Wrapping Up with Costs and Payoffs

Costs & Payoffs

This week's mindset video was a real challenge to look at the costs and payoffs associated with both achieving and not achieving my goal in 12wbt; to then figure out which one was where I wanted to head.

I was more challenged by this than I thought I would be. I was fine with the first few questions, but even just writing my answers to Q5 - The cost of NOT achieving my goal - I was starting to get a little freaked. It was like my pen was writing more honestly than my mind could think. The costs were:

Nothing will change,
Always feeling unhappy and disappointed with myself,
Feel like a failure,
Lack any self confidence.

As I was writing I was thinking "gee it must be awful to feel this way" when I realised that's how I used to feel. All the time! And then when Mish asked us to find the answers we were most fearful of, well it really wasn't hard. Nothing else on my pages were as fearful as those few statements.

Hence this little exercise cemented for me the fact that whatever it costs me in time, money, effort, pain, organisation, saying no to food/drink offers... was completely and utterly worth it. Because I don't want to go back to feeling the way I used to about myself. In just 7 weeks I have moved on to such a brighter place, and I just simply can't let myself go back.

So, what's been on the menu this week???

I loved the broccoli soup, simply fabulous! The first photo was taken half way through!! Sorry after carefully arranging the croutons just right for the photo, I promptly forgot to take it and dug in to my 'shrek' soup!! Mum thought it would be a bit green, but I text her the photo and she said it looked much better than she imagined!! And the other photo is my lunch the next day.

If you asked me what my favourite meat was I'd say lamb - and especially lamb shanks. So wasn't I a little overly excited to find shanks on the menu this week. They were simply irresistable! Full of flabour, tendy, juicy etc. Definitely a winning dinner party dish!

As promised a photo of the chicken zuchini and ricotta pita pocket. It wasn't as good as the first one I made, namely because it had no chicken!! A complete oversight on my part and I had no chicken in the freezer to cook. So I improvised and chucked in a bit of lite swiss cheese.

I haven't photographed many of my breakfasts, perhaps an indication of how much time I'm lacking at that point in my day! This weekend changed all that - check out the fantastic treat I got on Saturday & Sunday - Best cooked breakfast ever! Grilled haloumi and mushrooms.

And last but not least - Spinach and Ricotta Fil Triangles. Tasty, and quite filling. They would definitely make tasty little finger food options if you were entertaining guests.

The Weekly Challenge 
I set myself the task of stepping up to the next level and completing 2000 dips! Did I make it???
Monday = 250 at the gym & 250 at home
Tuesday = 50 (gym)
Wenesday = 300 (home)
Thursday = 150 (gym) 100 (home)
Friday = 300 (home)
Saturday = 100 (gym) 400 (home)
Sunday = 100 (home)

YES!! I did it!! That total comes to 2000. So very proud of myself for seeing it through to the end. And even nailing the higher amount than intermediate. And for some more fun, I'm going to be posting a special post dedicated to the tricep challenge!!
 

So what's coming up in week 8???

I'm dedicating week 8 to be freezer week!! Huh? Well I seem to have acquired a number of leftover meals, and I'm off on holidays on Thursday, so I figured it was the perfect week to use up those meals. And what a nice low key way to wind down before holidays.

 

I'll be heading up to see my parents, and then flying up to Noosa for a week. And I'm certainly looking forward to some sunshine!! And I'm determined to stay on top of my diet and exercise too while I'm away. However when I'm staying with my parents I thought I might cook up a few 12wbt faves for them - what would you suggest??

Friday's Fabulous Fitness Survey

So, this survey has been doing the blog rounds... So, for a bit of Friday night fun I thought I'd give it a go!!

 

1. What did you eat for breakfast?
Today was berry bruschetta – I've found that I enjoy this breakfast a lot more than I thought. And when I'm running late (as I was today...) I just put the ricotta on both bits of toast, berries on one bit, and sandwich it all together! The trick is getting the berries to stay in.

 

2. How much water do you drink a day?
As a guide I aim for 2 litres. At work I often go through 2x 700ml bottles, then a good portion of another during a gym session. And with a glas with dinner, or herbal tea, I'd say most days I get there. 

 

3. What is your current favourite workout?
I really enjoy a tough weights session. High weight low reps is even better. I find weights challenging, but achievable so I feel empowered after these sessions. 

