A Loss is a Loss

Well had my weigh in on Friday with Don at WW Myers. I lost 200grams, I thought it would be more - actually I thought nearly a kilo but you never know how your body is going to go. But after all, a loss is a loss and this is not a race and success isn't only rewarded by the scales. Overall I am happy with my progress and how I am going and my average is 0.5 which is within the mark they say. They say 0.5 to a kilo a week is what we should expect. At the time of writing this blog, TOM has arrived so I am fairly satisfied with the amount I have lost, my period is all over the place at present so considering that they were due when I weighed, I am fairly pleased. I have a friend who has gastric bypass surgery, initially she has lost a fair bit - well 8 kgs but it does slow down and is about the same as WW - why you would do this is beyond me, after all on WW you can have basically any food as long as it is counted and tracked - with gastric bypass she said that she doubts if she ever will be able to have steak again. I can't work it out really. The water is reasonably okay but does need improvement and my mind is now thinking about exercise. I do think initially that walking is the best bet with a gym membership a little way down the track. There is a new gym opening at Glenelg called Geneysis - if their foundation membership is reasonably cheap I may change my mind, if not and is about the same as Fitness First then I will do that because I can go after work with Kelly my hairdresser and go across the road at lunch times on alternate days for a 30 minute workout. So that is about it for the time being. Be in touch.

Weigh In Tomorrow

Just a quick blog post. Things are going well and I am pleased with how things are progressing. I basically take one day at a time and so far so good. Exercise is my next hurdle and working out what is best for me to do. I have various options, initially perhaps walking and varying the times I do this, secondly join a gym with my friend Kelly and thirdly perhaps hire a piece of equipment - ie treadmill for the winter months. But over all the exercise is my next step to allow me to have constant and reasonable weight losses. Eating out of my freezer at present,the frozen meals I have cooked are a godsend in winter when I am home late and thought I might make a list of what is actually in the freezer and cross off the list as I eat. My labelled food has been fabulous for the freezer as I know in advance how much that chicken breast is going to be point wise. Organisation is the key to any good weight loss. Anyway, my weigh in tomorrow, I am hoping for another good loss and hopefully the scales will report that I have been rewarded for my effort. Will place a post on Saturday on how much I have lost.

All going well

Well everyone, things are going well with the weight loss - not so good with the online dating. On the 19th June 2009 I lost 500grams and on 26th June 2009 a loss of 1.1. I am pleased with my progress and the WW at Myer. Unfortunately, Toni my leader isn't doing Friday nights now but I am seeing Don who is the husband of the leader Tina that my friends Tania and Tina go to. I love him and he has lost about 45 kilos and so found him good, as well an old leader called Di is there so I get an extra bit for my money as my appointment is at 5.20pm on a Friday it isnt a popular time so get to chat to them both before and after. Had dinner at the Belair Hotel on Sunday and sat on water for the day and turned down dessert - I am pleased with my efforts and as these people know I am on WW it helped and must admit to getting some good words of encouragement from Joey and Gill which was lovely with Gill suggesting anytime I want to walk, she will walk with me which was kind. On the tram today I was talking to an old WW weigher who has lost now 48 kilos. We chatted for a while and she agreed that losing weight is having the right mental attitude and being organised which I agree with. This week the water is my priority and to fit in a couple of walks with Vince the dog. My back is playing up so don't want to overdo it. Don (my leader) agrees that when I feel more energetic that the exercise is something I will want to do. He is surprisingly good and compassionate. This week I don't have any social events other than a dinner on Friday night, so I plan to cook a few more dishes for the freezer, which is looking pretty full at present and is all nicely labelled with the points value - makes life so easy. The online dating is a disaster but I am not worried about that, at present I want to focus on WW which does take a little time and my boss wants me to do a para legal course which I am contemplating - I think I need to be busy. Men I don't understand and I suppose they don't understand women - after all the book is right Men are from Mars and Women from Venus. So I am just focusing on what I have to do, I am not worried about averages or the amount I lose, as long as I record a loss - this is a new lifestyle change and if I want to get to goal and maintain my weight then I need to acknowledge that this is how it is going to be. After all, we can have our favorites - we just have to plan for it. Anyway, I am now just focusing on my first 5kgs which I have already planned to have a facial, something I never do. As Don says look to your first goal - 5kgs and then re-evaluate and work towards the next one and don't look at the goal weight - I agree with him. Anyway, I am pleased with my progress and how I have handled myself this last week. Of course, we always have room for improvement but considering everything I am doing well.

It is about being in the right head space

Well everyone. The Weight Watchers journey has its highs and lows. With me, the lows are associated with losing my focus and not being in the right head space. This is week 2 of my WW Myer Lifestyle Centre journey and I had a big moment last night. I have been religiously tracking, all good and bad foods and foods eating between 1am and 4am - yes they do count. Last night I went to the library, had to go to Big W and then on the way home thought I can't be bothered cooking my frittata that I was going to make, I contemplated for a second McDonald's drive thought but decided to go to the Coles up the road and get a WW frozen meal. I did that, came home popped it into the microwave and after I finished it, gave myself a pat on the back. I think being organised with your food, planning and most of all tracking helps you as well to keep that mindset happening. Although, I prefer not to eat too much processed food, there are occasions when I do. I prefer to eat whole foods and basically try at times to follow the core principles. I am going to do a cook up for the freezer on the weekend. My focus today is water and my apple. I hate fruit, my main staples are berries - frozen or fresh and pineapple. I have brought 2 apples for today and tomorrow and plan to eat them. I am already feeling better for the good eating, I will plan my treats for when I really want them. For example, I will still have McDonalds but will plan to have it and that way I will enjoy it. I believe that you have to have some flexibility with your food, not ever having Maccas is unrealistic in my point of view but planning for it is acceptable. It may mean that eventually McDonalds or the like wont appeal to me. I note with interest a lady on the WW forums called Janice . She is nearly at goal and has recorded at this stage in her journey still good numbers. It comes down to exercise and not luck. I did comment that she was lucky, in hindsite this is a ridiculous saying but the fact is, t his lady works at getting those numbers. At this stage to still be losing around a kg two weeks in a row is remarkable and more importantly inspirational. I am not at the point where exercise is a love, that will come I think during this journey when I am feeling better. I will go to the gym and already have a partner to go with - my hairdresser Kelly which is ideal. But, I want to get the food underway first. Then concentrate on the gym and perhaps if we are brave to undertake a class, I can't do that at triple figures - I would be too embarrassed. Anyway, I am pleased with my progress and trying to concentrate on what I want to achieve and to try and praise myself at the end of each day when I have been good food wise, tracked and done the right things. At the end of the day, I have the support of the WW community, friends, bloggers and myself. Vince the best dog in the world is going to get walked more as well - so that is the a bonus for him.

