I maybe didn't feel any thinner this week, but I certainly didn't feel two pounds heavier.
This morning, those pesky scales decided that I've put back on the 2lbs I lost last week. How odd. I was really surprised at first but then I remembered that all manner things go on when it comes to weight loss and this isn't the first, and probably won't be the last, time this has happened to me.
I had a really great week, both food wise and exercise wise. Yeah, there were one or two small things that I could have tightened up on but not enough to explain 2lbs. And so I'm not really that bothered about the numbers as I know the aren't telling the real story- little fibbers. Would I like them to be going down the way instead of up? Of course I would, but I know I'm doing all the right things and eventually those numbers will go down. I realise that sounds slightly threatening but I kinda like it.
So, I'm going to carry on doing what I'm doing while striving to better it. Besides, there are other achievements which I'm pretty damn chuffed with this week. I'm back on my bike regularly and I can feel my fitness returning when out on the streets (not puffing quite so loudly). My top half feels smoother, less sort of lumpy, if you know what I mean and I might even be able to wear a dress this weekend that I bought in December that I felt was just a little too tight. I definitely feel strong and my legs firmer and, here comes the biggie... last night at CrossFit I made the progression from jumping on stacked weights to jumping on a 20inch box! Boom! I am so bloody pleased.
I just need to remain mindful though... I popped home at lunchtime and found myself chomping on a bit of bread dipped in homous. That probably wouldn't have happened if I had lost rather than gained as I would be feeling the laser like focus that seems to come when the numbers go down.
So it's all eyes on the prize, action stations and game on.
Starting Weight: 190.75 pounds
Current Weight: 186.5
pounds
Weight Loss This Week: +2
pounds
Total 2013 Weight Loss: 4.25 pounds
I'm on a lifelong mission to ditch the lard. Stones away from my heaviest, I'm closing in on my pre-pregnancy weight. Next up, my wedding weight! Onwards!
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Bet your bottom dollar
It's about this time on a Tuesday every week that I feel like Orphan Annie, as tomorrow beings to weigh on my mind. Tomorrow being the moment that scales get to tell me their thoughts on the matter of my weight.
I'd absolutely love to see a drop - specifically a drop of at least 0.75lbs, taking me to a nice even half stone off, but I know I've had a healthy, active week and that I need to keep this up long term. I don't feel any slimmer than last week but who the hell knows. I could scrutinise and over analyse till the cows come home.
I'm pretty sozzled tonight but CrossFit here I come and then it's a turkey steak and veggies for dinner (once I cycle home). Onwards.
Monday, 25 February 2013
Quality time
Such a great weekend. A scheduled LoveCat tour of my pals in the homeland that usually only get a hurried 'hiya' before I have to jump in the car and head to another friend/meeting/appointment was just lovely.
I got to spend a whole afternoon with my school bezzie and her 18 month old girl. Kids that age take a wee while to warm up to you if they don't see you very often and so it was great to properly get her relaxed enough with me that we could sing songs and dance, dress her up in the new outfit I bought her (man, that felt so nice arrive with unexpected gifts) and cuddle. Yup, my ovaries went into overdrive.
I also hung out with another friend and her family who are 9, 5 and 2. They are just the best and it was so much fun playing with them messing around. I don't like that I'm missing out on that by being over 100 miles away. I love my life in my new city but that doesn't stop me missing my old one and my old friends.
That said, when asked this weekend about having upped sticks to be with TB I heard myself say, "The truth of the matter it doesn't really matter where I am, as long as we're together." I know, you want to be sick, don't you? That kind of chat really is uncalled for! Sorry, I'll not be doing it again in a hurry.
As well as seeing friends, I also went out for a wee 3k run followed by 50 squats, did some work, and went out for dinner with TB ands his parent's for his mum's birthday. All so very enjoyable!
When it came to my diet, I would say I was pretty damn good. However, there were three things weren't great.
I got to spend a whole afternoon with my school bezzie and her 18 month old girl. Kids that age take a wee while to warm up to you if they don't see you very often and so it was great to properly get her relaxed enough with me that we could sing songs and dance, dress her up in the new outfit I bought her (man, that felt so nice arrive with unexpected gifts) and cuddle. Yup, my ovaries went into overdrive.
I also hung out with another friend and her family who are 9, 5 and 2. They are just the best and it was so much fun playing with them messing around. I don't like that I'm missing out on that by being over 100 miles away. I love my life in my new city but that doesn't stop me missing my old one and my old friends.
That said, when asked this weekend about having upped sticks to be with TB I heard myself say, "The truth of the matter it doesn't really matter where I am, as long as we're together." I know, you want to be sick, don't you? That kind of chat really is uncalled for! Sorry, I'll not be doing it again in a hurry.
As well as seeing friends, I also went out for a wee 3k run followed by 50 squats, did some work, and went out for dinner with TB ands his parent's for his mum's birthday. All so very enjoyable!
When it came to my diet, I would say I was pretty damn good. However, there were three things weren't great.
- I drank quite a few rums on Friday and Saturday night
- I picked at crisps on Saturday night
- Quite a big meal out last night. It was all fish but there was creamy sauce. A very delicious creamy sauce.
Thursday, 21 February 2013
CrossFit with the big boys
When I went along to my CrossFit on Tuesday evening, for my first proper workout - I was nervous. Correction, I was very nervous.
All day long my tummy was in a knot as the time neared for me to head along to the box, my mouth was dry, my breath was short and my heart was pounding.
