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Showing posts with label countdown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label countdown. Show all posts

100 days to the big 'C'...


CHRISTMAS.... there you are, I've said it! Not my favourite time of the year to be honest, I'm a new Years Eve kinda gal... I like the Christmas lark to be over on the 26th of December! Pretty sure the Christmas fairies would kill me if they knew my tree was down and back in the attic by the 27th! CHRISTMAS! 100 days from today we'll be staring at the turkey wondering how we're gonna stuff it with roasties and then stuff it in our gobs!

100 days to stay on track or maybe even give yourself 5 days out of every 7 to stay on plan... Maybe it's a promise to exercise for 20 mins every day, or you'll drink 2 litres of water everyday and you reward yourself with a bit of bling! (Dealz people DEALZ!) No one is perfect, no one! We all stumble, have mad binges and melt downs but consistency is the key... baby steps over and over will get you there...


I regularly post this chart on here... I'm a BIG fan of countdowns and bling as they say and this really helps me to stay on track... It doesn't matter what plan you're doing, it's just a way to see how well you're doing, on the days you think that its all a big waste of time and energy! If you're honest with yourself, you can see the days you struggle with (hello Sunday evenings!) and try to work out how to get around them... Now we'll say no more about the big 'C' till the end of November... Halloween anyone!?

'G' - #xmascountdown



'G' is for ...


GOAL
Whether you take the scenic route or the highway,  hitting goal it's the holy grail for most people... everyone has a number in their head or a dress size they want to get into... but the important thing about having a goal is you can change it... and the smart thing to do is to set yourself achievable goals... No one will lose '10 pounds in10 days' the healthy way... and we're all told that the safest and best way to lose weight is 1 - 2 lbs a week... when losing weight clicked with me this time, my leader at the time told me all I had to lose that first week was a pound... just one... I thought she was mental... I thought she needed glasses... surely the biggest woman in the room should be losing half a stone in the first week?!?  But that's achievable... we put huge pressure on ourselves and our bodies by wanting it all gone over night... it doesn't work like that... it didn't go on over night... so it won't come off over night either! and it doesn't have to be a number on the scales... a snug pair of jeans... a dress that's been looking at you from the wardrobe for WAY too long that needs a night out on the tiles... hang it up so you see it every time you walk into the room and make it your goal to get into it by a certain date... with 20 weeks to Xmas Eve could you be in that dress!? Think of how you would feel 20lbs lighter... think of the heads that might turn and do a double take... oh yeah!

'G' RECIPE

'Garlic Skinny Mash' from Skinny Taste is A-MAZ-ING! One of my all time fav food bloggers and my 'GO TO GAL' for recipes... Find the recipe for this delicious mash >>> HERE <<<

Image ©SkinnyTaste


'G' INSPIRATIONS...




Oh She Glows... if you haven't come across before Angelas' blog then you're in for a treat... a vegan food blogger, her recipes will (nearly) make you forget bacon ever existed are SO good... you'll be licking the screen on your phone and her journey from binge eating to such super healthy lifestyle is hugely inspiring!  Find Angela  >>>  HERE <<<





Another great page to follow is Amy from 'Growing in the right Direction' on Facebook, Amy is a weight watchers leader herself, so she's been there, done that and has the t-shirt! Find her on Facebook HERE and check out her inspiring success story in RSVP magazine >>> HERE <<<



'G' ZERO HEROS

Garlic *drool*
Gooseberries
Grapefruit
Grapes



'F' - #Xmascountdown


is for FAT... 

You are not fat... you HAVE fat... this week we have to learn the difference... no more negative talk... you have fat you can lose it.. you have a fringe you can grow it out... but you are not a fringe either... 
it does not define you! Move beyond the fear of being fat... because you're not fat... 

Tangent... just on the whole fringe thing... I have grown out a fringe many... many... many times... 


How I think I look... 


How I really look... 


yup... 


