choose the right words...

The nicest thing ever has happened to me TWICE last week... Two people emailed me and shared their weigh loss story with me... I believe that's a privilege to be told that... It took me long enough to share mine... but both have inspired me this week to get back into the groove... they are strangers to me... I know nothing more than they have struggled, they're really trying and they've read something on here that made it click for them... and they're both now flying along on their journeys... it's so lovely to know people in the same boat, and they understand how hard it is... but this pair have really given me the kick in the pants I needed...  

We have no idea of the power of words... saying something nice to someone can be a game changer for them... and as my granny always said 'if you can't say something nice... zip it!' something I practice daily and trust me I'm very judgey when it comes to eyebrows! 

Compliment someone today... 'That's a nice scarf...' 'you're nails are lovely...' and be genuine... when it comes from the heart, people know you mean it... then go home... look in the mirror and say something nice to you... Don't stand there picking faults and flaws... We've all got wobbly bits we hate... Pick a part you love.. your eyes, hair, smile... and just say it out loud... even if you don't believe it, and you probably won't at first... but do it often enough and you will realise you are pretty awesome! 

and thank you to my two new friends... you have motivated me so much! 

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The girl on the right... x

I rarely feel the need for a little 'foreword' on my posts but this one is an exception... I have been lying awake worrying about it... it's been in the 'drafts' box for over a week now... I have thought about editing it, deleting it and just forgetting about it but it was written in a moment of clarity/rage/sadness when I saw this picture... but I decided to be brave and just 'let it go' as Elsa says... There were tears writing it... tears of sadness, tears of regret and happy tears... Today is an very big day for me... and I've finally realised that I need to cut that imaginary 'line' that was connecting me to the past and everything that just totally sucked about it... I have been stuck, very stuck... my epic February 'Spring-Clean-Your-Life-Doll...' has cleared the cobwebs... it's made me realise that I am definitely not the person I used to be (deep huh!?) nor is it the person I want to be anymore... I'm exhausted trying to be both... I've realised it's not about making everyone else happy, it's about making me happy... and if I'm honest, I'm scared to let the past go... I know nothing about my new comfort zone... This pit stop over the last couple of weeks has given me time to see how far I've come... what I've achieved and what I really, REALLY want to do for the rest of my time on this little rock spinning through space... so go easy with me... it's 'totes emosh' as the kids say... 

The girl on the right... is on top of the world... no really, she's on top of the Rockefeller Centre in NYC... It's her birthday and she's smiling, so she must be happy right? It's sunny... she's in New York... what's not to be happy about?!? But she is dying inside... embarrassed, ashamed, mortified... she struggled to get there but pushed through the sore knees, aching back and made it, flustered and breathless but endlessly cheery, so she didn't show up her friends... she carried her coat the entire holiday to use it as a cover to hide her hideous body... she cringed when a stranger took her camera to take a group photo... knowing they were probably, no, definitely judging her... she breathed in deep, thinking it might make SOME kinda of difference... she stood on the edge so if anyone wanted they could cut her out of it... she panicked in restaurants that she shouldn't fit in a booth... she was deeply sad and depressed... she was miserable... 

The girl on the left... is a very different birthday girl... she's at ground zero in Dublin... She's not smiling so much, this journey has been lonely and harder than she thought, but she's brave enough to take a selfie these days... something the girl on the right would never do... She can wear a dress to work and not feel as ashamed as she used to... she's judged on her worth, talent, personality and ability unlike the girl on the right... who got looked up and down many times before anyone took her seriously... she had to prove her worth over and over again... she feels 'normal' now...

The girl on the left, looks in the mirror sometimes and thinks... 'you look OK today...' She can face the world and not get shouted at on the street... or slagged off by some random stranger... people in shops don't look down their nose at her... people don't stare at her in restaurants or comment on what she eats... no one makes her feel like she shouldn't be there...  but sometimes she only sees the girl on the right in the mirror looking back...

I have asked friends and relations to send old photos they have of me... I have none... I dodged nearly every camera at every event and took pictures of everyone else, pulling a Mrs. Doyle from Father Ted attitude ... 'will you all just get in the picture and hurry up! I'm graaaand' kinda tone... So it's very difficult to see me as I really was... I thought I looked  'OK'... I was massively in denial... and very broken...  

