I have been on my health and fitness mission for about 18 months now. I have had an allergy to salicylates for about 7 years - and yet, today I learn something new!
Did anyone see on TV last night (it was either ACA or Today Tonight - I was flicking) the thing on preservatives, additives and flavours in food? It was mainly about kids at school and their behaviour, but I learnt something I didn't know before. Preservative 211 is a benzoate. Benzoates contain salicylates... and I'm allergic to them. THEY ARE IN DIET COKE!!! I have been trying to give up Diet Coke for the last month, but it isn't going so well. It is free in the fridge at work, and because it is there I think I should have it. I don't have the same problem with food, but for some reason I have always seen Diet Coke as something I can have, even though I know it is bad for you.
Anyway, I now have a really good reason to stop drinking Diet Coke.
I try to eat clean 90% of the time, so I don't have many preservatives in my diet at all. However I undo all this good work with Diet Coke a few times a week. Speaking of eating clean, there's a lady who writes for Oxygen mag who has a book - 'The Eat Clean Diet' - Tosca Reno. I am going to see if the local bookshop has it, if not, I am going to order it online. Should prove interesting reading. She also has cook books out.
Also, an update on the BR. I am even more motivated to get it done now that I have seen Tiny Donna's fabulous results (go Donna!) but I don't have the money yet. Hopefully by mid next year I can have it done.
So here's my health and fitness goals for 2008...
1. Go Diet Coke free
2. Get to goal weight
3. Get my boobs reduced and realigned to where they are meant to be!
4. Run City to Surf, including Heartbreak Hill
5. Run City to Surf in under 1hr 45 min
6. Go back to drinking only once a month
7. Train on average 6 days a week
8. Eat clean 90% of the time
9. Only have 1 cheat meal a week
10. Recuce my PT to 2 sessions a week, and train more effectively on my own
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
If you are going to do something....
DO IT PROPERLY!!!
I am quite proud of my efforts at my work xmas party last night. I have only worked there for 2 months and haven't really been out on the town with anyone, so they needed to get a glimpse of the "real" me!!!
The champagne was mixed with guava juice (yum!!!). I am in pretty good condition, so can't have had too much (champagne normally gives me a massive headache) however some of the photos tell a different story. Very very funny.
Had a great time. It was a beach cocktail party - everyone frocked up. The girls in pretty dresses and the boys in very loud (often ugly) shirts. There was a mechanical surfboard, a band with a near naked singer and NZ dancers doing the Haka. There were massive beach balls which we decided to throw around, then deflate slightly so we could sit on them. Needless to say we ended up on the floor (I had a partner in crime for this). There was dance floor action until the moment I was forced to get on the bus to go home! All in all a fabulous night.
Here's me (on the left) with my partner in crime
I am quite proud of my efforts at my work xmas party last night. I have only worked there for 2 months and haven't really been out on the town with anyone, so they needed to get a glimpse of the "real" me!!!
The champagne was mixed with guava juice (yum!!!). I am in pretty good condition, so can't have had too much (champagne normally gives me a massive headache) however some of the photos tell a different story. Very very funny.
Had a great time. It was a beach cocktail party - everyone frocked up. The girls in pretty dresses and the boys in very loud (often ugly) shirts. There was a mechanical surfboard, a band with a near naked singer and NZ dancers doing the Haka. There were massive beach balls which we decided to throw around, then deflate slightly so we could sit on them. Needless to say we ended up on the floor (I had a partner in crime for this). There was dance floor action until the moment I was forced to get on the bus to go home! All in all a fabulous night.
Here's me (on the left) with my partner in crime
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Year in Review
I was planning to be at goal by now. I only have 8.5kg to go, but it's not what I planned! However, having a look back at photos from last xmas, I have still come a long way this year. Just looking at my face... I look different! Yay!
Here's a pic taken at my PT xmas party last year....
And here's a pic taken this year...
And so you can put faces to the names and the silly gym antics... here's Dan, me and Hannah.
Here's Hannah, me and Bea (another of Dan's clients) looking very civilised in our matching outfits (not intentional by the way!)... very early on in the evening.
And here's the storm that rolled in while we were bowling in the afternoon (with work)... it was amazing. Pretty scary thunder and lightening right above us too, but soooooo much rain!
Here's a pic taken at my PT xmas party last year....
And here's a pic taken this year...
And so you can put faces to the names and the silly gym antics... here's Dan, me and Hannah.
Here's Hannah, me and Bea (another of Dan's clients) looking very civilised in our matching outfits (not intentional by the way!)... very early on in the evening.
And here's the storm that rolled in while we were bowling in the afternoon (with work)... it was amazing. Pretty scary thunder and lightening right above us too, but soooooo much rain!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
How much to eat?
How do you know how much to eat? I am reading various theories on this today (bored at work again!). The latest Runner's World mag says to lose weight you need to create a calorie deficit of 2000. It doesn't explain how this works.
Your body needs a certain amount of calories to function - even before you do any exercise. This is BMR (basic metabolic rate). Mine is 1550 calories. To maintain my weight, I apparently need 2402 calories, given that I exercise 3-5 days per week for an hour a day. Each of my sessions burns between 446 calories (weights) to 500 (spin class or running). Some websites recommend I eat 500 calories less than this figure, to lose weight, which brings me to 1900. Others recommend 1370-1600.
I wish this was an exact science! I want someone to give me the answers!!!! Doesn't everybody though?
The reason I am thinking about this is that over the last week I have lost weight. I am averaging 1200-1400 calories a day. However, after about a week of this my weight loss slows or virtually stops. I start hovering again. I also get really hungry. Both these things indicate that I am not eating enough.
I still don't get where the 2000 calorie deficit comes in. Maybe it is my 1550 calories plus 450 of exercise, which brings me to 2000 calories burnt? It still doesn't tell me how much to eat.
Anyone else better at this than me? Anyone got any brilliant suggestions?
Your body needs a certain amount of calories to function - even before you do any exercise. This is BMR (basic metabolic rate). Mine is 1550 calories. To maintain my weight, I apparently need 2402 calories, given that I exercise 3-5 days per week for an hour a day. Each of my sessions burns between 446 calories (weights) to 500 (spin class or running). Some websites recommend I eat 500 calories less than this figure, to lose weight, which brings me to 1900. Others recommend 1370-1600.
I wish this was an exact science! I want someone to give me the answers!!!! Doesn't everybody though?
The reason I am thinking about this is that over the last week I have lost weight. I am averaging 1200-1400 calories a day. However, after about a week of this my weight loss slows or virtually stops. I start hovering again. I also get really hungry. Both these things indicate that I am not eating enough.
I still don't get where the 2000 calorie deficit comes in. Maybe it is my 1550 calories plus 450 of exercise, which brings me to 2000 calories burnt? It still doesn't tell me how much to eat.
Anyone else better at this than me? Anyone got any brilliant suggestions?
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Wednesday Ramblings
Time to re-committ to my Diet Coke ban. It is not good for me, and I can do it. So no more Diet Coke for me. There is now a flavoured mineral water in the drink machine - so I am going to try that this afternoon. It is probably full of sugar :(
Feeling pretty motivated at the moment. Food is good 90% of the time which is my goal. Exercise has been really good this week. I trained twice on Monday - 1 x PT and 1 x 45 min run, then PT yesterday. I am hoping the weather is reasonable tonight so I can go for a run when I get home. I am finding running quite therapeudic (can't spell that!) at the moment - it is great thinking time.
I've got lots going on in my head at the moment - relationship stuff, work stuff, BR stuff... it all gets a little overwhelming at times. When I run I think about different things and come back with a bit of an action plan. It is really helping to work out what I want - that is my main problem in all areas, just knowing what I want.
Time for lunch now... I'm hungry!!!
Feeling pretty motivated at the moment. Food is good 90% of the time which is my goal. Exercise has been really good this week. I trained twice on Monday - 1 x PT and 1 x 45 min run, then PT yesterday. I am hoping the weather is reasonable tonight so I can go for a run when I get home. I am finding running quite therapeudic (can't spell that!) at the moment - it is great thinking time.
I've got lots going on in my head at the moment - relationship stuff, work stuff, BR stuff... it all gets a little overwhelming at times. When I run I think about different things and come back with a bit of an action plan. It is really helping to work out what I want - that is my main problem in all areas, just knowing what I want.
Time for lunch now... I'm hungry!!!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Big weekend and losing weight!
Quite happy with my progress this week. I don't weigh in officially until tomorrow, but on my scales things are looking favourable. I am down to 78.5kg which is my lowest ever. I was here in September so it has taken me a couple of months of losing a kg, gaining a kg etc to get back - but I'm here! I am determined not to get trapped in the same cycle again.
Had a big afternoon/night on Saturday. Didn't quite do what I was intending to... didn't have any dinner but kept drinking (I should know better) but I am proud of my efforts yesterday. I didn't give in to the whole hang-over fat food thing. I didn't eat alot during the day - just a piece of toast and a juice, but I had a healthy chicken and salad for dinner, followed by some strawberries and frozen yogurt. I so wanted pizza or chicken and chips... but I didn't. And because of my lack of eating on the weekend I was starving this morning when I woke up!!!
Back into the plan today. Have already done an hour's PT at the gym and food is going well. No Diet Coke so far.
Had a big afternoon/night on Saturday. Didn't quite do what I was intending to... didn't have any dinner but kept drinking (I should know better) but I am proud of my efforts yesterday. I didn't give in to the whole hang-over fat food thing. I didn't eat alot during the day - just a piece of toast and a juice, but I had a healthy chicken and salad for dinner, followed by some strawberries and frozen yogurt. I so wanted pizza or chicken and chips... but I didn't. And because of my lack of eating on the weekend I was starving this morning when I woke up!!!
Back into the plan today. Have already done an hour's PT at the gym and food is going well. No Diet Coke so far.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Budgets and Planning
Have given myself a good talking to this afternoon. No more wasting money. No more buying clothes or shoes. I am now on a tight budget and have set automatic transfers on pay day to go to a savings account. This is to save money for a) breast reduction b) annual bills such as insurance c) 5 x flights to Melbourne in 2008. This means I feel like I have less to spend and when the time comes for these things there will be money allocated in my account.
I have restructured my personal training, and have cut it by $70 a week. I will be doing one session with Rusty and one session with Dan a week. I have replaced one of Dan's session with a pump class. I have also scheduled in a weekly spin class on a Wednesday, and the occasional Friday Balance class and Saturday Pump class.
I am feeling much better now that I have got it right in my head and have done my sums.
I have restructured my personal training, and have cut it by $70 a week. I will be doing one session with Rusty and one session with Dan a week. I have replaced one of Dan's session with a pump class. I have also scheduled in a weekly spin class on a Wednesday, and the occasional Friday Balance class and Saturday Pump class.
I am feeling much better now that I have got it right in my head and have done my sums.
aaaarrrggggghhhh!
Because I only have a basic level of hospital cover on my health insurance, I am not covered for a breast reduction in a private hospital - even though it is deemed necessary for medical reasons and not cosmetic. I could go to a public hospital and choose my surgeon, but the one I want doesn't operate in public hospitals.
So, I am now up for almost $4000 extra for the theatre fees and an overnight stay in hospital. These are going to be very expensive boobs!
So in order to have any chance of paying for this, I need to cut back on my personal training. I don't want to do it, but I have to. I'm not sure which session I am going to cut out but will work it out over the next few weeks. I have paid up til xmas so might as well stick with it for now.
Food is going well with my new found enthusiasm. Exercise is good, although not as much as I planned. I am still only training once a day. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I had planned for twice. I'm not sleeping too well so am too tired for extra training at the moment. Too much thinking about surgery and how the hell I am going to pay for it.
So, I am now up for almost $4000 extra for the theatre fees and an overnight stay in hospital. These are going to be very expensive boobs!
So in order to have any chance of paying for this, I need to cut back on my personal training. I don't want to do it, but I have to. I'm not sure which session I am going to cut out but will work it out over the next few weeks. I have paid up til xmas so might as well stick with it for now.
Food is going well with my new found enthusiasm. Exercise is good, although not as much as I planned. I am still only training once a day. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I had planned for twice. I'm not sleeping too well so am too tired for extra training at the moment. Too much thinking about surgery and how the hell I am going to pay for it.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Silly Season Plan
If I am going to lose 4.5kg in 3 months I need a plan, cause those 3 months happen to include xmas and all festivities, a trip to Melbourne, 3 days in Jervis Bay and another long weekend. So here's my alcohol and cheat meal plan...
December 1... the man's birthday celebrations. I will have a few drinks (vodka, lime & soda) but choose a healthy meal. Probably steak and salad.
December 7... PT xmas drinks. This is traditionally a MASSIVE night. I have a really good excuse, in that I have to be on a plane at 7.15am the next morning... but last time I went out with the same people I had the same excuse and ended up getting home at 3am blind drunk. This will be my challenge night. I am not going to get caught up in shouts and rounds... I will have a couple of quiet drinks and switch to mineral water. Hannah and I have already planned to go to the Nth Sydney noodle markets for a quick reasonably healthy bite to eat during the night. Last year there was an array of fried food provided so we are going to do our own thing.
December 13... work xmas party. I'm not going to drink. I have no idea what the food will be, but I will do my best. I have also booked a PT session for earlier that day.
December 23... catch up with Melbourne friends. Dinner will be easy cause it will be my choice - I might go Japanese or something. I am going to drive so that means I can't drink.
December 25... xmas day at Mum and Dad's place. I'm not going to drink at all. Mum has already bought some rice crackers and healthy snacks for me so that I can avoid all the chocolates etc. I will however have some xmas pudding cause my Mum makes the BEST xmas pudding!
December 30 to Jan 2... in Jervis Bay with a bunch of friends. I am going to drink NYE, but that's it. We are taking our own food for the BBQ and salads etc so food should be pretty good. I will have the occasional icecream or treat, but I am also taking my running gear. Given that I am going with Dan (my PT), Hannah (my gym buddy) and a few others I shouldn't have too much trouble finding the motivation to exercise.
So that's my plan. PT xmas drinks is really the only night that is going to be hard. It should probably be the easiest I know! But Dan, Rusty and the others all train hard so they can play hard. They are super fit and super buff, but they can drink way too well for me!
