Sunday 24th June 2012 – The one where I …Talk about the weekly meeting and want to say it how it is

Staying Slimmer in the Summer

This weeks meeting was about discussing the pitfalls relating to weight loss during the summer months and strategies of how to overcome these

 

Quite frankly here in the UK we have not had the greatest summer (here is hoping we’ll at least get some sun!) but despite the miserable weather (torrential rain and flash flooding) many of the challenges we face following a weight loss plan are exacerbated during the summer months.

 

Socializing:  

When the sun comes out, tops come off and we all head outside to a beer garden/back garden.  It seems totally counter intuitive sitting in the sun drinking alcohol, but it is a lovely way to spend an evening, especially if you have had a long day at work.  As such there is a pitfall where you may end up drinking more than you usually would, on a day that you wouldn’t usually drink.

Britain is not a nation of barbeque heroes, however when there is a glimmer of sunshine (and indeed when there is not) the barbeques of the UK come out in force and then to proceed to char any number of food stuffs over hot coals. 

It is also at these occasions that over eating/drinking can occur.  Generally speaking barbequing is a healthy way to cook and you often have a number of salad choices.  But how many of us stop at just one burger (veggie or otherwise)? Or Sausage? Corn cob?  I do find this peculiar that when at home very few of us would make ourselves a ‘platter’ of food, with numerous burgers, sausages, fish, chicken etc?  Most of us would stop at one or two; the idea of eating outside/standing up seems to do very peculiar things to people appetites.

So what to do?  It would be so easy for me to say ‘Don’t drink, don’t eat’ but personally that isn’t what I’d do and I don’t want to be hypercritical.  So let’s get back to basics, Weight Watchers is not a diet it is a healthy eating plan, and within that plan you can have anything that you want (in moderation of course), so if you want to head out for a post work drink, do it.  Only make sure you put it on your tracker.  If you want to eat 4 spicy bean burgers (really do you WANT to eat 4 spicy bean burgers, REALLY?!) put it on your tracker, follow your hunger signals, look out for filling and healthy options, use your 49 weekly points, be a bit more active too make up the shortfall.

 Just because you are going out with your friends it doesn’t mean that you have to stuff your face with wild abandon, but equally you don’t have to be the party pooper, sitting in the corner drinking water and nibbling on bread sticks complaining you can’t eat anything because you are on a diet. 

Use some common sense and if you want to, you can stick to the plan and you can still lose weight, if you want to splurge and put on a few pounds, that is OK too.  Just don’t be too upset when the inevitable happens and you gain a few  (did you really believe that old adage that if you eat standing up it don’t have any calories!)

Holidays:

Ahhh the all inclusive holiday, a newish invention that has been the bane of holiday waistlines across the UK.  OK yes very often all you can eat, you are not in control of what is being cooked, you want to relax, Fuck the Diet!

 

Although you are not in control of what is being provided, you are in control over what you are actually going to eat. 

You need to have realistic expectations about what you want to see on the scales when you get back from holiday.  When we are on holiday you want to relax, and part of that is indulging in little treats.  But ask you self the question, how much do I want to gain?  And be honest, do you really want to gain 10 Lbs over 1 week?  10 Lbs that’s has taken you 5 weeks to lose?  If that is OK with you, great, if it isn’t what can you do as damage limitation?  Move more (swim I the pool not just sit by it), eat in moderation (yes it is ‘free’ but does it really mean you have to eat three of everything?), don’t drink alcohol during the day limit it to the evening (this is a health issue as well as a weight issue).

Relax and have fun, you don’t necessarily want to be thinking about your weight whilst you are on holiday, but do you really want to wake up every morning of your holiday with a hangover?  Do you really want to have to consume a family pack of Rennies to deal with your food hangover?  Treat your body well, you only have one of them.

Self Confidence: 

During the summer months self confidence can take a little bit of a nose dive.  During the cooler months you can hide yourself away a bit under layers of clothes if you do not feel confident about your body.  In the summer with shorter sleeves, shorter hemlines and fewer layers, our well constructed armor of clothing gets removed.  You don’t have to have issues with your weight to feel this pressure; recent shocking studies have found that 90% of women feel unhappy with their bodies.  However when you are struggling with your weight seeing others wearing clothes you wish you could wear can knock a little bit of the wind out of you, especially when you may feel sweaty or be suffering with chafing (yes people I said chafing!).