Yay for me !

Well, where did the weekend go. Far too quickly for my liking. In South Australia we have had a lot of rain, so it was impossible to get the washing dry, my heater died - so I was cold so it was an excuse to snuggle in bed with the world's best dog and read. Now, a lot has happened so here it goes. First Weigh In at WW at Myer Friday arrived and I went to my first weigh in. I was nervous, it all got down to being weighed by Toni and letting not only myself down, by her as well. This is exactly why WW at Myer suits me. I was greeted by an old leader that I had a huge amount of success with and like her style, I did chringe a bit as it is the old thing, been there previously and failed and thought she would think "here we go again". Luckily, Di is fabulous and is doing a variety of meetings and in particular Brighton on Sat morning. Anyway, she agreed that she had seen my name on the list and had thought WW at Myer would be perfect for me, she is right. Toni greeted me and I got on the scales. My period was due - still hasn't arrived ! My rings were tight and I thought god I hope I don't gain. I lost 700 grams and really happy with that. Any loss is good for me. I brought the new cookbook which is really excellent and full of recipes from WW Leaders. We chatted about my week ahead and I had a Thai meal out and suggested some alternatives, although I thought stir fries were good, she reminded me that amount of oil they are cooked in. Luckily, I had downloaded the menu which was a help. Overall, it was good and I am anxious for my next weigh in. Although this week I need to concentrate on my water intake. Men ! I could write a book on this subject. I do not understand them at all. 2 Weeks ago I meet John who I thought we got on fabulously, asked if he wanted to catch up which he happily and enthusiastically agreed to. Obviously, he has had a change of thought as there is no answer to my emails. So I just sent one off saying to the effect, you are not interested - that is fine. Friday meet a really really nice guy called Neil, we got on really well and he was the first that I thought it would be nice to see him again and perhaps catch up over a meal. After our lunch on Friday, I asked if he was interested in catching up again, he also said yes and now has ignored my emails and even when we are online at the same time I get the silent treatment. I don't have any problems with them not being interested but have enough balls to say so. I hate liars. I have 2 more in the wings to meet. Bill a teacher but not sure about him as he has 3 kids and Brenton who likes wine. I suppose it is going to be a long journey but really, should it be this hard. I always think they arent interested because I talk a lot and am voluptous (ie FAT). This I am sure is to overcompensate for my lack of esteem. Like when I meet the online girls recently, I was so nervous about meeting Sam, Jo and Kazz that I nearly passed out. So I talked a lot to cover the nerves. Anyway, when I do meet someone, the next lot of questions I ask myself is about body issues. I am confident that I am well groomed, but once I strip off - yikes...........But, with WW i am hoping to improve that part. Food My food intake has been good, my midnight eating is a problem and working towards that. I am trying to cook a new meal each week and Toni suggests variety is so imporTant. On Saturday after getting my nails done, I headed down to Cibo's for a latte. Normally, Gill and I have half a foccaccia together which is still around 9-10 points. So wait for it. I ordered a skim latte and a bowl of fruit salad, can I say that again FRUIT SALAD. I don't particularly like Fruit but realised this was my only choice and enjoyed it. I was so proud of myself, it was a mega milestone for me. With the right headset you can do anything. I have a lovely group of friends and I am the only one not in a relationship, so Saturday nights is a shocker for me, so I have decided that on this night I would have a couple of glasses of wine (pointed of course) and a nice meal and make the most of this. I am feeling a bit left out at present, so am glad that I have WW to focus on at present. Don't get me wrong, they are glorious people but after all - they do look after themselves first. Anyway, I am focused on the week ahead and my next weight loss.

General Update

Well, last Friday I went to Myers in Rundle Mall, and in particular their WW Lifestyle Centre which did impress me. I like the idea of one on one. My Leader was Toni who had lost 73.4 kilograms and she was pure inspiration. It was interesting to note that she didn't have any lose skin, apart from some on her stomach which probably relates to childbirth more than weight loss. She was insightful and told me that it took 18 months approximately for the skin to go back. Certainly, after 73.4 kilos i was impressed with how she looked. The one on one works for me purely as it identifies my problems and I don't get lost in the meetings.

I have been reasonably good, went and got my groceries on the weekend and nearly passed out about how expensive everything is. To eat healthy costs a fortune, I can't see how so many people say it doesn't. But, I am starting to feel better and am happy how I have gone. For one, I realised after perusing the points guide, which overall had a bigger impact on me than the e-tools. I realised my portion sizes have been way too big. Another significant aspect is that it dawned on me that I need to be 100% focused and not to reward myself with food when I have a good lose on a Friday. With TOM due on Friday, I am not expecting miracles but I am certainly eating way better and enjoying my meals more. The online dating is horrendous, men I find have the inability to be honest, if they are not interested, just say so. Thursday night man ignored two emails and thus have come to the conclusion that he is not interested, but I am not too fussed as was unsure anyway. Friday night man - it was obvious, although we chatted well. He at least considered it appropriate to say he wasnt interested. So have a date on Friday at lunch with a guy who works at Allianz CTP around the corner from work and as I have done alot of CTP insurance work in my capacity as a PA to a lawyer, we at least have a bit in common - we will see. Anyway, this weekend will start to do some exercise. Toni last week t old me just to focus on the food, and not to try and do too much at the start. Drinking my water is hard this time of the year and certainly I need to improve. I will report in on the weekend.

