Happy Easter! x

And so the Easter challenge ends and what a success it was! Well done to everyone who took part and stuck with it!  I hope you're all enjoying your well earned Easter eggs... it was well worth the wait! It's great to see everyone motivating each other along the way! Weight Watchers Ireland and Choc Shot have given me some prizes to those who really stuck with it... so.... drum roll please...

1st place losing a fabulous total of -11lbs! 

Roisin C

Joint 2nd losing -10lbs each...

Caoimhe G & Jackie N

Joint 3rd place...

Kim F & Anne Marie McF

both losing -9.5lbs

If you could all send your postal address to ... theskinnydoll@gmail.com once I'm back from my holidays, I'll be sending you your goodies!

I hope you all have a lovely easter and that the chocolate isn't wrecking your heads too much! Just remember summer time is so close, so enjoy the day and onto the next challenge!

Here's my Easter egg... all the cute! 

Thanks again everyone, it's been the most successful challenge to date! 

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Stick with it...

So... let's go over the last few weeks... 3 gains! Not exactly 'Miss Inspirational 2015' now am I?! Put the tiara away lads... The first one +0.5lb I totally deserved, there was cocktails, rashers and rugby and it was epic... I think I used my 49 weeklies nearly 3 times in fact the scales should have been MUCH worse! 

The other two, NO WAY! I was that model student... the class swot... and wouldn't you know... after all the drama and sads of the last week... can I remind you of the 'Tesco-crying-in-the-car-park-incident'... a massive loss! 6.5lbs! I KNOW!

Last week when I was an emotional wreck, someone very wise told me...

If you've earned it... the scales will reward you... 

maybe not today... may be not this week but if you've worked for it.. it will show! Our bodies work on their own system so our metabolism, extra exercise, medication all work against it and it rebels... so let it catch up with you... I don't work for Weight Watchers but I can tell you this for sure... if you do the programme properly... it works!

So the lesson this week... no giving up... Last week I was totally prepared to throw in the towel, take a couple of weeks off until after my holiday and live with the consequences... how happy am I today! 

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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

2 tsp 10g - 1PP 

3 tsp 15g - 1PP

4 tsp 20g - 2PP

5 tsp 25g - 2PP

6 tsp 30g - 2PP

7 tsp 35g - 3PP

8 tsp 40g - 3PP

9 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!!! 

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Skinny-butt-kicking-karma please...

I don't usually make a blog post about my weigh-ins but today was just disastrous and I'm all about sharing the good and the bad on this trip...

I'm up 2.5lbs this week... 2.5!!! Holding the tears back at the scales... I know I'm PMT'd, I'm practically a human fish bowl, I know I was good, I didn't go mad for Paddies Day and I know it will probably show next week but that feeling of failure is still there after all this time... That feeling of giving up never really leaves you...

I went food shopping at lunchtime and had a little cry in the car... apologies to anyone who saw the snivelling women giving herself a good talking to in the mirror in Tescos car park around 1.30pm... silly I know but sometimes it just seems like I'm never going to get there but you know what, a good cry really helps! Yes I'm 5 dress sizes smaller, yes I can do things I couldn't do three years ago... but it's still hard... really hard sometimes...

Class today was all about positivity and honestly every one of us left feeling positive... many of us were in the 'I wasn't going to come group...' 

My awesome leader Michelle said one thing that stuck with me today...

So that is what I've done... What's done is done... Time to put the arse back in gear and keep going! The weekly shop is done and all the good stuff is in the house... I have kicked myself in the butt and am not giving up... come too far on this road to stand still because of one weigh in!

Send all the 'skinny-butt-kicking-karma' my way... ta x

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Easter challenge - weigh-in 4!

Weigh-in 4... drum roll please... 

9 stone and half a pound!!! 

That is not a typo.... I repeat.. NOT A TYPO! 

NINE STONE! 

and a very important half pound!

How awesome are you lot!? Only 3 weigh-ins left so heads down and give it socks... just think, 2 weeks to your easter eggs and you'll have earned every single bite!

I'm currently putting the winning prizes together! Very exciting... more on those next week... 

Log your losses below... If I missed you just let me know either here or if you can't comment the post will be on the Facebook page >>> HERE <<< ... well done everyone... most successful challenge so far!  

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Skinny Bunny Weigh in 3!

Weigh-in 3! Losses all over the place! Just at the half way mark now, so stick with it... come Easter Sunday you can still be down a quarter of a stone! It would be nice to have that in the bag before all the summer stuff hits the shops and we're stripping off for a heatwave... what?!? I'm an optimist!

Willpower is in the mind... If you want it badly enough... you will do it... if you put a bit of faith in yourself... you will get there!