It's just a few miles from my work to the gym but getting across town in rush hour can take forever and so it made perfect sense to cycle there. I've not been out on my bike since last year when the weather was a bit better but I love my bike and this was the perfect reason to get back out on it.
And so at 5.15pm I left the office. At 5.25 I arrived - a good 20 minutes early. Who ever needs to be that early? No-one, that's who. I was really unsure about heading into the gym (even if it was at the right time) and so instead I stood outside in the drizzle pretending to fix my bike light. How pathetic is that?! Putting myself in new situations - and being confident, is something I'm used to. Something I think I'm quite good at - but here I was behaving like some school girl on her first day at a new school. Luckily for me, two girls who were at my introductory class turned up and I think they were as glad to see me as I was them. We chatted nervously for a moment and then headed in.
It was busy, people just finishing off a workout out people coming to the same class as me. Before I knew it - we were huddled round the white board being taken through the details of today's class. The wamup was to row 1200m and execute 300skips - any way we liked. So far, so good. Apart from a ponytail swooshing incident with the skipping rope (my hair and my rope) that went off without a hitch.
Next up some stretches, then handstands and pull up. Yeah, I just slipped that in there - handstands and pull ups! Crap. This was actually happening. The handstands were against a wall which is infinitely more easy that with no wall but still... I did gymnastics for a couple of years when I was about 11 and I could handstand/cartwheel/crab/elbow stand/forward roll with the best of them - but that was over 20 years ago. And I was a mere child (although I always had a big arse)!
I actually think I could almost do a handstand but not on the clock... I'd like some time to have a practise and see what I am capable of - and that includes landing on my noggin. So I opted to go for the scaled down version - a 40 second plank. I had to do this six times interspersed with my attempt at a pull up.
If you can't managed a pull up there are bands, pretty much just like massive elastic bands that you can use to help you. Even with one of these, I struggled to get my chin over the bar.
After all this, it was time for the WOD. Yup, the main workout was yet to come. Get a load of this:
I then had to cycle 2 miles home. But here I am, but two days later - just about to do it all again. I'm still store, my sides hurt, well - lots of places hurt but I did it. I'm going to keep doing it.
All day long my tummy was in a knot as the time neared for me to head along to the box, my mouth was dry, my breath was short and my heart was pounding.
It's just a few miles from my work to the gym but getting across town in rush hour can take forever and so it made perfect sense to cycle there. I've not been out on my bike since last year when the weather was a bit better but I love my bike and this was the perfect reason to get back out on it.
And so at 5.15pm I left the office. At 5.25 I arrived - a good 20 minutes early. Who ever needs to be that early? No-one, that's who. I was really unsure about heading into the gym (even if it was at the right time) and so instead I stood outside in the drizzle pretending to fix my bike light. How pathetic is that?! Putting myself in new situations - and being confident, is something I'm used to. Something I think I'm quite good at - but here I was behaving like some school girl on her first day at a new school. Luckily for me, two girls who were at my introductory class turned up and I think they were as glad to see me as I was them. We chatted nervously for a moment and then headed in.
It was busy, people just finishing off a workout out people coming to the same class as me. Before I knew it - we were huddled round the white board being taken through the details of today's class. The wamup was to row 1200m and execute 300skips - any way we liked. So far, so good. Apart from a ponytail swooshing incident with the skipping rope (my hair and my rope) that went off without a hitch.
Next up some stretches, then handstands and pull up. Yeah, I just slipped that in there - handstands and pull ups! Crap. This was actually happening. The handstands were against a wall which is infinitely more easy that with no wall but still... I did gymnastics for a couple of years when I was about 11 and I could handstand/cartwheel/crab/elbow stand/forward roll with the best of them - but that was over 20 years ago. And I was a mere child (although I always had a big arse)!
I actually think I could almost do a handstand but not on the clock... I'd like some time to have a practise and see what I am capable of - and that includes landing on my noggin. So I opted to go for the scaled down version - a 40 second plank. I had to do this six times interspersed with my attempt at a pull up.
If you can't managed a pull up there are bands, pretty much just like massive elastic bands that you can use to help you. Even with one of these, I struggled to get my chin over the bar.
After all this, it was time for the WOD. Yup, the main workout was yet to come. Get a load of this:
- 150 skips
- 40 box jumps
- 30 burpees
- 20 squats with a 7kg ball - throwing a ball off a wall on the way up and catching
- 10 knee ups (hanging from a bar and raising knees to chest)
I then had to cycle 2 miles home. But here I am, but two days later - just about to do it all again. I'm still store, my sides hurt, well - lots of places hurt but I did it. I'm going to keep doing it.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Weigh in
Pow POW. That's a pow for each of the pounds I lost this morning.
Yesireeeeeeee! 2lbs off. And I am skipping about with glee. Well, shuffling would be more apt, following CrossFit last night. More on that tomorrow.
That's the biggest loss I have had this year and I am now just three quarters of a pound away from half a stone. There have been a couple of days were I definitely had more than was ideal (baking club and meal out I am looking at you) but I tried to adapt the rest of those days, and certainly the rest of the week to make sure I made up for it.
I also pedalled my wee legs off at spinning, did my own workout at the gym involving high intensity squats and rowing - and almost died at CrossFit last night.
I'm really chuffed and I am feeling a bit more 'normal'. I just feel like I've lost a bit of the blobbyness (yes, that is a word) and I'm getting back to weight that is within the acceptable zone.