December 1... the man's birthday celebrations. I will have a few drinks (vodka, lime & soda) but choose a healthy meal. Probably steak and salad.
December 7... PT xmas drinks. This is traditionally a MASSIVE night. I have a really good excuse, in that I have to be on a plane at 7.15am the next morning... but last time I went out with the same people I had the same excuse and ended up getting home at 3am blind drunk. This will be my challenge night. I am not going to get caught up in shouts and rounds... I will have a couple of quiet drinks and switch to mineral water. Hannah and I have already planned to go to the Nth Sydney noodle markets for a quick reasonably healthy bite to eat during the night. Last year there was an array of fried food provided so we are going to do our own thing.
December 13... work xmas party. I'm not going to drink. I have no idea what the food will be, but I will do my best. I have also booked a PT session for earlier that day.
December 23... catch up with Melbourne friends. Dinner will be easy cause it will be my choice - I might go Japanese or something. I am going to drive so that means I can't drink.
December 25... xmas day at Mum and Dad's place. I'm not going to drink at all. Mum has already bought some rice crackers and healthy snacks for me so that I can avoid all the chocolates etc. I will however have some xmas pudding cause my Mum makes the BEST xmas pudding!
December 30 to Jan 2... in Jervis Bay with a bunch of friends. I am going to drink NYE, but that's it. We are taking our own food for the BBQ and salads etc so food should be pretty good. I will have the occasional icecream or treat, but I am also taking my running gear. Given that I am going with Dan (my PT), Hannah (my gym buddy) and a few others I shouldn't have too much trouble finding the motivation to exercise.
So that's my plan. PT xmas drinks is really the only night that is going to be hard. It should probably be the easiest I know! But Dan, Rusty and the others all train hard so they can play hard. They are super fit and super buff, but they can drink way too well for me!
3 months to go...
I went to see the surgeon about my breast reduction yesterday.
Surgeon was great - he made a joke about my boobs looking like I had had 5 kids!!! Too funny. Lucky I have sense of humor!!! My nipple height at the moment is 36cm... he is going to move them up to 20-22cm - that is kind of alot! As he will be doing the anchor scars I can go as small as I want, so we agreed on a B-C but will discuss again before the surgery. He was happy to go small and totally understood where I am coming from - I guess he has seen it plenty of times before.
I will be in hospital for 24 hours, maybe 48 if my health insurance is paying (they should as it is for medical reasons, but I need to double check that today). I will need 2 weeks off work, and someone staying with me for maybe a week. My mum is going to come and stay with me.
I told him I wanted to lose another 10kg and his advice was to get to 75kg before the surgery so that losing the last bit won't have too much of an impact on the fullness of my new boobies. If I am paying $10,000 for them then I want good ones!!! I am going to be out of pocket about $9200 - but I might even be able to claim the anethetists (can't spell that) $1500 which will mean $7700. Should be able to find that out from my health ins today.
So we are talking end of Feb or start of March. I have decided that I will do it as soon as I can and take time off without pay if I need to (I have just started a new job so don't have much sick or annual leave). I figure I won't be training for 6 weeks so I can use that money to replace my pay for a few days. I shouldn't be spending much anyway!
I am hoping to book in the surgery for end of Feb. That gives me 3 months to lose 4.5kg which I know I can do, and will do at any cost! Totally motivated now, and I have a deadline. If I can get lower than 75 then it will be even better.
He has given me the name of the anti-inflammitory drug he prescribes for after so that I can research it. He doesn't think it contains salycilates, but I am going to check anyway.
He has also given me the number of a lady who had this type of BR 2 weeks ago so that I can talk to her. I am calling her tonight.
Surgeon was great - he made a joke about my boobs looking like I had had 5 kids!!! Too funny. Lucky I have sense of humor!!! My nipple height at the moment is 36cm... he is going to move them up to 20-22cm - that is kind of alot! As he will be doing the anchor scars I can go as small as I want, so we agreed on a B-C but will discuss again before the surgery. He was happy to go small and totally understood where I am coming from - I guess he has seen it plenty of times before.
I will be in hospital for 24 hours, maybe 48 if my health insurance is paying (they should as it is for medical reasons, but I need to double check that today). I will need 2 weeks off work, and someone staying with me for maybe a week. My mum is going to come and stay with me.
I told him I wanted to lose another 10kg and his advice was to get to 75kg before the surgery so that losing the last bit won't have too much of an impact on the fullness of my new boobies. If I am paying $10,000 for them then I want good ones!!! I am going to be out of pocket about $9200 - but I might even be able to claim the anethetists (can't spell that) $1500 which will mean $7700. Should be able to find that out from my health ins today.
So we are talking end of Feb or start of March. I have decided that I will do it as soon as I can and take time off without pay if I need to (I have just started a new job so don't have much sick or annual leave). I figure I won't be training for 6 weeks so I can use that money to replace my pay for a few days. I shouldn't be spending much anyway!
I am hoping to book in the surgery for end of Feb. That gives me 3 months to lose 4.5kg which I know I can do, and will do at any cost! Totally motivated now, and I have a deadline. If I can get lower than 75 then it will be even better.
He has given me the name of the anti-inflammitory drug he prescribes for after so that I can research it. He doesn't think it contains salycilates, but I am going to check anyway.
He has also given me the number of a lady who had this type of BR 2 weeks ago so that I can talk to her. I am calling her tonight.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Food plan day 2
Food plan is going well. Didn't have time to get a salad at lunch so had a wrap from downstairs - still pretty healthy. Haven't been hungry, but added a bit extra fruit yesterday afternoon.
Feeling really good. Got my blood test results and from what I can tell all is normal, except iron is a bit low. Going to the naturopath the week after next so will decipher it all then.
Feeling really good. Got my blood test results and from what I can tell all is normal, except iron is a bit low. Going to the naturopath the week after next so will decipher it all then.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Food Plan
The concept is low fat (as always), eating every 2-3 hours, increase protein, no refined carbs at night and stay away from the chocolate box. My Diet Coke ban is not going so well, so rather than 'cold turkey' I am going for one every second day and then none at the weekend (I usually have 1 can a day). Next week I won't have any - will replace with mineral water. High fives to Dylan for kicking the Diet Coke!!!
I have worked this out as between 1200 and 1300 calories a day. This may not be enough, so will increase to 1400 on Wednesday if I am hungry or need more energy. I am documenting everything, so that if I lose weight then I can look back and see exactly what I am doing next time I hit a plateau.
Monday:
7am: porridge, berries, low fat yogurt
10am: skim milo
12.30pm: chicken salad
3.30pm: small berry muffin (from health shop, made with fruit sugar)
5.30pm: 1/2 Protein Revival Low Carb Shake
7.30pm: warm beef salad
Tuesday:
7.30am: weeties, skim milk, nectarine
10am: 1 cup pineapple
12.30pm: chicken salad
3.30pm: 4 vita wheat with vegemite
5.30pm: 1/2 Protein Revival Low Carb Shake
7.30pm: omlette
I have worked this out as between 1200 and 1300 calories a day. This may not be enough, so will increase to 1400 on Wednesday if I am hungry or need more energy. I am documenting everything, so that if I lose weight then I can look back and see exactly what I am doing next time I hit a plateau.
Monday:
7am: porridge, berries, low fat yogurt
10am: skim milo
12.30pm: chicken salad
3.30pm: small berry muffin (from health shop, made with fruit sugar)
5.30pm: 1/2 Protein Revival Low Carb Shake
7.30pm: warm beef salad
Tuesday:
7.30am: weeties, skim milk, nectarine
10am: 1 cup pineapple
12.30pm: chicken salad
3.30pm: 4 vita wheat with vegemite
5.30pm: 1/2 Protein Revival Low Carb Shake
7.30pm: omlette
Exercise Plan for the Week
I have decided to increase my training this week to training twice a day a few days. I haven't done this since June, so I think it is time to shake up the body. I'm throwing in some swimming so my body doesn't fall apart like it does when I increase my running! I'm also going to ride my bike to and from the pool and walk to and from work every day so that will add some active recovery to the mix as well.
Monday - 1 hour PT - cardio *DONE*
Tuesday - 30 min swimming, 1 hour PT - weights
Wednesday - 8km run
Thursday - 30 min swimming, 1 hour PT - weights
Friday - 30 min running - intervals, 30 min swimming
Saturday - 1 hour pump class
Sunday - rest
Now... on to the food plan!
Monday - 1 hour PT - cardio *DONE*
Tuesday - 30 min swimming, 1 hour PT - weights
Wednesday - 8km run
Thursday - 30 min swimming, 1 hour PT - weights
Friday - 30 min running - intervals, 30 min swimming
Saturday - 1 hour pump class
Sunday - rest
Now... on to the food plan!
A new week
I said this last Thursday, but I have to say it again today - a new week, a new start! I didn't do so well with food on the weekend. Focus focus focus. I need to get back on track. I still haven't got my blood test results. Hopefully today. Wednesday I have my appt with the surgeon about getting my boobs chopped and realigned. Can't wait for that one - I want to get it done NOW!!!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thursday Weigh In
I don't want to weigh in tonight - I haven't been very well behaved this week! Even when I have planned my food I haven't really stuck to it. I have decided to start fresh today with my food. I am having a pretty quiet weekend so it shouldn't be too difficult to stay on track. Having takeaway Saturday night with the boy, but should be able to talk him into Thai or something semi-healthy.
I get the results of my blood tests back tomorrow. I am a little apprehensive - just random thoughts running through my head that they might find something seriously wrong with me. I have never had any kind of blood test before! Then the logical side kicks in and tells me that perhaps my iron levels are low - that is easily fixed, but apart from that I am pretty fit and healthy so there is nothing to worry about.
I am going to get back onto Calorieking.com.au and plan my food for the next few days. That seems to be the best way to ensure I eat the right amount of the right things. Then all I need to do is stick to it!
I get the results of my blood tests back tomorrow. I am a little apprehensive - just random thoughts running through my head that they might find something seriously wrong with me. I have never had any kind of blood test before! Then the logical side kicks in and tells me that perhaps my iron levels are low - that is easily fixed, but apart from that I am pretty fit and healthy so there is nothing to worry about.
I am going to get back onto Calorieking.com.au and plan my food for the next few days. That seems to be the best way to ensure I eat the right amount of the right things. Then all I need to do is stick to it!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Gym Antics
A PT session always lifts my mood... no matter how I am feeling. I could actually make this a regular bi-weekly column... WHAT DAN DID TO ME THIS WEEK!!
I was lying on the fitball doing chest press... just like in the picture. Of course this is exactly what I look like!! LOL!!
Dan obviously gets bored easy, so he decided to balance a weight on my stomach/hips... one of those black flat discs like you use in pump class. Then he got out the foam noodle and beat my legs. It is so hard to continue shoulder press whilst keeping your bum in the air so you don't drop the weight that is balanced on your tummy and laugh at the same time. It is what I would call an entire body workout!
Anyway, enough of that. I was wondering if any of you have found that the pill contributes to your weight loss, or lack of? I started taking it again about 2 months ago which is about when my plateau really kicked in. I am taking Yasmin, which is apparently supposed to have minimal side effects, and I haven't noticed any except for the fact that I have plateaud. That may have happened without the pill, and it may have no effect whatsoever, but it is just an idea. Anyone have any thoughts on the matter? Will my body adjust eventually?
I was lying on the fitball doing chest press... just like in the picture. Of course this is exactly what I look like!! LOL!!
Dan obviously gets bored easy, so he decided to balance a weight on my stomach/hips... one of those black flat discs like you use in pump class. Then he got out the foam noodle and beat my legs. It is so hard to continue shoulder press whilst keeping your bum in the air so you don't drop the weight that is balanced on your tummy and laugh at the same time. It is what I would call an entire body workout!
Anyway, enough of that. I was wondering if any of you have found that the pill contributes to your weight loss, or lack of? I started taking it again about 2 months ago which is about when my plateau really kicked in. I am taking Yasmin, which is apparently supposed to have minimal side effects, and I haven't noticed any except for the fact that I have plateaud. That may have happened without the pill, and it may have no effect whatsoever, but it is just an idea. Anyone have any thoughts on the matter? Will my body adjust eventually?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
It is a conspiracy
I have spoken about the 'pantry' at work before, but I thought I would go into a little more detail about what temptations I am faced with on a daily basis...
In the Freezer
Paddle pops, sunny boys and a variety of other ice creams
In the Fridge
Cheese slices, cordial, milk, coke, diet coke, solo
In the Cupboard
Bread, nutella, peanut butter, vegemite, vita wheats, saladas, saos, rice crackers, cornflakes, nutri grain, milo, quick, muesli bars, breakfast bars, chips, bbq shapes, cheddar shapes... I could go on forever. This is the best stocked pantry I have ever seen. It might even beat my Mum's.
That is all free for all staff.
Then there is the chocolate box which is sold for charity - that includes chocolates of various sizes, redskins, chips, shapes... the list goes on.
Taking Stacy's advice, I will look at the positives. I have been working here for over a month and I have not put on weight. I have not lost much - a little, but not much. So really, when you look at all of that, I am doing quite well!
In the Freezer
Paddle pops, sunny boys and a variety of other ice creams
In the Fridge
Cheese slices, cordial, milk, coke, diet coke, solo
In the Cupboard
Bread, nutella, peanut butter, vegemite, vita wheats, saladas, saos, rice crackers, cornflakes, nutri grain, milo, quick, muesli bars, breakfast bars, chips, bbq shapes, cheddar shapes... I could go on forever. This is the best stocked pantry I have ever seen. It might even beat my Mum's.
That is all free for all staff.
Then there is the chocolate box which is sold for charity - that includes chocolates of various sizes, redskins, chips, shapes... the list goes on.
Taking Stacy's advice, I will look at the positives. I have been working here for over a month and I have not put on weight. I have not lost much - a little, but not much. So really, when you look at all of that, I am doing quite well!
Food
Thanks Osmund for your comment - and hi! I had been wondering if I wasn't eating enough. The thing is though that I am not hungry and that my naturopath/nutritionist thought my diet was great, although we didn't discuss portion control. I basically eat every 3 hours or so - small meals, but often.
