) Boobs speak for themselves but, let's just say, I think I'm wearing the wrong bra size at the moment following this measurement!!
So
Weight - 11 st 12 lbs
Boobs - 38"
Waist - 31.5"
Tummy - 38" (ouch)
Hips - 41" (this is getting worse!)
Leg - 25" (yes, that is one leg. Used to be muscle I'll have you know!!)
Enjoyed my breakie of 3 dessert spoons of natural yoghurt, a sprinkle of muesli and lashings of runny hunny along with a pint of water and a glass of orange juice. Feel thinner already!!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 2 - feeling angelic and virtuous
Had a sneaky stand on the scales this morning and an 11 st 9lbs. That's 3 pounds lost in one day!! I'm sure that isn't a true weight and it will go back up tomorrow. Question....how often should I weigh myself? I think I'll do an official weigh-in each week but have a sneaky stand every couple of days!
Lunch yesterday was yummy. half an advocado with a load of king prawns on top, chopped up toms, cucumber, celery and salad leaves and a load of lemon juice and black pepper.
Dinner - stir fry veg with extra virgin oil, fresh garlic and fresh ginger served with brown rice.
Snacks - a few cashew nuts and currants, a bowl of natural yoghurt with honey mixed in.
Robin joined me having the same lunch and dinner as me. But had 4 cups of coffee with milk and a pickled egg too! Oh Well, the Robin detox sounds much more fun than mine!!
Note to self : Look at the ingredients in an Innocent smoothie before drinking. I'm allergic to apples and assumed that there are strawberries and bananas in a strawberry and banana smoothie. Wrong! 2 1/2 pressed apples too! I ended up lying on the sofa with a nasty headache last night from the apples. Saying that, could have been chocolate withdrawal!
We all had a strapping 2 mile walk around Ryton Lakes yesterday, might have a look at my fitness DVD today. Robin is back at work so he won't be here to laugh hysterically while I try to keep up with Dan without swearing!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 3 - feeling, well, hungry actually
Realised last night what that weird feeling in my tummy is......hunger. I also realised that, for the last year, I haven't stopped eating for long enough to feel hungry - not even once. That is embarrasing actually, I needed this detox more than I knew!
Me and Dan (my new personal trainer/dance instructer) had our first date yesterday. He is friendly and professional and very encouraging. But he does have high expectations and, strangely, wouldn't listen when I told him to stop and wait for me to catch up! I can see myself having a problem with the perfect barbie dolls that dance behind him, but I suppose I'll have to share him for now. Still, it obviously did some good as my bum certainly aches this morning! I'll have another go tomorrow and let you know how my relationship with Dan goes.
Food yesterday....Brekkie - same as day 1
Lunch - homemade tsatsiki (not impressive at all, took 2 minutes) with oatcakes and crudites
Dinner - Quorn roast with roasted veg in balsamic vinegar
Snacks - cashew nuts, currants, fruit.
Still feeling fairly upbeat, although had a real craving for toast with loads of butter and jam last night. Had a pint of water instead. Rock. And. Roll.
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 4 - Feeling like I didn't think it through!
Oh dear. I've just realised that my ladyweek starts anytime now. This wouldn't be a problem but for the fact that my ladyweek usually consists of getting through around 3 grab-bags of Maltesers, several Ripple bars and at least 2 take-aways. Eeeek, this is going to be a real challenge for me. And for Robin. Poor Robin.
Food yesterday....
Brekkie - same as usual but with a banana chopped up in it too.
Lunch - Left over Quorn and Brown rice with peas, heated up in the microwave. (very dull)
Dinner - Best one yet! Seared tuna steak with rice noodles and a yummy mixture of chopped leek, courgette, mushroom and red pepper with a tin of tomatoes, loads of black pepper and a handful of king prawns. This is one that I'll have when the diet's finished - delicious!
Snacks - popcorn (yes I'm allowed plain popcorn - yay!), mango, pineapple and raspberries.
One of the lovely comments I have received talked about me eating slowly. Now, anyone who knows me will understand that this could be a problem. No-one can believe how quickly I can clear a plate and still chat at the same time. Robin is convinced that I don't chew at all, just swallow everything whole and then break it down once it's in. I will make a concerted effort to take more time over my food from now on (thanks Vanessa!!)
Having another session with Dan today. Although may wait until the plumber has gone - not sure what his reaction would be to me dancing around the living room, begging the man on the telly to slow down!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 5 - feeling good!
Morning folks!
I think I'm through the worst of my detox week now, I don't feel too bad at all (although ladyweek hasn't hit me yet!). I am actually really proud of myself that I haven't had anything that I'm not allowed. An example.....I made Jack a sandwich and got a bit of butter on my finger. I stood looking at this little blob of yellow buttery bliss, thinking "I would normally just lick that off without a thought" but instead I ran my finger under the tap and watched the butter swirl down the plug-hole. God I'm a good girl!
Food yesterday
Brekkie - same old, same old.
Lunch - smoked salmon on oatcakes with a bean salad (yummy)
Dinner - baked cod with black pepper and lemon juice squeezed on top, potatoes sauteed in the tiniest bit of extra virgin olive oil, peas and leeks.
Snacks - pot of fresh fruit salad, cashews and a peach.
Dug my 8 year old MBT trainers out of the back of my wardrobe. For those that don't know what MBTs are - they are the same idea as the Sketchers fitness trainers that are being advertised on telly at the moment. For those that haven't seen the Sketchers advert - they are a pair of trainers with a massive sole that goes up at the back so, essentially, you rock from heel to toe with every step while looking very silly! They claim to firm up the bum and thighs as you walk so I'm using them for walking Jack to school and back each day. Every little helps as they say.
Dan and I are getting on fine. Had a really good session with him once the plumber had gone, I'm getting the hang of the steps now. Although I am pretty sure one of the barbie dolls is laughing at me, she's got a definite smirk when she looks at me through the screen. Might have to talk to Dan about her.....
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 6 - Feeling like I'm moving the goalposts
Oooooh I'm so exited!! Robin has been feeling guilty about going on his tennis holiday to Greece in May and said that I should book a break for myself. So I am off on a luxury detox spa break to Jersey for 3 days in March! Flying from Brum, being picked up from the airport in Jersey in a luxury car, all inclusive stay in the 5 star Grand Jersey Hotel for 2 nights and lots of treatments while I'm there. Fantastic! Only thing is that it is on the 12th March and I want to enjoy the food while I'm there. So, my target weight date is shifted now to Saturday 12th March. Oh well, nothing like a challenge is there!
Food yesterday
Brekkie - yawn!
Lunch - smoked salmon salad
Dinner - Sweet potato and bean casserole with fresh chillis (very nice & filling too)
Snacks - cherries, a banana, cashews.
