Hey Dolls...
Worth remembering that a tin of roses is 111 PPs!!! You read it right!!!
Enjoy every second with your family and friends and remember those who are no longer with us...
Have a happy, healthy and safe Christmas...
Doll x
It's Christmas...
Hey Dolls...
Worth remembering that a tin of roses is 111 PPs!!! You read it right!!!
Enjoy every second with your family and friends and remember those who are no longer with us...
Have a happy, healthy and safe Christmas...
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
Part two -
If you’ve read Part 1 >> (Am I my own worst enemy?) you’ll know I’ve had a long term (often long distance) relationship with Weight Watchers. It has been in my life for the past ten years and like a wave on a shoreline, it has crashed in and flooded around me with great enthusiasm and then ebb back out of my life without even noticing it slip out from under my feet.
On Tuesday, August 28th 2012… I rejoined Weight Watchers. It was one of the easiest yet most difficult decision I’d made in a long time. It was easy with respect to the fact I knew I had to do something about my weight. It was easy because I knew Weight Watchers had worked for me in the past. It was easy because I knew I would be around people who were trying to get their weight (whatever their size) under control.
The difficult part was in the actual execution of my decision, making it a reality, my reality. Looking at my options, Weight Watchers in Galway [on Eglington Street] run a Men Only Class at 8pm on a Monday evening – this was always the one I had gone to before. Joining this class meant I knew when I finish work at 6pm I would either have go home and back into town again or hang around work/town until the class started. A quick google informed me of a class in Oranmore at 6.15pm every Tuesday evening.
I live in Oranmore and pass the class on my way home anyway. I could be home by 7pm which still gave me the evening to myself and not waiting to be weighed in. My only reservation was that it was a mixed class. I didn’t think I would have any problem attending a class with men and women, but as I sat in work on that Tuesday evening thinking about heading to class, I started to get cold feet for some reason.
What if I knew some of the women in the class? What if my next door neighbour was there? What if my friends mum was there? What if the girl who makes my hot chicken baguette in Spar was there? That’s when it dawned on me… More than likely, they don’t want ME to know they are there either and would probably be as embarrassed as I was that we knew each others ‘dirty little secret’. With that in mind, I decided to still go to the Oranmore class straight after work.
As I stood in the queue, I became aware very quickly that I was the only male in attendance. I thought “Feic it, I’m in the queue I may as well stay for tonight – if I don’t like it, I can go back to the Men Only Class in Galway from next week”. This was the only time since re-joining Weight Watchers that I have thought about my gender. I can’t stress that enough! Ladies, don’t be shy – we don’t bite or anything, so be nice to us if you see us in your class.
Phil (The Oranmore Leader) was fantastic - She welcomed me with open arms and told me she was delighted to see another man at class. She also told me not to worry that there are other men who attend the class, they were just gone AWOL this evening. Standing up on the scales and seeing the giant 19st 02lbs grounded me right back down.
Everyone is here for the same reason – everyone here is conscious of their weight – everyone here has bad eating habits, eat the wrong foods or are making wrong food choices. Everyone here is or has gone through what I am going through right now.
Regardless of what your goal/ideal weight is, everyone attending a Weight Watchers class already have one up on those not attending… We’ve taken the first step! Irrespective of age, gender or current body size, all of us should take pride in the fact we have done something to tackle our weight.
The road ahead may be long and bumpy, the end may seem impossible to get to, and yes we may fall off the beaten track somewhere down the line, but let’s not look forward just yet – look at NOW… at least we have had the balls to turn up at the start line.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
@quinlivan
@quinlivan
If you’ve read Part 1 >> (Am I my own worst enemy?) you’ll know I’ve had a long term (often long distance) relationship with Weight Watchers. It has been in my life for the past ten years and like a wave on a shoreline, it has crashed in and flooded around me with great enthusiasm and then ebb back out of my life without even noticing it slip out from under my feet.
On Tuesday, August 28th 2012… I rejoined Weight Watchers. It was one of the easiest yet most difficult decision I’d made in a long time. It was easy with respect to the fact I knew I had to do something about my weight. It was easy because I knew Weight Watchers had worked for me in the past. It was easy because I knew I would be around people who were trying to get their weight (whatever their size) under control.
The difficult part was in the actual execution of my decision, making it a reality, my reality. Looking at my options, Weight Watchers in Galway [on Eglington Street] run a Men Only Class at 8pm on a Monday evening – this was always the one I had gone to before. Joining this class meant I knew when I finish work at 6pm I would either have go home and back into town again or hang around work/town until the class started. A quick google informed me of a class in Oranmore at 6.15pm every Tuesday evening.
I live in Oranmore and pass the class on my way home anyway. I could be home by 7pm which still gave me the evening to myself and not waiting to be weighed in. My only reservation was that it was a mixed class. I didn’t think I would have any problem attending a class with men and women, but as I sat in work on that Tuesday evening thinking about heading to class, I started to get cold feet for some reason.
What if I knew some of the women in the class? What if my next door neighbour was there? What if my friends mum was there? What if the girl who makes my hot chicken baguette in Spar was there? That’s when it dawned on me… More than likely, they don’t want ME to know they are there either and would probably be as embarrassed as I was that we knew each others ‘dirty little secret’. With that in mind, I decided to still go to the Oranmore class straight after work.
As I stood in the queue, I became aware very quickly that I was the only male in attendance. I thought “Feic it, I’m in the queue I may as well stay for tonight – if I don’t like it, I can go back to the Men Only Class in Galway from next week”. This was the only time since re-joining Weight Watchers that I have thought about my gender. I can’t stress that enough! Ladies, don’t be shy – we don’t bite or anything, so be nice to us if you see us in your class.
