I am back !!!! Lots to tell

Well I can't believe it has been so long since my last post. Work has become busier and that was when I normally posted my updates, so I am planning to either do an update during my lunch hour or at night. There is lots to tell so will start at the beginning.

Weight and Weight Watchers

As mentioned in my previous post, Don my leader who I had a great bond and rapport with left WW. The leader that I now have Di is great but I lost my mojo and focus after Don left. My weight just was up and down and I needed to decide what I was going to do, leaving WW is not and never has been an option for me. Went to a city meeting with Toni who was wonderful and thought that might have been an option, so on the 4th December 2009 I had a huge talk to Di, initially I was going to move meetings. I basically poured my heart at and it was so therapeutic to do so. I decided and Di agreed I needed to start over (this was to coincide with the opening of the gym). and so started a new card and book with Di to keep the book at WW. Somehow it was a good feeling, she admitted to me she thought it would be difficult for me when Don left. So the old saying a problem shared is a problem solved is exactly right.

So my first weigh in was Friday. Had a good week and it was unfortunate that I had a work lunch late on Friday before my weigh in, got on those scales and only 100gram loss but happy that it was a loss and considering I ate at 2.30pm and didnt finish till 3.30pm - that could be the reason, the scales are not the be all and end all of success, particularly during the Christmas season.

This week I am just planning on doing the same things I have been doing. I am proud of the fact that I am reasonably relaxed about what has happened of late, I think at times we put too much pressure on ourselves and there needs to be a balance, if I cant get the gym one day, it is not the end of the world. Putting too much pressure on ourselves is a trigger for disaster, I want this journey to be enjoyable and to enjoy the food and exercise but not let it dictate my life.

Gym

The gym has finally opened at Glenelg it is the Genesis Gym and the gym has opened and is a state of the art facility and brand new, it is nice to work out in a nice environment and what is good is that the people that attend are just every day people. A program has been designed both cardio with levels I should be aiming for etc and the weights program, all going well and I certainly am sweating after the workout and can feel that I have pushed myself. Going to the gym and doing a good workout is enough, baby steps at present for me with 3 times a week is my initial goal till the new year, a walk every now and again during the day for me. I have an iphone with an ipod so hoping to sort out the downloading of stuff for that and particularly good podcasts to enable me to listen to something whilst working out, the good things is the gym has tv's everywhere and I can plug into listen to them and that is entertaining. I have had one PT training session with Adrian, he is a great guy but not for me but have bonded quite well with one of the other trainers Jess and think I might investigate to odd training session with her, money is extremely tight so I am hoping just to fit a few in every now and again.

Health Wise

I have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis which are nodes on the lung, the symptoms of these are coughing, breathlessness, headaches, change in heart rhythm and exteme lethagy. So I have undergone a battery of tests at present to see what condition everything is in. It is a rare disease but hopefully I can get it sorted out, so I am pleased that even though I am extremely tired I can at least function. There are all sorts of treatment, I have been given some medication for the cough which is getting worse and driving me mental, although there is medication that I can take the side effects are shocking and one of them is massive weight gain - obviously this is a last resort.

Food Blog

In the new year I want to start a food blog to review recipes, new food products, food journals and cook books, cafes and restaurants but not only with WW in mind but food in general. I am trying to think of a catchy name. Some of the names I am thinking of are:-

1. Food Review
2. Food, Restaurants ,Recipes and Review
3. Cuisine Chronicles
4. All things food
5. The Foodie Corner

Anyone else has any ideas?

Love Life

This time of year (Christmas) can be a very hard time of year for us single girls. My friend Michael (friend with benefits) which has last 14 years and I know cares deeply for me is committment phobic, it is frustating for all types of reasons. I suppose if I need to change my life, then it is me that needs to change it. This time of year I am surround my new born babies, they absolutely tear at my heart and although in this life, it hasnt happened for me and I am fine with that, it still hurts after all I am a very maternal type of woman and in this life my "Isabella" my baby name is not going to happen. All of this makes me realise why I am spending time with Michael that what I want is not going to happen. I have a lovely friend who is going out with a great guy in the USA and they are having a long distance relationship which is working out well, he is a tour manager for the rock band Kiss and is fabulous, this relationship makes me realise what I am missing out on. It is not always flowers and romance and realise that this does fad but I want to experience that at some point. So before I go to Broken Hill for Christmas on the 24th of this month I am going to have it out with him and tell him I can't do this any more. It is going to be emotional but saying that I need to do this.

Well - that basically covers it, during the Christmas period I am going to try and just maintain my weight and focus on one day at a time. I think the fact that I am fairly relaxed but focused is going to help me get that 50 kilos off and not crash and burn.

Please feel free to comment on this blog, it helps no end. I promise to blog daily from now on.

Martine xxxxx

New post coming

Will be posting a long detailed blog tonight ! Have been slack. Mx

I get a mention (name only) in the WW Mag

Hi everyone I have been a bit slack with the blogging, I normally do it during the day but have been busy at work and haven't got around to it at night. All okay with me, WI tonight at WW so have no idea how I will go, I think I might be in for a gain as I haven't tracked all well (naughty Martine !!) and have had a few too many jelly babies and lime sundaes from Donut King ! One of my facebook friends has mentioned that my name is mentioned in the WW Magazine this month for their blogging section, just a quote from me, but exciting. Popped into WW at lunchtime to have a look at the mag, mine is at home next to the bed awaiting to be read ! Di my new leader and I had a chat, I was honest when I said I hadn't tracked and my mind wasn't as focused as I was a bit rattled that my beloved leader Don resigned. She was great, she did say she was concerned as I obviously was inspired by Don. Saying that, I do like Di and know she has got quite a few people to goal and is great, luckily I am around the corner as well from the city WW meetings and their is a good leader there called Toni (who I have mentioned in my previous posts that has lost 73.4 kgs without loose skin). So I may incorporate both. I have a enlarged node on my neck, at present have had some tests and a biopsy, luckily it is just inflammed but the inflammation is coming from my chest and so x-rays and a CT Scan are in order, nothing too major - so that has been on my mind as well. Luckily, my anti-depressant medication has kicked in and I am feeling my normal happy self. My work situation is changing as at Monday and I am taking on another solicitor at work, so it will be interesting to see how it goes. Luckily, he is a great person and so hopefully we work together okay. I must admit, I am pretty much in a groove with WW - I am not thinking about it 24/7 but am in the routine of what I need to eat. Exercise is definitely an area where I need improvement, the weather in South Australia has been glorious, so there is no excuse. Will report in tomorrow on my WI.

Monday again

Well I am still in shock over my two great losses over the two weeks, namely 1.6 and 1 kg. Even more exciting is that TOM arrived on Sunday so my 1kg loss from Friday is even more exceptional. I don't think I have done anything too different, so I suppose my body is catching up. Went out to dinner and the movies on Saturday to see Julie and Julia with Meryl Streep. A wonderful movie particularly if you are a Meryl fan or a foodie. I might start reviewing different foods and recipes and food books but trying to think of a good name for a blog for it. Sunday worked like the devil and note the energy levels were much increased. My car is in the crash repairers this week so will be walked lots of places, so hopefully that makes a difference on Friday when I WI. On Saturday had an hair appointment, those who know me, know I take great pride in my appearance and so had my 6 weekly appointment. Went to Autograph to use my birthday voucher and get a pair of jeans, have dropped 1 size already and wore my outfit out on Saturday arvo and felt quite good, finding a pair of jeans with the right leg is horrendous, I try to buy bootleg for my shape, my legs are okay but my tummy is large and so brought a light blue pair and a floaty blue top. A friend who hadn't seen me for a while, did notice the weight loss which was great. She is short and 65 kgs and wants to lose 10 kgs, I fail to see why people use those shakes when you can eat the 5 food groups plus treats on WW and still lose - there is no quick fix, it takes work. I went over my points as I planned for 1 glass of wine but ended up with 2 but saying that, it is all pointed in the tracker etc. So, again this week I am focusing hard not to have a gain, considering my two good losses, it has given me the confidence I needed, my only concern is that Don my ex leader hasn't seen these, but I think I might get my friend Tania to mention to his wife who is her leader that I am doing well and missing him.

