Stress For Weight Loss

Well I'm delighted to say I've lost two pounds this week, and I'm going to attribute it all to the stress of job hunting.  I've either been too busy to eat of feeling too nervous.

This is going to be a really short post this morning as I'm off for a job interview today and I need to get ready.  So fingers crossed and yipee I lost weight this week.....

Luv Suz xx

Dismal Dismal Dismal

Morning all, it's a very dismal day here, it's raining again, like it's done for most of the weekend.  I haven't been out for a walk all weekend.  I haven't done any other exercise either.  Mostly I've hibernated and spent the time between planning my son's birthday party and eating the things we've been making.

So it's Monday again and again I've not been great since Thursday.  See a pattern?  It's not good.  How am  I going to get through the winter continuing to lose weight if i can't even get through a few weeks of rain.

Not sure how the rest of this week is going to go, I've got too many things to do to get on with some good exercise.
Monday, shopping and ironing,
Tuesday into Edinburgh to meet some recruitment agents and buy a new suit,
Wednesday and Thursday, tidy house for mother in law arriving.
Friday more food shopping, mother in law arriving, Tom having friend over....

feeling harassed just looking at the list....

Have a good week
Suz xx

Dieting in the Winter

Morning all, I'm a bit later than usual today as things are really busy here, so many job applications and info flying here there and everywhere and even the odd power cut.

Well I haven't lost anything this week, which I'm a bit disappointed with but then again haven't put on anything either.  You'll see from my exercise list that mostly I was walking this week, even though I had hoped to get in some more calorie burning aerobics.

I have to admit the weather is putting a serious dampener on my mood, which is not good.  In the spring and summer the world is full of lovely sunny possibilities but in autumn it's just dull and drab and mostly that's how I feel.  Most things feel like just too much effort.  Not good when applying for jobs or motivating yourself to get some exercise.

I've been chatting with my mum about dieting and exercise over the winter and how you keep up the momentum, and sadly we didn't really come to any conclusions.  I will say clearly I'm not giving up, there is no giving up, after all I'm not really on a diet as such, this is a change of lifestyle.  I would however like to keep losing weight and that seems hard to achieve at the moment.

On a plus note I did get a dress for my Christmas night out.  So it's an animal print maxi dress.  Not the sort of thing I would usually buy, I'm more a block colour kind of person but it looked good on and I felt thinner and taller wearing it so thumbs up.  If I lose any weight then the dress will only look better...yipee

That's me today, have a good week all.

Suzanne xx

Christmas Night Out

Hi all, I've had a so, so weekend.  Not been very bad, but not been very good either.  Had a wee jump on the scales this morning and predictably I'm still the same weight.  Still 3 days to go before weigh in.

In the hope of creating some motivation, my friend Ali and I organised a Christmas night out.  I'm quite excited I really like to dance, in fact with the right shoes I can dance all night.  So my mind has been turning to outfits.  I've spent some time this weekend scrolling through pages and pages of dresses on line.  I've looked at very.co.uk and asos.com



Really love this dress on ASOS but can't imagine myself in it, at least not yet, maybe Christmas next year.


Really liked this one at Monsoon.co.uk but at £170 it's over twice what I'd want to pay.

Mostly I've come to the conclusion that I have no idea what will suit me any more.  I'm two stone lighter and now have short hair.

Think it's time for a good wander round the shops trying on a few frocks.  Good bit of motivation.

Have a good day

Luv Suz xx

Getting Back To It...

Morning all, can't believe it's Thursday again.  It's been another loss free week.  Not that I'm surprised, I've eaten what I felt like and did no real exercise.  On the other hand it's a testament to the Paul McKenna method that I've not put on any weight.  In a way this gives me some hope for the future that even after I've lost everything I'll be able to hold at a weight.

Still today I'm feeling much better and all ready to get some exercise.  Once my breakfast has had the required 2 hrs to settle I'll be getting on with some light Salsacise.  I'm not going to do the full programm as I still think that might be beyond me for today but I think I could do the 2 basic routines a couple of times to make up an hour.  Sounds like a plan...  Hopefully if the weather holds I'll also get out for a nice evening walk.

Feeling all bright and cheery this morning, probably because it's all bright and cheery outside.

Have a good day everyone, more on Monday.

Luv Suz xx

Walking Walking and More Walking

Morning all, I'd like to say I'm all better now and absolutely brimming with energy but that would be a lie.  I am better, but still not well enough to salsacise or do any serious aerobic exercise.  So this will be walking week.  The weather has picked up and the forecast for the week is bright with very little rain, at least so far.  It's walk to school week as well so this seems like a good chance to get in lots of walking.

Not a great weekend for food, out on Friday night for a handbag party.  Loads of fun and great chat, some wine and food, reasonably  late night.  This left me feeling tired and listless on Saturday so there was a little munching and then chocolate truffle roulade at night.  Hang my head in shame.  Yesterday wasn't too bad we headed out for a lovely walk in the morning, only to find ourselves ankle deep in mud in Bellsquarry Woods.  We then decided to collect some Brambles and a few apples from the Orchard, this sadly led to gorgeous home made bramble and apple scones.

Today is a new day and after all that my best hope for Thursday is to keep my weight stable.

So a question...

Why can't I get myself into the healthy lifestyle when I'm not able to do aerobic exercise?

I have noticed that on days where I exercise I find it much easier to resist eating when I'm not hungry.

Have a great day everyone and fingers crossed for Thursday.

Luv Suz xx

Still not well :0(

OK this is going to be a short one as I'm running late this morning and there really isn't much to say about this week.

On the weight loss front I've managed to hold my weight this week which considering I'm still snotty as hell and my throat hurts too is a miracle.  I have been trying to minimise the comfort food but when your poor wee throat is sore lovely ice cream just feels so good.  Also I don't think throat lozenges are particularly low in calories.

I did get a good nights sleep last night so I'm feeling a bit perkier but unfortunately still not well enough to get some salsa or some urban groove on.  I miss my exercise... walking is good but not the same sense of achievement.

Today I've joined in a school mums diet club, not like weight watchers just a chance for us all to support each other in our get slim for Christmas efforts.  So a big good luck shout out to the Bellsquarry P2 Mums Diet Club...

So have a great day all and please send lots of happy get well thoughts in my direction.