Phil (The Oranmore Leader) was fantastic - She welcomed me with open arms and told me she was delighted to see another man at class. She also told me not to worry that there are other men who attend the class, they were just gone AWOL this evening. Standing up on the scales and seeing the giant 19st 02lbs grounded me right back down.
Everyone is here for the same reason – everyone here is conscious of their weight – everyone here has bad eating habits, eat the wrong foods or are making wrong food choices. Everyone here is or has gone through what I am going through right now.
Regardless of what your goal/ideal weight is, everyone attending a Weight Watchers class already have one up on those not attending… We’ve taken the first step! Irrespective of age, gender or current body size, all of us should take pride in the fact we have done something to tackle our weight.
The road ahead may be long and bumpy, the end may seem impossible to get to, and yes we may fall off the beaten track somewhere down the line, but let’s not look forward just yet – look at NOW… at least we have had the balls to turn up at the start line.
Forget about losing weight!!! Week 9!
You heard me! Forget it!
If Christmas is daunting and you're thinking about just jumping ship.. then don't put any pressure on yourself.. aim to maintain! Don't panic if you put on a pound or two! Its Christmas... and food is all part and parcel of the holiday! You can swing this three ways... either decline every party invite and eat sprouts for the week and be miserable and drag everyone else with you or give yourself free reign until January, eat a full tin of roses and gain 10lbs and head back to the wagon on Jan 3rd (sound familiar!)... or have some fun but don't go crazy and stay the same or gain a couple of pounds that won't take all year to lose!
Plan! That's your word for the next few weeks... be strategic and plan! Every social event is a battle and you need to work out how you can enjoy it without face planting the buffet! That food will be there? What temptations will you find? How will you deal with them? No ones saying you have to be Norma no mates.. but you can have fun without over indulging and undoing all your good work! There's no need to write off 2012 because 2013 is going to be "the" year! (again familiar?!?!)
Here's some tips I got from my leader and other members for the silly season, some of them might ring a bell with you... Some of them are great!!!
Eat a huge bowl of porridge for breakfast to line the stomach, sets you up for the day!
Bring Zero Point soup for lunch/late afternoon so you'll feel full before you go...
Check if there's a menu and go for the veggie option!
Alternate Boozy drinks with water!
If you're tempted with more food.. get up and dance!!!
Volunteer to be the designated driver...
Practice saying.. that was delish but I'll pass on seconds thanks...
At a family lunch - get out for a walk.. bring dogs, kids and grandad!
Exercise as a family! Do the Turkey Trot!
At the buffet fill your plate once!
Tighten your belt a notch! The discomfort will make you not want to eat till you burst!
Don't eat to please others... you're not obliged to eat Auntie Marys Fruit cake!
Stay hydrated! A pint of water before the party will give you that 'full' feeling!
(and help the hangover!)
Recycle tins of sweets and biscuits that you get... don't open them!!
Don't over stock! There's not a nuclear war planned.. its one day!
Shops will be open on the 27th! If you buy them early.. you'll eat them early!
Meet people at your house.. that way you control the food and portions!
Send leftovers home with your guests!
Play with the children and they're new toys! Its all exercise...
Ask for Sporty pressies! New trainers... a bike.. workout DVD.. I've just got Strictlys!!!
(cha cha cha!)
Swap crisps and peanuts for breadsticks!
Remove the marzipan and icing from your slice of Christmas cake..
If you have pushy friends... develop an allergy!
Use low fat hummus and creme fraiche with garlic as dips...
Buy low fat versions of food.. hide the packets and they'll never know!
But remember.. Christmas is meant to be enjoyed and a happy time to spend with friends and family.. part of that includes food so there's no need to deny yourself.. all yourself some indulgent days... The key is balance and having a 'bad' day can be balanced out with some 'good' days... December is a dangerous time so give yourself, Christmas eve and Christmas day, New Years eve and maybe you're work party day to just enjoy .. and the other days.. be more mindful of what you eat... Doll xxx
Beat the buffet! Week 8!
Apologies for the delay... but christmas has come down from the attic and I'm all a bling!
Only a few weeks left! To be honest those few weeks can be 3lbs that you lose in order to gain it back on Christmas day.. so don't lose focus.. We eat approx 21 meals a week.. not all of them have to be blow outs.. keep up the healthy breakfasts and lunches.. and have the extra roastie with your dinner.. and you'll still be on track to stay the same!
This post.. Buffets.. the word fills me with dread.. especially at Christmas!!! The choice.. and you just want a little bit of everything.. when you NEVER would allow a Vol-au-vent through the front door .. there they are calling your name.. all chickeny and mushroomy with cream and yumminess... sigh.. but heres a few tips that might help!
1. EAT BEFORE YOU GET THERE
Have a bowl of Zero PP soup ... toast with peanut butter will fill you up and stop you stage diving into the goodies head on! If you arrive starving.. its all going to go wrong.. so a little planning ahead.. will save you.. PLUS.. save your points for the drinkies!
2. MOVE ALONG!
Don't hover at the table!!!! You know exactly what I mean! Your little paws will be busier than ever if you'll mulling about... Get what you want IN ONE TRIP and move on! Its a not a contest to see who can try everything on the table!
3. CHOOSE WISELY
If you want to keep the halo straight.. then be a little be sensible! Avoid the battered prawns, garlic bread, anything that's covered in mayonnaise or cream... go for the smoked salmon.. chicken skewers.. the cold meats.. breadsticks... salsa... hummus... you all know its for the best..
4. HANDS OFF
When the waiters bring around those trays of gorgeousness... keep your hands full.. have a camera, napkin, phone and wine glass.. all will keep both hands occupied so you can grab the tray and leg it!
5. CHEESED OFF
If you're a cheeseboard kinda gal.. *raises hand* then be a bit savvie.. Brie, Camembert and Edam are better than cheddar, Stilton and Roule... Best choice is you're a fan is goats cheese!