 

4. How many calories do you eat a day?
Very close to 1200cal. 

 

5. What are your favourite healthy snacks?
Tamar valley flavoured natural yoghurt tubs, an apple, and healthy 'brownies' (ie fresh dates, walnuts and cocoa in the food processor then pressed into a slice tin). Also have just discovered the joys of homemade hummus and celery/carrot sticks (yes I'm a late bloomer). 

 

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?
Since starting 12wbt I've never had so much variety in my lunch menu! This week I've had an antipasto pita pocket; chicken, zuchinnin & ricoota pita pocket (twice); beef and brocolini stir fry; and broccoli soup!!

 

7. What is your favourite body part to strength train?
Legs and Back.

 

8. What is your least favourite body part to strength train?
Shoulders and abs.

 

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?
ANYTHING sweet - chocolate, biscuits, cake, fresh home baked goodies... And it's hard to break the habit of turning to these things when I get a little stressed or unsettled.

 

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?
To appease my mother (yes at 34 I still fall into that trap!) I take a multivitamin in the morning with 2 Echinachea, Garlic & Vitamin C tablets; and a night multivitamin (Rest & Restore - Natures Way) with 2 zinc and magnesium tablets before bed..

 

11. How often do you eat out?
For the past 7 weeks my version of eating out has been my weekly skinny flat white with the girls after the gym on Saturday mornings!!! But prior to 12wbt I would guess I'd eat some form of takeaway (even if just a focaccia or the like) 4 times a week for lunch, and maybe once a week/fortnight for dinner.

 

12. Do you eat fast food?
See Q11.

 

13. Who is your biggest supporter?
In reality I've found a great support in the forums and blogs!

However, in terms of people I see and talk to... I have 1 very close friend who is also trying to change her lifestyle and health for the better so we check up on each other a little. There's 1 friend at work who knows I'm doing 12wbt who keeps encouraging me and saying she can tell the difference. My group of friends from the gym are a great support - just simply from the fact that I get to the gym primarily so I can catch up, but then we do a workout too! And my mum thinks me doing something positive for my health is the best thing ever, she's so keen for me that she's asked for a shopping list so when I go up to visit next week she can have 12wbt friendly food so as not to derail my progress!!!

 

14. Do you have a gym membership?
Absolutely! I'd be lost without it, and without my gym friends!

 

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
This week hasn't been the greatest, but usually anywher from 7.5 to 8.5

 

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?
No. If I'm going out on a Saturday night I would allow for that by avoiding snacks etc, but I just want to lose this weight so try not to cheat/treat unless I have to.

 

17. Do you drink alcohol?
Yes, but at present am avoiding it. I'd rather eat my calories than drink them. However I didn't find it hard to give up the wine as I didn't often drink during the week anyway.

 

18. Do you have a workout buddy?

I have friends at the gym and we all do the same classes together, but if I'm doing a cardio or weights program then I'm on my own. It's a good mix I think.

 

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?
I feel so positive about myself because I am achieving something I want and need. My mindset is being changed and I love it.

 

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?
300 tricep dips for this weeks challenge! Brings total so far to 1400!!

 

So feel free to copy the survey and post your own answers!

 

 

10.2kg GONE!!

Ok, so here's the post wednesday weigh in update... 

(drumroll please!)

I lost a whopping 700g!!!!

Yes, not the biggest number, but I'm ecstatic because that's a total loss of 10.2 kg in 7 weeks, and I've passed the 10kg milestone!!!!!!

As for another milestone... Here's a little story of my Wednesday at work which I posted in the forums this week:

Just have to let the 12wbt world know that it is possible to combat a crappy day without using food!!!

I had a tough day at work, 3 key staff members away, leaving me, 2 juniors and another senior staff member. As usual it all went a little pear shaped, I had to pull one of them into line when it took too long to get something done. We had a few curve balls thrown our way - you all know days like that!

But, in my previous life I would've just given in, eaten the favourites chocolates available, gone and visited the cookie jar in the tea room, missed my gym session after work, and eaten fatty greasy take away for dinner - all with the aim of making myself feel better (why did I never understand it made me feel worse??) so today, I resisted the chocs, biscuits etc, went to the gym and just made my rpm class, came home and cooked broccoli soup for dinner, and am now finishing up some tricep dips in between checking forum posts and blog posts.