The girl on the right was a doormat... freeloaders took advantage of her kindness and people-pleasing ways... she thought that she had to do everything for everyone so they would like her... she got used and walked on by selfish people who thought they could dump their problems on her but never listen to hers... so she internalised them... got sad and lonely... she comforted her depression with food... she abused her body to ease the pain... Her real friends stuck by her... for that she will be eternally grateful...  

The girl on the left... has a 'Fuck. Right. Off!' attitude to most things these days and it's very refreshing... she's kinda sad she lost that over the years, that she wasn't as strong as she should have been... she was hiding behind that blanket of fat, it protected her from the world but it also trapped her...

The girl on the right... she's gone... 

The girl on the left... is both happy and sad about that... she mourns the loss of time and energy she invested in people, colleagues, 'family' who thought she was just useless and would never be good enough, and all the sleepless nights of self doubt... she's sad the girl on the right never went out and lived her bestest life... and that she missed out on so much... she pities her but she's happy to wave goodbye to her... and start living her life without feeling worthless... if you don't like her, she really doesn't care anymore... she doesn't have any time to waste worrying about it... 

Sometimes you've got to take a step back and see how far you've come before you just give up... This is my 'pit stop' at the moment... No one finds it easy... No one knows all the answers... and everyone struggles... but to take a look at where you started and where you are now, it one of the best parts of the journey...

There's another girl to come... she's a bit of a diva... but she's gonna be mad craic lads... just you wait! 

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The first time...

We all remember our first time right?! Our first kiss... our first job... our first day at school... for the record... 

... those daunting moments that you look back on now and think, 'what was all the fuss about?!' but these moments are landmarks in our lives... we don't look back on all of them fondly... the first time we lose someone we love, changes us forever... the first time our heart is broken, we question love and others so we never have to feel that hurt again... the first time someone we really trusted let us down... but all of these moments make us who we are... I'm not a very religious person... I'm a humanist of sorts... I believe if you are a good person then you will attract kind and good people... I truly believe in paying it forward... but sometimes people take advantage of that and you end up feeling a bit lost... 

Someone whom I adored but is sadly no longer with us, once told me 'be kind to everyone.. because everyone you see is going to lose everything they love...' I've never forgotten it... Everyone, all of us, are going to lose everything we hold dear... it's kinda scary but very liberating too... because once you get this... you start to focus on what and who really matters in the right now... 

Losing weight, includes a series of 'firsts' that can turn the journey into an adventure... 

The first time you step on the scales... that moment... the shame... the self loathing... the embarrassment... you've let it get out of control and now you're mortified that someone else on the planet knows that number... but you feel a hand on your shoulder from someone who's been there saying... 'that's the last time we'll ever see that number' and you kinda believe it...

The first loss... that moment when you thought 'well it wasn't that hard.. and if I can do it one week, I can do it again next week!' Self belief kicks in... 

The first stone you lose... that number on the scale... people who don't need to lose weight or don't struggle with an eating disorder or emotional eating won't get it... but for those of us who do... you want to stick your silver 7s on your forehead for the day saying 'oh these things?!? .. oh I lost a stone of FAT!' HELL YEAH!

The first dress size you lose... that belt notch going down... you still doubt yourself but you suddenly think.. well I'll need to buy some new stuff.. the first shopping trip that you will ENJOY! 

The first compliment... the 'you're looking well...' the 'have you lost a bit of weight? You look great!' ... now it's a goal that's achievable.. you realise CAN do it... 

The first gain... heartbreaking... but you tried, you did your best right?! or worse, you know you binged and lost the plot and thought you'd get away with it... did you let it spiral out of control? throw the card in the bin and give up? no way! 

The first time you notice your 'friends' attitude changing... they liked you the way you were... you were the fat friend... good old reliable miserable fatty... not this new fangled confident person who just says 'no thanks'! Don't worry about the back stabbers and the haters, the people who try the hardest finding fault in your life, are the people who aren't able to fix the faults in their own! For the record this one really hurts! 

