The one where I reflect on 2011

11 Things for 2011?

I set out in 2011 with a to-do list for 2011 so before heading in 2012 I thought I would see how well or not I did.  2011 has been a rollercoaster year, especially with the illnesses of both my Mum and Dad.  However I am looking forward

1.    Take a photo of myself at every weigh in.  I have not really tracked my progress and this should be an easy way to do it. – This one I failed miserably at, I’ll probably give it another go, but I am not making any promises!

2.    Cook at least 3 meals during the working week.  I have a terrible tendency to use ready meals or rely on cereal when I get home from work; I am determined to cook more. – This I have managed to do, up until I became ill in September

3.    Run (not walk) a 5K.  This was one of the things on my list for last year and for various reasons (mainly laziness) I didn’t achieve it.  I am determined to do it this year. – Yay I did this.  OK I did it slowly but I did it.  This was one of my major achievements this year, I remember when I started I could barely run 50 yards

4.    Develop a Love Life.  Last year I wanted to find some friends in Colchester, and I think I have done that (hopefully).  Next stop love life, I have no idea how to start with this point but it’s on the list so I will at least try.  Possibly sorting out numbers 5 and 7 may help! – Another epic fail.  Possibly a little bit ambitious, because I have no idea where to start!  Another

5.    Wear more make up.  It may seem stupid but I think for my self esteem and confidence I need to spend a bit more time making myself look good (better) even if I don’t necessarily feel it inside. – This has happened!  Saturdays and Sundays I prettify even if I am just popping to Tesco.  Also unusually I have been putting on make up to go to work… just a little bit.

6.    Buy less packaged fruit.  I spend a fortune on it, it is quite obscene really, obviously a better choice than a chocolate bar but I buy it too often.  More whole fruits for me. – Although still a part of my diet, I have eaten loads of whole fruits.  Figs, persimmons, grapes and Satsuma’s have been the go-to fruits this year.

7.    Go to bed earlier.  I am quite naughty and often stay up late (Ssshhh even on a school night) but not enough sleep is prematurely aging and I don’t want to hit 30 looking like I am 45. – Actually much to my surprise I have been setting my alarm to make sure I am in bed for 10.30.

8.    Spend some time on me.  With work and life it sometimes does not give me enough time to live, I am going to try and set aside 30 mins a day to spend on me not distracted by anything/anyone else. – I have kind of done this; I have been spending at least 30 mins reading (also improving my brain).  I had also aimed to try to blog every day (for a bit).  So this is a tick!

9.    Aim to eat Vegetarian for at least one day a week.  Not only do I want to lose weight I want to be healthier and I don’t think eating huge amounts of meat is all that healthy – I’ve done well with this, veggie stir-fry’s, goats cheese pies, roasted vegetable quiches, all great meal alternatives.

10.          (Purposely) Exercise at least once a week.  OK I walk all of the time, and the bonus points do rack up, yes they help but I want to do more.  I don’t think I will ever be one of those people who are addicted to the gym, but I would like to be one of those people who enjoy exercise when they do it (I think this one might be a bit of a stretch) – Thank god for Zumba! I have been pretty active over the last year.  I have jogged more and I have developed a love for Zumba.  Such a pity my class isn’t running in 2012, going to have to find a new one because I certainly don’t want to give it up.

11.          Be happier at the end of 2011 than I was at the end of 2010. Nuff Said really – Was feeling rather depressed this time last year.  OK I have had a few low points in 2011, and quite frankly I can’t wait to see the back of this year and start 2012.  But I am feeling so positive about the coming year and this is a definite tick.

So bring on 2012!  And my 12 things to do in 2012…

Happy New Year everyone!

Saturday 12th November 2011 – Day 14 – The one where I am feeling sorry for myself

Saturday 12^th November 2011

Breakfast:
None

Lunch:
X1 M&S Olive Ciabtta Roll: 7PP
½ Can Heinz Chicken & Vegetable Soup: 5PP

Dinner:

x1 Tesco Finest Chicken Tikka Masala & Rice: 22PP

Snacks:

X5 Almonds: 2PP
20g Dried Mango:  2PP

Points used today: 37

Weekly Points used:  0
Activity Points Earned:  0 – Having a much deserved rest

Challenges:

Not feeling good again today, I am hoping it’s to do with the new pill I am on rather than another bout of depression kicking in just in time for Christmas.  Feeling lonely, taken for granted and generally unloved.  You know the usual.