No one is saying you're can't enjoy the fun.. but a few wise choices will make you and the scales happier in the long run!
More Chirstmas tips incoming!! Great losses!!! And fantastic feedback from Mr. Q and his post.. he's officially a regular around here!
This weeks post will be on time! eek!
Doll x
Only a few weeks left! To be honest those few weeks can be 3lbs that you lose in order to gain it back on Christmas day.. so don't lose focus.. We eat approx 21 meals a week.. not all of them have to be blow outs.. keep up the healthy breakfasts and lunches.. and have the extra roastie with your dinner.. and you'll still be on track to stay the same!
This post.. Buffets.. the word fills me with dread.. especially at Christmas!!! The choice.. and you just want a little bit of everything.. when you NEVER would allow a Vol-au-vent through the front door .. there they are calling your name.. all chickeny and mushroomy with cream and yumminess... sigh.. but heres a few tips that might help!
1. EAT BEFORE YOU GET THERE
Have a bowl of Zero PP soup ... toast with peanut butter will fill you up and stop you stage diving into the goodies head on! If you arrive starving.. its all going to go wrong.. so a little planning ahead.. will save you.. PLUS.. save your points for the drinkies!
2. MOVE ALONG!
Don't hover at the table!!!! You know exactly what I mean! Your little paws will be busier than ever if you'll mulling about... Get what you want IN ONE TRIP and move on! Its a not a contest to see who can try everything on the table!
3. CHOOSE WISELY
If you want to keep the halo straight.. then be a little be sensible! Avoid the battered prawns, garlic bread, anything that's covered in mayonnaise or cream... go for the smoked salmon.. chicken skewers.. the cold meats.. breadsticks... salsa... hummus... you all know its for the best..
4. HANDS OFF
When the waiters bring around those trays of gorgeousness... keep your hands full.. have a camera, napkin, phone and wine glass.. all will keep both hands occupied so you can grab the tray and leg it!
5. CHEESED OFF
If you're a cheeseboard kinda gal.. *raises hand* then be a bit savvie.. Brie, Camembert and Edam are better than cheddar, Stilton and Roule... Best choice is you're a fan is goats cheese!
No one is saying you're can't enjoy the fun.. but a few wise choices will make you and the scales happier in the long run!
More Chirstmas tips incoming!! Great losses!!! And fantastic feedback from Mr. Q and his post.. he's officially a regular around here!
This weeks post will be on time! eek!
Doll x
Let's hear it for the boy...
Laydeez.. and gents.. yes gents.. you're out there.. all your emails and tweets asking about ProPoints and recipes .. I know you're there!!! Well just for the boys and maybe the boyfriends and husbands and hell all the rest of us that need a little inspiring.. my boy pal who's also on the weight loss journey... Mr. Q.. will be posting monthly.. telling his story.. giving tips... and here to ask questions for those thinking this was just for the girls.. he's lost and gained and is on the road to success now... so he knows the highs and lows of weight watchers... x
You always hear of people getting these ‘a-ha’ moments, moments of complete clarity where everything seems to click in place which change their lives for the better. Looking back over the past ten years, my ‘a-ha’ moments only seen to have come in relation to
my weight!
I think my brain is extremely clever at lying to itself. Let’s examine the evidence I appear to have overlooked: I know I’m overweight, I know my BMI is in the Obese range, I know I’m getting bigger as fewer and fewer clothes fit me, the most recent suit trousers I bought are the next waist size up. Yet my brain can’t seem to put 2 + 2 together! I’m very good at ignoring the obvious.
Over the past 12 years my weight has yo-yoed up and down. I first joined Weight Watchers in September 2003 - I was 16st 7lbs at the time. I lost 21lbs before my birthday (in November) and another 26lbs in the coming months. I remember I was 2lbs off my 50lbs Certificate when I stopped going to the weigh-ins. WHY? I don’t know, one day I just stopped going.
Was I was sabotaging myself? Maybe it was because I’d met someone and was happy emotionally (and also physically following my recent weight-loss)? Or maybe because I was over-confident that I had the system off and I knew what I was doing?
Fast-forward to 2007 and I was back up at 16st 7lbs! FML… That just crept back up without me noticing. I went back to Weight Watchers and dropped around 20lbs before I stopped going again. Yet again the weight crept back on and in January 2010, I re-joined Weight Watchers – this time weighing in at 18st! That was a dark dark day in my life. I remember sitting in the car for half an hour after coming out of the meeting feeling so sorry for myself - I had a little cry.
I lost about a stone before I stopped going (again!) and I put that stone back on as quick as it came off! I was telling myself 18st must be my plateau weight (lies). The people around me could never believe I was 18st when I told them (or so they told me!). In September 2010, I took a career break and went off globe- trotting for 3 months. I remember weighing myself the day before I flew out of Ireland and I was 18 ½ st.
I returned to Ireland during the “Bad Winter of 2010” 3st lighter! I’ve since put that down to the backpacker lifestyle: a combination of living off beans on toast and being more active. From climbing glaciers in New Zealand to Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, Trekking around Vietnam and living out of a capsule in Japan, the travelling had transformed my body!
Unfortunately, my lifestyle while I was backpacking couldn’t have been further from my reality. I’m a computer programmer by trade so spend 8.30-6.00 sitting at a computer desk. I drive to and from work and in general… I’m a lazy person – I have no problem admitting that!
Fast-forward to Saturday, August 25th 2012 and I was helping friends move house. We were doing one final sweep of the upstairs to make sure everything was cleared and I found a weighing scales in their bathroom. I don’t own a weighing scales (probably out of denial) and I stood on it. That Autumn afternoon in my friends empty bathroom, I watched the needle on the scale fly past NINETEEN STONE (19st 2lbs) and I had yet another ‘A-ha’ moment in relation to my weight!
