Saturday, February 21, 2009

A big loss this week!

I just returned from WW - surprisingly I lost 2.8 kilos this week! YAY!

This week : lost 2.8 kilos, that is 6.2 lbs

Total loss: 9.2 kilos, that is 20.2 lbs


Im stoked! Clothes are definitely starting to feel a little looser now :)

Let it continue

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Mr Sandman where are you??

Haven't been for my weigh in this week yet - had a anthropology lecture tonight so will go to WW tomorrow night.

I havent had the best week. I haven't really over indulged except for an ice cream, some movie popcorn and burger king on Saturday but that may be enough.

After the 5th week - I am really tired. Working out in some way 6 days a week is making my body a bit painful and achy. Teaching all day and working at night does not aid the cause. To top it all off Im not sleeping well at all - have not pin pointed the reason. Unfortunately, I fell asleep at the wrong time yesterday when I was meant to go to my trainer! I am struggling!

On the plus side, my walking pace has increased, and I am feeling fitter. Walked up the stairs at the war memorial today and was OK! Yay :)

A link I just found on ways to cut calories.

http://www.prevention.com/100calories/?cm_mmc=Spotlight-_-02182009-_-Weight%20Loss-_-100%20Ways%20to%20Cut%20100%20Calories

I just want some sleep!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Weigh in # 4

Had the weekly weigh in tonight:

Lost 600g = 1.3lbs

Total lost so far = 6.4kilos = 14.1lbs

I was glad I lost more than last week. The leader said that any big efforts or exercise will usually take a week to appear as weight loss. Im hoping that big walk may shift a little more weight.

It was suggested to take our measurements too so to see our loss in different ways. She has a point.

To the $2 shop for a tape measure!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

A compliment!

I got a compliment from a co worker today! They do know I am on WW, however Steve and Michelle said I was looking slimmer (then he said it might be my clothes??). But yay, something more visible must be happening!! I cannot honestly tell except that a pair of black 3/4 pants I have fit nicer now. So thats good!

Yay!

Weigh in tomorrow....Im not so confident on a loss this week.

But ankle is almost healed, managed back to a half hour beach walk tonight :)

Im actually finding I crave at least a walk a day now....thats a good sign.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

A few days have passed since my last entry...there wasn't a lot to say.

While I still lost this week, it was only 300g. Thats .7lbs.


So total weight loss so far: 5.8kg or 12.8 lbs

I know I should be pleased it is a loss, but I was disappointed it was so small. Still a loss is a loss.

On Friday Anthony and I went for a 3 hour walk on the Korokoro dam loop. Estimated at about 7-8 kilometres with a gentle incline to the dam. It was a great walk. I didnt struggle with fitness, however due to the width of the track (old goat track) I've ended up rolling my ankle. At the end it was a struggle to walk, and afterwards it was just painful. New shoes required I am thinking as my present ones are worn and possibly not the most supportive.

So from that...Saturday could barely walk so it was rest. We had a wedding in the afternoon. I went off track and ate many things I possibly should not have....but they were so so good. I have to learn also that it is ok to let go once in a while but as long as you get back on track straight away, its ok. I did feel guilty but still lack that self control when there is so much glorious food around.

Today, ankle slightly better, managed a small walk on the beach. Do more everyday until back to normal.

How frustrating!!!!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

I'm Exhausted!

Today I have decided on a day off. I was meant to go to my trainer today, however neither the mind or the body were willing. Since I am allowed one day off a week exercising - this is it!


I am keeping to my points, and still recording everything I am eating. That is good. I think (?) some of my pants are a little less snug, but it could all be psychological, who knows.


When I am tired like this, I feel hungry a lot more. I think my mind relates food to having more energy so I eat more. This does not neccessarily happen all the time.


Starting back at work has wasted me. Once I get used to it, it will be fine. I hope I am not losing my intial enthusiasm, however the tiredness doesnt help!


I found an article to inspire me to keep going. See below:


KEEPING GOALS TOP OF MIND


Ingrid Bergman once said, “Happiness is good health and a bad memory.” But without a good memory, good health may not even be possible.


You’ve got a lifestyle with its own routine, a regular way of doing things. Part of you is comfortable with it. Any change to that status quo and those routines, no matter how small, takes mental alertness. If your new goals and new habits aren’t kept top of mind, you can sink back into those old routines without even realizing it.


It’s easy to be focused in the first couple of weeks. It’s also easy to get distracted or discouraged before your new healthy habits take root. Some days in your dieting future, it’ll be tough. You’ll search desperately for a single reason to close the fridge, a good excuse to lace up those gym shoes. Just something – anything – to get you through the day with your diet and confidence intact.


If you could just bottle up that “first two weeks” freshness, enthusiasm and momentum, and take a swig from that magical bottle whenever you wanted, the temptation to give in or forget wouldn’t be a problem. You can do the next best thing by regularly reminding yourself of what you need to do and why.


THINGS TO DO


Your goals are competing for brain space with phone numbers, sports scores, secretaries' names, favorite songs, kids' birthdays and bad jokes. And your goals don't always win out.


To stay consistent long enough to become a creature of healthy habits, surround yourself with visual, written and well-placed reminders that steady the course and help you refocus. Use positive images and words. Find a visual that shows why you want to lose weight in the first place, or what you’ll be doing with your weight loss. A picture of your kids, the new dress you want to wear, a basketball.