Today's food plan:
B: Sultana bran with no fat milk
S: 4 x vita wheat with vegemite
L: chicken salad
S: pineapple
D: kanaga bangers & salad
Today's food plan:
B: Sultana bran with no fat milk
S: 4 x vita wheat with vegemite
L: chicken salad
S: pineapple
D: kanaga bangers & salad
Monday, November 19, 2007
This is tough
This last 8-9kg is proving to be oh so difficult. I am still hovering in the 79's and have been here for about 3 months. I lose 500g and I gain 500g etc. over and over again.
I have been exercising 4-5 times a week, at least for an hour. I walk to and from work every day (6km with hills). I eat healthily 90% of the time. I have the odd big night out drinking, but that is usually once or twice a month. Until Friday night, I hadn't had a drink in 4 weeks and that didn't make any difference at all.
I am getting so frustrated with the whole thing! I want to get down to 70kg and maintain that... I don't want to maintain 79kg!!!
So time for changes. I need to give the naturopath's advice a few more weeks to see if that makes a difference. In addition to that I am going to start getting back into running. I have been doing some treadmill sessions about once a week, but I used to run 3 x a week. I have already done a treadmill session this morning (1200m, 800m, 400m, 4 x 200m... getting faster each time). It was tough! I am going to do a long run every Sunday, and do speed and/or hill training on Wednesdays and Fridays.
I am also going to reduce the amount of bread and cheese in my diet. I don't have alot of cheese - but I do occasionally have it on my sanga or wrap at lunchtime. I usually have bread once a day at lunchtime, or breakfast on the weekends. Usually soy & linseed or multigrain. So that is going to go this week, and we'll see if that makes a difference. I need to get to 79.2kg by Thursday to meet this week's target. I might have a bit of work to do cause I had a fairly average weekend foodwise - a fabulous weekend otherwise though!
So today's food:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt, berries, skim hot chocolate
S: skim milo
L: mango mineral boost smoothie
S: vita wheat & vegemite
D: 2 x kanga bangers and salad
and exercise - 1 hour PT (done)
I have been exercising 4-5 times a week, at least for an hour. I walk to and from work every day (6km with hills). I eat healthily 90% of the time. I have the odd big night out drinking, but that is usually once or twice a month. Until Friday night, I hadn't had a drink in 4 weeks and that didn't make any difference at all.
I am getting so frustrated with the whole thing! I want to get down to 70kg and maintain that... I don't want to maintain 79kg!!!
So time for changes. I need to give the naturopath's advice a few more weeks to see if that makes a difference. In addition to that I am going to start getting back into running. I have been doing some treadmill sessions about once a week, but I used to run 3 x a week. I have already done a treadmill session this morning (1200m, 800m, 400m, 4 x 200m... getting faster each time). It was tough! I am going to do a long run every Sunday, and do speed and/or hill training on Wednesdays and Fridays.
I am also going to reduce the amount of bread and cheese in my diet. I don't have alot of cheese - but I do occasionally have it on my sanga or wrap at lunchtime. I usually have bread once a day at lunchtime, or breakfast on the weekends. Usually soy & linseed or multigrain. So that is going to go this week, and we'll see if that makes a difference. I need to get to 79.2kg by Thursday to meet this week's target. I might have a bit of work to do cause I had a fairly average weekend foodwise - a fabulous weekend otherwise though!
So today's food:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt, berries, skim hot chocolate
S: skim milo
L: mango mineral boost smoothie
S: vita wheat & vegemite
D: 2 x kanga bangers and salad
and exercise - 1 hour PT (done)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
5 things you didn't know about me....
Donna has tagged me, so here it is.
1. I grew up on an orchard where my Dad has lived his whole life. His great grandparents lived there as well, and so on. The road is named after our family.
2. I was an 'A' student at school and a bit of a goody two shoes, but I used to wag Info Tech all the time to do photography. I got away with it because I worked on the school magazine, so I just used to say I was doing that.
3. I have a big pink birth mark under my left arm
4. When I was a kid I used to hide the vegies off my plate in my pocket and then take them outside and throw them in the garden so Mum wouldn't find them
5. The first band I ever saw live was Midnight Oil. My neighbour Tom, who had just turned 18 and got his licence took me and I felt very grown up!
Now I tag Leanne, Carol and Steph
1. I grew up on an orchard where my Dad has lived his whole life. His great grandparents lived there as well, and so on. The road is named after our family.
2. I was an 'A' student at school and a bit of a goody two shoes, but I used to wag Info Tech all the time to do photography. I got away with it because I worked on the school magazine, so I just used to say I was doing that.
3. I have a big pink birth mark under my left arm
4. When I was a kid I used to hide the vegies off my plate in my pocket and then take them outside and throw them in the garden so Mum wouldn't find them
5. The first band I ever saw live was Midnight Oil. My neighbour Tom, who had just turned 18 and got his licence took me and I felt very grown up!
Now I tag Leanne, Carol and Steph
Friday, November 16, 2007
Gym time
This is why I enjoy going to the gym. Last night Dan trained with Hannah and I. The three of us has a bosu each (pic below for those who haven't had the pleasure),
upside down (like in the picture), standing on the flat side and doing shoulder press - so there was a little bit of wobbling as we went! Rusty, being the helpful (other) trainer that he is, decided it would be fun to smack me with the noodle (the big foam thing) while I am trying to balance on the bosu with weights! For those of you considering a personal trainer - don't worry, not all clients get treated as I do! I give as good as I get!
Lost 0.3 this week. Was aiming for 0.5 but didn't quite make it. I get a little frustrated with the slowness of it all, but at least I am heading in the right direction. I haven't had any diet coke - even though I really felt like one yesterday! I have been taking all my supplements and except for a few minutes of nausea this morning, I have been feeling great with loads of energy.
Oh and an update on the boy... we are going out tonight. He called yesterday and we had a great chat - things were back to the way they were a couple of weeks ago. I am excited but trying not to put high expectations on the whole thing... that's the hard part!
upside down (like in the picture), standing on the flat side and doing shoulder press - so there was a little bit of wobbling as we went! Rusty, being the helpful (other) trainer that he is, decided it would be fun to smack me with the noodle (the big foam thing) while I am trying to balance on the bosu with weights! For those of you considering a personal trainer - don't worry, not all clients get treated as I do! I give as good as I get!
Lost 0.3 this week. Was aiming for 0.5 but didn't quite make it. I get a little frustrated with the slowness of it all, but at least I am heading in the right direction. I haven't had any diet coke - even though I really felt like one yesterday! I have been taking all my supplements and except for a few minutes of nausea this morning, I have been feeling great with loads of energy.
Oh and an update on the boy... we are going out tonight. He called yesterday and we had a great chat - things were back to the way they were a couple of weeks ago. I am excited but trying not to put high expectations on the whole thing... that's the hard part!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Weigh in day
Tonight I weigh in with Dan. I need to have lost 500g for the week, and for once I haven't cheated and looked at the scales. I feel good... so hopefully I will get a big tick for my efforts!
I haven't had any diet coke, and I have taken my probiotics, vitamins and minerals for the day. I don't really feel any different - I thought the probiotics might affect my tummy, but they haven't.
I am very very sore after the PT sessions of the past 2 days. I don't know whether to blame Dan for Tuesday or Rusty for Wednesday, but I am walking like a bit of a Nana today :) I'll just blame both.
I haven't had any diet coke, and I have taken my probiotics, vitamins and minerals for the day. I don't really feel any different - I thought the probiotics might affect my tummy, but they haven't.
I am very very sore after the PT sessions of the past 2 days. I don't know whether to blame Dan for Tuesday or Rusty for Wednesday, but I am walking like a bit of a Nana today :) I'll just blame both.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
I've been tagged
Donna made me do it!!!
Four dishes I like to cook:
1. warm beef salad
2. fish & baked vegies
3. pita bread pizza
4. stirfry
Four qualities I love in people:
1. honesty
2. humour
3. strength
4. loyalty
Four places I have been:
1. Vietnam
2. Thailand
3. Italy
4. Austria
Four things in my bedroom:
1. bed
2. lots of shoes
3. clothes
4. a bear my mum gave me
Four dirty words I like:
1. bugger
2. biatch
3. F***
4. crap
(they're not really that dirty are they?)
Now I'm tagging Kate, Leanne, Carol...
Four dishes I like to cook:
1. warm beef salad
2. fish & baked vegies
3. pita bread pizza
4. stirfry
Four qualities I love in people:
1. honesty
2. humour
3. strength
4. loyalty
Four places I have been:
1. Vietnam
2. Thailand
3. Italy
4. Austria
Four things in my bedroom:
1. bed
2. lots of shoes
3. clothes
4. a bear my mum gave me
Four dirty words I like:
1. bugger
2. biatch
3. F***
4. crap
(they're not really that dirty are they?)
Now I'm tagging Kate, Leanne, Carol...
Thankyou!
Thanks ladies for the kind comments! I posted the 2 pics I liked - in a couple of others my boobs just look massive! Cause they are!! LOL!!! The more weight I lose, the more out of proportion I feel. I am really over the neck/shoulder pain that I have pretty much on a daily basis... so I have decided to go and talk to a surgeon about having them reduced and re-aligned to where they are supposed to be. I have an appt on 28 November. I was going to wait until I get to goal, but I figured I could go for the consultation and see what he says. If his advice is to lose the last bit of weight first, then that is what I will do. Hopefully though, by the time I have the money for the surgery and the leave from work I will well and truly be at goal.
8kg to go. I wish I could just choose where the last 8kg goes from. My face is OK, as is my neck area. I would like most of it to come from my stomach/waist area, with some more from my legs, and just a little from my arms. There's my wish list! If only it were that easy LOL!
Food this week is going quite well. I did have some chocolate yesterday - but I trained last night and again this morning so that shouldn't make a difference. I was bad yesterday and had a diet coke. I didn't even get through day 1! So today is Day 1. The diet coke free Emma is here! I also didn't take the probiotics that the naturopath recommended cause I went straight to the gym this morning and I wasn't sure if they would upset my stomach. So that starts tomorrow.
Exercise plan for this week:
Monday - 2 hours walking
Tuesday - 1 hour PT weights, 1 hour walking
Wednesday - 1 hour PT cardio/weights, 1 hour walking
Thursday - 1 hour PT weights, 1 hour walking
Friday - rest
Saturday - 2 hours walking
Sunday - 30 min run plus some walking
8kg to go. I wish I could just choose where the last 8kg goes from. My face is OK, as is my neck area. I would like most of it to come from my stomach/waist area, with some more from my legs, and just a little from my arms. There's my wish list! If only it were that easy LOL!
Food this week is going quite well. I did have some chocolate yesterday - but I trained last night and again this morning so that shouldn't make a difference. I was bad yesterday and had a diet coke. I didn't even get through day 1! So today is Day 1. The diet coke free Emma is here! I also didn't take the probiotics that the naturopath recommended cause I went straight to the gym this morning and I wasn't sure if they would upset my stomach. So that starts tomorrow.
Exercise plan for this week:
Monday - 2 hours walking
Tuesday - 1 hour PT weights, 1 hour walking
Wednesday - 1 hour PT cardio/weights, 1 hour walking
Thursday - 1 hour PT weights, 1 hour walking
Friday - rest
Saturday - 2 hours walking
Sunday - 30 min run plus some walking
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Naturopath Appointment
Weekend was great - I will post photos later when I have a chance to download them from my camera.... stand by for that one!
I went to the Naturopath last night. She was fabulous! As I thought, my diet is pretty good considering the huge list of stuff that I am allergic to. So for now, the only change she wants to make is cutting out the Diet Coke. That doesn't surprise me at all!
She has prescribed some minerals, probiotics and a multi vitamin to try and boost my immune system, as that is what is causing most of my problems. She also suggested having blood tests for white blood cell count, thyroid and iron levels just to check that everything is normal there. Most of this was diagnosed from Iridology - it was pretty cool! She found out a whole heap of stuff from my eyes - different things pointed to potential problems with my organs, such as my liver. I know this is not alcohol induced because I hardly ever drink - but some of the minerals she prescribed should fix me up. This may boost my metabolism when everything starts running as it should.
All in all it was an interesting and worthwhile exercise. I am going back in a month - hopefully I will be feeling better, won't have been sick and will be losing weight.
I went to the Naturopath last night. She was fabulous! As I thought, my diet is pretty good considering the huge list of stuff that I am allergic to. So for now, the only change she wants to make is cutting out the Diet Coke. That doesn't surprise me at all!
She has prescribed some minerals, probiotics and a multi vitamin to try and boost my immune system, as that is what is causing most of my problems. She also suggested having blood tests for white blood cell count, thyroid and iron levels just to check that everything is normal there. Most of this was diagnosed from Iridology - it was pretty cool! She found out a whole heap of stuff from my eyes - different things pointed to potential problems with my organs, such as my liver. I know this is not alcohol induced because I hardly ever drink - but some of the minerals she prescribed should fix me up. This may boost my metabolism when everything starts running as it should.
All in all it was an interesting and worthwhile exercise. I am going back in a month - hopefully I will be feeling better, won't have been sick and will be losing weight.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Bodies are strange
I don't understand how this works. On Tuesday on the gym scales I was 79.5kg. Last night on the gym scales I was 80.0kg. Same scales, same time of day, same clothes. I had eaten really well and trained every day. Only a 500g difference - but that is not the point!!!!
So, now my goal for next Thursday is 79.5kg, with no cheating by looking at the scales. That won't happen!
So, now my goal for next Thursday is 79.5kg, with no cheating by looking at the scales. That won't happen!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
I was naughty!
I was naughty last night! Inspired by Miss Teeny Tiny Donna and her new maxi dress collection, I tried on a maxi dress that I had seen in a shop window. If I hadn't seen Donna looking fantastic in hers I would never have tried it because I didn't think it would suit me. I love it! Problem was I loved it before I saw the price tag... $199!!! By then it was too late, and I had to have it, plus the 2 belts that I had tried it on with - the belts were a bargain though at $20 each. So now I am waiting for a warm day with no rain so that I can wear my new maxi dress.