 Quite frankly unless it’s indecent you should be able to wear what the hell you like and say bollocks to anyone who may have a problems with it.  There are plenty of ‘larger’ folks who are out there who wear their bikinis/shorts et al with pride.  I feel so jealous of this self confidence.  I know that I am not alone about feeling that my wardrobe choices are limited because of my size.

I love clothes, I like to bust out some interesting clothing combinations, just because I am chunky it doesn't mean that I am any less interested in fashion/beauty, and in fact I am probably more aware of it as I want to make sure that the clothes I do pick look good and flatter.

If any of you are like me, when my self esteem takes a crash I go for the ‘comfort’ of food.  Lots of it.  Full of salt sugar and saturated fat. This can really knock any weight loss efforts I have made out of the window.

This point is a really tough one to overcome, but I want you to remember that most women short/tall/fat/thin have body issues, just because someone is smaller doesn’t mean they have any fewer body hang ups than you do and don’t feel any less self conscious.

So my advice here? Treat yourself well, don’t punish your body because it doesn’t look the way you want it too. It is really hard to say to people 'Love your Body' because it is such a hard thing to do, but do look after it and treat it well. Show off the bits you like. Stop comparing yourself with others.

I wish I was taller, had longer legs and smaller thighs. All of the wishing in the world is not going to change anything.  But I have luxurious hair, pert bosoms and a cracking arse (pun intended).  Take compliments, when people say you look nice, don’t think they are taking the piss, accept, it will make you feel a whole lot better.

OK I’ve been dwelling on the negatives but what opportunities does the summer give us to help us boost our weight loss?

Setting goals:  Some times the summer can knock our self confidence a bit (see above) but rather than let it batter it down, use it as a time to set yourself goals for next summer.

 There was a time when, come the summer months, I would be firmly ensconced in jeans, no matter what the weather, feeling hot and uncomfortable.  After joining Weight Watchers the following summer I was wearing skirts and dresses with leggings, this year I have been bear legged, and next year?  I am planning to make next summer the year I wear shorts (not short shorts, lets not get crazy).

Summer is a great time of year to visualise yourself next year.  Lets be realistic having images of myself looking as good as Kelly Brook in a bikini is slightly over reaching, but setting yourself realsitic goals is something we can all do.

Getting Active:  OK up until now (the sun is currently shining and it’s about 20 Degrees Celsius out) getting active outdoors has not been too appealing, but with the onset of the sunny weather getting active is hardly a chore.  Taking a walk in the evening sunshine rather than sitting on my arse watching TV is a pleasure.  Going for a bike ride to/along the seaside, playing Frisbee with the kids in the park, taking the dog for a walk in the woods, these things become something to enjoy when the sun is shining and not a chore it is a joy and an excuse to revel in the good weather that we get too infrequently in the UK.

It’s also a great opportunity to get out in your gardens (yes gardening is an activity too) weeding, planting, pruning and colleting the fruits of your labors (literally).  Washing the car, some vigorous scrubbing buffing (Ooo Sexy lol).  Clearing the guttering, up and down ladders (Not quite so sexy).  Having a go on the kids bouncy castle (strap’em down ladies), running away from a freighted heard of sheep.  Just because you are not wearing gym gear doesn’t mean it’s not activity.  Like the advert says every little helps.

Healthier Foods:  Summer is the fruition of the growing season and at this time of year there are so many fresh fruits and vegetables that are coming in to season, so not only are they low in prop points they are tasty and generally cheaper!

Summer weather is when I WANT to choose lighter (as as a consequence healthier) meals.  Salads are often unappealing in winter months, but with a plethora of fresh veggies and warmer weather salads is my meal of choice when the sun comes out.

 So when you are eating out or shopping in the super market, do you really want to eat the same foods that you can eat at any old time of the year?  Crisps, chocolates, pasties, cakes? When you can eat foods that are only going to be at their best for a few months/weeks of the year?  Buying local and in season, not only tastes wonderful, but helps the local economy and also you own pocket.

So like everything, taking on the summer is all about balance.  Yes there will be challenges, but that is true with everything in life.

Make the most of the sunshine, its not going to be long before (more) rain and autumnal weather return to our shores.  Get outside and enjoy it!