I feel like I have achieved something really significant today, just in not eating crap! And I love the fact I made that decision. And I just wanted someone to know! Thanks for reading. 

As for some other highlights (in short)
- Loved the broccoli soup!!!
- Kicking butt in the tricep dip challenge...
- A couple of people commented on my weight loss at the gym (not to self: must get better at responding to compliments).
- I've been choosing my hard - not my original thought, credit to energy&Emily.
- And... On the spur of the moment I bought finale tickets!!!!!! Radelaide here I come (after a mighty road trip :-))

I'd love to know how your week 7 is going! And I'll be back with the final wrap over the weekend.

Week 7 Updates

Update:

Loved today's weights session at the gym! It was tough, but doable, and I smashed it. I love working legs, and in particular got to 115kg on the leg press without too much trouble. Looking forward to doing that pyramid set again and going higher still. That said, I still hate planks of any kind - normal, reverse, side... Give me legs any day.

 

It's weigh in tomorrow, and I snuck in an earlier peek at the scales this morning. It's sitting at 700g at this stage - which I really pleased with!! If not only because that's exactly 10kg from my beginning weight. So all I'm hoping is that tomorrow morning it can be just that bit more so I can break the 10kg barrier.

 

And for those who leave replies on my posts - firstly thank you! It's lovely to read your stories and words of encouragement. But secondly apologies if it seems as though I haven't replied - in fact I have been, but it's taken me 6 weeks to figure out that I need to use the reply button not the comment button - I've been leaving comments on my own blog!! I have already mentioned that I'm a little technologically challenged haven't I...

 

Food:

The Veal Involtini was Sunday nights dinner, and it was lovely!! I wasn't too keen on the polenta, the texture was not really my thing... But the veal itself was lovely, and I must say looked fairly impressive when sliced up. (And don't forget that we eat with our eyes first!!).

 

 

The Antipasto Pita Pocket - Yes I've had this for lunch before, but it was just as good the second time. I couldn't be bothered buying pita breads and found out that half a Lebanese bread was the same weight, so I made a little toasted sandwich! And it was really tasty. A great lunch for a cold and wet day.

 

 

Hmm, I had another pita pocket for lunch today - zucchini, ricotta & chicken, but I was too hungry to photograph it before I started chowing down! But never fear, it's on the menu again later this week - look out for it in future posts.

 

Dinner for tonight was Beef & Broccolini Stir Fry - I love a nice quick dinner that you can whip up in a flash after work & the gym, this was great. And I know I'll feel good tomorrow for all that red meat after the weights session I did tonight.

 

 

 

Weekly challenge - 1500 tricep dips

Here's where we stand at the moment...

 

Monday = 250 at the gym & 250 during TV ads at home

Tuesday = 50 at the gym (yep, getting sore already!)

 

So that's week 7 until Tuesday night. Hope everyone else is having a good week, and ready to jump on those scales in the morning. Happy dipping too everyone!!!

Half Time Wrap

Halfway today!!! I can't believe it, the time has flown by, I almost feel like it's coming to an end... But it's only halfway, and this is a journey for life!! Although it is a real 12 weeks of focus too. I have to admit though, its been a blast. I have loved every minute of it, ok so maybe not the choc indulgence minutes, but they taught me some valuable lessons too. And I've lost over 9kg already, it makes it seem like another 25ish is possible!

I've been thinking about going to finale... I'd love to go, but it's a fairly long trek accross country to Adelaide, theres the cost too, and who to take with me??? Anyway, I probably should decide really soon, or the decision will be out of my hands as there'll be no more tickets left!!

The food this week has once again been great. I've posted some photos throughout the week, and here's the last instalment.

Chicken Tikka - how good was this!! I don't really like cauliflower that much, but puréed with plenty of tikka sauce over it - divine!! Like a thick chicken tikka soup. Definitely wanting to have this one again. And everyone was jealous of my leftovers at work the next day :-)

 

 

Beef Mousaka - I wasn't sure about this one, and in fact I made it with lean lamb mince, since it was left over in the freezer. Yum! I was pleasantly surprised. And best of all there's a serve left over in the freezer for emergency.