Weigh in with Dan tonight. Aiming for a 1kg loss and I think I have got it in the bag. At least I did on Tuesday when I weighed myself! Except for 2 hot chocolates yesterday I have totally stuck to my plan so I deserve to lose 1kg!! Oh there was 1 tiny teddy yesterday as well, because the hot chocolate man had run out of marshmallows so I had a tiny teddy instead. Rusty offered to have mine for me - I told him that consuming my calories was taking the personal training a little too far. Hands off my tiny teddy :) hehe
Weigh in with Dan tonight. Aiming for a 1kg loss and I think I have got it in the bag. At least I did on Tuesday when I weighed myself! Except for 2 hot chocolates yesterday I have totally stuck to my plan so I deserve to lose 1kg!! Oh there was 1 tiny teddy yesterday as well, because the hot chocolate man had run out of marshmallows so I had a tiny teddy instead. Rusty offered to have mine for me - I told him that consuming my calories was taking the personal training a little too far. Hands off my tiny teddy :) hehe
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Naturopath & massage
Yesterday I spent some time on the internet searching for a new massage therapist in North Sydney, cause I am in desparate need of a massage and didn't want to go to my old one (long story, but for those long-time readers, she's Nathan's girlfriend and that wouldn't exactly be relaxing).
I found a website for a therapist who is also a naturopath so I started reading her website. She has quite alot of information on there so I was quite interested. Firstly, there was alot of info on allergies, specifically salicylites (aspirin) - which I am allergic to. It is a chemical intollerance that can cause a variety of reactions (anything from swelling of the hands, eyes or lips, asthma, rash, hives) and the problem is that it is naturally occuring in alot of foods. It is also in most shampoos and alot of skincare products. It is 'dose dependent', so sometimes I can eat something and be fine, but I could eat the same thing the next day and have a reaction. I have found it is aggrevated by stress, but most of what I know has been learnt by trial and error, as doctors ask me more questions about it than I ask them! This naturopath even contributed symptoms such as sore throat, muscle soreness and flu-like symptoms as part of the allergy, which might just explain why I keep getting sick. Over the past month, I have had a day or two here and there where I just feel generally crap - like I am about to get the flu. I stop training, take vitamins and eat healthily and it seems to disappear after a day or two. I was beginning to wonder if it was glandular fever, but maybe it is part of my allergy.
I was so excited that someone knew alot about the condition, and might even be able to offer me some advice. I have made an appointment with her Monday night for a naturopath consultation and a 1/2 hour massage. Whilst I am really looking forward to a massage, I am excited that somebody might be able to help me with my diet. I have been to a nutritionist before and they basically said my diet was great for someone like me - the only advice they offered was to perhaps increase low fat dairy as I wasn't getting enough Vitamin D. I do read alot about nutrition, but I expected a little more advice than that!
I found a website for a therapist who is also a naturopath so I started reading her website. She has quite alot of information on there so I was quite interested. Firstly, there was alot of info on allergies, specifically salicylites (aspirin) - which I am allergic to. It is a chemical intollerance that can cause a variety of reactions (anything from swelling of the hands, eyes or lips, asthma, rash, hives) and the problem is that it is naturally occuring in alot of foods. It is also in most shampoos and alot of skincare products. It is 'dose dependent', so sometimes I can eat something and be fine, but I could eat the same thing the next day and have a reaction. I have found it is aggrevated by stress, but most of what I know has been learnt by trial and error, as doctors ask me more questions about it than I ask them! This naturopath even contributed symptoms such as sore throat, muscle soreness and flu-like symptoms as part of the allergy, which might just explain why I keep getting sick. Over the past month, I have had a day or two here and there where I just feel generally crap - like I am about to get the flu. I stop training, take vitamins and eat healthily and it seems to disappear after a day or two. I was beginning to wonder if it was glandular fever, but maybe it is part of my allergy.
I was so excited that someone knew alot about the condition, and might even be able to offer me some advice. I have made an appointment with her Monday night for a naturopath consultation and a 1/2 hour massage. Whilst I am really looking forward to a massage, I am excited that somebody might be able to help me with my diet. I have been to a nutritionist before and they basically said my diet was great for someone like me - the only advice they offered was to perhaps increase low fat dairy as I wasn't getting enough Vitamin D. I do read alot about nutrition, but I expected a little more advice than that!
One more day til weigh-in
I weigh in with Dan tomorrow night. All looking good - the scales are being my friend this week! I just need to keep up the good work... and there lies the challenge!
Am a bit sore from my PT session yesterday. We did weights, cardio - a bit of everything including lots of stairs! Going to go for a run either at lunchtime or after work. Then I need to go and get myself organised for the weekend cause I am going to Melbourne Saturday morning. I've got a wedding on Saturday and then spending Sunday with my Mum and Dad. I can't wait!
Today's food diary:
B: weeties, skim milk, nectarine, skim hot chocolate
S: skim milo
L: chicken salad
S: 4 x vita wheat & vegemite
D: warm beef salad, strawberries
Am a bit sore from my PT session yesterday. We did weights, cardio - a bit of everything including lots of stairs! Going to go for a run either at lunchtime or after work. Then I need to go and get myself organised for the weekend cause I am going to Melbourne Saturday morning. I've got a wedding on Saturday and then spending Sunday with my Mum and Dad. I can't wait!
Today's food diary:
B: weeties, skim milk, nectarine, skim hot chocolate
S: skim milo
L: chicken salad
S: 4 x vita wheat & vegemite
D: warm beef salad, strawberries
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
An explanation
Well firstly, result at the gym -1.1kg... and it's not even Thursday yet!!! So happy with that. And as today is my weigh-in for our Christmas Challenge, I weighed in at 78.9kg this morning - so that is a loss of 1.4kg this week. Yay me!
The Boy called last night. He knew he was in the poo and was very apologetic for disappearing. The short version is that he has alot of personal stuff going on and he didn't deal with it very well so went away for a few days to think. He's got some things to work through, and it will take time. He just wants to be friends, as he isn't in the right place for a relationship at the moment. That is all fine with me - I have some closure and I know where I stand. Happy to continue as friends as I really enjoy his company. Hopefully he will sort himself out soon enough.
It's weird though, I feel so relieved after speaking to him, yet I didn't sleep very well last night. I slept soundly all weekend while I was stressing about it, and upset. Now that I know what is going on I didn't sleep!
The Boy called last night. He knew he was in the poo and was very apologetic for disappearing. The short version is that he has alot of personal stuff going on and he didn't deal with it very well so went away for a few days to think. He's got some things to work through, and it will take time. He just wants to be friends, as he isn't in the right place for a relationship at the moment. That is all fine with me - I have some closure and I know where I stand. Happy to continue as friends as I really enjoy his company. Hopefully he will sort himself out soon enough.
It's weird though, I feel so relieved after speaking to him, yet I didn't sleep very well last night. I slept soundly all weekend while I was stressing about it, and upset. Now that I know what is going on I didn't sleep!
Monday, November 05, 2007
Stuff
Lots of stuff going on at the moment. Firstly the boy has disappeared off the face of the earth and I am gutted. It just doesn't make sense. For the last 4 weeks everything has been fabulous - he calls all the time, almost every day, and things have been great. He called last Monday night and we chatted for a while. I called him on Thursday, and he hasn't called back. I sent a text Friday night, and nothing. We had plans for Saturday, so I just assumed it was all off. I spent Friday and Saturday sulking and feeling sorry for myself. Yesterday the girls took me out for walking, lunch and shopping. We also managed to fit in some chocolate - which is the only naughty thing I have eaten this weekend. I am quite proud of that - because normally I am the queen of emotional eating.
So now, part of me is upset, but part of me is worried that something has happened. Thanks to my girlfriends, I have 3 theories...
- He's been arrested
- He's dead (I really hope not)
- He's an arsehole
There are many theories, but basically it doesn't matter because I just have to move on. I just wish there was some kind of closure to it - I want to know what happened!
Anyway, enough rambling. My Monday morning PT session has been changed to Friday. So today I am going to go to the gym at lunchtime and run on the tready for half an hour. Intervals it is!
My scales at home are different to those at the gym, but according to my scales I have already lost my kg for this week. I will check the gym scales at lunch and report back - but things are looking good for Thursday's weigh in with Dan.
Food diary for today:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt and berries
S: skim milo
L: chicken salad
S: 4 x vita wheat with vegemite
D: warm beef salad, strawberries
So now, part of me is upset, but part of me is worried that something has happened. Thanks to my girlfriends, I have 3 theories...
- He's been arrested
- He's dead (I really hope not)
- He's an arsehole
There are many theories, but basically it doesn't matter because I just have to move on. I just wish there was some kind of closure to it - I want to know what happened!
Anyway, enough rambling. My Monday morning PT session has been changed to Friday. So today I am going to go to the gym at lunchtime and run on the tready for half an hour. Intervals it is!
My scales at home are different to those at the gym, but according to my scales I have already lost my kg for this week. I will check the gym scales at lunch and report back - but things are looking good for Thursday's weigh in with Dan.
Food diary for today:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt and berries
S: skim milo
L: chicken salad
S: 4 x vita wheat with vegemite
D: warm beef salad, strawberries
Friday, November 02, 2007
Super organised for the weekend
My newly found motivation has resulted in a food plan for the entire weekend! I took Dan's advice and looked for some recipes to change what I am eating - I think I am getting a bit bored with eating the same stuff over and over again. So I went back through the recipes I had saved from Calorieking.com.au
Saturday
B: 2 x weetbix with no fat milk and a fresh nectarine
S: NZ Ice Cream chocolite in a cup
L: hokkien noodles with chicken and vegies
S: Nectarine
D: Grilled fish burger (fish, lettuce, sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce) on a soy & lindseed roll
Sunday
B: 2 x poached eggs and 2 x sourdough toast
S: handful of nuts and some strawberries
L: Mushroom & corn fritters
S: Nectarine
D: Baked lemon ginger pink snapper with salad
How yum does all of that sound!!! I am looking forward to eating it all and feeling great afterwards!
Saturday
B: 2 x weetbix with no fat milk and a fresh nectarine
S: NZ Ice Cream chocolite in a cup
L: hokkien noodles with chicken and vegies
S: Nectarine
D: Grilled fish burger (fish, lettuce, sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce) on a soy & lindseed roll
Sunday
B: 2 x poached eggs and 2 x sourdough toast
S: handful of nuts and some strawberries
L: Mushroom & corn fritters
S: Nectarine
D: Baked lemon ginger pink snapper with salad
How yum does all of that sound!!! I am looking forward to eating it all and feeling great afterwards!
Assessments
Well I did my assessments, and as expected I hadn't lost too much at all. I have lost mm instead of cm. Oh well - back to plan today. Dan is going to weigh me every Thursday to keep me on track. I have a goal of losing 1kg this week. So I am going to be good all weekend!
Exercise plan:
Friday - rest
Saturday - 1/2 hour running, intervals
Sunday - 2 hours walking
Monday - 1 hour PT
Tuesday - 1 hour PT
Wednesday - 1/2 hour running, intervals
Thursday - 1 hour PT
Food diary for today:
B: porridge with low fat yoghurt & berries
S: skim milk milo
L: warm chicken salad
S: 4 x Vita wheat & vegemite
D: steak and salad
Exercise plan:
Friday - rest
Saturday - 1/2 hour running, intervals
Sunday - 2 hours walking
Monday - 1 hour PT
Tuesday - 1 hour PT
Wednesday - 1/2 hour running, intervals
Thursday - 1 hour PT
Food diary for today:
B: porridge with low fat yoghurt & berries
S: skim milk milo
L: warm chicken salad
S: 4 x Vita wheat & vegemite
D: steak and salad
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Time to focus
I have my assessments tonight, and I am sure they are not going to be as good as I want them to be. I have lost weight and cms since the last ones, but I am sure it's not enough!
I think I need a new plan to keep me focussed. I am going to ask Dan to weigh me every week - and set me mini goals. I need to be more accountable to someone to keep me on track. Especially with all the xmas festivities coming up. I've also got a weekend in Melbourne for a wedding on 10/11 November, and that is when I usually relax. Not this time though - I am not going to have a weekend off like I normally do.
It is 7 weeks til Christmas. I want to lose 9kg in 7 weeks, which averages out at 1.3kg a week. That is probably a little bit ambitious - unless I can pull out a couple of MASSIVE weeks to get me kick started. Anyway, will talk to Dan tonight about some realistic goals and will post tomorrow so that you can all keep me on track as well.
I think I need a new plan to keep me focussed. I am going to ask Dan to weigh me every week - and set me mini goals. I need to be more accountable to someone to keep me on track. Especially with all the xmas festivities coming up. I've also got a weekend in Melbourne for a wedding on 10/11 November, and that is when I usually relax. Not this time though - I am not going to have a weekend off like I normally do.
It is 7 weeks til Christmas. I want to lose 9kg in 7 weeks, which averages out at 1.3kg a week. That is probably a little bit ambitious - unless I can pull out a couple of MASSIVE weeks to get me kick started. Anyway, will talk to Dan tonight about some realistic goals and will post tomorrow so that you can all keep me on track as well.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Assessments Tomorrow
I am not looking forward to assessments at the gym tomorrow. I am not feeling very skinny at the moment. TTOM finished yesterday, so hopefully I will be back to feeling fabulous today or tomorrow. I am drinking lots of water and eating well - I haven't even visited the chocolate box at work. I did a PT session with Dan last night and he smashed me! I hurt all over, and have problems lifting my arms. Imagine what I'll be like tomorrow!
A big shout out to Miss Tiny Donna who lost 1.6kg this week - AMAZING!!! Only 6kg to goal - you go girl!
A big shout out to Miss Tiny Donna who lost 1.6kg this week - AMAZING!!! Only 6kg to goal - you go girl!
Monday, October 29, 2007
tired, tired, tired
I haven't even had a massive weekend but I am very tired! I changed some of my plans cause I needed a rest weekend - I don't want to get sick AGAIN!