I am devastated my leader has resigned !

Well this weeks has had its ups and downs. Last week I lost 1.6 kgs and so was aware that it was a large amount and I had to be careful this week. To be honest I would have been happy with a 200 gram loss, got on the scales and another kilo loss. I think my hard work is paying off. So this is a good thing and inspired me to focus on the week ahead. On a sadder note, my beloved leader Don has resigned in mysterious circumstances, no doubt something has got up his nose with WW but can't find out what happened, it is sad when excellent leaders who inspire, encourage and support you are no longer with the organisation, I think WW are a big company and of course they are out to make money, the thing is, with leaders like Don - he actually encourages new members. So then I was in a predicament of who to go to, as you know I go to the WW lifestyle centre at Myer, there are two youngish girls there - who are fabulous but I find I wouldn't want them as my leader, luckily Di and old leader of mine is there and she is fabulous, so I am happy with that. Hopefully she stays on board. Although I am going to write a letter to WW re leaders and their importance and how absolutely devastated I am that Don has left. My anti-depressants are kicking in and I am feeleing happier and thinner. I can start to notice in my face and an old pair of jeans I have are so big now (although they were biggish when I brought them) are no longer wearable, also went to Autograph to buy this skirt I eyed and my normal size was too big - so this is all inspiring me to keep up the good work.

A good and unexpected result

I went to my weigh in on Friday at 11am instead of my normal 5.20pm and was unsure how I would go, as you know I now no longer weigh in the scales at home and use my food and exercise as a quide - I thought I could have gained and low and behold a loss of 1.6 kg came up. I know part of that is the difference in the time I weigh but even so !

So the 1.6 loss has given me back my focus and I am so determined this week to have another loss. We all know that after a big loss the following week sometimes has a gain, I am determined not to let this happen to me.

I am hoping within the next week my anti-depressants will kick in and I will be feeling somewhat better, although I am a bit better I still want to sleep all day !

I am back to work on Tuesday and although there are some changes I am not happy about I am going to embrace them and focus on just doing my job. With Daylight saving starting in South Australia it is going to be ideal for me to get that walking into my routine.

Not much else to report, I had a different leader weigh me on Friday as Don my leader was at dragon boat racing and I have had her previously as a leader when I went to WW. Di (the leader) is fabulous and gave me some ideas about exercise as she advised me I was a bit like her - all or nothing and that when I plan my menus I should plan my exercise as well. So I am going to do that.

I think I really needed this good loss as it has given me the confidence and focus I needed.

Time to just focus a little harder

Well went to my weigh in on Friday and gained 600 grams. I can't put in writing how I felt but was bloody mad at the scales and myself. I know I am not defined by the scales but I do have to get to 71 kgs to get to goal and it doesnt matter how many NSV's I do, the point is I need to make those scales move. It is a combo of various things, my state of mind, not eating enough and no exercise at all.

Don my leader wants me to to fast track this week. It has been hard Friday night, Sat and Sunday has I have had functions on and threw caution to the wind and ate and drank too much. Today I have worken up a bit later as I am on holidays and got back into the groove with the food, and once the weather clears I am hoping this afternoon to take Vince the dog for a walk with me. With the lack of exercise waiting for my gym to be built is not a good enough excuse but saying that November can't come soon enough. With the exercise plan I don't want to go like a bull at a gate, next week when back at work what I plan to do this week is walk with Vince when I get home and catch an early tram in the morning and walk into work from Greenhill Road initially which is about a 20 minute walk and then get off stops earlier until I can walk in for 30 minutes plus I might try to do a lunchtime walk as well. I have an old pedometre around the place so might use that as a goal setting tool.

On previous posts I have had a few comments that I put too much pressure on myself by setting myself the challenge of being 100% focussed on this WW journey. I realise that I think that I am right in my views and thinking that 100% committment is what sets me for consistent losses. So from now on I am going to do what is right for me and just focus on this 100%. After all the WW program is not hard and I believe I can have quite a good variety of foods on it.

Saturday went on a blind date from the Oasis Active site. I fail to see how anybody meets men online, although I do know a few women that have. It turns out that the guy I meet is someone the crossed my path 20 years ago, I actually accompanied a male friend to his wedding. I am fussy with grooming and take pride in my appearance and accept that not everyone is like this but I do expect a bit of effort so that was a minus and then he put the hard word on me and really wasnt my type - why is it that the men you like never like you but the men that like you fail to rock your world.

Went to my doctor about my depression and back on the anti-depressants which I think is going to help my mental state and focus. I have a lump/enlarged gland on my neck which we have had ultra sounds on and monitoring. It has grown a bit bigger from my last appointment when it was actually smaller so I am off to the specialist to do a biopsy and look at it.

Hoping to go and buy from IPOD next week so if anyone has any great podcasts I might like can you put a post on my blog. That is going to help me with my WW journey.

So this week I am spring cleaning so hopefully burning off those calories. So today is the beginning for me and I am pleased that I have woken with some focus. The thing we all must remember is that it is about the journey and that you have not given up. I have set myself a challenge of 5 losses in a row and will buy myself something as a reward - so it is out there. I want to be 6 kgs lighter by Christmas and that is doeable.

I plan in the next month to set up a link to a recipe blog that will also have ideas for home handy hints and a variety of things and subjects - gives me something to do at 2am. I just have to find a good name for it.

The miseries - luckily not weight related

Well the weekend has been and gone and I spent a good part of it under the covers in bed with the world's best dog cuddle up beside me feeling sorry for myself. Luckily, none of this is weight related. Over the years and with the increase in my weight I have suffered mild depression and I know I am not the only one. Many peoples blogs I follow, friends and family suffer from this but it is hard to accept that you have this. I always feel I should be strong and again comparing myself to others doesn't help - some people seem to just cope and not be so emotional. I wish !! During the early stages of my WW journey and as work was going well I decided that I was doing so well that I could wean myself off the anti depressants "happy pills" . For months and months I have been perfectly fine but the last 3 weeks have been a struggle mentally. First comes the woe is me attitude, then comes the wishing you were dead (but I would never do anything so don't worry) and then comes the spending days in bed crying. Enough is enough and I am making an appt to see my GP and go back on my antidepressants. I note my anxiety levels are higher than normal - luckily it is not work related I adore my job and although there are going to be some changes I would prefer not to happen I know I can deal with them better with the help of medication. Although at work I am always happy and bright and never tell anyone there what is happening. Sunday although I spent in bed all day, I over ate - I know I did this and the damage is done. Today is another day and I hoping to go home and tidy up a bit and cook a lovely dinner and write down 5 things about my life I like and put that on the fridge. My life may not be how I want it but it is the only l ife I have so I need to just stop this being silly and start thinking a bit more positive. As far as WW goes, all going well and quite easy really - meeting Don for my WI on Fridays is the highlight of my week. So don't worry about me, I just need to write this down to get it out - that always helps. I have just come back from lunch and had a great lunch and realise that with the help of medication the anxiety and trying to please and be perfect is eleviated. Martine xx

Another Loss and some pictures of my best buddies

Here is a photo of my best mates. Joanne my absolute best friend who is always there for me, my lovely friend Kath who always gives me a compliment every time I see her and Ron who is Jo's husband and like another girlfriend- I am blessed to have these three people in my life. For them the weight is never an issue and always support me. As my family are interstate these gorgeous people and I went out. I know we all have friends like these in our lives. Jo and Kath are just such outstanding people and I am just so blessed that they are there for me 200%.

Good news on the weight loss front. As Don my leader has banned all scales from my house and not a bad thing I must say I have to rely on what food I eat, my water intake and how much exercise I have done and go by my tracker. This week has been so so and althought I have been reasonable there is always room for improvement. I have been slack with the fruit and that is my goal for this week is to eat 2 fruit a day. Water is now okay and so I manage about 1.5 to 2 litres a day. Exercise - note to self.........need for improvement.

