Well yesterday was my first trial day on Whole 30 - ended up having one cup of tea with a splash of milk and one small slice of toast with my omelette last night but apart from that I stayed on track.
Considering I'd usually have around 6 cups of tea I'm counting this as an achievement and one slice of toast with a 2 egg omelette is a lot less than I'd usually have at dinner - baby steps and all that!
So on to day 2 - on all the blogs I've read the one thing that stands out is how organised you need to be with your food prep - something I havent yet done which is going to cause me serious problems unless I get on it!
Had a banana with flaked organic coconut and almonds for breakfast. For lunch I planned to pick up a whole chicken from Tesco before work and have chicken breast with veggies for lunch and take the rest home for dinner....yeah they had no chickens ready at 8am this morning - FAIL!
So I wandered around looking for something I could have - all packaged meat has a million ingredients and bad things so they are off the menu and apart from a microwave we dont have any cooking facilities at work!
I ended up with a bag of salad, a sweet potato and an avocado - so uninspiring but actually after I had nuked the potato in the microwave and chopped it into the salad with the avocado it made for a really tasty and filling lunch!
The test will be how long it fills me up for!
There's pulled pork cooking in the slow cooker at home as I type so thats my plan for dinner along with a mountain of veg and I'll have the same for lunch tomorrow!
Still on the herbal tea and water for today which again is a miracle for me - no headaches so far either - winning!!
Def need to get some meals prepped this weekend, maybe I'll take this week as easing myself into it and do it fully next week - either way its definitely making me more mindful of what I'm putting in my body, although I was eating clean before I'd still maybe have some things with dodgy ingredients that I didnt realise so its all good!
Any Whole 30 blogs or recipes / reviews you can hit me up with then please leave a comment below!
Lisa xx
Tuesday 12 November 2013
Monday 11 November 2013
Whole 30 - one day at a time
Still here, still struggling, still looking for motivation but still maintaining a healhty weight, working out and enjoying life so its all good!
How fast has this year gone though!
A quick update before I probably take another 2 month blogging silence! I'm still trying to eat clean as best I can and not follow some faddy or restrictive diet, however as mentioned before its not all about being thin I want to be healthy and feed my body with the best possible foods I can.
On that note I've noticed a deluge of posts and info on Whole 30 recently - yeah I know its been around for years but for some reason it keeps popping up everywhere that I look - a sign perhaps?
It actually looks reaaaaally restrictive and to be honest I'm not sure how much of it I could stick to - no quinoa or chickpeas?? These make up a huge part of most of my meals! And the no caffeine or dairy might be the deal breaker, I only take a tiny bit of milk anyway but I think I'd struggle!
Anyways, I'm not going to go all gung ho and say yeah whole 30 for life (or 30 days!) only to feel miserable when I fail on day 5 - however as the title of this post suggests I am going to try it for a day at a time - they may not be consecutive days but I will try to follow the principles as best I can. I've seen loads of good results posts about how much healthier and better people felt afterwards so we'll see!
So, day 1 - its half 12 and I've still not had any caffeine - this in itself is blogworthy! I had a chopped banana with almonds and coconut flakes for breakfast with a cup of caffeine free fruit tea. Lunch was a chicken breast with some mushrooms, red pepper and a boiled egg, bottle of still water and more fruit tea.
There are some yummy looking recipes online so I'm thinking of some type of pork carnitas with sweet potato for dinner!
Have you done whole 30 or paleo or considered it? What do you eat or what eating plan if any do you follow? Let me know!
Lisa xx
How fast has this year gone though!
A quick update before I probably take another 2 month blogging silence! I'm still trying to eat clean as best I can and not follow some faddy or restrictive diet, however as mentioned before its not all about being thin I want to be healthy and feed my body with the best possible foods I can.
On that note I've noticed a deluge of posts and info on Whole 30 recently - yeah I know its been around for years but for some reason it keeps popping up everywhere that I look - a sign perhaps?
It actually looks reaaaaally restrictive and to be honest I'm not sure how much of it I could stick to - no quinoa or chickpeas?? These make up a huge part of most of my meals! And the no caffeine or dairy might be the deal breaker, I only take a tiny bit of milk anyway but I think I'd struggle!
Anyways, I'm not going to go all gung ho and say yeah whole 30 for life (or 30 days!) only to feel miserable when I fail on day 5 - however as the title of this post suggests I am going to try it for a day at a time - they may not be consecutive days but I will try to follow the principles as best I can. I've seen loads of good results posts about how much healthier and better people felt afterwards so we'll see!
So, day 1 - its half 12 and I've still not had any caffeine - this in itself is blogworthy! I had a chopped banana with almonds and coconut flakes for breakfast with a cup of caffeine free fruit tea. Lunch was a chicken breast with some mushrooms, red pepper and a boiled egg, bottle of still water and more fruit tea.
There are some yummy looking recipes online so I'm thinking of some type of pork carnitas with sweet potato for dinner!
Have you done whole 30 or paleo or considered it? What do you eat or what eating plan if any do you follow? Let me know!
Lisa xx
Tuesday 3 September 2013
First week and starting yoga
First week (kind of) back on track and I've lost 2lbs. Could have been better if I hadnt been out on Saturday night for dinner and drinks but a loss is a loss.
So I'm now 151lbs and 34% body fat which is ridiculous!
No obstacles for this week so its a full 7 days of healthy eats and working out. As part of my working out goals I've decided I want to start yoga again as I am the most unflexible person ever!!
Have signed up to the 30 day yoga challenge, day 1 is today when I get home from work, if you want to take part you can do so here
So I'm now 151lbs and 34% body fat which is ridiculous!
No obstacles for this week so its a full 7 days of healthy eats and working out. As part of my working out goals I've decided I want to start yoga again as I am the most unflexible person ever!!
Have signed up to the 30 day yoga challenge, day 1 is today when I get home from work, if you want to take part you can do so here
Wednesday 28 August 2013
Day one (again!) and setting goals!
My first day back on track went fairly well........
Got up early to do a weights session at the gym followed by a 10 minute run - 257 calories burned before breakfast isnt a bad start!
Foodwise I had a small sachet of porridge with blueberries for breakfast, chicken salad with some brown rice for lunch, carrot sticks and greek yoghurt as snacks and smoked cod with some halloumi, brocolli and carrots for dinner.
Had a biscuit with a cup of tea later in the evening but all in all not a bad day.
Decided I want to reward myself for every 7lbs I lose as extra motivation - although the motivation itself should be getting fit and healthy but I'm shallow and want pretty things!
So for my first 7lbs I'm going to get my nails done - they badly need a manicure and possibly some shellac, usually I'd get them done this weekend as its pay day but I'm going to hold off and keep it as a treat!
Have my food all prepped for today - no gym this morning but have a class after work. also bought a foam roller last night which was much needed as my DOMS are out of control after so long away from the gym!
Does anyone else treat themselves for weightloss goals or milestones? What are you currently lusting after?
Lisa xx
Got up early to do a weights session at the gym followed by a 10 minute run - 257 calories burned before breakfast isnt a bad start!
Foodwise I had a small sachet of porridge with blueberries for breakfast, chicken salad with some brown rice for lunch, carrot sticks and greek yoghurt as snacks and smoked cod with some halloumi, brocolli and carrots for dinner.
Had a biscuit with a cup of tea later in the evening but all in all not a bad day.
Decided I want to reward myself for every 7lbs I lose as extra motivation - although the motivation itself should be getting fit and healthy but I'm shallow and want pretty things!
So for my first 7lbs I'm going to get my nails done - they badly need a manicure and possibly some shellac, usually I'd get them done this weekend as its pay day but I'm going to hold off and keep it as a treat!
Have my food all prepped for today - no gym this morning but have a class after work. also bought a foam roller last night which was much needed as my DOMS are out of control after so long away from the gym!
Does anyone else treat themselves for weightloss goals or milestones? What are you currently lusting after?
Lisa xx
Monday 26 August 2013
I'm baaaaaaaack!
Yes I'm back, one stone (yep!) heavier, a new house later and lots of other happenings including a 2 week holiday to Italy and I'm still overweight and unfit!
Blogging kept me focused before, it may do again- we shall see! So, starting weight 153 lbs! Heavier than I was at the start of the year FFS!!!
Away t o get some healthy food shopping and write out a food\gym plan - promise I'll try and keep up to date more often.
As always - any advice or suggestions hugely welcomed!
L xx
Blogging kept me focused before, it may do again- we shall see! So, starting weight 153 lbs! Heavier than I was at the start of the year FFS!!!
Away t o get some healthy food shopping and write out a food\gym plan - promise I'll try and keep up to date more often.
As always - any advice or suggestions hugely welcomed!
L xx
Friday 3 May 2013
April FOOL!
Ah man, April has been such a complete write off and I'm so mad at myself! I honestly thought I was completely in my groove and that I had the right focus and motivation to keep going but not the case!
I dont even know what happened! One minute I was focused, in the zone and so ready to be in shape for summer - the next thing you know I'm eating whatever the hell I want along with some stuff that I actually didnt want but I ate anyway - massive bar of Dairy Milk Oreo anyone??!
Sigh, I really didnt want this blog to turn into some yo yo type story where I do well, then do terrible, then do well again - I wanted it as a focus and an accountability tool to keep me going as well as providing inspiration for anyone who happened to be reading but it hasnt really worked like that.
