This week has definitely had its highs and its lows in terms of weight loss. The lows happen when I feel like I am getting nowhere and the highs happen when I go to the gym and are able to do things I couldn't do even a few weeks ago. At the moment the bottom line is that I am nowhere near where I want to be. And honestly on my lowest days that fact still gets me down. I've been there, before, but not for long. But what keeps me going and pushing forth is that I am going to be there again, hopefully before or at graduation on the 27th of November.
There are big changes I am just failing to make. I am becoming conflicted and confused in my attempt to clean up my diet. There are too many things that I am trying to do at once. I am trying to eat Low Fodmap and Low GI all at the same time for health reasons. I am eating a Low Fodmap diet in order to help my IBS and so far so good. All my symptoms have calmed down and I am definitely happier as far as that part of my digestive system is concerned. The same is really to be said of the Low GI dietary changes I have been making, cutting down on high glycemic foods has been a huge change - mainly in my mood. So there are definitely improvements being made, just not at the fast pace I crave.
But I think that is mainly down to self and not giving it my all. There are nights out and I'm not one to turn down a beer, but I think that's where I need to stop. Only drinking for occasions or special events is definitely the way to go as my university days drift behind me. (It's getting less and less acceptable to drink on a Thursday haha.) But by abstaining from alcohol, I know there will be rewards to be reaped on the scales.
Basically, I know what I need to be doing it's just putting mind over matter and getting the job done.
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Saturday, 23 August 2014
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Regaining Strength
I wrote this on Sunday and completely forgot...
It's currently Sunday afternoon and I am not proud to admit, but I have a mild hangover still lingering from last night. A long story short...I am never drinking that much vodka again....ever. Maybe.
This week was the most stressful week I've had in a long time, and besides last night, my eating and drinking has been on point. Not perfect, but most days have been balanced.
On Tuesday I got back into the swing of things, after my Creative Writing deadline on Monday. I had planned to get back into the gym that same day, but I think looking back that that was a little too ambitious. I made it to the gym bright and early Tuesday and took it slower than I had been a month ago. Instead of doing my usual twenty minutes warm up cardio on the cross-trainer, I did fifteen. And then I moved onto the treadmill and managed to do twenty minutes between 4.5 and 5.0, just enough to keep my heart rate up and sweat some more. After the treadmill, I gulped down some water (damn did I need it) and dragged my already tired ass to the the stair-master machine. I did 5 minutes at level 5 and it wasn't too bad. But I was feeling it in my ass the next day, let me tell you. I had to climb the stairs to the I.T suite to hand in yet another assignment, and I was definitely doing a sort of waddle/limp thing.
While I was there I also did some weight and resistance training, using both the machines and free weights. I am really determined to build strong arms with definition. I feel like this one is always a goal of mine though! I quickly realised that I had indeed, as my fears confirmed, lost some strength. I knew my arms didn't look as toned, but it must have taken a little strength as well. That made me feel disappointed at first, but I went back on Thursday feeling determined.
My goal was to get to the gym as much as I could this week, and I did. I kept that promise to myself even on Friday when I wasn't really feeling it.
Wednesday I couldn't make it. Like I have already mentioned I handed in my last ever assignment that day, and I just couldn't let it go. I wanted to hold on to it, taking pride in it like it was my child. I finally let it go at 17:00, after a much to do palava involving printing my work, and have been having anxiety over it ever since. Feeling exhausted and slightly cross-eyed from looking at the screen all day I waddled home (you see I have a thing about waddling), and slumped myself into my seat and didn't move a good few hours. I was exhausted. I planned to lie-in the following morning, the Thursday, but at 05:30 my brain woke me with a critical analysis of the piece I had handed in the day before. Thanks for that brain! Surprisingly though the day went fine. I got up after an hour of just lying there driving myself crazy and listening to music to drainmy sorrows my mind out.
I decided to boil the kettle, and brew up a cup of chai tea (my new favourite hot caffeineted mug of delightfulness). I took my tablets, ate a banana and debated breakfast. Was it to early to eat? I decided on no, and an hour later I was boiling milk on the hob like an old fashioned so and so, ready to poor it over my weetabix. In bed I watched YouTube videos and enjoyed just lying there all comfy and cosy, letting the morning pass me by. By the time I moved from my warm and comfy pit it was 09:30. I decided I would run some errands, get some fresh produce in, and head to the gym. All of which I managed to accomplish.
Which brings me to Thursdays session. The sky was grey and overcast, and drizzle was dribbling down my face, but I was determined to put everything I had into the session. And I did. Every ounce of my being went into that session and I was incredibly sore the next morning for class.
Thursday's session consisted of my usual twenty minutes cardio on the cross-trainer, fifteen minutes on the treadmill, and five minutes on the stairmaster. I was back I told myself. I've got this. And my confidence didn't let me down! Once the cardio was out of the way, I tackled the strength part of my workout. And the first half had given me such confidence (I imagined that I was an athlete), I smashed it. I did more reps of everything, especially arms and abs and I felt amazing for it. This is the reason I go, I thought, for moments like these ones. Moments that you feel like you could carry on forever, like nobody could stop you and you could do this all night. That is until the next sit-up becomes painful, and puts you back in your amateur place.
On Friday I made it to the gym again, but this time I really had to coax myself. How much do you want this, I asked myself? Will it be worth it? Now, I don't know about you, but for me the exercise is always worth it and there's never a session I think that I shouldn't have gone. It just doesn't happen, and with that in mind after a long walk to the docs and back I walked through the dreaded double doors to get it done with. I was in there an hour and half I believe and after the first ten minutes I was really into it. I did Thursdays circuit of events and got into it. I even experimented with some new ab and arm moves.
So all in all, despite it being a stressful week, it was a good one.
It's currently Sunday afternoon and I am not proud to admit, but I have a mild hangover still lingering from last night. A long story short...I am never drinking that much vodka again....ever. Maybe.
This week was the most stressful week I've had in a long time, and besides last night, my eating and drinking has been on point. Not perfect, but most days have been balanced.