I had felt flat this week and had some changes at work which are probably a good thing but until they happen and I am taking on a new solicitor in conjunction with my boss it is always the anticipation that causes me grief and as money was tight I felt just a little off and spent a few nights at home in bed, I do think I picked up a bit of a virus though. Anyway, tracked even when I was bad and low and behold a 1.1 loss which I am happy about. I ADORE weighing in on a Friday night as it does keep me really good on the weekend. There is something therapeutic about weighing in. It means for me the end of the week and with a loss a reward for that effort and if it is a gain it just means the start of a new week.

My Leader last week said just aim for 100 grams this week and that is what I did and it does help. We chatted about a few comments I had about perhaps being too hard on myself and comparing myself to others. My view is and will remain is that successful weight loss ladies (and men) who lose remarkable amounts are people that I can learn from . My view is that if I stick to the program I will eventually get to my WW goal of 71 kgs, fluffing around and straying isnt going to get me there. I suppose after all everyone is different, I do put pressure on myself but I like that, when I have have had a good week it is worth it. Of course this is all a learning curve and as I discussed with Don my leader WW really is user friendly and I am able to eat out or entertain easily and within my points.

I can feel a few tops getting looser and have a Postie top that I have never liked because of how it feels, I think it is a just a bit firm so I have taken every now and again to trying it on and seeing the difference as a lot of my clothes have previously been brought larger than I have needed. I know have to learn to buy my clothes a bit firm so that I can gauge when I am at goal how I am going without the scales.

So this week is another week and I am focused on what I need to do to keep the momentum going. My goals this week is to walk 3 times this week and eat 2 pieces of fruit each day. This is achieveable.

Struggling this week. Perhaps I needed to weigh

Well thinking that the No Weigh Pass was a good idea - now I am not sure. I have struggled this week and for some reason have snacked more t han I should, with TOM due tomorrow I am sure that as per my normal cycle I gain when my period is due. I am fine with the fact that this occurs. I thinking going on those scales is what I need. It does do my head in, I do go a bit mad, I do over analyse it but saying that it does make you accountable.

The lack, of children or a meaningful relationship has always caused me grief - whether I am right or wrong, thanks to my mother I have always put my lack of male attention down to being overweight. I know, I know, this is silly talk. My friend Regan has had her beautiful baby, she has been married for ever and finally has fallen pregnant, we had some lovely chats about this subject - so co-incidentally is my dog groomer and I have always been honest about how hard it is when babies are born. Her little angel arrived yesterday and I have been a blubbering mess ever since, it doesnt help that I have PMS. But saying all this , my weight has been the blame for everything that has gone wrong in my life and I plan to get to that bloody 71 kgs, become a Lifetime Member. My question to myself would be "what are you going to do when you can't blame your weight?". Anyway, tomorrow will be a gain and I deserve a gain. It reinforces my philosophy that I need to be 100% good and nothing even 98% is enough. If I am 100% good and the scales are not kind then I can happily say - well so be it. Anyway, this blog was and is more about me putting my feelings down , dusting myself off and stop feeling so god damn sorry for myself. I have a great job, friends, family and a fabulous dog - what more could I want. Must go but hopefully tomorrow's weigh helps me. Martine

No Weigh Pass used

I don't know how I feel really - I feel good and bad. Can I be both happy and sad ? Attended my Weigh in at WW Lifestyle Centre with my leader Don and used my No Weigh Pass I am pleased that I did this, I didnt want the scales to say a gain and my mind recording this as an unsuccessful week when avoiding emotional eating and turning down cream cakes was a successful one. Whatever peoples views are, it was and is right for me. This week has been a bit weird,I suppose I have been 75% good but saying that when I went to get some milk yesterday I was starving and brought 2 chocolate bars. Not 1 but 2!!!! I kept the wrappers in my bag and tracked them - all 10 points of them. How disgusting. Another lesson for me, and an oldie but a goodie, don't grocery shop when you are starving. Money for the next month is horrendous, my wage hasn't been reviewed in years and so after payment of everything there is little or no money left for food or me - but I have written down a food menu planner for the fortnight - I usually do 1 menu planner and use it for two weeks as I do try to do my grocery shopping fortnightly, with the exception of getting some vegies etc. So there is a lot of eggs, chick peas etc and I am surprised how easily I can do it with the incorporation of legumes. One of the solicitors in my office and I were chatting about money and I was whinging how hard for him to go into work to do stuff when his wife was working, he has offered some regular babysitting jobs on the weekend as his wife is a doctor and it is hard, so for $20 an hour I am happy to babysit or as I call it Nanny work for a few hours, I am going to get him to deposit the money into my christmas club and I won't touch it. I know I would rather be at home relaxing but money is money. I know a lot of people are struggling as well and I have stuff to do at home and next year will need to replace my car - this all cannot be done on the wage I receive. So I am not going out socially for the next 4 w eeks but I can do it - I am by nature very social but there are times when a girl just needs to spend the time at home. My WI on Friday with TTOM due I am not sure how I will go, there is always a possibility of a gain during this period. Anyway, must dash but will post again tomorrow.

Martine

That god it is weigh in day !

Well, all I can say is I have never been so relieved to go to a weigh-in in my life. This week has been really hard. My birthday celebrations just had me losing momentum and then Vincenzo the dog got sick. The positive is that I havent emotionally eaten and have done the "self talk" but probably have over eaten my points. The focus wasn't there this week. The week did have successful moment in it, like the not eating through Vinces' illness, turning down those cakes at work etc. I have made a decision and everyone will have a different point of view, I will go to my WI with Don tonight and chat to him, I have decided to use my no weigh pass because the week actually has been succesful and a real plus in that I overcome the emotional eating but probably overate my portions but if I gain on those scales my head with say "unsuccessful" when really I think I have been successful. I will explain to Don as I don't want the scales to be a sign of my success. I have proven in the past that I can face a gain but think this is good for me, plus my TOM is due next week which will inspire me to be even better. I will do fast track for next week. This weekend is pretty quiet and I plan on some walks and to christen the slow cooker. I am tired at present but if I don't eat enough vegies or fruit I find my energy level decreases - so note to Martine - eat those damn apples on your desk. This will be a long road to goal weight and changing my life around, but it is all a learning experience and I am sure that with each passing week the challenges of emotional eating etc will become easier. This week although hard has allowed me to sit back and realise that I have come a long way in a short time. Martine

This week has been hard

Well this week is a hard one, I am not really sure why. I assume I am tired plus put my foot off the pedal a bit due to the birthday and it has been hard to get back into it. Plus my darling dog Vincenzo aka Vince isn't well and was at the vet's last night for 1.5 hours - so I want to emotionally eat if I could. Those damn apples are on my desk saying - "this is what you should be eating?" but it isn't what I want. To add insult to injury the people in the offices next to ours came in with a plate of cream cakes and bun - they had kitchener buns filled with cream and doused in sugar - I LOVE THEM. But I did say "As much as I would love them, No thank you I am on a diet" and so another non scale victory for me. But it has taken a lot of energy this week to try and keep honest and on track, but a lesson that is learned is that there are times when it is tough, you just have to remind yourself of what you want - for me this week a loss. I really need that weigh in on Friday to get me back on track but I just don't want a gain so have made a WW chocolate drink - 0.5 points instead. I will be happy with a 100 gram loss or stay the same, but I will go to my Weigh in as it keeps me honest. This weekend is going to be a quiet one, so hopefully the weather will be kind and I can have a bit of a long walk with Vince. Have a good day everyone.

I survived the birthday.

Well everyone, I survived the birthday without any tears which was good for me. The issues are being single not getting older ! Anyway, wasn't too bad with the eating but wasn't as excellent as I could have been. Probably a touch of the emotional eating but woke this morning and pulled myself together and did the self-talk and reminded myself of the options I had:-

• Fat and miserable but can eat anything I want !
• Thin and fabulous and mentally great with planned treats.

