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.

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

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