On Tuesday I got back into the swing of things, after my Creative Writing deadline on Monday. I had planned to get back into the gym that same day, but I think looking back that that was a little too ambitious. I made it to the gym bright and early Tuesday and took it slower than I had been a month ago. Instead of doing my usual twenty minutes warm up cardio on the cross-trainer, I did fifteen. And then I moved onto the treadmill and managed to do twenty minutes between 4.5 and 5.0, just enough to keep my heart rate up and sweat some more. After the treadmill, I gulped down some water (damn did I need it) and dragged my already tired ass to the the stair-master machine. I did 5 minutes at level 5 and it wasn't too bad. But I was feeling it in my ass the next day, let me tell you. I had to climb the stairs to the I.T suite to hand in yet another assignment, and I was definitely doing a sort of waddle/limp thing.
While I was there I also did some weight and resistance training, using both the machines and free weights. I am really determined to build strong arms with definition. I feel like this one is always a goal of mine though! I quickly realised that I had indeed, as my fears confirmed, lost some strength. I knew my arms didn't look as toned, but it must have taken a little strength as well. That made me feel disappointed at first, but I went back on Thursday feeling determined.
My goal was to get to the gym as much as I could this week, and I did. I kept that promise to myself even on Friday when I wasn't really feeling it.
Wednesday I couldn't make it. Like I have already mentioned I handed in my last ever assignment that day, and I just couldn't let it go. I wanted to hold on to it, taking pride in it like it was my child. I finally let it go at 17:00, after a much to do palava involving printing my work, and have been having anxiety over it ever since. Feeling exhausted and slightly cross-eyed from looking at the screen all day I waddled home (you see I have a thing about waddling), and slumped myself into my seat and didn't move a good few hours. I was exhausted. I planned to lie-in the following morning, the Thursday, but at 05:30 my brain woke me with a critical analysis of the piece I had handed in the day before. Thanks for that brain! Surprisingly though the day went fine. I got up after an hour of just lying there driving myself crazy and listening to music to drain
I decided to boil the kettle, and brew up a cup of chai tea (my new favourite hot caffeineted mug of delightfulness). I took my tablets, ate a banana and debated breakfast. Was it to early to eat? I decided on no, and an hour later I was boiling milk on the hob like an old fashioned so and so, ready to poor it over my weetabix. In bed I watched YouTube videos and enjoyed just lying there all comfy and cosy, letting the morning pass me by. By the time I moved from my warm and comfy pit it was 09:30. I decided I would run some errands, get some fresh produce in, and head to the gym. All of which I managed to accomplish.
Which brings me to Thursdays session. The sky was grey and overcast, and drizzle was dribbling down my face, but I was determined to put everything I had into the session. And I did. Every ounce of my being went into that session and I was incredibly sore the next morning for class.
Thursday's session consisted of my usual twenty minutes cardio on the cross-trainer, fifteen minutes on the treadmill, and five minutes on the stairmaster. I was back I told myself. I've got this. And my confidence didn't let me down! Once the cardio was out of the way, I tackled the strength part of my workout. And the first half had given me such confidence (I imagined that I was an athlete), I smashed it. I did more reps of everything, especially arms and abs and I felt amazing for it. This is the reason I go, I thought, for moments like these ones. Moments that you feel like you could carry on forever, like nobody could stop you and you could do this all night. That is until the next sit-up becomes painful, and puts you back in your amateur place.
On Friday I made it to the gym again, but this time I really had to coax myself. How much do you want this, I asked myself? Will it be worth it? Now, I don't know about you, but for me the exercise is always worth it and there's never a session I think that I shouldn't have gone. It just doesn't happen, and with that in mind after a long walk to the docs and back I walked through the dreaded double doors to get it done with. I was in there an hour and half I believe and after the first ten minutes I was really into it. I did Thursdays circuit of events and got into it. I even experimented with some new ab and arm moves.
So all in all, despite it being a stressful week, it was a good one.
xoChloexo
Thursday, 27 February 2014
Looking Back On February
February hasn't been the best month for me. No excuses, it just wasn't. So I am very glad to be entering a new month in a couple days time. I had to look back through the archives of both my blog and my diary for this one. And then it hit me...I had made goals. Goals that weren't productive for what I needed.
*Don't eat after 7.
*Drink plenty of fluids.
*Listen to my body.
Turkey Spag Bol, Baby Corn, Pasta, Cheddar and Mozzarella
(because what's better than two chesses...three cheeses perhaps, but I didn't have anymore!)
February's Goals
*Exercise at least 3 times a week.
*Don't eat after 7.
*Drink plenty of fluids.
*Listen to my body.
Well out of all of them I think the ones I have been most successful with is number one (exercise) and number three (Drink more).
So not too bad, but I also made a big mistake in the fact I decided to step on the scale, and it really discouraged me. It just doesn't motivate me as much as it used to, and that can only be good news. I definitely believe that it's good to check in every once in a while to keep yourself in check. But it's not as much as a tool as it used to be.
Instead, I like to measure myself by how much I am lifting at the gym. Or how many reps I have done of a certain weight. That's definitely where my motivation is at, and from that I am learning things about my body. Which to me is one of the greatest things about exercise. When you first begin it is all new and everything is quite challenging, but as you work at it you get better. That's another reason why I love it. You get out of it, what you put in. And that's not always the rule of thumb for everything.
I am going to mull over my goals for next month, but I am going to make them deliberately specific to gym goals I want to achieve within the next month. Which will be hard because I am working full days Tuesday the 11th to the 15th, and there's plenty of deadlines at the end of March. All in all it's fair to say March will be a very busy month.
I thought that I'd include a picture of my evening meals/snacks, since for once I actually remembered to take photos. I swear I will become better at this...one day soon I hope, because I like sharing my recent eats and snacky finds on here.
(because what's better than two chesses...three cheeses perhaps, but I didn't have anymore!)
One of my evening snacks - half a tub or Greek Yoghurt, Brazil Nuts, Honey, Almond Slithers...deelishious!
What's your favourite night-time snacks?