The answer is always the same, I would rather be thinner. Anyway, today the water intake is dismal so I am needing to act on that and will do the Fast Track for the rest of this week. I have boxed away 2 pairs of pants and a pair of jeans, so that is a good feeling. I just have to remember that I cant have a wardrobe of clothes whilst I am losing weight, a few items that will get flogged to death is probably the wisest option. As a treat, I had a few glasses of my favourite wine - Rockford Alicante and as I had been limiting my alcohol intake it was enjoyable and a real treat. So I am glad that I have really worked on this, although I was always able to say no to a glass of wine - now sometimes when I go out I just don't drink and would rather plan the wine on special occasions. This is a quick post, I needed to get my thoughts down. Although I am a bit dissapointed that I wasnt more in control on the weekend - more the snacking in between meals was the issue - this is all a learning curve isn't it. I just have to remember that special occasions like birthdays, Easter or Christmas is not an excuse to blow the diet.

High Fives all round !

Drum roll please............another 1kg down this week.

Well it is 1.30 in the morning, I have been awake for an hour and can't sleep. Today is my birthday - so happy birthday to me !!! So far so good and I am not emotional. People seem to think that I am anxious about it due to the age thing, that honestly doesn't worry me, it is more the point of looking back at the last 12 months and realising not much has happened.

But onto more happier things. Had Friday off work so Gill and I went out to lunch which was great. Had my weigh in with Don my leader and Sharon happened to be there (another leader I know who has lost a huge amount of weight). She is one of the blogs I follow - although not updated much now due to being a leader but is one of the girls on a facebook group that we email each other daily. Got to my weigh in and the normal questions were asked, as with Weight Watchers at their Lifestyle Centres which are growing more popular each day it is about you and then the weekly topic is discussed. I came to the realisation that I hadn't had any issues this week and was happy and confident to say it was another "perfect" week. Even if the scales are not kind, if you can look yourself in the mirror and say I have been good - then it shouldn't worry how much the scales say you weigh, it eventually catches up. So the last two weeks (for me) have been good losses and I am aware that this week I need to make sure that all things are done perfectly as I am prepared that next weigh in may be small and chances of a gain -after all our bodies are strange things at times.

Don and I discussed the whole mindset thing. I honestly never understood how people lost large amounts of weight. I understand the theory of reducing your food intake, drinking water, tracking and exercising but that is not enough - simply if your mind is not switched on then the weight loss switch at times doesn't work too well as you cave into things when you could say no. I now say no more often, do self-talk and tell everyone (well except family at this point in time) and understand how totally different it is when you are ready to do it and your mind is where it should be.

I suppose as well, I am not embarrassed to sing my own praises as I put 100% into getting myself 50 kilos lighter and it takes effort. The road can be as simple or as hard as I make it. I choose to say that I enjoy it, which I do - experiment with the food and reward myself for all those good things I do - that includes NSV's - non scale victories.

Today I brought a Napolean Perdis lip gloss as a reward for all my NSV's this week and my weight loss, it is a luxury item and for me a reward.

Last week I just a moment where I realised all I had to do was lose 10 lots of 5kg. I use 5kgs, as do most people, as my mini goals. Therefore I only have 10 mini goals to achive - I said to Don today - thats easy. WTF !!!! You know, this is the change in me the most, the focus and determination and as I said to Tania tonight - that I am proud and will sing my own praises because after all if I don't - who will.

On a happier not my jeans and 2 pair of work pants that go with my suits are now unable to be worn to work - they are simply too big which is great. I have had the search for reasonably priced jeans but can't find any that I like the leg and of course can't find my preferred bootleg jeans. Previously my clothes or more to the point - pants were brought a little baggier and now the loss I have had really has made them unwearable.

Anyway, the plan is today to enjoy the day whatever it brings with the promise to myself that next year I am in a happier and better spot both weight wise but emotionally and physically. I have a bunch of cards to open but will do that in the morning - some contain my vouchers for my IPOD.

Hope everyone is doing well - Martine xx

A bit flat today

Hi everyone

I woke up a bit flat this morning, think the approaching birthday might have something to do with it and feel a bit emotional. Saying that, I still remain focused on all things WW so that hasn't been effected by this change in mood. I suppose we think at a certain time in our lives that our lives would be different and I am not exactly where I want to be. But I will pull myself out of this hole and remember my glass half full attitude. This is exactly why I must lose weight, I think sometimes my emotions get the better of me. I am fortunate to have adored friends and family but anyway enough of my drama. Anyway, I must get my act into gear and do some work............Martine xx

My Mojo is well and truly working !

Well ladies, it is 8.52pm on Wednesday night and thought I need to put a post on my blog. All going well since my last post. Yesterday was another great day with another NSV (non-scale victory) to post. As everyone in the entire world knows, I have insomnia and chronic insomnia at that. So from 11.50 pm to about 2.30am to about 3am is a time when I am most stressed as I am trying my damnest to get to sleep and that is when I want to eat. Last night at 1am I woke from my little 10 minute nap and was absolutely starving !!!! Anyway, it was all I could think about and what I did was trying to focus on what I want to achieve and how I am going to feel, look and emotionally and physically be like 50kgs lighter. I did some self talk and really asked myself why I felt like eating. The long and short of it was that I didn't eat and must admit that I was quite chuffed at myself this morning when I woke. Even if I do eat during the night it is always tracked and I thought my god, another non scale victory for me. The NSV's are becoming another valuable tool in my weight loss journey. My friend Tania is the one that made me aware that we put too much emphasis on the scales and the other things we do during a day are just as important. So for me, this was a major step as well I track my NSV's - a bit obsessive I know but I like the feeling of tracking them, that way if the scales are not good I can always look back at the NSV's. My birthday is Saturday which comes with alot of emotions. I don't give a toss that I am about to turn 46 as quite frankly I don't think that I look 46 and without sounding vain, there is nothing I can do about it but being single is hard, but I am lucky to have great and much loved friends. So with the birthday comes a bit of eating which starts Friday lunchtime - I have a RDO day off on Friday - Yippee. Gill and I are going to Panthai at the Pier Hotel for lunch which looks over the Glenelg Beach so I know that menu and will have something stir fried and I will ask for them to stir fry it in little or no oil and will indulge in a glass of wine or too and a latte after. Saturday (the birthday day) Joanne my loved loved bestie is coming over first thing in the morning as my parents live interstate - so I wake up solo and we will go for a coffee etc, lunch I am just having a green salad and a little protein and an apple and then dinner is at Lido at Holdfast Shores and I have looked at their menu and pre-planned what I may have. Sunday is breakfast in the city but that is pretty safe and a few poached eggs on toast and a couple of coffees is the go. I remain focused and have the view that I must stick to the program 100% and with that comes success and as each day goes by with perfectly tracked points, water drunk, NSV's and exercise the more confident and determine I am. My WI day is Friday at 5.20pm and I am hoping the scales record another good loss, I am not going to focus on an amount but just want to secure a loss. After all, I am realistic to know that just because you have had good week the scales don 't know you weigh in on Friday. Anyway, I just want to be able to look at my reflection in a window and not cringe, so for me the fact is I need to focus. The weather in Adelaide has been dismal with rain and lots of wind, the exercise is not happening and I am hoping next week allows me a few more walks. I have asked for Coles Myer Vouchers for my birthday from family and will put it towards my IPOD for the gym or when I walk instead of sensible things like new shoes for work. Must dash it is cold in my study. Martine xx

Thank god a decent loss

Well on Friday - my weigh in day I had a headache all day, obviously a tad nervous about weighing in. I knew that I had done all the right things again this week but with our bodies being complex things you never know how you are going to go. Luckily the scales were kind and I secured a 800 grams loss - for me this is a good loss.