Went to tennis last night. Really enjoyed it and actually felt as though I was a bit lighter on my feet around the court. Played 3 sets and had loads of fun. Unfortunately, there is a pub about 100 yards away from the courts and I kept getting the smell of steak and chips wafting on to the court - not fair!!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 7 - Feeling like ladyweek has hit me hard!
Bad day yesterday. I didn't crack - even when I was making Jack's pudding of banana, ice-cream and chocolate and toffee sauce (not an everyday pudding for Jack, just a Saturday treat!) But it was so hard. All I wanted to do was go down to the local shop and buy every bar of chocolate they had, then go to the chip shop and buy sixteen portions of chips, then come home and snuggle under a duvet and eat the lot. But I didn't. I was grumpy to Robin, snappy with Jack and, generally, rubbish all day but I kept to the detox. Yay me!
Last day of detox today which leads me to think what to eat next week. I will introduce some meat and dairy back into my eating plan but, actually, don't want to differ too much from the types of food I've been eating this week. The HFs reckon you should have red meat once per week because of the goodness it contains then split your other meals between fish, white meat and vegetarian. OK HF's I'll do that then!
Food yesterday
Brekkie - need you ask?
Lunch - half avocado, king prawns with lemon juice & black pepper and salad. mmmmmmm.
Dinner - Quorn shepherds pie and green beans. (A real let-down actually. We were so looking forward to eating something substantial and yummy, but the Quorn didn't cut it as beef mince and I'm not allowed to use the worcester sauce, beef stock, red wine or dried herbs I would normally put in. Also, the potato on top couldn't be mashed with milk and butter as usual and was spread so thinly you could see the mince underneath. Don't recommend this one, needless to say!)
Snacks - cashews, cherries, blueberries
Hoping for a better day today and HUGE weight loss at the official weigh-in/measure-up tomorrow morning!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 8 - The BIG Weigh-in/Measure-up!
Got called in to a school today (I am a supply Teaching Assistant) so couldn't do my normal morning update - have to move to evenings now I'm back to work!
Well.....here are the results for my first week. I was so nervous when I stood on the scales this morning. I gave myself a pep-talk before I got on and told myself not to get too depressed if I haven't lost much, it is an 11 week process yadda yadda. But I needn't have worried as the scales very kindly read 11 st 5 lbs!!
That is 7 pounds off in 7 days. I'm so proud of myself!!! Here are the stats....
Weight -- 11st 5lb (- 7lbs)
Boobs -- 37" (-1 inch)
Waist -- 31" (- 1/2 inch)
Tummy -- 37" (- 1 inch)
Hips -- 41" (no move)
Legs -- 25" (no move)
I'm really pleased with those results, need to move on to major Dan time/exercise to get the inches off the bottom half methinks!
Food yesterday
Brekkie - yes yes
Lunch - homemade vegetable soup (anything I had left in the fridge went in to veg stock, with some lentils and beans to bulk it out. I real winner with Jack too!)
Dinner - Jacket potato with tuna and sweetcorn (no mayo - boo!)
Snacks - fruit and cashews
Looking forward to eating meat again tonight, I'm starving after a full days work and dieting at the same time!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 9 - Feeling full!
So, my detox is over and I firmly expected to be diving into the cups of tea, chocolate, pasta and take-aways in rebellion over my previous week. But, actually, I've not wanted anything. We do have chocolate and biscuits in the house for Jack, but I wasn't even tempted to have one. I'm not sure if it is because I am so determined to hit my 10st 7lb goal on my weight-date or if I have just lost the taste for bad things (some hope on that last one!)
A conversation with a good friend the other day has lead to me thinking about portion sizes. (that would be food portions for all those dirty minded individuals out there). Pre-diet I would be making a lasagne for myself, Robin and Jack. I would use 500g minced beef and fill a 30cm x 20cm very deep casserole dish with stacks of bolognaise, lasagne sheets and white sauce, lashings of grated cheese and breadcrumbs on top. The three of us would then proceed to eat the lot in one sitting (and Jack doesn't eat much.) Little did I realise that my friend uses a similar sized dish to feed 12. Whoops! The HFs reckon that 100g of meat each is the right amount, so I basically need to half my portion sizes. Whoops again!
Food yesterday
Brekkie - yes
Lunch - cashews, brazils, currants, a banana and a plum (As I was called into work last-minute I didn't get a chance to make a lunch so I just grabbed and ran. Please note : this is not enough for a lunch; by 3pm I was practically passing out on top of the kids!)
Dinner - grilled pork medallions, cous cous, peas and leeks. Natural yoghurt with strawberries and cherries for pud.
Snacks - none.
I'm really missing Dan while I'm at work all day (and absolutely flat refuse to allow Robin to watch and laugh at my pathetic attempt to dance in the evenings) so no exercise for me for three days. Not working Thursday so will see Dan then and may even try a little jogette...we'll see.
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 10 - Feeling like I can't escape!
One problem with dieting is that the dieter ends up thinking about it constantly. Not just at eating times but all during the day too - I'm hungry....Will this put on an extra pound.....Will this take off an extra pound.....She's skinnier than me, the cow.....She's fatter than me, ha ha ha (come on, we've all thought it!).....should I do exercise tonight.....why have I still got muffin tops when I have been starving myself for 10 days...etc etc. In fact, the only time I don't really think about my diet is when I am in the midst of eating a meal and I am just enjoying the bliss that is eating. So, imagine my joy when the whole conversation in the Staff Room this lunch time was about dieting, exercise and Britains fattest man!!! There was talk about Weight Watchers and the points system (not something I could do I'm afraid, I don't want to live my life by numbers) the Herbalife diet (which my lovely Sister and Brother-in-law are doing. I couldn't have a drink and feel as though I had eaten a meal so not for me, ta) and Slimming World. (This one seems to come out top for everyone that has been on it - I've had feedback from my readers that they have lost a fair bit of weight using this system).
There are so many ways to try to lost weight, it's not suprising that people get confused and eat chocolate!
Had my red meat for the week last night. Made a chilli (using only 250g of meat for the three of us, thank you HFs) I could even use one of my smaller saucepans rather than the usual fight to get my biggest saucepan out of the cupboard! Served with a small portion of brown rice rather than the 4 pitta breads each that we usually have. I am slowly starting to see why I put on weight in the first place..........
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 11 - Feeling great!