How well did you do with goals this month?
xoThanks for Readingxo
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Taking A Moment...
...to breathe. Because there is nothing wrong with that, and sometimes that's just what we need to do. Lately, I have found myself taking moments. In these moments I take deep breaths and think about what I need to do logically. And then I write down those things in a list...this makes me feel immediately a little bit better.
(Source) via Pinterest
This gives me what I need to get the ball rolling, and before you know it things start happening and your list shrinks in length. I strongly dislike feeling overwhelmed, like nothing will ever get done. It weighs you down in too many ways and makes you drag yourself around life - rather than bouncing around it in strides.
This entire week feels like a blur, like nothing really happened and I never really got going. I know it's only Thursday and that there's still time to get a few things ticked off my list. But I have also been feeling lethargic, tired and irritable. And I have to remind myself that this isn't anybody else's problem but my own. Another thing I have to remember. We all have our days, and I'm no different. But on those days it is really easy to take it out on the people around you, and that's definitely not fair.
(Source) via Pinterest
Last night, whilst getting ready to go out, I realised how far I have come in a year and for that I am grateful. Sure, I have wished that I had felt this way years ago but I cannot change that, all I can change is the present and the future. These are the things we need to cling on to. Then it got me thinking about the people who helped me get there, my mom (but she's always there) and secondly my CBT therapists. Sue and Jane really helped me turn my world around and gave me back control over my own life. I have been meaning to write them a letter for ages now and I think it's about time I got on with it...after all, it's always nice to know that people appreciate what you do.
(Source) via Pinterest
My eating at the moment is off and on. One moment I can't stop eating and then the next I don't want anything at all. Unfortunately at the moment I am stuck in the first category. I haven't set my weekly goals this week and I think that may be something to do with it. But I also weighed myself the other day and I made a weight goal, which is something I haven't done in a while! And I think it has thrown me off, because that's not the way I work any more. I used to live by the scale and by the numbers, but now (maybe not forever) it's not working for me. Sure, I want to lose weight and get stronger through exercise - but not using that method. That's where I am struggling...
What method do I use?! With all my medical problems, especially with my stomach. It makes things difficult to gage when eating, and I find myself questioning when is best to eat, if I am even hungry. And I think that sometimes I over think things. Shouldn't it be simple. You can be hungry, not hungry or peckish, right? I guess not. I don't want to diet or go on a crazy fast or anything, but I do want to re-establish some goals again. Maybe, I have goals for the month again but readdress them every week with a post on how I am getting on?
As you can tell, I am feeling a bit lost and down in the dumps at the moment. And I hate to be all doom and gloom but I also don't want to be dishonest and post about sunshine and rainbows when they aren't there!
I just need to re-focus everything, and come up with a plan. Not starting tomorrow either, starting after I finish this post.
Goals for the rest of February:
*Exercise at least 3 times a week.
*Don't eat after 7
*Drink plenty of fluids
*Listen to my body
The first three are my usual goals but the last one is a little different. I've included that one because I haven't been doing this as much as I could. I need to start getting to bed earlier, having some me time, and eating when I want to what I want to. Now I'm not going to eat all the chocolate in my cupboard just to satisfy a craving, but I am going to figure out what I'm craving i.e Sugar, Carbs, Meat and then seek out a healthier choice.
Fingers crossed that by the end of the month I am in a different position entirely, and I am feeling a bit better. This months only a short one and there are only 22 days left, but I really want to make them count!
I hope so! (Source) via Pinterest
How often do you set yourself goals?
and...
How often do you re-assess them?
xoThanks for Readingxo
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
WIAW: Tuesday's Eats and Favourites
As I sat down at my laptop I thought why not write a blog post, and then I remembered that it was Wednesday tomorrow and so WIAW it is. Thanks Jenn for keeping up this link-up...I only have myself to take care of and sometimes that's a struggle, so god knows how she manages to do it!
A couple hours later I found myself peckish, mainly just craving sugar as it was nearly 2pm and the afternoon slump was setting in after waking up at 08:30 am. So that's when I indulged my sweet tooth in a yoghurt drink and a small kinder choccie bar. It was so good I spent the next five minutes choking on a tickle at the back of my throat.
I've re-fell in love with an old cereal classic - Bran Flakes Mix.
It's one of the link-ups I always like to take part in if I have the time. And this week I'll be sharing what I ate today, which is Tuesday. And also my favourite dishes from the past week.
Today (which is yesterday) I went swimming for the first time in about ten months. And it was so good to be back in the pool. It was one of my most favourite sports to do whilst growing up, and I always go through phases of going regularly to not going at all. And I think that was very evident in my swim.
I went with one of my housemates, so it wasn't so bad. But with the hours I have been putting in in the gym I thought it would be easier, and it probably was...but it wasn't a 'stroll in the park' in the slightest. It took a few lengths to get into a pattern, more with my breathing than anything. But it felt so so good. With each length of the pool I began to relax, and I could feel the tension melting away from my shoulders and neck. I began to get comfortable after ten minutes of the thirty minute session, but by the end my limbs felt like jelly. When your already poor technique turns into a half-hearted doggy paddle, it's time to get own! But I plan to go again Thursday instead of the gym. I love the gym, but on Monday I definitely wasn't feeling it. The main thing was I got out and went and got a mediocre forty-five minutes under my belt, which is better than nothing.
I can feel my endurance and strength building once again, after the break I took over Christmas and I am feeling good. But I have noticed a pattern...when I am exercising regularly my eating is more relaxed. Of course it gets better, like most people, when I workout I don't want to put in the hours to no end and not see results. After all, that's how we stay motivated and progress but my eating also relaxes and I don't stress about food as much, especially eating out. I watch what I eat, but not in an overly obsessive way.
I have an healthy approach to food if you will, and that's one of the best parts for me!
Ok, moving on to the good stuff. There's a few meals from the past week that I really enjoyed, but unfortunately I haven't got any photos of them...You could say that I was enjoying the moment...
Yesterday's Eats:
After swimming I was quite hungry, but I needed to take a tablet before I ate and that gave me the time I needed to shower and wash my hair. I enjoyed a small glass of milk before I went in.