I wanted to know what my triggers were for falling off the wagon and binge eating, and I have well and truly discovered them this week.  I am lonely.  I want to keep things as positive as I can and come up with a solution, rather than wallow in self pity.  I have come to a conclusion therefore. 
I think I may need to leave Colchester. 
I just do not have the support network here that I need.  Although I love my meeting, that is only once a week, I have a life for the other 6 days too.  Although I supposedly have friends here, it is very difficult to see from my current position, I have not seen any of my 'friends' from Colchester socially in months.  I did put it down to me withdrawing a little bit.  However the fact that no one actually noticed spoke volumes to me today when I was thinking about my current situation.  It would be good if I appeared on someones lists of priorities as opposed to being the person you can always blow off/rearrange/ask for a favour.  I think about my friends how I can help and support them, I inconvenience myself to help them, but quite frankly it appears to me that no one has thought about me in a very long time, and I very much doubt anyone has inconvenienced themselves to help me out.  I'm not going to make any hasty decisions, I can't really afford to move at the moment.  But for the sake of my mental health and weight loss journey, I think I might need to.

Its quite a big step really to come to such a big conclusion, and it is hardly something that is easy to fix.  I keep saying I will get there, with this though I am not so sure.  Its a horrible thing to realise you are not liked.  I thought I was coming to a point in my life where I was becoming happy with who I was, but obviously who I am is not good enough.

Sorry for the downer, needed to let it out.  I really hope its the new pill, it says mood swings, and I am like a freaking pendulum.

Achievements:

I didn’t order a takeaway!  I really have had the urge to stuff myself with Chinese food; however the practical side of me did kick in eventually.  Its just not cost effective to order Chinese takeaway for one, unless you order a mountain of food.

Tomorrow:

Weigh in tomorrow.  Even with my ‘not so good’ days this week I am actually within all of my points allowances.  I would love a loss of 1.5lbs but realistically 1lb is what I am hoping for.  The rest of the day is a bit of a blank.  I may involve a cake from Greggs though.

Verdict:  Food wise fine, life wise a bit shit

Friday 11th November 2011 – Day 13 – The one where I spend a lot of time in Clacton

Friday 11^th November 2011 

Breakfast:
X1 Hobnob Medley Bar: 5PP

Dinner:

X2 Bread Rolls:  11PP
X1 Tbs Sour Cream & Chive Dip:  4
X1 Kettle Chips:  7PP

Snacks:

X10 Almonds:  4PP
X1 Small Semi-Skimmed Hot Chocolate: 6PP
X2 Slices of Crunchy Peanut Butter on Toast: 10PP
X1 WeightWatchers Chocolate & Vanilla Biscuit:  2PP

Points used today: 49

Weekly Points used: Yeah, not any of those left, I am in to the BP’s
Activity Points Earned: 8

Challenges:

Today was a snack day.  I have been in Clacton most of the day, no time for lunch and freezing weather (when I say freezing its not actually freezing it was a bit cold and windy).  Therefore hot chocolate was required whilst waiting for the train, it was lovely, and I was very cold.  I possibly could of spent 6PP on something more filling, but I don’t care, I was freaking cold.

Mmmm Hot Chocolate

Feeling better today, I think my long and busy days are doing me in a bit.  I know I don’t have it bad by the standards of many, but 50 Hour weeks are currently killing me.  Trying to pack too much in.  The weekend is there for me to relax and that is my plan.

Achievements:

Massive will power not to pig out on pizza, still not the best day but I still have BP’s left (5!).  So although not the best couple of days Sunday should be OK.

Also I have remembered to actually write on here, was sooo tempted to just to go to bed, but in the words of the legend that is Roy Castle ‘Dedications what you need’.

Tomorrow:

Mmmm not sure what to do tomorrow, I quite like the idea of a DVD day.  Grapes, DVD’s, fizzy pop and pajamas.  That’ll probably not happen, but wishful thinking.

Verdict:  Chilly!

PS.  An emotional day today, Armistice day.  I hope everyone took a moment of their day to remember those who have fought for their countries and never returned.

Thursday 10th November 2011 – Day 12 – The one where I binge eat

Thursday 10^th November 2011

Breakfast:
X1 WeightWatchers AppleBar: 2PP

Lunch:
X1 Mini Cheddars: 4PP
X1 Tuna & Red Onion Sandwich: 12PP

Dinner:

55PP – 1 and ¾ my daily allowance

Snacks:

X1WeightWatchers Chocolate & Vanilla Biscuit: 2PP
X7 Refreshers: 1PP

Points used today: 76

Weekly Points used: All of them
Activity Points Earned: 10, feet starting to ache from all of the walking, looking forward to Saturday

Challenges:

The day was going well, tired yes (Bernadette on the phone to 2am… and only to because I banged on her door and told her to shut up), but the day was going well.  College not too bad, however there is one woman for what ever reason has taken a dislike to me and has chosen to ignore everyword I have said and refuses to even look at me (I think that was the start of my bad evening).