Couldn't spend any time with Dan today as the window fitters still haven't finished in the house (and if I'm not letting my Husband see me dance, then I'm buggered if I'm letting window fitters watch!) so I went for a brisk 2 mile walk in my MBTs. Boy, do they work the backs of my legs, I feel as though I've been in the gym for hours! Very nicely, I saw two people that are readers of my blog so they can vouch that I was actually doing what I am telling you I was! On that note, I should tell you that I am being completely and utterly honest throughout this blog, there is no point doing it otherwise. Which is why I should tell you that I allowed myself a Hotel Chocolat pink champagne truffle this evening. Now, I would normally get through the box without a second thought, but not today. Today I looked at the little chocolate ball of heaven for a while, turning it over and over in my fingers. Then I smelled it (Yes, I actually did! I've never taken the time to smell food in my life!) and took in it's heavenly aroma. Then I slowly popped it in my mouth and savoured the taste for at least a minute in my mouth. Not bad for someone who can get through a grab-bag of Maltesers in 4 and a half minutes!
Tuna steak for tea today, with rice noodles and ratatouille. Really nice meal from Detox Week that we were all happy to have again. I have introduced a flat-bread tortilla with my salads at lunch time, which are filling me up a bit more for the afternoon. Not feeling the need for snacks during the day at all now.
I'm not sure, but I think I may look a bit slimmer. Haven't dared stand on the scales or get the tape measure out since Monday, but I think I might look like I've lost a bit of flab around my upper torso and, weirdly, my face. Probably seeing things that aren't there.....or rather not seeing things that are there! Oh well, we'll find out on Monday....
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 12 - Feeling full again
I don't know what's wrong with me! I had my usual breakfast and went into school. At break-time the usual Friday treats were in the staff room that I would normally tuck into but, today, I didn't actually fancy anything. At lunchtime I made myself some Tesco light choices soup and had a very small piece of cheese. At the end I was so full I didn't even want a piece of fruit afterwards. They do say that your stomach stops needing so much food once it gets used to being fed less. Well I think that must be right - tea tonight was a potato, squash and spinach bake (Tesco Grocery recipe) and didn't even finish my portion. This is weird.
The blimmin window fitters were still around the house this afternoon so no dancin' with Dan again I'm afraid. I really hope that absence makes the heart grow fonder and that I haven't forgotten all the moves. I am going out to play tennis tonight so at least I'll have some exercise, with or without Dan!
By the way, it's a good job we have sticky, self adhesive stamps these days. I found out today that just licking one stamp is 1/10 of a calorie!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 13 - Feeling alone!
Had a great night at tennis and felt far more comfortable in my tracksuit bottoms than I have done in quite a while - my butt is definitely getting smaller!! Came home to find Robin munching on a big bag of pretzels and drinking a bottle of beer. I thought to myself 'oh well, he's done really well up till now, he's just having a Friday night treat, he's still with me on this diet'. However he also had a bottle of beer at lunch time today, with more pretzels and had two big bowls of Spanish Chicken tonight. Just me on the diet now then!
Off to a quiz-night tonight at the tennis club. (I know, it's a wild rock n roll life we lead) where there will be snacks and drink and the like. I am going to drive so I can't drink so that problem is solved, but the snacks are going to be hard to keep away from. I'll let you know how I get on both in the quiz and with my will power!
I've got a new follower! Welcome to Jack from Seattle. Yes people, I've gone global! He has blogged a really interesting 10 ways to lose weight on his page, which isn't rocket science and seems to really make sense. Here's the address if you're interested....www.hubpages.com/hub/10-steps-to-a-thinner-healthier-newer-you.
The big weigh-in/measure-up is fast approaching. I'm really hoping for 2lbs off this week, and I'd love for my inches to have gone down a bit. I can't believe that some people go through this publicly at slimming clubs - I feel sick with nerves standing on the scales in my own bathroom with no-one watching!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 14 - Feeling tired
Good grief. I know it takes a quiz master a lot of time to collate the questions for a quiz. And I really apreciate the time spent and the work that went into it. BUT THAT QUIZ WAS HORRIBLE!! We came 6th out of 9 teams and really didn't enjoy any of the rounds. Particularly 'Rivers of the World' and 'Famous Battles' where we scored a respectable 1/2 out of 10!
My willpower, however, was fabulous if I do say so myself. At the break, out came the sausage rolls, pork pies, Pringles and Kettle Chips. Did I waver? No I didn't! I had one cherry tomato and that was my lot. I also only drank water all night. God I'm sickly good aren't I!
Saw Dan this morning while Robin was having a lie-in. We are getting on like a house on fire now, I know all his dance moves and have even started finishing his sentences for him when he talks to me! Played tennis after lunch but was really lacking in energy so only had one set. Which I lost. Not a good tennis day!
I have a job interview tomorrow for something permanent in a local school. Wish me luck!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 15 - The BIG weigh-in/measure-up!
Well, here we are again, I can't believe that I'm two weeks into this diet already! It is that time again to get the scales out and the tape measure to hand. I wasn't as nervous this week as I only wanted to lose 2lbs and, with the food and exercise I've been doing I was quietly confident that I would do that. So here we go......
Weight -- 11st 3lb (-2lbs)
Boobs -- 36" (-1 inch)
Waist -- 30.5" (-0.5 inch)
Tummy -- 36" (-1 inch)
Hips -- 40" (-1 inch)
Leg -- 25" ( no move)
OK, so I'm really happy with the weight loss. I want to lose my pounds slowly and steadily now so they stay off long term. The HFs also say that, as you start to exercise more, your weight loss will slow down as heavier muscle builds up.
I'm also happy with the loss from my waist, tummy and hips. But let's talk about the other two shall we? Boobs. I have really enjoyed having a heaving bosom and am devastated to see it shrinking before my eyes. Legs. My legs haven't budged an inch since I started this blimmin diet and that is the area of my body that I am most unhappy with and that I want to see shrinking before my eyes. To make things worse, I read an interview with Carol Vordeman a few days back where she stated that her waist got down to 24.5" at her slimmest. THAT WAS HER WAIST!!! This then lead me to look at other celebs and their waist sizes and I have a new, fabulous measuring system for my thighs....
When my leg size gets down to 24.5 " I will become Carol Vordeman
24" Cindy Crawford
23.5" Kate Moss
23" Jennifer Aniston
22.5" Raquel Welch (in 1966)
22" Teri Hatcher
I'll keep you informed!
Job interview went well today, I'll hopefully find out tomorrow if I get the post. Also started cleaning the Tennis Club today (for a bit of pocket money and to help them out). Blimey! Three hours of hard graft, non-stop, cleaning tiles and cupboards and sweeping and mopping the whole clubhouse. I could feel my tummy muscles crying out for me to stop! So no need for Dan today, I'm all exercised out!