 

 

 

Cinnamon Apple Porridge - love it!! I didn't think I'd be able to give up my love of oats and porridge, especially coming into winter, but gave it a go! Surprise - I actually have enjoyed having different breakfasts, and they've kept me nice and full which is my most important criteria for breakfast. But today I got back to basics again and pulled out the porridge with cinnamon apple - love love love!! The sweetness of the apple means no need for brown sugar or honey or the like, and it's warm on these frosty wagga mornings, it's basically a warm Bircher muesli, now how can you say no to that!!

 

(sorry no photo - porridge doesn't photograph well, but you know what it is)

Chicken & Guacamole Wrap - So I cheated a little with this one, and just sliced the avocado onto the wrap. But gee it was delicious! Nice fresh flavours, great after an SSS.

 

 

 

Looking forward to next week (eek! week 7 already):

Tricep Dip Challenge!!! I am totally on board with this one. I love tricep dips (strange I know). After 1500 of them perhaps I won't love them as much, but I'll give it a go for sure. And I'm even thinking about pushing myself to the 2000 mark since I've neglected some other challenges (push ups and planking) but we'll see how close I get to 1500 first!

Lamb Shanks!!! I love lamb, in any form, but who can resist a slow cooked shank? Totally looking forward to this dish, even if its only a small serve, it'll be packed with flavour!

Pyramid Sets - Leg Press!!! I think I'm a bit in love with the leg press, it's something that I can do, and something that I can push a heavy weight on too, so I'm really looking forward to challenging my legs on this. I'll be sure to let you know if as a result I can't walk the next day!

 

I hope everyone else is smashing it out at the halfway mark too. And if not, there's plenty of time left, all is not lost - challenge yourself to turn the last 6 weeks around and blast through to the end. Good Luck!

A parent's most feared question...

I know it's a question many parents get continually pestered with, but it was posed to me recently and it got me thinking yesterday. I posted these thoughts on the 12wbt forums, but thought I might just pop it on my blog for future reference!! 

I was out with friends on Saturday night, and I was asked why I was drinking water and not getting into the wine & cocktails. I replied that I would've considered having a glass of wine, but that during the week I'd eaten copious amounts of chocolate and really had to trade off my treat meal for that. Her response to my eating the chocolate was "why??" 

I was stumped! I had no good reason for eating the chocolate. It wasn't that time of the month, I wasn't stressed, I just ate it. And I got thinking about it again and realised that for many many years I have had no good reason to over eat, or indulge in unhealthy foods, I just did. 

And so now I'm going to be posing that question to myself when I feel like eating something I know isn't within my nutrition plan - "why am I wanting to eat this?" And if I can't come up with a satisfactory answer (of which I think there are few), then I'm determined that I'll walk away and not eat whatever it might be. I want to start eating thoughtfully, not mindlessly, and this question is a good way to start I think. 

What do others think? Or do you have other suggestions for overcoming mindless eating??

Another Weigh In... Another Win!!

Well it seems that my body loses weight in a 2 weekly cycle. I smashed weigh in again today, and made it (well) under 95kg!! So excited to be 93.9kg - now that seems weird. But starting at 103.3kg puts it in a bit more perspective. OK, so I did have a few binge sessions before last weigh in, and so tightening my eating and increasing my exercise again this week has worked. Preferably I'd be a little more consistent week to week and just lose a little each week, but every 2 weeks is working for me at the moment. Note to self - remember this next week if the numbers aren't fantastic on the scales!!!

What else am I loving today? I am loving having an RDO!! Although it means working more hours each day that I do work, I love that I can have a day off every couple of weeks. And usually I fill them up with tasks, some enjoyable (eg hairdresser appointments), others just necessary things like getting to the post office, paying bills, seeing the doctor... But today I have completely had a day off! Enjoyed a nice lie in this morning, spent some time reading a book, catching up on emails and 12wbt forums, and of course the live chat session last night which I missed. In fact the most arduous task I've done has probably been 2 loads of washing!! I love the chance to refresh my body and mind with a complete day off free from any pressures of the world around me. OK, admittedly I have not yet done my gym session today, and so an RPM class tonight will really jolt me back to reality.

 

So onto the food this week...