Do you find it easier to be healthy when the sun comes out?  Do you have any ideas of healthy activities/foods to make the most of this summer?

Wednesday 18th January 2012 - The one where I cant be bothered to eat

Breakfast:
X 4 Belvita Breakfast Biscuits: 6PP

Lunch:
X 1 WeightWatchers Bagel: 4PP
X 2 Tbs ELF Cream Cheese: 2PP
X 1 Rhubarb Mullerlight: 3PP

Dinner:

X 1 Portion Sausage & Mustard Plait: 10PP
150g New Potatoes: 3PP
Roasted Veg with 1Tsp Olive Oil: 1PP

Snacks:

X 1 Costa Medio Skinny Cappuccino: 1PP
WeightWatchers Hot Chocolate: 1PP

Total points:  31PP

Total Earned: 2PP

Challenges:
Still not eating quite right. Waaay under points yesterday ate unnecessary mini Toblerone just so it didn’t look quite so bad.  Also under points today as well but not by so much, forced myself to eat at lunch time, I regularly tell people off for not eating their points so feeling rather hypercritical at the mo. Didn't really eat a proper lunch, not that I didn't have the opportunity but because 'I couldn't be bothered'. The idea of fruits and veggies are turning my stomach. Refined carbohydrates are what my body is after, preferably in the form of cake or crusty white rolls. Obviously not bad in themselves but I'd rather not get into the habit. I wish I had someone to look after me, and then I would have someone to question my dietary choices. This reminds me, I have a blog post brewing about losing weight when single, it's not all fun and games you know lol.
 
Achievements:
I never thought I would say this on here, but my achievement is eating!  I’ve gone from a food monster to a faster in less than a week.  Weird.
 
Tomorrow:
Busy day, worried I may skip lunch again. The only reason I am eating anything that is vaguely breakfast related is that I have got those Belvita Breakfast Biscuits (seriously who thinks Biscuits are an appropriate food for breakfast?! Other than Lisa Snowdon obviously!) And it feels just like eating regular biscuits.

I’ve planned so I should stick to it, I suppose at least my lack of appetite should result in a loss this week!  I just don’t want it to become a habit, its not healthy.

Verdict:  Looking forward to getting back to my old self

The one where I am pinning my colours to the mast

*Before I start I just want to clarity I am not a WeightWatchers employee and I have not been paid to write this post.  The opinions contained are mine alone.*

*Also for those of you of a sensitive disposition, I use the F word a number of times in this post*

Attacking WeightWatchers

I would like to preface this post with the comment that I hate it when anyone or anything is attacked by either uninformed people, pseudo science or those who believe they are right no matter what.  I form opinions based on experience, evidence and the experiences of others.  I also do not attack anyone if their opinions differ from my own, every one is entitled to think what they want, however I will try to persuade a person using evidence or moral arguments if I think they are completely wrong, but that happens few and far between.

Being the New Year there are lots of articles and advertisements about getting you fit, healthy and losing weight. 

WeightWatchers are no different and are going all out to promote the new ProPoints plan here in the UK.  There are ads in print and articles in the news papers.  There is the new ‘Mega Ad’ airing on the TV starring WeightWatchers members from across the UK.  I understand that WeightWatchers is a business and that they want to earn money.

However I honestly feel that WeightWatchers have put together a plan that is designed to help its members be healthy, lose weight and keep it off.

There is a perception in society at large that Fat people are somehow lacking in mental capacity, after all you must be stupid if you got fat in the first place right?!  It appears to me that it is OK to mock fat people, because we have a weight problem we must all be stupid and have ‘bubbly’ personalities so we don’t mind being made fun of.  Many of the articles I have read concerning weight and weight loss seem to me (and I could be very wrong here) to be written by people who have no idea how complex weight gain and the emotions (and economics) that are related to it.  I do not think I have read an article written by someone who has experienced a ‘significant’ weight problem.  Therefore this is why I get frustrated when I am portrayed as being stupid for being a WeightWatchers member, for falling for all of the marketing hype and allowing a multi national company to convince me I can lose weight on their plan, only for me to put it back on, rejoin, and make them more money.  I am not stupid and I would like to stop being portrayed as such.

I have said this before and I’ll say it again following ProPoints is not about a diet it is about a healthy eating plan.  To me it is very obvious that many of the people who are writing about WeightWatchers have never been to a meeting, tried the plan or even looked beyond the press releases. 