Friday - WW at Myer Lifestyle Centre

Today is Friday which means a long weekend. Saturday is so bloody busy it is ridiculous but fun. Hair at 9am, Coffee with Ron and Jo at 11.30am, Coffee with WW girls and Sam from Vic at 2pm and meeting the famous Jo and Kazz - can't wait and after that coffee and early dinner and a few wines with Jo J. Whew ! Well today I go at 5.20pm to Myer's at their WW Centre - I am ready for this. The last few days my nausea has been shocking - well I can't say I am sick, it is just I have eaten or more to the point BINGED a lot. But a lesson learnt. I am happy with my decision about going one on one at WW. For my personality type, this is a good thing and excited about meeting Toni as i know she is going to be marvellous and after all the girl lost 70kgs and can at least understand the road is hard. But funnily enough, with this whole online dating thing, it has made me want to lose weight. This may sound vain - it is just me trying to sound it out, but if they find me attractive and god forbid even sexy at triple figures, what would they think at double figures or even goal weight. My weight has held me back for far too long and I am also telling people that I have joined, no holding back. Now the other part of my life, online dating. Honestly you could write a book about it. Last night meet John who is semi-retired pilot. I wasnt sure to be honest as he is older than my critera (44 to 51)and he is 54 - so that is a lot older, but he did surprise me. Firstly, neat and dressed appropriately - we went to the Strand at Glenelg for dinner. Love cafe society - which I adore, enjoys wine and ordered a couple of glasses and talked about a couple wines we had tried. He had a Geoff Merrill Shiraz and I had Starve Dog's Sav Blanch which was mindblowingly good. Shared a wood oven pizza, delicious and not WW Friendly and talked for 2 hours. NOW THE BUT.....He talks more than me, which is saying alot and his sense of humour sometimes is a bit over the top, I did have a couple of moments when I just cringed and if he commented once, he commented a thousand times about the waitress' earrings because "it is good to communicate with the young ones" - well we aren't that old. But saying that we chatted about a variety of subjects and he was interesting. Anyway, the man had manners which is great, walked me to the car, gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek - I turned into a lump of cement, that surprised me and I suggested we catch up again, he at least has a mind of his own and suggested we try all the cafes at Brighton. Tonight I have WW then after that dinner with another guy from online dating - I cant remember his name, he flies in and out of Adelaide and seemed quite nice. So at least I am doing something. Next week coffee with Mario. Then that is it. It seems to have been a bit quiet as far as men looking at my profile but we will see. Must dash. Have a good long weekend for those Aussies.

More about the dating, less about WW

Just a quick post. I am now starting to feel eager about my one on one WW session at Myers. I think it is the right time for me and even told a few close girlfriends, who god bless them are so supportive. So between now and Friday I am not going to be good - not the right attitude I know. The online dating is going well, for a voluptous girl I am doing okay. Alright, the men are short and not my type but a few keen men which does my confidence more good than harm. I do take pride in my appearance and take care that my hair, nails, makeup and clothes are good, they seem to like that. One guy was very keen indeed and I did get some racy emails, unfortunately he doesnt rock my boat, or has the possibility of rocking my boat. They ALL have told me I am sexy - that is nice, whether or not that is true, it is nice to hear. I have been quite proud of myself in saying "thanks for the compliment" and it is nice that someone thinks enough to say it. Have two more dates. One tomorrow and one Friday -we will see. Anyway, must go. Martine <

I am an eating machine

I must confess, the healthy eating is out the window ! Luckily, Friday is my first meeting at Myer's Lifestyle Centre and honestly looking forward to it. I think with WW meetings I feel inferior to what everyone else is doing, this way I am only competing against myself. Plus, I am ready. When I eat badly, my emotions are all over the place. For the next few months I want to just concentrate on me. Friday cant come soon enough. On the weeekend I am meeting some WW girls, all of which are great women and inspire me in different ways. Sam is over from Melbourne and I am excited to meet her. I would have started my Myer Lifestyle program so will be able to report in. Now, online dating. I simply cannot work out men. When your not interested they are and the ones you think are okay don't want to have bar of you. It has done my head in, but I know I have to persevere with this. I suppose as well if I am feeling better physically about myself my confidence will also increase. I find online dating hard, most just want to email for ages and then hum and ha about meeting. Anyway, I know I am not alone in this neck of the woods. Anyway, must get back and do some work

.

The latest !

Well everyone, I went to Myer in Rundle Mall and enquired about their WW Life Centre's. Must admit to being pretty impressed and the one on one for me is ideal. I find that i am too busy at WW meetings comparing myself to everyone else and the meetings often get off track. Shazzywomble is only casual, so I have booked in at 5.20pm next Friday to see a lady called Toni. Toni remarkably has lost 70 kilos on WW. God, can you believe that. Apparently according to the lady I spoke to Toni is very good at food etc. I think she will be beneficial to me as I can grab all her knowledge. Anyway, I am going to tell everyone about it - I think perhaps I need to be accountable - but not my family. My friends and acquaintances. The online dating is such a weird experience. The men come on strong without meeting me - I know I am fussy so I just have to relax a bit and not let my weight be such an issue. Anyway, so I am just going to relax this week and focus on next Friday5 June 2009 as my start date. I really think the one on one is going to be great. I always have believed that if the leader weighed you the WW meetings would record more losses. Anyway, meeting "glenelg guy" today at 1pm for a coffee - I do think he is a tad short but we will see....He somehow thinks we are going to be great mates - me - I am not sure about it. How can I when I dont know him. Plus I am a spark type of girl. If the spark is there, then I will be happy. I can't quite get over the number of people that have meet their husbands/partners from online dating.....I suppose in 2009 that is the way we do it. Does my head in though. Wish me luck.