How many of us have had a meltdown at the scales when we've had a great week, exercised loads and are told we've stayed the same or are up! I'm including myself in that! The number on the scale may not change but you're body shape will... and here's why... Muscle takes up less space than fat... think of it like weighing Rice Krispies and muesli... stick with me on this... When you weigh out 100g of Rice Krispies... and 100g of muesli... you'll wonder if you're scales is broken but its physics... Rice Krispies are lighter so you need more of them to make up the weight... Fat takes up more space... 



The girl in the image above, weighs more even though she is physically slimmer because she has changed the fat in her body to muscle...  So no more tears at the scales, if you've had a good week and you're exercising... you're toning up.. your calves, thighs, arms, tummy all over... Like FAT, you cannot be defined by a number on a scale... OK?!?! There are so many ways to measure your journey.. clothes, actual measurements, your energy levels, your skin and hair, if you're sleeping better... not just a number on a scale... it's just one tool in your armour!





'F' RECIPE
FAJITAS!!! oh yeah... 

Make your own guacamole dip for just 3PP! Not. A. Typo! 

Straight from the WW website... >>>  HERE <<<




'F' INSPIRATIONS
'Fitness on Toast' is one of my favourite health and well being blogs... Faya is a Swedish personal trainer who is based in London ... her blog is full of fantastic tips... and she's SO glamorous to boot! 
What I really love, is she's a real woman with a healthy body and attitude... there's no gimmicks! Check her out! HERE 





'F' ZERO HEROS
FRUIT! All of it... well most of it! YUM!
Fennel
Fresh Figs
Fruit cocktail - in juice, drained
Fruit Squash
French beans



'E' - #Xmascountdown


'E' is for... 

EMOTIONAL EATING

Something that is sadly very close to my heart... Food used to be my best friend... it was always there... it made things temporarily better... it numbed the pain and shut up the voices in my head that I just didn't want to listen too... but it never made them go away... Emotional eating comes in all shapes and sizes... and the Irish love to celebrate, commiserate and console with food... when you walked into my grandmothers kitchen, regardless of your mood it was 'put the kettle on...' and you couldn't have a cup of tea without a cake, bun, biscuit... The dark side of emotional eating comes when it consumes you...and it can... I have been that girl sitting on the kitchen floor in tears wondering how I got into such state... I've had 7 crowns on my teeth because of the acid erosion... a costly disease I tell ya... I've secretly eaten more times than I've just enjoyed my food and aside from anything else... that lesson is one I have enjoyed learning... I like food... I like sharing and celebrating with people... I love cooking for friends and family... without the guilt and shame... I can now walk right past the crips aisle in the supermarket... there was once a time when my trolly looked like I was buying enough stuff for a children's party and I would eat a six pack of crisps in the car before I ever got home! So many times I would walk to get the paper and be carrying home a bag of rubbish, literally just junk food that I never ever enjoyed... I treated my body so badly... but once you're a little kinder to it, you will respect it and give it what it deserves, you start to feel a little better about being you... It is hard... VERY hard... and ice cream will numb the pain... but it won't take it away... you need to address the hurt, for some that can be counselling, for others just talking to a loved one can make all the difference.... the right best friend will be on your team and want you to succeed so badly... you can learn to ease the pain without food... and that's a huge step... but so worth it... so work out what's eating you... sometimes you just have to feel sad... hurt... angry... but food isn't the cure for any of these... it's just a temporary fix... which leads to guilt and the viscous cycle continues... 

EXERCISE - For people who say 'I can't exercise'... you can.. you're fibbing... you won't dissolve in the rain... if walking isn't your thing walk in the pool, cycle... dance around the kitchen... no one said you have to sign up for a triathlon... just move more...  and trust me once you're done you'll feel SO good... so if you're just starting and can't even begin to think about running a marathon or doing  triathlon... check out Leslie Sansones channel on You Tube... everything from the beginners 'One Mile Walk' to the full on work outs... and you don't have to leave the house... although honestly it would be better if you did but sometimes circumstances mean you can't get out and about, and gyms can be so intimidating... so instead of trawling through the internet mindlessly looking at glitter and shoes...  give yourself 15 mins to tune into an online workout... you can thank me later... 