You can only appreciate how WeightWatchers works by experiencing it yourself, Planning, Tracking, Eating filling and Healthy Foods, attending meetings, and socialising with the members.  It is far more than a little blue folder, it’s an experience.

If I thought that WeightWatchers was an unethical company, I would not be a member.  If I didn’t believe that I can lose weight on the plan and then keep it off, I wouldn’t be a member.  I am not a sheep and I can form my own opinions, I am not that easily swayed by the hype.

I am fed up of seeing comments (or getting comments from others) criticising weight loss organisations and diets in general and I wanted to express what I think the positives of the healthy eating plan I have chosen, which in this case is WeightWatchers, actually are. 

1.    The ProPoints plan does not ‘ban’ any food – Many argue that High protein low Carb or how you should only eat food that are specific to your blood type are the way to go.  Personally I cannot understand why anyone would want to cut out whole food groups.  Yeah you may lose weight faster, but is that healthy in the long term? Does it promote a healthy relationship with food by demonising particular foods or groups of foods? The plan promotes the idea of ‘everything in moderation’.  Personally I think this is a far more realistic way to promote healthy eating.  It also promotes individual responsibility, there are no prescribed menus or meals, and again in the long term it means you can fit it in with you and your families needs, likes, dislikes and dietary preferences.

2.    WeightWatchers actively promotes healthy eating – Surely a plan that promotes you to eat a portion of fruit over a chocolate bar is a good thing!  There are many critics that argue that fruit is high in sugar and telling people you can eat loads of it is as bad as telling them to eat sweets. 

At no point do Weight Watchers say you can eat as much fruit as you like.  Fruit is not Free i.e. you can eat as much of it as you like, it is 0PP.  In our classes we have talked time and time again that you should like every thing you eat it should be in moderation.

Filling and Healthy foods are promoted (wholemeal rice and pasta, vegetables, low fat dairy, lean meats, as well as healthy oils).  These are highlighted, the benefits of these are constantly talked about, recipes are based around them, we are encouraged to eat them.  These foods if eaten with ‘moderation’ are good for us.

And yes Weight Watchers do produce food products, and yes I would imagine that they have weird chemicals in them (I am not a scientist and do not claim to be).  But surely don’t all processed food contain weird chemicals?  You do not need to eat these things to be successful on WeightWatchers. 

3.    You get support from others:  As I have said above WeightWatchers is an experience.  The biggest experience for me is meeting (and becoming friends with) people who have and had similar experiences and feelings in relation to food.  Yes you can do it on your own at home, but for me this support and motivation is a massive reason why I am a member and why the plan has worked for me.

Whatever weight loss plan you follow, good luck to you. 

Everyone is different and different things work for different people.  But this is mine, I love it, it works for me, I am proud to be a WeightWatchers member. 

Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Rant Over… And breath…

Monday 16th January 2012 - The one where I get weighed and back on track

Breakfast:
X 4 Belvita Breakfast Biscuits: 6PP

Lunch

X 1 Cherry Mullerlight: 2PP
X 1 Olive Bread Stick: 5PP

Dinner:

ASDA Chicken Enchiladas: 10PP
X 1 Portion of Cherries: 0PP
X 1 Persimmon: 0PP

Snacks:

X 1 Star Bar:  8PP
X 1 Chocolate Brazil Nut: 2PP

Points Used:  33PP

Points Earned:  4PP
Weigh in Result: +2 Lbs

Challenges:

I have been sooo ill.  Although I like to be a drama queen when I am unwell, I mean it.  I had no Idea that a little tickle in the back of my throat could turn in to a major infection.  When I am ill I eat carbs and fast food neither of which is overly conducive to losing weight.  I was also ordered to bed for 3 days therefore no exercise.  Today was my first day back to work and it has been really tempting to eat rubbish.  OK I have eaten lots of processed food today (not something I feel fully comfortable with) but I was not in the vast quantities it could have been or as high in fat I desired lol.  Kind of feeling better, and I am hoping my urge for fruit will return.  I am a little bit gutted about my weigh in result, but it was totally expected.

Achievements:

I hit my points on the head today, first time in ages.

Tomorrow:

Busy day, as always.  Lunch has been planned and packed, if I get time to eat it is a whole other kettle of fish.  Planning to hit points tomorrow, no weeklies to be touched!