I have decided

Well, since Monday I have been doing on-line dating on Oasis. That is another blog entry in itself. I have decided my weight holds me back so much. My online photo is fabulous but does only show my head. I am going to do WW Lifestyle at Myers and hopefully get Shazwomble. It is a little more expensive but right for me. I need to start feeling good about myself - I cant be pr0-active if I am feeling so self conscious. That is my for the moment. Martine

I have gone off the rails

Hi everyone. To be honest I am not sure what to write. Let me put it this way, I am totally off the rails. I havent followed the plan for over a month - my heart is not in it. I need to decided what I am doing. I really havent been great since my original leader left, I think I need to either go back to her or go to the Myer WW Lifestyle centre which would fit in with my busy schedule. I have lost my mojo. I know doing it by myself just doesnt work as I will just have chocolate and twisties for dinner. Anyway, I am going to Broken Hill on Friday and will be back on Monday night. Whilst i am up there I will have a think. I may go to the Myer Centre to see Shazzywomble who does a Friday. I know what to do, there isnt much I learn from the meetings even though I enjoy them. I will post later - I just need to think about what I am doing. The joys of it all. martine

Update on the trials and tribulations of Martine

Hi everyone. I am really off the rails, not sticking to the WW program very well and accordingly am feeling down and depressed. But I went to WW on Wed night and gained 800grams, but saying that TOM is still to arrive and am feeling quite bloated. My gorgeous leader has come back after being away for a month and I must admit not staying for the meetings as I couldn't stand the relief leader. So, Doreen (the leader) and I had a big chat on Wednesday and I feel 200% better. For me, it is important to have a good relationship with my leader, now that she is back I like to be able to say to her at each meeting how much weight I have lost. I suppose on reflection my going off the rails has been becuase she is away. Saying that, there are other leaders that I like and could have gone to them. There is no one to blame but mysel. Doreen said that she finds alot of people perhaps lose their way but get back on track and get to goal. Although I have been a bad girl, funnily enough I never thought of quitting. I have made some good food choices and planned my eating and stayed for the meeting. Obviously, the meetings are a vital part of my success. Anyway, I am pleased to say that I am feeling a lot better. My sleeping has been at an all time low and it is hard sometimes to have energy for the day and be positive when all you are doing is craving food, a side affect of feeling so tired. But I am focused and want to have a good weight loss this week. I have just turned down a dinner invite for Sat night becuase I just want to concentrate on WW this week. I do enjoy the planning of meals etc and am hoping to experiement with food a bit more. Anyway, that is me at the present. As Doreen and I discussed my emotional issues are caused by lack of sleep and also my weight. So, feeling better about myself through weight loss is what I need to aim for.

Weigh In results

I went to my WW meeting last night, cast of thousands attending and I cannot wait until my leader is back from leave. I will be changing to a Tuesday meeting and still having the same leader. Lost 0.5 which I think is reasonable but realised that I had ate about a container of peanut butter this week so 0.5 loss is good. I dont normally buy it and now know why. TTOM is due as well so considering everything 0.5 loss is probably quite good. I just love the beginning of a new week. A fresh start. Walked with Libby this morning, I dont enjoy it but I think the enjoyment factor will come in time and with weight loss. After all, carrying 45 kilos around on your back isnt fun. My Minestrone soup I have made for work this week has been great and filling and enjoyable. I worked out my menus (roughly) for the week and cooking meals for the freezer. I am hoping for a 1+ kilo weight loss this week - I will need to do some more exercise to ensure this happens. Anyway, this road I travel with WW is probably going to take a while, I am currently focusing on 1 day at a time and ensuring that the day's food is within my daily limits - when I do this I am much happier. Didnt sleep hardly at all last night - THIS INSOMNIA DRIVES ME CRAZY. I am really hoping that when I get to goal weight that my sleep habits improve. Anyway everyone, have a good week.

I am fairly pleased

Hi everyone. The weekend was so so but I am pleased to say my food intake was a lot better than it has been and when I weighed in this morning the scales had dropped which is good. I have also been staying in the office most days having my lunch and find I am not tempted so much and can concentrate on the food and I am more satisfied. I am heading out to Big W to find a waterproof jacket for my morning walks, Libby walks rain, hail or snow but I don't have a jacket so will invest in one. Anyway, the exercise needs to be increased as far as my intensity and I am hoping that exercise becomes my friend - at present I doubt. I have also, in conjunction with my online tracker, printed off and organised my food for the week and there should be no thinking just doing. I also may during lunch, when I have finished, put on the trainers and go for a quick walk. Anyway, hopefully I get some good results on Wed WI. I am thinking of swapping my meetings to Tuesday night at Glenelg as I find that Wed gets busy and i walk that evening with a friend of mine, Doreen my leader does that meeting and I may do t hat in the next few weeks.

I even walked in the rain !!!

Hi everyone. Well Day 2 of being back in the groove. So far so good. I have really good and have ate all my points. I again walked with Libby this morning - even though Adelaide is raining and it was sprinkling - I did it. Actually it was nice. I have a sore back at present so it is a bit uncomfortable so a trip to the physio might be in order, even so I did it. I am trying just to focus on each day and so far it doesnt take long to get back into the groove of things. I am going to the market after work tonight and to do my grocery shopping - I have listed my food menus for the next two weeks to coincide with my pays so I am hoping that I will have enough of everything and may only need to go to the shops for more vegies. Anyway, weigh in day I am hoping for a good result. Really, weight loss is about the power of the mind. Do I want to be a goddess? It is easy - Yes or No. The answer lies there.