I have never been 19st in my life! How did I let myself get into this state? Looking back,
I can see how I tricked myself into this state…
- I would buy new clothes (ignoring the XXL size tag).
- I would self-edit my Facebook pictures. All of my friends will be familiar with my
trademark ‘Aerial’ photos – trick I picked up somewhere (Tip: Hold the camera above
your eye line and point it downward on the subject, you will have no neck and
a skinnier looking face!).
- I never weighed myself – ever!
- I would take my friends compliments and never thought they were only just saying
what is socially acceptable e.g: No you look great! I never would have said you were
THAT weight!
Looking further back, I can see all of the ‘a-ha’ moments which have pushed me to weight watchers and every single one of them are listed below…
- Shame
That Saturday afternoon in my friends’ empty house, I stood looking down at the weighing scale and I felt so much shame… I am the only person to blame for my own size. Not one person has ever force-fed me, prevented me from taking a walk/exercise class/joining a gym, made me choose a take-away over something fresh and homemade. I am my own worst enemy in terms of my weight!
On Tuesday, August 28th 2012… I rejoined Weight Watchers!
Am I my own worst enemy?
@quinlivan
You always hear of people getting these ‘a-ha’ moments, moments of complete clarity where everything seems to click in place which change their lives for the better. Looking back over the past ten years, my ‘a-ha’ moments only seen to have come in relation to
my weight!
I think my brain is extremely clever at lying to itself. Let’s examine the evidence I appear to have overlooked: I know I’m overweight, I know my BMI is in the Obese range, I know I’m getting bigger as fewer and fewer clothes fit me, the most recent suit trousers I bought are the next waist size up. Yet my brain can’t seem to put 2 + 2 together! I’m very good at ignoring the obvious.
Over the past 12 years my weight has yo-yoed up and down. I first joined Weight Watchers in September 2003 - I was 16st 7lbs at the time. I lost 21lbs before my birthday (in November) and another 26lbs in the coming months. I remember I was 2lbs off my 50lbs Certificate when I stopped going to the weigh-ins. WHY? I don’t know, one day I just stopped going.
Was I was sabotaging myself? Maybe it was because I’d met someone and was happy emotionally (and also physically following my recent weight-loss)? Or maybe because I was over-confident that I had the system off and I knew what I was doing?
Fast-forward to 2007 and I was back up at 16st 7lbs! FML… That just crept back up without me noticing. I went back to Weight Watchers and dropped around 20lbs before I stopped going again. Yet again the weight crept back on and in January 2010, I re-joined Weight Watchers – this time weighing in at 18st! That was a dark dark day in my life. I remember sitting in the car for half an hour after coming out of the meeting feeling so sorry for myself - I had a little cry.
I lost about a stone before I stopped going (again!) and I put that stone back on as quick as it came off! I was telling myself 18st must be my plateau weight (lies). The people around me could never believe I was 18st when I told them (or so they told me!). In September 2010, I took a career break and went off globe- trotting for 3 months. I remember weighing myself the day before I flew out of Ireland and I was 18 ½ st.
I returned to Ireland during the “Bad Winter of 2010” 3st lighter! I’ve since put that down to the backpacker lifestyle: a combination of living off beans on toast and being more active. From climbing glaciers in New Zealand to Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, Trekking around Vietnam and living out of a capsule in Japan, the travelling had transformed my body!
Unfortunately, my lifestyle while I was backpacking couldn’t have been further from my reality. I’m a computer programmer by trade so spend 8.30-6.00 sitting at a computer desk. I drive to and from work and in general… I’m a lazy person – I have no problem admitting that!
Fast-forward to Saturday, August 25th 2012 and I was helping friends move house. We were doing one final sweep of the upstairs to make sure everything was cleared and I found a weighing scales in their bathroom. I don’t own a weighing scales (probably out of denial) and I stood on it. That Autumn afternoon in my friends empty bathroom, I watched the needle on the scale fly past NINETEEN STONE (19st 2lbs) and I had yet another ‘A-ha’ moment in relation to my weight!
I have never been 19st in my life! How did I let myself get into this state? Looking back,
I can see how I tricked myself into this state…
- I would buy new clothes (ignoring the XXL size tag).
- I would self-edit my Facebook pictures. All of my friends will be familiar with my
trademark ‘Aerial’ photos – trick I picked up somewhere (Tip: Hold the camera above
your eye line and point it downward on the subject, you will have no neck and
a skinnier looking face!).
- I never weighed myself – ever!
- I would take my friends compliments and never thought they were only just saying
what is socially acceptable e.g: No you look great! I never would have said you were
THAT weight!
Looking further back, I can see all of the ‘a-ha’ moments which have pushed me to weight watchers and every single one of them are listed below…
- Shame
That Saturday afternoon in my friends’ empty house, I stood looking down at the weighing scale and I felt so much shame… I am the only person to blame for my own size. Not one person has ever force-fed me, prevented me from taking a walk/exercise class/joining a gym, made me choose a take-away over something fresh and homemade. I am my own worst enemy in terms of my weight!
On Tuesday, August 28th 2012… I rejoined Weight Watchers!
I'm starting on Monday! Week 7!