The first saboteur... 'sure ONE slice of cake won't kill you...' No, no it won't but I can't have ONE slice! So you change your routine to avoid being around them and food at the same time! It's sad but if they can't support you then you need to make it clear that something has to change... 

The first 5k you do... I did my first by myself because I didn't want to 'hold anyone back' and honestly it was amazing! You'd swear I'd crossed the olympic line with all the drama *cue the chariots of fire music*... People flying past me doing the 10k circuit shouting encouraging words... one man even stopped to walk along with me for a minute, I could've kissed him! No idea who he is or where he was from but it meant SO much!

The first time strangers understand and support you... Boot camp ladies... I mean you! 

The first time you make a stir fry BETTER than the chinese... OK this takes a bit of practice but it's SO worth it!

The first time you realise.. you're just caring about you... and you matter... and that's OK...

The first time you get on a plane and the seat belt closes... FYI don't scream when that happens... they don't like that in planes! 

The first time you pull up those jeans past the thighs... and the first time the feckin things close!!! 

The first time you zip up those knee high boots all the way! Hallelujah! 

The first charity bag you have of clothes that are too big... 

The first time you really believe you can do it... and the end is in sight... 

The first time you look in the mirror and don't hate what's looking back at you... 

The first family outing, when people do a double take... FYI... THIS ONE IS AWESOME!

The first time someone comments on your new 'attitude'... oh yeah... 

The journey may be long... It's been coming up to 3 years so far for me... it's had it's ups and downs... but ultimately there's a new series of firsts on the horizon... 

First skydive, oh yeah that's happening... first trek abroad, hello Peru! Lots of other bucket list stuff to cross off now that I'm getting fitter and healthier... just remember... if you're starting today or you're halfway through or if you're just at goal... there's another amazing first waiting for you... and as the ad says.. you're worth it! 

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Easter Challenge...

And we're off! I've caught some weigh-ins, please let me know if I've missed you! I've put your names in alphabetical order (roughly!).. 

I had two anon people wanting to join, if you could comment again with a name I'll add you today... 

Comment your loss below, I'll update this on Wednesday and paste it to my Facebook page... 6 weeks to go... 6 lbs lighter anyone? Think of it like this... It will be summer before we realise and if we put in the effort now.. we can all be nearly half a stone lighter by then! If you need to visualise that.. when you're in the supermarket this week... pick up 6 packs of butter... yup ... that! 

Annnnnnnnd there's a surprise prize for the top three losers! so c'mon... who's with me?! 

A blank chart below for anyone wanting to do it at home... 

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I love...

Love.. today is ALL about the love... Everyone deserves to be loved... biggest problem I can see is we don't love ourselves enough... and it's not a selfish thing to love yourself... in fact if we showed our bodies a little more TLC we'd be a lot happier as a race... we have such a bad opinions of ourselves... we strive for 'perfection'...  but who decides what perfection is?! Some size 6 supermodel? Some editor of a magazine full of air brushed women? Every single one of us is perfect... that dimple... that gap in your teeth... that cows lick... that's what makes you YOU! and all those little things are adorable... cute... sexy... beautiful...

The world is full of self doubt... if we don't conform to a specific size... if our hair is the wrong style.. color... if we're too tall... short... skinny... fat... if our skin isn't clear and tanned the right colour...  someones going to judge us and we're at the top of the queue to pick out all the faults... the more you put yourself down... the more you believe it... and its just NOT TRUE!

This morning... on the day of lurve... when you're at the mirror... brushing your teeth... doing your make up, say something nice to the person looking back at you.. GO ON! That person is amazing.. that person is great craic... they're a loyal friend and honest... You're real friends will tell you just that ... You're awesome... and they'll be there for you when the self doubt creeps in...

So today... shoulders back... stand tall... and love who you are... on this whole planet of 7 billion people... there's only ONE you! No one else like you exists and that's pretty awesome!

Mwah!

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STOP...

Everyone is on a journey... life is a journey if you want to get all philosophical about it... but everyones weight loss journey is different... 'My friend Joan loses 2lbs every week... it's not fair... ' sound familiar... This week remember everyone is different... Everyone loses and tones up differently... and you can't compare yourself to anyone else because you're YOU!