The results are in. Hold onto your seats

Well everyone. I went to WW last night after a bit of a gap. I have gained 2.1. This is expected and I am not upset because I know I was bad, I am only upset when I have put a lot of work into the week and didnt score the results. Anyway, it does make you realise a few things. Mainly, that this is a lifestyle change and I need to get my head into that space. I can have treats every now and again but I have to get my head around that feeling that I am depriving myself. I woke this morning, went for my walk and came home and sat and had breakfast and made my lunch. I have had a good day but do need to drink more water. I have probably ate most of my points except 1.5 (plus exercise which I dont count) and have tried to eat something between meals to get the metabolism in gear. I am hoping with hard work and perserverance that this week I can see a good weight loss. I know I have it in me if I work hard enough. I may even get up early on Saturday and go for a walk. Anyway everyone, I am pasting onto this post a link (www.mcdonalds.com.au/McCafe_Nutritional.pdf) to McDonalds McCafe Menu with nutritional details. I for one tend to go there for a coffee a bit - there is one down the road from where I live and it is handy to know the points, I don't tend to eat the burgers - not that I dont love them but the eating fast food in public is a bit embarrasing when your large.

I know that I need to pull up my socks, work hard and focus on the goals I want to achieve, I need to start getting serious and saying no to certain foods, even when I feel like saying yes.

I do need to get back to basics, I have tracked and organised my menu for the next week with my social functions included. I am going out to Indian on the weekend and have planned what I am eating in advance - no wine that night unfortunately.

Anyway, this is all a learning experience and I am now going to try really hard for a fabulous weight loss this week. I know I wont lose the 2.1 I gained but if I can lose over a 1kg I will be happy.

Take care.

I am totally off track !! Confession time

Hi everyone, I know it has been a while. I don't know what has happened but I have been off the rails. I have had a few health issues and the latest being a cold which is still going on together with reducing my anti-depressant medication I seem to have just lost the plot and my emotions have been all over the place and have been doing the "woe is me" routine. I have been eating anything and everything lately, the more I eat the more I get depressed, the more I eat etc etc. I am back on the medication and going to my WW meeting tonight to get back on track. I am pleased to report that other than last week when my car was at the crash repairers I am still walking in the morning and that has helped me get up earlier on the weekends. On Saturday I was up at 7.30am - a minor miracle and started to get into some jobs. I have been an all or nothing girl. Either I am 100% good or I am 100% bad and then binge eating occurs. I have chatted to my darling friend Tania the other day and we have sorted some stuff out- I find that talking with friends a big help. Anyway, what is done is done and I need to just focus on the future. In the near future an old flame from Darwin is coming down - I always think of him so I am now inspired to really shed some weight for me - so that I can feel mentally positive. So today is the last day of me being bad. Funnily enough, I never intend to stop going to WW. I haven't been to my meetings for a while as my leader has been away or I have had stuff on so I must admit my lack of motivation is not helped by not attending meetings. I know I have gained probably 2-3 kgs but what is done is done. I am now walking to and from the tram stop in addition to my walk and where possible a quick walk at lunchtime. I know I need to keep increasing my exercise so that is something I need to work on. Why is it that when things get a little tough then the first thing we do is turn to food !!! I must admit I feel shocking. I am tired, bloated and self conscious, so I know getting back into the WW groove is a must. I know WW works and I just need to plan and focus on what I am trying to achieve. As must as I hate the whole concept of the biggest loser, I have of late been getting inspiration from the before and after photos and recently when they looked at their initial videos. An overweight person is a sad person. I know that mentally and physically I would be a happier person with 50 kgs off. NOW THERE IS NO EXCUSE. I need to focus on what I want to achieve. The choice is mine to be vibrant, healthy and happy or sad, fat and miserable. I whinge that men don't look at me. For what ever reason, this is how I feel. I know that weight is an issue, although we all can say that alot of men like a women with a few curves and quite a few of my friends have married lovely men and they have curves like me - but somehow I just dont attract them. Is it because I am not happy with myself - I think so. Therefore I need to be happy being Martine Marie Dally - owner of a wonderful dog, daughter, aunty, neice, legal secretary and this will and can happen with weight loss. I know I am more than a body and my weight doesnt define me as a person but I think society does. Therefore 50 kgs need to come off and I need to start focusing on the task ahead, being responsible for my own actions and being a master of my own destiny.

After all we are masters of our own destiny!

I feel really happy today - it seems to me that the discipline of WW makes me feel in control of everything else. Well everyone in blogger land. Day 3 without sugar in my coffee and I am doing reasonably well. Went to my weigh in on Wednesday and gained 1.2 which I am surprised by the large amount but have missed meals and not planned and find that personally missing meals is just as bad as a binge. BUT I am glad I gained - well not really but as I always say a gain makes you consider your overall food, exercise and water intake - for me I just consider and evaluate that I need to be a bit more organised. Got on the scales last night and had dropped significantly so I do think maybe a bit of fluid retention is happening and that TOM is due but that is no excuse - I just havent been as good as I could. After all I am the one in control of the driver's seat. I really am floored but how relatively easy it has been to go without sugar in my coffee after 45 years of it and I think overall this is a good thing - I do like a challenge. Tonight off for Thai at Glenelg with a friend so have planned for a couple of wines and my meal. Tomorrow Michael is over for dinner but am making my magnificent WW recipe of Bacon and Tomato Risotto so that will be easy to point and wont drink. Easter is fast approaching- I am not using this as an excuse to eat. I am lucky that Hot Cross Bun's just dont rock my world (thank god) and no one will be giving me chocolate so hopefully my only challenge is that I may be out and about and the wine intake but I am going to carefully point my food, if I have enough points for a drink - great, if not, then I can stick of mineral water quite happily. I AM DETERMINED and am visualising my weight loss next week. I know I can do 1.5 easily if I stick to it. If I lose any weight at all I will celebrate but I can lose what I gained and a little more I will be happy. The new WW site tracker is great and there are places for measurements. I am going to on the weekend take my measurements and check my progress. Anyway my lovelies.............I am embracing WW and the challenges it holds. After all the weight gain was a gradual thing and I am sure my fat is quite attached to my body but as I have said before this is not a race, it is a life changing way of life and I am not only conquering my love of food but the mental challenge of getting my head into gear which I am fast realising is coming along quite well. Anyway, please feel free to post a comment - it is nice to know that some people are interested in what I write .