How many times have you said those words?!?! Just you wait..Monday! I'm on it!!! This is the LAST time.. sigh.. we've all been there... I've put off starting more times that I'd ever want to admit! Sadly the starting day never seemed right for a variety of reasons! There was a holiday on the horizon... Someones birthday was soon and ALL relatives counted..I was tired of trying.. I liked the bad foods too much.. I hated setting myself apart from other people.. I was meeting pals and I'd have to be the odd one out.. You see for a long time it was always tomorrow for me... but tomorrow never comes.. there's always going to be some excuse.. aren't you worth it? Don't you deserve to be healthy and fit? Don't you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to be the best you can be? Don't you want to hang around on the planet for as long as you can? well then.. start today.. now this minute.. Christmas is ONE day! Next week is a blog all about parties and munchies and drinkies!!! There's 5 weeks left.. 2lbs a week is one dress size or a pant size for the boys... There's no point in throwing the 'wait till I really start in January' about the place ... you're only giving yourself permission to go crazy for the net six weeks and UNDO all the hard work you've done this year... take a look at last Christmas.. and my personal step is AMAZING!! I was looking at some pics from the parties last year and there's a noticeable difference with 4st gone.. and I know there's still a lot left to go but boy am I happy about the journey so far.. the gains, and there have been many... the losses some accepted with grace some snarled at the scales.. "ONLY' half a pound sure I might as well not bother.. but I did.. and birthdays, holidays, anniversaries will come along all the time.. don't' use them as an excuse to derail... the final slug for that Christmas dress and New years glam!!! C'mon!!!
'Q'
International man of mystery.. Mr. Bond.. dontchylove'im! I've seen all the bonds and Sean is still my fav.. perhaps its because my mum swooned at him all those years or the fact that the scottish accent drives me wild!!! Hubba Hubba! Even asking for directions makes me weak at the knees!
Apologies tangent.. Next week sees the very first guest blog post on Skinny Doll!!! Much excitement... as its someone who has struggled with weight loss and loves life to the full.. so he has a fantastic attitude to losing weight as well as being successful.. its our very own Mr.Q! Who, even though he's just had his 'big' birthday is still down this week! Now that's dedication.. he's an unbelievably charming and funny guy who constantly lights up my twitter timeline.. when every one else is getting upset and fighting about god know what issues/sport/crisis.. he'll be posting up the latest girls aloud tune with the dance moves.. he's awesome... so stay tuned for it... it'll be fab!
Weigh ins tomorrow.. Christmas is getting close and all those parties/lunches/drinkies are incoming.. behave now and you'll sparkle!!!
Doll x
Apologies tangent.. Next week sees the very first guest blog post on Skinny Doll!!! Much excitement... as its someone who has struggled with weight loss and loves life to the full.. so he has a fantastic attitude to losing weight as well as being successful.. its our very own Mr.Q! Who, even though he's just had his 'big' birthday is still down this week! Now that's dedication.. he's an unbelievably charming and funny guy who constantly lights up my twitter timeline.. when every one else is getting upset and fighting about god know what issues/sport/crisis.. he'll be posting up the latest girls aloud tune with the dance moves.. he's awesome... so stay tuned for it... it'll be fab!
Into every life.. a little 'Q' must fall!!!
Weigh ins tomorrow.. Christmas is getting close and all those parties/lunches/drinkies are incoming.. behave now and you'll sparkle!!!
Doll x
WEIGH IN Week6 - 5 do's!!!
Hey Dolls... First up.. thanks for all the feedback on my little emotional break down earlier this week... its funny how an argument on twitter can lead to a post that evoked a lot of emotion from people.. and so many people feeling exactly the same... I thought is was all about me?!? LOL Can you all do me a favor this week and compliment someone? really take a second to say 'that color really suits you?' or 'you're looking great' .. Karma will bring it back to you I promise!
Week 6 weigh in.. I stayed the same mercifully... But the push is on now for Christmas.. and one pound a week can have everyone down half a stone!!! A pound is MORE than achievable!!
Post weight losses below.. we're halfway there!!!
Lots of people think that there’s really not any point to dieting between now and new year. Not true.. here's 5 tips ( i don't like rules!) to keep you on track...
Think January 1st before the First Bite
Two months of overindulging and blaming it all on santa, will mean January 1st is depressing and all about backtracking. We all want a positive start to the new year.. that won't happen if you're thinking about the extra stone you found under the tree! Sure we'll all be hung over but this isn't Ground Hog Day, same outcome different year, so I think about January 1st before you take the first bite.
Burn It to Earn It
One of the best tips I got from a leader was to exercise the MORNING of the party or event. I already know I'm going out and I'm going to have a good time. But if I do one hour of exercise in the morning I find I make smarter choices and feel less “guilt.” Getting rid of guilt and food is a big thing for me.
Hydrate You will drink. *hiccup* Just make sure you have water first! Not only drink your water before the festivities, but alternate water with your cocktails, I know I know who am I kidding... just stick with me.... You’ll feel better in the morning!
Offer to Prepare Hate Food
I know you want to bring a dish to the party that everyone will love. But you don’t always have to bring the dish you love. I'm starting to bring things that aren't my favorite. If I bring a dish I LOVE I will snack on the way AND leave extra at home for nibbles before bed... If I make something that isn’t my favorite, I have a much better chance of sticking to plan.
Wear Tight Clothes
Elastic is not your friend. Break out the jeans that are a little snug when you're cooking, christmas shopping and the wear the smallest size fit for work. I am spending all my money on gifts right now. You don’t have the money to buy bigger sizes. I want to continue to fit into my clothes!!!
My heart on sleeve...
I've had a meh evening ... you know the kind... just blah... groan, moan, groan.. and now I can't sleep so you lucky lot are getting an emotional post, you've been warned...
I watched the Obesity clinic tonight on RTE1. Anyone else feel like they've been wearing they're judgey pants sometimes?