Verdict:  Good day, need bed now.  Night Night.

Sunday 8th January 2012 - The one where I get weighed and regret that Apple Strudel

Breakfast:
X 1 WeightWatchers Dark Chocolate & Orange Bar:  3PP

Lunch:
X 1 Costa Skinny Cappuccino: 1PP
X 1 Costa Banana Breakfast Loaf: 11PP

Dinner:

X 1 M&S Chicken Arrabbiata: 12PP

Snacks:

X 1 Greggs Chocolate Doughnut: 10 PP
X 4 Toblerone Mini’s: 8PP

Points used today:  45PP

Weekly Points used: 12PP

Activity Points Earned: 1PP – A walk up the hill and a pootle round town.

Weigh In Result:  +1/2 Lb – Today was my first weigh in at my meeting since Christmas.  I should have been really pleased (I had been prepared for a +3Lbs) but I felt really unhappy as I though I should of lost.  However I have shaken myself out of it, it was my fault for eating such a big meal the night before weigh in and polishing chocolate, apple pie & cream, bacon sandwiches, apple strudel and after eights!  I think that’ll be the delayed hangover kicking in.

Challenges:

I usually make the excuse that as it’s a Sunday I can pig out.  I then usually use all of my weeklies before the week as begun, but not today.  I made a conscious effort to have a treat but not to use them all.  It has been difficult as my Mum has bought me a whole packet of Toblerone Mini’s, but I have had 4 (8PP) and that is enough at the moment, I may have one or 2 more but that is most definitely it!

Achievements:

Only ½ on over Christmas and New Year!  Considering some of the gains I saw/heard at today’s meeting (12 Lbs!) I feel positively saintly.  I am on it this week and without the mistake of eating all my weeklies in one sitting!

Tomorrow:

Planned tomorrows meals, ingredients are in the fridge defrosting.  It’s back to normal this Monday so a long and busy day, therefore PP earned and banked for the weekend!

Verdict:  Good day, and despite my previous negativity a good weigh in a good weigh in.  The meeting was very busy with 17 new members and a positive vibe.  I love my meeting, so many great people and such a mixture of ages and backgrounds.  It’s the people that make’s it worth getting up for on a Sunday morning.

Ready for the rest of the week!

Friday 6th January 2012 - The one where I sport big hair and heels - The Aftermath

Have totted up the booze from last night. I did not stick to one drink all night as planned, but I stopped drinking at 11 and only stepped over my saved bonus points by 1.  However Thinking about it I must of earned at least 2 whilst out and about, I danced my socks off!  I am a little bit gutted I failed to take any photos of myself, however I am sure something will show up on facebook... My hair looked amazing, Beehive-tastic!

No hangover and feeling ok, however I am not sure today is going to be a good day food wise...

Drinks:
X 1 Double Ameretto (4) and Cranberry Juice (4): 8 PP
X 1 Malibu and Diet Coke: 2 PP
X 1 Lager: 3 PP
X 1 Southern Comfort and Diet Coke: 2PP
X 1 Shot Apple Sourz: 2PP

Total: 17 PP

Friday 6th January 2012 - The one where I sport Big hair and heels

Breakfast:
X 1 Cherry Müllerlight: 2PP

Lunch:
X 1 Apple: 0PP
X 2 Slices Fruit Loaf with Butter: 5PP
X 1 Tesco French Fries: 3PP

Dinner:
X1 Portion Saveloy & Chips: 16 PP

Snacks:
X 2 Portions Mango Chunks: 0PP
X 1 Can Pepsi Max: 0PP
X 1 Tesco Strawberry Scone: 7 PP

Points Used: 33PP
Points Earned: 4PP - And that's without dancing!

Challenges:
It had been the plan that I would bulk out on fruit at lunch time to try to keep some more PP for this evening. Alas to no avail, I was starving. I did manage to steer away from the cakes and Chocolates though and went for rather yummy fruit loaf. Well done me!

It's Rebecca's birthday today, so we are heading out on the town for a few drinks and some dancing. I have budgeted for 5 bottles of lager, this comes in at 12 PP I just hope I don't go to wild. My sister is a really bad influence and like to try and make me misbehave, she succeeds quite allot of the time. All I can do is plan, if I had known before hand I would not have had a past hurrah on Sunday, using almost all of my weekly points, I could have kept a few behind. Oh well hindsight is a wondrous thing but mostly useless at the same time. Wish me luck. Watch out Ipswich!