And I wish I could say that yeah I'm totally ready to kill it in May and my motivation is back and I'm raring to go but its just not true! What I can say is that I'm going to try really really really hard to get back on track and I'll take it one step at a time - I cant do much more than that at the moment.
I also wish I could pinpoint what went wrong - to be honest I feel a little bit scared and out of control - it almost feels like self sabotage or some emotional thing rather than just 'taking a break' from working out - I dont even know if I'm explaining myself very well!!
But there we have it. I feel like a fraud even telling you my plans for May so I wont for now - I havent even plucked up the courage to weigh myself yet : (
I feel a million times better when my food and exercise are right so as well as feeling bloated, fat and unenthusiastic I also just feel run down and tired!
But you know what, enough moaning - the only person who can change it is me so thats what I'm going to try and do. I think posting weekly weight updates really helped to so lets get back to that.
Have a great bank holiday weekend and as always - any advice is really appreciated!
Lisa xx
I dont even know what happened! One minute I was focused, in the zone and so ready to be in shape for summer - the next thing you know I'm eating whatever the hell I want along with some stuff that I actually didnt want but I ate anyway - massive bar of Dairy Milk Oreo anyone??!
Sigh, I really didnt want this blog to turn into some yo yo type story where I do well, then do terrible, then do well again - I wanted it as a focus and an accountability tool to keep me going as well as providing inspiration for anyone who happened to be reading but it hasnt really worked like that.
And I wish I could say that yeah I'm totally ready to kill it in May and my motivation is back and I'm raring to go but its just not true! What I can say is that I'm going to try really really really hard to get back on track and I'll take it one step at a time - I cant do much more than that at the moment.
I also wish I could pinpoint what went wrong - to be honest I feel a little bit scared and out of control - it almost feels like self sabotage or some emotional thing rather than just 'taking a break' from working out - I dont even know if I'm explaining myself very well!!
But there we have it. I feel like a fraud even telling you my plans for May so I wont for now - I havent even plucked up the courage to weigh myself yet : (
I feel a million times better when my food and exercise are right so as well as feeling bloated, fat and unenthusiastic I also just feel run down and tired!
But you know what, enough moaning - the only person who can change it is me so thats what I'm going to try and do. I think posting weekly weight updates really helped to so lets get back to that.
Have a great bank holiday weekend and as always - any advice is really appreciated!
Lisa xx
Thursday 18 April 2013
Missing - Motivation & Willpower. If found please return ASAP
So it seems my whole 'lets not weigh myself for 6 weeks' plan has some serious consequences.
The main one being that it appears to have stopped any kind of willpower I had when it comes to healthy eating!
My gym and workouts are still going well but I have not been doing well on the food front!
Think I'm going to have to give in and weigh myself, assess the damage and get back on it.
Hate that I cant just be 'normal' and eat in moderation without being a scales addict but it seems that those weekly weigh ins really do keep me accountable and help me stay on track!
I've had a lot of personal changes at home and work which has created some upheaval in my routine but I need to get it back.
Summer is fast approaching and after working so hard in the first quarter I dont want to blow it all by a few bad weeks!
So the plan is, weigh in tonight, let you all know the results tomorrow and then put a plan together! I've not been fasting and in fairness I've not been a complete pig either but I've def not been monitoring what I've been eating and toast has become a more regular occurence than it should be!
I'm hoping that my workouts might have helped with some of the damage but we'll see!
How often do you weigh yourself?
How do you cope with getting motivation back when you slip up?
The main one being that it appears to have stopped any kind of willpower I had when it comes to healthy eating!
My gym and workouts are still going well but I have not been doing well on the food front!
Think I'm going to have to give in and weigh myself, assess the damage and get back on it.
Hate that I cant just be 'normal' and eat in moderation without being a scales addict but it seems that those weekly weigh ins really do keep me accountable and help me stay on track!
I've had a lot of personal changes at home and work which has created some upheaval in my routine but I need to get it back.
Summer is fast approaching and after working so hard in the first quarter I dont want to blow it all by a few bad weeks!
So the plan is, weigh in tonight, let you all know the results tomorrow and then put a plan together! I've not been fasting and in fairness I've not been a complete pig either but I've def not been monitoring what I've been eating and toast has become a more regular occurence than it should be!
I'm hoping that my workouts might have helped with some of the damage but we'll see!
How often do you weigh yourself?
How do you cope with getting motivation back when you slip up?
Thursday 11 April 2013
Things I love Thursday
Taking a quick 10 mins away from work stuff to have a cup of tea and clear my head! And I thought I'd share with you the things I'm loving this Thursday afternoon : )
How I wish I lived in some quaint town where I could ride around on this collecting flowers and enjoying the sunshine!
In serious need of some new trainers and these look pretty perfect to me!
I love everything about this! Although our garden is nothing like this I dream about summer nights staying out late in the garden!
Serious hair envy!
Serious dressing room envy!! Does anyone else spend an obscene amount of time looking at interior decorating type pics?? And sadly my bedroom still has clothes all over the floor!
Also loving this!!
Found loads of clothes that I've got earmarked for payday but sadly the pics wont play nice so you dont get to see : (
Now to get back to work!
Question - what is on your love list?
How I wish I lived in some quaint town where I could ride around on this collecting flowers and enjoying the sunshine!
In serious need of some new trainers and these look pretty perfect to me!
I love everything about this! Although our garden is nothing like this I dream about summer nights staying out late in the garden!
Serious hair envy!
Serious dressing room envy!! Does anyone else spend an obscene amount of time looking at interior decorating type pics?? And sadly my bedroom still has clothes all over the floor!
Also loving this!!
Found loads of clothes that I've got earmarked for payday but sadly the pics wont play nice so you dont get to see : (
Now to get back to work!
Question - what is on your love list?
Wednesday 10 April 2013
WIAW Favourite Eats from the Week
Have decided to get involved in all the blogging WIAW fun by sharing my favourite eats from the last week!
I cant seem to get the button to display - I'm rubbish at this blogging! But if you want to find out more head over to Peas & Crayons to see a selection of some seriously yummy eats!
Lets get started...
First up was my attempt at a healthier breakfast - spinach, beetroot, apples, pineapple and avocado! Surprisingly tasty and the beetroot gives it that gorgeous pink colour. If I could be bothered dismantling and washing my juicer more often I'd def have this regularly!
Mish mash of things that I fancied - some bulgar wheat, roast chickpeas, spinach and raisins. This was really good, easy to make and def something I'll make again!
Dinner of the week goes to this yummy concoction - cranberry quinoa, sweet potato and sweet chilli salmon.
Some fruit for desk snacking - loving blackberries at the moment!
Snack of champions - pink lady apple, cinammon and peanut butter.
Not a great picture but a veggie stirfry made with a mix of bright coloured veggies and some soy sauce - another firm favourite!
And finally some mexican cous cous - cous cous with salsa, kidney beans, cucumber, tomato, sweetcorn and avocado - perfect for lunches at work!
And now I'm hungry!
Have a great week x
Monday 1 April 2013
Ditching the scales
Happy Easter and it's April!!
So a quick catch up since I missed last weeks weigh in! I was leaving Thurs morning for the wedding, my size 10 dress fit perfectly and I felt great. Was going to weigh in but it was TOTM and I hadn't been great food wise and I didn't want to see a bad result on the scale which I know would have made me feel down - not what I wanted before a trip away!
So I went, looked and felt great in my dress, ate and drank with abandon and pretty much had an epic time!
Which leads me to my plans for April. I weighed in tonight and I'm 9'13 again which is 2lbs on. And I'm okay with that. I ended March pretty much where I wanted to be so I now need some new goals.
As well as my weighing myself tonight I also took measurements, photos and my body fat percentage. I also started a 6 week cross fit block of classes. So my plan is that I'm not going to weigh myself again until the 6 weeks are up!
Gaaah, I'm such a scales junkie so this will be hard but I'm determined to do it!
Food and exercise plans.....
Food - pretty simple, im sticking with my 2 fast days a week and will eat clean the rest of the time. I've decided to cut out dairy and bread too. I only usually have rye bread but lately I've had stomach pains after eating it so m going to cut it out completely for the 6 weeks. Dairy is usually only milk in my tea and Greek yoghurt but I've been reading more and more about dairy and it's effects so I'm keen to try and not have it. I'll replace my usual milky tea with green tea which is better for me anyway I guess!
Exercise - I have 2 crossfit sessions a week. Going to keep my 2 Metafit classes too as well as my sporadic body pump and spinning classes where I can fit them in. Still want to run more but we'll see how that goes! And the last one is yoga - all my local classes are at stupid times so I'm looking into DVDs - an recommendations?
And that's it - 2 months until Summer : )
Hope you all had a great Easter!
Lisa xx
So a quick catch up since I missed last weeks weigh in! I was leaving Thurs morning for the wedding, my size 10 dress fit perfectly and I felt great. Was going to weigh in but it was TOTM and I hadn't been great food wise and I didn't want to see a bad result on the scale which I know would have made me feel down - not what I wanted before a trip away!
So I went, looked and felt great in my dress, ate and drank with abandon and pretty much had an epic time!