I've been that size, I'm over 4 stone lighter than my highest weight… and yes I know I have more to lose… I have friends, good dear friends, who are interesting, funny, intelligent people who are obese.. and struggle… yes, struggle with food… I've been bulimic… I'm using the past tense there but I don't think that it will ever go away if I'm honest… But I struggle with food.. and people who don't, don't understand what its like.. 'why don't you just lose weight?' Well gee why didn't I think of that?!?! is that really all I have to do? Its like telling an alcoholic they can't ever have a drink again.. but alcoholics can survive without a drink, you can lock them away from their addiction.. you can't live without eating… and its the emotional connection.. the highs .. and subsequent lows that any addictive substance gives you… the buzz… I have regularly been in the whirl of emotion where you just can't see any other way to feel better than a tub of ice-cream followed by cake.. then biscuits.. then bread and god knows what else and that feeling.. that 'high' almost … and the crashing lows and feelings of disgust when you sit in a pool of tears wondering how someone as clever as you got there, and you have to drag yourself up off the floor and try to make sense of it…
I thought I had my life all sorted yet I resorted to abusing my body like that, and it never made much sense … I'm a very lucky soul… I have a wonderful life, I'm very privileged, there are people a million times worse off than me… but here I was eating my life away… why? I don't really know… even now.. I have those days of that feeling of pure hatred for myself.. and the more people tell you.. 'you look well'… 'you've lost weight'.. and the classic… 'you've got such a pretty face' just make you want to bury your head deeper and deeper into that momentary safe place where the sense of satisfaction is briefly saving you.. till it comes crashing down around you and the nausea kicks in.. and the remorse you feel…and the notions going through your mind of how you can undo what you've just done… and how you've let yourself down.. your family… friends…
Food takes that deep pain away, it distracts you from whats really going on in your head… and trying to address it is one of the hardest things I've ever done.. but I appear to be winning that battle thanks to an amazing counsellor… 10 kms a week in the pool … a group of like minded bootcamp friends who get it… but most importantly, a small but perfectly formed group of gals who I know I can pour my heart out to and they see beyond the fat to who I am and know that theres more to me… these women are consistent in my life and they amaze me, these lovely, stunning, amazing and loyal women.. from heart to soul... together we can be, confused, determined, irritated, joyous, mixed up, sad, loving, overwhelmed, desperate, sassy, imperfect, silly, secure, messy, vulnerable, intrigued, lost and found and show all of it and more.. anytime.. all the time.. they know all about you and love you just the same and never need to forgive because they never hold on to anything long enough for it to even matter, they know life gets messy for everyone and judgement is not an option... ever.. and one day, not so long ago, the penny dropped that maybe, just maybe, I'm worth all this and more.. and perhaps there's a lot more of my story left to be told…
I'm not quite sure at what point it started to consume me… everyone has the lows in their life and I suppose I just didn't deal with mine.. from my massive insecurities in my childhood, bullying in my teens to personal tragedies that I have just ran away from, literally .. I sugar coated them and spread them with nutella and swallowed them whole.. and once I realized they didn't taste very nice.. I tried to purge them.. thinking if I purged the food .. all the sadness would come up with it and I'd be done…TA DA! right?! Things I should have dealt with years ago, still irk me, although I'm addressing these things one by one, at the moment its snowballing and I'm feeling massive changes to the point that I can now look behind me and see where I was.. the line has shifted .. and yes, there are some days wonder if I'll ever win the battle.. I've lost good friends, lovers, maybe even soul mates because of bulimia.. I've denied myself the joys of socializing because clearly everyone would be staring at me eating my dinner.. judging me if I order a burger.. no one was ever minding they're own business and enjoying their dinner were they?! It is all about me yeah? I've declined meeting up with people who I know would be amazing friends because I feared I wasn't good enough to even be theirs… WHY would anyone want to be seen with me? To the point when even trip to the hairdresser I would be apologizing for my very existence … these have been tough hurdles, some days I party the blues away... myself and Gordons numbed the pain temporarily until the hangovers surpassed the fun! But as a believer in fate and karma, I regularly roll out the 'its meant to be' and as my grandmother used to say .. 'if it's meant for you .. it won't pass you by…' and I slowly started to believe it..
Watching that programme tonight.. seeing that young boy, wise beyond his years, saying 'I can't judge anyone until know them, because I know what its like for my dad to struggle with obesity and its not who he is'.. made me hope that more people will learn from him…
So judgey pants off people… that person who you momentarily stare at because they're bigger than you.. they're funny and charming… and know all about the history of art, they can paint a still life better than you can tie your shoes.. they've built houses and make mean cakes… they're better than you at the Irish times crossword and can belt out a tune at karaoke that would put you to shame… they have fat.. they are not fat… there's a difference..
Normal, less emotional service resumes tomorrow…
Doll x
Water water everywhere...
No secret here that I follow the Weight Watchers ProPoints programme... It's all counting
and it works for me and many others .. I don't work for weight watchers nor do I advocate
their products... Yes, I have some of their ready meals hiding in the
depths of my freezer for 'emergencies' but as most of you know I'm a
'cook it from scratch' kinda gal... To me a meal that's gonna last till
2014 really shouldn't be going into my body... All the additives and 'E'
numbers are not good for your system... But hey neither is gin but I'm
not giving that up! My body is a temple and all that... Ahem...
Still
weight watchers bring out products and I try them out because some
followers ask my opinion and to be honest I like to try them out in case I might just like one of
them ... although I did over dose on Ocean Pie... And the latest thing they have brought out are flavoured waters, (I tried out SLIM WATER too) .. Now I love water, some people struggle with it.. not me .. I love boiling water with
lemon first thing and if I'm feeling a bit crazy or bored I'll add a dash of
sugar free cordial to change things up... Wild huh!? But as long as you
keep drinking it, its all good...
These
flavoured waters are ok... They do taste lovely, and the flavours are
yummy... But they are pricey, you'd get a large bottle of the clear
stuff for the same price ... All are zero ProPoints ... But you're
paying for a brand... And the additives just make try entire process
redundant in my opinion... anything that contains sucrose is going to mess with your sugar levels... and that's not good when you're just thirsty... Water helps you lose weight and its great for
everything, headaches, your skin, your digestion... Additives don't! ... Here's < one of my more popular posts on how much you should be drinking for your body weight...