Once I was out the shower, I rammed a small browning banana down my throat (a little too fast), and got a bit of indigestion. No photo.
Then, I ate what I was craving...
2 Slices of Wholemeal Toast with a Laughing Cow wedge, 2 Quorn Sausages, 2 Fried Eggs (in Frylight), Mushrooms and Ketchup
A couple hours later I found myself peckish, mainly just craving sugar as it was nearly 2pm and the afternoon slump was setting in after waking up at 08:30 am. So that's when I indulged my sweet tooth in a yoghurt drink and a small kinder choccie bar. It was so good I spent the next five minutes choking on a tickle at the back of my throat.
I cannot get enough of the sweet-crack like stuff lately...why so addictive?
This was last nights dinner. It was basically a mixture of my fridge and cupboard...I haven't been 'properly' shopping in over a week. I've got quite a lot to get through before I need to do a big shop.
Whilst enjoying a whisky and coke I indulged in this old classic of a snack...did anybody else have these growing up?
Favourites from the Week:
We went to the tea house again, and that's always worth an indulgence.
Over the past week I have been indulging in a whisky and coke when I feel. The first time since Christmas...
I've re-fell in love with an old cereal classic - Bran Flakes Mix.
And I have finally got going with the exercise, so hopefully more healthy food photos to come.
What's your favourite meal of the week?
xoThanks for Readingxo
Monday, 27 January 2014
Random Snaps Over The Weekend
On writing this on Sunday night and I honestly don't know where the weekend has gone. It's been an odd one that's for sure. Not for any particular reason other than it just was... How vague was that comment haha.
It all started on Friday which started busy and then dropped off. I went to class, then the doctors about my stomach issues (yet again), and then I naughtily went shopping before heading and staying home until dinner with my friend teatime. I just needed to chill out and avoid the library. I've been doing great so far, by keeping on top of everything and being well prepared. And so far I think my hard work is paying off...I just need to keep plodding, plodding along for the entire semester - fingers crossed!
But because I've been spending so long in the library I sort of feel as though I am missing out on other things. Like the gym, my usual eating pattern and fresh air haha. But I think I've come up with a compromise too all these things, something that will give the balance I need.
I wish I could get to the gym everyday, but honestly the thought of having to either wash my hair everyday or deal with greasy hair the next day isn't enticing in the slightest! In the summer I didn't mind. I had time to kill and working out, then taking a shower fit into my schedule. Now, however, it does not. And I am beginning to learn that that luxury I once had isn't in my immediate future. In a few months time I am going to be a graduate and from what I've heard and what is just common sense, entering the working world doesn't leave much time for a sweaty gym session everyday. So I guess that it's better to learn to balance sooner rather than later, right? Any other students out there having the same problems?
But like I said I am just splitting my days. Both are a priority but for different reasons.
So far it's kind of working, which kind of explains my weekend. I didn't feel too well after the meal Friday. We kept it cheap and simple with a trip to the Harvester (unpictured). But after one pint of beer my stomach had twisted itself into many knots etc and I was in a lot of pain. This meant I got back, crashed on my bed and never got back up again. And apart from being in tremendous pain it was bliss to justsit back lie down and relax.
In the end I didn't get to sleep until about one and that meant I had six hours sleep until the dreaded alarm. Which never came because I must of a.) not set it or b.)turned it off and rolled back over or c.) I set it but my phone plays up and it didn't go off. It's either a or c. We will never know. But luckily I woke up for some reason or rhyme at 07:47 in a blind panic of it's light outside which means I'm late for work. I usually leave at 08:00 so that I am there for 08:30, but I didn't end up leaving until 08:07. To be honest I am surprised I got ready so quick. There was no make-up or time to style my hair. I brushed my teeth and hair, then threw my work clothes on and ran (well, walked fast) to work. And surprisingly I wasn't late...
That anecdote basically sums up my weekend...
Saturday I got back after work, and in an attempt not to fall asleep I showered then cleaned. Kind-of a bizarre order to do things, but I refused to nap and throw off or waste the rest of the day. The shower woke me up, and for some reason I just needed to clean something/anything. I instigated a cleaning of all the communal areas and thoroughly blitzed my room. I got rid of clothes I never wear and the only thing left to sort out is a couple of drawers of paperwork.
Then on Sunday I lay in until 11:30, again it was bliss. Although I had previously woken up at 06:15 and read for an hour, I'm so glad that I went back to sleep. Then I got up and done something I haven't in ages. I broke out my new yoga mat and started stretching, which I then followed up with some ab exercises and you know what...it felt great. Why in the world was I putting it off? Silly me.
And then from there on I've just caught up on everything blog and YouTube related...
Then it was time for the weekly food shop.
And these are the random pics I snapped over the weekend...
(Source)
It all started on Friday which started busy and then dropped off. I went to class, then the doctors about my stomach issues (yet again), and then I naughtily went shopping before heading and staying home until dinner with my friend teatime. I just needed to chill out and avoid the library. I've been doing great so far, by keeping on top of everything and being well prepared. And so far I think my hard work is paying off...I just need to keep plodding, plodding along for the entire semester - fingers crossed!
But because I've been spending so long in the library I sort of feel as though I am missing out on other things. Like the gym, my usual eating pattern and fresh air haha. But I think I've come up with a compromise too all these things, something that will give the balance I need.
I wish I could get to the gym everyday, but honestly the thought of having to either wash my hair everyday or deal with greasy hair the next day isn't enticing in the slightest! In the summer I didn't mind. I had time to kill and working out, then taking a shower fit into my schedule. Now, however, it does not. And I am beginning to learn that that luxury I once had isn't in my immediate future. In a few months time I am going to be a graduate and from what I've heard and what is just common sense, entering the working world doesn't leave much time for a sweaty gym session everyday. So I guess that it's better to learn to balance sooner rather than later, right? Any other students out there having the same problems?
But like I said I am just splitting my days. Both are a priority but for different reasons.