Had a yummy lunch today. Made a Quesidilla out of a wrap that had gone a bit stale, grated cheese and loads of spinach. Really good and filled me up till tea time, where we had a small portion of spag bol. (Our red meat for the week, with wholewheat spaghetti)
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 16 - Feeling a little disappointed
I didn't get the job. It was to work one-one with a child with Autism. The feedback from the interview was fantastic but they told me I was up against a lady with 10 years experience in Autism, so she got the post. Oh well, never mind, onwards and upwards! I'll keep with the supply work (which I'm loving) and my wonderful new cleaning job (which I'm, um, no comment!). Robin worked out last night that I swept and mopped about 500 square feet of floor yesterday as well as cleaning 5 urinals, 10 showers, 4 cubicles and a kitchen. Phew, that'll be why my legs and back ache today!
Lunch today was a Tesco Light Choices 3 bean soup. I really recommend it. It was so tasty and kept me full till about half an hour ago when I had a banana and an orange. I have a challenge on my hands tonight, though. I am meeting my bestest buddies at 8pm to have our monthly chinwag and meal. I normally tuck in to an enormous main course and then a huge dessert (always with extra custard) and then I will finish my friends' desserts too. What will my will-power be like tonight? This seems way more of a challenge than the sausage rolls and crisps of Saturday night. What will be on the menu that I can eat without guilt? Will eating after 7pm put all the pounds back on again that I have lost so far? Can I stay away from custard? Or should I just let myself go for the first time in 16 days and enjoy whatever I fancy? I'll let you know tomorrow what I decided on.
I got a voucher for Jane Norman at Christmas. I was so disgusted with myself after that I put the voucher away and forgot about it. I think I might set myself a mini goal that, when I get down to below 11 stones, I can spend my voucher. It'll be something to look forward to on my way to my weight-date. I wonder if that'll help me with the menu tonight!
Thanks for the support, everyone, I definitely would have cracked by now if it wasn't for you reading every day and writing your lovely comments. I feel as though I have got a long way to go but I'm going in the right direction. Love you all!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 17 - Feeling poorly!
Groan.
I have been suffering from a rather explosive upset tummy today. I managed to get through the day at work, with several emergency runs to the toilets, and then collapsed into bed at 4pm. Have just woken up now with that 'Am I still poorly or am I hungry?' feeling. I have just eaten a small portion of beans on dry toast. Oh well, It will kill or cure! I don't know if you're like me, I always get really tearful if I feel poorly in my stomach. It's pathetic really, I've only got a tummy ache but I feel very fragile and need lots of hugs, hair stroking and there-there-there's. Coughs and colds I can live with and just get on with it but, as soon as there is any hint of sickness I turn into a sobbing mess! Origin of upset tummy is either a) something I ate in the restaurant last night (unlikely, see below) b) a bug I've picked up at school (more likely) or c) something I picked up cleaning the tennis club (not a nice thought).
I had a fantastic time last night with the girls. I feel very sorry for everyone else in the restaurant, listening to us screeching with laughter all night, but it was wonderful and I wish my friends lived closer so we could meet up more often. I was soooo well behaved! I had Quorn Chilli Sin Carne with some rice and then a fresh fruit salad for dessert that the chef made up especially for me because everything on the menu was seriously banned! I watched the girls tuck into sticky toffee pud and cheesecake but didn't drool once! It is so unfair that even though I was saintly last night I still feel crappy today!
I've got a day off tomorrow, time for manic preparation for Jack's 6th Birthday party on Saturday. It's a pirate party for 10 that I am doing at home (must be mad!)
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 18 - Feeling a bit Fragile
So glad I had a day off today. Cleaned the house from top to bottom now the builders and window fitters have finally finished then collapsed on the sofa to rest up and watch America's Next Top Model.
Yes. My name is Lizzy and I watch ANTM. I'm completely hooked. I love Tyra Banks, I love the Mr and Miss J's and I lurve Nigel Barker! There is something mind numbingly fabulous about watching a show full of beautiful girls posing for the camera. Modelling is something that every girl dreams of at some point in her life - I would have loved to have done it if I was taller/slimmer/prettier/quirkier looking. But, instead, I'll make do with getting seriously obsessed with who is going to go home crying little model teardrops each week!
Managed to keep a light lunch inside today so that is a vast improvement on yesterday, but haven't done a lot of Pirate Party prep yet. On to making a treasure map next then! Going to try a Thai green curry tonight. Never cooked one before so could be a tin of Ravioli if it doesn't work out!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 19 - Feeling guilty
Whooops! Seem to have slipped up a bit but, before you judge, let me set the scene.....
I am making Jack's birthday cake. I have made up the cake mixture and poured it into the tin and put the tin in the oven to bake. I have a bowl which is begging, begging to be scraped out and eaten and two attachments from my electrix hand mixer that are begging, begging to be licked. Do I do it? No I don't, I am very good and simply wash them up.
The next 45 minutes are spent smelling the cakey goodness coming from the oven while I eat my saintly lunch of a plain tortilla wrap and some salad.
Then comes the whoops. The cake has cooled, I have to cut it in half and put one piece on top of the other. I then have to trim the edges of the cake to make it into the shape of a treasure chest. I do that and then look at the thin strips of victoria sponge on the chopping board. They are begging, begging to be eaten. Do I eat them? Yes I do. All of them.
Bum. Bum. Bum! I feel so guilty! If I haven't the willpower to keep away from a bit of birthday cake today, how am I going to stop myself tomorrow during the party when there will be pizza and chocolate fingers and party rings and sweets???? Help!!!
Getting back to the food I am supposed to be eating, the Thai green curry last night was really tasty and very filling. Definitely one to try again. Trying smoked cod tonight, with saute potatoes and peas. Really not sure about smoked cod but I am trying to have a varied diet so I don't get bored with dieting. I'll let you know!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 20 - Feeling proud of myself....kind of.
Well I didn't completely embarrass myself by gorging all of Jacks' party food!
The party went really well, although I truly apologise to the neighbours - next door (both sides) and down the road........and the next road - for the noise that 10 six year olds made for 2 hours in my house. Good grief, they were completely nuts! But they had a great time and we played loads of pirate party games and all the food was eaten. And not by me you'll be pleased to hear! I got through lunch by eating just the carrots, cucumber and pepper I had chopped up. Then after the party I allowed myself a little piece of birthday cake. I have to say, one of the highlights of the party was Robin dressed in a Johnny Depp getup. Certainly did it for me and I might just ask him to wear it again later!!!
Jack wanted Fajitas for his birthday tea so good old El Paso helped us out! I had two tortillas (I used to have four in the bad old days) so I really don't feel too bad about what I've eaten today. If I have a really healthy day tomorrow then I might just lose my 2lbs for this week. We'll see.