Luv Suz xx

Arghhh Still Ill 2

OK by today I thought I'd be writing that I'd had a great weekend and had been doing loads of exercise as I felt way better.  Unfortunately not.

On Thursday I got out for a lovely walk with my mum and it definitely made me feel better.  Then it spent the next few days pouring with rain, so no more walking.  I'm still not really well enough for serious exercise.

I have noticed a bad trend.  If I'm not doing any exercise and that includes walking I find it much harder to resist eating when I'm not hungry.  Mostly I think I'm bored....  I've got loads to do but right now none of it seems very exciting.

What I really need to do is make a list and just get going.  That'll be my plan for today.  That and keep my son amused.  Yes it's holiday time again.....still it's only two days.

Have a great few days, weigh in day on Thursday....

Suz xx

Arghhh Still Ill.....

Really getting fed up, I'm still ill.  So this week I was hoping to stay the same but I can sadly report this is not the case.  I have put on two pounds.  I just can't seem to making any headway on moving from two stone (28 pounds) to three (42 pounds).

So what's happened this week?  It's quite simple really.
I've been too ill to do any exercise.
I've been feeling really miserable and have been comfort eating.
I'm bored and have been eating for that too.

I really wanted to be feeling better today but instead my cold is now a sore throat.  I did however manage to walk to school yesterday and pick up my son and I'm contemplating a walk to school this morning.  I have a real case of cabin fever at this point.

As for the eating, while I have been over eating it's still different from when I was a total fatty.
I used to just grab a giant bag of crisps and a huge bar of chocolate from the supermarket and wowf in.  Now I'm wandering aimlessly through the supermarket searching for that one food that will make me feel better.  As if such a thing existed.
That is partly my problem.  I didn't find anything good so instead I came home and was searching through the snack cupboard.  Tried a bag of wotsits, didn't work.  Tried a Tunnock's caramel wafer, not bad but not quite right.  The thing is, no bit of food is going to make me feel better so I just keep eating and eating with no result....and before long I've polished off four of five snacks and am now feeing somewhat sick but still just as miserable and ill.

Today I'm going to do a little light housework, finish off some of my beading tasks, pictures later, and try not to eat except when I'm hungry.

Have a good day everyone.

Being Ill is Rubbish

Not much to say for myself today.  I've been ill all weekend, It started on Thursday afternoon and then progressively got worse.  So I've done no exercise, I've stayed in bed almost all weekend and I've just eaten whatever I felt like.  Still feeling a little rough at this point but hopefully I'll get back to normal before the end of this week.  Goal for this week now becomes keeping my weight the same as last week.

Hoping for a better day, shame about the impending storms....

Luv Suz xx

I Found my Paul McKenna Book

Morning all, it's a wet dreich morning here in Livingston but I'm all sunshine and happiness this morning as I've lost 2.5 pounds this week.  I'm practically dancing round the kitchen, or I would be if I wasn't typing.

As you know over the past few months I've been really struggling and this week I lucked out big style.  As I was hunting for books for the schools recycling drive, I finally found my missing Paul McKenna book.  So after my nice long walk on Monday evening I settled into a warm bath and began to read.  After an hour and with a definite need to get out of a now cool bath I was starting to see where I was going wrong.  On Tuesday I had a  nice long chat with my mum and resolved to come home and finish the book, which I have done.

So where was I going wrong?

• I think mostly I had turned this from a change of lifestyle into just another obsessive diet where I've been trying to avoid certain foods and not dealing with my emotional eating in any other way than just snacking.  
• I had tried to tell myself that I should just eat my meals and have nothing in between.  I should have been telling myself to eat when I was hungry.  
• I had classified some foods as bad and as a consequence was making them more appealing.  I should have eaten the foods if I wanted as long as I was hungry.  I
• Over all I was trying to exert a fake control over what I was eating rather than just relaxing and listening to what my body was telling me.  I had become really focussed on the end  but there is no end, this kind of eating is forever.  

So.... for the last few days I have relaxed and returned properly to the Paul McKenna System.  I've had a good mix of foods, apples, ice cream, fruit juice, burger, loads of fish (mmmmmmmm)and vegetables, just whatever I really wanted and I'm two and a half pounds lighter.

If your sceptical about the method and are a total serial dieter then I'd say you've got nothing to lose in trying it.

Have a great weekend everyone, more on Monday.

Luv Suz xx

The Joy of Walking!

Morning all, it's Monday again, another weekend over.  A small trip onto the scales this morning indicated no change in my weight.  This is a good thing.  On Thursday night, dinner was a very swift trip to the chip shop before heading out to the meet the teacher night.  Then of course I'd already had a scone at the garden centre.  On Saturday it was my Dad's birthday (59) and we finished off dinner with apple pie.  So all in all being the same weight is pretty good.

The only exercise I've managed so far this week has been a nice fast walk yesterday evening.  I keep asking myself where is the time going, particularly at the weekend.

I love getting out for a walk.  Last night was an ipod event.  Just me pounding along the pavement listening to Queen, ABBA, the Beatles, Franz Ferdinand etc... a carefully chosen selection of well paced tracks to keep me going.

 If the rain holds off this evening I'll be back out with some lovely friends for a slightly slower walk and lots of chat.  It's definitely harder to walk at speed in a group. The thing to remember when you are walking is that it's only the distance that reflect the amount of calories burned so speed really doesn't matter.

New hair cut....

Have a great day.

Luv Suz xx

Week 21 - A Better Week

Thursday again and I'm relieved to say I lost 1.5 pounds this week.

The exercise has certainly gone better this week, thanks mostly to my lovely friends and mum for getting me out for walks.  As for the food, I still seem to be a little on the snacky side so, for this week only, I'll be recording a food diary every day.  PMS is rearing it's ugly head as well so that'll make this week extra challenging, but I'm all ready for a fight.....

Got my hair cut, absolutely love it...picture on Monday..just need to get a good one.  Tried taking one with the web cam but it looked really weird...

Off out for a cuppa at our local garden centre this afternoon.  Think I'll have a light lunch as I quite fancy a wee scone.

Saw this great quote on facebook so I'm going to pinch it...

 "Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.". Then try the same with your next meal. 

Thich Nhat Hanh

That's all for today have a great weekend, more on Monday.