I've often stood in line at class and silently eye rolled...  'WHAT is she doing in Weight Watchers?!?! she's GOT to be a size 10!...' then felt all sorry for myself that I had ONLY lost a half pound...  I don't know where she is on her journey... it may have taken her years to lose 10 stone and her goal is just within reach... don't say you haven't done it too!

Whether it's 10lbs or 10 stone... it's entirely relative and very personal... 10lbs to one person can mean goal... to another it's a size smaller in clothes... someone else might be able to come off medication because they're getting healthier... 

So I urge two things this week... Stop comparing yourself to everyone else... focus on you... your health... your shape.. and how YOU feel... it's YOUR journey... and no one elses... 

And be kind to others who are struggling... you don't know where they are on the road to success... we all need support no matter where we are on the road but one thing is for sure... if we all support each other... we'll get there! x

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Be kind...

Be kind... everyone struggles... everyone has problems... everyone is just trying to live their life on this little planet as best they can... trying to be happy and get on with things... So many people get up in the morning and put on a smile when they're hurting inside... 

Everyone has a bad day or a bad week... and that's when they need your kindness even more... those are the days when you can make someone feel like the struggle isn't so bad and that it will get better...

Be less quick to judge... don't deliberately hurt someone because they don't agree with you... they're going through things you might not understand... be a good friend to someone today... no, be a better friend... if you know someone is struggling, a smile, a cup of tea or a kind word might be all it takes to help them get through the day... 

Just be kind... it costs nothing... 

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It's only a number! - Monday motivation!

Yes.. all these women weigh exactly the same... the very same number on the scales... and look at them! All gorgeous... all looking healthy! Everyone carries their weight differently... Same as these ladies... 

All the same weight but all different dress size... 

This week... think about how you feel... how are your energy levels? Can you notice the foods you're eating are making you feel better? Less bloated from sugar and rubbish.. Are your legs toning up from walking? Is your body getting stronger? 

Focus on YOUR body and how you feel...  because you're YOU... you're UNIQUE and no comparing yourself to anyone else!! All you have to be is the best version of YOU! ok?!? 

Have a great week! 

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Dear Rob... #weigh-in-4

Happy Halloween!! 

Now, first thing...  don't lose the plot this weekend... you wouldn't have all those sweets in the house normally so don't go crazy just because the little people are on a sugar buzz at the front door! And remember... I heard a rumour you can treat yourself with a Chinese or a glass of wine and not touch single sweet... no word of a lie! 

This weeks is a guest post is from Rob Partridge a funny and amazingly talented person who has lost 5 st 2 lbs to date with Weight Watchers! Anyone who followed the "Strictly Come Dancing' with Weight Watchers Ireland for charity, will have no doubt spotted his moves! I was only gutted I was away when he was throwing shapes in the finals in Dublin! Encore next year!!!

© LOLA GAVIN 2014

I hate that he has better legs than me too! ;P 

You can find Rob... 

Facebook >>> HERE <<< 

Twitter >>> HERE <<<

Instagram >>> HERE <<<

And his fantastic blog about movies, 

weight loss and so much more is >>> HERE <<< 

Dear Rob

by Rob Partridge

I always weigh up what I’m going to do, big or small, by looking at the pro’s and con’s.  I do, metaphorically, have a little angel on one shoulder and little devil on the other.  Sometimes the wrong one wins.  I’ve always been told that writing things down helps which is probably why I keep a journal/diary and why I still hand write letters to people.  With that in mind I thought I’d write to Angel Rob and Devil Rob and just let them know my feelings on a few things.

* * * * *

Dear Angel Rob,

We need to talk!

Remember a few years back when I joined Weight Watchers and you were all “Oh man!  Well done!  This is a brilliant step!” and you encouraged me week by week to point my food properly and I ended up losing five stone?  That was awesome!  Thanks for that.  Your support was incredible, needed and really useful.

Sadly though you made a few mistakes and it’s those we need to talk about.

When I say “It’s Tuesday, I’ve been weighed, I’m getting Chinese food!” on my way home from my Weight Watchers meeting your response shouldn’t be “Go for it Rob.  You deserve it.  Okay, so you were up but you thought about being good and after all it’s the thought that counts.”  No Angel Rob, no!  You should be saying “Hang fire big guy!  If  you’re having Chinese food then today just became a ProPoints day and not a Filling & Healthy day so you need to point the food you had earlier.  Why not finish the day on the filling & healthy and tomorrow we’ll do ProPoints and you can have the Chinese food without feeling the guilt?”