Oh oh oh! I'm going to start a new hub with the recipes of all the food I've been eating over the past three weeks. Now, I'm not claiming to be a chef or even a good cook. I am all for making life as easy as possible so my methods may not be text book. But I have had comments that some of you would like to know how I make some of the stuff I've been chatting about so, watch this space, when I get a minute I'll type up some of the nicer stuff that I've cooked. Needless to say the Quorn Shepherds Pie will NOT be in there!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 22 - The Big Weigh-in/Measure-up #4
Hello people, it's that time of the week again where the scales and the tape measure are brought out. As you read yesterday, I was really nervous about this morning. The news wasn't too bad....
Weight - 11st 2lbs (- 1lb)
Boobs - 35.5" (-.5 inch)
Waist - 29.5" (-1 inch)
Tummy - 36" (no move)
Hips - 40" (no move)
Leg - 24.5" (-.5 inch)
So there we go, only one pound lost this week but 3 inches off my vitals so not too bad. Most important of all, of course, is that my leg is now officially Carol Vordeman's waist size. YAY!!
Interesting fact about Ms Vordeman : She has written a diet book called 'Detox for Life' (which I haven't read, I'd rather read her book on how to finish Sudoku puzzles) and she was once gunged on Noels House Party. Cindy Crawford facts on their way when I get down another half an inch!
Spicy bean casserole for tea tonight, which was lovely but I'm now really craving chocolate. I actually dreamed about driving a hovercraft in a sea of chocolate last night. I've got it bad haven't I?!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 23 - Feeling like a new start
I've been feeling pretty negative for a while, and looking back over my capsule subtitles, I haven't had a positive one for ages so I've decided to kick myself up the butt and remember why I'm doing this in the first place.
1) I was eating a stupid amount of food all day, every day which was not healthy for me. I was stretching my clothes to the limit and not exercising so knew I had to do something. I was really exited to start the detox and am enjoying the food I'm eating, feeling healthier and actually losing weight each week so I'm doing well.
2) It sounds silly, but I really want my two goldfish, Norf and Dank, for getting to my target weight! I also have the added incentive now of jetting off to Jersey and want to feel good in my swimming costume and feel good about spending some pennies on clothes in St Helier.
So I have confirmed to myself that I am doing ok, I am losing pounds and inches, so I have absolutely no reason to feel down! I have also decided that I'm going to start really exercising now to get the next load of pounds off.
I went for a run yesterday evening (walked 5 mins, jogged for 10 mins, walked for 5 mins) It isn't much but I plan to do this every other day as well as my tennis at the weekend and cleaning the tennis club for 3 hours tomorrow. I am also starting to do hip, leg and bum exercises each evening before bedtime (only for 5 minutes, but if I do it every day it's got to be good). Dan and I are taking a break. I'm not really finding the time for him at the moment. I hope he isn't too upset!
I also realised today that I have lost 10 pounds in total. That means that I only have 9 pounds left to lose. I'm over half way there!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 24 - Feeling good again!
Amazing what a good kick up the butt can do. I had a right good go at myself yesterday and now feel ready to take on the world again!
I did a 1 mile run after taking Jack to school this morning, then did my 3 hours cleaning the tennis club this afternoon. I have decided to start calling my cleaning job "going to the gym" This is largely due to me exercising my arms while cleaning the tiles in the showers, my legs while crouching down and up again while cleaning all the loos, my torso while stretching to clean the cobwebs from all the corners and my legs, bum and tummy while sweeping and mopping the floors. And I don't have to look at a load of perfect gym bunnies while I'm doing it either!
Feel really well fed this evening. Had a jacket potato for tea with egg mayonnaise on top. Well, I say egg mayonnaise - it was more like egg, with a tiny dash of mayonnaise just to hold it together. Normally you have to hunt to find the egg in all the mayo I put in but not now!! Just to let you know, more often than not Robin and I eat with Jack at between 5.00 and 5.30pm. This seems to be helping with the weight loss as it means I don't eat anything after 6pm so don't have food sitting on my stomach at night. Although, saying that, some of the HFs reckon it is a diet myth and that it doesn't actually matter what time you eat dinner. I simply feel better not being completely full when I go to bed so it works for me!
Day of rest tomorrow - no work, no housework, no exercises. Just an episode of Americas Next Top Model and some recipe updating on my 2nd hub, which is now published. Yay!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 25 - Feeling on top of the world!
I just have to tell you.....I've just got back from Aladdins Cave (a fab fancy dress shop) where I've been trying on outfits for an event coming up. It is a 60s party next Saturday at the tennis club (tickets on sale now - £5 each!). Robin (being Robin) doesn't want to go in your average 60's getup (this is the man that dressed as a kamikaze pilot, complete with cardboard wings and a propeller, at a 40's party a couple of years ago!). So we have decided that we are going as Scoobydoo and Daphne! Scoobydoo came out in 1969 so we just about sneak in to the 60's! When I looked at the Daphne outfit today I thought that I wouldn't be able to get one of my Carol Vordeman's waist sized legs into it, let alone for it to look ok. But, in fact, it looked pretty good! My tummy is way flatter than it was and my bum didn't look too hideous. the dress is dead short with long boots - fantastic, I would never have had the guts to wear that 3 weeks ago!
Got a meeting in the morning to start working at a local school 20 hours a week until the end of the summer term with an autistic child. It'll be great to have regular hours so I can get to know the class and the child I'm working with and to plan my life, knowing when I'm going to have free time!
I had smoked salmon and tomato on oatcakes for lunch and I'm cooking a balsamic steak stir-fry tonight. Yum!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 26 - Oops!
I ate chocolate. I'm sorry, but I had to!
I had just finished lunch - a cheese and spinach quesidilla (I'm hooked on them!) - and afterwards I had a real craving, and I mean a real craving, for chocolate. So I raided Jack's treats box and found two mini dairy milk bars from those treat size bags you can get. I ate them both! I thought I would hate myself and be beating myself up for hours, but I don't and I didn't. Here's the reason why......
I am beginning to believe strongly that your body actually tells you what it needs. I think there is a difference between fancying a bit of chocolate and needing a quick energy spurt. The same with other food types as well. Sometimes the body needs carbs and will actually crave a stodgy meal like pasta or jacket potato. The trick is whether you can read your body and know the difference between want and need so you can either ignore it or go with it. If your body is low in a certain vitamin - C, for example - then you might suddenly feel an urge for an orange juice or piece of fruit. If it needs a quick sugar fix, then you can let yourself have the food it needs, be it chocolate or something else sugary. Pregnancy is the best example of this. Women have cravings while pregnant - pineapple, ice cream, coal. This is the body talking to the mother, telling her that it needs certain things to help keep her and the baby healthy. We lose that again when not pregnant any more but the body is probably still trying to tell us, we just don't listen. The danger, of course, is when it is you that fancies chocolate rather than the body needing it. I think I'm beginning to feel the difference. Maybe I'm talking crap and just making excuses for eating chocolate today, who knows? All I know is that today, for the first time since starting this diet, some nuts or a banana just wouldn't cut it!