I am so tired !!!

Well I am starting this blog off with a whinge. My feet are so sore. I inherited bad feet from my mother's side of the family. Lucky for her it skipped her and has come to me. I had a shoe party last night at the office and was on my feet for about 5 hours and as a consequence could barely walk to the car last night. I am hoping once I get to goal weight that the pain I suffer in my feet will be relieved somewhat. Although I was tired and exhausted I got up and walked with Libby today. Having an exercise buddy is really fabulous. You have to walk as you are meeting someone. So I am pleased with how that is going and considering my feet were burning this morning I still did it. Tonight is weigh in at Weight Watchers and I am not sure how I am going to go. I know I could be better and really as Libby and I discussed this morning it comes down to being organised. I know I need to have a few meals in the freezer that I need to just reheat. So that is my plan this weekend. Tonight I am going to the Madness Concert with my good mate Kath. I will be going back to the 70's and 80's when I was a groover and dancing in my seat. Hopefully between now and then I get some energy back. Sugar ...........my next best friend. I went to the dentist yesterday and have had major problems with my teeth of late. I had stopped a while ago having artificial sweeteners in my coffee as I believe that the equal tablets I was having somehow correlate with my insomnia. I was having probably 3 coffees a day with 2 tsp sugar and we found that as I sip my coffee during the day instead of having it fairly quickly then the problem was the sipping the coffee with sugar. My dentist says having sugar in coffee is fine as long as you dont drink it slowly over a longer period of time. Anyway, it was just what I needed to hear as I have gone cold turkey with the sugar/sweetener in my coffee and pleased to say it isnt too bad. I am now somehow this morning refocused on my task ahead. My birthday (29/8/09) is probably something that I can use as a long term goal and want to try and lose another 6 kgs (easily done I think) by that time. I refuse to set too unrealistic goals. Anyway my lovelies........have a good day. Wish me luck for my weigh in.

I have been slack and not organised

Hi everyone, I have been slack with the blogging - smack on the wrist for me.!!! Had a personal health issues a few weeks ago which have sorted itself out. and that had me off the rails abit with my WW journey. Now an update on what is happening. Didn't weigh in last week as I had a meeting after work. I think I might outline how I am going in topics. Food -well the food is probably 70% okay. I find that I am not organised at present. Mornings are hard as I walk and then come home and have a cat nap before work and then I am running late. I need to sort that out and/or take cereal to work and have it when I arrive. I am going to cook a few meals tonight and freeze them as I find that some nights it is just too rushed and I am not eating as well as I should, if I have food in the freezer that just needs to be reheated I shouldnt go off the tracks. Exercise - I am still walking with Libby in the mornings for 45 minutes and I walk for 70 minutes one night a week with Gill, normally Wednesday after WW. So I am pleased with how this is going. I have decided I just dont have time for anymore exercise at this point in time. Latter in the year I may join a gym. I have heard a rumour that a gym is opening where the new Woolworths supermarket is being built at Glenelg which is near where I catch the tram to work - so that is apparently happening in September 2009 and I may wait until then and perhaps get a special deal. No doubt it probably will be a fitness first. I find that exercising with a friend is not only social but a good way to exercise. My overall attitude is reasonably good I suppose, the last few days I have felt a bit out of sorts but I am sure that is because I have been slack with the tracking and not being rigid enough with my food - reasonably good is not enough - I need to be good all the time and when I am not as good as I should be those negative thoughts come in. I saw a photo the other day - and it was a SHOCKER and made me realise that carrying 46 extra kilos is just not good enough. Alright I could be better, I could have better weight losses but I am not prepared to give up. I love my meetings and leader and am prepared to go the distance I think I just need a bit more planning in the next few weeks and a good weight loss to just keep me going. Easter is fast approaching but I am not worried. I will try and make some really great meals that I am going to throughly enjoy and that way the meals will be the treats. I am not into Hot Cross Buns so that isnt a problem and shouldnt be given any chocolate unless it comes from work so I should be right. Whilst writing this blog, it occurred to me that I just need to do the following:

1. Go back to basics
2. Track
3. Water consumption
4. Right mental attitude
5. Walking (perfect at present).

The right mental attitude is the key to this whole weight loss journey. Tina in her blog is a classic example of this and her results speak for themselves. So I am going home tonight, to plan and organise my food. Hopefully, probably at the weigh in after next the results will speak for themselves. My WW buddy Karen isnt going to WW anymore but I am settled in my meeting and want to prove to myself that I can do this. I am sad that she isnt going but she has stuff she needs to organise before she can even attempt WW. Enough of me. I will post my food intake for the day on tomorrow's blog. I love any comments you may have, as they help and inspire me. I am going tonight review Tina's blog - I love that girl in that she is really in the zone and can understand her attitude. The journey is full of ups and downs but one that I can do.