Suz xx

Struggling to Get Back to Exercise

Morning all, I'm delighted to say it's a sunny morning hear.  It does make me feel better than all that dismal rain.

If you've been reading my blog you'll know that I've been loving the exercise.  So why is it now that I've had a small gap of no exercise am I struggling to get back in gear.  Struggling might be the word I'd apply to my whole endeavour at the moment, however giving up is not one I'll be using.

I started out quite well on Thursday, got in a good walk but with all the rain at the weekend making it hard for my wee monster to get out to play or off to the park it's been hard to get time and space to get the exercise going.  To top it off I'm all aches and pains but I think that's because I'm not exercising.

So it's Monday now, he's off to school today.  I've a little shopping to get done and then it's home and salsacise here I come.  To make things even better I've got another walk planned with a few of the lovely school mums for this evening.  Fingers crossed it doesn't rain.

On the haircut topic, I've got my appointment booked for tomorrow.  I was looking back through some old photos trying to find ones where my hair was shorter, and there were quite a few.  This makes me think that when I'm thinner and don't mind getting my picture taken as much, I also want to have short hair. As I get fatter I let my hair grow and then never want my picture taken.  Strange!  Anyway despite the fact that I'm not feeling particularly thin at the moment (getting into Size 18 clothes at the shops) I'm going to brave a short cut.

Something like this.  I've had this before and in the photos it was the short cut my husband liked best..  Obviously I don't think after it I'm going to look like the lovely Keira Knightly, I'm not that delusional.

A quick photo scan latter and here is what I will probably look like.  Only I've got more of a side parting now and I think I want a wee sweepy fringe, or maybe not..








Anyway out of time today, feeling the more positive vibe now.  More on Thursday.

Love Suz xx

31.5 steps forward and 2 steps back!

Well, after a week of feeling rubbish and munching and munching and munching and doing no exercise I'm finally feeling better.  Then I stepped on the scales to access the damage done.  Arghhhhh I've put on two pounds....

Not a happy bunny.

There will be exercise today...

Off shopping to the Gyle today, helping my Mum hunt for new clothes that go with her fab new hair cut and colour...really need a haircut myself, I think it's time for a big change....

More on  Monday.....

Luv Suz

When you feel miserable why does food seem like such a comfort?

So it's Sunday night, not Monday morning and I thought I'd get this down before I've had time to sleep on it and feel better.

I've had a bit of a miserable weekend, no one and nothing to blame, I've not been feeling great.  It started  Saturday afternoon a general feeling of rubbishness, you know, sore head no energy, grumpy and miserable, and freezing cold.  I could, and probably should, have said what the hell and got on with my exercise. Instead I retired to the nice warm conservatory with my book and some food.  Then more food and a little more food.  So just one day...or not.  On Sunday I didn't feel much better, spent the afternoon sleeping and then the evening trying to get warm and munching on food.

It's Late Sunday evening and I feel quite sick, mostly as I've hardly moved all weekend and eaten who knows how much rubbish.  So I ask myself, because I'm certainly looking for an answer.. When you feel miserable why does food seem like such a comfort?  You go to the cupboard it looks good, you eat it, momentarily feeling better but seconds after disappointment but still you do it again.  I always thought that a sure sign of stupidity was repeating the same actions again and again and expecting a different outcome.  So why, oh why is food different??? Answers on a postcard!

I'm heading off to bed now and I know that tomorrow I'll need to pick myself up and deal with this.  Serious exercise will be called for.  This was suppose to be a nice fresh start but maybe there is no fresh start, no going back to when it was easy, maybe ever pound now is a fight, a constant struggle against years and years of well formed deeply ingrained bad habit.....

On a strange note, my rubbish food of choice has not been chocolate, which is weird for me because I would have previously considered myself to be a chocolate addict.

Fingers crossed for Thursday, I'm going to need luck this week.... or maybe 10-15 hours of exercise...

Luv Suz xx

End of Week 19 - a fresh start

Morning all, it's the end of another week, week 19 to be exact and I have lost 1.5 pounds this week.  Very happy with this, hopefully now my lovely wee boy has gone back to school I'll be able to get back to a nice routine of no snacking and plenty of exercise.  A good fresh start.

I've done quite a lot of exercise this week and was given a whole load of new exercise DVD's by a friend to have a go.

The best one so far is the Charlie Brooks' 'Before and After' workout.


It's loads of fun.  Nice warmup, then it's the disco section which I really enjoyed and then onto Combat.  The Combat section was amazing, I really got a great workout, totally dripping with sweat, and it wasn't even remotely complicated.  The next section is High Intensity and I have to say I tried this once and it's just too much for me at the moment.  So I went back and had another go of the combat.  Finally you get to cool down and do a little pilates or as I like to think about them, really hard sit ups.  I would highly recommend this workout it's brilliant.  Lesley, you may never get this DVD back  ;0)

Well friends I'm off to do a little light gardening today as my rear end is aching a little after yesterdays high speed 3.5 mile walk...and then I've go to pull together a CV.  Time to get on with job hunting.  :0(

Have a great day, next blog on Monday.

Luv Suz

Arghhhhhhhhhh

So I've only one day to go and my wee boy goes back to school...yipeeee, back to normality.

Still, so far this week I've managed to get in a fair amount of exercise.  So why oh why when I had a wee fly mid week jump on the scales is my weight still the same.

Really really frustrated, I've been good, and done the exercise...but no movement.

Three days to go and more exercise to do, even one pound or half a pound would do.

On the upside everyone keeps telling me how much thinner I look.  In general I feel a lot thinner.

Then I saw the picture my brother had taken of me.  I'm going to print it out and stick it on the door where the snacks are.  Maybe on the fridge too, maybe on every door in the kitchen. There would be nothing more likely to put me off eating than this picture.  There you are just feeling so much thinner thinking this is great and then BLAM a very unflattering beached whale picture.  Just to remind you that there is still lots to go...

Have a great day everyone.

Suz xx

Time for a refresher..

Morning all this is the end of week 18, I can't believe I've lasted this long.  School holidays are just about over now, thank goodness as I've lost nothing since Saturday.  Not surprising as we have been hanging around a lot this week and that just makes me want to nibble.

So as normal service is about to resume I thought I'd have a wee recap on why I'm doing this.. so for you and me here is the list.