Got a league match tomorrow - the first one for 3 years! I'm not sure how I'll do playing 4 sets but I'm really looking forward to it. I'll let you know how we got on.
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 27 - Feeling poorly sick (again)
I woke up at 5am this morning with a tummy ache (that's what I get for eating chocolate I reckon! Or maybe I hadn't quite got rid of last weeks bug). I spent the next 3 hours running backwards and forwards to the loo inbetween writhing around on my bed with cramps. Robin took Jack downstairs when he woke up, leaving me to sleep, so I surfaced at 9.30am feeling pretty rough and not really fancying a four set tennis match in the afternoon. However, there were no other ladies available to take my place so I took a trip to the pharmacy to see what miracle cures they had for me. Crikey, Immodium Plus is good stuff isn't it! Thanks to several pills twp bottles of water and a whole packet of glucose tablets, I managed to get through the match without keeling over or running to the toilets and we came away with a draw. When I got home my wonderful hubby had run me a bath and made me some pasta for tea (bless him) and put Jack to bed. So all I've done this evening is lie under a fleece blanket watching Sabrina (I'm a sucker for Audrey Hepburn!)
I'm hoping that there is a minor benefit of feeling this rough in that I might have lost another pound this week, even with my chocolate moment. It'll be interesting on Monday to see. Oh well, off to bed now - hoping for a better nights sleep tonight!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 28 - Feeling weak and feeble
Had a duvet day today, feeling very sorry for myself. I can't believe I start my new job tomorrow and feel this pants! Still, I haven't squirted since yesterday (too much information?) I just have some pretty nasty cramps in my tummy now. Made a fake roast dinner for lunch - Quorn instead of meat and chunky pieces of roasted swede instead of roast potatoes - but I didn't eat much of it at all. This evening I cooked a ready-made pizza for tea for Jack and me. I had three bits but am now practically doubled over with pain. Bugger.
I have to say, Andy Murray certainly didn't cheer me up at all. I don't mind him losing to Novak - Djokovic is probably the best player in the world at the moment - but it would have been nice for Murray to at least come on court with a decent attitude. He looked defeated almost immediately and really needs to sort his swearing out. I have been told that when you can lip read him shouting what you think is the word "f*#k", he is actually telling himself to "focus". Well, from what I saw today, he shouted "What the focus was that??" to himself when he made a particularly bad shot. Hmmmm. Don't think so!
Weigh-in/measure-up tomorrow. I'm not sure how it'll turn out. While I've not eaten much over the past couple of days, what I have eaten has been dry toast, pasta and now pizza. So I don't think I'll have lost what I feel that I should have! We'll find out in the next exiting installment!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 29 - The BIG Weigh-in/Measure-up # 5
I'm feeling loads better today - went to my new job, which was fantastic! The teacher is fab and the boy I'm working with is great fun. Only problem is that I'm struggling with year 6 work! I haven't heard the words connective or personification for years and don't get me started on numeracy! I'm going to have to do some cramming if I'm going to be good at this TA lark!
I only work at the school in the mornings on Mondays so I whizzed back home at 12pm for a quick bite to eat then went and did 2 hours "in the gym". (for those that don't remember, this is my term for cleaning the tennis club!)
But anyway, on to the big news........
Weight - 10 st 13 lbs (- 3 lbs) Wow! It's almost worth having had that tummy bug!
Boobs - 36 " (+ 0.5 inch) but I don't mind that at all!
Waist - 29" (- 0.5 inches)
Tummy - 35" (- 1 inch)
Hips - 39.5 (- 0.5 inches)
Legs - 24" (-0.5 inches)
These measurements mean several things.......1) I am allowed to spend my Jane Norman voucher for getting under 11 stones! 2) I am immensly proud of myself 3) My leg is now the size of Cindy Crawfords' waist. Boo sucks Carol Vordeman, my leg is skinnier than you are!!!
So, interesting Cindy fact......In 1992, roadside posters of Cindy had to be taken down in Norway because authorities saw a 300% increase in the accident rate after they were put up - motorists were distracted by them!
And here are a couple of Cindy quotes that I think are apt....."I have a simple, healthy life, which works miracles. I drink a lot of water, watch what I eat, and exercise. But I owe the quality of my skin to a cosmetic surgeon" and "The face you have at age 25 is the face God gave you, but the face you have after 50 is the face you earned."
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 30 - Feeling like a working girl again
I have really enjoyed work today - now I know where most things are, kind of what I'm expected to do and have some of the kids' names memorised! I do need to think more about lunches on my full days there, though. I had made myself a chicken salad for today and it was dull, dull, dull. I spent most of lunchtime gazing at my colleagues heating up their tasty soup bowls and tucking in. Hmmmm, might take some soup and a piece of cheese in on Thursday instead!
I made a Thai red prawn curry last night. It was absolutely delicious! I have added the menu to my 2nd hub, which now has a number of yummy meals for you to try if you fancy it. If you want to save the site it is http://hubpages.com/hub/Bettys-Recipes or just go through my hubpages profile. I'd love some feedback from anyone that has tried any of the meals - and any tips on how to make them even yummier! I also have to admit to eating three pieces of chocolate money and drinking half a glass of rose wine last night. The wine is the first alcohol I've had since 3rd January and was in memory of my wonderful late Father-in-law, who's birthday it would have been yesterday. He loved nothing more than to sit with a glass of wine and some cheese & biscuits, setting the world to rights. So that's what we decided we should do on his birthday each year, diet or no diet!
Well done to my lovely Sister who has lost a stone doing the Herbalife diet. I still think she's completely nuts and couldn't do it myself without either keeling over or killing someone. I think I'll stick to eating three meals a day, ta!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 31 - Feeling out of the SW Club
So, what goes on in Slimming World (now known as SW)? I have heard some fabulous stories from my friends about how much weight they have lost by joining SW, so many people swear by it as a way of life. It is definitely the most popular weight-loss program that I have heard about and seems to help people keep the weight off too. So can I find anything out about it? Can I 'eck as like! I have googled to try to find out the basics of the program, and a list of foods to eat each day, but to no avail. All the sites were password protected and you have to be a member to get anywhere near them. I have casually asked SW members in passing; "So, tell me about the green and red days then..." but to no avail. The SW member clams up and says something vague like "oh it's all a bit different to that now...". I even went to the newsagents and bought a Slimming World magazine, thinking I would surely find the answers in there (blimmin expensive too, I think I'll buy Heat next time!). While there were some yummy recipes (like the red thai curry we had a couple of days ago) at no point did they actually help me to understand the rules of SW. In fact, they only served to confuse me further by talking about Extra Easy syns and Green syns and even the quite naughty sounding original syns. What is a syn? How many syns per day are you allowed? How can a meal of lamb burgers be free of syns? I think anyone who joins SW must have to take a vow and swear on their syn-free chocolate bars to keep the secret from all non-members. I feel very left out. But not so left out that I'm going to join. I'm doing ok on my own. Bah.