An update

Here are a few pictures of my beloved niece Jess Scarlett and Oliver. Being an Aunty is just fabulous and the next best thing to being a mother. I have been very slack indeed with the blogging. Went to WW on Wednesday and stayed the same which was a relief. I had a bit of a bad week with something that was worrying me, which is now okay but the emotional eating happened. I havent been great the last few days either so I have had a stern talking to myself and fully intend to get myself into gear this week. I am still walking with Libby (even if I am tired) and am pleased to say that this is now a routine. I can start to feel my clothes getting a lot looser and fully intend to see this journey out for the duration. My leader confirmed she is now our permanent leader and as she works full time she may need to go away every now and again for business and will try and get our old leader back to fill in. She gave us her email address which I think is pretty good and amazing as I have never heard that before. It was interesting at our meeting in that she said that alot of people stop in Winter and the ones that keep going are in it for the long haul and usually get to goal. I left a little earlier as I walked 80 minutes with Gill to clear out the cobwebs. Have been reading a few blogs and everyone seems a little out of sorts - this journey is so full of highs and lows it is unbelievable but you just have to stay with it and ride out the storm. I am trying to keep up my water intake which has been shocking of late. I am so tired at present so this weekend is about me, my diet and just re-grouping.

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Ooops I slept in

Hi everyone in bloggerland. Well it has been an interesting 24 hours. Last night I got to my car in the car park at work and found out that someone had hit it, luckily for me that someone (Rocky - gee I wonder if he is single !!) was honest enough to leave his details and an apologetic note. I normally take the tram to work but needed to visit the library and get my glasses repaired so it was easier to drive. Luckily for me the guy was very nice when I rang him but it just annoyed me and I am not so angry at him but just the situation. At least he was full of praise of me in that I didnt rant and go on. I always believe it is better to be nice and polite than rude. Anyway the car is being repaired. I couldnt sleep last night - WHAT IS NEW !!! So at 1-3am I am awake and planning my food for today's meal at Danny's Thai Bistro at the Parade and fluffed around all night. The alarm went off this morning and I can remember thinking about what exercise stuff I would wear - ie winter or summer and next thing you know it is 7am and I am an hour late. or more to the point slept through my walk. So I didnt walk this morning which really really annoyed me, as I all I can think of is that 3.5 points I could have earned. What did I say..........can I believe that in my head I have finally worked out exercise = points. So I am saying this now that I am going to make up for that walk by walking tomorrow sometime. My Sunday walking buddy cannot walk but I am still going to walk. Well must dash but will report in later.

Gold star for Martine !!!

By golly gee, you can just never tell how you are going to go on those scales. Went home after work last night and changed and weighed myself and thought realistically I may lose 300 grams and I would be happy with that, considering the Schnitzel episode on Saturday and TOM due. I get on those scales at WW and pray to the goddess that controls those scales and golly gee I lost 800 grams and I couldn't be happier. It isn't really the amount but when you put effort into the week (even with a slip up or two) you feel like you should be rewarded for embracing all things WW and walking at 6am which is you will note I have put in bold because I am proud of myself for doing that. I am happy to say that all things leader wise are going great guns, I seem to be in a good spot with her and I need to have a good relationship with her, basically because it is 18 to 24 month road ahead to get to goal. On the Weight Watchers site there is a link to me (http://www.weightwatchers.com.au/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=42871) which goes on about blogs. That is a huge thing for me to have that out there. I went on the Wok In A Box site and nearly had a seizure when I realised the amount of kilojoules in my PUD THAI (which you will note they insist on calling it Pud Thai instead of the proper term of Pad Thai). Anyway, wont be having them too regularly - 11 points for a small serve - honestly that is madness. Well, this week I dont have alot on socially but have dinner and movies tomorrow night, luckily my friend Gill is very careful what she eats, that is why she is a size 10-12, so we are going to Thai which is good as I enjoy that and a couple of glasses of Savingnon Blanc to finish it off. No choc tops at the movie for this girl. Last night's meeting was on the subject of being hungry, my walking partner and I often discuss the need to eat enough food as if you don't the scales somehow don't like it and I did query my concern that I didn't eat morning or afternoon tea purely as I am not hungry and don't want to eat if I don't have to as I would rather eat when I am hungry. My leader wasnt too fussed with that and I suppose as long as I am eating all my points etc then that is fine. I am tonight going to sit down and plan my meals for the fortnight, i find with my fortnightly pay that doing a shop fortnightly does save a huge amount of money. Hopefully I might try a few new recipes. Must dash. Stay happy.

You could have knocked me over with a feather

Well everyone, today is weigh in day and my period arrived yesterday so I am hoping for a loss, no matter how small and will just have to be patient and wait till 6pm tonight. Yesterday a minor miracle happened to me. I got up as normal to walk with Libby at 6am and feel saint like for even doing this considering my insomnia but walked again for 75 minutes at the end of the day with a friend and it was not because I had to, but because I wanted to. YAY for me. I have found the last few days that my energy levels have slightly increased, the more I investigate the link between weight loss/food consumed and exercise I believe the more exercise you do the more energy you have. Well everyone - I am hoping for a loss and would be delighted with 100grams purely because if I can lose at this time in my cycle then that is a great thing to happen. Usually on Wednesday night I use my points for a treat like food and have done that since I started WW. It can be anything but I allocate it with my points. Today, I looked up the points value for Wok In A Box and although slightly higher, I do enjoy it and have a 2 for 1 voucher so will get a serve of noodles and freeze one portion and treating myself each Wednesday seems to work for me. Anyway, will post a quick blog post tonight to confirm my WW results. Have a good day.