• Fed up being the short and round mum at the school gate. (still feeling round)
• I want to be petite not short.
• I want to be able to shop everywhere without wondering if they have my size. (getting there)
• No more heartburn. (haven't had heartburn since I started :0))
• I want to be able to run. (no progress there but the aerobic exercise is fab fun)
• I don't want to be out of breath chasing after my son. (making good progress)
• I want my wedding ring and engagement ring to fit properly again. (nearly there)
• I want to have more energy and be less tired.(definite improvement)
• I don't want to worry about work events containing things I can't do or feel uncomfortable doing.
• I want to feel attractive and more self confident.
• I want to set a good example for my son.(if only he'd follow it)
• I want to feel in control.
• I want to go shopping with friends without feeling self conscious.
• I want to go to Zumba without worrying about having a heart attack.
• I want to go swimming without looking like a beached whale or a walrus.
• I want to get my Christmas outfit from the Karen Millen discount shop(£40ish) rather than having to go to Monsoon (£100ish).
• I want to reduce my risk of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes..etc
• I want to lower my blood pressure without drugs. (excellent progress on this one)

So now we know why lets talk about how.

I'm following the Paul McKenna method

1. Eat what you want
2. Only eat when you are hungry
3. Stop when you are full

My increased exercise plan is now

1hr aerobic exercise or a 3.5 mile walk 3 to 4 times a week

So seems simple.  

I love the exercise and the eating shouldn't be hard, but I've been letting myself get bored over the holidays and that has lead me to nibbling.  I hate nibbling, it's not satisfying and it just leaves you feeling guilty.  Still come Tuesday the summer holidays are over.  No more hanging around, lots more walking to school (if it ever stops raining), lots more housework and best of all, real time for exercise.....

So role on Tuesday, and if you are a Bellsquarry Primary School mum, it'll be time to get started on the health kick you've been promising yourself so we can all fit into something nice for a Christmas night out this year.

Luv Suz xx

Back From Holiday

Hi all, that's my holiday over and it wasn't quite the walking fest we had hoped for but it was very very relaxing.

 A Day at RHS Harlow Carr

Our Tent - just up!

Cooking with the camp kitchen wasn't too bad except when it rained, we made pasta, chilli, rice, etc.  I have to admit we did snack a bit but not too much and I'm delighted to say that when I weighed myself on Saturday morning I had lost 1 pound.  For a holiday that's great as I usually expect to put on a few pounds.

So this is Tom's last week of school holidays and then it'll be back to a more normal routine.  The time has gone in quite quickly but I'm really looking forward to getting back to some normality.  Walking to school, food shopping in peace and time for undisturbed exercise or some nice walking.  Sounds great, just one week to go.

Still I'm going to try and squeeze in some good exercise this week as I'm feeling a little stiff from doing so little over the holiday.

Back on Thursday for weigh in day..fingers crossed..

Luv Suz xx

Week 16 - Better Than Expected

Morning all on this slightly dreary day.  The gorgeous sunshine of the last few days has subsided into a light drizzle.  It's not going to spoil my mood though as I lost a pound and a half this week which is great after such a bad start.  I have now officially passed the 2 stone mark so big cheer, and maybe some fire works.

Over the last few days I have been working really hard at only eating when I'm hungry and stopping when I'm full.  I haven't always been successful but at least there was movement this week, and in the right direction.

I can't believe this is week 16, this is the longest I've lasted in years.  It's also the most I've lost in years.  There's a long way to go yet but I'm feeling pretty positive.  My average weight loss is 1.81 pounds per week which is great and completely in line with my aim of 1 to 2 pounds a week.

So I'm on holiday next week which I'm very excited about.  We are off camping.  We won't be roughing it, we've got plenty of gear including a fridge a large table and a camp kitchen which has a large two burner and grill cooker.  I'm going to miss my exercise but hopefully we'll be getting plenty of walking, and not too much snacking.....

I won't be able to blog on holiday so my next post will be Monday 8th August.
So have a great few weeks.

Luv Suz xx

PMS Strikes Back!

Morning all, I'm on a real downer today.  I had a great weekend, it was sunny and gorgeous, we went to the beach and relaxed in the garden.  Perfect...
Well not quite.  I did no exercise and we ate and ate and ate...
Yep this time the PMS got it's way...  If I don't want to put on weight this week then I'll have to get on with the exercise and be very very very good for the rest of the week.

I'm starting to think that school summer holidays are not a time to try and diet but just a time to work on staying the same weight.

This is going to be another week of totally disrupted schedule as Tom is at the gymnastics summer school from 10 to 12 every day.
Then on top of my exercise I've got to fit in shopping, that's food and Tom's school clothes/shoes.
 I've got to get the house ship shape as we are heading off on holiday next week and one of my lovely friends will be coming to feed the cat and besides it's always nice to come back to a clean and tidy house.

Still I think today in between gymnastics, exercise and food shopping, I'll sort through my wardrobe and see if I can cheer myself up.

Getting bored feeling sorry for myself now!

Hoping for a better week, see you Thursday

End of Week 15 - We Are Not Amused!

Morning all, I'm really frustrated this morning, I've had a good week for food and I've gotten a reasonable amount of exercise but my weight has just not shifted, not one little bit.  All I really wanted was that last half pound and I didn't even get that.

At least it didn't go up....

Still this is no reason to give up.  Just have to keep on the straight and narrow and hope for a better result next week.  Sometimes this happens, doesn't mean I like it but what can you do.

Still we are half way through the summer holidays now and then I'll be back to my normal more active routine.  You would think during the summer holidays that you would be more active.  I seem to be spending lots of time hanging around watching movies, building Lego, doing crafts.  All of which are very sedentary pursuits.  It doesn't help that it's raining a lot.

Never mind, we are off Swimming today and hopefully tomorrow I can fit in a wee Salsacise.

So fingers crossed for a good week ahead.

Suz xx

Urban Workout Here I Come

Hi all, it Monday again, the start of week three of the school holidays.  Lots planned for my wee boy this week, cinema, swimming, cycling and lots of time with his friends.

As for me I'm managing to squeeze in some exercise as I go.  Not perhaps at my normal middle of the day times but at least I'm getting some.