I came home and was exhausted and feeling restless, got changed and headed out for awalk.  Never before have I said this but I wish I had sat in the chair and zoned out watching the telly.  I have had far too much time with my own thoughts for my own good and for what ever reason they are incredibly negative.  I personally find this really odd as I am an optimist, I try to have a positive outlook, promote others to think positively but for what every reason I am not being very nice to myself, either physically or emotionally, at the moment.

On my way home I headed to Tesco for the sole purpose of buying food for me to binge on.  I know a lot of people say that they binge eat, but often I feel they don’t really understand what a ‘proper’ binge is.  I have done it myself.  Today however was an official binge, huddled in my bedroom shoving as much food in as possible in the shortest amount of time possible.  Some people smoke, somepeople drink, some people do drugs… Me I eat.

I am too embarrassed to put on here what I ate, I’m going to out the points and let your imaginations do the rest.  I feel terrible for having done it, I feel disgusted with myself.  My only consolation is that I did not buy the ‘on sale’ tub of Pralines and Cream Haagen Das Ice cream in Tesco, and quite frankly it was very close.

I am hoping that I am just over tired and have spent too much time in my own company.  Here’s hoping.

Achievements:

I am still racking up my exercise points, andhopefully they are going to mean I haven’t totally blown weigh in

Tomorrow:

The night where I am supposed to be going out, butI haven’t heard from the friend in question (again) so I will be in (again) on my own (again) with half a bag full of food that I didn’t eat tonight.  One person pity party! Yaaay!

Verdict:  Feeling a little bit sick

Wednesday 9th November 2011 – Day 11 – The one where I work my butt off

Wednesday 9^th November 2011

Brunch:
X1 Cranberry and Oat Cookie: 2PP
X1 M&S Prawn & Mayo Sandwich:  11PP

Dinner:

M&S Count on Us Chilli con Carne:  10PP
X1 Tesco Garlic Bread Slice:  3PP
X1 Portion Pineapple:  0PP
X2 Figs:  0PP
X1 WeightWatchers Chocolate & Vanilla Biscuit: 2PP

Snacks:

X10 Cashew Nuts:  2PP
50g Mango Dried:  4PP
X1 Bottle Lucozade Sport Hydro:  1PP
X1 Cadburys Scream Egg:  6PP

Points used today:  40

Weekly Points used:  8
Activity Points Earned:  20!  8 from my Pedometer, and 12 from Zumba (40xHigh=10, 10xMed=1, 10xLow=1)
 

Challenges:

The snacking monster reared its head today again, didn’t do too badly dried fruit and nuts, but I did accidentally eat a Scream egg.  It fell in… whole…  Over all my chocolate in take is well down on usual levels and I am hoping it will stay that way for a while at least.  I am going to try the ‘Green & Blacks’ method having of smaller quantities of higher quality chocolate…It didn’t work last time mainly because it was the TOTM and the cravings were obscene.

I didn’t let my Scream Egg lapse lead me down the path of a chocolate binge ad chose the healthier options for the rest of the day.

Achievements:  

Seriously 20 BP’s… It feels so good to see that number.  I know WW recommend earning 7 BP’s per day but Zumba is really high intensity and that is how the points fall.

Tomorrow:

Busy day and late night, a combination that often results in mindless snacking especially when I am at college

Verdict:  Exhausted

Tuesday 8th November 2011 – Day 10 – The one where I am really greatful for my Costa points... Free (ish) drinks

Tuesday 8^th November 2011
Breakfast:
Mini Cheddars: 7PP
Costa Skinny Hot Chocolate: 3PP

Lunch:
Melon Chunks: 0PP
Mango Chunks: 0PP
x1 Ski Strawberry Yogurt: 2PP

Dinner:

Rice & Vegetable Pilaf: 7PP
Roasted Vegetable & Goats Cheese Plait: 9PP

Snacks:

x7 Refreshers: 1PP
x1 Small Skinny Cappuccino: 1PP
x1 WeightWatchers Chocolate & Vanilla Biscuit: 2PP

Points used today: 32... Yay

Weekly Points used: 0
Activity Points Earned: 5... Another day of being a walking machine, again in the rain

Challenges: Actually a straightforward day, for once, OK I needed to say no to cakes and pastries but i didn't have enough Costa points anyway. I also needed to resist the delights in the Poplar farm shop, but I chose a veggie pie for tea, and not massively pointy either, I just said no the the luscious cup cakes.