I'm gonna leave you today with two thoughts I've had over the past 24 hours. - which are actually slightly contradictory.
Starting Weight: 190.75 pounds
Current Weight: 184.5 pounds
Weight Loss This Week: 2 pounds
Total 2013 Weight Loss: 6.25 pounds
Yesireeeeeeee! 2lbs off. And I am skipping about with glee. Well, shuffling would be more apt, following CrossFit last night. More on that tomorrow.
That's the biggest loss I have had this year and I am now just three quarters of a pound away from half a stone. There have been a couple of days were I definitely had more than was ideal (baking club and meal out I am looking at you) but I tried to adapt the rest of those days, and certainly the rest of the week to make sure I made up for it.
I also pedalled my wee legs off at spinning, did my own workout at the gym involving high intensity squats and rowing - and almost died at CrossFit last night.
I'm really chuffed and I am feeling a bit more 'normal'. I just feel like I've lost a bit of the blobbyness (yes, that is a word) and I'm getting back to weight that is within the acceptable zone.
I'm gonna leave you today with two thoughts I've had over the past 24 hours. - which are actually slightly contradictory.
To lose 30lbs, you have to start with losing 1.
Being thin doesn't make you fabulous. Already am.
Starting Weight: 190.75 pounds
Current Weight: 184.5 pounds
Weight Loss This Week: 2 pounds
Total 2013 Weight Loss: 6.25 pounds
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Monday, 18 February 2013
Eat, drink, CrossFit
Spiffing weekend all round, folks.
It all kicked off with a boozy and very meaty meal with lover boy on Friday night. It was one one those Brazilian places where they try to kill you by feeding you enough meat to give you a heart attack right there at your table. I did eat quite a lot of meat but I stuck to lean cuts and fish. I had no bread, rice and the smallest scraping of potato. Go me! I did however, sink half a bottle of red wine and eight rum and diet cokes. Whoops. It was over the course of six hours, I hasten to add.
On Saturday after a monster lie in I pottered about with both my hairy boys and got my bike ready I can jump on it on Tuesday (crap, that's tomorrow) and hot-foot (well, pedal) it along to my first official CrossFit WOD class. So my tyres and pumped, the lights are working - no excuses. One particularly furry boy likes to follow me about and supervised the tyre pumping from above.
Later on Saturday I went to meet some friend's for coffee and then TB and I finally got round to watching the second part of Kill Bill. Yup, just a few years late.
On Sunday it was my last CrossFit introduction class. I have now 'graduated' and my bum and abs will most certainly testify to that. There was a a lot of squatting followed up by a fricking horrible WOD - albeit quite a short one. There was list of exercises - deadlifts, squats, wall balls, lunges etc etc. of which 20 reps of each had to be done. Oh Lordy. But wait - the best is yet to come. one of the exercises was a burpee and then a box jump. That's right - a lie on the floor full burpee - then I had to jump and land two feet at the same time on a box. Not cool. Burpees are one of my worst things ever - never mind when I have to jump on a sodding box straight after. And let's not forget I am sporting a bruise the length of my shin from falling onto it last week.
It was not fun but I did it all in just over 11mins which was time I was pretty bloody happy with. And what's 11 minutes? All day yesterday though my limbs were so heavy. Standing up and sitting down today... interesting.
I'm really nervous about my first class on Tuesday. I know I've been shown the basics but it's putting yourself into the position where everyone else knows each other and how the class operates that I'm worried about. I think I'll have forgotten everything and will look like a massive (fat) tube. Okay - that's not going to happen and those are my most negative thoughts. Starting something is always scary and tomorrow is just the first step in it not being scary. (Little pep-talk to myself there).
Over past week, and the weekend I have been enjoying the living hell outta these bad boys. It's a sweet potato pancake! After seeing a pic of Ffion's on twitter I just had to have a bash myself. This isn't a very good pic and the pancake was a little sweet pot heavy - but so delicious none the less. Simply mash 1/4 of a large, cooked sweet potato (no skin) with an egg and then fry like pancake batter. It is insane. I had this one with a salad and some cold meat too. You have to try it. It's the future! I made up two yesterday, had one for lunch and then popped the other in the fridge for today's lunch. Pow pow!
We also went out for walk and fed some ducks in the lovely wee park, we found tucked away. It was a gorgeous day and we ended up going for a cruise around some areas where we are thinking of buying. Nothing much to report on that front as yet - but the cogs are turning. I was also lavished with some Valentine's flowers on Thursday. It's not our style at all to do gifts but for some reason he was feeling the floral love. When it's out the blue like that it's really lovely and I went all girly and squishy. You know, squishy.
There is no reason for the pic of my boy here - just that I love it. He's just the best. See! Squishy.
We've had a really low key few weekends which has been nice (and worked well for CrossFit) but I am ready for a bit more fun and action - which is just as well since the next four are jam packed! Let the spring time, fun times roll.
It all kicked off with a boozy and very meaty meal with lover boy on Friday night. It was one one those Brazilian places where they try to kill you by feeding you enough meat to give you a heart attack right there at your table. I did eat quite a lot of meat but I stuck to lean cuts and fish. I had no bread, rice and the smallest scraping of potato. Go me! I did however, sink half a bottle of red wine and eight rum and diet cokes. Whoops. It was over the course of six hours, I hasten to add.