Turkey, Swiss Cheese & Pesto Toastie - well what could be wrong with that! All my fave ingredients in one. I'm a sucker for anything pesto! It doesn't look that exciting in the photo, but it was delish!!

 

 

Vegetarian Paella - I wasn't convinced by the tofu in this one, but true to my 12wbt commitment I gave it a go. I made an SOS call on the forums to see what tofu I should get, and some tofu fans helped me out (thanks you!). And guess what? It really has no flavour, and the texture wasn't too bad! And I promise it really was in there even if you can't see it.

 

 

I hope everyone else is happy with their weigh in results, and looking forward to the last 6 weeks of this round of 12wbt!! Go well peeps!

 

Back on Track with the Weekly Wrap!!

So it's been a mixed up week, and if you've been reading along you'll know why. Most of the time it had to do with chocolate and a 900g weight gain. But that's life, I've moved on and I'm back on track. I did not like the place I was during the week when I'd eaten a block of chocolate. I also didn't like being in the place where I was all of a sudden looking for any form of junk food I could possibly lay my hands on. I am however enjoying a clearer mind space, and knowing that I am making the best choices now.

 

So barring Wednesday and Thursday, this week was actually OK nutrition wise. On all the other days I stuck to the 1200 calories (even under a couple of times). I think the biggest highlight was going out last night with some friends to a new bar in town. It's a pretty cool place, they don't serve food - but you're allowed to take your own!! So, I drank water all night (they'd run out of mineral water!) and I ate my own tasty snacks. I'd made hummus and guacamole to take, and cut up carrot and celery sticks. Now I have to admit I did eat an awful lot of those things, but even so I came home full and didn't eat any other form of dinner. So I'm pretty certain I was well within daily calories! And better yet, I've got left over dips to have with left over celery sticks for snacks this week. Winning all round there! I was just so glad I didn't do the whole "I'll just have one..." thing. Because we all know one leads to two, leads to many more than you need.

 

The challenge this week has been to get into bed early! Easy!! I am normally in bed by 9pm, so 9:30 was pretty easy. Although I just scraped in last night getting home at 9:30, but the lights were out by 10pm! So now I have 15 minutes to finish this and get to bed.

 

And so some photos to finish off with... I think I forgot to photograph things this week because I don't feel like I've got many. But the cajun pork with coleslaw was lovely - I really enjoyed the coleslaw, I think because I liked the dressing. I've never liked coleslaw dressing before since I don't like mayonaise, but in keeping with tradition I tried something new and had the dressing - I think I love dijon mustard in anything!

 



 

And tonight for dinner I made the Mediteranian Chicken. I love dishes that are one pot wonders and this is definitely that. It was a great serve for one, but could easily be made in larger quantities if you were having more guests. And nice bright colours in the vegetables. And I promise that despite appearances there is definitely no fat or skin on that chicken, I just didn't photograph it's best side.

 

 

So, here's to a new week - week 6. In just 7 days the half way point will have been reached and we're on the downhill run to the end of this round. But I think I'm almost certainly signing up again. This has been one of the best things I've done for me and my health in a long time. And in my opinion great value for money!!

 

 

Learning to surf!!

Today I'm going to start something new - surfing!! And how is that possible living 5 hours from the ocean?? Well, metaphorically!! I was totally challenged by last nights mindset video from Michelle about learning to ride the waves of feelings and emotions, so I've dedicated today to starting a new habit: emotional surfing!! But let me start at the beginning...

Yesterday was weigh in, and yes as already discussed I was feeling pretty nervous. And the results didn't go as well as I'd hoped. Seeing a 900g gain was not too great. I tried to rationalise it and put it in perspective, not beat myself up about it etc etc, but to no avail. I've been in that habit of negative self talk for so long it's a tough one to break (I'm trying though). So this 900g weighed me down all day. I felt tired and sluggish at work, all I wanted to do was sit at home on the lounge and watch tv or read a book. It didn't help that outside it was wet, cold and miserable. So leaving work at 4pm I had a choice to make - gym or chocolate??? And yes bad choice made, I went for the chocolate...