Certainly these drinks are miles better than a can of fizzy pop/diet coke/fanta etc, but if you want
to do your body good.. Turn on the tap, chuck in a few ice cubes and a
slice of lemon, use a cocktail glass... g'wan be a diva!
Doll x
The pies have it...
I've been caught on the hop... I wasn't prepared.. knuckles prepare to be slapped.. and because the weather is so shite... instead of picking up a bag of salad leaves or some sensible soup.. I spotted these ... and I SOOOOO wanted pie and it was late and I was in no humour to start making pastry.. (excuses much?!) so I indulged.. to the price of 15PP per pie and trust me they're not big enough to share .. having said that, it was delicious.. but most of my dinners are well below 10PP with heaps of free veg.. if you have the points then try one out.. but this is more of a warning than a 'try these kids' post!!! I've posted a great recipe for WW steak and mushroom pie below for the planners.. ahem...
Doll x
ProPoints® Value: 8
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 120 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Enjoy this tasty steak and mushroom pie for 8 ProPoints values per serving. It's a great family meal and just as good as the one served in your local.
Doll x
Chicken of Aragon pie - 17PP
Fungi Chicken pie - 15PP
Heidi Pie - Goats cheese, sweet potato, spinach and red onion - 19PP
(I KNOW!!! Typical the veggie one is the highest!)
Matador Pie - Beefsteak, chorizo, olives, sherry and butter beans - 18PP
Shamrock Pie - Beefsteak in rich gravy and irish stout - 17PP
Weight Watchers Steak and mushroom pie
ProPoints® Value: 8
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 120 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
| 5 spray(s) Cooking Spray, Calorie Controlled | |
| 700 g Beef, Stewing Steak, Raw, Lean, cubed | |
| 1 large Onion, All Types, chopped | |
| 1 cube(s) Stock Cube, Vegetable, beef in 450ml boiling water | |
| 225 g Mushrooms, sliced | |
| 1 medium Carrots, Old, Raw, sliced | |
| 2 tablespoons Parsley, fresh, chopped | |
| 1 pinch Salt | |
| 1/4 teaspoons (ground) Pepper, Black (Whole, Cracked or Ground) | |
| 2 tablespoons (level) Cornflour, blended with 3-4 tablespoons cold water | |
| 225 g Pastry, Puff, Ready Rolled Sheets, thawed | |
| 1 tablespoons Milk, Skimmed | |
Instructions
- Heat the low fat cooking spray in a large saucepan and over a high
heat add the cubes of stewing steak a handful at a time, so that they
seal and brown. Add the onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until
softened.
- Add the stock, mushrooms, carrot and parsley to the saucepan. Bring
up to the boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours,
until the meat is very tender. Check the level of liquid from time to
time, topping up with a little extra water if necessary.
- Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 7/220°C/425°F.
- Season the cooked meat with salt and pepper. Stir in the blended
cornflour and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Tip the mixture into
an oblong baking dish.
- Lay the puff pastry sheet on top of the baking dish, trimming the
edges with a sharp knife. Use the trimmings to make leaves for
decoration. Position them on top, and brush the entire surface with
milk. Bake for 25 30 minutes, until puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve with green vegetables and potatoes.
We are all meant to shine - Week 5 weigh in!
Now, I'm not a religious person.. for lots of personal reasons.. and living in Ireland adds to the distrust I have with an instition like the Catholic church .. but I do believe there's something bigger than us out there.. and I'm a firm believer in KARMA! But this week someone gave me this to read.. whether you're religious or not.. you have every right to be the person you are and look how you like and be what you want to be... weight is what we HAVE ... not who we are!!! So read this.. and then take it in... and read it again!
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Nelson Mandela
There are some awesome losses 116lbs in total!!!! and a stone gone by Doodymar!!! Email me your address!!! Have a good week and re-read that speech again for good measure! Doll x
PS: I've got some new products to go up in posts this week... if anyone would really like to see stuff reviewed.. let em know! xxx
What's stopping you? - Week 4
I know its the Halloween post so you'd be expecting how many Propoints in a mini crunchie but you guys know all this stuff (3 by the way!) ... but this weeks meeting was a bit of an eye opener so to speak.. I wanted to share ...
You've re-joined... its not the first time... and you're hoping this will be the last... what's stopping you? what's holding you back? My leader spent 15 years losing 5 stone.. the same 5 stone over and over and over... she joined with sisters, pals, neighbours, work colleagues... and whilst they all lost, got gold cards, silver sevens and stones, she was yo-yoing up and down.. and always just gave up? So why did she always stop? What held her back? Didn't she want it enough?
This week she told us her story... and even though I've heard it before... she tells it with such honesty and you're nodding your head because she's actually talking about YOU!
A family party invite would arrive... and panic would set in.. what will she wear? Everyone will be staring at her... She won't enjoy it because she's not going to be comfortable... so she would send her husband, who would return with stories of how much fun it was and what a fab night she missed out on.. all the while she had consoled herself with a bottle of wine and a curry keeping her company... and all the excuses were used... can't get a babysitter, kids need a lift here there and everywhere ... She'll definitely come the next time... and a few hours after the wine buzz had gone and that over stuffed, bloated feeling from the chinese was still there.. she would start to feel crap.. guilty for letting herself down.. foolish that she just didn't get dolled up and enjoy herself... everyone had missed her.. but she let her weight rule her life... Finally she realised she had to put herself first.. and once she realised that if she wasn't at her best.. then she couldn't give her best... something clicked! She was so busy taking care of everyone else... she was last on the list..