Friday night for our work drinks, we went to Minus 5 - it was fun for 5 mintues, but after that it was just cold! (It is actually way colder than minus 5). I was really good and had grilled chicken and salad for dinner, but that all came undone on Saturday when I had pear crepes for LUNCH!!! Whooops! They looked so yummy. Then I had chocolate yesterday afternoon. Lucky I did some walking.
I didn't end up doing the 7 Bridges Walk cause my body was just saying nooooooo. Instead I did the Cremorne walk with the girls, and then walked over to Surry Hills to meet my man for lunch. After that, it was home to a hot bath and an early night for me. I am feeling nice and relaxed after my quiet weekend though.
Friday night for our work drinks, we went to Minus 5 - it was fun for 5 mintues, but after that it was just cold! (It is actually way colder than minus 5). I was really good and had grilled chicken and salad for dinner, but that all came undone on Saturday when I had pear crepes for LUNCH!!! Whooops! They looked so yummy. Then I had chocolate yesterday afternoon. Lucky I did some walking.
I didn't end up doing the 7 Bridges Walk cause my body was just saying nooooooo. Instead I did the Cremorne walk with the girls, and then walked over to Surry Hills to meet my man for lunch. After that, it was home to a hot bath and an early night for me. I am feeling nice and relaxed after my quiet weekend though.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Scales are my friend today :)
I'm back to 79.0!!! I have FINALLY lost the couple of kgs I put on over the past month from my birthday, 2 weekends away, Hannah's birthday, being sick and just generally having a bit too much fun. So exactly 9kg to go by xmas.
My eating has been really good. I have been having only vegies and lean meat at night - no rice, bread, potato or other. I feel so much better for doing it too. I have had the odd chocolate - yesterday was a mini crunchie, but apart from that all good.
Training is going well. Monday was a PT session with running and weights, Tuesday PT session with cross trainer and boxing, yesterday rest, today is a PT weights session. I might go for a run at lunchtime tomorrow. I have a work function tomorrow night - dinner and drinks but I don't know where, so it is a bit hard to plan! That might have to be my 'cheat' night. I am going out Saturday night too, but can choose what I eat then. As I am walking 25km on Sunday I don't think I will be having too big a night!
I have decided it is time for my assessments at the gym again. It has been about 2 months, which is longer than usual, but I used my birthday as an excuse. So I am booking in to have my fat measured next Thursday. 1 week to go - I am going to see if I can lose 1kg this week.
Here's the plan:
Saturday - 2 hour walk
Sunday - 25km walk
Monday - 1 hour PT
Tuesday - 1 hour PT weights
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - assessments and 45 min PT boxing
Friday - rest
My eating has been really good. I have been having only vegies and lean meat at night - no rice, bread, potato or other. I feel so much better for doing it too. I have had the odd chocolate - yesterday was a mini crunchie, but apart from that all good.
Training is going well. Monday was a PT session with running and weights, Tuesday PT session with cross trainer and boxing, yesterday rest, today is a PT weights session. I might go for a run at lunchtime tomorrow. I have a work function tomorrow night - dinner and drinks but I don't know where, so it is a bit hard to plan! That might have to be my 'cheat' night. I am going out Saturday night too, but can choose what I eat then. As I am walking 25km on Sunday I don't think I will be having too big a night!
I have decided it is time for my assessments at the gym again. It has been about 2 months, which is longer than usual, but I used my birthday as an excuse. So I am booking in to have my fat measured next Thursday. 1 week to go - I am going to see if I can lose 1kg this week.
Here's the plan:
Saturday - 2 hour walk
Sunday - 25km walk
Monday - 1 hour PT
Tuesday - 1 hour PT weights
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - assessments and 45 min PT boxing
Friday - rest
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
7 Bridges Walk
I'm signed up and ready to go! 7 bridges walk on Sunday.... 25km. I did it last year and it was fabulous - great views all around the harbour. It is supposed to be fine and 27 degrees so shall be packing loads of water and sunscreen.
Interesting Tips
This month's Women's Health and Fitness mag has a little book with it that lists some interesting health and weight loss tips. Here's one that interests me, because I have read differing views on it...
Eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking.
It says that exercising on an empty stomach does not increase your fat burning capability, it actually breaks down muscle tissue which leads to a slower metabolism. Interesting. Monday mornings I train before I eat, cause I train at 6am, and I am not getting up any earlier to eat! Apart from that, I always eat first because I find I need the energy to train.
Here's something else I find intersting...
Train twice a day, two or three days a week.
Two 15 minute workouts performed 6 hours apart will burn double the amount of kj compared to a single 30-minute session of the same intensity. It suggests trying 2 sessions a day if you've hit a plateau - weights in the morning and cardio in the afternoon. Worth a try I think.
Rice cakes are not as good as we think they are - they are high GI and not very satisfying. A better option is whole-wheat crackers. I have been having vita wheats lately anyway, but I didn't realise rice cakes are high GI.
There's lots of other tips in the book - most of which I know, but some of which I had forgotten or become a bit slack on. I highly recommend having a look next time you are in the newsagents. Also the new Women's Health mag is great.
Eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking.
It says that exercising on an empty stomach does not increase your fat burning capability, it actually breaks down muscle tissue which leads to a slower metabolism. Interesting. Monday mornings I train before I eat, cause I train at 6am, and I am not getting up any earlier to eat! Apart from that, I always eat first because I find I need the energy to train.
Here's something else I find intersting...
Train twice a day, two or three days a week.
Two 15 minute workouts performed 6 hours apart will burn double the amount of kj compared to a single 30-minute session of the same intensity. It suggests trying 2 sessions a day if you've hit a plateau - weights in the morning and cardio in the afternoon. Worth a try I think.
Rice cakes are not as good as we think they are - they are high GI and not very satisfying. A better option is whole-wheat crackers. I have been having vita wheats lately anyway, but I didn't realise rice cakes are high GI.
There's lots of other tips in the book - most of which I know, but some of which I had forgotten or become a bit slack on. I highly recommend having a look next time you are in the newsagents. Also the new Women's Health mag is great.
Xmas Goals
Yet again miss Tiny D has motivated me! Time to re-look at my xmas goals...
-70kg by xmas
-3 x PT sessions a week
-2 x running a week
-Not get sick - take vitamins every day
I weighed in at 79.3kg this morning. I am really hanging out to get under 79... maybe next week.
-70kg by xmas
-3 x PT sessions a week
-2 x running a week
-Not get sick - take vitamins every day
I weighed in at 79.3kg this morning. I am really hanging out to get under 79... maybe next week.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wonderful weekend
I have had a great weekend. Here's some pics of the noodle markets that I went to on Friday.
I managed to miss Donna cause we had already left when she got there - but I did get to see her and Sherrie on Saturday for a spot of shopping! We all did very well with our purchases (the new top was a hit girls!!!). Saturday night went to a party with a guy I have been seeing for the past couple of weeks. Haven't mentioned him earlier cause I didn't want to jinx myself! But anyway, he's great! On Sunday we went out for breakfast and then lounged around on the floor with the papers before heading over to Clovelly for a couple of hours of walking. Then he cooked me dinner at my place! How impressive is he!!!
I managed to miss Donna cause we had already left when she got there - but I did get to see her and Sherrie on Saturday for a spot of shopping! We all did very well with our purchases (the new top was a hit girls!!!). Saturday night went to a party with a guy I have been seeing for the past couple of weeks. Haven't mentioned him earlier cause I didn't want to jinx myself! But anyway, he's great! On Sunday we went out for breakfast and then lounged around on the floor with the papers before heading over to Clovelly for a couple of hours of walking. Then he cooked me dinner at my place! How impressive is he!!!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
I miss the gym :(
I have missed 1 PT session and a run this week. I am going to do a PT session tonight - the aim is not to smash myself up totally! I am feeling heaps better, I just want to give myself time to recover.
Looking forward to the weekend. Friday night going to the night noodle markets with Hannah and the lovely Tiny Donna. Then Saturday getting a haircut and meeting Donna and Sherrie for lunch and some shopping. Home for a nana nap before going to a party (I am not even sure what it is in aid of). Not sure about Sunday - perhaps a run and then some brunch somewhere in the sun. A nice relaxing day is in order.
Anyway, must go do the rounds of the blogs and facebook! xxx
Looking forward to the weekend. Friday night going to the night noodle markets with Hannah and the lovely Tiny Donna. Then Saturday getting a haircut and meeting Donna and Sherrie for lunch and some shopping. Home for a nana nap before going to a party (I am not even sure what it is in aid of). Not sure about Sunday - perhaps a run and then some brunch somewhere in the sun. A nice relaxing day is in order.
Anyway, must go do the rounds of the blogs and facebook! xxx
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Busy busy busy
My new job is great! Although a little overwhelming at times! Everything is so new to me - but I will get there eventually. The people are great and it seems to have a really good culture. So many people have been there forever!
Food is going really well. I have so far resisted the chocolate at work, and the cupboard full of nutella, BBQ shapes, biscuits... you name it, it's there and free! I am making a real effort to take fruit and yogurt etc. as my snacks for the day so I don't get hungry - if I'm hungry it will be all over!
Exercise was good until yesterday. I've got a bit of a cold - just a bit sniffly and a dry throat, so I cancelled my PT session. Hopefully I don't get any worse, so I can train tomorrow. We'll see though. I have never been sick this often in my life... it doesn't make sense. I am fitter and healthier than I have ever been, but I keep getting sick. I'm taking vitamins this week to see if that makes a difference. Maybe I just need to boost my immune system.
Today I weighed at 79.4kg. Nearly back to where I was before at 79.0... then it is all downhill again! The last 10kg is sooooooo much harder than the first 10kg. Slowly but surely I will get there.
Food is going really well. I have so far resisted the chocolate at work, and the cupboard full of nutella, BBQ shapes, biscuits... you name it, it's there and free! I am making a real effort to take fruit and yogurt etc. as my snacks for the day so I don't get hungry - if I'm hungry it will be all over!
Exercise was good until yesterday. I've got a bit of a cold - just a bit sniffly and a dry throat, so I cancelled my PT session. Hopefully I don't get any worse, so I can train tomorrow. We'll see though. I have never been sick this often in my life... it doesn't make sense. I am fitter and healthier than I have ever been, but I keep getting sick. I'm taking vitamins this week to see if that makes a difference. Maybe I just need to boost my immune system.
Today I weighed at 79.4kg. Nearly back to where I was before at 79.0... then it is all downhill again! The last 10kg is sooooooo much harder than the first 10kg. Slowly but surely I will get there.
Friday, October 12, 2007
I'm alive!!!!
Sorry for the lack of posting peoples - have been very busy with my new job. It is all good and exciting - learning lots of new stuff so my head gets pretty full!
Exercise and food are excellent this week I am happy to report. By my official weigh in day on Tuesday, I had only lost 100g... but it has been falling off since then, and I should be back into the 70s this week. Fingers crossed.
The plan for this week
Sunday - 9km run. Tick!
Monday - 1 hr PT session. Tick!
Tuesday - 1 hr PT session. Tick!
Wednesday - 3km run + 8km walk. Tick!
Thursday - 1 hr PT session + 6 km walk. Tick!
Friday - 6km walk
Saturday - 20km walk
So yes, I am back on the exericse bandwagon well and truly!!! Must get back to work. Just wanted to let you all know I am still here
xxx
Exercise and food are excellent this week I am happy to report. By my official weigh in day on Tuesday, I had only lost 100g... but it has been falling off since then, and I should be back into the 70s this week. Fingers crossed.
The plan for this week
Sunday - 9km run. Tick!
Monday - 1 hr PT session. Tick!
Tuesday - 1 hr PT session. Tick!
Wednesday - 3km run + 8km walk. Tick!
Thursday - 1 hr PT session + 6 km walk. Tick!
Friday - 6km walk
Saturday - 20km walk
So yes, I am back on the exericse bandwagon well and truly!!! Must get back to work. Just wanted to let you all know I am still here
xxx
Monday, October 08, 2007
I found my motivation again!
I bought a dress on Saturday - that looks lovely if I wear Bridget Jones undies!!! It is definitely wearable, but I would be happier with a few less lumpy bits, so I have some work to do. I've got a wedding in a month, so that is my next mini goal. If I can lose 4kg by then I will be most happy with myself!
Had a fabulous weekend. Did lots of walking, went for a run and ate pretty well. Had one glass of wine yesterday, but that's it, so a massive improvement on last weekend. Food diary for today:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt and berries
S: strawberries
L: ham & salad sandwich, diet coke
S: strawberries
D: kangaroo sausages and vegies
Had a fabulous weekend. Did lots of walking, went for a run and ate pretty well. Had one glass of wine yesterday, but that's it, so a massive improvement on last weekend. Food diary for today:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt and berries
S: strawberries
L: ham & salad sandwich, diet coke
S: strawberries
D: kangaroo sausages and vegies
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Back on track
So to make up for my big weekend I need to plan this week. I'm feeling a bit strange at the moment - I FEEL like I have put on weight (which I have), but I am happy. I feel happier than I have for a few weeks. How strange. Anyway, it is all good, so here's today's plan...
B: porridge, low fat yogurt and berries
S: strawberries
L: wrap with lamb & salad, diet coke
S: rice crackers
D: omlette
Plus lots of green tea. I don't usually mention that but today I thought I would cause I drink lots of it :)
B: porridge, low fat yogurt and berries
S: strawberries
L: wrap with lamb & salad, diet coke
S: rice crackers
D: omlette
Plus lots of green tea. I don't usually mention that but today I thought I would cause I drink lots of it :)
Photo time!
Here's some pics from the weekend. Firstly some a bit of a drunk pic - but they all are so I am just picking the best one! LOL!
And here is my Mum and Dad's house with the lovely garden. I miss home sometimes.
And here is my Mum and Dad's house with the lovely garden. I miss home sometimes.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Confession time!
Sorry for the lack of posting... I have been busy busy busy.
So the weekend resulted in a 1.3kg gain. Whooooops! Not really surprising. Here's my list of "excuses"...
-TTOM
-3 nights in a row eating out
-3 nights in a row of drinking
-I got pissed and ate Maccas
-I haven't trained in 2 weeks cause I have been sick
-I had alot of fun doing it!!!!