Angel Rob you could also suggest I use my weekly 49 but to be honest I’d rather you didn’t because as you well know I like to save those for treats.

Furthermore when I’m in a petrol station grabbing a coffee in the morning and I think “If I get a walk in later I could have that sausage sandwich!” you should be butting in and saying “Why not walk first then have the sandwich?” and if (when!) I argue with you then you should really stick to your guns rather than smiling and saying “Okay, well I won’t tell if you don’t!”  It’s sweet and all that but not helpful.

Angel Rob you need to start telling me to tell people.  Not verbally or to strangers because we both know from experience that that just lands us in trouble!  No I need to tell my journal or tracker.  Too many pages end up with question marks or big red X’s and some have #Fail! written across them.  If you’re my good little angel then you need to tell me that writing anything other what I’ve eaten is unacceptable.  

You need to back to how you were Angel Rob.  You need to go back to lowering and shaking your head slowly and sadly when I look at a doughnut that I don’t have the points for.  You need to smile at me when I choose fruit over a chocolate bar and you need to comfort me when I’m crying out to be good.  Yeah, I struggle sometimes but I’m five clothes sizes smaller and five stone lighter.  Focus on those will you please and encourage me to continue to do good so I can get rid of the rest of this unnecessary weight.

Yours with love,

Real Rob.

* * * * *

Dear Devil Rob.

I only have two things to say to you.

Fried rice is not the same as brown rice!

Go to hell!

Unfortunately yours,

Real Rob.

Great losses again this week! Chart below, again if I've missed anyone let me know! A couple more 7's added this week! Rocking it people! Woo hoo! 

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A Better Christmas with A Better Me! ... Weigh-in 3!

Week 3! Its coming a lot faster than you realised isn't it?! 

This weeks guest post is by a Weight Watchers leader who has 'been-there-done-that-and -has-the-tshirt' ... her website is just brilliant and if you follow her on Facebook you already ready know that the recipes and food pics she posts are delicious! She is one of the most motivational people out there... and when you're stuck or struggling she's got the right words and the right shoes to kick you in the butt! She's just brilliant! 

For those lucky enough to live near her, she runs cookery classes... check out her site link below or better yet drool like the rest of us on a Monday when all the pics go live... 

Verette can be found here... 

Twitter - >>> HERE <<<

Facebook - >>> HERE <<<

Website - >>> HERE <<< 

Christmas... Before & After 

By Verette from A Better Me

I was chuffed to be asked by Skinny Doll to write a little blog post for her Christmas Challenge and of course I immediately said yes count me in. I had a think long and hard about what to write and given that it’s a Christmas theme I thought I might as well tell you about a really bad Christmas party that I attended in my “heavier” life and how I view Christmas now in my “slimmer” life!

My before! 

11 years ago I was almost 15 stone weight, not good when you’re only 5 foot 3 and as with most overweight people I’m sure, I used to break out in a sweat when I would get an invitation to something as the first thought was always “I have nothing to wear”. Truth was I had tons of clothes but nothing fit and all the tents I did wear were definitely not suitable for the Christmas party that I had just been invited to. So rather than decline yet another invitation because of my weight, I decided to borrow a dress and attend that party, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. Best decision I ever made actually because that night was the turning point for me. 

I arrived at the party where of course everyone in the room looked sparkly and beautiful and there was me in my borrowed dress and not alone was that too tight for me but for some insane reason I decided to wear a choker too (Trust me they were a thing at the time) but trust me too when I tell you, that you should never ever wear a choker when you have more than one chin! All I wanted to do that night was hide but obviously in a room full of people that’s not easy, so I did what I did a lot then and focused on the food. When was it going to be served and how much could I eat without bursting out of that dress?