Gotta love those weekends

The weekend has come and gone. I had such big plans but didn't get too much done. A couple of dinners, one which was bad - I ordered a schnitzel as I hadn't had one for about 1 year and felt like one and must admit I did enjoy it. My period is due tomorrow so I am not expecting any great losses with my weight, if I stay the same I will be happy as long as I dont gain. I ate far too much carbs and skipped a few meals and I find the skipping meals as bad as falling off the food wagon. My water intake needs to be improved and I am trying to drink with meals and have planned water intake, for example with my three meals a day a couple of large glasses. Got up and walked with Libby this morning. I am really proud of myself considering I don't sleep well at all, it is a huge thing for me to be up and out the door at 6am. I must admit that I enjoy the walk and don't find it bad at all, it is good as the exercise is done for today. BUT saying that I am walking with a friend tonight just because I feel like it. I must admit that watching the biggest loser last night with the weight the contestants lost, especially my favourite Amanda losing 27kgs, trying to carry that around is hard and no wonder you have no energy. I am starting to realise that my chronic tiredness has to do with my weight and that with weight loss will come energy. Overall, I am really happy with how I am going, I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself and am happy that I am just consistently losing - for me it doesnt matter how much, just that I do lose. I feel that at the moment it is quiet easy, of course weekends are hard and I really need to plan for those. This week is pretty quiet and I want to just have a really good basic week. Tania in her blog was commenting on her sugar points. I am lucky I hardly have any as I find that anything slightly sugary just makes me crave sugar more, I keep my points for wine on the weekend and the occasional ice-cream, at the moment I am not missing chocolate that much. When I do crave chocolate I go to the McDonalds down the road from me and get a take away coffee and that satisfies me. The other day I walked down and walked back. I am giving myself time. I am running my own race and am lucky that I have a supportive leader who I have now bonded with and good WW buddies like Karen and Tania plus everyone in bloggerland. One of the things I have learnt from my leader is to gradually increase your exercise, at the moment I am happy with just walking. I will ultimately increase my speed and duration and them maybe towards the latter part of the year I might do some other activity. Anyway, I can feel my work pants getting loser, around the legs and my bum particularly. Of course, these aren't my bad body parts but I am sure my arms and stomach with show losses later on. Anyway, I am sure that this little WW adventure will be a long one, at present I am coasting along well. Alright my losses are a little under average but I am sure that in time and with motivation and visualising myself as a goddess that my weight loss will increase. I just have to think baby steps. Will report in tomorrow on my weight in.

Cant wait for the long weekend

Well, I havent posted all week. Have been walking with Libby every morning, that is going well and I am pleased to have a walking partner. We walk Monday to Friday and Sunday I walk with my WW Buddy Karen. Saturday I have a day of rest but funnily I still may go for a walk. I am tired in the evenings and I suppose it will take me a while for my body to adjust to getting up earlier, and with the insomnia, I am struggling but when I walk I think of the calories burned and proud of myself and it does feel good to get up early as it is done for the day. Went to WW on Wednesday and stayed the same, considering I had a big week as far as eating out goes I am pleased with that. Initially, I was a bit miffed but realised that at least I can eat out a few times a week and have that piece of cake and not put on. Our meeting was great and we just talked as a group as my leader didnt have her meeting information, one of the things raised was that it wasnt a race, just keep going and the importance of getting to goal and that your doctor can now certify your goal weight and Lifetime member ship is important. She also mentioned to be happy with any loss and don't let the scales dictate how you go. I suppose I feel in a good space, I am happy with my progress and realistically realise this will take a while and as much as we all like to lose 1kg a week this is not realistic. So I just focus on each day with tracking, ensuring I drink my water, exercising and adding variety to my diet and I don't feel it is a struggle at all. I think in order to achieve the goals you want, you have to embrace the WW journey. I at least now think about what I eat and even if I do eat that Mars Bar when I am stressed (like yesterday at work) I point it. I realise that when I get a bit emotional and am worried about work or my family I want to eat, I at least am aware of it and try to talk myself through it. Normally I would go and have a Wendy's 99.9% frozen yoghurt without topping and that satisfies me. With work yesterday, I adore my job, I just try to be perfect which of course is not possible. I made a few errors and the first thing i thought of was food - I was aware what I was doing and still had my salad and turkey sandwhich but did have a chocolate bar which was pointed. The difference is that I stopped at 1 chocolate bar and didnt on the way home stop via Coles and get a 2ltr tub of ice-cream. So that is progress for me. I really want to just run my own race, this weekend I plan a relatively quiet weekend and hopefully a walk along the beach with the world's best dog. Must dash. I am finding that I am enjoying my leader Doreen and as she does a meeting at Glenelg if I cant make Wednesday's meeting then I can go Tuesday.

Where did that weekend go

Well the weekend has been and gone unfortunately. Here is an update. Friday was my night out with Gill to Jolley's boathouse. It was a delightful meal, a tad expensive but worth the money. Had a rack of lamb with polenta and a beetroot salad, a small dinner roll - no butter, dessert was decadent and half a bottle of wine. I had a light day as far as food went on the Friday and had saved up some point - PLUS I was up at 6am for my 45 minute walk. Saturday I had my nail appointment and came home to do the housework. I must admit to noticing this weekend that I had more energy. I wonder if that was the exercise but I must admit I was tired at the end of the day. Didnt do much. Sunday I had a 21st to go to of my best friend's daughter. So I was up making my infamous layered dip which I am going to point out at some point. It is basically a layer of cream cheese and then avocado but then the top is parsley and coriander mix with sweet chilli sauce and overall I dont think too high. Joanne had a barbeque which was quiet good and salads, I was naughty in that I missed breakfast but did have dessert which I really didnt enjoy as I was too full and missed my evening meal. I know missing meals isnt good at all. Today I was up at 6am for my walk with Libby. It was hard this morning but as I am meeting someone it is great that you have to get up. I am tired when I get back but that will change. I do have an embarrassing problem in that halfway back from my walk I have to go to the toilet (no 2's) and so it is difficult to hold on. I try to go before I walk but somehow the walk gets things going. Now that I am in the routine of it I am sure that it will get easier and I am encouraged to walk at other times. I thought I might walk down to this cafe which is 20 minutes from my place in Maxwell Street near the tramlines on Saturday, have a coffee and walk back. Anyway, have no idea how my weight is going but will have to wait until Wednesday. I realistically dont think the walking is going to do that much but we will see.