So while I feel crap because I haven't eaten properly in days, I am not worried about my gain at all cause it will be gone in a day or two. Back at the gym tonight. Yayyy! Can't wait.
So the above misdemenors happended because....
Friday was besty Hannah's birthday so we had a surprise dinner for her. But because she didn't know we were doing it, I dropped in Thursday night and we had a few drinks and Thai take-away to celebrate her birthday! Friday was the bigger and better version which ended with shots followed by Maccas on the way home. Very big hangover the next day though :( Note to self - don't drink alcohol if I want to make wise food choices!!!
Spent Saturday to Monday at Mum and Dad's just relaxing. We went out for dinner, did some shopping, drank tea, did a couple of little walks and sat in front of the heater because it was so damn cold! It was nice though.
I have photos from the weekend, but left my card reader at home so I can't upload them. I will post them in the morning. Must go get ready for gym now... xxx
So the weekend resulted in a 1.3kg gain. Whooooops! Not really surprising. Here's my list of "excuses"...
-TTOM
-3 nights in a row eating out
-3 nights in a row of drinking
-I got pissed and ate Maccas
-I haven't trained in 2 weeks cause I have been sick
-I had alot of fun doing it!!!!
So while I feel crap because I haven't eaten properly in days, I am not worried about my gain at all cause it will be gone in a day or two. Back at the gym tonight. Yayyy! Can't wait.
So the above misdemenors happended because....
Friday was besty Hannah's birthday so we had a surprise dinner for her. But because she didn't know we were doing it, I dropped in Thursday night and we had a few drinks and Thai take-away to celebrate her birthday! Friday was the bigger and better version which ended with shots followed by Maccas on the way home. Very big hangover the next day though :( Note to self - don't drink alcohol if I want to make wise food choices!!!
Spent Saturday to Monday at Mum and Dad's just relaxing. We went out for dinner, did some shopping, drank tea, did a couple of little walks and sat in front of the heater because it was so damn cold! It was nice though.
I have photos from the weekend, but left my card reader at home so I can't upload them. I will post them in the morning. Must go get ready for gym now... xxx
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Flat flat flat
I am so flat today. I can't get motivated. I am bored at work. I don't know what I feel like eating - I feel like something yummy but I don't know what. Not necessarily something naughty - just something tasty.
Crap crap crap. I wish I could just go outside and go for a walk. That would make me feel better. Just over an hour to go and I shall go out and get some sunshine.
Crap crap crap. I wish I could just go outside and go for a walk. That would make me feel better. Just over an hour to go and I shall go out and get some sunshine.
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Weekend
Well I didn't exactly stick to my plan. I almost did, which for a weekend is pretty good I think!
I went for a bit of a walk Saturday, but was so exhausted after I was in bed by 6:45pm! The cold weather didn't help either - I was a bit sniffly after being out in the wind. I woke on Sunday feeling much better and walked to North Syd and back (prob about 6km) but had a rest and a cup of tea with Hannah in between! Felt pretty good after that. So overall a pretty quiet weekend. I have decided not to train Tues night. I might train Thurs night - I'll see how I feel. That will be 2 whole weeks away from the gym - I can't remember the last time I did that. If I lose weight this week it will be a miracle! Tuesday will tell I guess.
So today's menu:
B: porridge with low fat yogurt and berries
S: low fat yogurt with a sprinkle of muesli
L: lamb & salad wrap
S: tropical cranberry crunch (nuts & fruit) yummm!!!
D: pita bread pizza, strawberries
I went for a bit of a walk Saturday, but was so exhausted after I was in bed by 6:45pm! The cold weather didn't help either - I was a bit sniffly after being out in the wind. I woke on Sunday feeling much better and walked to North Syd and back (prob about 6km) but had a rest and a cup of tea with Hannah in between! Felt pretty good after that. So overall a pretty quiet weekend. I have decided not to train Tues night. I might train Thurs night - I'll see how I feel. That will be 2 whole weeks away from the gym - I can't remember the last time I did that. If I lose weight this week it will be a miracle! Tuesday will tell I guess.
So today's menu:
B: porridge with low fat yogurt and berries
S: low fat yogurt with a sprinkle of muesli
L: lamb & salad wrap
S: tropical cranberry crunch (nuts & fruit) yummm!!!
D: pita bread pizza, strawberries
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Weekend
I'm not sure if I will be online over the weekend, so here's my plan...
SATURDAY
B: 2 x poached eggs on turkish bread
S: skim milk with milo
L: ryvitas with ham and low fat cheese
S: low fat frozen yogurt & strawberries
D: salmon and roast vegies
SUNDAY
B: 2 x poached eggs on turkish bread
S: orange
L: ryvitas with ham and low fat cheese
S: pear and maybe a skim milo
D: omlette
Actually now that I have thought about it, I am quite looking forward to the weekend menu! I am finding that getting back into planning is helping me shop economically too - I now know that I need to buy some ryvitas and cheese on my way home tonight.
I had a slight detour with lunch today, as we all decide to go to a Japanese restuarant. I had chicken, egg and vegies with rice. It was yum and I didn't eat much rice - actually I didn't eat enough cause now I am hungry! Oh well, nearly snack time.
SATURDAY
B: 2 x poached eggs on turkish bread
S: skim milk with milo
L: ryvitas with ham and low fat cheese
S: low fat frozen yogurt & strawberries
D: salmon and roast vegies
SUNDAY
B: 2 x poached eggs on turkish bread
S: orange
L: ryvitas with ham and low fat cheese
S: pear and maybe a skim milo
D: omlette
Actually now that I have thought about it, I am quite looking forward to the weekend menu! I am finding that getting back into planning is helping me shop economically too - I now know that I need to buy some ryvitas and cheese on my way home tonight.
I had a slight detour with lunch today, as we all decide to go to a Japanese restuarant. I had chicken, egg and vegies with rice. It was yum and I didn't eat much rice - actually I didn't eat enough cause now I am hungry! Oh well, nearly snack time.
Day 3 of the Xmas Countdown Plan!
So far so good. Breakfast wasn't exactly to plan this morning cause I slept in and grabbed something at work, but the rest of the day will be good I promise :)
B: Banana bread, skim hot chocolate
S: strawberries
L: Lamb and salad wrap (possibly my new addiction)
S: skim milk with milo
D: prawns and salad
Feeling a bit better. Might do some walking on the weekend and maybe a yoga class. I'll see how much energy I have. Planning on being back at the gym Tuesday night. That will be nearly 2 weeks off from training. I will ease myself back into it though - not jumping straight back into my 6 days a week this time. And certainly not attempting Tour De Tiny 19 days of RPM like our very energetic Tiny Donna. Go Tour De Tiny!!!
B: Banana bread, skim hot chocolate
S: strawberries
L: Lamb and salad wrap (possibly my new addiction)
S: skim milk with milo
D: prawns and salad
Feeling a bit better. Might do some walking on the weekend and maybe a yoga class. I'll see how much energy I have. Planning on being back at the gym Tuesday night. That will be nearly 2 weeks off from training. I will ease myself back into it though - not jumping straight back into my 6 days a week this time. And certainly not attempting Tour De Tiny 19 days of RPM like our very energetic Tiny Donna. Go Tour De Tiny!!!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
I stuck to the plan!
I did it! I ate what I said I would... and nothing else! So here goes for day 2:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt and berries
S: low fat yogurt and berries
L: wrap with lamb and salad, diet coke
S: strawberries
D: omlette
B: porridge, low fat yogurt and berries
S: low fat yogurt and berries
L: wrap with lamb and salad, diet coke
S: strawberries
D: omlette
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Running
I have just bought the book "The Complete Book of Running for Women" by Claire Kowalchik - as recommended on Katie P's blog. I just have to share one paragraph with you - cause this is exactly what happened to me....
I need to start running again! I need to get back to that place. Once I get better of course :)
Many women take up running to lose weight - with good reason, since running is one of the most efficient and best carlorie-burning activities around. What often happens, though, is that once a woman begins running, she discovers many rewards she didn't expect. Running relieves her stress. It gives her more engery, makes her feel good physically. Weight loss becomes secondary. She continues to run and to improve, and she loses a few pounds, even though that's no longer the focus. She feels good about her body and about herself.
I need to start running again! I need to get back to that place. Once I get better of course :)
Focus focus focus
I will be 70kg by Christmas. I will be 70kg by Christmas. I will be 70kg by Christmas. I will be 70kg by Christmas.
I have been so up and down this week. I have been sick since Saturday - same virus as last time (only 3 weeks ago). The doctor basically said it is cause I am run down and doing too much. Sigh! So much has been going on at work, I've been doing some extra work with my old job plus all my training. So I am going to behave myself for the next few weeks and take it easy. I was told I am not even to do housework (sounds like a good excuse to me!) So I have just wasted $50 on registration for the Bridge Run cause I can't do it.
On the up side though, the doctor said that I was fit! She did a heap of tests and said I was FIT!!! Yay me!
I weighed myself this morning at 81.5kg. Not happy. So time to focuse again. Here's the plan for today:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt & berries
S: low fat yogurt with a sprinkle of nuts/muesli
L: wrap with roast lamb and salad, diet coke
S: skim hot chocolate
D: salmon and salad
I'm going to go back onto the Calorieking website and plan the next couple of days food, cause I find that is the best way to keep myself on track.
I have been so up and down this week. I have been sick since Saturday - same virus as last time (only 3 weeks ago). The doctor basically said it is cause I am run down and doing too much. Sigh! So much has been going on at work, I've been doing some extra work with my old job plus all my training. So I am going to behave myself for the next few weeks and take it easy. I was told I am not even to do housework (sounds like a good excuse to me!) So I have just wasted $50 on registration for the Bridge Run cause I can't do it.
On the up side though, the doctor said that I was fit! She did a heap of tests and said I was FIT!!! Yay me!
I weighed myself this morning at 81.5kg. Not happy. So time to focuse again. Here's the plan for today:
B: porridge, low fat yogurt & berries
S: low fat yogurt with a sprinkle of nuts/muesli
L: wrap with roast lamb and salad, diet coke
S: skim hot chocolate
D: salmon and salad
I'm going to go back onto the Calorieking website and plan the next couple of days food, cause I find that is the best way to keep myself on track.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Back on track
Isn't it funny how one minute you feel out of control and then the next you are totally back on track and focussed? Today I am feeling good. I weighed myself this morning and am back to 80kg... so close to the 70s again! That is all it takes for a little motivation - to know that I can do it! I guess everything goes in cycles - you have good weeks and you have not so good weeks. I'm rambling now so I am going to stop.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Planning
When I look back over the past week and think about where I went wrong, it is in the planning. Over the past 12 months or so i have been really good at planning and sticking to it. I have one "cheat meal" a week where I go out for dinner and eat what I feel like, but apart from that I plan.
This week I have been out of control. I was away for the weekend so didn't do my normal fruit and vegie shopping - I hadn't even bought milk. Monday night I had a work thing and got home at 9pm, Tuesday night I trained and then worked at my old job and finished at 3am, Wednesday night I was buggered and last night I had personal training and got home late. Firstly, no wonder I am tired. Secondly, no wonder I have had no time to shop! It is totally insane. I want to go back to my normal week where I finish work early, go to the gym, swing past the supermarket to get whatever I forgot on the weekend and cook a healthy meal.
I want to go back to planning. Life is so much easier when I am in control!
This week I have been out of control. I was away for the weekend so didn't do my normal fruit and vegie shopping - I hadn't even bought milk. Monday night I had a work thing and got home at 9pm, Tuesday night I trained and then worked at my old job and finished at 3am, Wednesday night I was buggered and last night I had personal training and got home late. Firstly, no wonder I am tired. Secondly, no wonder I have had no time to shop! It is totally insane. I want to go back to my normal week where I finish work early, go to the gym, swing past the supermarket to get whatever I forgot on the weekend and cook a healthy meal.
I want to go back to planning. Life is so much easier when I am in control!
Thank God It's Friday!!
Bring on the weekend. I need a sleep in! After my massive weekend I have done 3 PT sessions (including a 6am one this morning) so am feeling quite sore and tired. But it is all for a good cause - bring on 70kgs! I haven't weighed myself since Tuesday night so I'm not sure where I'm at. I am back on track with my food so should be heading back into the 70s.
There's a bit of gossip on the work front, but nothing confirmed.
There's a bit of gossip on the work front, but nothing confirmed.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
It just gets better and better
Every minute of the day I feel happier that I have resigned! Out of 8 people, 5 have resigned in the last month. No replacements have been made or even thought about. We have 3 directors of the company - one is in Thailand, one is in the Whitsundays and 1 is in Perth (he was supposed to be here this week but went back to Perth early yesterday for a chiro appt). Our full time accountant/pay lady/finance person finishes tomorrow. They are replacing her with someone who is going to come in once a fortnight and who has no access to bank accounts and is not qualified to do BAS statements. What's the point?
As for the 3 remaining staff members - they are feeling very lonely and vulnerable. Nobody has spoken to them about their jobs or our replacements. How can a whole ad agency run with 1 account manager (instead of 3), an audio guy and a film editor? There will be no designer, no admin, no production manager, no general manager - which might not matter because there will be no clients as there will only be 1 account manager! There must be something else going on - there has to be something I don't know about. Surely. I am hearing rumours, but as we have no management team there is nobody to ask!
It is going to be a long 4 weeks.
As for the 3 remaining staff members - they are feeling very lonely and vulnerable. Nobody has spoken to them about their jobs or our replacements. How can a whole ad agency run with 1 account manager (instead of 3), an audio guy and a film editor? There will be no designer, no admin, no production manager, no general manager - which might not matter because there will be no clients as there will only be 1 account manager! There must be something else going on - there has to be something I don't know about. Surely. I am hearing rumours, but as we have no management team there is nobody to ask!
It is going to be a long 4 weeks.
Hello to my new friends!
Hello to those of you who regularly pop in here who I haven't heard from before!
Now I have news for you all today. I resigned yesterday because I have accepted a new and exciting job in North Sydney. I start in 4 weeks - it is going to be a long 4 weeks! I am glad the decision is made cause now I can stop thinking about it.