Yesterday was a prime example. In the morning it was poring of rain so we went out to do some shopping.  By the time we got home it was lovely.  Grabbed some lunch, tried out some of our new camping gear and then thought time for a good walk.  Down came the rain....no walking.  Sun came out, took my wee boy to his swimming lesson came back, grabbed some dinner and then thought time for a good walk.  Down came the rain.....no walking.

What can you do.  Time for some serious exercise instead.  I had planned to do my usual salsacise bearing in mind it was 8.30pm.  Instead I had a wee brain meltdown and thought I'd retry the Urban Workout.  Of course losing weight and being fitter does not necessary improve your co-ordination or help you get down with the fresh moves....



Anyway despite my slight hip rolling issues I had a lot of fun.  Previously I had been put off by the warmup but once I got to the actual routines there's a lot more repetition, which for me really helps. Aside from the warmup and cooldown there are three routines each getting harder than the last.  I managed the first and second but had no hope of doing the third so as I was having so much fun I headed back and redid the second to round out my hour.  You know you've had a good workout when your dripping with sweat and yet only mildly out of breath. A long shower was certainly called for.

I'll be adding this DVD to my list for regular use.  Not too bad that's three now...progress.

As for food I've been pretty good, no major slip ups but the scales will show all on Thursday.

Until then, have a good week.

Luv Suz xx

End of Week 14

Morning all, we slept in quite a bit this morning, most likely due to the car alarm that went off near us last night at 3.30am.  Two hours before it switched off, I ended up downstairs watching the Glee Project on the Sky+.  Still I may be really tired this morning but the sun is shining and I've lost another 2 pounds.  Very very happy.... I'm now only half a pound off my two stone mark.. :0))))

I've been really good this week, got in my exercise and haven't snacked, I hope that I'm back on the straight and narrow now.  My will power seems to be kicking in a bit more and my son is settling into his summer holidays.  I even got some ironing done yesterday.

Since it's the holidays and I'm more than a little bored I have been playing with the computer and i was looking at my weight loss stats.  Over the last 14 weeks I have lost an average of 1.96 pounds a week which I think is pretty good going.

I made up this wee chart showing how things have been going.

So I'll be hoping for a good week ahead.
Have a great day, the next blog will be Monday

Luv Suz xx

Not a Bad Weekend At All

It's Monday again, how the weekends fly.  I had a nice active weekend.  On Saturday I spent  a good few hours wandering round the shops in Edinburgh and on Sunday I managed to squeeze in some Salsacise.

As for food I've been good all weekend.  Yes we were at McDonalds on Saturday at lunch time, but I had one of there Deli Wraps, only about 450 cals so no problems there.  What I need now is a good next few days and a weight loss on Thursday to buoy me up.

No exercise planned for today but I'll still need a little walking.  I really miss the walk to school.  Ok it wasn't far only 1.25 miles round trip but it was regular and lately it's been twice a day....

I'm really determined to lose weight this week, I think I'll be really despondent if I have two weeks in a row of no weight loss.

As it's the holdays I've decided to blog a little less, particularly as I seem to be rambling on about the same stuff.  Just not getting the chance to research interesting diet facts at the moment.  So I'm going to blog on Mondays and Thursdays only and I'll see how that goes...

Luv Suz xx

I'm Turning Into A Real Exercise Junkie!

I'm sooooo glad it's Friday!  One week of school summer holidays over...

Tom and I did quite a bit of walking yesterday which was great but we also made crispy cakes which wasn't so good, especially as I had a few while we sat watching A Bugs Life..

I've got my fingers crossed for exercise today, Tom is heading off to one of his friends this morning for a couple of hours so I'm hoping to slip in a wee bit of exercise.

I'm turning into a real exercise junkie, I just can't go more than a few days without it or I start to feel a little miserable.  Not sure how this will be once I go back to work. Maybe I'll have to take up my friend Morag's offer to go running in the morning (6am)....maybe not...It's more likely I'll look for a couple of Zumba classes and then do the rest of my exercise at the weekend...who knows.

Off to the shops first thing this morning, if I thought shopping by myself was difficult, shopping with a child is worse.   He's totally attracted to all the yummy snack food that I'm trying to avoid.  You know the kind the super markets have at the end of the isles on special.  Yesterday we nipped into Morrisons for some cooking Chocolate for those crispy cakes.  We came out with:

•  Cooking Chocolate
• 2 Packets of Angel Delight (sugar free) on special offer
• 1 Packet of Wagon Wheels on special offer
• 1 Box of fruit strings
• 1 Box School Bars (A fruit bar)
• 3 Packets of Fruit Buttons 

Yes I know at least three of these things have the word Fruit in them but it's not quite the same as eating real fruit, although it's better than sweeties.  

Well I'd better start getting ready for the day...

Have a great day

Luv Suz xx

 

End of Week 13 and the Third Complete Month

That's three full months up and as predicted I didn't lose any weight this week.  Well I lost about 0.2 of a pound but I don't think that counts.  Still after three months I'm almost at 2 stone so nothing to complain about.

I finally managed to get some exercise yesterday and fortunately my husband wasn't too bothered about his dinner being late...my son on the other hand grumped until I asked him if he wanted to have a thin mummy and then he was all encouragement. I can't tell you how much better I felt after the exercise and I had no urge to snack in the evening.

It's dry so far today so we'll definitely be heading out for a walk, I think both of us could use the fresh air, and I'd like to get a good start to this week.

Have a good day all and I'll be hoping for a better week ahead.

Luv Suz xx

Seriously Missing My Exercise

Day 3 of the holidays and it's raining and unless they change the forecast it'll be raining right through to Monday.  :0((

Yesterday wasn't a bad day for us we got to the swimming pool, not that I got to actually swim, so no exercise there.  Did the housework but that never feels like real exercise, it's just not fun.

I'm really missing my exercise, as you'll see from my exercise list I've not done any since Sunday and I'm missing it already.  Not much chance today with all the rain and then Tom's friends are coming in the afternoon.  Maybe after they have gone I'll just have to insist that it's mum's exercise time and get out the salsacise DVD.  Tom will be delighted...NOT...

I'm just going to have to work out some way of getting my exercise in, or this is going to be a very long holiday of staying the same weight, and that's not what I want.  I'm actually doing less activity already as I'm not doing the walk to school.  OK so it's not far. 1.27 miles round trip, but twice a day that adds up...