Which leads me to my plans for April. I weighed in tonight and I'm 9'13 again which is 2lbs on. And I'm okay with that. I ended March pretty much where I wanted to be so I now need some new goals.
As well as my weighing myself tonight I also took measurements, photos and my body fat percentage. I also started a 6 week cross fit block of classes. So my plan is that I'm not going to weigh myself again until the 6 weeks are up!
Gaaah, I'm such a scales junkie so this will be hard but I'm determined to do it!
Food and exercise plans.....
Food - pretty simple, im sticking with my 2 fast days a week and will eat clean the rest of the time. I've decided to cut out dairy and bread too. I only usually have rye bread but lately I've had stomach pains after eating it so m going to cut it out completely for the 6 weeks. Dairy is usually only milk in my tea and Greek yoghurt but I've been reading more and more about dairy and it's effects so I'm keen to try and not have it. I'll replace my usual milky tea with green tea which is better for me anyway I guess!
Exercise - I have 2 crossfit sessions a week. Going to keep my 2 Metafit classes too as well as my sporadic body pump and spinning classes where I can fit them in. Still want to run more but we'll see how that goes! And the last one is yoga - all my local classes are at stupid times so I'm looking into DVDs - an recommendations?
And that's it - 2 months until Summer : )
Hope you all had a great Easter!
Lisa xx
Wednesday 20 March 2013
Weigh in weeks 9&10
Praise be to all the dieting gods! I weighed in and I'm 9'11! Only makes it 1lb lost in 2 weeks which isn't ideal but I'm just relieved that I didn't put on after my no show at the gym and bad eating!
So onwards and upwards ( or downwards as it should be!) if I lose 1lb this week I'll have lost a stone in total which is great and will just be in time for the wedding! I've optimistically ordered a new dress in a size 10 so fingers crossed it fits and looks great!
Just need to stick in with it all this week then review my plans for April!
Excited!
Still loving the fasting and I def think its helping me lose despite my slip ups!
Off for an early night as I'm knackered after spinning! Hope you are all doing well : )
Lisa xx
So onwards and upwards ( or downwards as it should be!) if I lose 1lb this week I'll have lost a stone in total which is great and will just be in time for the wedding! I've optimistically ordered a new dress in a size 10 so fingers crossed it fits and looks great!
Just need to stick in with it all this week then review my plans for April!
Excited!
Still loving the fasting and I def think its helping me lose despite my slip ups!
Off for an early night as I'm knackered after spinning! Hope you are all doing well : )
Lisa xx
Sunday 17 March 2013
Falling off the wagon - and getting back on!
Bit of a belated post since I missed my weigh in on Wednesday. I had a last minute work trip which took up all of last week, meaning I missed m weigh in and somewhere along the way I've lost my health mojo! Bad times!
I tried to make good choices where I could but most of the time convenience won - no access to a gym or a kitchen really screwed with my plans! And I thought after so long of eating clean I wouldn't be tempted by junk but it appears a pizza and chocolate monster still lurks within!
Home now but don't want to weigh myself which I know is stupid but I'm going to do damage control until Weds and hope the result isn't as bad as I thought!
We have this wedding in 2 weeks and next weekend is earmarked for dress shopping so. Really hope I havent undone all my good work : (
Had a healthy day today but it's been a struggle - my body is craving all the rubbish from last week but I won't give in!
A few days back on track should sort me out! Have all my gym classes booked for this week, food all bought so I'm hoping I find my motivation and enthusiasm again. Right now I just feel tired, lazy and want chocolate!
I'll update you all in Weds! Wish me luck : )
Lisa xx
I tried to make good choices where I could but most of the time convenience won - no access to a gym or a kitchen really screwed with my plans! And I thought after so long of eating clean I wouldn't be tempted by junk but it appears a pizza and chocolate monster still lurks within!
Home now but don't want to weigh myself which I know is stupid but I'm going to do damage control until Weds and hope the result isn't as bad as I thought!
We have this wedding in 2 weeks and next weekend is earmarked for dress shopping so. Really hope I havent undone all my good work : (
Had a healthy day today but it's been a struggle - my body is craving all the rubbish from last week but I won't give in!
A few days back on track should sort me out! Have all my gym classes booked for this week, food all bought so I'm hoping I find my motivation and enthusiasm again. Right now I just feel tired, lazy and want chocolate!
I'll update you all in Weds! Wish me luck : )
Lisa xx
Thursday 7 March 2013
Weigh in Week 8 and goals for March
Morning : ) Another succesful week as I lost my required 1lb last night bringing me down to 9'12! When I started the blog this is the weight that I wanted to be for the end of March so I'm delighted that I've reached it at the start!
Also means that in another 2lbs I'll have lost a stone since Christmas - excited to reach this milestone!
I've kind of got into a rhythm with it all now which feels really good - I'm not counting calories (except on fast days) I'm not turning down invitations or meals / drinks out and I'm not killing myself at the gym all the time.
What I am doing is eating completely clean 80% of the time, drinking lots of water, having 2 fast days a week and if I have an occasion or a night out then I go and enjoy it and get back on track the next day.
Gym wise, to be honest I would like to do more as I'm impatient to tone up - however I'm averaging 3-4 classes a week with a good mix of cardio, weights and Metafit which I'm happy with - if I get the opportunity to do more classes or if I get out of bed early enough then I'll do them but I wont beat myself up if I dont meet those goals.
I briefly spoke about fasting in my last post and it seems to really be working for me. I'm finding I can easily go all day without food and have my one meal at night and I'm even less hungry the days following it which is great as it means I'm satisfied on healhty meals with no need for snacks! So for now I'll be keeping this as part of my plan!
I think I did okay with my February goals - the only ones I didnt reach were decluttering and organising and taking up running!! As much as I force it I just dont think I'm going to be a runner which makes me sad!
So for March...
1 - yep, decluttering goes back on the list and to be fair I've already emptied 2 bags of shoes and clothes from my wardrobe that are going to the charity shop so we're off to an okay start!
2 - continue to lose 1lb a week
3 - Try to do something different or more at the gym - as much as I dont want to force myself into things I really think I need to be doing a bit more gym wise to tone up, esp my stomach and love handles!! Even if I go one more day a week and do something different like kettlebells or even yoga / pilates, I just want to try something new that will help!
4 - Continue to look for and try new recipes - in Feb I found a few that I liked but in true Lisa fashion I seem to recycle these over and over until I'm sick of them! Need to keep mixing it up so I'm not eating the same thing every night.
And I think thats it for March! My initial goals were all aimed towards the end of March and the elusive 12 week period of doing something continously until you see a change so I'll continue like this until then. I think once March is over my goals will change to less of a focus on weight loss and more towards health / fitness based goals. I dont want to be skinny, I want to be strong and healhty. So from April onwards it will be about lowering my bodyfat, toning up and possibly training for some sort of 10K (I know, I know!!) or fitness related event.
After cutting out meat I've also been reading stuff about dairy and why its bad for you etc and while I dont want to get caught up in all these fads I do think I'm going to have a serious look at what I eat and drink and what I should be eating and drinking to make my body the healthiest it can be!
Wow - rambled on there a bit!! Hope you are all well - if anyone has good recommendations for workout classes I should be trying or any good recipes please let me know!
Lisa xx
Also means that in another 2lbs I'll have lost a stone since Christmas - excited to reach this milestone!
I've kind of got into a rhythm with it all now which feels really good - I'm not counting calories (except on fast days) I'm not turning down invitations or meals / drinks out and I'm not killing myself at the gym all the time.
What I am doing is eating completely clean 80% of the time, drinking lots of water, having 2 fast days a week and if I have an occasion or a night out then I go and enjoy it and get back on track the next day.
Gym wise, to be honest I would like to do more as I'm impatient to tone up - however I'm averaging 3-4 classes a week with a good mix of cardio, weights and Metafit which I'm happy with - if I get the opportunity to do more classes or if I get out of bed early enough then I'll do them but I wont beat myself up if I dont meet those goals.
I briefly spoke about fasting in my last post and it seems to really be working for me. I'm finding I can easily go all day without food and have my one meal at night and I'm even less hungry the days following it which is great as it means I'm satisfied on healhty meals with no need for snacks! So for now I'll be keeping this as part of my plan!
I think I did okay with my February goals - the only ones I didnt reach were decluttering and organising and taking up running!! As much as I force it I just dont think I'm going to be a runner which makes me sad!
So for March...
1 - yep, decluttering goes back on the list and to be fair I've already emptied 2 bags of shoes and clothes from my wardrobe that are going to the charity shop so we're off to an okay start!
2 - continue to lose 1lb a week
3 - Try to do something different or more at the gym - as much as I dont want to force myself into things I really think I need to be doing a bit more gym wise to tone up, esp my stomach and love handles!! Even if I go one more day a week and do something different like kettlebells or even yoga / pilates, I just want to try something new that will help!
4 - Continue to look for and try new recipes - in Feb I found a few that I liked but in true Lisa fashion I seem to recycle these over and over until I'm sick of them! Need to keep mixing it up so I'm not eating the same thing every night.
And I think thats it for March! My initial goals were all aimed towards the end of March and the elusive 12 week period of doing something continously until you see a change so I'll continue like this until then. I think once March is over my goals will change to less of a focus on weight loss and more towards health / fitness based goals. I dont want to be skinny, I want to be strong and healhty. So from April onwards it will be about lowering my bodyfat, toning up and possibly training for some sort of 10K (I know, I know!!) or fitness related event.