Achievements:
No chocolate bars from the vending machine! This is a trigger point for me especially when I am bored. It didn't even occur to me today that I could snack on crisps or chocolate.

Tomorrow:
I will mainly be at my parent tomorrow hanging out with my sister and my nephew. It is a bit of a danger time as My Mum and Dad have a huge amount of nibbley chocolate things. Also despite my Mum moaning wildly about her weight she still like to indulge in pies, pastries, cakes and crisps and there is a dearth of fresh unprocessed 'healthy' food. Plan of action, go out for lunch, cook lunch for everyone or just not eat. Not sure which path I'll be taking, but I'm pretty sure it not the last one.

Verdict: Could be worse! I'll find out tomorrow!

12 Things for 2012

12 Things for 2012

Last year I set out in January with a list of things to do/achieve, the majority of which I achieved.  Unlike resolutions I haven’t set these in stone, they are just a list of things I want to get done at some point.

1.    To Finish 2012 at a lighter weight than I did 2011.  I have always been rather wary of setting myself unrealistic expectations in relation to my weight loss.  However after the spur my ‘Birthday Weight Loss Challenge’ gave me, I think that setting specific targets with dates attached will be motivating rather than disheartening.  I have set specific goals related to my weight loss over the year, but my main ambition is just to end he year lighter than I entered it.

2.    Wear a size 14 Bridesmaids dress.  I haven’t just said this for the hell of it.  I have been asked to be a bridesmaid for my lovely friend Sarah (who I met through Weight Watchers).  The wedding is planned for December, and having hovered around a 16 (sometimes bigger sometimes smaller) I would love to get in to a 14 in time for the nuptials.

3.    Run (not walk) a 10K.  To run a 5K was something I achieved last year.  This year I want a bit more of a challenge, so I think a 10K will offer me that.  Wish me luck, I think that this going to be hard!

4.    Go on a Date.  Last year I set a task of ‘developing a love life’.  This was a little ambitious, as I had no Idea of how to start.  This year I still want it on my list.  I have been single for such a long time it is quite frankly unhealthy (and a little bit sad).  So I have set my target low… 1 date, in the whole 12 months… I can do that… Can’t I?

5.    Drink More.  I feel that I am perpetually dehydrated; I do not drink enough, of anything, in the day.  I am not going to state the stupid figure of 8 glasses of water per day, totally unappetizing, but I want to make sure I have at least 3 drinks whilst at work.  I have previously got home to realize that I have not had a drink all day.  If I’m not careful my kidneys are going to start to protest.

6.    Get more involved online.  This one is borrowed from it sux to be fat.  I have been really lax in getting involved in the blogging community, commenting on blogs, discovering new blogs, posting in my facebook group and tweeting.  OK it’s not like I have a massive following, but what is the point in writing a blog if I don’t get involved.

7.    Drink less coffee.  Anyone who has seen my daily food posts may notice that I have a BIG love for Costa Skinny Cappuccinos.  The benefit of having a point’s card is that occasionally you get a free coffee.  I have been getting a lot of free coffees.  Instead of having my ‘once a week’ post weigh in coffee, I had been visiting 2/3 times a week.  This can’t go on! Drinking a double shot at 6pm generally means I am not getting to sleep until late.  I’m past 30 now; I need all of the beauty sleep I can get!  So bye bye mid week coffee.

8.    Write on my Blog.  This one is related to number 6.  I started this blog and then had a big gap when I failed to post anything.  I hate that when I am following a blog, so why on earth should I do that myself.? It may be a bit ambitious to say I will post every day (although if I am feeling super motivated I may well do) so I am going to aim to post at least once a week…Hopefully

9.    See my friends more.  Last year with family illnesses, I spent most of my time off at home with the parents looking after them.  Quite frankly I neglected my friends, both at home and far and wide.  I stopped texting, Facebooking, calling and I didn’t go visiting.  So I am determined to make more of an effort with texts, phone calls, letters and visits this year…weather they want to see me or not!