Achievements: Guess who is on points today? That'll be me! Usually I tend to spread my weeklies over the week, but I NEED some booze on the weekend so I am going to go easy on them... That's if my ever so flaky friends don't let me down AGAIN.

Tomorrow: Another busy day tomorrow, actually most of my weekdays are busy, I am actually in the office for the chunk of the day, which means snacking, and also as its Wednesday its sandwich day.

I've got a fave sandwich of tuna mayo and red onion, which as fillings go from the lighthouse is one of the lowest options, I've got fruit to go with it. It'll make a change to have a big lunch, and will mean that I won't need a snack before I head off to Zumba... Yes thats right I am making my return, its sooo needed and that 11BP I'll earn will aint to bad either.

Verdict: Wow I've eaten allot of vegetables today... I'll pay for that tomorrow

Monday 7th November 2011 - Day 9 - The one where I

Monday 7th November

Breakfast:
x1 WeightWatchers Baked Apple Bar: 2PP

Lunch:

Isn't this the dinkiest bottle of water
you ever did see. 
A complete handbag essential

x4 Cups of Water: 0PP

Dinner:
X1 M&S Chicken & Mushroom Bake:  13PP
x1 Portion McCain Nicely Spiced Wedges:  7PP
x1 WeightWatchers Rich Toffee Bar: 2PP

Snacks:
50g Dried Mango: 5PP
x1 Bounty: 7PP
Points used: 36PP
Weekly Points used: 4PP 
Points Earned: 5PP

Challenges:
Other than my'snack' breakfast I didn't eat at all until I had a bounty on the train.  And I barley had a drink.  I was so very hungry when I left work I headed to Tesco for a snack.  I could of really gone to town, OK a bounty is not great, but one bounty is better than a four pack of bounty's!  Along with the bounty I also got some dried mango.  Again not the lowest of points but great for an energy boost and one of my five a day.
Achievements:
Self restraint, I could of so easily lost it.  OK not the lowest points today, but not the highest either.
Tomorrow:
Another really busy day, Chelmsford then Marks Tey, both with coffee pit stops possible.  The coffee itself is not necessarily the problem its the associated cakes, tray bakes and biscuits.  Plan?  Don't take any money other than for my fare, sorted!
Verdict: In plan but not healthy... I really need to work on healthy REGULAR meals.

Sunday 6th November 2011 – Day 8 – The one when I talk about the meeting and weigh in

Gosh, it’s been a week. I have blogged every day, nothing terribly exciting mind you, but I have blogged. I have to say in many respects it has worked. I am far more conscious of what I am eating now as I am going to have to broadcast it to the world! To admit I had a skanky McDonald's made me feel a little bit ashamed, as I know how bad it is for you, but I suppose with everything moderation is the key.

So a summery of the week: Positive, Dehydrated, Good, Knackered, Grumpy, Caffeinated, Passive-Aggressive (I wouldn’t like to hang out with those Dwarfs)

Bonus Points Earned:  37 (I am a walking machine)

So drum roll please weigh in result is…….-1.5lbs

Today’s Meeting:

We have mainly been discussing...Food labeling...

I have to say not one of the most inspiring topics but useful all of the same. Not that we really talked too much about labels to tell you the truth.

Today we had a trainee leader, Angie, take the meeting, and it was great to meet her. She started off a little bit nervous, but you can see she has the potential to become a great leader. It was great to hear her story, she has lost 5st (70Lbs), and she looks fantastic, as this is the amount of weight I still have to lose it was really inspiring to find out about her weight loss journey.

Following on from the meeting last week on positivity, I started to think about how motivating other people’s journeys are. I did talk about using others as 'thinspiration' last week, but I did not realize how much of an impact following others weight loss journeys really has on me.

 

The new WW magazine has just come out, it is one of my 'must buys'. The first section I look at is the success stories, I find them so uplifting and reassuring that the plan works. The same for the website, I love looking at the success stories online, as well as people posting in the community how well they have done at their weigh in.

