Life Changes continue....

Since my lasst post, I've gone off track a bit. I had a week's holiday last week (at home) and since my 'life change' a month or so ago, I've been a bit down, so I'm finding it really difficult to follow the plan at the moment. We ate out a few times last week and I did a load of baking. I made lovely cupcakes and a large fruit cake (yet to be iced). I also made 110 mini gingerbread men. All of the recipes for the cupcakes and gingerbread men came from the Hummingbird Baker cookbook http://www.hummingbirdbakery.co.uk/ . All the cupcakes I made were tested by myself and were delicious. I'm dreading weigh in tomorrow, but at least I know if I do have a gain, where it has come from. I'm back on track today and I'm hoping that it will be easier when I'm back at work and have a different focus.

As another blogger on a different blog page has done, I think I'll publish my food diary, it may be better to see it written down and make it clearer where I'm going wrong:

Breakfast: One weetabix and skimmed milk
One slice of WW wholemeal bread with thin layer marmalade (1 syn)

Lunch: Chicken, homemade coleslaw using carrots, cabbage and red onion and 2 tablespoons of Light mayo - 6 syns) - although only had about one syn as the coleslaw was divided between 6 people. Beetroots = 1 syn

Dinner: Jacket potato, tuna in brine 200g, 1/2 tablespoon light mayo = 1.5 syns

During the day - 2 apricots, 3 plums, sugar free jelly, Actimel Fat Free strawberry yogurt. Tea and black coffee.

So all together about 3.5 syns.

One thing I'm not sure about is splitting the HE i.e. having one Weetabix and one slice of WW bread instead of two Weetabix or 2 slices WW wholemeal bread. A member from another group told me that their group leader said you shouldn't split them, it should be either one or the other.

Be back soon.

Life Changes

Hello there,

It's been a long time, but have had a lot going on (not all nice unfortunately). Just a quick blog tonight though for now. Remember I mentioned I'm a bit geeky about all things Astronomy? The bloke I follow on Twitter (well I'm assuming they're a bloke - so apologies if you're not), they're called Virtual Astro (formerly the Newbury Astronomy Society). They tweet loads of interesting information regarding the moon, stars, metorites and just about everything you may be interested in should you be a stargazer like myself.

It's not something I know loads about (although I do have my own telescope), but I do have a genuine interest in the night sky. My favourite is the moon... although where I live is not always good sky watching weather as at the moment, it seems to be constantly clouded over. Still, I have Virtual Astro on Twitter to keep me up to date.

Will be back soon

It's been a while

Hi there, it's been a while, life's a bit chaotic at the moment.

A couple of weeks ago I was losing the will a little bit, I wanted to eat anything and everything. My lovely group leader Donna helped me by just having a chat really and giving me a few pointers, I managed to get through the bad patch unscathed, although I haven't had a loss for a few weeks. I know I probably need to make a few changes and switch HE (a) and HE (b)'s around a bit and perhaps a bit more variety. I have got into a rut and I'm eating the same food and using the same recipes - a lovely lady (who I have never met), has given me some SW http://slimmingworld.com/ recipes so I'm going to try a few of them soon.

Anyway, a while back a promised some photos of Banana Muffins, I calculated the syns to be around 7 syns per muffin as I swapped the sugar for sweetener. They were fine and went lovely with a cup of coffee. I found the recipe at http://bbc.co.uk/recipes, and adapted it to my tastes. I think I made eight cakes with the quantities, but you could use smaller cases for less Syns but more cakes.

Another thing we all like is sugar free jelly, with either frozen or fresh fruit in, so for example, make strawberry flavour jelly, chop up some fresh strawberries, divide between four serving dishes and allow to set. The sugar free jelly is half a Syn per pack so is minimal divided by four. I usually serve this with some quark flavoured with a little vanilla extract and some sweetener. These are both worth the effort and make lovely desserts.

See you all soon

Moon, stars and everything else astronomy ish!

Haven't seen any stars for a couple of nights as it has been really cloudy. Whilst on holiday, the moon was fabulous, they way it reflected on the sea was quite amazing. I would get up in the early hours of the morning, sit on the balcony and just stare mesmerised at the sky. The 'milky way' looked wonderful and magical with no light pollution in the middle of the atlantic ocean. I follow a great astrological group on Twitter (or could just be one bloke), they were called the Newbury Astronomy Society, but they've recently changed their name and I can't for the life of me remember what it is, I'll check and get back to you on that one. I've actually learned quite a bit since following them and they have some great information and links which again, I'll pass on soon.

Okay, so shopping done, although I haven't planned meals for week (bad start), but have plenty of healthy lovely stuff to make meals with. Bought a curry recipe book last night, so I will be making something from that at the weekend. I have also just printed a couple of recipes one of which is for chocolate fudge cake which is made with beetroot? It sounds very odd but will try and calculate Syn values before I attempt to make that one. I made a couple of things yesterday whilst I was off some banana muffins and jelly with fruit (not very exciting I know), but I have taken some photos and will upload them a bit later and will give all the details of them etc. See you later.