On Saturday after a monster lie in I pottered about with both my hairy boys and got my bike ready I can jump on it on Tuesday (crap, that's tomorrow) and hot-foot (well, pedal) it along to my first official CrossFit WOD class. So my tyres and pumped, the lights are working - no excuses. One particularly furry boy likes to follow me about and supervised the tyre pumping from above.
Later on Saturday I went to meet some friend's for coffee and then TB and I finally got round to watching the second part of Kill Bill. Yup, just a few years late.
On Sunday it was my last CrossFit introduction class. I have now 'graduated' and my bum and abs will most certainly testify to that. There was a a lot of squatting followed up by a fricking horrible WOD - albeit quite a short one. There was list of exercises - deadlifts, squats, wall balls, lunges etc etc. of which 20 reps of each had to be done. Oh Lordy. But wait - the best is yet to come. one of the exercises was a burpee and then a box jump. That's right - a lie on the floor full burpee - then I had to jump and land two feet at the same time on a box. Not cool. Burpees are one of my worst things ever - never mind when I have to jump on a sodding box straight after. And let's not forget I am sporting a bruise the length of my shin from falling onto it last week.
It was not fun but I did it all in just over 11mins which was time I was pretty bloody happy with. And what's 11 minutes? All day yesterday though my limbs were so heavy. Standing up and sitting down today... interesting.
I'm really nervous about my first class on Tuesday. I know I've been shown the basics but it's putting yourself into the position where everyone else knows each other and how the class operates that I'm worried about. I think I'll have forgotten everything and will look like a massive (fat) tube. Okay - that's not going to happen and those are my most negative thoughts. Starting something is always scary and tomorrow is just the first step in it not being scary. (Little pep-talk to myself there).
Over past week, and the weekend I have been enjoying the living hell outta these bad boys. It's a sweet potato pancake! After seeing a pic of Ffion's on twitter I just had to have a bash myself. This isn't a very good pic and the pancake was a little sweet pot heavy - but so delicious none the less. Simply mash 1/4 of a large, cooked sweet potato (no skin) with an egg and then fry like pancake batter. It is insane. I had this one with a salad and some cold meat too. You have to try it. It's the future! I made up two yesterday, had one for lunch and then popped the other in the fridge for today's lunch. Pow pow!We also went out for walk and fed some ducks in the lovely wee park, we found tucked away. It was a gorgeous day and we ended up going for a cruise around some areas where we are thinking of buying. Nothing much to report on that front as yet - but the cogs are turning. I was also lavished with some Valentine's flowers on Thursday. It's not our style at all to do gifts but for some reason he was feeling the floral love. When it's out the blue like that it's really lovely and I went all girly and squishy. You know, squishy.
There is no reason for the pic of my boy here - just that I love it. He's just the best. See! Squishy.
We've had a really low key few weekends which has been nice (and worked well for CrossFit) but I am ready for a bit more fun and action - which is just as well since the next four are jam packed! Let the spring time, fun times roll.
Friday, 15 February 2013
The good, the bad and the ugly fats
I'm cracking on with the paleo diet (but still having a little dairy too) and while I'm pretty happy with it there is one aspect that I can't quite get my head around - cooking with good fats.
I have been a fry lighter for years now. I like it. It works for me. However, I know it's not exactly the most natural of products. Over the past week or so I've shunned my squirty bottle for coconut oil - as per the paleo recommendation.
I've actually been using coconut oil for some time - but only a tiny amount in my porridge and also when stir frying. The paleo recipes I have followed have frequently asked for coconut oil to be used and in greater amounts than I feel okay with.
For example, last night I made this curry dish and also the cauliflower rice. The rice required me effectively stir frying the blitzed cauliflower in coconut oil and to stop it sticking I needed to use more than I was happy with. Quite a bit. It just goes against everything that has helped me to lose weight in the past. Especially as I the recipe also had coconut milk in it - even if it was 'light'.
I think I need to remember what works for me and not feel as I need to drastically switch things up. I was reading back over my old posts and found this one all about some of the key things which were helping me to lose weight. I was actually doing paleo most of the time, I just didn't feel the need to put it in a box and name it.
The cauliflower rice wasn't even that nice in the end! I should have just had the curry and served it up with some normal cauliflower that didn't need any oil, of any kind, added.
Have a great weekend and remember to love yourselves! x
I have been a fry lighter for years now. I like it. It works for me. However, I know it's not exactly the most natural of products. Over the past week or so I've shunned my squirty bottle for coconut oil - as per the paleo recommendation.
I've actually been using coconut oil for some time - but only a tiny amount in my porridge and also when stir frying. The paleo recipes I have followed have frequently asked for coconut oil to be used and in greater amounts than I feel okay with.
For example, last night I made this curry dish and also the cauliflower rice. The rice required me effectively stir frying the blitzed cauliflower in coconut oil and to stop it sticking I needed to use more than I was happy with. Quite a bit. It just goes against everything that has helped me to lose weight in the past. Especially as I the recipe also had coconut milk in it - even if it was 'light'.
I think I need to remember what works for me and not feel as I need to drastically switch things up. I was reading back over my old posts and found this one all about some of the key things which were helping me to lose weight. I was actually doing paleo most of the time, I just didn't feel the need to put it in a box and name it.
The cauliflower rice wasn't even that nice in the end! I should have just had the curry and served it up with some normal cauliflower that didn't need any oil, of any kind, added.