And once I was home in front of the heater and tv, with my book and my chocolate, I certainly didn't feel like going back outside to the gym. And so I sat there further berating myself for eating 1280calories of white chocolate (can you believe it, that's more than a days worth of calories!). But I made myself work it out so I knew exactly what I'd done. But then I remembered that there was probably a new mindset video coming out, so I got online, found it and watched it! Revolutionary! Mish could've just been speaking to me in that video. I was just agreeing with everything she said. It hit home and I realised some things I had to change. 

So this morning I watched it again, and this time made some notes about things I need to do, habits I need to break, and habits I need to establish. 

• I do live in a world of polar opposites - good/bad, right/wrong etc. Its my all or nothing personality. But that does lead me to make harsh judgements about myself, feelings of guilt and disappointment. I have high expectations of myself, and it's tough living in this world of extremes. This habit of thinking needs to be taken apart and restored. How?
• Well I truly feel that I struggle with feelings and emotions that are unpleasant, and I try and get rid of them, immediately. And so what I'm planning on doing is some mindful recognition of what I'm feeling, identify it as fact (takes the emotion out of it), and then ride the wave until it passes. Because Mish is right it will pass. And sometimes I know that wave will take me under, I'll miss judge the timing, but like any good surfer, just get back out there and find the next wave. 
• Realising that I can't force a feeling or emotion to pass in my own time frame no matter what I do or eat is quite freeing. Instead I can free myself of that pressure and just ride it out in its own time. 
• I need to find my willpower muscle and start to train it. With training it will start to work all on its own, and ta-da, a habit is formed! Jumping back into a healthy routine the next meal or exercise session after a slip up is part of getting that willpower muscle working better. And funnily enough it was part of my original 12wbt commitment. 

Alright, so that's my run down of what I learnt just from an 8 minute video last night and this morning. I feel like I'm starting to sound like a self help book! But anyway, here goes at trying to put it into practice.

 

The other thing that helped me to get myself together was an email from the 12wbt team last night encouraging me to keep going, reminding me that I was consistently weighing in, and also that I was losing weight! It was so right, and I was able to hear it said from someone else and believe it. I just need to start telling myself those things and believing them. I need to start my own cheer squad - and it only needs 1 member - me! So I stopped berating myself for what was already done, I can't change the past. All I can do is get it together and start again today, with a healthy mindset, putting new habits into play.

 

Sorry for the long blurb on self help, just trying to process some things for myself, but hoping that's also helpful for any others reading! Enjoy the rest of week 5.

Ack! Nerves...

I'm starting to feel a little nervous.. What about?? Well it's weigh in Wednesday tomorrow. And as the saying goes - "if I've done nothing wrong then there's nothing to be nervous about" - Yes, and there lies the issue!

 

My little (or not so little) chocolate over indulgence on the weekend has left me feeling a little nervous. I know it wasn't the right thing to be eating, and I regretted it, and I didn't like how my body felt after eating it... But it's done, and now it's time to face the consequences. It was a slip up, and I'm back in the game again, so not all is lost. And I think the feeling after the binge has taught me I don't want to be doing that any more. So there's lessons learnt as well.

 

What about some highlights from the last few days??

 

• I smashed out a 20km ride yesterday for my mini milestone. I had originally hoped to ride further but that was more than far enough, and 868 calories gone!! So next milestone I'd love to go further, maybe double the distance?? A little adventurous, but hey, why not!
•  
• I'm really happy that my head's back together after the journey to chocolate-ville and back again.
•  
• I'm looking forward to the 12wbt pen-pal project, and thinking lots of fun things to send off to my pen-pal. Yes, and of course I'm looking forward to getting something in the mail too!
•  
• And it wouldn't be a list of highlights without mentioning some food highlights would it?? Fabulous 2 days of food... (but not my best photography skill - apologies)

 

Thai Beef Salad for lunch Mon & Tues - will definitely be making that again, and who would've thought of just buying the rare roast beef from the deli - too easy.

 

Pesto Pasta with roasted pumpkin and tomatoes - Yum Yum Yum! I love pesto anything, and this pesto was lovely, light and fresh, not too heavy since it wasn't made with oil. A great pesto recipe.

 

 

And finally dinner tonight was Jerk Fish. Yet another fantastically tasty fish dish. I am just so happy that I've discovered a love of fish, and have a great collection of fish recipes. And little boiled potatoes on the side, they were kinda tasty too (and I'm not a huge potato fan).