After cutting out meat I've also been reading stuff about dairy and why its bad for you etc and while I dont want to get caught up in all these fads I do think I'm going to have a serious look at what I eat and drink and what I should be eating and drinking to make my body the healthiest it can be!
Wow - rambled on there a bit!! Hope you are all well - if anyone has good recommendations for workout classes I should be trying or any good recipes please let me know!
Lisa xx
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Weigh in week 7 and intermittent fasting
Wow week 7 already! All that's been in my head has been that saying - it takes 4 weeks for you to notice a change, 8 weeks for your friends to notice and 12 weeks for the rest of the world to notice!
So I lost another pound this week which takes me to 9'13 and I'm back in the 9s!! : )
When I started this blog I was 10'10 and wanted to be 9'12 for the end of march - looks like I'll be able to tick that box so I now want to be 9'9 for the end of March which would be a loss of another 1lb a week which should be doable!
Something I've been trying this week is intermittent fasting or the 5 2 diet as its being called. There seem to be loads of health benefits in doing this however I'd be lying if I said that weight loss wasn't my main driver for trying it.
So basically you eat 500 calories 2 days a week and eat normally the rest of the time. I guess eat normally is down to interpretation as I've seen loads of stories of people stuffing themselves on non fast days which I don't think is the point! You can also choose how you spread the 500 cals - in one meal or throughout the day, it's whatever works for you.
First day I wanted to have lunch and dinner which meant 2 low cal meals ( still following clean eating principles) but I was starving! Tried again a few days later and kept all my cals for dinner and it was much easier! I don't seem to get hungry until I actually start eating!
What I've learned so far - hunger comes in waves and if I drink water it will pass. I actually feel more alert at work when I've not eaten anything. Working out fasted has no effect on my energy levels and finally I'm actually less hungry on non fast days!
It's early days, I still want to learn more about it and research the benefits some more but for now I'm happy to keep trying 2 days a week.
I also think my 1lb loss is down to this. I had a blowout at a party on Sat - lots of alcohol and buffet food / cake. Sunday I had a pub lunch with chips and then toast and chocolate in the evening plus it's TOTM so I would usually gain or stay the same.
No nights out or events this week so excited to see results with 5 days clean eating, 2 fast days and my usual work outs.
Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this?
Will do a feb review and march planning post over the weekend : )
Lisa xx
So I lost another pound this week which takes me to 9'13 and I'm back in the 9s!! : )
When I started this blog I was 10'10 and wanted to be 9'12 for the end of march - looks like I'll be able to tick that box so I now want to be 9'9 for the end of March which would be a loss of another 1lb a week which should be doable!
Something I've been trying this week is intermittent fasting or the 5 2 diet as its being called. There seem to be loads of health benefits in doing this however I'd be lying if I said that weight loss wasn't my main driver for trying it.
So basically you eat 500 calories 2 days a week and eat normally the rest of the time. I guess eat normally is down to interpretation as I've seen loads of stories of people stuffing themselves on non fast days which I don't think is the point! You can also choose how you spread the 500 cals - in one meal or throughout the day, it's whatever works for you.
First day I wanted to have lunch and dinner which meant 2 low cal meals ( still following clean eating principles) but I was starving! Tried again a few days later and kept all my cals for dinner and it was much easier! I don't seem to get hungry until I actually start eating!
What I've learned so far - hunger comes in waves and if I drink water it will pass. I actually feel more alert at work when I've not eaten anything. Working out fasted has no effect on my energy levels and finally I'm actually less hungry on non fast days!
It's early days, I still want to learn more about it and research the benefits some more but for now I'm happy to keep trying 2 days a week.
I also think my 1lb loss is down to this. I had a blowout at a party on Sat - lots of alcohol and buffet food / cake. Sunday I had a pub lunch with chips and then toast and chocolate in the evening plus it's TOTM so I would usually gain or stay the same.
No nights out or events this week so excited to see results with 5 days clean eating, 2 fast days and my usual work outs.
Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this?
Will do a feb review and march planning post over the weekend : )
Lisa xx
Thursday 21 February 2013
Weigh in Week 6
Well my body continues to be as unpredictable as ever - weight loss this week 4lbs taking me to 10stone exactly and bang on target for where I had planned to be at this time.
So, 2 on last week and 4 off this week - how does that even work??
I did take note of last weeks points though and made sure I was aware of what I ate, went to the gym more, got more sleep and the fact that I had no social events helped hugely I'm sure!
Hoping for another good week this week - if I can stay on track to lose another 1lb I'll be back in the 9's which is always a good milestone for me - I know its just a number and I really am trying to go by things like how my body is changing and how clothes fit but its always nice to have a little bit of electronic validation to say you're doing things right!
Nothing else exciting to report - trying to find some yummy vegetarian recipes that will keep me full so if anyone knows of any good veggie food type blogs please let me know.
Cant believe we only have one more week of February?? Where did it go!! Hoping to make it a good week and end Feb on target for my end of March goals!
Have a good week
Lisa xx
So, 2 on last week and 4 off this week - how does that even work??
I did take note of last weeks points though and made sure I was aware of what I ate, went to the gym more, got more sleep and the fact that I had no social events helped hugely I'm sure!
Hoping for another good week this week - if I can stay on track to lose another 1lb I'll be back in the 9's which is always a good milestone for me - I know its just a number and I really am trying to go by things like how my body is changing and how clothes fit but its always nice to have a little bit of electronic validation to say you're doing things right!
Nothing else exciting to report - trying to find some yummy vegetarian recipes that will keep me full so if anyone knows of any good veggie food type blogs please let me know.
Cant believe we only have one more week of February?? Where did it go!! Hoping to make it a good week and end Feb on target for my end of March goals!
Have a good week
Lisa xx
Wednesday 13 February 2013
Weigh in week 5
Well according to the scales I've out on 2lb this week taking me back to 10'4. Hello frustration, we meet again! : (
At first I was all no way and after stepping on the scales 3 times then kicking them in disgust I started thinking about my week.
Thursday was my brothers bday which involved a 3 course meal and some drinks although I think I made relatively healthy choices. No gym classes.
Friday I can't even remember what I ate although it was all home made and clean. No gym again.
Saturday I had eggs and a slice of rye bread for breakfast. Chicken, mango and wild rice for lunch followed by Greek yoghurt, granola and mango. Dinner was an apple and peanut butter before heading out for my brothers party. Only had a few drinks but ate 2 triangle sandwiches and a handful of crisps. No gym.
Sunday - no breakfast. Went for a run and burned 200 cals - poor!! Lunch was whole foods salad and piri piri chicken from M&S 500 cals in total then hme made soup for dinner followed by a nakd bar.
Monday. Eggs and rye bread for breakfast. Soup for lunch. An apple and a nakd bar during day. Chicken and veg with brown rice for dinner. A spinning class then another nakd bar.
Tuesday one slice pumpkin bread with peanut butter and banana, leftover chicken rice and veg for lunch then healthy pancakes for dinner with almond butter raspberries and agave nectar. Body pump class.
Today - leftover pancakes for breakfast, pearl barley with veg and butternut squash for lunch.
Over the weekend I managed to eat 12 choc truffles too, randomly spaced out! : (
So when I look back at that although I don't think it merits a 2lb gain I can see where I went wrong, so how do I Make sure next week is better?
No missing the gym or workouts. 1 rest day on Sunday and that's it. No nut butters - I have no portion control. Keep a food journal so I know exactly what I'm eating and how many cals, keep an eye on portion control and carbs - def a big one. Think im falling into the trap of if it's clean I can eat it but I know I can't eat huge amounts! Stop snacking at work. I've tried this the last 2 days and it's totally manageable - I don't need an afternoon snack if my breakfast and lunch are substantial enough!
Still not ready to give up my nakd bar and tea at night though!
So there it is - not going that well is it??! Really trying not to be disheartened and to just keep going but it is hard.
Any advice??
Lisa xx
At first I was all no way and after stepping on the scales 3 times then kicking them in disgust I started thinking about my week.
Thursday was my brothers bday which involved a 3 course meal and some drinks although I think I made relatively healthy choices. No gym classes.
Friday I can't even remember what I ate although it was all home made and clean. No gym again.
Saturday I had eggs and a slice of rye bread for breakfast. Chicken, mango and wild rice for lunch followed by Greek yoghurt, granola and mango. Dinner was an apple and peanut butter before heading out for my brothers party. Only had a few drinks but ate 2 triangle sandwiches and a handful of crisps. No gym.
Sunday - no breakfast. Went for a run and burned 200 cals - poor!! Lunch was whole foods salad and piri piri chicken from M&S 500 cals in total then hme made soup for dinner followed by a nakd bar.
Monday. Eggs and rye bread for breakfast. Soup for lunch. An apple and a nakd bar during day. Chicken and veg with brown rice for dinner. A spinning class then another nakd bar.
Tuesday one slice pumpkin bread with peanut butter and banana, leftover chicken rice and veg for lunch then healthy pancakes for dinner with almond butter raspberries and agave nectar. Body pump class.
Today - leftover pancakes for breakfast, pearl barley with veg and butternut squash for lunch.