I am amazed that this time around my weigh losses are a lot slower,but I have come to realise that there is nothing that can be done about it, constant losses and if I can maintain my average loss over the overall time frame to 500grams I am happy. The water is going great guns and have measured bottles planted in the fridge at home and make sure I have one with me at all times. My fruit intake is great and that is a NSV for me as I am not the world's best fruit eater. The weekend I did well, went to see my beautiful niece and nephews and took them a Mud Cake but just had a cappuccino at their place, no one even realised I hadnt eaten . I am not in the zone that I can tell family until I am well on the way, but all my friends and bloggers are aware and are of a support. I will deal with it when I am ready and am a good way down the road. As I have said before, with my insomnia my energy levels are quite low but i have noticed the last 3 weeks much more energy and this pleases me no end. If I can get my jobs done at home that I have been wanted to do that will make me feel quite happy. My focus this week is to keep doing what I am doing, I don't need to do anything more but throw in a few extra walks if the rain this week in Adelaide stops. Yesterday had lunch with Tania and Tina (from my blogs I follow and friends) had a meal out. W when we ordered we spoke to the Chef and asked for no mashed potato and a baked potato instead. Of course they didnt have a baked potato, but the Chef was close by and suggested Jasmine Rice with our lamb fillet and vegies. How easy is it ! The WW journey can be as easy or difficult as you want to make it. My issues and WW journey are different to Tania and Tina's as I am single, no kids and really am only responsible for myself and the world's best dog and have decided to focus on the WW road with everything I have, they have husbands, kids, dogs and a house to run. I can say no snacks in the house - but there is just me, for them they have kids but somehow us 3 support each other and just because our lives are different the issues with being overweight is just universal, whether you are young, old, male or female everyone overweight understands other peoples issues. If I have to turn down an invite - like the wine tasting tomorrow then I am happy to do it as weight loss is now my absolute priority. For example yesterday over our skinny Cappuccino's there was an after dinner mint, normally when I was on WW I would have ate that as I would have thought what the heck and not pointed it. I automatically gave it to Tina for her kids. Non Scale Victories like that are also put in my tracker as a reminder that it is not always scale orientated. My birthday is Saturday - a happy and somewhat confronting day for me. I don't give a toss about the age but being single is hard, I am determined that next birthday I am happier, smaller and well down in the double digits as I am sure there is a goddess inside Anyway, this week doing the same and I am sure that the scales will again be kind. Martine x

Another NSV for me

Well today is Thursday and I spent 3/4 of the night awake. I am hoping when I get to my goal weight that my insomnia is somewhat improved because at times it is quite debilitating. I woke this morning, and at 10.19am still am very tired and craved a Farmer's Union Iced coffee and Villi's donut ! But what was great was I was aware that I had these feeling due to being tired and talked myself through it and had my WW pointed breakfast. Another NSV (non scale victory) for me.

Last night did a big walk with my friend Gill. We talked about the WW process and although she is a size 10-12 and tries to understand what you need to do to lose weight, I tried to explain that pointed and watching your food and water intake is only one part of it, exercise must and should be an equally important part. As I am getting older and about to hit another birthday to make myself 46 years young, I realise that between the insomnia and age my weight loss might be a bit slower so really getting as much exercise in and building up the intensity is what is needed. I am accepting of this and what I need to do. I can't say I find WW all that hard and don't feel like I am going without. Of course I would love that piece of baked cheesecake or continental vanilla slice but don't crave it anymore and rather a really healthy and flavoursome meal I have made. Tomorrow is weigh in day with the dear Don and am hoping for big things. I know I have done all I can do this week and am hoping the scales are king. This weekend is a relatively quiet weekend,plan to see my niece and nephews on Saturday and do a lot of work at home earning bonus points plus the wonderdog and I will go for our walks. I am not walking tonight as I have a lot to do at home and consider if I am active at home I am doing the whole incidential exercise thing. Trish and Vic - thanks for the blog awards and I will do my blog awards later today. So overall I am pleased with how I am going, I am realistic enough to know that I cannot put my foot off the pedal and need to keep this focus not just for the interim but for life. I know to get to goal weight may take me 2 years, that is fine and as long as the scales are going down then I am happy. I am fortunate to have support from my online WW girls, the bloggers and friends. Martinex

Friday's weigh in was not fabulous

Hi everyone, I have been going to post this blog since Friday but somehow couldn't work out what to write. As you are aware as it was TOM on Friday I was concerned all week about a gain, had a good week points wise and drank my water etc so thought if I am going to gain it might only be 200-400grams and was surprised as all hell that it was 900 grams. I was a bit (alot) upset and luckily my leader Don is fabulous and talked me though it - he did say that I needed to focus that the week that TOM is due that I might have a gain. Anyway, Don the leader said this was a turning point in my journey. Well you know - it makes me all the more determined and I know by my clothes that I am losing weight. I rang Tania my friend and fellow WW for a little cry and she talked me through it and then I dusted myself off and got back into it. My theory was all I had to do was what I have been doing, eventually it will catch up and really I am sure the gain is purely and simply related to my period. This week the fighting spirit came about. I just got into it - have done my walks, drank my 2 litres of water and tracked like the devil and have been 200% brilliant. I am hoping for a 1.2kg plus weight loss this week and have even walked when I have been exhausted from my insomnia. Today I am tired but am walking my 75 mins with Gill tonight and tomorrow night. The food is good and I am anxious to get my gym program started which is not far way now from opening 15.10.09. realise to get this weight off I need to really dramatically increase the exercise - food alone is not enough. Anyway, this week I am expecting big things and if I am not rewarded with a big loss then it isn't without trying my absolute best and that is all I can ask of myself. Dinner on Sunday with Tina and Tania from WW - both girls are going fabulously so it will be nice to talk about how we are going, any problems and sharing the load. Martine xxx

Weigh in Day tomorrow

Well this has been a strange week. I weighed in on Friday and was annoyed to find I had gained 200 grams, which for me may as well been 2 kilograms as my weight loss is quite slow - but slow and steady wins the race. I know that I put my foot off the pedal slightly for a few days in that I didn't weigh my food or track but did for 3 of the 7 days which I have rewarded myself for those 3 days as previously I would have said I have blown that week and continued to do the wrong thing. What is funny, is that for me a bad week is not tracking or weighing food when previously it was compulsive binge eating. That is a step in the right direction I think. TOM has arrived today so I anticipate another week where there is a possibility I gain - I thought I had dealt quite well with last week's gain in that I didnt stew on it, but saying that I have been compulsively obsessively weighing myself on those damn scales. THEY ARE GOING TO BE PUT IN THE SHED as normally they are a helpful tool, in that they encourage me to do well or if the weight is up, and normally that is just body fluctuation then it makes me try harder but this week has been different- last night I weighed myself 3 times in a hour. This is not good. Anyway, TOM has arrived and I am hoping that I at least secure a 200gram loss and really most women do find their body fluctuates dramatically with TOM so I know it will catch up next week. Overall I have been good, the water has been excellent and although I am living in the toilet - much to the annoyance of my boss, the 2 litres a day are being drunk before I leave for the day. Food is going well and I have a dinner tonight with a friend of mine who goes out with a guy from the USA - actually the tour manager for the rock band Kiss - so we are going for Thai - I have told her (she is a size 6) and has the opposite lot of issues that I do - that I am on a diet and am watching my weight so will have for entree cold rolls and a seafood stir fry with a tiny scoop of rice. My walking partner Gill is back into the walking with me next week and I have been a bit slack with the exercise, so I am pleased to be counting the days down until my gym opens. I have started a plan of the classes I want to try - initially a Yoga class and a body step class, once I get a bit more experienced and fitness increased will try body pump plus want to do a hr of cardio 3 times a week, a class once a week and yoga on Sunday with one day off and perhaps allocate that day around my social schedule. Actually, I am quite excited about planning what I am going to do at the gym, previously when I have attended a gym I actually loved it - the only reason I stopped was because of a male !!! But this new gym is going to be a lot better, my friend Joanne will come along as well but she has different things she wants to do - but we both need to use the weights which I believe is good for increasing the metabolism and toning etc. The week ahead my challenge now that the water aspect is under control is my exericse - the plan is on Monday to Thursday walk with Gill for an hour and 15 minutes each night, get off the tram earlier and walk into work (am trying for 30 minutes) and a 30 minute walk at lunch time. I want to get 2kg loss next week- I know this is a high amount for me but I can do it - I might even fast track my food for the week. Anyway girls, enough of me - I can feel the weight coming off and know my stomach area which is my worst spot is changing shape. I am inspired by my beautiful friend Tania who has been my WW/Diet buddy/weight confidant for a long period, she is doing so well and something has clicked in her head, I do think I have done this too but I am not at the point with the exercise - in that I need to exercise alone at times - when I have to do a walk solo I actually avoid it - but this is changing and that is why I am investing in an IPOD. Anyway, I will post tomorrow - send me positive vibes. I think the food aspect is spot on, the water spot on, the tracking spot on and now the cruical part of this journey - EXERCISE. I am telling myself that EXERCISE EQUALS ENERGY and for me that doesn't sleep this is the key. Take care everyone. Martine xx