Weekend

Attempting to be creative this weekend, wishing I am more artistic, I don't have an artistic bone in my body unfortunately. Any hoos, still no shopping, living on whatever I can find in freezer, fridge and cupboards - which believe me isn't much at all. I don't feel like using my precious time off work to do shopping, I know, I know, I can use internet shopping, but it's expensive enough without having to pay £5 for the delivery. I think I'll just send two daughters with list and money to supermarket tomorrow, I can then concentrate on honing my creativity skills.

Going to buy new mag on Monday at group, hoping for some inspiration from it........ I'm definitely eating too much of the same foods and need to have a change.

Good Morning!

Good morning everyone, it's sunny with a little cloud here today. I've not been blogging much as I've been on holiday and have been really busy since returning.

I only gained 2lb whilst I was away (a pound per week), so I was quite pleased when I went to group on Monday. Our leader Donna praised the fact that I took a pack of Scan Bran with me and I actually ate the whole pack, although not all at once I might add. I msut admit that the whole group found it hysterical that I did take them with me! I find it is one of those things that really seems to help with my weight loss. I had a yogurt each day and broke the Scan Bran into the yogurt, quite delicious really. Worth a try, it is always good to change things around a bit, particularly the Healthy Extras. I still haven't had any luck with the links, but my geeky friend has promised to help with that, so hopefully won't be too long now.

I need to sit down and plan my meals for the weekend and next week, will do that this evening. If I find any good recipes and I actually get around to making them, I'll post some photos (well at least I've managed that on my own)! It's a bank holiday this weekend, so should have loads of time to plan meals and shopping etc. So lets all hope for a little sunshine and enjoy the extra day off work! Back soon x

Hi to you all. Didn't do too bad this week at Slimming World group, another pound off! Haven't made any Scan Bran chocolate cake this week, although it is very nice, I just haven't had time. I've just been having the Scan Bran with a scraping of Nutella if I've felt like something a little sweet.

Lots of friends, family and colleagues have really been noticing the difference in my appearance this week, which has made me feel even better about myself. I must stress though, that I have not been doing this for anybody else, just me and just me alone. I love the plan it is the best thing I've ever found and I really do feel this is for life (not just for Christmas) ha, ha! One thing is very strange though and I can only assume it is a psychological phenomenon - when I look in the mirror, yes I do see a great difference in my appearance to how I used to look, but I still see an overweight me and when I think about how I actually feel, I mean really feel, I still feel huge. I know I have a way to go before I reach my own very personal target, perhaps then and only then will I feel thin on the inside. Speak to you all again soon. Have a great weekend and try and not stray!

Food!

I'm hoping to upload some photos of two recipes to this blog, well here goes.... The first photo is the recipe 'Falafel' - from SW and is Syn free on Extra Easy and the second is a photo of 'Barley and Butternut Squash Hotpot', again Syn free on Extra Easy and taken from the SW website. Both turned out really well and I think the hotpot would be even nicer with a little bit of chicken added, but on its own great vegetarian recipe. I actually overcooked the Falafel slightly, but they weren't too bad as I made a fat free yogurt and mint dip to go with them. See you all soon!

Busy weekend, but thought I'd tell you what I'm up to. Currently in kitchen making two delicious Slimming World recipes. Butternut Squash and Barley Hotpot and Falafel, both Syn free on Extra Easy. I'll take some photos of the said meals and try and post them, but if it is anything like the links I keep trying to add, please don't hold your breathe. I have saved some Syns today and definitely need a Vodka (small pub measure of course) :)with some diet Coke! Will be back soon to add photos...... enjoy the long weekend.

Okay, so didn't do so well this week at group, but at least I know why - will be continuing on my SW journey. Still no pics I'm just checking to see if the links worked again. I'm sure I'm boring you all with the links problem, but it is driving me mad. You'll see from my earlier blog today that there is a link, but I still haven't worked it all out. Had difficult day in work today, with plenty more of them to come, but hey lifes a bitch and work is the least of my problems. There are some great support sights out there and when I figure links will be putting ALL of them in. Good luck for this week and keep focussed!

When the Moon is not in its new phase, it can be seen on clear days or nights from anywhere on the surface of Earth if you know when to look. The Moon is the Earth’s only natural satellite, and has never been given any other scientific name. The Moon is about 384,403 kilometers from Earth, and has an approximate diameter of 3,476 km. The Moon is actually believed to be slowly moving farther away from Earth, at a rate of about 4cm per year!

Links

Hi World

Nope, link to SW didn't work, did as geek friend told me and followed the help instructions, but nope, no luck. Back to geeky friend for more advice me thinks. Still no photos as yet, but will get back to you as soon as.

Bye for now.