'E' RECIPE
Eton Mess... with a tropical twist... 3PP and it's LUSH!!! >>> HERE 




'E' INSPIRATIONS
One of the regular blogs I read... Authentically Emmie is an American blogger who is a body positive fitness blogger and has lost over 100lbs! If you need some inspiration... you'll find it over on her blog! 




'E' ZERO HEROS
Egg White

ZERO HEROS loaded with Vitamin E 
Broccoli 
Spinach
Butternut Squash - cooked



'D' #Xmascountdown

My Weight Watchers Alphabet continues with the letter 'D' this week!



'D' is for...

DIET! It's not one... The word DIET means you're restricting what you're eating... with this plan you can eat whatever you like... in moderation... and THAT's the key... the very second someone tells you 'you can't eat ....' it's all you'll think about... It's about eating well and feeling better inside and out...

DESSERT - It's OK to have it... it really is... and if you're out with family or friends there's no need to be miserable when you can have some... all for it... allocate some of your weeklies and enjoy it... earn some activity points and blow them on what you like... that's the whole point of ProPoints... if you're got the points you can spend em! Just don't spend your 49 weeklies twice!

DANCE - on of the best ways to burn up some calories... stick on your fav pop tune and boogie around the kitchen! My neighbours must think I'm a DJ! Every evening (and most Saturday mornings!)... music is turned up and I'm rocking around the kitchen to my fav tunes...

DAY... if you have one bad one... get over it... get over yourself.. and get back on track! No DRAMA!

'D" RECIPE & INSPIRATION



Gotta be a dessert hasn't it! Here's another Weight Watchers leader with a fab Facebook page to follow... Amy from 'Growing in the Right Direction' Mini Lemon meringue pies are TO DIE FOR! So easy to make and for the gluten free followers she's the gal to follow... she has lots of GF recipes and products on her page... you can find her HERE 

Oh and here's her recipe for fool proof meringues! Even I can make them!


'D' ZERO HEROS
Damsons
Dill




'C' - #Xmascountdown

Week 3 in the countdown!!!



'C' is for ...

CONFIDENCE... this is something you'll get more and more of along your journey.... but when you start off, nada, nothing ... I remember walking into my weight watchers class and sitting as close to the door as was humanly possible... I didn't make eye contact with anyone for weeks... I took my silver 7 at the scales and never wanted to get the round of applause when I lost a pound... I've seen many do the same... but over time, you get more confident and now... well now if I'm down half a pound I've got the cheerleaders all set up! But the thing is... confidence in all in your mind... you've got to realise you are worth something... even if it is the applause of strangers once a week in a scout hall... because every week you hear that the belief you have in yourself will grow and grow... and till then you can fake it! You have as much right as any other person on the planet to do things... you can wear what you like... eat what you like and feel happy about being you... and if losing weight will make life better for you then you know what to do... but stand up straight... shoulders back and be proud of you!


COOKING.... and you don't need to be a contestant on Masterchef either... get your herbs and spices in order, I try to buy a new one once a month... and experiment! There are some amazing websites out there with recipes.. one of my favs is Skinny Taste HERE Her recipes are SO easy but full of flavour.. plus all the nutritional information is on each recipe and the ProPoints are all worked out for you!



CARDIO... love it or hate it... you gotta do it... walk... swim... jog.. climb Everest... get your heart beating a little faster and you'll reap the rewards... If you're just starting to exercise... check with the doc first but this is what I did ... Put my trainers on... opened the front door... walked out and kept going for 10 minutes... then I HAD to come home again... There was NO WAY I was going to call for a lift home! Then build it up everyday... even stick with the 10 minutes, you'll find you're going faster and longer in a 20 min walk! Try 15 mins... before you know it you're out walking for an hour and best thing... its free, gets you out in the fresh air and activity points to be earned... what's not to love?!