Yummy Spanish Chicken for tea tonight. (Find it on Betty's-recipes!) Now feel really full and ready for a bath and an early night.
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 32 - Feeling like a fat blob
Honestly, I am such a hussy. My gorgeous husband goes away for one night and I immediately get together with Dan! Haven't seen him for ages so it was nice to spend some time together again. That barbie behind him is still sneering at me while she rotates her pretty little bottom around but I reminded her that it is me that Dan is looking at and talking to while he has got his back to her - so stop looking so smug, lady!
The subtitle today is largely due to the fact that it is my Ladyweek any time now so I'm feeling fat and lardy and bloated. I stepped on the scales today and I was still at 10st 13lbs so I haven't put any actual weight on, but it's funny how huge you feel when you are pre-Ladyweek! I really hope I don't feel like this for the 60's party on Saturday night - the tiny Daphne mini dress will have to be replaced with joggers and a baggy jumper!!
I've got the bed to myself tonight with Robin being away. Now girls, you will understand the bliss I'm going to be in when I tell you that I am going to 1) have a bath, face mask and deep conditioner on my hair 2) put fresh nightclothes on and 3) get into a clean bed that I changed the sheets on today. Nothing nicer!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 33 - Feeling slimmer again!
While I was feeling blobby and fat yesterday, I decided to be positive and think of all the evidence that shows I am losing weight. So here goes;
I am wearing clothes that haven't been out of my wardrobe in over 2 years.
I am wearing clothes that cling without seeing rolls of fat.
I am not feeling the need to suck in my tummy every time anyone looks at me.
When I put a tennis ball in my trouser pocket, it doesn't stretch the fabric around my bum.
I am not getting tummy ache if I sit down for more than 10 minutes while wearing jeans.
At least five seperate people have commented on my weight-loss, without knowing about my blog.
I am going to wear a tiny mini dress tomorrow night and feel quite confident about it.
That makes me feel so much better about myself. I recommend this exercise to anyone feeling down about their body mid-diet. Even if the steps forward are tiny ones, they are steps forward, so there is everything to be positive about. Even during Ladyweek!
Talking of Ladyweek, I have had all sorts of cravings this evening while playing tennis. Curry take-away being the main one (not helped by the smell from Warwick Spice on my way home), followed by a desperate need for a grab-bag of Maltesers, another grab-bag of Minstrels and a large tub of Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough ice-cream. Then, weirdly, a craving for white stilton with apricots on a heavily buttered Carrs Water Biscuit. What did I have instead of all these things? A pint of water and one piece of chocolate money! That's what a pep talk to myself can do!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 34 - Feeling hungry
Ooh, Ladyweek has firmly set in and tomato soup for lunch just hasn't filled that gap! So I'm making a Slimming World meal tonight of gammon, home made oven chips and peas. That should do it - it's comfort food even though it's healthy!
I'm really looking forward to the 60's party tonight, I collected the costumes today, we are going to look so funny! I do find though, there is always a moment a few hours before a fancy dress party, when you think to yourself "Am I going to be the only one there in a costume?". Now, this has never happened to me, but how embarrassing would it be? A real Bridget Jones moment! Would you go crimson and shuffle out quietly or would you throw yourself into it and enjoy?
I had my hair cut today. It is always an experience visiting my hairdressers. Costa is a great hairdresser, I wouldn't go anywhere else, but a trip to his salon is not for the faint hearted! He will be cutting your hair at the same time as looking out the window at any pretty lady walking past, calling out to his buddies across the road and taking the mickey out of anyone that is in the shop at the time, including me! But he still manages to cut and style my hair perfectly every time, I always have a lot of fun in there and would thoroughly recommend Cos!
Right, off to cook my comfort food!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 35 - Feeling shame-faced
Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. I'm afraid I fell off the wagon today and have no excuse other than Ladyweek and an immense loss of will-power for a short period of time.
I was in the study, putting away some kids' birthday presents that I bought for a few of Jack's many parties that are coming up. As I was stacking, I saw something evil lurking on the presents shelf. It was a packet of chocolate make-up that I had bought at Christmas as an extra present. I never actually gave it to anyone and had completely forgotten about it until I saw it today. I took it down from the shelf and looked at it. The box was a bit tatty and the chocolate inside had got a bit battered so I couldn't give it away as a present any more. I thought to myself that I could just have a little bite of one of the chocolates and then put the rest in the treats box for Jack to eat. Nope. That's not what happened at all. I ate a chocolate lipstick. Then another. Then another. Then the last one. Then I ate the chocolate make-up bag. Yep, the entire packet of chocolate went into my fat face within minutes.
Afterwards I felt a few things. Sick - I haven't eaten that much chocolate for over a month. Guilty - that my will-power was that crappy. Sorry - that I'd let you all down. Between you and me, I actually spent a split second thinking about whether I should make myself sick to get rid of it. Thankfully, that thought soon passed but it just goes to show how easy it could be for someone to fall into an eating disorder. Scary.
I really don't know what to expect tomorrow at the Big Weigh-in/Measure-up. I'm expecting to have put weight on after my episode today, which I will be really disappointed with as I have been so good up till now. Bugger, not looking forward to tomorrow at all now!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 36 - The Big Weigh-in/Measure-up # 6
Here we go......
Weight - 10 stone 12 lbs (- 1lb) Not bad considering I thought I had really cocked up yesterday! Only 5lbs to go now in as many weeks.
Boobs - 35.5" (- 1 inch)
Waist - 29" (no change)
Tummy - 34" (- 1 inch)
Hips - 39.5" (no change)
Legs - 23.5" (- 0.5") You know what that means don't you? Yep! I've moved on to the next skinny celeb!
So let's talk about Kate Moss, who's waist is the same size as my rapidly shrinking thigh! (Although it is reported that she also only has a size 32A bust - I think I'd rather be me!)
Kate: (on being self-conscious about being flat-chested) "I was like, 'Oh no, I don't want to be different. I want to have big t*ts. I want to look like Cindy Crawford.'" tee hee.