Have a great weekend and remember to love yourselves! x
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Rolo cake
Last night was baking club and the theme was Valentine's Day. I decided to bust out a Rolo cake (who would you give your last Rolo to?). This is not for the faint hearted. You have gotta have some serious love for chocolate and toffee to really appreciated this bad boy. So really, it was a match made in heaven for me!
Two browie cakes (made with a shit load of butter and plain choc - and a pack of rolos in each) sandwiched together with toffee and then convered in a milk choc (Galaxy) ganache. And then topped with even more rolo's - it's a beast!
By the time I carried it into work and then a mile from work to the baking club in the driving sleet and snow, things had started to slide somewhat and I had to do a repair job - pushing the top layer back onto to the botttom one and so the final look was somewhat rustic! Of course, I added the obligiatary last Rolo wrapped in foil.
The original recipe is here and as you can see it is far more polished than mine.
Of course, this wasn't exactly diet or paleo friendly (sound the understatement claxon!). In fact, it's possibly the worst thing I could have! I may also have indulged in a few other cakes. More than I planned to, in fact. However, here is my take on it... I probably had about 1,000 cals worth of cake. All I had the rest of the day was about 600cals. It's far from ideal - but it's not the end of the world. It's heads down for a lean and mean week.
Onwards!
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Weigh in
Just and fair - that what this week's 1.75lbs loss is.
Yes dear readers... I have finally managed to have a weight loss that I feel truly reflects the hard work I put in this week.
In addition to three workouts, I also got right on board with the whole paleo diet and shunned carbs. My fajitas were served up on a lettuce leaf not a wrap; it was eggs for breakfast instead of porridge; sandwiches were ignored in favour of a monty pile of salad.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't paleo perfect. Over the week I...
So the plan for the next seven days is to enjoy baking club tonight (post gym) and have one or two small tastes only (which will be my dinner), enjoy my meal out on Friday with TB* which is at a Brazilian restaurant specialising in lots of meats - so no problem with grains there and watch the portion sizes and above all - the sugar!
While I have been hacked off with my crappy losses this year - something to bear in mind is that I have actually had four losses in a row. Progress may be bloody slow but the trend is downwards!
Starting Weight: 190.75 pounds
Current Weight: 186.5 pounds
Weight Loss This Week: 1.75 pounds
Total 2013 Weight Loss: 4.25 pounds
Yes dear readers... I have finally managed to have a weight loss that I feel truly reflects the hard work I put in this week.
In addition to three workouts, I also got right on board with the whole paleo diet and shunned carbs. My fajitas were served up on a lettuce leaf not a wrap; it was eggs for breakfast instead of porridge; sandwiches were ignored in favour of a monty pile of salad.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't paleo perfect. Over the week I...
- Ate a few mouthfuls of white bread. There was a soft squidgy loaf at home that was all to easy to rip a bit off and shove in my gob
- Drank normal milk in my coffee
- Ate some cheese
- Had 2 drinks, a rum and DC and a vodka and apple juice
- Had sugar - in a variety of places. Namely rolos, 1/2 a muffin, licking the chocolate ganache when decorating a cake, two small pieces of caramel shortbread, 1 spoon of nutella, around 10 boiled sweets, 3 quality street
- Ate 1 nacho and about 15 onion rings and a handful of honey roast nuts
So the plan for the next seven days is to enjoy baking club tonight (post gym) and have one or two small tastes only (which will be my dinner), enjoy my meal out on Friday with TB* which is at a Brazilian restaurant specialising in lots of meats - so no problem with grains there and watch the portion sizes and above all - the sugar!
While I have been hacked off with my crappy losses this year - something to bear in mind is that I have actually had four losses in a row. Progress may be bloody slow but the trend is downwards!
Starting Weight: 190.75 pounds
Current Weight: 186.5 pounds
Weight Loss This Week: 1.75 pounds
Total 2013 Weight Loss: 4.25 pounds
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Headless chicken impersonator
I've had a mental couple of days and am just sitting down at the computer after running around like a total maddie.
So here are some pics from my weekend....
- Banana & Nutella muffins made from this lovely recipe. I made loads and just about all of them into work. They were actually nicer when cold as the nutella was more gooey and not so runny. I know this because I had half one and I made TB eat 2 and the other half so I could assess.
- That is my poor shin after I tried box jumps at CrossFit. I was did not commit to my first jump and it all went a bit tits up. However, I had a quick word with myself (i.e. stop being a fanny) and got on with jumping on the box. That shit is hard!
- The weather on Sunday was utter poop (perfect for baking).
- My parents were visiting this weekend and on Saturday I made them a paleo meal - which they didn't even know! Baked mushrooms, Garlic and spinach stuffed chicken and stuffed aubergine too. I'll do a proper post on those recipes as they were pretty god damn tasty!
- On Saturday when the weather was nicer we managed to get out of a wee walk. I always going somewhere I've never been before, especially when it's on my doorstep.
Friday, 8 February 2013
Made you look...
As much as I would love to shove most of the contents of my shopping list into my face, rapid style - I can confirm that will not be happening.
First up, rolo cake. I'm making that on Sunday for my baking club. I'll decorate it a few days later just before the club. I can't exactly turn up with a half eaten cake so no worries about launching that down my pie whole.
There is also ingredients for nutella banana muffins on there. I have a new muffin tin that I got for Christmas which I am dying to use. I'm making the muffins on Sunday and am taking them into work the next day.