'C' INSPIRATIONS
The Weight Watchers Calculator... I have 3... two apps on my phone for when I'm out and about...  and I use the one on the Weight Watchers web site to triple check stuff... you can work out things to the nearest gram! Find it HERE



'C' ZERO HEROS
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celeriac
Celery
Cherries (fresh)
Chinese Leaves
Clementines
Coffee
Courgette
Cranberries
Cucumber
Cardamom pod
Cardamom, ground
Chervil, dried and fresh
Chillis
Chilli flakes & powder 
Chinese five spice
Chives, fresh
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coriander
Cumin seeds, ground
Curry powder



'B' - #xmascountdown

25 weeks to Xmas eve... I know you're shouting 'SHADDUP DOLL!' but honestly putting in a little work now will make it all the sweeter when the winter has caught up with us and we're cold, wet and miserable!



This week... 'B'... the most important thing is your BMI... yup... it's important... and it's the main reason we are all losing weight... sure, there's frocks and bikinis hanging up in wardrobes we'd all love to fit into again... and Cousin Maura's wedding will be a fashion extravaganza and you don't want to be the 'fat' cousin again... bless... but it's all about being healthier... sure there are people who run 10k in the morning and eat cardboard for breakfast and good for them... but I would be miserable if I couldn't enjoy life... but if we wanna stay here for as long as we can, then getting your BMI into a safe zone is SO important... you can only do that by eating well and exercising.. I know.. common sense eh? 

There is a formula to working out your BMI, you'll find it  HERE



or you can just google BMI chart and 100s like this one will pop up... a healthy BMI is 25... that's what everyone should be aiming for... 



Body image is also important... how you speak to yourself and about yourself will determine whether you will succeed or not... honestly... stand in front of the mirror this week and say something nice to you! Compliment you... it's so easy to pick out our faults and there's plenty of people who are only to happy to oblige and tell us them too... but be kinder to yourself... you only have one body and it's getting you though life... so be nicer to it... fill it with water and healthy foods and lash on some fancy moisturiser... paint your nails... treat it well and it will reward you ... you'll have more energy... you'll feel better about you.. and the first compliment will make you feel on top of the world... so tonight before bed... say something nice to it! 




INSPITATIONAL 'B's

Blogs... if you want to keep on track.. then read a blog overnight.. I follow so many it's not even funny but I guarantee that at some point you will read something that will click with you.. or will make you feel like you're not going mad... a recipe will pop up and you'll get your bum into gear.. so seek them out... there's so many great ones out there...


'B' RECIPES
Butternut squash chips are the bees knees! I always send people to fellow blogger Jwacqui's vlog cause it's so simple and it's SO good.. I add paprika and chilli salt to mine and they ROCK!



'B' list ZERO HEROS
Banana
Beans - French, Runner or green not the tinned ones! 
Beansprouts
Beetroot
Blackberries
Blueberries
Blackcurrantes
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Butternut Squash
Basil
Bay leaves
Bicarbonate of soda
Baking powder - 1tsp




'A' ... #XMAScountdown

OK you can unfollow and not read this blog anymore after reading this... but it is 26 weeks to Christmas Eve... 26!! TWENTY SIX! Yup... 26 weeks today we'll all be wrapping pressies, stuffing turkeys and hiding the tin of Roses... But anyone want to lose a stone and a half, can have it gone in time for Santa losing just 1lb a week.... I know, I know, people haven't even gone on summer holidays yet... me included but it will come whether we like it or not... and yes we can enjoy our hols and have a good summer... but why wait till September or Halloween to get on track when you could be losing a little all the way along... and only have to face the damage after holidays, rather than hopping on the scales in October and realising you have even more to lose than you thought... Start this week... one small change... and for the next 26 weeks I'm going to be doing my 'Weight Watchers Alphabet Countdown'... First up the letter 'A' (obviously...)



Honestly the best word to kick it all off is ATTITUDE! If you don't have the right attitude... it won't happen for you... and even if you can't muster it up.. FAKE IT! Everyone has bad weeks... but if you march into class, put your paws up and say I know I'm up but today I'm starting afresh... you'll have a much better chance at getting to goal sooner than waiting till 'Monday', or when the kids are back at school or after Halloween...  Attitude comes from within... and you might think you're being 'full of yourself' but the way you feel about yourself sets the tone throughout your life.. if you feel shite, and think you're worthless, then that's how you will treat yourself.. if people think they can take advantage of you then they will.. you have the power to stand up and fight for your little space.. and you are in charge of your body... filling it with rubbish will make you feel rubbish... caring for it will make you feel amazing... 

