Monday 17 September 2012

Week 3

Mon – my rest day, wasn’t very prepared after being away for the weekend, but I had the berry muesli from last week’s meal plan since i had the ingredients for that, then made up a mountain bread wrap for lunch which included turkey breast, baby spinach, beetroot, hummus and a slice of low fat cheese, also wasn’t prepared for dinner but had a piece of moussaka in the freezer (out of one of Michelle Bridges recipe books) so I had that with a slice of burgen bread!
Tue – had one little treat – and i had to take a photo and post it as they are so cute. A friend from work made a batch for her daughter’s birthday party and brought one in for me to try!
 
Wednesday...the dreaded weigh in day! 1.1kg gain....to be expected really after my poor food choices over the weekend in Hobart. Not letting it get to me, will just continue on with the meal plans and exercise and work towards a much better result next Wed! Went for a 5km run on the treadmill – first run in over a month, my knee felt good so hopefully i can continue to run without it bothering me!
Thursday- out for lunch with work. Was very tempted to go for the pizza (pumpkin, rosemary, onion, goats fetta – one of the healthiest pizza’s on the menu!) but instead went for fish of the day which was a barramundi fillet, was proud of my choice and it was very delicious! I had 2 narrow pieces of white bread with beetroot dip for a ‘treat’
Friday while all the girls went out to Grill’d – my favourite burger place, I ate my vegetarian shepherds pie leftovers – and it was delicious! But the burger and hot chips also looked delicious...
Made beef with the corn avocado salsa for dinner!
Sat – was up early to run in the Tan relay with my athletics club, didn’t Run a PB but was happy with my effort since I haven’t competed in over a month or done much training. After that I went to Haigh’s (best chocolate ever!) and bought a gift for a friend, they offer free tastings but I didn’t have any, my boyfriend told me not to so I didn’t, was very glad he was strict on me, if I was on my own I don’t think I could’ve refused! Did the toning session that afternoon as I was a bit too tired after my run to do the SSS. Made the Mediterranean eggplant & zucchini pizza for dinner, followed by a sugar free hot chocolate for dessert – yum!
Sun –cooked up the scrambled eggs with garlic mushrooms & asparagus for breaky, was surprised at how big it was! So many mushrooms, was very full after eating it. Did the “SSS” skipping pyramid session down at the beach while the boy watched me and did the occasional skip himself. It took me an hour and 25 mins to get through the session, and I think I burnt around 600 calories from memory! Caught up with a couple of friends for coffee (they had a macaron each but I didn’t!) and by the time they left it was getting late and I couldn’t be bothered to cook. I bought a pumpkin soup from the supermarket (less than 100 calories for the serve) and had that with some toast! I then indulged in a couple of dark choc wallaby bites, I thought they would be a nice occasional treat to have but I ate 3, so I think I should get rid of them before I demolish the whole packet!

Sunday 9 September 2012

Yay's and Nay's - Week 2

I have decided to write this week’s blog into a “yay and nay” format...pros and cons if you will

YAY:

-       Exercising 6 days for the week and following the exercise program to the tee!
-       Getting up at 6am on both Saturday AND Sunday morning whilst on a weekend away in Hobart to get to the park to work out!
-       Saying “NO” to all of the pastries – croissants, mini donuts, danishes, lemon tart (my favourite!) at a work morning tea / lunch meeting

-       Chicken, pumpkin & chickpea korma – delicious! Who would’ve known I liked chickpeas? And a dollop of natural yoghurt on top!

-       Seeing a 2.2kg loss on the scales on Wednesday – WOW!

-       Sweating up a storm in the Spin class Tuesday (after a 3.5km walk and some ab exercises)

-       My nan bragging to some people on a ferry that I, her granddaughter, am “very fit and run marathons” – not quite marathons yet Nan, but one day!

-       Ordering a roasted veggie salad for dinner, when I was so tempted to go for the pork belly!

-       Hawthorn beating Collingwood and progressing to the prelim final – go hawks!

NAY:

-       Too many weekend “treats”...flourless chocolate cake, raspberry white choc parfait, caramello koalas, choc coated raspberries – EEEEEK!

-       Not being organised for my weekend away and not packing any healthy snacks for the flight

-       The disappointing feeling that I’ve sabotaged my weight loss results by what I ate over 2 days in a weekend, not looking forward to Wednesday’s weigh in!

 Well at the least the ‘yays’ outweigh the ‘nays’ but the first Nay is a big one. It really got me down! I am prepared for this week and am going to be a lot harder on myself and stick to the nutrition plan and healthy snacks! This weekend I will be home and in control, and will have my boyfriend down to also keep me in line!

Monday 3 September 2012

Week 1 = done!