Friday Feeling

Hi Everyone

It's Friday! Beautiful sunshine today. Made another Scan Bran - cake last night, gorgeous, the whole family loves it and just 9 Syns for the lot. Another busy weekend ahead so likely won't be blogging much. I hope the link to Slimming World works on this blog, photos to follow soon. Have a good weekend everyone xx

Blogging

Hi All

Haven't been blogging much, had very busy weekend with one thing and another. I didn't even go to group last night, didn't feel motivated to go, although have still been really good with plan. I've been given a new recipe for chocolate Scan Bran cake. It's really nice, but I need to adjust the sweetener and the golden syrup content as it's a bit too sweet for me. To counteract the sweetness, I've been using quark as a topping which is really nice.

I completed by 13 mile half marathon bike ride on Sunday (Pedal it Pink) in aid of Breast Cancer Research, it was a lovely day. A lot of the riders made a lot of effort with there outfits/bikes, lots of pink about! It is such a great feeling as everybody was there for the same reason and have a really, really fabulous time. If you get the chance and there is one by your home, I would recommend taking part. They do three bike rides, a 5k (for adults and children), a 13 mile half marathon (women only) and a 26 mile marathon (women only).

I'm going to contact a geek friend to see if they can help with adding links to other sights into my blog as I still haven't had any success. Hopefully will get back soon.

It's a beautiful sunny morning here at the moment, so mood uplifted... have a good day xx

That Friday Feeling

Well it's Friday, the best day of the week for me at the moment. Still doing okay with Slimming World and trying my very best to ensure I have at least 7 speed foods a day. Emotionally a bit up and down this week, which for me is not good, in the past this is what has always been a trigger point for me, but still holding out at the moment.

As mentioned in my earlier blogs, I'm going to upload some photographs and add some links to other blogs and websites that I regularly use for support and are of interest to me and hopefully will be of interest to you. Have a good day x

Sunshine

Good morning to you all!

Another bright, beautiful sunny day has dawned. The sun is up and my day is just about to begin. Had a great weigh in at Slimming World group last night losing another 2.5lbs. I like to stay to group or 'Image Therapy' as it's called, the other members inspire me and there was a member last night who has just reached target after losing an amazing 4st 10lbs! Fabulous and many, many congratulations and well done to her. I'm now convinced it is the exercise I've been doing over the last 5 weeks that is pushing me along. I've been going swimming four times a week since joining a gym and at the moment, I'm really enjoying it. I say at the moment, as I'm not usually a gym or exercise freak. I used to run and managed to get myself up to 3 miles, but being overweight when I first began running didn't do much for one of my knees and now it is nearly impossible for me to run because of the pain.

I'm always looking for new recipes and like to try new ways with food, so I will be trying to post some recipes that I find and also some photos of the prepared food (that'll be when I figure out how to do it)!!

Anyway, have a good day and I'll be back real soon.

Slimming World and life in general

Well hello to anybody who may be reading, this, my first blog about my Slimming World experience and life.

A friend and colleague of mine had lost loads of weight following the Slimming World healthy eating plan, she looked absolutely fabulous. Always appeared to be a very confident person anyway, she glowed with gorgeousness and even more confidence. We'd had a few chats about it and I'd asked her loads of questions, but still didn't have the push I needed to do anything about my burgeoning weight problem. God, I hated myself, every morning, afternoon and evening, in fact all day every day, I just couldn't like myself - couldn't bear to look in the mirror, hated buying clothes, going out, socialising, you name it, I hated it.

I couldn't tell you the exact date, but I know it was the last Saturday in July 2009, I got up and feeling disgusting after once again eating and drinking far too much on the Friday evening, felt absolutely gross. I walked into my daughters bedroom and looked at myself in her full length mirror. It is one of those mirrors that makes you look two sizes smaller than you actually are. I really couldn't believe what I saw, this gross overweight, ugly fat person in the mirror. Oh, my, goodness, what a wake up call. I went back in to my bedroom and jumped on the scales, Jesus the morning was going from bad to worse.

Right, that was it, I booted up the PC and joined Slimming World there and then. I hadn't even had a cup of tea and here I was paid my dues and was on my way!

The first thing I will say, is that I haven't never looked back, (apart from the odd feeling of horror as to what I actually looked like that Saturday morning). I'm sure I am mirroring the feelings of thousands of women around the country. The difference this time for me is that I was doing this, not because I thought it was expected of me, not because my Mum had said I had put on lots of weight (which she has done throughout my life), but because it was me and only me that decided I needed seriously to do something about this. I had been up and down to the docs in the past months and after blood tests revealed my cholestrol was 6+ I was gutted. But it still took me months to actually do something.

So here I am, 2st 8lbs lighter, still nowhere near my target I have in my head, still haven't officially set my PAT (personal achievement target) at group yet, but well on my way.

I will say now, that I made excellent progress with the online programme, I grew curious as to what it would be like going to a group. I researched the local groups, but decided I didn't want to attend one too near where I lived, embarrassment I suppose, so I chose one about 2 or 3 miles away. Not thinking for one minute that everybody who attends group are all there for the same reason, we have all made a decision to change our lives! I joined a group in October 2009 and still attend every week, the only time I don't go is when I've been on holiday.

Think I've waffled enough now.... to be continued...