Over the weekend I managed to eat 12 choc truffles too, randomly spaced out! : (
So when I look back at that although I don't think it merits a 2lb gain I can see where I went wrong, so how do I Make sure next week is better?
No missing the gym or workouts. 1 rest day on Sunday and that's it. No nut butters - I have no portion control. Keep a food journal so I know exactly what I'm eating and how many cals, keep an eye on portion control and carbs - def a big one. Think im falling into the trap of if it's clean I can eat it but I know I can't eat huge amounts! Stop snacking at work. I've tried this the last 2 days and it's totally manageable - I don't need an afternoon snack if my breakfast and lunch are substantial enough!
Still not ready to give up my nakd bar and tea at night though!
So there it is - not going that well is it??! Really trying not to be disheartened and to just keep going but it is hard.
Any advice??
Lisa xx
Wednesday 6 February 2013
Weigh in week 4
Success! 2lbs lost over the last 2 weeks which takes me to 10'2 and keeps me right on target!
It also makes me realise that one bad day won't make me fat, just like one salad and a work out wont make me skinny! It's all in the moderation and getting right back on it if you do slip up!
Writing down my feb goals really helped too - I've also cut these down into weekly goals to keep me on track! So far this week I've tried 3 new recipes so that's completed and I've worked out twice. I still need to do one more class, go for a run and do some form of decluttering / organising! Knowing that these things are on my list for this week makes me more likely to stick at them!
I've planned a gym class for Friday and on Sunday I'll go for a run, tidy up all my bills and paperwork for an hour then do some meal planning and shopping for next week. If I do this it's all goals ticked for week one!
Hope you are all doing well. Do you set yourself min goals? How do you make sure you stick to them?
Lisa xx
It also makes me realise that one bad day won't make me fat, just like one salad and a work out wont make me skinny! It's all in the moderation and getting right back on it if you do slip up!
Writing down my feb goals really helped too - I've also cut these down into weekly goals to keep me on track! So far this week I've tried 3 new recipes so that's completed and I've worked out twice. I still need to do one more class, go for a run and do some form of decluttering / organising! Knowing that these things are on my list for this week makes me more likely to stick at them!
I've planned a gym class for Friday and on Sunday I'll go for a run, tidy up all my bills and paperwork for an hour then do some meal planning and shopping for next week. If I do this it's all goals ticked for week one!
Hope you are all doing well. Do you set yourself min goals? How do you make sure you stick to them?
Lisa xx
Friday 1 February 2013
Hello February : )
Well January is finally over, resolutions will have been kept and broken and probably made again and everyone has finally been paid!
I just wanted to do a quick post to keep myself accountable, look at the things I wanted to achieve for January and set myself some goals for February.
My main goals for Jan and for this blog were centred around weight loss. I stated that I wanted to work out more, lose at least 1lb a week, eat clean and stay away from salt and processed foods etc.
I also wanted to try new recipes, keep this blog going and try to bulk shop to save myself money.
So how did I do? Its been a strange month considering January is usually fairly quiet! I've had family birthdays, a night out with friends and a work trip away - all sent to knock me off track! But I think I've managed to keep a good balance - I ate and drank too much on most occasions but I also made sensible choices where I could, stayed away from wine and got back on it the next day!
So far I've lost 6lbs in January - I missed this weeks weigh in as I was away with work so I'm hoping for some more next Wednesday. So on that count, I've hit my target of 1lb a week and some more!
I've not added salt to anything all January - and I now dont even miss it! This is huge for me as I used to cover everything in salt - it also proves that if you go cold turkey eventually your cravings will go!
New recipes - I've knocked up a few things but time has let me down here and I've reverted to re-cooking the new recipes I tried over and over - def something to work on for February! I've been good at prepping lunches and getting up early to make healthy breakfasts though!
Working out - totally stuck to this one, I've been doing a mix of spinning, bodypump and metafit and have been going to the gym at least 3 times a week - will work on maintaining this throughout Feb.
Running - went about twice then stopped! So no targets met with this one unfortunately!
Money saving - as I've now been paid I'm going to sit down this weekend and look for lots of yummy inspiring recipes and shop around for the cheapest places to get the ingredients.
All in all, not a bad month and I stuck to it more than I have before - go me!
So, on to February...
My goals for Feb are as follows.......
What are your February goals? Did you stick to your January ones?
I just wanted to do a quick post to keep myself accountable, look at the things I wanted to achieve for January and set myself some goals for February.
My main goals for Jan and for this blog were centred around weight loss. I stated that I wanted to work out more, lose at least 1lb a week, eat clean and stay away from salt and processed foods etc.
I also wanted to try new recipes, keep this blog going and try to bulk shop to save myself money.
So how did I do? Its been a strange month considering January is usually fairly quiet! I've had family birthdays, a night out with friends and a work trip away - all sent to knock me off track! But I think I've managed to keep a good balance - I ate and drank too much on most occasions but I also made sensible choices where I could, stayed away from wine and got back on it the next day!
So far I've lost 6lbs in January - I missed this weeks weigh in as I was away with work so I'm hoping for some more next Wednesday. So on that count, I've hit my target of 1lb a week and some more!
I've not added salt to anything all January - and I now dont even miss it! This is huge for me as I used to cover everything in salt - it also proves that if you go cold turkey eventually your cravings will go!
New recipes - I've knocked up a few things but time has let me down here and I've reverted to re-cooking the new recipes I tried over and over - def something to work on for February! I've been good at prepping lunches and getting up early to make healthy breakfasts though!
Working out - totally stuck to this one, I've been doing a mix of spinning, bodypump and metafit and have been going to the gym at least 3 times a week - will work on maintaining this throughout Feb.
Running - went about twice then stopped! So no targets met with this one unfortunately!
Money saving - as I've now been paid I'm going to sit down this weekend and look for lots of yummy inspiring recipes and shop around for the cheapest places to get the ingredients.
All in all, not a bad month and I stuck to it more than I have before - go me!
So, on to February...
My goals for Feb are as follows.......
- Lose 1lb a week
- Take some before pictures to motivate me and to use as a comparison in coming months
- Run at least once a week - doesnt matter time or distance just do it!
- Stick to at least 3 gym workouts a week
- Have a clear meal plan each week and stick to it
- Give myself a good balance of healhty and nutritious foods
- Have a clear out of all old clothes and declutter anything I dont want or need - hello Ebay!
- Sort out paperwork, bills and get all filing up to date!
What are your February goals? Did you stick to your January ones?
Sunday 27 January 2013
FAIL!!
Gaaaaah! Went out on Friday night with some old school friends, instead of going to dinner first I went to the gym then made a healthy dinner before I went out. So far, so good!
Stuck to vodka and soda all night which was fine until the drunkenness kicked in.....someone brought a huge load of crisps over to the table and a box of shortbread appeared that one of th guys brought back from a Burns night and I ate and ate and ate!!
I then proceeded to get chips and cheese on the way home - I don't even like chips and cheese FFS!!! Ate the lot, fell into bed fully clothed and woke up feeling like death yesterday! Think. Had a food hangover more than an alcohol one! Felt sluggish and yucky all day!
Trying not to beat myself up about it but I'm so annoyed and disappointed : (
I'm away all week with work so I won't get to the gym as much, won't have full control of my food and will miss my weigh in on Wednesday.
I'm just going to do the best I can food and exercise wise and I need to draw a line under my epic fail and get on with it! Safe to say I won't be drinking again for a while!
How do you deal with slip ups?
Lisa xx
Stuck to vodka and soda all night which was fine until the drunkenness kicked in.....someone brought a huge load of crisps over to the table and a box of shortbread appeared that one of th guys brought back from a Burns night and I ate and ate and ate!!
I then proceeded to get chips and cheese on the way home - I don't even like chips and cheese FFS!!! Ate the lot, fell into bed fully clothed and woke up feeling like death yesterday! Think. Had a food hangover more than an alcohol one! Felt sluggish and yucky all day!
Trying not to beat myself up about it but I'm so annoyed and disappointed : (
I'm away all week with work so I won't get to the gym as much, won't have full control of my food and will miss my weigh in on Wednesday.
I'm just going to do the best I can food and exercise wise and I need to draw a line under my epic fail and get on with it! Safe to say I won't be drinking again for a while!
How do you deal with slip ups?
Lisa xx
Wednesday 23 January 2013
Weigh in week 3
3 weeks in already! Not very successful this week as I stayed the same! So still 10'4
I could list loads of reasons and start freaking out but I'm not going to! At the end if the day I decided this was going to be a lifestyle change and not a diet so m just going to keep at it!
I've still lost 6lbs in 3 weeks which is great! My cravings for bad food are disappearing and I think I can see the beginnings of a difference in my shape - less bloated due to not adding salt to anything and drinking loads of water plus there is def more definition in my legs from the gym - win win!
So just a short update tonight! How do you handle weight loss disappointments? And how often do you weigh yourself if you do?
Lisa xx
I could list loads of reasons and start freaking out but I'm not going to! At the end if the day I decided this was going to be a lifestyle change and not a diet so m just going to keep at it!
I've still lost 6lbs in 3 weeks which is great! My cravings for bad food are disappearing and I think I can see the beginnings of a difference in my shape - less bloated due to not adding salt to anything and drinking loads of water plus there is def more definition in my legs from the gym - win win!