No matter how much I may enjoy them however, I do often find myself getting frustrated that the magazines will frequently feature people who have only* lost a moderate amount of weight and I would love a few more features on bigger losers, after all I have loads to lose and I want to see someone who reflects my journey. That is why I found it so inspiring to meet Angie today.

I found it reassuring that Angie was able to talk about the fact that not every thing about her weight loss was easy. That honesty, though for some may find off putting, I find refreshing and relatable. One of the things I love about my leader Suzanne is that she isn't perfect when it comes to WeightWatchers, and that she is going through the same ups and down as her members. This makes her so much more approachable and you know that when you discuss that you maybe struggling with her, that she has been through exactly the same situation. I don't think there is anything worse (when it comes to WeightWatchers, I know there are plenty of worse things in life) than a leader you cannot relate to.

Post Meeting sporting new Hat
Scarf and Gloves. Cute Huh! Lol

I am always on the look out for someone that can be a role model for me (I know it is a bit of a tough ask, 30, single, stupidly busy job, non-driver, PCOS sufferer, 5st to lose... Anyone?!?!...Didn't think so) but I suppose there are aspects of many people that I can take inspiration from even if they are not exactly like me in every respect.

So a big thank you to Angie and Suzanne, all of the folks on WeightWatchers online and in the magazine for sharing their success stories, for all of you on the community message boards sharing your highs and lows, for all of the members at my meeting and all of my WW buddies. Thanks to all of you for inspiring me to do better. One day I'll get there and hope to inspire you guys in return.

*I say only like its a bad thing! Please do not misconstrue my comment as dismissive to their journeys, any weight loss no matter how large or small is an achievement.

Sunday 6th November

Brunch:

x1 Costa Cappuccino & 1 Sugar: 2P
X1 Costa Banana & Pecan Breakfast Loaf: 11PP

Dinner:
x1 M&S Ciabatta Olive Roll: 7PP
x1 M&S Beef Lasagne: 18PP
x1 Belgian Bun (With no Cherry, what’s going on with that?!): 11PP

Snacks:
x1 WeightWatchers Chocolate & Vanilla Biscuit: 2PP

Points used: 51PP

Weekly Points used: 19 but not all of them babies

Points Earned: 0PP Mainly laying down...

Challenges:

Not to eat all of my weeklies! I mainly achieved this because it was sooo cold today (the first 'proper' day of Autumn) I left town without completing all of my shopping and couldn’t be bothered to head to the pound shop to stock up on snacks lol. Have been enjoying a lazy afternoon in my room watching a crap film snuggled under a fleece blanket. Bliss.


Achievements:
OK no pedometer today, certainly with the tightness of my dress that was not going to happen!

I did not eat all of my weeklies. I have enjoyed my treat of lasagne (considering I don’t like cheese I often wonder why I like it so much) and a cake, but I do not need to eat anything more.

I do not have anything planned socially over the next week (I seriously need to sort that shit out, I am starting to take it personally that my friends don't want to hang out with me) but I really want to save those points for some booze. I have not had a drink in I-don’t-know-how-long and with all of the work stress that I am under I am feeling the urge. However I hate drinking on my own so they may very well get spent on some Pizza next weekend.

Tomorrow:
Another day of stupid busyness, I am going to struggle to eat and drink for most of the day, however I have got dinner for tomorrow planned and ready to go therefore I am not going to use the 'well I haven't eaten all day' excuse to pig out on crap. Fingers crossed.

Verdict: Feeling better, and the most positive I have been for a while

Saturday 5th November - Day 7 - The one where I am a bit annoyed and wish I was heading to the fireworks

Saturday 5th November
Breakfast:
x1 Portion Weetabix Minis Honey and Nut:  4PP
X1 Serving Skimmed Milk:  1PP

Lunch:
x1 Hula Hoops Salt an Vinegar:  4PP

Dinner:
x1 Portions rapes: 0PP
x1 Millionaires Shortbread Dessert: 12PP
x1 Tesco Finest Chicken Tikka Masala & Rice:  22PP
x1 Bottle Coke Zero: 0PP
x2 Packets Revels:  9PP

Snacks:
x1 WeightWatchers Rich Toffee Bar:  2PP
x12 Almonds:  4PP
x1 WeightWatchers Chocolate & Vanilla Biscuit: 2PP

Points used: 58PP
Weekly Points used: Nill - But all of the BP's have gone and then some
Points Earned: 5PP Hell Yeah!

Challenges:

Not having a good day, I have had period pains and Chocolate cravings.  Considering I shouldn't be having a period at all it's all a bit irritating (as well as mildly worrying).  I have eaten allot of chocolate and have felt grumpy as well as bloated.