Every day is a chance to build momentum or to slack. Every day, you have to decide to make the right choices. Keeping your goals and motivators close by helps you make that decision and feel good about it. Remember, this is a positive experience! You’re doing something good for yourself, your loved ones and your future. Don’t waste any opportunity to remind yourself of that fact and congratulate yourself on progress.

Monday, February 2, 2009

100 Super Foods for a super you!

This is an all-inclusive list, but some foods might not be right for your tastes, preferences or health goals. Remember that no single food can provide everything you need to be healthy. That's why it's important to choose a variety of super foods from each category to meet your daily nutrition needs.

Vegetables

AsparagusAvocadosBeetsBell peppersBroccoliBrussels sproutsCabbageCarrots Cauliflower Collard greensCrimini mushroomsCucumbersEggplantGarlicGreen beansKaleMustard greensOnionsPeasPortobello mushroomsPotatoesRainbow chardRomaine lettuceShiitake mushroomsSpinachSummer squashSweet potatoesSwiss chardTomatoesTurnip greensWinter squashYams

Calcium-Rich Foods

Almond milkCheese, low fatCottage cheese, low fatMilk, skim or 1%Orange juice with calcium Rice milkSoy milkYogurt with active cultures, low fat

Fruits

ApplesApricotsBananasBlackolivesBlackberriesBlueberriesCantaloupeCherriesCranberriesFigsGrapefruitGrapesHoneydew melonKiwifruitLemonsLimesNectarinesOrangesPapayaPeachesPearsPineapplePlumsPrunesRaisinsRaspberriesStrawberriesWatermelon


Grains

AmaranthArborio riceBarleyBrown riceBuckwheatBulgurCorn Jasmine Millet Oats Quinoa RyeSpeltTriticaleWheat berriesWhole grain breads, cereal, pastaWhole wheat breads, cereal, pastaWild Rice

Proteins

AlmondsBeef, leanBlack beansCashewsChicken, skinlessChickpeasEgg whitesEggsFish, unbreaded FlaxseedGarbanzo beansHemp seedsHummusKidney beansLima beans LentilsMisoNavy beansNutsPeanut butter, naturalPeanutsPinto beansPork, leanPumpkin seedsSalmon, canned or freshSeafood, unbreadedSesame seedsSoybeansSunflower seedsTahiniTempehTofuTuna, canned or freshTurkey, skinlessVeggie burgersWalnutsWild game, skinless

Miscellaneous

Canola oilDark chocolateGreen teaOlive oil

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Preparing for weight loss

An article from Spark people on setting yourself up for the future...when the weight loss has occurred.


Millions of people hope to lose weight. Only a few actually prepare for it. They treat it like a treasure hunt, setting off on a quest and hoping it’ll all work out. No wonder the dieting failure rate hovers near 95%. Any time you’ve reached a meaningful goal, it was because you were ready for it. It didn’t just happen or fall in your lap. If it did, that’s more good fortune than goal achievement. The difference between hoping something will happen and making it happen is preparation. Not too many people lose weight through luck or good fortune, so you’ll probably have to rely on preparation. How do you create an environment that’s more help than hurt?

Prevent Temptations
Promote Convenience
Purchase Wisely

Here are some strategies you can start right now to be more prepared:

Prevent Temptations

Start in the kitchen. Begin replacing unhealthy foods with healthier alternatives. Do a full kitchen healthy inspection. Setting up shop now will keep you from giving in to temptation later.
Take lunch and healthy snacks to work. When the munchies come calling, you won’t need to run to the vending machine.
Eat a snack before leaving to eat out. You’ll be less hungry and less apt to order a gooey appetizer.
Eat breakfast. A growling stomach is just asking for snacking trouble.

Promote Convenience

Pack a gym bag and keep it in your car for use on a moment’s notice.
Leave healthy snacks throughout your house, your office and even your car.
When you do cook, make a double batch and store some for later.

Purchase Wisely

No need for a trendy, expensive membership if the local gym has what you’ll actually use.
The most important piece of fitness equipment you’ll have is a good, comfortable pair of gym or running shoes. Make sure you have the right pair.
Big equipment purchases aren’t needed right now. Start with some home gym basics (exercise ball, resistance bands, small medicine ball, jump rope, small dumbbells) and build as time goes.
Get one water bottle or water cup for home and one for work.

It's February!

Its February already!

Students start leaking back into school tomorrow...Im in two minds. I'm looking forward to seeing them, but would prefer another week before actually starting to teach them. Anyway, the week is only 4 days and only two of them are teaching days, so its not too bad.

The weekend was productive - got three lots of exercise in..yay!

Had a PT session on Saturday morning - lots of strength training. Did these sets of dead lifts with bar bells. I understand the name. Lots of squats too...I feel the effect of those!

I feel Ive done pretty well with my eating habits - no junk! At a BBQ last night - I had lots of salad, vege kebabs, and two pieces of meat. I'm somewhat limiting my alcohol as two points per glass of wine can add up. Just one glass for a taste is working at the moment :)

The nicest thing about the BBQ is that Steve and Michelle both took into account Anthony and I were in WW and made sure everything was in a good points range. That was awesome!

Today we had a christening followed by lunch. Again went healthy. Didn't touch the yummy cheeses, the chips and even refused the gorgeous looking cake. There were also plenty of other options to eat that were healthier.

A couple of poochie walks made up the rest of my exercise. So far so good.

I actually think I might be getting slightly fitter :)