Stand strong and admit you're changing your lifestyle for the better.. let friends, colleague, family .. whoever know this is a long term thing... you're not a spoil sport in fact you're doing everyone a favour and by the time Santa gets here you'll be in that sexy little black number and not face planting the selection box waiting for the 'January resolutions' to start again... It's a healthy lifestyle... and you do that by making healthy choices the majority of the time...

Change your attitude by changing the way you talk to yourself... it's very easy to talk yourself into and out of things... it's not that your CAN'T have the fun things.... you're just choosing to have them less frequently and in moderation... change CAN'T into CAN! You CAN and you WILL get to goal... you CAN and you WILL feel better in your own skin... so work the attitude this week people! 




INSPIRATIONAL 'A's...

A great blog to follow for healthy recipes is A Better Me... All from the Weight Watchers Leader of the year so you know it's all good for you... Check out Verette  HERE 



'A' RECIPE...

Try this lovely Asian Fruit Salad for 1PP! The recipe is HERE ... Honestly it's SO easy to do and SO refreshing for the summer! Make it up the night before to let the flavours really absorb into the fruit! 



'A' list ZERO HEROS... 
Apples
Apricots (fresh)
Artichoke
Asparagus
Aubergine
All Spice
Artificial Sweetener

and remember, this week... WORK IT GIRLFRIEND! 


Weigh in 5! Easter Challenge!







2 weigh-ins to go... just two! Where did those weeks go?! So... 2 weigh-ins means 2 lbs... could be enough to put you into a new stone on the scales, might get you a silver 7, will definitely make a pair of jeans a little looser! So after a disastrous week in my camp... between a day out with mum for Mothers Day, Paddies Day and the rugby celebrations it's time to get the heads down and really focus...


The lovely people in Weight Watchers Ireland have donated their new cookbook and some other goodies as prizes, and it's a good one, so two more losses and there will be post for someone!!! If you're struggling, read some of the success stories on their website, you'll see just how everyone struggles and loses focus along the way but you can get back on track I promise! Plus the ProPoints calculator is a god send when you're stuck! >>> HERE <<<



Also the lovely people in Choc Shot have given me some of their Chocolatey goodness to curb the Easter egg cravings and reward the losses! I love the plain stuff... just enough in a drizzle to curb those cravings... >>> HERE <<< but the orange has that extra kick!!!! Low GI / GL; suitable for diabetics, vegetarians and vegans; GM, dairy and gluten Free, its a choc fix for pretty much everyone! Its also very versatile... check out some fabulous recipes online here >>> HERE <<< 


It ProPoints like so... 
1 tsp, 5g - 0PP
tsp 10g - 1PP 
3 tsp 15g - 1PP
tsp 20g - 2PP
tsp 25g - 2PP
tsp 30g - 2PP
tsp 35g - 3PP
tsp 40g - 3PP
tsp 45g - 3PP
10 tsp 50g - 4PP 
Whole bottle 320g - 24PP


Chart below... if I've missed you out just shout here or on the post on the FB page... >>> HERE <<< Only two weeks left!!! 





On the twelfth week to christmas my true love gave to me....


You sang it ... I know you did... So as promised, a final challenge to ring out 2014! I totally missed out on the Summer Challenge due to being poorly, so personally I'm really going for broke on this one! I'm on the edge of stone number 8 and I REALLY want half of another by Christmas! So its ALL focus in Camp Doll!

The challenge works as usual, every Friday there will be a post titled 'weigh in', just add your losses in the comments and the following week it's on the board! If you need a kick in the pants ask for it... I find the more we share and support the easier it is! So if you're struggling say so and watch the hugs, advice and good old willpower coming at ya! Plus a little competition is good for everyone so lets see who can lose the most... or be down every week... There may be some lil spot prizes to keep us all going! Fear not I'm not forgetting my fav holiday at all... Halloween will be getting a big mention! The chocolate and sweetie invasion is so close so there's tips aplenty coming... 