(Source)
So far it's kind of working, which kind of explains my weekend. I didn't feel too well after the meal Friday. We kept it cheap and simple with a trip to the Harvester (unpictured). But after one pint of beer my stomach had twisted itself into many knots etc and I was in a lot of pain. This meant I got back, crashed on my bed and never got back up again. And apart from being in tremendous pain it was bliss to just
In the end I didn't get to sleep until about one and that meant I had six hours sleep until the dreaded alarm. Which never came because I must of a.) not set it or b.)turned it off and rolled back over or c.) I set it but my phone plays up and it didn't go off. It's either a or c. We will never know. But luckily I woke up for some reason or rhyme at 07:47 in a blind panic of it's light outside which means I'm late for work. I usually leave at 08:00 so that I am there for 08:30, but I didn't end up leaving until 08:07. To be honest I am surprised I got ready so quick. There was no make-up or time to style my hair. I brushed my teeth and hair, then threw my work clothes on and ran (well, walked fast) to work. And surprisingly I wasn't late...
That anecdote basically sums up my weekend...
Saturday I got back after work, and in an attempt not to fall asleep I showered then cleaned. Kind-of a bizarre order to do things, but I refused to nap and throw off or waste the rest of the day. The shower woke me up, and for some reason I just needed to clean something/anything. I instigated a cleaning of all the communal areas and thoroughly blitzed my room. I got rid of clothes I never wear and the only thing left to sort out is a couple of drawers of paperwork.
Then on Sunday I lay in until 11:30, again it was bliss. Although I had previously woken up at 06:15 and read for an hour, I'm so glad that I went back to sleep. Then I got up and done something I haven't in ages. I broke out my new yoga mat and started stretching, which I then followed up with some ab exercises and you know what...it felt great. Why in the world was I putting it off? Silly me.
And then from there on I've just caught up on everything blog and YouTube related...
Then it was time for the weekly food shop.
And these are the random pics I snapped over the weekend...
Friday Night crashing in my Pink and Fluffy Dressing Gown!
Raspberry Yoghurt, Sunflower Seeds and Cereal Bar.
My new favourite snack #can'tgetenough.
Brunch on the go Saturday on my Work Break. I love this Gregg's Sandwich.
Saturday Night Dinner: It was my favourite meal of the week #leftovers.
Why so many tissues?
A lot of this!
English Literature Student Issues...
Stretching + Ab Work before breakfast Sunday Morning.
Back to Basics and an old favourite!
Writing up Blog Posts.
Tomato Soup and a Buttered Roll = Perfect Cold Weather Food.
And to round off the meal I enjoyed the last two Apple Muffins. They taste sooo good with Nutella!
Any Weekend Highlights Your End?
Favourite Weekend Meal?
Thanks for hosting this link-up Katie :D #MIMM
xoThanks for Readingxo
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Goals
I am someone who sets goals all the time, in all areas of my life. I have a diary and that's where I write them all down. Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I'm not. But when I was having CBT for my anxiety I learnt something important. It's not enough to just set goals. The goals you set need to be tailored and precise. Specific goals will set you up for success. And with my experience the more specific the goal the better I am in achieving that goal.
The goals that I have been setting recently haven't been enough specific. I give myself a week for each goal, and then reassess based on the progress I've made with that particular goal. But I think my goals have been too airy fairy and I've been trying to set too many goals. Instead, I need to re-focus the goals I am setting and work on one area at a time.
I love facts like this! (Source)
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So Pretty :D (Source)
These were my goals that I set Sunday 19th:
Drink more Squash/Water
No Eating past 7pm
Portion Control
4xGym
It's too much to do that and everything else that I want to do.
My goals need to not feel overwhelming, but at the same time I need them to feel like I am being challeneged.
This weeks goals are as follows Sunday 26th:
Do at least two sessions where I focus on abs, arms and stretching
Get to the Gym twice.
Drink more (always a goal)
Smaller Portions
No eating past 7 pm
As you've noticed, some of these goals will feature week after week. That's because I want to make them habits, and they will be added until I don't need a goal set and I am doing naturally.
Do you set goals?
What do you set goals for?
The goals that I have been setting recently haven't been enough specific. I give myself a week for each goal, and then reassess based on the progress I've made with that particular goal. But I think my goals have been too airy fairy and I've been trying to set too many goals. Instead, I need to re-focus the goals I am setting and work on one area at a time.
I love facts like this! (Source)
(Source)
So Pretty :D (Source)
These were my goals that I set Sunday 19th:
Drink more Squash/Water
No Eating past 7pm
Portion Control
4xGym
It's too much to do that and everything else that I want to do.
My goals need to not feel overwhelming, but at the same time I need them to feel like I am being challeneged.
This weeks goals are as follows Sunday 26th:
Do at least two sessions where I focus on abs, arms and stretching
Get to the Gym twice.
Drink more (always a goal)
Smaller Portions
No eating past 7 pm
As you've noticed, some of these goals will feature week after week. That's because I want to make them habits, and they will be added until I don't need a goal set and I am doing naturally.
Do you set goals?
What do you set goals for?
xoThanks for Readingxo
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Simple Weekly Goals
Starting last week I decided to set some goals. Little goals for habits and things in general that I want to improve.
My three goals were to; drink more fluids, stop eating after half past seven, and to get to the gym four times.
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Like this saying.
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The first two I did quite successfully. I tried to drink at least two litres a day in mostly squash or/and water and only on two days did I eat past that time because I hadn't realised the time. But on getting to the gym I only made it there twice. Looking back at the week I had, in retrospect I think four times was very ambitious. I had two classes to attend, two assignments to hand in of a total of 6000 words, and to top it off I had a Saturday shift that I ended up working an extra shift for because someone phoned in ill. So looking back, shooting four a four was ambitious and I am now glad that I at least attended the gym twice and got a couple good workouts in.
My goal at the gym at the moment is to improve my endurance with both my cardio and strength and once again build myself up after taking a break over Christmas. Which I am not going to lie, it has been hard. Before Christmas I do not remember things being this hard! I know I'll get back there, but it's just going to require my time like last semester.