Time to stop moaning and get a plan....

Have a great day all

Luv Suz xx

So Far So Good...at Least for Food

Morning all, it's Day 2 of the summer hols.  I had a somewhat harassing day yesterday.  My lovely son who is normally quite good at keeping himself entertained spent the day asking me 'what can we do now?' every 15 minutes or so.  To make matters worse he kept saying no to most of my suggestions.  On the up side it kept me very busy and I had a good food day yesterday.

One of my friends has done her son a summer holiday plan and I think I might just try this with Tom.

Today we are off swimming, sadly I won't get enough done to call it exercise so I'll need to do some salsacising later in the day.  Along with the housework.... and the ironing    :0(

Before I forget I found these really nice Ice lollies in Asda.  They are great for those who are looking for the healthier choice.

Del Monte 100% Juice Pineapple Lolly

One of your 5-a-day! Made with 100% pure pineapple gold, Del Monte’s sweetest pineapple. Virtually fat free and only 65 calories per stick.

Del Monte Mango Iced Smoothie Lolly 

Made from select Alfonso Mangoes with the same fantastic texture. No artificial preservatives, colours, flavours or sweeteners. Virtually fat free and only 98 calories per lolly.

We tried both of these and they definitely get the thumbs up.  Great for a really hot day...

If you have a little time today read this article on food myths it's very interesting...

http://listverse.com/2009/03/18/top-10-food-myths-debunked/

Well that's me for today.

Have a great day.

Luv Suz xx

A Weekend of Freedom, And Not Very Healthy Food.

Morning all on Day 1 of the school holidays.  I'm sitting making up my shopping list for the week ahead, trying to make sure I've enough food in for my constantly hungry wee boy and hoping that I'm not going to be tempted to snack....

I've had a great weekend in one way but not so great in another.

My dad took my son away camping on Friday and we didn't get him back till Sunday afternoon.  Freedom...we took the opportunity to get loads of stuff done and you'll see from the exercise this week that I got two good days of exercise in.  Plus we went to the cinema to see the new X-Men movie, it was really good.

Now for the bad part.  We all went for Fish and Chips on Friday night down at the shore in Ayr.  Then my lovely husband and I went out for yummy curry in Edinburgh on Saturday night.  Also after having a good food day yesterday I had a bit of a snack attack later in the evening.  Checked the scales for a damage assessment this morning but they are still the same.  Big sigh of relief.

So as this is the first week of the summer hols and it's already been dominated by less that healthy food, and the chance of major exercise is extremely limited, I'm going to set my goal for this week at just trying not to put weight on.....so any loss will be a bonus and Tom and I get a chance to settle into the summer hols without too much stress.

So have a great day all.

Luv Suz xx

End of Week 12 - shot number 2

Hi all, this is the second time I'm typing this blog as the blogger programme went mental yesterday and I couldn't get it to save.  So fingers crossed today.

Anyway yesterday was the end of week 12 and I'm delighted to say I dropped another 2 pounds and I'm now well on my way to reaching that second stone.  Just 2.5 pounds to go.  :0)

I'm particularly interested in my second stone as my super generous mum had promised to take me to Pepperberry to get something.

http://www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/



Quite fancy this one, but who knows what will look good on.

I did get some great new workout stuff the other day from the Reebok store at the Livingston Designer Outlet.

• Three quarter length leggings in stay dry fabric
• Matching long sleeved zip up top
• Good pair of walking trainers

All for the bargain price of £36.

I'm really getting into the walking and dancing, after the school hols I think I'll give Zumba a go.

Anyway got to get ready for the day lots to organise....

Have a great weekend

Luv Suz xx

Walking, Walking and More Walking

What a great day I had yesterday, the weather was gorgeous, I didn't eat too much and I did loads and loads of walking.

You'll note on my exercise tracker (right hand side) that I've recorded how far I walked, although that wasn't the final total(7 miles) for the day  just the faster walking in the morning.  I've found this brilliant website that you can use to track your routes and it'll tell you how far you've walked.

So now I know that from my house the round trip to school and back is roughly 1.27 miles so just doing that twice a day is great.

http://www.runfinder.co.uk/

The website is free to use and because I'm quite sad I have to admit it's quite fun.  I spent ages last night mapping out new walking routes to see how far they were.

What I do need to do is set up a 'walking' play list for my ipod.  It's very distracting when your marching along nicely and Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now' is replaced by Westlife singing 'When I'm with You' and your great pace stutters down to a mere amble in time with the new beat.

So while it's Summer I'm going to take advantage of the chance to get out and walk.  In fact we're walking to school this morning.

Have a great day all, enjoy the sunshine and fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Luv Suz xx

Loving that Sunshine

Morning all, it's a lovely sunny day here in Livi.  I'm thinking a walk to school would be an excellent idea. It's funny but lovely sunny days always make me feel happy and upbeat.  I was up early this morning and actually felt awake and ready for the day.  Some lovely poached eggs are already on my plate and Tom's lunch is made and in his bag.

I'm hoping for another loss this week, maybe a pound. It's a no exercise day today but I think I'll make the most of the sunshine and go for a nice long walk after I drop Tom off.  Better put on a little sun screen. ;0)

I'm really enjoying the exercise just now.  I'm totally knackered afterwards but I always have a great sense of achievement, and I certainly feel fitter in general.  I'm going to need to feel fitter to keep up with Tom over the holidays.  I'll just need to keep his and my snacking under control.  Lots of fruit in the house... and minimal cake making.

Well I'm off for a wee cup of tea.

Have a lovely day everyone.

Luv Suz xx

The Last Week of School!

It's Monday again and this is the start of the last week of school before the holidays.  This is the end of through the day exercise while the wee man is at school.  The end of quiet food shopping.  The end of my tidy house.

Fortunately it was health week at school last week so Tom is all interested in healthy eating and exercise just now.  So I was glad to see on his list of things he'd like to do over the holidays the following:

• Walking
• Cycling
• Running
• Swimming

All of which are great.  Of course there was also the usual

• Build Lego
• Build more Lego
• Play Lego games on the Wii
• Watch TV
• Do craft stuff
• Have friends over

He is a kid after all.