Finally, pancakes - these are for a voluntary group I help with and I am just doing the shopping.
I'm actually going to have a rip snorter of a weekend. It's a quiet night in tonight with TB - no danger there. Tomorrow we're going for a walk with my folk's who are visiting and they are coming to me for dinner - something nice and healthy will be on the menu (I'm thinking baked aubergine and garlic chicken - or something like that) and then Sunday is round 2 of CrossFit.
How are your weekend shaping up mes amies?
First up, rolo cake. I'm making that on Sunday for my baking club. I'll decorate it a few days later just before the club. I can't exactly turn up with a half eaten cake so no worries about launching that down my pie whole.
There is also ingredients for nutella banana muffins on there. I have a new muffin tin that I got for Christmas which I am dying to use. I'm making the muffins on Sunday and am taking them into work the next day.
Finally, pancakes - these are for a voluntary group I help with and I am just doing the shopping.
I'm actually going to have a rip snorter of a weekend. It's a quiet night in tonight with TB - no danger there. Tomorrow we're going for a walk with my folk's who are visiting and they are coming to me for dinner - something nice and healthy will be on the menu (I'm thinking baked aubergine and garlic chicken - or something like that) and then Sunday is round 2 of CrossFit.
How are your weekend shaping up mes amies?
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Weigh in
I could blow my nose and lose more than a quarter of a pound. That's right, this week I lost a quarter of a sodding pound. What the chuff?
Yeah, yeah, it's all going in the right direction, muscle weighs more than fat and so on... blah blah blah. Quite frankly, that chat does nothing to appease me right now as it's practically a non-moving figure and I have not been doing enough resistance work to gain muscle.
I am pissed off. But unsurprised. The weight loss game is nothing if not fickle. Some weeks you get away with more than you should and others, well... seems as if the world has gone utterly bonkers (today is a bonkers day, in case you were wondering).
So yeah, thinking back over the past week there were a few things I ate and drank that wouldn't have helped me to lose weight but I know I didn't deserve to lose a lot but I know how much I put in (or rather, didn't put in my gob) and a pound loss would be realistic. I mean, for crying out loud - I've only lost two and a half pounds this year. What a yolk!
To help me focus and also identify if I am 'treating' myself more than I actually realise I've bought myself a new notebook. Writing down everything I eat definitely helps me. I'm also going to try and cut back on eating grains. This is the fundamental building block of the paleo diet - a way of eating that lots of CrossFitters recommend. I'm not a million miles away from it as I only very occasionally eat bread, sometimes rice/cous-cous and practically never touch pasta. I do however, eat porridge for breakfast five days a week. I'm going to try swapping this for eggs for a week. I love eggs so I'm quite excited about that!
The whole ethos surrounding the diet (which is also called the caveman diet) is about eating foods that we could hunt or find (meats, eggs, fish, nuts, leafy greens, vegetables and seeds) so processed foods are a no no. My meals are almost always home cooked from scratch - it's the snacking I need to give some thought to.
The other key thing is sugar - or more to the point, lack of it. I have a bit of a problem with sugar in that I bloody love the stuff but I know it's not good for me - and I'm not just talking about the size of my arse. To be honest this is the area that would be the biggest challenge for me as sugar is in everything that I love and am tempted by. If I could cut out sugar I know I would find it easier to lose weight.
Paleo dieters also avoid dairy. I love milky coffees and teas so I'm not sure how to broach that one. Has anyone had any experience with almond milk or other alternatives.
Having said all this, I am now going home to make chicken and chorizo jambalaya for dinner -which has two key ingredients that aren't paleo friendly - rice and chorizo!
Starting Weight: 190.75 pounds
Current Weight: 188.25 pounds
Weight Loss This Week: 0.25 pounds
Total 2013 Weight Loss: 2.5 pounds
Yeah, yeah, it's all going in the right direction, muscle weighs more than fat and so on... blah blah blah. Quite frankly, that chat does nothing to appease me right now as it's practically a non-moving figure and I have not been doing enough resistance work to gain muscle.
I am pissed off. But unsurprised. The weight loss game is nothing if not fickle. Some weeks you get away with more than you should and others, well... seems as if the world has gone utterly bonkers (today is a bonkers day, in case you were wondering).
So yeah, thinking back over the past week there were a few things I ate and drank that wouldn't have helped me to lose weight but I know I didn't deserve to lose a lot but I know how much I put in (or rather, didn't put in my gob) and a pound loss would be realistic. I mean, for crying out loud - I've only lost two and a half pounds this year. What a yolk!
To help me focus and also identify if I am 'treating' myself more than I actually realise I've bought myself a new notebook. Writing down everything I eat definitely helps me. I'm also going to try and cut back on eating grains. This is the fundamental building block of the paleo diet - a way of eating that lots of CrossFitters recommend. I'm not a million miles away from it as I only very occasionally eat bread, sometimes rice/cous-cous and practically never touch pasta. I do however, eat porridge for breakfast five days a week. I'm going to try swapping this for eggs for a week. I love eggs so I'm quite excited about that!
The whole ethos surrounding the diet (which is also called the caveman diet) is about eating foods that we could hunt or find (meats, eggs, fish, nuts, leafy greens, vegetables and seeds) so processed foods are a no no. My meals are almost always home cooked from scratch - it's the snacking I need to give some thought to.