Instead of setting myself up for not failure, but just an unachievable goal. This week my aim exercise wise is to workout four times; twice at the gym, and twice a kettle-bell, arms and abs workout. When I was younger and first began working out at around fourteen, I would always focus on my abs but in the past couple of years I have neglected working on them due to stomach issues and it being a bit painful. But my goal this semester in general is to strengthen and condition the top of my body, which basically includes all of my main muscles. My back, shoulders, abs, triceps, biceps and obliques. I will have goals for other areas but this is the main area I wish to improve, because I now think it is having a knock on effect to my cardio because I can't hold certain positions and tend to slump when I workout and I think that's down to not having the strength in my back and abdomen.
Today is my first ab, arm, kettle-bell short workout thing, so I will let you know how it goes. Yesterday was a gym day and so will Thursday. I am also hoping to get out for a 40 minute walk on Sunday and clear the lungs, which I haven't done since November - it;s embarrassing if it's before that jeez.
My other goals for this week, which are less specific are to drink more squash and water, no eating past seven (and the reason I do this is because it disrupts my sleep and my energy levels the next day if I eat late) and the last one is to portion control. Lately, I have been eating in my eyes a little more than I need to be, causing me to feel bloated and lethargic etc. By cutting down on those unnecessary calories each day I am hoping that helps the bloat, stops me feeling lethargic and even has an affect on the scale. It's basically portion control at its simplest.
My three goals were to; drink more fluids, stop eating after half past seven, and to get to the gym four times.
(Source)
(Source)
Like this saying.
(Source)
The first two I did quite successfully. I tried to drink at least two litres a day in mostly squash or/and water and only on two days did I eat past that time because I hadn't realised the time. But on getting to the gym I only made it there twice. Looking back at the week I had, in retrospect I think four times was very ambitious. I had two classes to attend, two assignments to hand in of a total of 6000 words, and to top it off I had a Saturday shift that I ended up working an extra shift for because someone phoned in ill. So looking back, shooting four a four was ambitious and I am now glad that I at least attended the gym twice and got a couple good workouts in.
My goal at the gym at the moment is to improve my endurance with both my cardio and strength and once again build myself up after taking a break over Christmas. Which I am not going to lie, it has been hard. Before Christmas I do not remember things being this hard! I know I'll get back there, but it's just going to require my time like last semester.
Instead of setting myself up for not failure, but just an unachievable goal. This week my aim exercise wise is to workout four times; twice at the gym, and twice a kettle-bell, arms and abs workout. When I was younger and first began working out at around fourteen, I would always focus on my abs but in the past couple of years I have neglected working on them due to stomach issues and it being a bit painful. But my goal this semester in general is to strengthen and condition the top of my body, which basically includes all of my main muscles. My back, shoulders, abs, triceps, biceps and obliques. I will have goals for other areas but this is the main area I wish to improve, because I now think it is having a knock on effect to my cardio because I can't hold certain positions and tend to slump when I workout and I think that's down to not having the strength in my back and abdomen.
Today is my first ab, arm, kettle-bell short workout thing, so I will let you know how it goes. Yesterday was a gym day and so will Thursday. I am also hoping to get out for a 40 minute walk on Sunday and clear the lungs, which I haven't done since November - it;s embarrassing if it's before that jeez.
My other goals for this week, which are less specific are to drink more squash and water, no eating past seven (and the reason I do this is because it disrupts my sleep and my energy levels the next day if I eat late) and the last one is to portion control. Lately, I have been eating in my eyes a little more than I need to be, causing me to feel bloated and lethargic etc. By cutting down on those unnecessary calories each day I am hoping that helps the bloat, stops me feeling lethargic and even has an affect on the scale. It's basically portion control at its simplest.
Thursday, 2 January 2014
New Year, New Me...?
Like I said in Mondays post for MIMM, I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions. When I was in Secondary School or High School, whichever you prefer, I was. But I haven't made them in years. Instead I find it more helpful to set them whenever I choose to. You can choose to be a new you every day you wake up. That's in your control and 24 hours doesn't change anything.
But what I will write down is my goals for the month of January.
Three goals seems a reasonable number to start with...so here they are. Oh and these will more than likely be beginning when I get back to Cheltenham, as I am spending the next few days with my family.
To exercise five days out of seven.
and that doesn't necessarily mean get to the gym. That can be anything I want it to be. Maybe walks or a dvd or even strength exercises.
To drink as much fluids as I can; mainly water and squash.
And...finally
To eat a 80% fresh foods diet.
When the holidays are over some may find it hard to quickly convert, but if I am honest I am really craving an apple now!
Can't wait for normality to begin and routines to revert back to normal. It really can't come sooner. I love to relax my diet and skip workouts in order to spend time with friends and family, but I am all ready for it to be over with.
The reason I'm not setting any weight goals yet, and this is just a personal choice, is because I am not going to weigh in. Maybe I will at the end of the month, or I might even leave it until the beginning of March. I can feel for myself when I am being healthy and doing everything I am supposed to be doing. And so I am not going to weigh-in knowing I will see a gain. Call it what you will. But for me this is the best way to proceed.
I am also thinking about trying out a challenge. My last challenge was back in October, and I attempted a squatting challenge. Can't remember how far I had gotten now, but I didn't fully complete it, which was a little disappointing.
Here are a few I am considering...courtesy of Pinterest!
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Any challenges that you are embarking on in the month of January?
Have you set your January goals yet?
But what I will write down is my goals for the month of January.
Three goals seems a reasonable number to start with...so here they are. Oh and these will more than likely be beginning when I get back to Cheltenham, as I am spending the next few days with my family.
To exercise five days out of seven.
and that doesn't necessarily mean get to the gym. That can be anything I want it to be. Maybe walks or a dvd or even strength exercises.
To drink as much fluids as I can; mainly water and squash.
And...finally
To eat a 80% fresh foods diet.
When the holidays are over some may find it hard to quickly convert, but if I am honest I am really craving an apple now!