He's also getting more used to me doing my exercise in the house, he thinks it's funny and has taken to sitting and watching and laughing. 

So I've got my fingers crossed for dry weather, as much as possible, this is Scotland after all.  Although we've both got waterproofs and a wee walk in the rain with the wellies on can be fun too.

Have a great day everyone.

Luv Suz

Eating with Chopsticks!

Hi all it Friday, the sun is shining, my son is making progress learning to cycle and I'm feeling pretty good this morning.

My husband and I have been trying to get my son onto his bike for ages, in the end we borrowed a balance bike from a friend and it seems to have made all the difference.  Last night for the first time he cycled himself...not far but it was real progress.  I'm really keen for him to learn to cycle because I think it's a great fun exercise for kids and it something the family can do together.  I love cycling and I hope with some more practice Tom and I will be able to get out during the long summer holidays.

Yesterday I read this great article about conscious eating.  The whole idea is much like Paul McKenna's method. Pay attention to what you are eating and eat slowly.  They ran a few trials and the results are quite interesting.  Well worth a read....

http://www.themercury.co.za/the-brainy-way-to-slim-1.1085264

They also had one really good suggestion.  If you are having trouble slowing down when you are eating, try replacing your knife and fork with chop sticks.

Hoping to get in some exercise this morning, after my shopping but before collecting Tom from school, its a busy life this not working and dieting.  I'm going to try 'Dancing off the Inches' again.  Had a shot last week and I think I'm now fit enough to try the program, just need to get the coordination going...practice makes perfect.

Have a great day all.

Luv Suz xx

End of week 11

Morning all, glad to report my headache has finally shifted.  I'd like to say it's a gorgeously sunny day but it's not, at least it isn't raining yet.

On a much much much brighter note, I lost 2 pounds this week...large fanfare, fire works etc....looks like the exercise paid off this week.  Hopefully I can settle down to a steady loss now, fingers crossed anyway.  The aim is still one to two pounds a week.

I've decided to end the trial of the Acai, it's so not working.  So I'm going to have 2 clear weeks and then try one of the others.

My final conclusions on Acai Berry,

Didn't in any way help my diet, don't waste your money.

• No affect on appetite.
• Didn't have extra energy
• General health not noticeably improved
• Weight Loss remained very average

Food Diary Wednesday

Breakfast

Super Fruity Shreddied Wheat and Semi Skimmed Milk

Lunch

Sardines on Toast

Jaffa cake bar

Grapes

Dinner

Minty Lamb Koftas on Pitta Bread with Salad

More Grapes

So todays plan is housework and more ironing, I'm having a day off exercise but hopefully I'll get a walk to school this afternoon.

Have a great day all

Luv Suz xx

Still hating PMS

It's Wednesday now and my head still hurts, this is starting to get ridiculous.  I did some exercise yesterday and for the hour of salsaing and the hour after I felt fine.  Then it slowly started to seep back.  Don't think the weather is helping, yesterday was the longest day and it was so dull and wet.  Where is my summer?

The PMS, and stress of my husband trying to move jobs, got to me eventually and I caved and had a large piece of Apple and Cinnamon cake.  I'm hoping that all my exercise this week will be enough to help me lose some weight, that would really cheer me up.

Was chatting with my mum last week about the stages of a diet and I'm through the early high lose, strong will power stage and seem mired in the really hard slog stage.  It's still not natural and my will power just isn't cutting it at the moment.  Just got to keep persevering till it becomes more normal. No one said this was going to be easy and if it seemed so early on well it's certainly not now...

PMS just makes it all the more difficult.....

Food Diary

Tuesday

Breakfast

Golden Syrup flavoured Porridge

Lunch

Chicken Salad with olives and a little feta

Mid Afternoon Stress induced/PMS snack

Large Piece of Apple and Cinnamon Cake

Dinner

Paella

So, fingers crossed for tomorrow and lets hope the PMS and headache wear off today.

Have a great day.

Luv Suz 

I Hate PMS

Morning all, just a short post today as I have a splitting sore head.  I really hate having PMS.  I'm totally grumpy, feeling quite bloated and I may just kill for chocolate today.

Seriously thinking about going back to bed after I drop Tom at school, but I have a mountain of ironing that needs done.  I'm hoping a little exercise later might cheer me up.

On a brighter note Bellsquarry Primary School Sports Day went off without a hitch yesterday.  It was a lovely bright afternoon.  It certainly wasn't sports day as I remember but Tom had lots of fun never the less and he's not sporty or particularly competitive.

Food Diary for Yesterday

Monday

Breakfast

Super Fruity Shreddied Wheat and Semi Skimmed Milk

Lunch

Coronation Chicken Sandwich

Apple

Dinner

Salmon and Broccoli Lasagne (really very nice)

Supper

2 squares of Green & Blacks

Well that's all my head can take today.

Have a great day..

Luv Suz  xx

Hangover!

Hi all it's Monday yet again, what happened to my weekend.  

On Saturday my mum and dad came for lunch, which was really nice, once they had gone my mind turned towards the Bellsquarry Primary School Mum's end of term night out.

What a great night.  We were served by the Cocktail Queen. http://www.thecocktailqueen.co.uk/index.html Now I'm not a big drinker, anymore.  There were three gorgeous generously sized cocktails.  Then it was onto the spirits after that and that was 3 vodka and Cokes.  Then there was the food, lots of lovely delicacies made by the mums.  I'd given myself a free pass from the diet for the night and as I was slightly merry I tucked in with everyone else. It was a great night, lots of chat and laughter so a big thank you to the organisers.  I have to admit I did not wear my dress as I did feel so much more comfortable in my jeans/top.  I'll post some photos in a few days.

Sunday was another matter altogether, my lovely husband let me have a lie in even though it was Fathers Day.  When I did wake up, about 8.30, my head was screaming at me.  Now six drinks may not seem a lot to the hardened drinkers among you but try not drinking for 9 months and then see how you get on.  I was really in need of getting some exercise done but there was no way I was going to be doing the Salsa.  After a quick breakfast Patrick decided what I really needed was some fresh air so we set off for a walk, and that was the entirety of my exercise for the weekend.  Even later in the day all I really felt was too tired.