While I was shoving down my emotions with food that evening I overheard a lady beside me (gorgeous figure, beautiful dress, no choker) talking about how busy her life was. Two kids same as me, working part-time same as me, straight hair same as me, only thing it seemed she had that I didn’t was a slim body. While I sat there and listened, I had my light bulb moment. That lady had a very similar life to mine but she obviously worked hard at staying a healthy weight where as I used my busy life as an excuse not to. I decided there and then that I would not be in a borrowed dress for the Christmas party the following year and at the beginning of January I joined Weight Watchers.

My after!

I lost 4 and a half stone that year, it took me 51 weeks to do that , I always say I took the scenic route as I felt it was a slow burn , a pound here a pound there, but would I change that? Hell no! I’ve maintained that weight loss bar a few pounds up or down for almost 11 years now. I can say hand on my heart that I will never be that girl again that sat at a party and was more interested in the food then the company. Christmas is very different for me now. I’m still busy, busier than ever actually but the difference now is that I’ve learned how to manage my life better , how to prioritise my health and eating habits , how to know when enough is enough and still in all of that how to enjoy the magic that is Christmas. I love all the sparkle, I love the twinkly lights, I love coming home to a big fire after a long walk on a cold and crispy day. I still love the food but its cooked in a much healthier way and even then it’s not nearly as important as the people in my life. Family and not food is what Christmas is, and should always be, about. 

Thanks for reading and I hope you get your Christmas wish this year!

Verette x


See what I mean about AMAZING inspirational people out there!?! Verette asked me to choose one of the after pics but I just couldn't, she looks so fabulous in both of them! 

Rocking around the Christmas tree is exactly what will be happening with you lot... as this went to post there's a group loss of 163.5lbs! 3 people hitting the half stone loss already and many others really REALLY close to it! Christmas crackers on the way!!! Chart below!!! 

Remember if I've missed your weigh-in, just let me know, some slip through the cracks and I think I'm very organised and I've done them and I haven't! eek!!! 

Have an amazing week! x

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Me...

Ahhh Monday, here you are again... you know most weeks, something flies along my twitter timeline or pops up on Facebook or I spot something online that inspires my Monday Motivation post... But last week something happened that made me think this Monday it should probably be about me... *wipes sweat off brow* they should give out bravery awards in Weight Watchers ya know!!!

Last Thursday I walked into my Weight Watchers class thinking maybe, just maybe, I had hit the 100lb loss, I had been fecking about for about for weeks but my tracker was perfect... I'd walked... drank water... swam... surely this week...  

At a glance, the room looked a little different... I spotted my usual leader wasn't taking the class... Instead there was someone beside the scales, someone I felt I already knew... her before and after pics have been all over the place... I read her blog all the time... I follow her on Facebook... she's a Weight Watcher leader herself ... and all my Irish followers would know her from her amazing blog the Niptuck Food Blog!!! I know right!!! 

You know they say you should never meet your heroes... Well lemme tell ya... she is awesome! I couldn't bring myself to tell her who I was, I'm a big chicken, roasted and stuffed with gravy... oooohhhh... (mental note: never write blog posts when hungry!)...  plus I'm painfully shy about admitting who I am, people who know me in real life would never guess that being I'm so gobby... I always think people have an expectation and they will be bitterly disappointed when they meet me... But I was so distracted by her and her fab figure (and cute sneakers BTW!)... her before and after pics were at the scales large as life and they are SO inspirational! So when I stood on the scales, it took me a minute to notice that the 3.5lb loss had pushed me over the 100lb loss!!! 

Amazing? Yes! Inspirational? Yes! Motivating? Yes! Hardest thing I've ever done?! Abso-feckin-loutely!! 

It has been hard... really hard... disheartening... I've wanted to give up so many times.. I have binged... not tracked... cried... been so angry with myself... driven round the roundabout on the way to class twice talking myself into going, people of Terenure I'm not lost I swear... I've had two amazing leaders and honestly that's half the battle... I'm happy to get a telling off every Thursday when I know I've been bold... but I also want someone who understands how much I want this and when I've tried hard and the results aren't showing, I just need a bit of a lift... both of them have done that... But for every 'you've stayed the same' or 'You're down a half pound..' Here I am, 7stone 3.5lbs lighter... in my mind, I'm over the hardest part and I'll tell you why... 