The other key thing is sugar - or more to the point, lack of it. I have a bit of a problem with sugar in that I bloody love the stuff but I know it's not good for me - and I'm not just talking about the size of my arse. To be honest this is the area that would be the biggest challenge for me as sugar is in everything that I love and am tempted by. If I could cut out sugar I know I would find it easier to lose weight.
Paleo dieters also avoid dairy. I love milky coffees and teas so I'm not sure how to broach that one. Has anyone had any experience with almond milk or other alternatives.
Having said all this, I am now going home to make chicken and chorizo jambalaya for dinner -which has two key ingredients that aren't paleo friendly - rice and chorizo!
Starting Weight: 190.75 pounds
Current Weight: 188.25 pounds
Weight Loss This Week: 0.25 pounds
Total 2013 Weight Loss: 2.5 pounds
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
The ankle of doom
I seem to have buggered my ankle.
The same ankle that I came a cropper on away back in August 2011. Not good and what's even more annoying is I don't even know how I did it.
It felt a bit sore on Friday at work and that night, upon closer inspection, I realised it's totally swollen - in exactly the same place it was when I fell off that bloody tyre. And it seems to be getting stiffer. Stairs are most definitely not good and there is a general pain up my leg and in my foot when I wiggle it.
The only time I can think when I could have done something to it is on Thursday night at the gym - even though I didn't do anything out of the ordinary and there was no pain at the time. Weird.
Now, it would probably be sensible to ease off on it and not really do any exercise. However, it seems that if I'm not meant to do something - then that's exactly what I want to do! So I'm going to the gym tonight- regardless. Yes, red rag to a bull (I am a Taurean, no shit). I'm going to stick to the bike and the cross trainer - basically lots of low impact stuff.
It's also a way of making sure my evening is busy busy and there is no time to think about what I might like to munch on and how one more bit of caramel shortbread won't really matter.
The same ankle that I came a cropper on away back in August 2011. Not good and what's even more annoying is I don't even know how I did it.
It felt a bit sore on Friday at work and that night, upon closer inspection, I realised it's totally swollen - in exactly the same place it was when I fell off that bloody tyre. And it seems to be getting stiffer. Stairs are most definitely not good and there is a general pain up my leg and in my foot when I wiggle it.
The only time I can think when I could have done something to it is on Thursday night at the gym - even though I didn't do anything out of the ordinary and there was no pain at the time. Weird.
Now, it would probably be sensible to ease off on it and not really do any exercise. However, it seems that if I'm not meant to do something - then that's exactly what I want to do! So I'm going to the gym tonight- regardless. Yes, red rag to a bull (I am a Taurean, no shit). I'm going to stick to the bike and the cross trainer - basically lots of low impact stuff.
It's also a way of making sure my evening is busy busy and there is no time to think about what I might like to munch on and how one more bit of caramel shortbread won't really matter.
Monday, 4 February 2013
The weekend, good food and the diet
I had a such a nice weekend.
Friday night I was at my friend's pizza party. They make the dough, you bring the toppings - and then you create your own pizza. Simple. It was also pretty healthy as they dough was the kind that needed to be rolled paper thin. What wasn't so healthy was the rum and diet cokes and the bit of crispy cake I snaffled. Whoops!
On Saturday we had a very lazy day. A very long lie followed by a very healthy salad with cold meat and a boiled egg for lunch. I've just started adding raw broccoli to my salads and I have to say - I'm impressed (yes this is what my life has come to - being impressed by broccoli!). That pic was just the beginning of my salad prep - it was a lot bigger by the end! We also did a quick tidy round. TB was hoovering when it started to make a funny noise. He said he was going to take a look at it. I returned just a few moments to this scene! Diagnosis: Hoover is buggered. TB is at least pleased he fully knows how it works now. Well, worked.
For dinner we had turkey burgers - i.e. a turkey breast grilled instead of a burger. I ditched the bun and instead had yet another salad (which was massive) with roasted aubergine and sweet potato wedges. It was all very healthy but thinking back I wonder was it too much? We just then kicked back, watched telly and were in bed for 1am. Most enjoyable (again, my life has come to this).
The next day was... CrossFit day - the first of my Elementals class. I wasn't as nervous as when I headed off for my taster session but I was still feeling a bit jingly jangly. I needn't have been. Although the class was over 2 hours, most of it was going over the key movements to make sure we were getting them right i.e. deadlifts and squats. The only time I felt like a bit of a tool was when it came to press ups. The toughest level is on the floor - a proper press up. The next level up is leaning on a box - so that your body is at more of a 45 degree angle.You can then turn the box on it's side so you are at less of an angle to the ground. The next and easiest possible version is leaning against the edge of a stage-like area. Guess who had to opt for the easiest version. Hmmmm.
The WOD (workout of the day) was also entirely do-able (since my bar for the deadlifts only had 9lbs kg on it total) but I really need to work on my cardio as it was the running I struggled with the most. I completed it in 6mins 20 seconds and was actually one of the fastest. I really could have put more weight on but I wasn't sure how hard it would be.
The only stumbling block was the caramel shortbread TB made. He told me he was making it and I almost asked him not to. But for crying out loud, you cannot live your life like that! And oh lordy, it was SO good. I know this because I had two very small pieces. I also licked the caramel from the pot until I had almost taken the non stick surface off too.
I just need to keep my face out the tin. I am on a diet. 'Just one piece' everyday is not okay. FOCUS.
