Showing posts with label Update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Update. Show all posts

Saturday, 23 August 2014

16/08-22/08

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.

Friday, 15 August 2014

09/08-15/08

This week equals a success and I feel completely proud of myself to be saying that sentence.

As I relax now with a well earned beer (or two), I find myself looking back on the week. The lows, the highs, the successes, the failures, it really did all happen. But I battled with myself when it came to food and I made sure that I got a good workout session in (whatever I decided it would be). And two out of three ain't bad, as Meatloaf would say or for me six out of seven ain't bad! The only day I "took off" was Thursday, or yesterday I should say, as I just felt downright terrible after minimal sleep. At one point, I honestly thought I'd pass out from exhaustion. But I powered through, took two Pro-Plus (which I hate to do) and pulled it out of the bag. Now I never recommend taking caffeine in pill form, but yesterday it was necessary and quickly did the trick. I'd say within half an hour I was powering through job applications and continuing on with my Thursday.

Eating healthy and cleaner, and simply working out, doing whatever I chose is what has made my week a success. In my own eyes anyhow. The workouts where beginner and nothing too strenuous was achieved, as in I wasn't flipping tyres or throwing sandbags, which is what I always think about when I think of "proper people" who work out. I ran, I lifted weights, I toyed around with kettle-bells (easily my new favourite piece of gym equipment). Nothing was ever boring, though at times it was hard and I think that's where balance comes into the equation. You need to enjoy what you're doing, but it needs to feel challenging enough to see improvements and changes. These improvements and changes are what make you want to continue and to power through. They are evidence of your hard work and proof of the strength you put into each session. So hopefully 4 to 6 weeks time and I'll see some kind of improvements.

I'm not weighing myself at the moment,a deliberate decision that I have made. It will do no good and so I am going to leave it alone...for now anyways. My goal weight I feel is always 9 and a half stone, with a 25/26 inch waist. Those are the figures I always have in my mind, because I know when I get down to that weight all the opportunities I'll have. Opportunities like wearing shorts and not minding, just the little things like that that make life that little bit easier.

And that's where I leave it for today. Hopefully next week will be just as successful.

xoChloexo

Monday, 30 June 2014

My Motivation has been Flattened by Overindulgence

I knew moving back home would never be easy and with no plan for the future I have let the pressure get to me. For the first time in my life the future holds no certainty for me and this has had a severe impact on me over the course of the past five months. In the last month alone I have seen my weight rise week by week by the pound and it would be ignorant of me if I pretended I had no idea why.

I have made poor upon poor choices when it has come to food and what I have chosen to let pass my lips. It hasn't been takeaway after takeaway or even binge after binge, but by overeating on numerous occasions, meal after meal the consequences of my actions are beginning to show on my waist line. I have finally come to terms with the fact that this is a thing that I will always have to battle with and fight against. But it's the way that I choose to fight through these circumstances that will grow to define me. And I need to admit that I haven't been finding...I couldn't find my feet fast enough and I began to fall short.

My mentality has been all over the place and I have talked myself out of so many opportunities over the past six months. This period in my life has tested me the most so far, and I feel like I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as they say.

It's not going to be easy getting back on track, especially with the eating and the exercise but it is something that I have grown to need in my life. It's presences provides an outlet that promotes stability and when I don't have that present in my life my cracks begin to show and I tend to fail. It has taken me a while to realise that exercise and a good, healthy diet is essential, but it is something definitely worth fighting for.

I think that's enough explanation and it is definitely time to begin yet another chapter in this sometimes tedious journey we call life! This realisation has come at the right time because tomorrow it will be July....and the let down that was June can fade into the past.

xoChloexo

Thursday, 7 November 2013

Lately I have been writing posts and not posting. I must have started and left twelve posts by now! Some are saved as drafts and some have already been deleted - even link-up posts.

I don't like the fact that I am withholding posts for one reason or another is right, and so I am going to set myself the task of posting once a day for the next week. These posts will be about whatever springs to mind at the time of writing the post and I will publish without edits. Scary for someone who re-reads their posts and edits every time, but a goal I am willing to succeed at.

I haven't weighed in in a couple of weeks, deliberately? Yes and No.

I have been wanting to know, but I feel I am going through one of those times in life where the scale can do no good - no matter what the number back flashes!

So instead I have just being trying to work on my eating and workouts. As for me they often go hand in hand things haven't been going too badly. But there's always room for improvement in and that's what I intend to do over the next few weeks, and hopefully right up until Christmas. Small changes only.

Things like more fluids, more exercise, more fresh air, less sugar and saturated fats. The basics that everyone is always trying to change and improve. But I could do with cutting down before Christmas happens.