So it's Monday now and I've got three days again to get the diet back onto schedule and now I have PMS so I'm super grumpy and retaining water.  Still it's exercise today and I'm looking forward to it. It's also health week at school for my son and hopefully if the weather holds Sports Day today.

This is the third week I've been taking the Acai Berry and I can honestly say it's not helping at all.  Only one more week and then I'll try something one of the other two.

Food Diary for the Weekend

Friday

Breakfast

Bowl of Golden Syrup Porridge (very filling at only 216 cals including semi skimmed milk)

Lunch

Cheese Omlette

Snack a Jacks

Dinner

Ravioli in Pesto

Mini Magnum

Saturday

Breakfast

2 poached eggs on toast

Lunch

Potato wedges, low fat dip, salad

Strawberrys

Mid afternoon hunger

Snack a jacks

Dinner

Sushi

Mums night out, food and drink.....free pass from the diet

Sunday

Breakfast

Slice of Apple and Cinnamon Cake

Lunch

Ravioli in Pesto

Dinner

Roast Chicken, Roast Potatoes lots and lots of Veg

Well I better get on or we'll never be ready for school.

Have a great day everyone.

Luv Suz

Friday and the Weekend

Morning all, it's a nice sunny day here and I'm just waiting on my porridge to finish so I can grab a good breakfast this morning.  I'm going to be working really hard at being good today and over the weekend as these are the times I've been slipping.

No real exercise planned for today but I'm hoping it'll be nice enough to walk to school this afternoon.  Won't be walking this morning as I'm off to the dentist.  Feeling a little tense about that but I think a nice warm filling breakfast will help settle my butterflies.

If you look to the right you'll see I've added a section tracking my exercise for the week.

I'll certainly be needing some good exercise on Saturday as it's the mum's night out on Friday and there's going to be cocktails and nibbles.  I'll be trying my best to avoid the nibbles by having a lovely filing dinner of Sushi before hand.
No plans yet for Sunday but who knows what the weekend will bring.

Food Diary for Yesterday

Breakfast

Bowl of Super Fruity Shreddies with Semi Skimmed Milk

Lunch

2 Poached Eggs on 2 slices of Toast

Petite Fillou Yoghurt

Dinner

Chicken Chow Mein

Not too bad.

Have a great weekend everyone

Luv Suz xx

End of week 10

End of another week, and this week I lost a grand total of nothing.  It's not surprising as I had four days of over eating and only three days of being good.  Still I think I've gotten over the snacking for the moment so fingers crossed for a better week ahead.

My shopping trip on Tuesday had the desired effect, while there were a lot more clothes that were in my size, not all that many of them actually fitted.  I really have to make some progress on my upper spare tyre as I looked pregnant in some of the clothes.  You know the ones, gathered under the chest, then loose and floaty.  Also I'm looking forward to getting into more Petite collections as they used to fit best.

I'm not really sure what I'm wearing to the mum's night out, the camp seems split between cocktail dresses and jeans/nice tops.  I've found a suitable top in my wardrobe and last night with the help of my lovely husband I settled on a cocktail dress.  The dress is a little on the big side but with a few well placed safety pins you'd never know.  Also the events at night and we're all slightly bigger then.  I'll make sure and get some pictures either way.

Food Diary for Yesterday.

Breakfast

250ml glass of fruit smoothie

Bowl of Super Fruity Shreddies with Semi Skimmed Milk

Lunch

Smoked Mackerel Salad with lots of raw veg, a small bread roll and olives

Dinner

Small home made Anchovy Pizza

Supper

2 squares Green & Blacks ‘Maya Gold’

Not too bad.

A small mention before I go:

Congratulations to my mum who's joined me on the get a new healthy lifestyle push.  She's been at it for over a week and is doing really well.  Like me she's doing the Paul McKenna thing and getting lots of exercise as well.  Big thumbs up...

Have a great day everyone and her's hoping for a better week.

Luv Suz xx

Chocolate or Exercise for Stress

Hi all, it's stress central in my house right now, my husband is trying to move jobs, who knew it could be so much hassle.  

Usually when I'm stressed out I'd be reaching for the chocolate.  Lots and lots of chocolate to help smother the stress.  In the short term it sure makes you feel better but it doesn't last long, and then 'OMG I've just eaten a giant bar of chocolate.'  

My husband on the other hand deals with stress quite differently.  After a hellish day yesterday he went out cycling, he says it makes him feel better.  So I gave it a try yesterday, popped Tom off to bed, Patrick out cycling and then did the Salsacise.  

I have to say it was hard going, and after it I mostly felt really tired but I did sleep really well which is something that normally gives me a problem when I'm stressed.  Even better there was no 'OMG I've just eaten a giant bar of chocolate' guilt.

Food Diary for Yesterday

Breakfast

250ml glass fruit smoothie

Bowl of Super Fruity Shreddies with Semi Skimmed Milk

Lunch

2 Poached eggs on toast

Apple

Dinner

Pork with Apples, Cider & Cream

Lots of steamed Veg

Supper

3 squares Green & Blacks ‘Maya Gold’

Not a bad day.

It's weigh in day tomorrow and with my poor form from Thursday to Sunday it's fingers and toes crossed this week.

Have a great day.

Luv Suz xx

Love that Sunshine

Morning all, it's a lovely sunny day here and I'm looking forward to a nice walk to school today with my son.  Then it's off to the shops for a good wander and some clothes trying.  I really need something for the mums night out but I'd like something I could wear again before it no longer fits..I'm so optimistic...

Yesterday went very well, I was really good all day, lets hope I can keep it up today.

My food for the day was:

Breakfast

Porridge

Lunch

Salad including, mini pitta bread, olives, feta, hummus & lots of fresh veg

Apple

Dinner

Brie and Tomato tart with side salad & olives

I'm pretty sure this covered my 5 a day.

The food diary really helped focus my mind on healthy choices, it seems I'll need a lot more practice before this becomes more natural.  The urge to reach for the giant bag of cheese puffs is still strong.  Fortunately my love of chocolate seems to be fading.

As for the Acai berry, so far I'm concluding that for diet purposes, don't waste your money.  Weight loss has been normal, my appetite has certainly not been suppressed, can't even say the detox element is making me feel better.  Still a couple of weeks left but I'm not expecting any sudden changes.

Have a good day everyone

Luv Suz xx