 

 

And so there's the last 2 days in a nutshell. Loved having a bonus day off work thanks to the queen's birthday, and looking forward to having Thursday off too. It's going to be a great week. Just gotta get over the weigh in tomorrow. But all I'm hoping is that there's no gain, I'm not too concerned if there's no loss, but please no gain!!! 

 

 

Full Weekly Wrap - Week 4

I started my weekly wrap yesterday and looked at Mon-Fri. I think that was the highlight of the week.

 

And so, to summarise the end of the week I feel I need to start with a confession... It took me 26 days to fall off the wagon, and fall I did. I guess it was predictable. No one is perfect. No one who has been used to using food as an emotional crutch, or used to binge eating, or used to over-eating can correct these habits in 26 days. Perhaps I thought I was super human. But no. I'm just like everyone else who has signed up for 12wbt. I have food issues that I am working on.

 

OK, what happened?? I visited Coles without my shopping list. And so I wandered the aisles. And then I thought, it's Saturday - that means there's a treat meal today. Perhaps I might get a little chocolate bar as my treat since I'm planning on having dinner at home anyway. Yes! Great idea! NOT. Choosing a Curly Wurly bar was good, only about 141cal. But seeing half price lindt white chocolate 100g blocks was too tempting. Surely I could just have a couple of pieces? NO! I am not that strong yet! I have been flexing my willpower muscle, but it can't overcome a full fronted attack of sitting there with an open block of chocolate yet...

 

So I ate. Then I felt sick and gross. And then I thought to myself, I used to do this all the time. I used to regularly feel this sick and yuck after bingeing on bad food. And in fact I probably felt worse, because it wouldn't have been 100g of chocolate, it would've been a 200g block minimum, and perhaps some tim tams and chips on the side. Nice to get to the point where I don't want to do that again! Next step is to conquer the need to binge at all.

 

What did I learn from this? Go back to basics. No grocery shopping without a list. And then only get what's on the list!!

 

Well, that out of the way, what else about this week?? I conquered the weekly challenge! And enjoyed most of it. Yes a few things that will not be eaten again, but probably more wins than losses. I did however enjoy putting together my blog post about that challenge.

 

With the exception of Saturday's binge I kept really well within my calorie limit every day. I kept to the exercise schedule. I have finally completed my vision board. And tomorrow I will complete my mini milestone - a 30km cycle.

 

We're a third of the way there, and at times I feel it's flying along. But I'm loving every moment of it. And so, I'll finish this wrap with some bonus pics of other meals from the week, as well as my vision board. Looking forward to week 5!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 4 Weekly Challenge

Week 4 - The challenge is to try one new recipe or ingredient each day! Great!

So here's the pictorial view of the latest weekly challenge...

What new foods have I eaten this week???

Monday = Red Onion

I was not at all convinced I would like eating this amount of raw red onion (having never done so before). But I gave it a go. All I could smell was onion when I opened the container, but to my surprise there was no harsh taste of onion, and I looked forward to having this for lunch again on Friday. I did however stock up on gum to ensure that I didn't breathe onion breath all over my patients all afternoon!

 

 

Tuesday = Corn on the Cob

So yes, I have eaten corn before. BUT I have never cooked it on the cob before. I'm more a frozen kernels kinda girl! But with some help on the forums, I popped the corn in the microwave for 3min and out came delicious moist corn. I almost started snacking on the other half of the cob!! Delish! And so easy!!

 

Wednesday = Frozen Spinach

 

Tonight's dinner was a pasta bake, and it included frozen spinach. Now I had to hunt through the freezer section for this. But tucked up in the corner I found it. Hmm, probably not my favourite ingredient, but I didn't expect it to be considering I don't really like spinach anyway. And I found the past bake a little lacking in taste (probably the first meal so far). But I ate it, and even had the leftovers for lunch Thursday too, so it can't have been all bad.

 

 

 

Thursday = Bluberry, Apple & Rosehip Tea

So, I  have never been into herbal teas, but since starting 12wbt I have given it a go, and surprise surprise it's not as bad as I used to think. If you get teas with enough flavour they're OK. I'm really liking the twinings range, and so I've been buying a new one to try each week. This was this weeks variety and it's pretty good (my fav is raspberry, strawberry & logan berry!).