Well I have survived the first week. The first 3 days I found a breeze, no cravings, didn’t go hungry, and really enjoyed all of the food. Was pleasantly surprised to see a 400g loss on the scales Wednesday morning too - after only 2 days! Exercise wise, I powered through the first 3 days. 30 minute core class at the gym, followed by 45min pump class on Monday. Tuesday was 45 min Spin class, as well as a 15min warm up on the treadmill and the ab exercises for the day. Wednesday I did the Super Shredder DVD at home – the first time I have ever sweated in my lounge room!
Thursday afternoon the chocolate craving started to set in, and I satisfied it with a Special K caramel bar – only 99 calories and it has a thin layer of chocolate on it, I was proud with my choice. I’ve been good with my snacks, low fat yoghurts, fruit, sultanas, vita wheats to name a few. I made the cacao bites and have had some when I’ve had some calories to spare! Yum!
I skipped exercise on Thursday as I had a facial that evening, and was advised not to sweat. I also skipped exercise on Friday as I went to the MCG to watch my hawks play in the evening. I’m a bit disappointed in myself for skipping 2 days in a row, but I made Saturday a double session. I did the “SSS” session in the morning at the park near my house – got through 3 full rounds, plus started a 4thround and got through the burpees set then the hour was up. Later in the evening I did the stretch & core session in my lounge room that I missed Friday.  Sunday I was at my park again in the morning and did the toning session that I missed Thursday.
My calves are so ridiculously tight, I have stretched them a lot – but it hurts to go up and down stairs!
Yesterday was a bit of a challenge, I met a couple of friends at a pub for “drinks” but I behaved and only had 1 glass of white wine and counted it into my calories for the day. With the beautiful weather we had, I could’ve easily sat there and polished off a bottle, but I refrained J
I’m stoked for the food this week – banana bruschetta was delicious and a really filling breakfast this morning. For dinner tonight I switched it around and made the pumpkin chicken chickpea korma - delicious.
I’ll be away in Hobart this weekend without cooking facilities, so I’ll need to make sure I am making wise decisions when eating out!
Here's to another good week!

Thursday 9 August 2012

12 Week Body Transformation - challenge accepted

After hearing all the hype about Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation program, and having a friend join up for round 2, I decided to do some investigating for myself. Having Michelle Bridges involved with it, I knew it wouldn’t be a quick fix fad diet, and the fact that it included both a nutrition and exercise plan I thought it would be worthwhile trying it out, so I signed up for Round 3.
I’ve never had an issue with my weight, I have always been a ‘healthy’ weight, but that doesn’t mean I am necessarily happy in my skin. I am a long distance runner, but I want the body to match! I absolutely love food, and have a big appetite. In a way this could suit my love of long distance running, but I was beginning to find I was definitely eating more than required for my running and gained a few extra kg’s. I’ve also got an injury with my ITB, so this is putting me out of running for 4-6 weeks for it to heal. I have never been into cycling, swimming or even just going for walks but with this injury I am encouraged to do all of these things, just not to run. So this is another factor for me joining this program, to get some new ideas of what exercises I can do in order to get fit without running.
My aim on this program is pretty plain and simple – to see results, and be proud of my body. I want to wear a bikini this summer and feel and look amazing in it. I don’t want to wear a swimsuit that hides my stomach because I am self conscious. I want to go to the beach and not cover myself whilst running to and from the water. I want to strut!
I want to wear fitted run singlets to compete in my races with, and look the part. I want to wear a cocktail dress that shows off my figure, instead of wearing ones that cover the bits I don’t like. I want to develop a healthy relationship with food. Not to eat 2 muffins and a donut at the office meeting just because it’s in front of me. Not to order a pizza just because it’s the weekend. Not to eat chocolate because all the girls at work are. Not to drink a bottle of wine because it’s Saturday night. Not to eat a massive bowl of ice cream covered in ice magic because I ran 15km. I absolutely need to get out of the habit of “rewarding” myself with junk food. How is it a reward if it is sabotaging what I am trying to achieve? I will constantly tell myself “a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips”. I want to create new habits, where I get into the routine of exercising every day – as Mish has said, making it a daily task like showering or brushing your teeth. I want to have all my meals prepared so I am not tempted to go up the street and get a burger and chips for lunch.
Another hurdle I will have to jump is the feedback I will receive from some friends/colleagues when I tell them about being on this program. I have some people in my life, who I know mean well, but when I’m trying to eat well they tell me that I run enough and I’m not fat so I can eat treats. I know I’m not overweight, but I am carrying extra weight that I am unhappy with. There are also people in my life that are bigger than me, and I think sometimes they feel threatened or take offense when I am trying to be healthy myself, like I somehow think less of them. It is completely not the case, and I am learning that I shouldn’t feel bad for what I want to achieve in myself, it is all about me and me only! And I’m not going to let others change that.
I am grateful to have a supportive boyfriend who I can completely open up to about this, and who will encourage me 100%. I was bigger when we first got together, and I know he loves me the way I am, but I guarantee he won’t be complaining when I slim down!
Although I only want to lose around 5-7kg’s, I know this will not be an easy task for me. But I truly believe I can do this, I just need to keep plodding away and ticking off each week as I get through them. I can’t and don’t expect to see results overnight, but I know that by sticking to the full 12 weeks, I WILL get results, and I WILL create new, healthy habits which will remain with me much longer after 12 weeks.
Here goes...