Check in below, if I've missed anyone or it slipped by just shout, I'll be removing those who haven't weighed in so far after this week ... and if you can't comment below, the post will be up on the Facebook Page, post your losses there and I'll catch them >>> https://www.facebook.com/TheSkinnyDoll

In four weeks you can be down 4lbs... 4lbs closer to goal, you're worth the effort... so stick with it.. on Easter Sunday you can have your choccie egg knowing you've earned it rather than eating it feeling guilty and facing the summer having to start again! 

Next week I'll be spilling the beans about the prizes for this challenge... EXCITED MUCH! x

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Easter Challenge - weigh in 2!

Get this... there are 70+ people doing this challenge! With a weigh loss in one week of over 6 stone... well 6 stone 3 and a half pounds to be precise! Dear gawd people that's awesome! 

There's only 5 weigh-ins left... so give yourself 5 weeks... promise yourself an Easter egg if that's your thing, there's a lint bunny the size of a Jack Russell in my local supermarket he weighs a kilogram! Treat yourself to some fancy Easter nails or a pedicure... I know its snowing outside today but our tooties will be out before you know it! Treat yourself to some new spring clothes... 

5 weeks is not that long... and I promise you won't die from not eating chocolate, bread, crisps, whatever your nemesis is, in fact you'll only feel better... so treat yourself to 5 weeks of a loss... No one wants to be looking in the mirror on Easter Sunday thinking... I wish I had just stuck with it! 

You're all amazing! Motivation or WHA?!!? So amazing that there's going to be prizes for the bestest losers in this challenge! More on that later... and FYI official Weight Watchers folk are keeping an eye on us so like my mum says 'don't show me up!'  

So... weigh in below, I know some people are having problems commenting, I'm working on that... so here's the link to my Facebook Page where you can comment under the post there... Again if I've missed you just let me know... 

https://www.facebook.com/TheSkinnyDoll

Here's to a great week! 

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Ta Da! #final-weigh-in

We made it!!! WOO HOOO!!!! Final week of the challenge... 

People sometimes ask 'why do you bother doing challenges?' and the answer is purely selfish... I need motivation... I need to see others losing weight so my competitive side will up its game! Yes there are times when I'm about to go to bed and I think 'feck I've got to do the chart' which is why my ability to lose count is bad! But if you look below, everyone who stuck it out, is down, be it half a pound or a stone, everyone is NOT UP and that was the goal in the run up to Christmas... people motivate each other, and seeing that, stops me face planting a bun! Simple as that... it's all about me dontchyaknow! 

I won't add up the grand total till early next week once everyones checked in but seriously look at the losses... you're all amazing and I KNOW no one wants to lose all that again when January strikes! 

AND, a HUGE thank you to all my guest posters.. if you ever need to check in with someone who's journey is real and they've been struggling too, people who have really been there... these people are the ones to follow... No one likes Miss Smug in fat camp... especially when you've been struggling all your life like me... so knowing that you've had a bad day/week/ month... it's nice to know that we've all been there and that you can start again without all the guilt and emotional head wreck and still continue your journey! 

If you need a boost over the next two weeks... have a scroll through their blogs and I guarantee you'll be back on track before you know it! 

John - http://19st-10k.blogspot.ie

Verette - http://www.abetterme.ie/joomla/

Jacqui - http://jwacqui.blogspot.ie

Rob - http://twelvereasonswhy.com

Vicki - http://happybubblegal.blogspot.ie

Zoe - http://59lbstogo.blogspot.ie

Claire - http://theniptuckfoodblog.blogspot.ie

Paddy - http://smallerplate.blogspot.ie

Stacey - http://www.soupyd.com

I'll do a final post next week before Christmas to tot up how much the group have lost but be very proud of yourselves... imagine if you'd thrown in the towel a few weeks ago... I know for sure I'd have been up! So well done everyone! x

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You Don't Need a New Year, Just a New Day - #weigh-in-7

Most mornings when I wake up, after I realise I'm not a Euromillions winner, I open Instagram... I love seeing everyones healthy breakfasts... and I follow loads of other weight watcher and slimming world members, so my timeline is FULL of healthy and quick ideas that stops me whinging about porridge and talking myself into a scone on the way to work! I was never a breakfast person, so I still need that kick in the pants every morning... and when I open my timeline most mornings, Zoe from '59lbs to go'  has already done a 5/10k run as well as had a delicious breakkie! There have been times when I've just got straight up and gone out my front door for a walk because of her... and THAT's why she's so inspirational! Even when she doesn't feel like it... she just goes for it! You can find her...

Twitter >>> HERE <<<

Facebook >>> HERE <<<

Instagram >>> HERE <<<

Blog >>> HERE <<<

You Don't Need a New Year, Just a New Day

by Zoe Cathcart

Like so many other weight watchers out there I have often thought the New Year is the best time to join.I have always found this time of year the most difficult to lose weight, and being a serial joiner in the past if things weren't going well, I would usually stop trying some time in the October-December timeline. The last time I joined was the first meeting in January 2012. I had also joined the previous January and while I had a good start in 2011, when I met my boyfriend things slipped a little.