 

Friday = Apple & Strawberry Puree

 

Well, back to baby food for today!! I had the breakfast crumble this morning for breakfast, and quite OK I must say. And it kept me feeling full until morning tea, which is pretty good considering there's not a lot of muesli in it. It's tasty, but I think I'll try stewing my own apples & strawberries rather than eating the packaged stuff.

 

 

Saturday = Kale

 

Now this was a real new experience. I have never eaten kale before. I wasn't sure I'd like it. But there was a bunch sitting fresh and pretty at the farmer's markets this morning, so I thought, why not! I'll wilt that for my dinner tonight instead of baby spinach. The verdict... I probably should've stuck with the baby spinach! At least I know I like that. But, nothing ventured nothing gained. The rest of the meal however was beautiful!! Well worth the extra money I used to buy fillet steak. Yum! And roast beetroot and pumpkin... What can I say!

 

 

Sunday = Tinned Salmon

 

Now, let me just put it out there that 4 weeks ago I had never eaten salmon before in my life - thinking that I didn't like fish! I have since discovered that there are some varieties of white fish that I quite enjoy. BUT I have been nervous about this meal all week. If the challenge hadn't been on I would've swapped for sure. But I enjoyed the fresh salmon in the stir fry in week 1, so I've given the tinned variety a go. The verdict... I ate it. I did not enjoy it. And needless to say I won't be eating it again!

 

 

So, at the end of the week there have been some wins and some losses. New foods and meals to add to my repetoire, and others to put aside for others to enjoy. But, this week, as well as the past 3 weeks of 12wbt has taught me to try new foods and things I think I won't like. You never know what you like or don't like until you've given it a go. Yes, we say that to kids all the time, but sometimes adults need to hear it too!

 

I hope you've enjoyed my version of this challenge.

What have you tried?

How did your week go?

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Wrap Part 1 - (Mon-Fri)

Well the weekend is upon us once more, and all I can say is Thank Goodness!!! It has been a pretty busy week for me, most days leaving in the dark early hours, and getting home after dark too. These short, cold, winter days are really not conducive to much outdoor activity. Work has been constant and has stretched me this week too. BUT the positive thread throughout all of those days has been not one slip up with my nutrition or exercise!!! I am actually really proud of myself. A month or 2 ago during a week like this I would've definitely not gone to the gym after work AND I would've compounded that with getting take away or junk food for dinner on the way home, sat on the lounge, binged, felt gross, and the whole cycle would take a tail spin for the worst. What a turn around in just 4 weeks! I'm sure there's lots to it, but partly it's my commitment to making a change that's keeping me strong, and also the simple fact that I know there's food in my fridge at home, and I don't have to thin about what to have for dinner, I just have to cook it up. So all in all it's been a great week for my health, a big win!!

And so what else has happened this week?? Well weigh in Wednesday was a winner. I lost 2.9kg this week. I was over the moon, totally not expecting that. I was hoping for just 1kg, but almost 3??? I had to get off and on the scales again I actually couldn't believe it when they said the same number again. And I took my measurements for the first time since starting - a total of 25cm gone from my body!! And I can feel it too. I bought a few new sports bras before starting 12wbt, and they're starting to feel just a little big all round!! A nice (but expensive) problem to have. And, during a nice relaxing soak in the bath last night I realised I no longer am wedged into it, but have space on either side of my hips again. Ahh, it's the little things that make you realise you're winning the fight!!

As for my delayed week 3 challenge - 600 step ups! DONE!! Admittedly it was a thought finish, 500 in 3 days, but they are done and dusted. And I feel really good about deciding to give the challenge a go. Glad I didn't let my old attitude rule that one, and it's always better to start late than not at all. 

Week 4 weekly challenge has been a blast, but I've got a whole post dedicated to that one - date of release: 9/6/13... New foods, or new recipes etc. I've done it!! Perhaps slightly more boring than some, but I've tried cooking different ingredients that I would've avoided had this challenge not been happening. 

And so finally, it's the weekend. Just my super sat sesh to go and then a rest!! However on Monday I'm hoping to complete my first mini milestone of a 30km bike ride. Should be fun! Also, one more goal for the weekend is to finally get my vision board completed. I've got some ideas, and I've got everything printed out and ready, so just gotta get it together. Watch this space!