Friday night I was at my friend's pizza party. They make the dough, you bring the toppings - and then you create your own pizza. Simple. It was also pretty healthy as they dough was the kind that needed to be rolled paper thin. What wasn't so healthy was the rum and diet cokes and the bit of crispy cake I snaffled. Whoops!
On Saturday we had a very lazy day. A very long lie followed by a very healthy salad with cold meat and a boiled egg for lunch. I've just started adding raw broccoli to my salads and I have to say - I'm impressed (yes this is what my life has come to - being impressed by broccoli!). That pic was just the beginning of my salad prep - it was a lot bigger by the end! We also did a quick tidy round. TB was hoovering when it started to make a funny noise. He said he was going to take a look at it. I returned just a few moments to this scene! Diagnosis: Hoover is buggered. TB is at least pleased he fully knows how it works now. Well, worked.
For dinner we had turkey burgers - i.e. a turkey breast grilled instead of a burger. I ditched the bun and instead had yet another salad (which was massive) with roasted aubergine and sweet potato wedges. It was all very healthy but thinking back I wonder was it too much? We just then kicked back, watched telly and were in bed for 1am. Most enjoyable (again, my life has come to this).
The next day was... CrossFit day - the first of my Elementals class. I wasn't as nervous as when I headed off for my taster session but I was still feeling a bit jingly jangly. I needn't have been. Although the class was over 2 hours, most of it was going over the key movements to make sure we were getting them right i.e. deadlifts and squats. The only time I felt like a bit of a tool was when it came to press ups. The toughest level is on the floor - a proper press up. The next level up is leaning on a box - so that your body is at more of a 45 degree angle.You can then turn the box on it's side so you are at less of an angle to the ground. The next and easiest possible version is leaning against the edge of a stage-like area. Guess who had to opt for the easiest version. Hmmmm.
The WOD (workout of the day) was also entirely do-able (since my bar for the deadlifts only had 9lbs kg on it total) but I really need to work on my cardio as it was the running I struggled with the most. I completed it in 6mins 20 seconds and was actually one of the fastest. I really could have put more weight on but I wasn't sure how hard it would be.
- 200m run
- 15 squats, press ups, deadlifts
- 12 squats, press ups, deadlifts
- 9 squats, press ups, deadlifts
- 200m run
The only stumbling block was the caramel shortbread TB made. He told me he was making it and I almost asked him not to. But for crying out loud, you cannot live your life like that! And oh lordy, it was SO good. I know this because I had two very small pieces. I also licked the caramel from the pot until I had almost taken the non stick surface off too.
I just need to keep my face out the tin. I am on a diet. 'Just one piece' everyday is not okay. FOCUS.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Totes Emosh
To those that know me it's not exactly a secret I'm an emotional person. I pretty much cry at the drop of a hat (that scene in neighbours when Darren had to leave Libby and got on the bus out of Melbourne just about sent my 14 year old self over the edge) And this week has been no exception.
Last night I heard about my friend's hospital tests and the results are the best they could possibly be. They phoned me last night and I could barely speak for crying. I'm just about to set myself off again thinking about it right now. I cried about it five separate times last night. The happy feelings are just too much.
Just when I think I've got it together I decide to catch up on my unread blogs and once again I am brimming up. I see the names of the same bloggers coming up time and time again in the comments - on my blog and others. There are times when we all struggle but there is the incredible support system from people that most of us have never met. Just knowing that people are thinking about you and wish the best for you is an incredible feeling and one I am so grateful for. Virtual hugs for all!
In addition to this massive love-in, I'm feeling good because I managed to run on the treadmill for 10 minutes, without stopping last night. It might not sound much but it's a massive improvement from about 2 weeks ago when I could only manage 2 minutes.
So just about everything is all right in my little world again. It's amazing how things can turn around so quickly. I'm off to a friend's tonight for pizza and drinks (heavy on the salad, light on the pizza and diet mixers and spirits), TB and I have a day and night of pottering (oh how I love to potter) and relaxing on Saturday and then it's my first CrossFit introduction class on Sunday. I'm still nervous about it but I just have to remind myself it's always scary starting something new and being comfortable never got you anywhere.
Be kind yourselves this weekend, make time for you and remember - someone is always thinking about you. x
Last night I heard about my friend's hospital tests and the results are the best they could possibly be. They phoned me last night and I could barely speak for crying. I'm just about to set myself off again thinking about it right now. I cried about it five separate times last night. The happy feelings are just too much.
Just when I think I've got it together I decide to catch up on my unread blogs and once again I am brimming up. I see the names of the same bloggers coming up time and time again in the comments - on my blog and others. There are times when we all struggle but there is the incredible support system from people that most of us have never met. Just knowing that people are thinking about you and wish the best for you is an incredible feeling and one I am so grateful for. Virtual hugs for all!
In addition to this massive love-in, I'm feeling good because I managed to run on the treadmill for 10 minutes, without stopping last night. It might not sound much but it's a massive improvement from about 2 weeks ago when I could only manage 2 minutes.
So just about everything is all right in my little world again. It's amazing how things can turn around so quickly. I'm off to a friend's tonight for pizza and drinks (heavy on the salad, light on the pizza and diet mixers and spirits), TB and I have a day and night of pottering (oh how I love to potter) and relaxing on Saturday and then it's my first CrossFit introduction class on Sunday. I'm still nervous about it but I just have to remind myself it's always scary starting something new and being comfortable never got you anywhere.
Be kind yourselves this weekend, make time for you and remember - someone is always thinking about you. x
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