What didn't help was my visit to the 'Health Trainer'.  After a rather unsatisfying visit to the nurse a couple of weeks ago where she proceeded to patronise me about my weight, she suggested that I visit one of the free health trainers that are provided by the NHS. 

I had not intended to go, however after a day or two to reassess I decided that I would book an appointment.  Quite frankly it was the biggest waste of my Saturday morning.  Although the 'girl' whom I spoke to was pleasant, it was incredibly obvious from the very beginning that what ever she was going to offer me was not going to help.  In fact I think I was better informed about the process of weight loss than she was.

Hannah was about 20, 'Not Medically Trained', an 'Unpaid voulenteer', a student, and from looking at her (this may be my bias here) has never had a weight issue in her life.  I was so irritated when I had left, its not fair to take it out on her, but the whole experience was pointless.  I exercise, I generally follow a healthy diet with a combination of protein, carbs, dairy, fat etc.  I keep a food diary (tracking), I reflect on each week (and now each day), I have a supportive group of like minded friends, I set SMART objectives (I teach people how to write them for f*$k sake).  Other than being reassured that I am 5'4" not 5'3"1/2 I didn't get any thing from the hour long session other than the regret that I had gone and the wish that I had stayed in bed for a lie in.

And this was in the week that a study completed by Birmingham university found that commercial weight loss groups (including WeightWatchers) were found to be more effective than NHS programmes.  From what I have seen from Colchester's offering I am not surprised in the least.

Achievements:
Still with the pedometer, I have managed the whole week.  For the whole week I have have earned 37 points.  That is pretty damned good, even without Zumba.

Tomorrow:
Duh Duh Daaaa, its weigh in day tomorrow!  Hopefully I hope that my Revels binge hasn't done too much damage, after my sneaky peek at my weight today I am hoping for good things.

Sunday is also a day where I can go a bit nuts with the mentality of 'I've weighed in so sod it'.  However I want to get out of the cycle of binging on a Sunday and using all of my weeklies. Got shopping to do, so that is my focus, not buying cakes!

Verdict:  Mmmmm could be worse

Friday 4th November - Day 6 - The one where I get soaked in the rain and didn't go to the pub

Breakfast on the Train... Classy

Friday 4th November 

Breakfast:
X1 Ski Strawberry Yogurt: 2PP

Lunch:
X1 WeightWatchers BBQ Snacks: 2PP
X10 Cashew Nuts: 10PP

Dinner:
X6 Slices Pizza Hut Veggie Supreme Small Pizza: 18
X1 Tbs Garlic & Herb Dip: 1
X1 Can Pepsi Max: 0

Snacks:
X1 Rich Toffee Bar: 2PP
X1 Costa Medio Cappuccino & 1 Brown Sugar : 2PP
X2 Costa Chocolate Chunk Cookies: 4PP
X5 Almonds

Points used: 36
Weekly Points used: that'd be 0 as I used them all yesterday!
But had a couple of BP's
Points Earned: 8 - Nearly 7 miles today, mostly in rain

Challenges:
It's still fitting in Lunch with work. I don't have a 'set' time for lunch, and I travel loads during the day so when it is 'lunch time' I am often sitting on a bus or train somewhere in Essex. No one has really given me a solution for some thing that is portable, light and not messy. The only thing that has really worked for me in this respect is slim fast and I am definatley not going there again.

Achievements:
Still wearing the Pedometer, not forgotten it all week and it's great to see what exercise I have done... Often it's more than I realise.

Tomorrow:
Its the weekend! Saturday comes with its own challenges. The feeling you have in Saturday morning when you wake up and realise you don't have to go to work and the world is your lobster is magical.

Often that freedom can extend to an attitude of 'I can eat what I like because it is the weekend'. For those folks who are within their healthy weight range and are not looking to loose any weight, go fill your boots. For me (and others like me) some times the weekend can lead to falling off the wagon BIG TIME. My weigh in is on Sunday morning so generally speaking I never go too bonkers on a Saturday, but then impromptu trips to the pub/meals out can occur.

So plan of action, up early :( I've got washing to do! And I have an appointment with a health trainer. Following on from a rather passive aggressive visit to the nurse she recommended that I go due to my weight issue. I was rather ambivalent to going, however as it is a free service I thought 'why not' its not like I get the benefit of much of the money I pay through tax/national insurance . That's at 10.30 am, and then off to do a 'little bit' of shopping. Then home, cup of tea, housework, another cup of tea, a little nap, book, Merlin, Dinner, Bed. A few PP earned and up bright and fresh for weigh in on Sunday morning.