2.46pm on a Friday

Yayyyyyyy !!! It is 2.46pm on a Friday, not long to go till the weekend. The weather is fabulous outside and I am hoping that it continues that way so I can have a couple of good walks. My birthday is approaching, yes another !!! I have asked Josie (mum !!) to get me gift vouchers as I think that I might invest with my birthday money a IPOD as discussed previously. Last night did a long walk with Gill for 1 hr and 15 minutes, my left hip and groin area do incur a lot of pain towards the end so must go and see a physio to get it sorted. We have had 3 long walks this week so I am hoping that when I weigh in tonight that it will be good news. I haven't been bad but not fabulous so I think rightly so I may have a gain. I will be upset, of course we say we are not dictated by the scales but we are aren't we? If I am to get to goal and become a LTM of WW then I have to get to 71 kgs. This is doeable (is that a word??) and for the first time I can confidentially say that I think next year I will do that. Anyway, I am at work so I must get back and earn some money for my boss. Have a good weekend.

I am struggling this week

Hi everyone. I am struggling this week for some unknown reason, more to the point my sleeping is appalling. As you may or may not be aware I have chronic insomnia, which is annoying and quite debilitating at times. This week is one of them, as I have been so tired I haven't been my organised self so have gone over points and picked at food. I am sure I may gain on Friday which is devastating but my own fault. A lesson to be learned I say. I have had a couple of really long walk this week, one again last night and one today so hopefully with superb eating I may be able to secure a small loss, somehow I think that is wishful thinking. I weigh in with Don tomorrow night so will chat to him about it all, I think the key is to have meals in the freezer for night, some cereal at work for breakfast (if I sleep in late) and some frozen minestrone soup for lunch if for any of those meals I just cant be bothered. The insomnia is like mid week going out till 3.30am and wake to go to work at 6.30am but doing that 7 days a week - it is shocking. That is why I am determined and am sure that I will get to goal and I am hoping that this helps with my lack of sleep. Some of it is habit and that my brain is in overdrive, I over think too much. Anyway, enough of the doom and gloom. Yesterday was a good eating day, and today will be the same as will tomorrow etc. Will report in tomorrow on my loss.

My Weigh In Results are In

Well everyone, I am a happy camper. After last week's small loss of 200 grams I had put my heart and soul into my week, I am happy to say that I secured a loss of 1.4 kilograms. Yay for me. Don my leader was thrilled as well. It gives me an average of 500 grams a week - I am happy with that, if it is anything above that, well that is good. The water is going well, although yesterday I could have drunk more, so today I have spent the entire day on the toilet - which drives my boss crazy. This week's challenge is to keep up with the water and try and get some exercise in. Saturday my bestie friend and I walked to a beach front cafe, had lunch and walked home so the round trip for 60 minutes. Tonight Gill and I are walking as well so that is another 75 minutes of exercise. Anyway my lovelies, I am focused on the road ahead and just to keep going like I have been. Tania (my friend, WW and blogger) and I have been discussing how different this whole journey of losing weight is, when you are in the right headset. We definitely are. Anyway, I will keep you posted and am really focused for another good week.

Tomorrow is weigh in day - Yippee !!!!

Well I have put my heart and soul into WW this week with the aim to have the best weight loss I can, after all I did the same last week and lost 200 grams but hoping that this week it will all catch up. The home scales are recording a loss of 1.3 kgs so I am hoping that it keeps continuing. Last night in Adelaide it wasn't raining or windy so my friend Gill and I went down to Glenelg and walked along the beach track at Glenelg for an hour and 15 minutes, it felt so good. Hopefully the weather can continue to give me moments where I can walk. Today looks good outside so I am going to try and go for a 30 minute walk at lunchtime. So otherwise, not a lot to report but I am pleased to say all going well. I think you just concentrate on one day and week at a time, weigh in and hopefully score a good weight loss and start again for another week. I am fortunate that I have a great leader and it does make life so much easier. I will report in probably on Saturday morning to let you know of my results. Even if I am have slower weight losses, they all add up after a while and I am determined to keep that mojo in tact and focus on the road ahead. 71 kilos is my goal with an aim to get down to 68 kgs, this is achievable with patience, perserverence and determination. (Note the positive talk, I think the feeling of actually doing the WW program and sticking to it 100% makes such a difference to my mindset)

Empowerment Part 2

Today I went to WWLifestyle at the Myer Centre to change my appointment with my leader Don from 5.20pm to 4pm - or as I call it "my date with Don". I adore him. Anyway, enough of the lovefest with my leader. When I was changing the appointment I spoke to one of the leaders, Julie. Who has previously been aware of me when I previously attended WW. Why is it when we fail before we chringe when we see our leaders? Anyway, Julie (the leader) and I discussed WW Lifestyle Centres and how I had just thoroughly enjoyed it, especially Don. She discussed with me, and she is right, the very importance of bonding with your leader, my friend Tania and Tina have been successful purely because they have bonded with their leader Tina (wife of Don the leader). Julie suggested that I write to the Editor of the WW Magazine about the WW Lifestyle Centres, and I am going to do that. We then went on to discuss last week and my small loss despite great effort, she advised, as we all know the story of the tortoise and the hare and that your body doesn't know what day you weigh in and sometimes takes a while to catch up. Well hoping so. I discussed with her my food intake a couple of Saturday ago when i was out for 3 meals and under points and once you feel that you are in control and empowered that it is like an addiction, an addiction to WW. Today I felt like something sweet as I normally do at lunch and had a cappucino (skim of course) and brought 1 tim tam (2 pts) and carried it back to work. I thought, do I really feel like the Tim Tam - I could have it if I really wanted it. So I decided to drink my coffee and low and behold the Tim Tam is in my drawer at work and not eaten. Yes I cry !!! YES YES YES. My head is purely and simply driven to succeed and I feel so wonderful, yes wonderful and I am only a little way down in my journey. You can either look at life as the cup half full or half empty. I am a half full girl. Anyway, 2 blogs in one day is a bit much considering I have rabbited on a bit but writing and expressing how I feel is good for the soul.

Roll on Friday !!!

I feel so empowered

Well I am so empowered at present, the scales are not necessarily reflecting my good work, or should I say brilliant work but my attitude is second to none. I am really proud of me. I have tracked and have been really good, I am so determined that those scales show a damn good loss, although I do feel it on my body that I have lost. The weather in Adelaide is pure and simple driving me mental. I know we are in the middle of a drought but the rain is never ending at present, put on my sandshoes for a walk when I got home and it just poured down with rain. Oh well, the thought was there. I have Friday off work and am planning to wake up at about 7am and go for a 60 minute walk quite briskly to work off as much additional calories before weigh in with Don. Although I am being a rebel and defying Don by weighing at home and only for this week, the scales at present have recorded at 1kg+ loss last night so fingers crossed all stays well until Friday. It is funny how the mind thinks, normally if I had a bad result on the scales or a figure I thought was less than I deserved, like last Friday then I would go into a heap and feel sorry for myself. Now it has come out that underneath all this weight is a determined person, the fact that I am not letting the little blips upset me and after all the only thing I can complain about is that the losses are small but they are constant. I am lucky to have the support of such a great bunch of friends and the online WW and blog community. I like to set myself challenges, this week has been to concentrate on doing what I have been doing and drink my 2 litres of water. My next week's challenge is going to be exercise, I have to plan what I am going to do so will blog that tomorrow when I have had some thought. Summer is going to be such a relief to me, the wet and deary weather of Adelaide is not very helpful in my attempts to walk. Fingers crossed tonight I have an hour to walk without the rain. October is not far away and then the exercise and improving the levels and intensity will happen, my gym cannot open soon enough. Funny though, Don did tell me that I would get to a point where I want to exercise - I thought he was insane when he said it but I now agree, I think because the food and tracking is being handled so well that this is the next step. Enough of me...............