So just a short update tonight! How do you handle weight loss disappointments? And how often do you weigh yourself if you do?
Lisa xx
Monday 21 January 2013
Get Fit, Feel Epic
If you’ve read any of my earlier posts, you’ll know that I started 2013
with a resolution to become fit and healthy once and for all. My weight has fluctuated all over the place
in recent years and I think I’ve followed every diet under the sun – clearly none
of them were that successful or I wouldn’t be about to embark on another one!
However, here lies the difference – this time I’m not doing it to
become skinny or just as a quick goal until I go on holiday etc etc, this time
I want to make a serious lifestyle change and do things that are sustainable
for my future health and well being.
The lovely Laura over at keeping healthy getting stylish is holding a ‘GetFit, Feel Epic’ competition in conjunction with MoneySupermarket.com. Not only is the prize to die for especially
for someone starting this kind of journey! But the opportunity to sit down and
really think about how I plan to ‘Get Fit, Feel Epic’ this year was really
useful too.
I got down to my lowest weight a couple of years ago by following
Weight Watchers – I’m sure you all know how the WW programme works – you get a
set amount of points each day depending on your age and various lifestyle
factors and you can use them however you like – no food is off limits provided
you stick to your points. I would like
to point out that I did the old version of the plan where fruit was pointed and
there were no extra points for the weekend etc – I think I had 17 points every
day and that was it!
I think I did it for about 18 months and lost over 2 stone so you could
say it did what it promised. However, it
taught me nothing about healthy food or how to maintain my weight – unless of
course I wanted to continue to count points for the rest of my life which I
really didn’t!
My diet for those 2 years was something like Weetabix for breakfast, a
sandwich made with WW bread and a packet of ‘healthy’ crisps like quavers for
lunch, dinner was a WW ready meal with loads of veggies to bulk it out then I’d
use my last 2 points for a bar of chocolate or a WW dessert after dinner!!
Looking back I cant believe I ate like that for 2 years!
Most of the diet was pointed towards WW branded foods which were a
godsend at the time – the points were printed on the packet meaning that I didn’t
need to calculate anything but it was all processed junk. As an example, half an avocado would have
cost me something like 8 points (remember I was only on 17 a day) yet I could
have 4 curly wurly’s or 8 packets of
quavers for the same points!!! For a fat girl trying to lose weight and stop
myself being hungry things like avocado were never going to win!
So the inevitable happened, I reached my goal weight and more, thought
that was it, stopped going to meetings and as soon as I stopped counting points
my weight gradually went back up! Im now a stone heavier than I was when I left
WW a couple of years ago which for all intents and purposes isn’t that bad!
I’ve probably waffled on a bit, the point of this post isn’t to bash
Weight Watchers and what is to some a very successful diet programme! Its to
tell you all how I plan to Get Fit, Feel Epic in 2013!
First of all I want to eat clean.
I wouldn’t fill my car with junk and expect it to run so why would I do
the same to my body? Eating clean for me
means no processed foods, no sugar, no white bread, pasta, rice etc and of
course no sweets, chocolate, crisps etc.
I’m 2 and a half weeks into this so far and I’ve lost 6lbs – I’m also
really enjoying it!
Its taken a bit of planning and more meal prep than I was used to but
it does mean that I’m eating healthy home cooked meals from scratch for
breakfast , lunch and dinner! I’ve experimented with quinoa, pearl barley,
loads of different veggies, clean pancakes and desserts and if I’ve been
peckish snacks have been Nakd bars or fruit and nuts!
My goal for continuing this is to cook at least 2 new recipes a week
and experiment with foods I wouldn’t normally try or put together.
As a sidenote – meal planning and eating like this is saving me huge
amounts of money which was another
resolution of mine – lose lbs, save £s if you will!
Next part of my plan is exercise! I’ve always been a bit of an all or
nothing girl when it comes to working out I’ve also been known to be constantly
chasing the next quick fix or big thing when it comes to working out. Those infomercials telling you that for
£99.99 you can get a 12 dvd set and lose a stone in 5 minutes – they’re talking
to me!!! I swear I get sucked into everything under the sun! At one point I was paying £60 a month for a
gym membership that I didn’t use, £32 for a bootcamp membership that I didn’t use,
£18 a month for online nutrition advice that I ignored and I also have insane
amounts of work out dvds, dumbells, kettlebells, a hula hoop and a mini
trampoline – all unused!!! Until now!
So at the start of 2013 I cancelled the bootcamp membership and the
nutrition advice, sold all the dvds apart from my 2 favourites on ebay and made
a deal with myself that I’d keep the gym membership provided that I went at
least 3 times a week and made use of the spa facilities to make some relaxation
time for me. And its working, I’ve been
about 4 times a week for the past 3 weeks, have tried different classes like
metafit and I’ve been spending time in the sauna and Jacuzzi after classes
which is bliss!
After abusing my body with so much yo yo dieting and junk food, I
actually have no idea where my natural weight should be. For the next couple of months I’m going to
eat clean without counting calories – although I will be mindful of how much I’m
eating and listen to my body when I’m full.
I’m going to work out regularly but I’m not going to kill myself in the
gym just to be a size smaller – I want to have a fun life and still be able to
have dinner with my boyfriend and drinks with my friends – I just want to be
healthy!
So that’s my plan, if you’ve managed to read all of this well done :
) I’m looking forward to seeing where I
am at the end of March and if it is possible to lose weight by being sensible and
healthy rather than following some fad!
I’ll keep you posted!
Lisa x
Wednesday 16 January 2013
Weigh in Week 2 & Metafit
Well it's Wednesday again which means its weigh in day! Managed to lose another pound this week which makes me happy! It's not as much as last week obviously but a loss is a loss and have you seen what a pound of fat looks like?!
I would post an image for your benefit but my stupid iPad won't let me!! Go google it!
Not much to report this week, after my weekend I've been focusing on eating healthy and working out so that combined with my hectic work schedule has left little time for much else!
I've been snooping around at a lot of other blogs, mainly to get recipe ideas and motivation from people who have been on or are on a weightless journey but also because I'm nosy! Although the sole intention of this blog was to document my journey, these blogs have inspired me to post about a variety of other things which I'm looking forward to!
First on my list is a post I had planned to do anyway for the lovely Laura at Keeping healthy getting stylish on Get Fit Feel Epic which I hope to post this weekend. I'm then going to bore you all with random posts that take my fancy!
Moving on to the second part of my post title - Metafit! Holy smokes that class is hard! For those who haven't heard of it, it's a half hour HIIT (high intensive interval training) class so basically six exercises repeated 4 times - 50 seconds on, 10 seconds off and on it goes until the end so tonight's class looked like this...
Warm up
50 seconds burpees
10 second rest
50 seconds mountain climbers
10 second rest
50 seconds squat jumps
10 second rest
50 seconds crab press ups
10 seconds rest
50 second lunge jumps
10 second rest
50 second plank jacks
10 second rest
REPEATED 4 TIMES!!
I don't think that list gives justice to how goddamn hard it was!! But it does only last half an hour so you feel like you can suck it up as its over before long!!
What exercise do you do / enjoy? I've always wanted to try yoga esp hot yoga but there are no classes near me - boo!
And if there are any other great blogs I'm missing out on please let me know!
Lisa xx
I would post an image for your benefit but my stupid iPad won't let me!! Go google it!
Not much to report this week, after my weekend I've been focusing on eating healthy and working out so that combined with my hectic work schedule has left little time for much else!
I've been snooping around at a lot of other blogs, mainly to get recipe ideas and motivation from people who have been on or are on a weightless journey but also because I'm nosy! Although the sole intention of this blog was to document my journey, these blogs have inspired me to post about a variety of other things which I'm looking forward to!
First on my list is a post I had planned to do anyway for the lovely Laura at Keeping healthy getting stylish on Get Fit Feel Epic which I hope to post this weekend. I'm then going to bore you all with random posts that take my fancy!
Moving on to the second part of my post title - Metafit! Holy smokes that class is hard! For those who haven't heard of it, it's a half hour HIIT (high intensive interval training) class so basically six exercises repeated 4 times - 50 seconds on, 10 seconds off and on it goes until the end so tonight's class looked like this...
Warm up
50 seconds burpees
10 second rest
50 seconds mountain climbers
10 second rest
50 seconds squat jumps
10 second rest
50 seconds crab press ups
10 seconds rest
50 second lunge jumps
10 second rest
50 second plank jacks
10 second rest
REPEATED 4 TIMES!!
I don't think that list gives justice to how goddamn hard it was!! But it does only last half an hour so you feel like you can suck it up as its over before long!!
What exercise do you do / enjoy? I've always wanted to try yoga esp hot yoga but there are no classes near me - boo!
And if there are any other great blogs I'm missing out on please let me know!
Lisa xx
Sunday 13 January 2013
Making sensible choices!
Sunday night again and for the most part another successful weekend!
As mentioned in my previous post it was my sister in laws bday yesterday which meant a family meal and alcohol. I've read up a lot on cheat meals \ cheat days and how they can benefit your weight loss etc and to be honest I'm still not convinced if this is something I'd do every week however it def made me feel less guilty about a meal out!