I love this time of year, and I like to enjoy myself. There's more treats and more alcohol etc, which means I should attempt to tackle and challenge myself now.

So that's it for me. Enjoy your Thursday night.

And

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!


*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!

                                         Halls Sugar Free Drops, Mountain Menthol, 25-Count Drops (Pack of 12) by Halls. $25.66. Sugar Free Cough Suppressant Drops Temporarily relieves a cough due to a cold.

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, 17 September 2013

Catching Up

Over the last few days I took a much needed break from blogging. I did write an important post that I want to share with everyone soon, but for now I am just going to be posting sporadically. I know I keep saying it, but I am still tired most days for no explained reason. But I've just been giving in and napping in the early evening to balance things out. I figured if my body wants a nap, give it what it wants and rest up!

And that's basically what I have been doing.

I arrived back in my university town on Sunday, and I have just been spending my time catching up with friends and getting settled again. It seems to have taken me forever to unpack and I still haven't finished. I guess I did bring slightly more stuff with me this time, but I think its more my laziness to get organised and accept that the first semester of my last year is beginning next week. Meh...I am looking forward to it, but I have the feeling that this will be the quickest year of education I have had so far. The year I feel is just going to whizz by, and before I know it I will be actively having to look for work. Maybe, even for jobs I don't want to take as well. There will be no more student loans and no more grants, which I find more nerve racking than anything. There's no guaranteed security, and as you probably know, I am not exactly a risk taker - instead I'd rather play it safe!

But I have this feeling, and it's telling me that my most stressful year is upon me. After 21 years of education I will finally be leaving the cocoon of learning to find my way in the "real" world. That being said it makes me want to make the most out of this year even more! And to go after opportunities and apply and attend everything I've never dreamed and also always wanted do. I have taken to call it my year of chance. Where chances are everywhere and there for me to take. Why not right? If I don't others will, and in the world of work you need to think about yourself before others.

Having a determination to not let the year slip away, if I am honest, is always how I begin each school year. But something always happens, gets in the way and then I am left asking 'Where did the year go? And how is it already examination time?'. That thing is called life, and is sometimes a huge pain in my huge behind! But I am hoping this year I manage to accomplish all of what I set out to do. 

My determination is definitely stronger this year, and I have this thing in my head like a clock ticking down as I cross off each day of my giant wall calendar. Letting me know on a daily basis that doomsday will come (my last exam) before I know it, and that it's coming whether I choose to accept that little fact or not. And you know what... maybe it's time to face it head on for what it's worth?! Instead of ignoring the fact, and hoping that time will magically slow down somehow. Be cool if that happened right? Or maybe if I borrowed the time-turner from Hermione so that I could achieve everything I wanted to do. 

Well, there I go again...dreaming. It's been a common theme for the last twenty years, and I doubt I will break it in the next few months but I can make a conscience effort to in fact embrace it. Lap it up whilst I have the chance and use it for my advantage. Dream big I say :-D

Are you studying/learning for your last year in education?

If so, how do you feel about it?

xoThanks for Readingxo

Friday, 13 September 2013

Friday Feelings, Update, New Goals...

First of all apologies, this post may be a bit of a ramble. You have been warned ha ha!

As you can probably tell by the title, my mind is all over the place at the moment. But I am just trying to deal with every day that comes, which makes making goals a little harder.

My feelings on this very bleak Friday the 13th are as follows; I am tired, my stomach is in pain (should have known better than to eat the pizza!), and I am not in the mood for much. Now this happens to everybody at the some point or other, and we all experience our highs and lows right? This just happens to be a not so good day for me. It happens. I just need to get through it as best as I can and get on with everything I need to. Maybe having an early night? I fell asleep during 'The Expendables' and woke up about 11pm yesterday. But lately I could honestly sleep for half the day and still need more sleep. I have no clue what's going on!

My best day this week was probably Monday, and that's when I involuntarily had to get up early and get stuff done! So, with that, everyday this week I woke up early after eight hours or so of sleep. But it just isn't long enough. Maybe tomorrow I should try a lie-in.

All I know is yesterday felt like a wake-up call, something telling me that I need to get everything together again and sort things out. Or I could be in trouble! So, I made a list dependant on what I need to prioritise in the clean up.

My List:

* Stop drinking Juice and other sugary drinks (they have snuck back in!)

* Limit Crisps and Sweet Treats (not to enjoyed daily - choose healthier options!)

* Smaller Portions (concentrate and stop when the signs of being full begin!)

* Stay Hydrated (mainly drink water!)

* Use walking to clear my head!


So, there we have it my feelings, update and new goals!

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.

Hello, September
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.

As trainers like to say, you can't out exercise a bad diet. Healthy eating
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.


xo Thanks for Reading xo