Reporting in

Yesterday was another superb day with the food, tracking and water. As it was raining in Adelaide last night I rang my friend and borrowed some exercise videos so that I can do them if I can't walk, she also gave me a step (solid foam type substance) and step video (they are quite old) i am worried about breaking the step but will do some of the exercise videos. Drank 2 litres of water and 2 cups of green tea so that gives me a a total of 2.5 litres -and did I spend the entire day in the toilet, hopefully though all this water will give me an edge with my weight loss. My leader Don told me not to weigh in at home - I have gone against his advice and I have weighed in as I want to see how I am going and only for this week. I really hope the effort that I am putting in will reward me on the scales. Made the most fabulous meal last night. Marinated some chicken strips and stir fried them with garlic, ginger, lemongrass and chilli and threw in some rice noodles and coriander and a splash of lemon and soy sauce. Not an over huge portion of food and I could have ate 2 bowls worth but delicious and at 6.5 points rather yummy. The other 3 portions are in the freezer. Tonight am going to make a tomato and bacon risotto which is an old WW recipe of about 10 years ago and relatively low in points, so another 3 portions will go into the freezer. The whole idea is that i have a stock pile of frozen foods, especially when I am going to the gym I want to have some easy meals, and all I have to do is heat it in the microwave and do some vegies. So, another day down and another day closer to Friday which is my weigh in day. I absolutely can't wait as the scales have to reward me with a BIG loss. Although saying that, I can see on my stomach (my worst area) that I have lost and can tell by the rolls on my stomach, better than any tape measure. Anyway ladies must go and have another glass of water, 2 litres is a lot to drink in a day but this is my challenge for this week. I want to get on those scales again and say I was 200% good again, if the result is not what I want - then I know I have tried. I also pray that the weather gods will leave my 45 minutes when I get home to go for a walk, October (when my gym opens) can't come soon enough.

Such a lot of work with a small result

Well everyone. Last week was a absolutely tremendous and fabulous week eating and pointing wise. I eagerly went to my WW meeting at Myer and saw Don on Friday night. Got on the scales and they say lost 200grams. WHAT !!!!! 200 grams !! I asked Don to weigh me a second time because I thought he misread it. Anyway, I did weigh at home on the Thursday and had a 1.5kg loss so I don't know what has happened. Of course I am upset but not to the point of eating or giving up but it really does make me more determined to do exactly what I have done in the past few weeks and am sure it will record on the scales - it has to. I suggest to Don, and he agreed, that I bring in my tracker of what I ate during the week and see what he thinks. I do know with my periods in the past, the week after is the lighter week so it perhaps could be this, but I doubt it. When I got home I was so damn angry but I saw a fierce determination set in and I am absolutely 100% committed to another good week and I will show those damn scales. I can't believe I am saying this, but I am quite ready to start my gym work. I am contemplating hiring for the next few months a treadmill for home so that I can work at a good pace on that. Will depend on the price etc but will go and investigate on the weekend. The weekend was busy but my food pointed and tracked. I normally catch up with my friend Michael some weekends and we order take away. This time I actually ate before going over to his place, I was going to address the whole WW thing and got home and forgot, but will address that with him - he is a support in whatever I do. Last night I made my speedy minestrone soup for the freezer, instead of kidney beans I place in chick peas (addicted to them) and at 3 points is a good lunch. On the weekend I cooked a casserole using a continental packet mix, I am trying to use what is in my pantry and with the meat and packet mix it is a relatively low meal - 5.5 points for the casserole and with some vegies it is great. They are all in the freezer with masking tape on them with what is inside the container and the points on them. Tonight I am stir frying some marinated chicken strips and vegies with some Pad Thai Rice Noodles and will put a few serves in the freezer as well. Hopefully in the next few weeks I will not have to cook too much. Anyway everyone, I know you all have been there once before - when the scales don't reflect your good work, I am annoyed but am proud of me, that instead of feeling sorry for myself, or comparing myself to others, I just got down and focused on what I have to do. Track my points, exercise and drink my water - I am sure a good result is awaiting me this Friday. They do say slow and steady wins the race. I just have to focus on the whole picture that my eating and energy is improved and I have scored constant losses. Until next time.............

Everyone is doing well

Well what can I say, it seems that everyone is doing really well with their eating programs and scoring good results on the scales. My buddies Tania and Tina who weigh in on Tuesday nights with my leader Don have both scored fabulous results and are on a high and show me that with the support we give each other, the WW forums and our friends that anything is possible. Tina has lost 26 kgs and is heading towards double figures, I think an opportunity to celebrate double figures when the magical 99.9 happens, Tania has lost 6.8 kgs in 5 weeks - how good is that. I am very proud friend. On the blogs and WW forums a lot of people have commented on Magda's appearance on a Current Affair and her remarkable weight loss, she is positively glowing and the episode did give me food for though. I am doing well, rather well I should say and can't wait to get on the scales on Friday night and see how I have gone. I had a quick peek last night and so far have a 1kg+ loss and am hoping that it remains that way. I have tracked and been a saint all week and am pleased with how I am going. Areas of improvement are water and exercise, the exercise will come and especially when my gym opens on 15/10/09 and I am very excited to get started and see how I go. I think I might purchase an IPOd and that way I can listen to podcasts, especially Hamish and Andy and Jillian from the Biggest Loser and also not only listen to music but books as well. I am hoping that the gym opens earlier. It will be interesting to see how my weight losses go with the additional exercise. Anyway, that is me for now, I will report in on the weekend on how I am going.

A Brilliantly pointed weekend

Well my weekend was far far too busy. Today I am just tired. Went to my weigh in on Friday night and lost 400 grams, my periods are all over the place and it arrived with full force on Friday so I am pleased to say that I lost. Don my leader is a doll and I am so pleased with him. Saturday was horrendous as it was far far too busy, I must learn to say No. Had a 9am hair appointment at Colonaades, got a take away latte from donut king and there wasn't any cafes in the area as it is just a Woolies shopping centre and some bakeries down the end that my hair dresser is at. So I went into the fruit shop and brought an apple - did you hear that, brought an apple. That was the start of a great day. Finished the hair appointment and then had a lunch at Metro Bistro at Unley and as I had a dinner that night I had for lunch 1 mineral water, a very small greek salad, the size of a bread and butter plate with dressing on the side. When the salad arrived, the dressing was over the salad instead of on the side, anyway I asked them to re-do the salad as I ordered - this is unheard of for me. Then had a flat white. Dinner was at Hog's Breath, had 1 glass of red wine, water, 1 steak and steamed vegies and baked potato and a capuccino. I was just so thrilled with my choices, yesterday caught up with Tania to talk all things WW and had a warm chicken salad with dressing on the side, a coke zero and a latte. The weekend proved that whilst being on WW you can still eat out and manage to stay within your points, I had a peep at the scales today and they seem to have dropped 200 grams already, I am focused on a 1 kg+ loss this week but saying that I am also prepared for a small loss and as long as I loose and there is a minus before my weight then I am happy. I must admit the energy levels are increasing slightly and I am really focused on what I have to achieve. Planning your meals etc is the way to go. For the next two weekends I am hoping for a quiet one, I am tired at present and am hoping to just re-charge my batteries and do some cooking for the freezer. Anyway, another week approaches us - it is good when i am excited to weigh in - always good when you know you have been great as far as tracking and monitoring your food.