I haven't posted my menu as promised because it isn't that pretty. I have struggled to get back on track after my big weekend. But I went to the supermarket yesterday and stocked up on healthy food so today it all starts again. I haven't been exactly impressed with myself the last couple of days, but I haven't beaten myself up over it either which is a big step forwards for me.
So today:
2 x weetbix with skim milk and peaches
1 x pear
1 x wrap with roast lamb and salad
1 x can diet coke
handful of 'low carb mix' nuts and seeds
1 x skim hot chocolate
6 prawns with salad and vegies
1 x frozen yogurt
There it is in black and white. So now I have to stick to it!
Now I have news for you all today. I resigned yesterday because I have accepted a new and exciting job in North Sydney. I start in 4 weeks - it is going to be a long 4 weeks! I am glad the decision is made cause now I can stop thinking about it.
I haven't posted my menu as promised because it isn't that pretty. I have struggled to get back on track after my big weekend. But I went to the supermarket yesterday and stocked up on healthy food so today it all starts again. I haven't been exactly impressed with myself the last couple of days, but I haven't beaten myself up over it either which is a big step forwards for me.
So today:
2 x weetbix with skim milk and peaches
1 x pear
1 x wrap with roast lamb and salad
1 x can diet coke
handful of 'low carb mix' nuts and seeds
1 x skim hot chocolate
6 prawns with salad and vegies
1 x frozen yogurt
There it is in black and white. So now I have to stick to it!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
How many blog lurkers are out there?
Come on people time to show your face!!! I am interested in who actually reads my daily unloading from my head. Comments please!
My Virtual Model
I am doing some work for my old job tonight, and am just waiting for stuff to print. So I'm bored. I've caught up on everyone's blogs (I read them daily anyway!), and thought I might do a new virtual model to see how different I will look at 70kg. I think I look pretty darn good at 70kg. Bring it on!!!!
Bridge Run
I have finally registered for the bridge run on 23 September. I got back into running last week and feeling fit, so might as well give it a go.
Christmas Goal
I'm joining Donna on her mission to get to 70kgs by Christmas. As of today, I weigh 80.7kg (a little gain over the weekend!), so 10.7kg to go.
And in the spirit of goal setting, here's my progress photos. The photo that prompted me to start this journey, taken in Italy in June 2006. I joined the gym in July 2006 and have never looked back!
I'm going to start posting what I am eating too, as that seems to keep me accountable. So will post back later with my menu.
And in the spirit of goal setting, here's my progress photos. The photo that prompted me to start this journey, taken in Italy in June 2006. I joined the gym in July 2006 and have never looked back!
I'm going to start posting what I am eating too, as that seems to keep me accountable. So will post back later with my menu.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Birthday Celebrations!
I had the best weekend EVER!! Arrived in Melb Friday morning with Berni and Hannah (my besties from Sydney), caught up with a friend for brunch, shopped, had hot chocolate and all the good stuff! Met up with Mum and Dad for a cup of tea and then checked into our hotel and had more tea. Then there was a knock at the door... I had a surprise! PT Dan Dan the Trainer Man and his girlfriend Nikki were there!!! They had told me they couldn't come - but were lying the whole time. It was so funny! Everyone did very well to keep it a secret. We all went to Lygon St for dinner. It was great for my Mum and Dad to meet all my Sydney friends. We finished up at the Belgian Beer Cafe which was right next to the hotel.
Awoke with slight headache the following morning, but that was fixed with a big breakfast and a diet coke! Headed to St Kilda where we wandered around the shops of Acland St and ended up spending the afternoon in the sun at the Vineyard where the beverages started! Time for a quick shower and then dinner at Southgate before heading to the big celebrations at La La Land. I had such a great night - caught up with lots of people and just had a damn great time!
The weekend finished with breakfast yesterday before jumping into a cab for the airport. We were all tired but happy. Not nearly as hungover as I should have been - which was a good thing when you have to get on a plane!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Tomorrow I Will be 30!!!
1 more sleep til my birthday! 1 more sleep til I go to Melbourne! I am so excited. I am going to try really hard to eat sensibly. Even though I used my "cheat meal" yesterday I am going to have another one tomorrow night. The challenge will be Saturday night trying not to get too drunk cause I have to fly home on Sunday and DO NOT want to try that with a hangover! Vodka and soda will be the drink of choice so hopefully I will be able to slip in a few without the vodka and nobody will notice. We'll see how that goes.
Camera is already packed so there will be lots of photos to post on Monday!
Camera is already packed so there will be lots of photos to post on Monday!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The New Plan Update
I have lost 1/2 of the 2kg I put on on the weekend. 1kg to go and I am back to 79 and back on track! I have modified Shannan's diet advice a bit as it is too low in carbs and dairy. I know from experience that if I drop my carbs too low I don't have the energy to train and I lose concentration very quickly. So this morning I have gone back to my porridge and low fat yogurt for breakfast. I have a yogurt for morning snack with fruit and then the rest of the day will be lean protein and salad/vegies. Running tonight on the tready seeing the weather has turned to crap. Actually the forecast for Melbourne this weekend is much better than Sydney so definitely a good weekend to go away!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
The new me
I had a very interesting conversation this morning with Rusty (one of my PTs) - he is someone who didn't know me before I started this journey. I have known him for 12 months, so he has seen my progress, but not right from the start. I have only been training with him for 4 or 5 months. He made a comment that I wasn't shy... at all!
That really surprised me because I have always considered myself shy, except with a few select people. I have moments of very little confidence. I hate going places where I don't know people. I hate going to parties, or arriving to meet friends at the pub by myself. I like to have someone to walk in with in case I can't find my friends! What I realised is that I am actually not that person any more. Sure I still have my moments, but most of the time I am happy and fairly outgoing. That really surprised me because I actually hadn't stopped to think about how weight loss has affected my personality.
I came back from a holiday in Italy at the end of June 2006. I had moved to Sydney from Melbourne in May and knew 1 person. After my holiday I started to settle in and realised I was so unhappy with myself that it was going to affect how I made friends, and therefore how I survived in a new city. My self esteem was very low and because of that I didn't feel like going out and meeting people. I was at an all time low and I had 2 choices. I could go home to Melb, or I could do something about it. I'm not a quitter so I decided to do something about it. I made 2 promises to myself - I would lose weight and I would not turn down any social invitation. I very nervously walked into Fitness First to have a look. I signed up for a membership and a 'triple pack' which is 1.5 hours with a PT. That's when I met Nathan, and that's when my life turned around. He was an awesome PT - he encouraged me, motivated me, taught me to love exercise and introduced me to alot of people. He even took me out with his friends so I could meet them.
That was over a year ago. Nathan has since left FF but I easily slipped into a training regime with Rusty and Dan (I couldn't choose between them!). I have made a nice little circle of friends, mostly from the gym and through people who go to the gym. I am much happier and I am loving life and the challenges it brings. And you know what... the person that Rusty knows is the REAL me. I just hadn't realised it!
That really surprised me because I have always considered myself shy, except with a few select people. I have moments of very little confidence. I hate going places where I don't know people. I hate going to parties, or arriving to meet friends at the pub by myself. I like to have someone to walk in with in case I can't find my friends! What I realised is that I am actually not that person any more. Sure I still have my moments, but most of the time I am happy and fairly outgoing. That really surprised me because I actually hadn't stopped to think about how weight loss has affected my personality.
I came back from a holiday in Italy at the end of June 2006. I had moved to Sydney from Melbourne in May and knew 1 person. After my holiday I started to settle in and realised I was so unhappy with myself that it was going to affect how I made friends, and therefore how I survived in a new city. My self esteem was very low and because of that I didn't feel like going out and meeting people. I was at an all time low and I had 2 choices. I could go home to Melb, or I could do something about it. I'm not a quitter so I decided to do something about it. I made 2 promises to myself - I would lose weight and I would not turn down any social invitation. I very nervously walked into Fitness First to have a look. I signed up for a membership and a 'triple pack' which is 1.5 hours with a PT. That's when I met Nathan, and that's when my life turned around. He was an awesome PT - he encouraged me, motivated me, taught me to love exercise and introduced me to alot of people. He even took me out with his friends so I could meet them.
That was over a year ago. Nathan has since left FF but I easily slipped into a training regime with Rusty and Dan (I couldn't choose between them!). I have made a nice little circle of friends, mostly from the gym and through people who go to the gym. I am much happier and I am loving life and the challenges it brings. And you know what... the person that Rusty knows is the REAL me. I just hadn't realised it!
The Plan So Far
Well I started my day with egg whites and soy & linseed bread, and I have my orange cut up and ready to go for morning snack, to be followed by lunch of chicken & salad with a piece of bread and a protein shake for afternoon snack. Not sure about dinner yet - prob fish and salad. Have been thinking about it though, and I think that this diet is extremely lacking in dairy. So if I am hungry I will add a low fat yogurt in as well cause I need to make sure I get enough calcium.
I ran at the gym last night and whilst I found it tough (as always) I felt pretty good - I felt light! It was a good feeling! I did intervals at different speeds so was pretty darn sweaty by the end. I have a PT session with Dan tonight (weights) and I think I will run again tomorrow night instead of doing the spin class i had planned - or maybe I will do both! I am on a mission!!!
I ran at the gym last night and whilst I found it tough (as always) I felt pretty good - I felt light! It was a good feeling! I did intervals at different speeds so was pretty darn sweaty by the end. I have a PT session with Dan tonight (weights) and I think I will run again tomorrow night instead of doing the spin class i had planned - or maybe I will do both! I am on a mission!!!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Shannan's Diet Advice
On Saturday Shannan spent a bit of time going through what to eat if you want to drop weight. As he said, everybody is different, but here's a guideline of what he recommended (from what I can remember anyway)
Breakfast: 1 slice of soy and linseed bread with 3 egg whites
Snack: 1 piece of fruit, not tropical
Lunch: 1 slice of soy and linseed bread with 100-150g lean protein and as much salad or vegies as you want
Snack: tin of tuna or some ham with cottage cheese
Dinner: fish or chicken and as much vegies or salad as you want
I do wonder if this gives you enough energy to train, as it is very low in carbs. However I might give it a go for the next 4 days and see. You probably need to try it for longer, but Friday is my bday so that is NOT going to happen! And I didn't have any eggs this morning so I had weet-bix instead. But it starts from now. Hopefully I can drop the 2kg I gained from yesterday! Whoops!
Breakfast: 1 slice of soy and linseed bread with 3 egg whites
Snack: 1 piece of fruit, not tropical
Lunch: 1 slice of soy and linseed bread with 100-150g lean protein and as much salad or vegies as you want
Snack: tin of tuna or some ham with cottage cheese
Dinner: fish or chicken and as much vegies or salad as you want
I do wonder if this gives you enough energy to train, as it is very low in carbs. However I might give it a go for the next 4 days and see. You probably need to try it for longer, but Friday is my bday so that is NOT going to happen! And I didn't have any eggs this morning so I had weet-bix instead. But it starts from now. Hopefully I can drop the 2kg I gained from yesterday! Whoops!
And the down side to the weekend
I had a bit of a blow out yesteday food wise. I just couldn't get enough! I didn't overeat much - I just made really really bad choices. There was a custard tart, chocolate, bread, hot chocolate, movie popcorn... the list goes on. I was so so so bad. And am now paying for it cause my scales said 81 this morning. Nooooooo I want the 70s back.
So today back to healthy eating and running at the gym tonight. Hopefully it might even be gone by tomorrow - it appeared in a day, so it can go in a day right?
So today back to healthy eating and running at the gym tonight. Hopefully it might even be gone by tomorrow - it appeared in a day, so it can go in a day right?
Saturday's PT session
Most of you have already seen these pics from Donna's blog... but here they are again! We had such a great day. It was definitely up there with one of the hardest sessions I have ever done, but it was soooo good. I have pulled up a bit sore as expected but it was all worth it. Somehow having a couple of spunks train with you takes away some of the pain. Especially Ky Hurst - he paid particular attention to Tiny D and I, and it all of a sudden got easier! LOL! I must admit training with a back drop of the Opera House and the bridge is a pretty good place to train as well.
Oh and before our big PT session, we did a cylce class at FF St Leonards. It was like a cycle class in a nightclub! Music pumping and plenty of dance moves from the instructor. Quite amusing!!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Saturday Afternoon Eye Candy
This is what Donna and I will have to keep us entertained whilst exercising on Saturday arvo...
I don't feel like doing work
I am so distracted this morning! I feel like doing anything but what I am supposed to be doing! So far I have read everyone's blogs, read SMH online, checked the weather for both Sydney and Melbourne and discussed getting icecream at lunchtime with my colleagues (they aren't working either!). Bring on the weekend!
Back at the Gym :)
I'm back! OK I am totally broken, but a good type of broken! Trained with Rusty this morning for the first time in 2 weeks. I missed it soooo much. I feel like I am back on track now. Weight has stopped at 79 so need to get kick started again. Here's the plan for this week:
Friday - 1 hour PT Rusty (cardio & weights)
Saturday - 1 hour Cycle plus some other kind of class in the arvo with Tiny Donna and Shannon
Sunday - 2 hour walking, 30 min run
Monday - 30 min run (intervals)
Tuesday - 1 hour PT Dan (weights)
Wednesday - 1.5 hours walking
Thursday - 1 hour PT Dan (weights)
Then Friday is my birthday and I'm going to Melbourne!!! Yay!! No training ALL weekend for me. Probably lots of walking but that is all I have planned cause I am only taking cabin luggage and my gym stuff won't fit.
Friday - 1 hour PT Rusty (cardio & weights)
Saturday - 1 hour Cycle plus some other kind of class in the arvo with Tiny Donna and Shannon
Sunday - 2 hour walking, 30 min run
Monday - 30 min run (intervals)
Tuesday - 1 hour PT Dan (weights)
Wednesday - 1.5 hours walking
Thursday - 1 hour PT Dan (weights)
Then Friday is my birthday and I'm going to Melbourne!!! Yay!! No training ALL weekend for me. Probably lots of walking but that is all I have planned cause I am only taking cabin luggage and my gym stuff won't fit.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Company B
I went to check out Company B this morning - I so have to work there! They have a poker table (they play at lunchtime), a pool table for Friday drinks which start at 2pm and a view of the harbour! I don't need anything else... where do I sign????!!!