AND ... this challenge has some awesome surprises with guest bloggers who have all been there and done that and are still doing it, people I know you all follow and love are sharing their Christmas tips and stories to keep you rev'd you up till Christmas day!

In 12 weeks it is possible to lose a dress/pant size! Tonight go home and try on your fav little glitzy number, try on your fancy belt and count the notches and see just how snug it is... instead of pining in the shop windows in the weeks before Christmas, wishing 'if only' ... start today and you can pick up a sparkly number, feel confident and awesome! Plus you can have a good old boogie without worrying that you'll bust a seam! 



When the time comes to sit on Santas knee, you could be in a brand new rig out just losing 1lb a week between now and then... and we're always told that's the healthy way to lose it, 1 - 2 lbs a week, so it's very achievable... And be realistic, no one is going to lose two stone for Christmas!! Also if you're weight loss is slow and your near to goal, measure yourself, you can be losing inches off your thighs and arms and not even know it because your so focused on a number on the scales... so a quick measure now, and again in 12 weeks will surprise you if you stay on track! Think of poor Santas' knee too.. I mean he's no spring chicken! 

Think of how good you'd feel if you lost a half a stone by Christmas!?! That extra energy, feeling less lethargic, your skin glowing, people at the office party giving you a second glance thinking 'she's looking well!' ... and no one is saying you've got to be Norma No Mates till then, but careful planning, a little more exercise and WANTING IT SO BAD, you'll be rocking around the xmas tree not rolling around it! 

So if you're in and you really want it... I mean REALLY want it and are prepared to stick it out for the full 12 weeks... add your name in a comment below and note your weight this week for yourself and check in next week on Friday and post your loss! Simples!

If your weigh-in is early in the week you can DM me on twitter or FB and I'll add you! 

As my leader always says you can be a Christmas Turkey or a Christmas Cracker! 

The decision is up to you! 






Bring it Santa!!! 





Blank version to print out if you want to stick it on the fridge 
or don't fancy weighing in here... 

Happy new year!!! Part 2!



Nope... I haven't gone mad... I'm not drunky... today we celebrate the new year... Part 2.. the sequel... We are half way trough 2014! HALF WAY!!! Do we all remember on the 1st of January? All those promises we made to ourselves... I'm gonna be thinner... smarter... happier... less stressed... so where are we with all that?! There is 6 months left in 2014 and considering how fast the first 6 months went, hang onto your pants!!! 





Resolutions are a bit... meh... we pretty much all set the same ones... we all look at the new year with hope... 'this will be my year...' and its all so positive till we wake up with the mother of all hangovers ... get a 'full irish' then promise ourselves.. hands on hearts... that tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of our lives... sound familiar?! 



A new year can start at any time... start today... start on the 5th of august... we get so hung up on dates and schedules that we forget that its up to us to feel good and look after our bodies... no one else is in charge of you... so, start with your next meal... make it a healthy one... like my leader says... we eat 21 meals a week... just because you feck up one, doesn't mean you should throw in the towel ... so ... anyone on the fence at the moment... don't let the excuses win... 



'the kids are off school' ... are they force feeding you 99s? 

'I'll start after my holidays' ... why not start now and have a little splurge on your holidays? 

'I'll wait till they go back...' ah here... that's two whole months away!!! Just think of the damage you could do in two months! Plan stuff ... encourage them to eat well... have fun with food... teach them to bake... make fruit kebabs... rainbow jelly .. they're own ice pops... Dealz have the molds in at the moment for €1.49... make it a little competition ... see who makes the best ice pops... let granny play Simon Cowell... XFactor style... it's all about getting  creative ... if you really want to do it... you will... Just think by the end of the year... this ... 


0.5lb a week is 13lbs less 
1lb a week is 1st 12lbs
1.5lbs a week is 2st 11lbs
2 lbs a week is 3st 10lbs


Happy New Year The Sequel... this doesn't mean you get another Chinese new year by the way... chancers! 


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