Can't wait for normality to begin and routines to revert back to normal. It really can't come sooner. I love to relax my diet and skip workouts in order to spend time with friends and family, but I am all ready for it to be over with.
The reason I'm not setting any weight goals yet, and this is just a personal choice, is because I am not going to weigh in. Maybe I will at the end of the month, or I might even leave it until the beginning of March. I can feel for myself when I am being healthy and doing everything I am supposed to be doing. And so I am not going to weigh-in knowing I will see a gain. Call it what you will. But for me this is the best way to proceed.
I am also thinking about trying out a challenge. My last challenge was back in October, and I attempted a squatting challenge. Can't remember how far I had gotten now, but I didn't fully complete it, which was a little disappointing.
Here are a few I am considering...courtesy of Pinterest!
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Any challenges that you are embarking on in the month of January?
Have you set your January goals yet?
xoThanks for Readingxo
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Let's Set Some Goals Shall We?!
I feel as though this time of year is the time of year that I am always setting goals. The Christmas season is fast approaching and I always figure trying to eat healthier and more balanced now can only be better for you once the holidays and festivities are over.
Damn that was a long sentence... but since there are no take backs, I guess I'll just have to carry on.
So like I was saying it's that time of year, and as I am currently sitting here feeling a little too bloated for my liking, now's a good enough time than any to put fingers to keyboard and type.
I haven't really planned any goals out so I am just living in the moment and writing what comes to my head. My goals for once aren't going to be number based. In regards to weight I want to lose anyways. They will be targeted at the food I am eating and the exercise I want to get in.
Enough with the babbling so here goes.
I think there should be some main goals and habits that I focus on.
One - Portion Control. This has been a hit and miss lately. Some days I am not hungry at all and I have to force myself to eat something to keep my energy levels up. But then some days I can eat for England, and it's not always like I'm wolfing down chocolate - sometimes it's fruit too.
Two - Eat Less Carbs and More Meat and Veggies for Main Meals. My main meals have been getting more carby later and I need to go food shopping to ensure this doesn't become a habit. Being uncomfortably bloated is not something I want to become a common thing.
Three - Start doing more Weight and Strength Training. This just needs to become a thing. I have become so complacent when it comes to strength training like sit-ups etc and training with weights also. My cardio exercise has improved through the gym, but my strength isn't exactly at an all time high at the moment.
I think that's a good number of goals to be getting of with for now, and maybe I'll give weekly updates etc on how I've been getting on when it comes to achieving these things. These are the main things I feel that if and when I improve on them that I'll be feeling much better. More physically than anything because I have been feeling quite lethargic recently.
Anyways, there are my goals.
Do you have any current goals?
Damn that was a long sentence... but since there are no take backs, I guess I'll just have to carry on.
So like I was saying it's that time of year, and as I am currently sitting here feeling a little too bloated for my liking, now's a good enough time than any to put fingers to keyboard and type.
I haven't really planned any goals out so I am just living in the moment and writing what comes to my head. My goals for once aren't going to be number based. In regards to weight I want to lose anyways. They will be targeted at the food I am eating and the exercise I want to get in.
Enough with the babbling so here goes.
I think there should be some main goals and habits that I focus on.
One - Portion Control. This has been a hit and miss lately. Some days I am not hungry at all and I have to force myself to eat something to keep my energy levels up. But then some days I can eat for England, and it's not always like I'm wolfing down chocolate - sometimes it's fruit too.
Two - Eat Less Carbs and More Meat and Veggies for Main Meals. My main meals have been getting more carby later and I need to go food shopping to ensure this doesn't become a habit. Being uncomfortably bloated is not something I want to become a common thing.
Three - Start doing more Weight and Strength Training. This just needs to become a thing. I have become so complacent when it comes to strength training like sit-ups etc and training with weights also. My cardio exercise has improved through the gym, but my strength isn't exactly at an all time high at the moment.
I think that's a good number of goals to be getting of with for now, and maybe I'll give weekly updates etc on how I've been getting on when it comes to achieving these things. These are the main things I feel that if and when I improve on them that I'll be feeling much better. More physically than anything because I have been feeling quite lethargic recently.
Anyways, there are my goals.
Do you have any current goals?
xoThanks for Readingxo
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
It's A New Month: Goals, Past-Wallowing, and Pizza
It's October and I think it's time to get my bum back into gear. I have pretty much spent the past two months , (August in particular) procrastinating beyond belief.
I am still saying to myself 'but it was going so well' in my head, and really that should have stopped come September. I wallowed in my past achievements and recent failures as a human being and then I should really have got on with it. But no, the wallowing followed me into September, but that is where it ends. October should be a good month, certainly it's going to be a busy month, but I am hoping for a successful one.
Goals are going to be made weekly, depending on what I feel that I need to work on.
So Goals for the rest of the week are as follows:
* Make sure most snacks are fruit or veggies.
*Add as little sugar to drinks as possible. (Includes Flavours in coffee and Honey in Tea)
*Keep portions small.
Now yesterday was one of my house mates birthday, and so tonight she wants to celebrate with pizza from Dominoes. Admittedly though, after a night-out two weeks ago I had some pizza and it was so tasty. I have learned over the years to look forward to nights like those and not to resent them like I have done in the past. So tomorrow knowing full well that I will be partaking in pizza, I will just minimise tomorrows overall damage and be mindful of what I am putting in my mouth etc.
No biggy, just pizza!
I am still saying to myself 'but it was going so well' in my head, and really that should have stopped come September. I wallowed in my past achievements and recent failures as a human being and then I should really have got on with it. But no, the wallowing followed me into September, but that is where it ends. October should be a good month, certainly it's going to be a busy month, but I am hoping for a successful one.
Goals are going to be made weekly, depending on what I feel that I need to work on.
So Goals for the rest of the week are as follows:
* Make sure most snacks are fruit or veggies.
*Add as little sugar to drinks as possible. (Includes Flavours in coffee and Honey in Tea)
*Keep portions small.