We had errands to run during the day and an early start to go pick some things up - J decided he'd have a McDonald's breakfast muffin and a coffee to eat on the road, usually I'd have the same although I'd opt for a bagel or porridge thinking it was healthy! Sensible choice no1 - I got up half an hour early and made rye bread, egg and avocado - much better and filled me up a lot more!
We got stuff done quicker than we hoped so we decided to go for an impromptu cinema date! Usually even if I'm not that hungry ill have a small salted popcorn and a diet coke or a scoop of ice cream - food at the cinema, that's just what you do right? Wrong! Sensible choice no2 - I had a bottle of water and didn't even steal a handful of Js popcorn. I'm trying to re- educate myself, seriously it's a 2 hour film, I don't need snacks to sustain me for 2 hours!
Had a nap when I got home then woke up and got ready for dinner. This is where my brain starting battling logic! Having not eaten since breakfast (which I know isn't good) half of me was thinking you know what just eat whatever you want, have some wine you deserve it etc while the other half knew I could still have a good night and remain sensible!
We went for Indian food - usually I'd have Korma which as you prob know is loaded with cream and fat and I'd also sink several glasses of wine which is basically a glass full of sugar! So sensible choice 3 - I stuck with vodka and soda all night despite the countless bottles of wine being shared and I had 1 glass of champagne! For dinner I chose tandoori chicken which is cooked in the oven with no fat or creamy sauces and it was delicious! I'm no saint, I had a couple of bits of peshwari nan bread and I had rice but I don't think my choices were that bad!
So the moral of the story is that if I view this as a lifestyle and not a 'diet' I can still participate in social events and have fun as long as I continue to make the best choices possible! This might be commonplace to most people but making these choices throughout the day was a really big deal for me and I feel proud that I did it : )
Got my food and exercise sorted for tomorrow and I'm excited for my weigh in on Wednesday!
Hope everyone else had a great weekend!
Lisa xx
As mentioned in my previous post it was my sister in laws bday yesterday which meant a family meal and alcohol. I've read up a lot on cheat meals \ cheat days and how they can benefit your weight loss etc and to be honest I'm still not convinced if this is something I'd do every week however it def made me feel less guilty about a meal out!
We had errands to run during the day and an early start to go pick some things up - J decided he'd have a McDonald's breakfast muffin and a coffee to eat on the road, usually I'd have the same although I'd opt for a bagel or porridge thinking it was healthy! Sensible choice no1 - I got up half an hour early and made rye bread, egg and avocado - much better and filled me up a lot more!
We got stuff done quicker than we hoped so we decided to go for an impromptu cinema date! Usually even if I'm not that hungry ill have a small salted popcorn and a diet coke or a scoop of ice cream - food at the cinema, that's just what you do right? Wrong! Sensible choice no2 - I had a bottle of water and didn't even steal a handful of Js popcorn. I'm trying to re- educate myself, seriously it's a 2 hour film, I don't need snacks to sustain me for 2 hours!
Had a nap when I got home then woke up and got ready for dinner. This is where my brain starting battling logic! Having not eaten since breakfast (which I know isn't good) half of me was thinking you know what just eat whatever you want, have some wine you deserve it etc while the other half knew I could still have a good night and remain sensible!
We went for Indian food - usually I'd have Korma which as you prob know is loaded with cream and fat and I'd also sink several glasses of wine which is basically a glass full of sugar! So sensible choice 3 - I stuck with vodka and soda all night despite the countless bottles of wine being shared and I had 1 glass of champagne! For dinner I chose tandoori chicken which is cooked in the oven with no fat or creamy sauces and it was delicious! I'm no saint, I had a couple of bits of peshwari nan bread and I had rice but I don't think my choices were that bad!
So the moral of the story is that if I view this as a lifestyle and not a 'diet' I can still participate in social events and have fun as long as I continue to make the best choices possible! This might be commonplace to most people but making these choices throughout the day was a really big deal for me and I feel proud that I did it : )
Got my food and exercise sorted for tomorrow and I'm excited for my weigh in on Wednesday!
Hope everyone else had a great weekend!
Lisa xx
Wednesday 9 January 2013
Weigh in week 1
Well the results are in. After a full week of eating clean, working out and drinking plenty of water I have lost 5lbs!!!!! Beyond pleased with that result! I know a lot of it will be Christmas weight just coming off and I certainly don't expect another result like it but WOW!!
It hasn't been easy but let me tell you it's not as hard as people would have you believe! I never felt hungry, I ate lots of yummy food and snacks and didnt count a singe point or calorie - just good healthy unprocessed food and I put in some effort at the gym!
That's it! Now for week 2! Im still only aiming or 1lb a week and I still have my target of being in the 9s for Chris's wedding at the end of March - that's what I'm focusing on.
It's Js sisters birthday this weekend which means a family meal and drinks but I'm viewi g this as a lifestyle change and not a diet so I'll go, have fun and I'll make the most sensible choices I can food and drink wise then get right back on it on Sunday!
Made sweet potato chilli for dinner tonight with some grilled turkey with Cajun spices - really tasty so that's lunch for 2m sorted too : ) actually enjoying cooking and coming up with new recipes - plus I'm fast getting through all my cupboard staples like quinoa and lentils that have been languishing doing nothing while I stuffed my face over Christmas!
If theres anyone out there reading this, please leave a little comment to say hi or with any advice : ) I started this to keep me accountable and so at the end of the year I could look back on my progress but it would be nice to know of anyone in the journey with me!
Lisa xx
It hasn't been easy but let me tell you it's not as hard as people would have you believe! I never felt hungry, I ate lots of yummy food and snacks and didnt count a singe point or calorie - just good healthy unprocessed food and I put in some effort at the gym!
That's it! Now for week 2! Im still only aiming or 1lb a week and I still have my target of being in the 9s for Chris's wedding at the end of March - that's what I'm focusing on.
It's Js sisters birthday this weekend which means a family meal and drinks but I'm viewi g this as a lifestyle change and not a diet so I'll go, have fun and I'll make the most sensible choices I can food and drink wise then get right back on it on Sunday!
Made sweet potato chilli for dinner tonight with some grilled turkey with Cajun spices - really tasty so that's lunch for 2m sorted too : ) actually enjoying cooking and coming up with new recipes - plus I'm fast getting through all my cupboard staples like quinoa and lentils that have been languishing doing nothing while I stuffed my face over Christmas!
If theres anyone out there reading this, please leave a little comment to say hi or with any advice : ) I started this to keep me accountable and so at the end of the year I could look back on my progress but it would be nice to know of anyone in the journey with me!
Lisa xx
Monday 7 January 2013
Surviving the weekend!
Well I did it, I stayed on track the full weekend - go me!
Friday night I went for a 5K run / walk after work - getting back into running is one of my goals for this year so I've decided to try and do 5K a few times a week with the view to improving my time each month. My first attempt took me 39 mins to complete. This was a mix of walking / running so I'm okay with that and now it gives me a benchmark to work against!
Friday night I made turkey and chickpea curry which was surpisingly yummy! Had it with brown rice and froze two portions to have this week sometime.
Saturday morning I had a much needed long lie, got up and had rye bread with avocado, tomato and a poached egg. Had a tangerine at about 3 then went to a spin class.
Came home and made a yummy porridge made with organic oats and almond milk. Added chia seeds, almond butter and some shredded coconut - amazing!! So that was dinner. Sat night me and J had a night in watching movies - this is where I would usually eat something - he made cheese on toast later in the evening and it was ridiculously difficult not to have any but I managed!
Sunday morning we took the dog for a massive walk around the woods, on the way home fat boy decided he wanted a Burger King for lunch, again it took all my willpower to say no!! I had my eggs, rye bread and avocado when we got in and felt much better for it! Went for a 30 min run on the treadmill followed by a sauna and jacuzzi which felt great, although my legs were like jelly when I got out!
Made a big pot of lentil, carrot and leek soup when I got home and happily sat and ate two bowls of that for dinner followed by half a protein bar and a tangerine!
Prepped lunch and snacks for today (cous cous with tomato, pepper and cucumber) and chopped pineapple for a snack later.
Then it was time for bed!
One thing that has helped me is doing the big shop of all healthy things, instead of going to the supermarket to pick something up for dinner or lunch, knowing that I need to make something based on the ingredients I have is keeping me on track money wise and diet wise!
And I've still managed not to step on the scales for a sneaky peek - the temptation is strong though but I want to maintian a weigh in once a week so I dont get disheartened!
How are you all doing? Any tips for surviving the weekend?
Friday night I went for a 5K run / walk after work - getting back into running is one of my goals for this year so I've decided to try and do 5K a few times a week with the view to improving my time each month. My first attempt took me 39 mins to complete. This was a mix of walking / running so I'm okay with that and now it gives me a benchmark to work against!
Friday night I made turkey and chickpea curry which was surpisingly yummy! Had it with brown rice and froze two portions to have this week sometime.
Saturday morning I had a much needed long lie, got up and had rye bread with avocado, tomato and a poached egg. Had a tangerine at about 3 then went to a spin class.
Came home and made a yummy porridge made with organic oats and almond milk. Added chia seeds, almond butter and some shredded coconut - amazing!! So that was dinner. Sat night me and J had a night in watching movies - this is where I would usually eat something - he made cheese on toast later in the evening and it was ridiculously difficult not to have any but I managed!