Kate: (who has been a heavy smoker since the age of 12) "Now I'm being blamed not only for anorexia but for lung cancer."
I went "to the gym" after my morning at school today. Did the full 3 hours today so am worn out now! I did make sure I swapped arms when I cleaned the tiles in the showers and when I mopped all the floors so that I don't bulk up on one side! I reckon everyone that wants to do some exercise should get a cleaning job; You are getting fit and toning up, while helping out someone else and getting paid rather than paying for it! Fantastic!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 37 - Feeling lazy
Robin is away again tonight and Dan keeps calling to me from the DVD shelf to have a breathless session with him. But, to be honest, I can't be a#sed! I am really aching from 3 hours "in the gym" yesterday and all I want to do tonight is have a bath and go to bed with the crossword. Sorry to Dan, maybe I'm not the fitness freak he thought I was. I hope he's not too disappointed, I'll see him again soon and he's always got barbie to keep him company until then!
I forgot to tell you yesterday that I put on my skinny jeans that I bought in November last year and have been too fat to wear since Christmas. I can't believe that now they are too big around the waist! I've had to tighten my belt two knotches, which is such an amazing feeling! I even looked (only looked, mind) at a dress that I haven't had the guts (or rather had too much guts) to wear for over a year now. It is my lovely nieces' first birthday on Saturday and she is having a tea party! The dress might surface then, we'll see how I'm feeling on the day. God, I've just thought - how am I going to stay away from cucumber sandwiches and cupcakes at the party? Eeek!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 38 - Feeling good!
Just a quickie today before the football starts! I know it's only a friendly but I always get that "England are playing" feeling in the pit of my stomach. (Or is that just hunger?)
Red Thai prawn curry for tea tonight, I'm hooked on this meal as it's so yummy and filling and really easy and quick to make too!
Ooh, and I've discovered a really good pudding for lunchtimes. An empty Philidelphia pot crammed with mini weetabix pieces, fresh rasberries and some raisins. I had them in the staff room after my soup and felt as though I was eating sweeties! Also kept me full until, well, until about now actually! Curry here I come!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 39 - Feeling rich!
Ooooh how exciting! I received a letter from Myton Hamlet Hospice today to say I had won in their weekly prize draw (I pay £8 per month for two numbers). I thought, "how lovely, a few quid will come in handy", but it wasn't just a few quid - it was.......One thousand, five hundred pounds!!! I couldn't believe my eyes, how lucky is that!
So today (obviously) I paid the cheque in and then went on a little spree to celebrate! I bought some amazing new gold-plated GHDs. Now, let me talk to you about GHDs. I bought a set eight years ago when I stayed at Ragdale Hall and all my friends thought I was completely nuts spending over £100 on a set of straighteners. But since then, my friends' cheaper ones have come and gone while mine have been fabulous. It is only the last couple of months that they have been showing signs of age, so I have splurged on a new set, which are beeeutiful!
I also bought some new clothes. I can't tell you how much fun it is, trying things on in a changing room where I am not ashamed to look in the mirror! Everything I tried on looked nice and it made me realise that some of my clothes back home are really the wrong shape and size for me now. Oh dear, what a shame, I will have to have a complete wardrobe overhall when this diet is done. How will I cope!
Robin is going onto the interweb tomorrow to look for some getaway breaks for the Easter hols with the rest of the money. (Sorry, what was that? Saving our winnings? What's that?) So I need to get my bikini body for another reason now as well as getting Norf and Dank!
Made lamb burgers on wholewheat buns with home-made slaw tonight from a SW recipe (soon to be on my Betty's Recipes hub) which was really nice and felt like we were being ever so naughty! Going to spend some time with Dan now while Robin is out playing tennis.
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 40 - Feeling like Bingo Bango!
Yes, it is that time of year again where Robin, Jack and myself all trapse down to Jack's school for a night of family Bingo and a fish and chip supper and, by gum, I'm going to eat the fish and chip supper! I figure, why not? I have been really good for 40 days now (apart from the chocolate make-up bag incident which we will speak no more of) so I think I deserve to enjoy F & C at a school social night out! I have heard, however, that they are also selling pick 'n' mix which is going to take a lot of will power not to dive into! I remember last year my friend and I, a little on the merry side, being found by the Head Teacher behind the projecter screen, tucking into a huge bag of white mice without the children seeing! None of that kind of caper this year - I will be angelic!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 41 - Mixed Feelings
OK, let's count up my Angel Points (a new measurement I have introduced!) for the last couple of days;
Bingo bango last night - lots of fun, we didn't win anything although a friend on our table won a bottle of champagne. Food-wise, luckily for me the fish and chips were pretty grotty so I didn't eat all of it, definitely some free Angel Points for me there! However Jack had a Crunchie Blast ice-cream, which I had two bites of, so an Angel Point straight back off. (For those of you not dieting, you have to try a Crunchie Blast ice-cream. A taste sensation a bit like a Magnum but with honeycomb ice-cream and popping candy!) I then had seven white chocolate mice so at least another couple of Angel Points away. A night that probably saw me down about 3 Angel Points I reckon!
Today we had lunch on the way down to Hampshire for my Nieces' 1st birthday tea party. We stopped in a lovely pub and, while Robin tucked into pie and mash and Jack enjoyed scampi and chips, I ordered a Mediterranean vegetable bake with coconut rice. Lots of angel points please! No dessert and then off to the party, where I might have indulged in not one but two cupcakes. Whoops, all angel points wiped out in minutes!
At home tonight I made a small bowl of thai prawn curry and won't have anything else today. So the results are inconclusive really - I've been good and I've been bad. I'm going to go on a run tomorrow morning and am planning a very healthy day so hopefully at the big weigh-in/measure-up on Monday I may have some good news. Fingers crossed!
Speak soon
Betty xx
Day 42 - Feeling old
We are off to see My Chemical Romance tonight and I have a feeling that we are going to be some of the oldest fans there. So here's a question; Do you try to get down with the kids and go full military style MyChem wear? Or do you simply try to fade into the background and just wear plain black? Not sure, but I'm really excited about seeing the band anyway!
I went for my run this morning. Only ran a mile but sprinted the last 100 yards, uphill, which nearly killed me! I have found that I run differently depending on what is playing on my IPod at the time. When Lilly Allen, Smile, was playing I jogged along happily to the beat and had no trouble with my breathing. Then, when The Who, 5.15, came on I was all over the place! My breathing became erratic and my running steps were completely out of sinc. I think I'm going to have to create a different music mix for when I go running with songs with a regular beat. I think I should leave the likes of Metallica and Incubus for when I'm cleaning the tennis club and can scrub with attitude!
Speak soon
Betty xx
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