I've had that moment.. but every now and then you get that week when you just can't find your groove... This week I'm down another half pound and I'm not going to whinge about it.. its down.. and some many things have improved so far with my weight loss... my health .. a new wardrobe... all round healthiness... look at the bigger picture.. would I really want all that weight back on again? Half a pound .. nice to see you gone!
This week ... remember its not selfish to take care of yourself.. if you neglect yourself.. you're doing a disservice not only to you... but to those you love.. its your responsibility to be as healthy as you can be.. to have the energy to live the best life you can..
Great losses Dolls! 101.8lbs so far!!! AMAZING!!! Mr. Q has won the first stone! *applause*
Don't go crazy over the halloween.. have your treat.... use your 49 PP to do it.. and enjoy it.. no need to hoover all the chocolate in the land.. it'll all still be here next week!
Doll x
You've re-joined... its not the first time... and you're hoping this will be the last... what's stopping you? what's holding you back? My leader spent 15 years losing 5 stone.. the same 5 stone over and over and over... she joined with sisters, pals, neighbours, work colleagues... and whilst they all lost, got gold cards, silver sevens and stones, she was yo-yoing up and down.. and always just gave up? So why did she always stop? What held her back? Didn't she want it enough?
This week she told us her story... and even though I've heard it before... she tells it with such honesty and you're nodding your head because she's actually talking about YOU!
A family party invite would arrive... and panic would set in.. what will she wear? Everyone will be staring at her... She won't enjoy it because she's not going to be comfortable... so she would send her husband, who would return with stories of how much fun it was and what a fab night she missed out on.. all the while she had consoled herself with a bottle of wine and a curry keeping her company... and all the excuses were used... can't get a babysitter, kids need a lift here there and everywhere ... She'll definitely come the next time... and a few hours after the wine buzz had gone and that over stuffed, bloated feeling from the chinese was still there.. she would start to feel crap.. guilty for letting herself down.. foolish that she just didn't get dolled up and enjoy herself... everyone had missed her.. but she let her weight rule her life... Finally she realised she had to put herself first.. and once she realised that if she wasn't at her best.. then she couldn't give her best... something clicked! She was so busy taking care of everyone else... she was last on the list..
I've had that moment.. but every now and then you get that week when you just can't find your groove... This week I'm down another half pound and I'm not going to whinge about it.. its down.. and some many things have improved so far with my weight loss... my health .. a new wardrobe... all round healthiness... look at the bigger picture.. would I really want all that weight back on again? Half a pound .. nice to see you gone!
This week ... remember its not selfish to take care of yourself.. if you neglect yourself.. you're doing a disservice not only to you... but to those you love.. its your responsibility to be as healthy as you can be.. to have the energy to live the best life you can..
Great losses Dolls! 101.8lbs so far!!! AMAZING!!! Mr. Q has won the first stone! *applause*
Don't go crazy over the halloween.. have your treat.... use your 49 PP to do it.. and enjoy it.. no need to hoover all the chocolate in the land.. it'll all still be here next week!
Doll x
Its not in the fridge! Week 3...
I know I'm great at preaching the .. 'there's no such thing as ONLY a half pound' .. but this week I sighed getting off the scales... Down a half and still not happy... My new mantra this week... 'its not in the fridge!' Whatever problem I've got.. and on the world scale they don't even register.. the answer.. no matter how hard I look... isn't in the fridge!
Does anyone else find that fighting the cravings becomes worse than the cravings?!?! This won't turn into a landslide... I've come too far to let it all fall apart... just a week with a brain overload... and experience has taught me that filling my tummy doesn't remove that knot of discomfort that was already there... it just moves over... creating a rock and a hard place just below the waist of my jeans.. I know the solution... care more about yourself first.. treat yourself self like you treat others... and know that looking after yourself .. in the long term.. you are looking after everyone else!
Great losses this week!!! It appears Mr. Quinlivan will be the first stone of the challenge unless anyone .. ahem... Rachel... can catch him next week!
I've recorded the losses from last weeks post... If I've missed you out let me know.. and anyone can join along the way... I've added your names so pressure is on!
Have a great week....
Mini challenge this week.. is drink 1 extra glass of water a day... this weather predisposes us to pop the kettle on.. and who can have tea without a biccie?!?! You'll feel better for it.. I promise!
Doll xxx
Week two... Just say No!
Ever have that moment when you really want to say 'NO' but your mouth, without engaging your brain says okay... sigh.. why do we do it to ourselves? Why is it we tell certain people what they want to hear? It seems like an easy option at the time but if you backpedal it's only more stress... sigh... Here's a few tips I've picked up this week when I asked pals and colleagues ...
You're first response should be 'can I get back to you on that?' Then decide what you REALLY want to do.. and stand firm...
Ask yourself 'what's the worst that could happen if I say no?' ... life will go on.. parties will happen.. people will get the bus... and probably the stress you thought you face will go totally unnoticed! The consequences are rarely as bad as your imaginations would lead you to believe!
Remember your time is precious to you! Telling someone to their face that you just can't help them out this time.... lets them know that you simply have something else on... its not personal...
Keep it simple... The more reasons you give the weaker your 'no' becomes! .. 'I already have plans' is enough.. 'I need to focus on work/study/family right now' is fine.
Be consistent! If you're turning someone down because you have a personal rule, just say so... I know we all cringed at Charlotte in SATC about lending Carrie cash.. but if its your policy not to lend money to friends ... say that.. It lets them know your 'no' isn't a once off...
End on a positive note.. if its a work thing suggest a solution.. if its a friend thing.. suggest a pal who would fit the bill better.. or offer to do it at a time that suits you!
Its time to look after number one.. if you burden yourself with endless favours you leave no time to take care of you!!!!
Losses this week are great ... -31.6 lbs lost in total so far, with a few to still check in... arses appear to be in gear!! Love it!
Doll x
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