Sunday morning we took the dog for a massive walk around the woods, on the way home fat boy decided he wanted a Burger King for lunch, again it took all my willpower to say no!! I had my eggs, rye bread and avocado when we got in and felt much better for it! Went for a 30 min run on the treadmill followed by a sauna and jacuzzi which felt great, although my legs were like jelly when I got out!
Made a big pot of lentil, carrot and leek soup when I got home and happily sat and ate two bowls of that for dinner followed by half a protein bar and a tangerine!
Prepped lunch and snacks for today (cous cous with tomato, pepper and cucumber) and chopped pineapple for a snack later.
Then it was time for bed!
One thing that has helped me is doing the big shop of all healthy things, instead of going to the supermarket to pick something up for dinner or lunch, knowing that I need to make something based on the ingredients I have is keeping me on track money wise and diet wise!
And I've still managed not to step on the scales for a sneaky peek - the temptation is strong though but I want to maintian a weigh in once a week so I dont get disheartened!
How are you all doing? Any tips for surviving the weekend?
Friday 4 January 2013
Obstacles and Instagram
Day 1 complete! Although it didnt exactly go to plan...
Got up early and made a class before work, came home and had a healhty breakfast as planned before leaving for work. So far, so good.
Healthy lunch was consumed as planned however by 2pm I had eaten my allocated snacks (carrot sticks, almonds and a tangerine) that were meant to last me the rest of the day - where had the hunger come from! Note to self - do not prepare a food plan when you are stuffed full of chocolate and steak pie as I was on Wednesday night! After the excess of Christmas I had forgotten what it was like to be hungry!
Caved and had a handful of maltesters that were in the office from before the holidays - FAIL! Came home and was starving, didnt go to the gym although as I had already worked out in the morning I didnt feel so bad about it.
Had my chicken and rice as planned with added beetroot then made a pot of soup for lunch the next day. Still hungry after my shower so had a protein bar with a cup of tea!
So food wise, not what I had planned but still a lot better than what I was eating - managed not to add salt to anything which is a miracle for me!
Stayed up late watching CBB last night which in turn meant I slept through my alarm for class this morning so my Friday night will now begin in the gym which I was hoping to avoid with a morning class but as long as I go I guess.
Lessons learned - do not underestimate how hungry I might be during the day - be prepared and take extra healhty snacks just in case (these dont have to be eaten!) Today I have a hard boiled egg and half a protein bar alongside my carrots and almonds should the afternoon hunger strike!
Also, I need a decent sleep if I'm going to be up early in the morning - no more lying in bed checking Twitter and staying up late for rubbish TV!
Going to do some batch cooking tonight - quinoa and butternut squash chilli and a turkey and chickpea curry - have the ingredients in for both and as they both serve 4 I can freeze portions for lunches next week.
Something I constantly crave is motivation - I love reading healthy eating blogs and weight loss blogs etc and my new favourite source of motivation is http://instagram.com/ there are so many inspirational people posting from weight loss pics, to healthy food pics, to gym training pics - I love it!! Some of my favourites to follow are below - if you know any more please let me know along with any healthy / foodie blogs I should be following.
@fightforfit
@thinspiration101
@be_fit_be_skinny
@thehealthychange
@fitnessconsistence
@myhealhtydish_
@f0reverfit_
@getfitquick
@bellafalconi_fitness
Have a great weekend everyone!
Lisa xx
Got up early and made a class before work, came home and had a healhty breakfast as planned before leaving for work. So far, so good.
Healthy lunch was consumed as planned however by 2pm I had eaten my allocated snacks (carrot sticks, almonds and a tangerine) that were meant to last me the rest of the day - where had the hunger come from! Note to self - do not prepare a food plan when you are stuffed full of chocolate and steak pie as I was on Wednesday night! After the excess of Christmas I had forgotten what it was like to be hungry!
Caved and had a handful of maltesters that were in the office from before the holidays - FAIL! Came home and was starving, didnt go to the gym although as I had already worked out in the morning I didnt feel so bad about it.
Had my chicken and rice as planned with added beetroot then made a pot of soup for lunch the next day. Still hungry after my shower so had a protein bar with a cup of tea!
So food wise, not what I had planned but still a lot better than what I was eating - managed not to add salt to anything which is a miracle for me!
Stayed up late watching CBB last night which in turn meant I slept through my alarm for class this morning so my Friday night will now begin in the gym which I was hoping to avoid with a morning class but as long as I go I guess.
Lessons learned - do not underestimate how hungry I might be during the day - be prepared and take extra healhty snacks just in case (these dont have to be eaten!) Today I have a hard boiled egg and half a protein bar alongside my carrots and almonds should the afternoon hunger strike!
Also, I need a decent sleep if I'm going to be up early in the morning - no more lying in bed checking Twitter and staying up late for rubbish TV!
Going to do some batch cooking tonight - quinoa and butternut squash chilli and a turkey and chickpea curry - have the ingredients in for both and as they both serve 4 I can freeze portions for lunches next week.
Something I constantly crave is motivation - I love reading healthy eating blogs and weight loss blogs etc and my new favourite source of motivation is http://instagram.com/ there are so many inspirational people posting from weight loss pics, to healthy food pics, to gym training pics - I love it!! Some of my favourites to follow are below - if you know any more please let me know along with any healthy / foodie blogs I should be following.
@fightforfit
@thinspiration101
@be_fit_be_skinny
@thehealthychange
@fitnessconsistence
@myhealhtydish_
@f0reverfit_
@getfitquick
@bellafalconi_fitness
Have a great weekend everyone!
Lisa xx
Wednesday 2 January 2013
Starting weight and week 1
Well back to work tomorrow after over a week off, that alarm is going to hurt in the morning!
Half of today has been spent holding on to holiday mode with both hands - long lie, steak pie for dinner and the last of the Christmas chocolate scarfed down with a cup of tea! The other half has been spent in organisational mode - washing/housework up to date, gym classes booked and a healthy shop completed!
As well as eating too much I've also spent waaay too much money so my healthy eating also has to be as cheap as possible! I know everyone says that healthy food is cheap but it really isn't - 68p or a pepper or 2 packets of rank pasta and sauce for 50p!!! Anyway I digress...... I spent around £50 on shopping earlier which included some non food items but I'm hoping I have enough stuff to last at least 2 weeks - I think soups and batch cooking will be my friend, as mentioned in my previous post I'm aiming to eat clean most of the time. This means nothing processed, no white bread, rice or pasta and it goes without saying that crisps, chocolate, cakes etc are off the menu!
Basically I'll be eating chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, quinoa, oats, lots of veg etc anything fresh! Plenty of water and going to try not to add salt to anything I eat.
I weighed myself tonight after dinner and will weigh in every Wednesday night after work. So my starting weight is.......10 st 10lbs - a fair bit heavier than I thought! Ideally I want to lose a least 1lb a week - we have a family wedding at the end of March so if I lost 1lb a week I'd be 9.12 for the big day.
I'm going to take it one day at a time and planning is key. Tomorrow looks like this......
Spin class before work - struggle to get up but I always feel great during the day once it's done.
Breakfast - 1 slice rye bread toasted w/ one tomato and 1/4 avocado
Lunch - chicken, brown rice, cherry tomatoes
Snacks - tangerine and carrot sticks
Bootcamp after work
Dinner - same as lunch!
And no snacking after dinner!!
I'll update you all in a couple of days with how it's going - if you have any tips or cheap healthy recipes please share them!
Lisa xx
Half of today has been spent holding on to holiday mode with both hands - long lie, steak pie for dinner and the last of the Christmas chocolate scarfed down with a cup of tea! The other half has been spent in organisational mode - washing/housework up to date, gym classes booked and a healthy shop completed!
As well as eating too much I've also spent waaay too much money so my healthy eating also has to be as cheap as possible! I know everyone says that healthy food is cheap but it really isn't - 68p or a pepper or 2 packets of rank pasta and sauce for 50p!!! Anyway I digress...... I spent around £50 on shopping earlier which included some non food items but I'm hoping I have enough stuff to last at least 2 weeks - I think soups and batch cooking will be my friend, as mentioned in my previous post I'm aiming to eat clean most of the time. This means nothing processed, no white bread, rice or pasta and it goes without saying that crisps, chocolate, cakes etc are off the menu!
Basically I'll be eating chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, quinoa, oats, lots of veg etc anything fresh! Plenty of water and going to try not to add salt to anything I eat.
I weighed myself tonight after dinner and will weigh in every Wednesday night after work. So my starting weight is.......10 st 10lbs - a fair bit heavier than I thought! Ideally I want to lose a least 1lb a week - we have a family wedding at the end of March so if I lost 1lb a week I'd be 9.12 for the big day.
I'm going to take it one day at a time and planning is key. Tomorrow looks like this......
Spin class before work - struggle to get up but I always feel great during the day once it's done.
Breakfast - 1 slice rye bread toasted w/ one tomato and 1/4 avocado
Lunch - chicken, brown rice, cherry tomatoes
Snacks - tangerine and carrot sticks
Bootcamp after work
Dinner - same as lunch!
And no snacking after dinner!!
I'll update you all in a couple of days with how it's going - if you have any tips or cheap healthy recipes please share them!
Lisa xx
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