Verdict:

Alright still in points, could be healthier though... It is soooo difficult to make sure I get a proper lunch. Still a work in progress.





PS. Look what I saw in the Metro whilst on the train today.
Big up to WeightWatchers, I think is you asked most WW members they would be able to tell you that!
 
Suck on that Nurse Lucy!

Thursday 3rd November 2011 - Day 5 - The One when I am feeling sorry for myself

Thursday 3rd November

Breakfast:
Nuffink: 0PP

Lunch:
X1 Tuna, Mayo & Red Onion Door Step Sandwich: 12PP
X1 Walkers Squares: 3PP
X10 Cashew Nuts: 10PP
X1 Rich Toffee Bar: 2PP

Dinner:
X1 McDonalds Medium Fries: 9PP
X3 Chicken Selects: 11PP
X1 Sprite Zero: 0PP
Approx. 1/2 Tbs Sour Cream Dip: 1PP
X2 Tesco Egg Custard Tarts: 13PP

Snacks:
X1 Packet Fruit Pastilles: 6PP
X3 Squares Green & Blacks Mint Chocolate

Points Used today: 62
Weekly Points Used: All of em
Bonus Points Earned: 11 - Hell yeah!

Challenges:
Oh wow... Epic fail for me today, most of the morning I tucked in to sweets wasting the points I had for the day.

Once college was finished I came home to find Stephens boyfriend cooking using most of the pans and almost every work surface. Feeling hungry and a bit irritated I got changed coat on and umbrella in hand I headed out in to the rain to get some dinner.

As soon as I had closed the front door I knew it was a mistake as the only place I could think of going on my own was McDonalds. It's one of the shit parts of being on your own. I then spent the next hour wandering around Colchester Town Centre in the rain feeling sorry for myself and trying to resist McDonalds.

I failed to resist, and felt like a montage sequence in a crap rom-com.

I would like to think that it's just the side effects from the new pill I have been put on (not liking it) as it causes mood swings. Just cried at the Banardos Advert.

Achievements:
Well at least I earned 11PP! I am not in negatives (yet)!

Tomorrow:
I hope it's better than today!
Should be ok, fingers crossed.

Verdict:
Feeling grumpy, and now a bit bloated. Hoping I haven't crapped up the whole week.

Wednesday 2nd November 2011 - Day 4 - The one where I meet LOTS of teenagers

Wednesday 2nd November 2011

Breakfast:
x1 Ski Yogurt: 2PP
x1 WeightWatchers Really Nutty Bar: 2PP

Lunch:
x1 WeightWatchers BBQ Snacks: 2PP
x1 Apple: 0PP

Dinner:
x2 Petit Pain: 11PP
x1 Tbs Sour Cream & Chive Dip: 2PP
x1 Walkers Cheese & Onion Crisps: 5PP
Melon Chunks & Grapes
x1 Edeame Beans: 2PP

Snacks:
x1 Cadbury Screme Egg:  5PP
x4 Mini Flap Jack Bites:  8PP

Points Used today: 51
Weekly Points Used: 19
Bonus Points Earned: 5 - On my feet all afternoon, cream crackered 

Challenges: Pretty much all evening...too busy during the day to worry about eating.  As it hit 6 I was starving and ended up eating 4 mini flapjacks.  Not too bad really but I could have done with the extra points as I have just has a bit of a chocolate binge... Green and Blacks... Niiice.

Achievements:
It could have been sooo much worse, I've got another creme egg lurking in the back of the cupboard... but it is staying there!

Tomorrow:
Too tired to care

Verdict: Could be better could be worse...

Tuesday 1st November 2011 - Day 3 - The one when I have shown the inability to eat or drink like an adult

Tuesday 1st November 2011

 Breakfast:
x 1 WeightWatchers Roasted Peanut Bar: 2PP
x 1 Ski Peach Yogurt: 2PP

Lunch:
x 1 Wholemeal Pitta Bread: 4PP
x 1 Small Tin Tuna in Brine: 1PP
x 1 Tbs of M&S Low Fat Mayo: 1PP
x 1 Packet of WeightWatchers BBQ Snacks: 2PP
x 1 Portion of Grapes: 0PP