Before I started "properly", you know that 'Oprah moment' you're suppose to have... well something just clicked... I'd had enough, I was so fed up with myself... My knees hurt... I had no neck... I was breathless doing the smallest things... I was judged for my size... Not my skills or personality... But I stuck with it this time... I'm now at a point where some of the things on my 'I'm Done' list >>> HERE  <<< are well and truly done... I'm never going back there... Below are my weigh-in cards for the last two years (I re-wrote them out neatly)... It's baby steps... This weight didn't go on overnight... I didn't go to bed and wake up 10 stone heavier... I'm an emotional gal... Food was my friend when I thought I had none... I was at a very low point... Slowly but surely, I've taken better care of myself and stopped worrying about others who didn't worry about me... I'm a people pleaser... and I realised I had to start pleasing myself first, put ME at the top of my list for a change...  Despite the number on the scales... I can buckle a belt on a plane, FYI never scream in delight in an enclosed plane... ahem... I can walk upstairs without stopping... I can shop in 'normal' shops... I've got my collarbones back, nearly... My blood pressure / skin / energy levels are all better! I can walk into a restaurant and not care who is staring at me ... I'm having my lunch and pointing it so feck off... I appear to have developed a bit of an attitude problem too! 

Sometimes we get so hung up on a number... Here's a non scale victory that happened to me a couple of weeks ago coming through passport control in Dublin Airport... 

Security guard: NEXT! 

Me: *hands over passport trying to look like I'm not a terrorist* (What is that about?!?)

Security guard: *silence* *looks at me... looks at passport* ... *looks at me again.. looks at passport*  *finally speaks...* 'Is this your passport?'

Me: 'um.. Yes... God aahhh ...' 

      *panics and pulls a face that makes me look like I've a handbag full of cocaine*

Security guard: 'Have you lost a bit of weight?'  

Me: 'oh... um.. yes' *beetroot face* 'I'm doing weight watchers... 

      Down 6 and a half stone so far...' 

Security guard: 'Fair play to ya ... Next!' 

so yeah... 

Morto!!! I wanted to kiss him but the queue behind me was massive and everyone was tired, wanted to get the hell outta there... but if I was a little bit braver and a bit more mental, I would have thrown a look at the 'judgey' people in the queue and shouted 'So there!' ... Well that, and I'm pretty sure that safety glass is tough... and I don't want to be done for assault in the airport...  Ahem... 

So.. What's the bottom line? How did I do it? What miracle was it? Simple... 

I didn't give up this time... 

Losing weight takes time... It doesn't matter what plan you follow, ProPoints, F&H, Syns, counting calories... it's healthy eating, portion control and exercise... and whatever suits YOU... people often tell me to follow this or that plan... no thanks... I'm happy doing it my way and well done you for doing it yours... but clearly this is what works for me... when I stick with it... 

Life happens, and some weeks your body will go against you... but don't give up... periods, bloating, the ice cream man, that one cocktail that turned into a full blown night with a full Irish the next morning ... no matter what, there will always be a wedding, birthday, BBQ, but just enjoy it... In 100 years time will anyone worry that you were ONLY down half a pound last week?! Get a little perspective, life is too short to be miserable...  

Measure yourself, that muscle V fat is true... and some people get so upset not realising they're toning up... if only they tried on a tight pair of jeans they would realise their body is changing! My three rolls of belly fat are now just one big belly... yes its big but if you throw me a 'OMG she's huge' look... I'll whip out my WW card so fast you'll be blinded by the silver sevens on the back! 

and, finally... half a pound is a massive achievement!!! Don't knock it... look at my cards... it's slow and steady... there's ups and downs... and there's still a way to go.. I'm no where near my goal yet but my body is now at a place where I can work with it better... swim faster... walk further... I feel better about myself... and I know its a cliche but seriously, if I can do it... anyone can... 

I started WW many times but this is when I decided enough was enough and I started to record my losses properly on the 2nd August...

Wanna hear something funny... I thought by starting in August, no one would see me in class until the September 'rush' and surely I'd have given up by then... 

Whatever you do this week... take it a day at a time... a meal at a time... an hour at a time... but remember you're doing it for you... so don't give up on yourself! xxx

*hides under desk* 

  

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