Now yesterday was one of my house mates birthday, and so tonight she wants to celebrate with pizza from Dominoes. Admittedly though, after a night-out two weeks ago I had some pizza and it was so tasty. I have learned over the years to look forward to nights like those and not to resent them like I have done in the past. So tomorrow knowing full well that I will be partaking in pizza, I will just minimise tomorrows overall damage and be mindful of what I am putting in my mouth etc.
No biggy, just pizza!
*Recycled Photos
It's not like I haven't had it before and it's not like I won't have it again in the future.
Hmm...that picture makes me hungry, but since I am writing this yesterday and it's late - I need to stop drooling and get to bed. I am hoping the sleep fairies come to visit early tonight. Last night (by which I mean Sunday) was terrible because I was struggling to breathe, and if I can't breathe I can't sleep - end of!
But I am armed with my Hall's (sadly out of soothers for my throat), and ready to get some rest since I am up early tomorrow for a lecture about my Dissertation, which is too important to miss and I am hoping quite useful!
Happy New Month guys, I hope the month treats you well :-D
How often do you make goals?
Has anyone tried making that cauliflower pizza base Pizza? I want to try it and I am looking for a good recipe.
xoThanks for Readingxo
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
September Goals and August Update
I have no idea why, but August feels so far away now. Is it just me, or do you guys feel like that too? It's strange. It doesn't feel like I've only just entered September at all. Anyway I wanted to just write down some goals, so they sound real. For me it helps to write down what I am doing or what I want to do. I am a big fan of writing in general, not just on here or for my course, but I write all the time - even if it is just on the back of a scrap piece of paper or a sticky note. It helps me to get things done, and also remember what I wanted to do. Like I said I am forever making lists of things to get done, and with weight loss and exercise I am not any different.
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I realise that yesterday I should have probably weighed in, and got a reading to go off. But I don't want this month to stress me out any more than what it should. Obviously, I am going back to University for my final and last year as an undergrad student, and with that comes a lot of stress and pressure. It will be my last year of studying, maybe forever/definitely for a long time. I certainly don't have any plans to further my education after these next nine/ten months are up, and so I am starting to get down to the business end of 'after education'. I'm not going to spend any more of this post rambling on about it, but I am basically going to be adjusting and getting back into the swing of things. Meaning that I don't what to add to that pressure with such fickle, time-consuming things such as 'weight loss'. Instead I want to just have a chilled, relaxed approach and basically ease myself back into life.
This all means I am going to be taking everyday as it comes, and making the best decisions I can based on that. In the past when I have been striving for weight loss, especially at the start of a term (when I have just come back from 'home') I tended to seclude myself and not participate socially. Something I have been desperately working on all year, and in fact having success with!
So, with that being said, I basically don't want to overload myself and so I won't be following any strict eating or exercising plan. Instead I will just be trying to eat healthier, not eating as much junk food and fast food. September will definitely be a month to get back to basics etc.
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First day down, and I didn't do too bad. I got an hour + workout in and I resisted 'bad' snacks. My bad snack in particular at the moment is Doritos. I need to just resist for a while and take a break from them. Overall it was a successful day!
Right, no let's get on to goals:
Starting with...
Source
I realise that yesterday I should have probably weighed in, and got a reading to go off. But I don't want this month to stress me out any more than what it should. Obviously, I am going back to University for my final and last year as an undergrad student, and with that comes a lot of stress and pressure. It will be my last year of studying, maybe forever/definitely for a long time. I certainly don't have any plans to further my education after these next nine/ten months are up, and so I am starting to get down to the business end of 'after education'. I'm not going to spend any more of this post rambling on about it, but I am basically going to be adjusting and getting back into the swing of things. Meaning that I don't what to add to that pressure with such fickle, time-consuming things such as 'weight loss'. Instead I want to just have a chilled, relaxed approach and basically ease myself back into life.
This all means I am going to be taking everyday as it comes, and making the best decisions I can based on that. In the past when I have been striving for weight loss, especially at the start of a term (when I have just come back from 'home') I tended to seclude myself and not participate socially. Something I have been desperately working on all year, and in fact having success with!
So, with that being said, I basically don't want to overload myself and so I won't be following any strict eating or exercising plan. Instead I will just be trying to eat healthier, not eating as much junk food and fast food. September will definitely be a month to get back to basics etc.
Source
First day down, and I didn't do too bad. I got an hour + workout in and I resisted 'bad' snacks. My bad snack in particular at the moment is Doritos. I need to just resist for a while and take a break from them. Overall it was a successful day!
Right, no let's get on to goals:
Starting with...
Food
- Avoid 'bad' snacks (mainly crisps and chocolate snacks).
- Keep takeaways to a max of one per week *(see more as a 'cheat' meal).
- At meal times inc. Veggies and Salad.
- Smaller Portion sizes.
*I hate that work 'cheat', maybe I mean indulgence more than cheat!
I think four goals is enough to keep me occupied during the month of September. For me I want to get back on track, and so the best way to do that is make some good progress each month. That's the best way for me to incorporate 'good' habits again.
Moving onto...
Exercise
- Move more in general, and keep active.
- Do more activities, maybe swimming?!
As you can tell, I don't want to commit myself to too much, hence the generality of my goals. If I can move more each day that will be great. With my course I spend a lot of time either in class sitting or at home studying because my course requires a lot of reading, which means I am 'still' a lot. So, getting out for walks will hopefully break that up!
I am not going to make a weight-loss goal for this month, maybe I will next month - but I feel as though I have enough to be getting on with for this month. Hopefully, though if I am eating well and moving more my weight will even out again. Hopefully.
August...
August was a weird month for me, and although I feel it went fast, I am not sure if very much happened. It felt like a bit of a blah month to be honest, and instead of making progress I slightly slipped back. Which although I wasn't proud of, I also don't want to dwell on the mistakes I made in the month of August. Instead I want to use those mistakes and learn from them this month.
At some point I will be posting starting photos and ending photos, I am just waiting for my sister to take them with my better camera.
At some point I will be posting starting photos and ending photos, I am just waiting for my sister to take them with my better camera.
xo Thanks for Reading xo
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