Dinner:
x 1 Chicken Breast: 4PP
x 1 Tsp Olive Oil: 1PP
x 1 Portion Amoy Thick Udon Noodles: 6PP
1/2 Packet Amoy Hoi Sin Sauce: 2PP
1/4 Corgette: 0PP
1/4 Head Broccili:  0PP
1/2 Red Pepper: 0PP
1/2 Red Onion: 0PP
x 3 Mushrooms: 0PP
x 3 Baby Corn:  0PP
x 10 Cashew Nuts: 2PP 

Snacks:
x 10 Almonds: 4PP
x 1 WeightWatchers Chocolate & Vanilla Biscuit: 1PP
x 6 Squares Green & Blacks Mint Dark Chocolate: 6PP
x 2 Servings Green & Blacks Almond Chocolate: 5PP
 

Points Used today: 42
Weekly Points Used: 10
Bonus Points Earned: 3 - Pedometer on all day and though in the office I tried to move about as much as possible. I also took a longer walk home to try and get those last few steps to the third point.

Challenges:
Today the complete opposite from yesterday, one appointment... in the office... all day... Boring... Need to be wary on days like today as these seem to be the occasions when I take a little trip to Aldi and return with enough cake to feed the entire building not just myself and work colleagues. My plan was not to bring money in to the office therefore not visit the snack machine... Check and Check, no matter how appealing those Walkers Cheese and Onion crisps looked I followed the Grange Hill Gangs Advice and just Said NO. I also chose not to head over to Aldi and charged Alison to buy the sparking water and tissues I needed, therefore no temptation to buy chocolate.
Did have a bit of a chocolate moment, but put it away.  As I still have my weeklies it isn't a disaster.

Achievements:
I didn’t give in to temptation when faced with naughty snacks and stuck to what I had planned to eat.

Tomorrow:
Going to be an interesting one. Firstly I can’t make Zumba this week :(. I love that class and to night is the first week back after two weeks off. I need it... but it has to wait.

Secondly, the reason I can’t make Zumba is that I am hosting the company stand at a Careers fair until 7pm. Once we've packed up 7:30. Once I have got home 8pm. This is not good for me. I hate eating late, I have no doubt that I will be hungry by the time I finish, and there won’t really be am opportunity to grab a snack whilst I am there. It is times like these that I tend to head to the shop and grab a ready meal, and I don’t go for the healthy ones! In fact I am not sure the little Tesco even sells healthy ones?!

Planning on prepping my ingredients for tomorrow’s dinner tonight so not too much fuss when I get home, fingers crossed... And if I do go a bit awry I still have most my weeklies to get me out of a hole.

Verdict: Not Hungry and in control

Monday 31st October 2011 - Day 2 - The one where I am rushed off my feet

Monday 31st October: 

Breakfast:
X1 WeightWatchers Really Seedy Bar:  2PP

Lunch:
X1 Packet WeightWatchers BBQ Snacks:  2PP

Dinner:
X1 Pork Loin Chop:  6PP
X1 Apple:  0PP
X 1/2 Red Onion:  0PP
160g McMcain Nicely Spiced: Wedges:  5PP
80g Peas:  2PP
80g Broccili:  0PP
X1 Persimmon:  0PP
X1 Fig:  0PP
100g Grapes:  0PP

Snacks:
X 10 Almonds:  4PP
X1 WeightWatchers Chocolate & Vanilla Biscuit:  2PP
20g Dried Mango:  2PP
500ml Diet Coke:  0PP
X6 Squares Green & Blacks Chocolate Mint Chocolate:  6PPMilk ForTea x 2 Cups:  1PP

Points used today: 33
Weekly Points used: 1
Activity Points Earned: 5 - Walked my butt off 5 miles today

Challenges: So busy! From starting work at 8:30 am to getting home at 6 pm I barley had time to get a drink of water let alone eat. Sitting on the train heading back to Colchester this is the point in the day where I grab a quick (which is shorthand for high point) snack. With my determination dial set to max this week I headed away from crisps and headed toward some dried mango.  Lower in points and one of my 5-a-day.

Achievements: 5 bonus points earnt so far this week and as its only Monday I thinks that's pretty good.

Tomorrow: Most of the day in the office, temptation of Jaffa cakes and many cups of tea. So lunch is made for tomorrow and sitting in the fridge for the morning.  I have also packed some of thise EPIC Chocolate and Vanilla Biscuits.  These have got to be some of THE NICEST snacks WW hav ever produced, and in no way do they taste like WW. 
I've also decided that as I am not travelling anywhere I dont need to tak my purse, so no money for the vending machine...Sounds like a plan.

Verdict:  Despite being mildly dehydrated pretty good!