Waiting on contracts and stuff now. Hopefully that will be all good.
Waiting on contracts and stuff now. Hopefully that will be all good.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Stuff and that...
I have lots of stuff going through my head at the moment. I have been trying not to think about it, because for the past few weeks it has been totally out of my control, but it is getting close to decision time. I need to empty my thoughts... so here goes!!!
I started a new job 2 months ago at 'Company A'. To start with I loved it, but sometimes I do get a bit bored. Our GM is fantastic and very approachable, so I had no concerns that I could take on more responsibility to make my job more interesting.
Then... it was announced that Company A was being sold to Company B. This was all exciting cause Company B would offer great career opportunities for me, plus it is in North Sydney so I would be back working near the gym and all my friends and closer to home.
Then the sale fell through and Company A was taken off the market. Then it was announced our GM had resigned and is going to work at Company B. Still with me here?!!!
I have a couple of issues with this. Our GM is great and a large part of why I took the job here. I don't know any of the directors and they don't know me - I am still on probation for another month. Part of the reason the sale fell through is that none of our clients are contracted - most of our work is project based and I don't see a hell of alot of security in that. I don't know what the future plans for the business are, cause as I said, I haven't met the directors. 3 weeks ago they were selling. Now they aren't. Our GM quit and they haven't even been here to secure staff or clients - that concerns me.
Since then, Company B has approached me about a job. That was a couple of weeks ago, and I still don't have an offer in writing. I am meeting with them tomorrow morning, so hopefully I can find out more then. It could be really exciting - but they have been a bit slow in formalising the offer. It also doesn't quite feel ethically right - the sale has fallen through and now they are approaching staff directly.
So here's my dilemma. I could stay where I am, but I'm not really excited about the job or the company. It is good experience though, and will look good on my resume. Leaving after 2 months won't. I could take the job at Company B, or I could look for something else. I have found 2 jobs worth applying for, but haven't actually done anything about it yet. Maybe I will wait til after the meeting tomorrow - that should hopefully make the decision making process a little easier. Stand by for an update tomorrow!
I started a new job 2 months ago at 'Company A'. To start with I loved it, but sometimes I do get a bit bored. Our GM is fantastic and very approachable, so I had no concerns that I could take on more responsibility to make my job more interesting.
Then... it was announced that Company A was being sold to Company B. This was all exciting cause Company B would offer great career opportunities for me, plus it is in North Sydney so I would be back working near the gym and all my friends and closer to home.
Then the sale fell through and Company A was taken off the market. Then it was announced our GM had resigned and is going to work at Company B. Still with me here?!!!
I have a couple of issues with this. Our GM is great and a large part of why I took the job here. I don't know any of the directors and they don't know me - I am still on probation for another month. Part of the reason the sale fell through is that none of our clients are contracted - most of our work is project based and I don't see a hell of alot of security in that. I don't know what the future plans for the business are, cause as I said, I haven't met the directors. 3 weeks ago they were selling. Now they aren't. Our GM quit and they haven't even been here to secure staff or clients - that concerns me.
Since then, Company B has approached me about a job. That was a couple of weeks ago, and I still don't have an offer in writing. I am meeting with them tomorrow morning, so hopefully I can find out more then. It could be really exciting - but they have been a bit slow in formalising the offer. It also doesn't quite feel ethically right - the sale has fallen through and now they are approaching staff directly.
So here's my dilemma. I could stay where I am, but I'm not really excited about the job or the company. It is good experience though, and will look good on my resume. Leaving after 2 months won't. I could take the job at Company B, or I could look for something else. I have found 2 jobs worth applying for, but haven't actually done anything about it yet. Maybe I will wait til after the meeting tomorrow - that should hopefully make the decision making process a little easier. Stand by for an update tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
I've been tagged
Miss Tiny Donna has tagged me... so here it is!
Jobs I’ve Held; photographer, graphic designer, production manager, studio manager, account manager
Movies I Can Watch Over & Over; Briget Jones, Love Actually
Places I have lived (in order); Pakenham Upper, Hallam, Elsternwick, Pakenham, Crows Nest, Cremorne
Shows I enjoy; Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Thank God You're Here, Spicks & Specs
Places I Have Been on Holiday; most of eastern Australia, Tassie, Europe x 3 times, Cook Islands, NZ, Vietnam, Thailand
Favorite Foods; strawberries, banana bread, chocolate, thai
Websites I Visit Daily; http://www.facebook.com/ - new obsession, http://www.hotmail.com/ , http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/ , http://www.blogger.com/
Body Parts I Have Injured; have torn the ligaments in my ankle, but that's about it!
Awards I’ve Won; lots of school stuff for photography and the school magazine etc. but not alot since then!
Pick 5 Other Bloggers; hmmm.... i'm tagging Lisa, Kate, Sue, Kerrie - who else reads this?
Jobs I’ve Held; photographer, graphic designer, production manager, studio manager, account manager
Movies I Can Watch Over & Over; Briget Jones, Love Actually
Places I have lived (in order); Pakenham Upper, Hallam, Elsternwick, Pakenham, Crows Nest, Cremorne
Shows I enjoy; Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Thank God You're Here, Spicks & Specs
Places I Have Been on Holiday; most of eastern Australia, Tassie, Europe x 3 times, Cook Islands, NZ, Vietnam, Thailand
Favorite Foods; strawberries, banana bread, chocolate, thai
Websites I Visit Daily; http://www.facebook.com/ - new obsession, http://www.hotmail.com/ , http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/ , http://www.blogger.com/
Body Parts I Have Injured; have torn the ligaments in my ankle, but that's about it!
Awards I’ve Won; lots of school stuff for photography and the school magazine etc. but not alot since then!
Pick 5 Other Bloggers; hmmm.... i'm tagging Lisa, Kate, Sue, Kerrie - who else reads this?
I'm still here!
Just not much to report. I am feeling a bit better - but definitely not well yet. Another week away from the gym and it is really killing me! I miss it soooooo much. Ahhh well, the body needs a rest. I did walk home last night, and to work again this morning. It's 8km each way. I figure I have started getting my appetite back, so I can start putting in some exercise. Nothing too strenuous - just a nice stroll. I might go back to the gym Friday morning - I'll see how I feel.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Personal Trainers
Lisa asked on her blog about Personal Trainers. I thought seeing that PT is my current obsession I would post my thoughts for all to see.
I got to Fitness First, so I pay my membership and then pay for PT on top of that. The trainers there are self employed - so they operate as their own business. They pay rent to FF which gives them access to the gym and clients. The cost depends on what type of training I am doing, and I do get a discount cause I train so much, and have been doing so for 12 months - generally for a one on one session you are looking at between $65-100 an hour. I also train with a friend once a week, which costs us $42 each. And then there's running group which works out at around $30 a session cause there are lots of us. Although sometimes it is just me, so I get a bargain!
For me it is worth every cent - and there are a hundred reasons! Motivation, accountability, advice, counselling, fun. I find if I book in a session then I have to go even if I don't feel like it. Once I get there I am fine. I also train alot harder when someone is standing beside me, and get better results. I lift heavier weights when I am with my PT because I am less worried about injuring myself or dropping them. I get pushed to do things I didn't think I could do. This was really highlighted in running group - Rusty would tell me something like - "run for 3 minutes on level 11". Yeah right! I was used to running on 8 or 9. Anyway, I did it every time. He always had faith in me, even when I didn't. This has made a huge difference to my self confidence and self belief. I have achieved things I didn't think were possible.
PT may not be for everyone. But if you are going to try it, find a trainer you like and stick with it. The more trust you have, the better results you will get. For me, having a PT (or two!) has been the best thing I have ever done - both mentally and physically.
I got to Fitness First, so I pay my membership and then pay for PT on top of that. The trainers there are self employed - so they operate as their own business. They pay rent to FF which gives them access to the gym and clients. The cost depends on what type of training I am doing, and I do get a discount cause I train so much, and have been doing so for 12 months - generally for a one on one session you are looking at between $65-100 an hour. I also train with a friend once a week, which costs us $42 each. And then there's running group which works out at around $30 a session cause there are lots of us. Although sometimes it is just me, so I get a bargain!
For me it is worth every cent - and there are a hundred reasons! Motivation, accountability, advice, counselling, fun. I find if I book in a session then I have to go even if I don't feel like it. Once I get there I am fine. I also train alot harder when someone is standing beside me, and get better results. I lift heavier weights when I am with my PT because I am less worried about injuring myself or dropping them. I get pushed to do things I didn't think I could do. This was really highlighted in running group - Rusty would tell me something like - "run for 3 minutes on level 11". Yeah right! I was used to running on 8 or 9. Anyway, I did it every time. He always had faith in me, even when I didn't. This has made a huge difference to my self confidence and self belief. I have achieved things I didn't think were possible.
PT may not be for everyone. But if you are going to try it, find a trainer you like and stick with it. The more trust you have, the better results you will get. For me, having a PT (or two!) has been the best thing I have ever done - both mentally and physically.
I am so over feeling sick :(
My sore throat has turned into a cold/flu/aching everything. I have no energy whatsover and I am bored. I came into work today cause I am sick of lying in bed all day, and cause I have just started this job I don't get sick leave yet. Hopefully they will give me the last 2 days as annual leave so that I am not too poor this week.
The good side of all of this is that I have lost 2.4kg this week. I'm down to 79.0kg. Some of that I attribute to being sick and having no appetite - so it has been easy to stay away from banana bread and such atrocities! I haven't trained since Friday, but until then I had changed my program and really watched what I have been eating. So that has to play a part as well.
My other news is that I have spoken to a nutritionist. I was going to wait and see if my new training program makes a difference, but I decided to try it anyway. Firstly because it gives me some reassurance that I am eating the right types of foods, and secondly the right amounts. I found someone who specialises in weight loss as well as sports nutrition so I could get advice that takes both into account.
She said that generally my diet is very good, but has made a few small alterations to see how I go. I am probably only eating just enough, or slightly under what I should be eating for the amount of exercise that I do. So I can afford to eat a bit more, and her suggestion was to add a serve of low fat dairy each day, as my calcium and Vitamin D intake is a bit low. All my other vitamins and mineral intake looks fine. She also encourages one "free" meal a week, which is what I am doing now anyway. And my occasional treats could be lower in fat, however with the training I am doing it might not matter (my occasional treat might be something like some hot chips once a month). My meat and fish intake is good, fruit good and vegies very good for someone with salicylate allergy. I am happy with that because my food allergies make things so much harder sometimes.
I need to follow up with her in about 4 weeks. As long as the scales keep moving I am happy.
The good side of all of this is that I have lost 2.4kg this week. I'm down to 79.0kg. Some of that I attribute to being sick and having no appetite - so it has been easy to stay away from banana bread and such atrocities! I haven't trained since Friday, but until then I had changed my program and really watched what I have been eating. So that has to play a part as well.
My other news is that I have spoken to a nutritionist. I was going to wait and see if my new training program makes a difference, but I decided to try it anyway. Firstly because it gives me some reassurance that I am eating the right types of foods, and secondly the right amounts. I found someone who specialises in weight loss as well as sports nutrition so I could get advice that takes both into account.
She said that generally my diet is very good, but has made a few small alterations to see how I go. I am probably only eating just enough, or slightly under what I should be eating for the amount of exercise that I do. So I can afford to eat a bit more, and her suggestion was to add a serve of low fat dairy each day, as my calcium and Vitamin D intake is a bit low. All my other vitamins and mineral intake looks fine. She also encourages one "free" meal a week, which is what I am doing now anyway. And my occasional treats could be lower in fat, however with the training I am doing it might not matter (my occasional treat might be something like some hot chips once a month). My meat and fish intake is good, fruit good and vegies very good for someone with salicylate allergy. I am happy with that because my food allergies make things so much harder sometimes.
I need to follow up with her in about 4 weeks. As long as the scales keep moving I am happy.
Me in my new jeans
I took this Saturday night before I went out - I love my new jeans! These were the motivational ones I bought 1 size too small about 2 months ago.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Mushroom and Corn Fritters
As per Lisa's request, here's the recipe for Mushroom and Corn Fritters. Very quick and easy to make.
Recipe from Calorieking.com.au
Serves: 4 person(s)
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup self raising flour
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/2 tsp paprika
2 Tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Combine eggs and milk in a bowl. Beat well. Stir in flour, corn, mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil and paprika.
Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan. Cook spoonfuls of mixture on each side until golden. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper. Serve immediately.
Variations:
If using as a main meal, serve with steamed vegetables or salad.
If using for a snack or finger food, cook smaller sized fritters and accompany with a sweet chilli or tomato dipping sauce.
Serving suggestions are not included in the nutritional information.
Recipe from Calorieking.com.au
Serves: 4 person(s)
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup self raising flour
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/2 tsp paprika
2 Tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Combine eggs and milk in a bowl. Beat well. Stir in flour, corn, mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil and paprika.
Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan. Cook spoonfuls of mixture on each side until golden. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper. Serve immediately.
Variations:
If using as a main meal, serve with steamed vegetables or salad.
If using for a snack or finger food, cook smaller sized fritters and accompany with a sweet chilli or tomato dipping sauce.
Serving suggestions are not included in the nutritional information.
Monday, August 20, 2007
70s 70s 70s 70s 70s 70s!!!!
79.8kg!!! I am so excited - it has finally happened. Yesterday was 79.9, so I think I can take 2 days in a row as official. Changing the plan really works! With my eating I have gone back to what I was doing at the start (not sure why I changed actually) of 6 days of being super good, and one day of not worrying too much at all. Saturday night I had pizza (just 2 slices of vegie pizza) and too much vodka. That was backed up with a bacon and egg roll Sunday morning. Apart from that I have 100% stuck to clean, healthy eating.
I am supposed to be running today - for the first time since City2Surf, but I have a sore throat and a cough so I am going to rest up for a few days. I can't get sick - I have a big week of training planned :(
I am supposed to be running today - for the first time since City2Surf, but I have a sore throat and a cough so I am going to rest up for a few days. I can't get sick - I have a big week of training planned :(
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