Just a quick update

Hi everyone Things are going along smoothly for me. This week has been a good week and I am now really in the swing of all things Weight Watchers. Once your headset is right, everything else follows. Obviously, exercise is my next major hurdle. This week has found me eating between meals, courtesy of a reminder which pops up on my computer at 10.30 and 3.45pm each day. Sometimes when I remember to eat it is almost lunch time. The tracking is brilliant and I write in on tracker sheet from the weekly booklet handed to me at my meeting at WW at Myer and then at the end of the day write in my WW journal at home. There is something therapeutic about writing it in by hand as opposed to tracking online. Obviously, I may change later on but I can scribble and make notes on my weekly booklet handout and then neatly write in my journal. Not much else happening, have notice a slight increase in my energy levels which have been bad for years due to bad eating and my insomnia. I am hoping that with my new eating plan and eventual exercise routine that it helps with the energy. That is all for me for now.

So far so good

Well, this week is dragging. Life isn't too bad. The eating between meals is going along fine, the outlook reminder at 10.30am and 3.30pm is working a treat. The weather has been wet and cold in Adelaide so the walking hasn't been happening but I am hoping to get a walk or two in with Vince the wonderdog on the weekend. Back to eating Nestle Diet yoghurt, I swap between Nestle and the Forme and find the passionfruit one that Nestle puts out quite delicious. I love the fact that sometimes I really crave a yoghurt and other times they get thrown away as they are out of date. I am trying to give my diet variety to keep my system on its toes. On Monday night my girlfriend Jo (one of the 4 Joanne's i know) went to see about the new gym that is opening at Glenelg. We have different reasons for going but as she is my best friend I know she will be a great support and is a very determined and focused person so ideal to go. She won't cancel on me. All seemed good, the gym is brand new with the proposed opening date of 15/10/09. The hours they are opening are really good and I am pleased with the proposal they put in and considerate that women have different issues to men. For example, they have a steam room which they have put one in the mens change rooms and one for the females as they believe some females wouldnt be happy to go where men are. I agreed. They also have great facilities, straighteners in both men and women's change rooms, a lounge where you can get coffee etc which is ideal. Jo and I anticipate we will together do a Sunday morning 9.15am yoga class together. So between now and October 2009 I will try and get my walks in, but really what is important is that I focus and get my food under control - it is under control but ensure that the routine and losses are consistent and then I can focus on increasing my exercise. Anyway, not much more to report. I am hoping for a good weight loss this Friday when I have my "date" with my leader Don.

I must eat more !!

The weekend has been and gone and was far far too busy. Unfortunately, the following weekend is about the same. Went to WW at the Myer Centre on Friday and had my "date" with my leader Don. Lost 300 grams which was a tad disappointing but my philosophy is not to get too bogged down with the amount or the average but as long as I am losing. Don has suggested I eat more, I find that I don't eat in between meals as I seem to forget and realise at 12.15am when it is almost lunchtime. He has suggested, and I agree it is a good idea, to enter a reminder in outlook to pop up on my computer screen. A really good idea, why didn't I think of that. So I have brought in my planned snacks and trying to re-train myself to start having morning and afternoon tea. I had a busy weekend as I said before, had a lunch at the Strand at Glenelg which is fabulous and planned my meal, luckily they have their menu on-line and Don has been there before so we planned what we I was going to eat and allowed myself 2 glasses of wine as a treat. I haven't had a lot of wine whilst on WW, mainly as when I do allow myself to have a glass of wine, I want to be able to enjoy it. Sunday, I went to Victor Harbor with my friend Karen, I must admit I could have been better but when I got home I tracked every morsel of food I ate and although I went over with my points, I will save enough during the week to make up for it. Today I measured out my 2 litres of water and plan to try and drink that before I leave work tonight. Tonight I have an appointment with Gensis Gym which is opening at Glenelg, ideally located not far from home and right near where I park my car to catch the tram to work. My friend Joanne is coming with me, she is thinking of joining but is interested in toning mainly, she has cardio equipment at home and luckily only needs to maintain, but if she decides to go ahead with it, we might try and go to at least 1 session a week together. I am inspired with the gym, I think mentally it is good for me with the gym opening in September. Janice Haley from the WW site who has got to goal on Saturday with a weight loss of 1.3 managed to lose good numbers at the end and that is because she NEVER went over her points and managed to fit in the gym as part of her new life, this has inpsired me. It will also be good for me when I don't have a lot on socially to go and do a workout. Overall, things are going well and I am feeling the momentum building, I am determined that this week should have a good weight loss and tonight will do a DVD which I found in my cupboard which is an old WW video with a fit strip so hopefully it will help, with the rain it is a bit hard to walk tonight. Anyway, enough rambling. Have a good week.

Gym developments

Hi everyone. Well today is weigh in day - hopefully the scales are kind. Last night caught up with my dear friend Dianne, don't see too much of her because she had two children that have a lot of sport on weekends and that is mainly when I am free, so it does get hard. We chatted for ages, I was going to miss dinner (not good I Know) and Dianne was hungry so we shared half a medium pizza at Spargos, it wasn't a huge pizza and turned out to be 3 slices - of very thin based - worked out about 4 points per serve which still made me within my points allowance, I initially felt guilty but realised that as long as it is tracked it is okay and not a thing I do often. With the Gym situation I had registered for the new gym opening at Glenelg as a foundation member and going to see them on Monday after work, although the gym doesnt open until September it does give me time. I also priced fitness first and in particular their membership which means I could go to any club - it was too expensive. The choice is either fitness first but I can only go to one club which would be Marion as my friend goes there, or foundation member for Glenelg. Glenelg is my option as it is located near the tram stop and not far from home and will be nice and new and so I am considering both options. I addressed my fear of doing a class and Shannon who was fabulous did reinforce that everyone is worried about the same thing. He suggested a basic class and build up as well as my fitness with the cardio. I must admit that I think I may go for the Glenelg gym and as I live by myself and have no partner I do have extra time, perhaps a workout after work one day, a morning session and a even after dinner is all suitable, I may vary the times i go a bit. Janice has been my inspiration for the gym - being a fitness freak and jogging is my dream and a sure way to maintain my weight oncesat goal and in the meantime help me lost those kilos, plus I think it is good for me emotionally and mentally. Anyway, enough of me for the moment. Keep you posted. Update with online dating - now have 17 requests - some are boys - I don't want a 24 year old but a few possibilities, so feel a bit better about this.

Reporting in !

Well, not alot to report. I have been sick so have not eaten enough food, of course this is just as bad as eating too much ! My dear friend Tania (see her blog listed on my followers) has lost another 1.1 and is doing great guns, she is now at 5.4 kgs, her head is in the right space which is nice to see. This just reminds me that losing weight is very much about having your head in the right zone. Everything else falls in place. Well I am starting to think about exercise. My mate Gill and I did a walk (70 minutes) on Tuesday night and was supposed to go last night, unfortunately I wasn't able to go because of ill health but if I can get a couple of walks with her and perhaps a DVD or two at home then it is a good start. I am still starting to think about the gym and have sussed about from Janice from the WW site who is just so inspirational. The woman has lost 60 kgs and still losing good amounts on the scale - all due to her eating well and exercising. This has inspired me. The theory is to do a bit of walking, go to the gym and do cardio and perhaps once a week do a class and then build up on the classes as well. But all this will come in time, Janice is addicted to exercise and that is my real wish to love to do it, where at the present I have to do it. Tania has made me realise that to get the results all you have to do is follow the program, it is quite easy really. This weekend I have lunch with Gill at The Strand at Glenelg so that will be easy, supposed to go to Michael's for dinner but may skip the meal and just pop over after and Sunday at Victor Harbor with my friend Karen for a catch up, hopefully a bit of walking will be involved. So I need to plan my meals and ensure that I get some walks in for those bonus points, plus I have the world's best doggie that needs a walk. I am happy and comfortable with my leader, that is a bonus and the thought of him weighing me is always an incentive to be good. Anyway, that is all - I have raved on a bit. Don't hesitate to put a comment on if you wish - it is always good to have interaction with everyone. The online dating has come to a standstill, I am not too worried, what is meant to be is meant to be. Take care

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.