10.          Read more books.  I love books and reading, but I am so sporadic in doing so.  I’ll go through a phase when I will read a book a week for 2 months and then not pick one up for another 3.  I also tend to go for the familiar tomes I have on the shelf, even though I have a little stock of books I have not read.  So I will aim for a book a month, and make reading part of my routine.

11.          Carry on with all of the things I achieved in 2011:  Well why bother doing them if I’m not going to keep it up!

12.          Be happier at the end of 2012 than I was at the end of 2011.  2012 is looking bright, granted it is only the 5^th, but what the hell, start as you mean to go on!

 Happy New Year everyone!

Thursday 5th Jan 2012 - The one where I feel saintly

Breakfast:
X 1 Müllerlight Strawberry: 3PP
 
Lunch:
X 1 Wholemeal Bagel: 6PP
X 1 portion of Chicken and bacon sandwich filler: 3PP
X 1 Apple: 0PP
 
Dinner:
X 1 Portion of White Rice: 6PP
X 1 Portion of Peas: 2 PP
X 1 Chicken & Vegetable Ragu Thingy I made up: 5PP

Snacks:
X 1 WeightWatchers Mini Roll: 3 PP
X 1 Costa Skinny Cappuccino: 1PP
1/4 Pint Skimmed Milk - For tea: 1PP
X 1 Fudge Bar: 3PP
 
Points Used: 33
Points Earned: 4 - Still rocking that pedometer action
 
Challenges:
Going for coffee! Oh the cakes and biscuits look good, and as soon as I have resolved that I shall be having coffee alone, the barista asks the question "any cakes or pastries with that?" and it makes me question my resolve. But I didn't break!

Achievements:
My will power. I have had the option to have a BIG door step sandwich for lunch, I said no and stuck to my bagel. I had the choice of having Indian take away, I said no. I had the choice of having a a cake with my coffee, I said no. Rocking the plan for a second day running.

Tomorrow:
Heading out for my sisters Birthday and it's all a bit last minute. I pigged out on Sunday (you know last day of the holidays and all) and used most of my weeklies so I don't have a safety net. I have made a decision to go for Malibu and diet coke (the very thought of vodka makes me feel ill) and I have budgeted for 5. Unfortunately I am also not sure what I'll be having at dinner so I am not sure what the damage is going to be points wise.  I am going to aim for a fruit laden lunch, and skip the bagel and aim for some thing a bit less pointy. I really don't want to undo all of the good I have done over the last week. Fingers crossed.

Verdict: gooood!

Wednesday 4th January 2012 - The one where I look forward to the new year.

Breakfast:X 2 Sainsbury's Breakfast Biscuits: 6PP

Lunch:
X1 Wholemeal Bagel: 6PP
X1 Portion Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Filler: 3PP
X1 Apple: 0PP

Dinner:
Rocket Salad & Sesame Oil Dressing: 1PP
Pizza Express Gustosa Pizza: 11PP
Pepsi Max: 0PP

Snacks:
X 1 Portions of Cherries: 0 PP
X 1 Curlywurly: 3PP

Points Used: 33 PP
Points Earned: 5 PP - Pedometer strapped on!

Challenges: Forgot to pick up my lunch and forgot to take my purse to work. So by the time I had the opportunity to get my lunch from home I was starving and could of made some bad choices.  However I stuck to my guns, hence bang on points.  Yay for me.

Achievements: 
Today is the first time in ages that I have actually hit my points bang on. I wasn't hungry at all either, I guess it is a sign I am getting back in to the swing of things.

Tomorrow: 
Should be OK,  lunch sorted, dinner kind of sorted and feeling in control!

Verdict: Good day, best day of 2012 food wise so far!

First blog post of 2012!

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted a 'proper' blog.

Gone went my resolution to post every day, and in came depression and illness. Thinking about it now I think my depression was related to my illness, my doctor had previously told me that viruses can cause it. Since I have been feeling better, I am feeling far more positive and I am no longer worried I might be heading for a prolonged period of depression.

I'm feeling great about 2012, loads of things to look forward to. I am feeling so positive about this year I have even fond the effort to calculate how far I need to go until I get to goal and calculated how much I would need to lose each week to get there!

Christmas Day:  My Little Bro and I

I am already back on track and didn't need the shock of my post Christmas weigh in to get me back there. I even weighed between Christmas and New Year (something I have never done before) and I lost half a pound! If must be a sign that I am ready for 'proper' weight less this year not just treading water.