 

So why did I wait until the following January to try again? Looking back on the end of 2011, I really don't know why I waited. My cousins now wife's hen party happened In August. When I saw the photos I was disgusted and knew something needed to change. Their wedding was the end of October and I wanted to change by then. My biggest mistake was thinking I could go it alone. I used my money on a gym membership instead of weight watchers (although I could have easily done both). So the weeks went by, and I was regularly using the gym, but I had no control over what I was eating. 

Before I knew it my cousins wedding was upon me. The photos from his wedding
once again disgusted me and should have been enough of a kick in the backside to realise what was happening. The problem was, at this stage it was November and in my mind I thought 'Whats the point, it's the worst time of year to lose weight, I'll do something in January!'. We all know that pre diet binge you have the night before you rejoin weight watchers, and eat whatever you want. Well my entire November/December 2011 was a full on binge. I did not go near a scales in that whole time period and have no idea what I weighed before the binge but I do know that by the time January rolled around I was over 14 stone, the heaviest I had ever been in my life.

I did join Weight Watchers that January and by November 2012 everything had changed. I was so close to my goal weight and nothing was making me give up. I was having such a hard time losing the last few pounds and it was hugely disheartening. Week after week I was seeing either no loss, or a small gain followed by a small loss. On November 13th I weighed 9 stone 9 lbs and the last weigh-in before Christmas it was the same. I was proud of myself though, it would have been so easy to give in and gain half a stone to a stone in the same time. I enjoyed my Christmas but did not use it as an excuse to go wild. I chose the days I was having off and tracked every other day. When I went back in January I still weighed 9 stone 9lbs. It only took me a few more weeks to get to by goal weight, and if I had given up who knows if I would ever have gotten there. 

I'm not going to lie and say that this is the easiest time in the world to lose weight. Social events, tins of chocolates everywhere, specials on crisps and biscuits in the supermarket, seasonal specials in the coffee shops and hot toddy's to help with a cold. Temptation is all around us and we are told to let our hair down and enjoy it. I read somewhere that the average person gains 7-10lbs between now and Christmas. With 6 weeks to go before Christmas you have 2 choices, you can decide that its too difficult and gain that 7-10lbs, or you can give it your best. In 2011 I gave up, but in 2012 I gave it my best and I never looked back!

Zoe x


Seriously what an inspiration! Zoe's Christmas tune will get you ALL rocking! 
Slade!!! I know!

Lots of 7's added on the board this week... great losses! Again, if I've missed someone let me know I was away last week and someone might have slipped through ... and finally... FINALLY... I got my 8th stone! 5 weeks to go... no giving up! I won't allow it! 

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THAT Christmas Dress... #Weigh-in-6

So I missed my class this week as I'm in the UK for a junket, I thought I'd make it but I   was a bit tight for time :( but I was really good so I'm going to try to catch a Saturday class if I'm back in time... if not next week should be good!  

This weeks guest blogger is Happy Bubble Gal ... and she is exactly that! Such a positive person, who is so inspirational she probably doesn't even know it... Vicki is currently doing Slimming World and has lost 2 st 11lbs to date and as she's says... 'I'm not at my heaviest nor at my lightest but at my fittest and healthiest!' Need I say more... Her Instagram feed will make you take our your lunch box and crave healthy food, it motivates me every single day! Known to her nearest and dearest as Vicki O'Mahony you can find her ...  

Facebook >>> HERE <<<

Twitter  >>> HERE <<< 

Instagram  >>> HERE <<<

Blog  >>> HERE <<<

THAT Christmas Dress

by Vicki O'Mahony

AKA Happy Bubble Gal

I’ve been on this weight loss wagon for what feels like my whole adult life but realistically the last 6 years, which is a very long time, sometimes I’m holding onto the back of the wagon with my finger nails and other times I have been driving said wagon and wearing a smug smile!!

Now I know that certain times of year tend to spark people to “get on the wagon” be it a family wedding, birthday, holidays, new years resolution or Christmas. Yip I think I’m safe to use the “C” word, its November after all (*whispers* 6 weeks to go*)

And I’m no different to everyone else, with the last few pounds of my holiday weight gain still hanging around, the thought of Christmas and all the lovely pretty sparkly things that I will want/have to buy is looming.

Now Christmas comes every year and is never a surprise, I’m pretty organised for Christmas in lotsa other ways, **kicks Christmas jumper under the chair and hides wrapping paper and bows** except for with my weight, as another Christmas approaches I’m thinking back over the last few years...

Every New Years I promise myself that this is my year and I will shift the pounds and face Christmas feeling fab and slim in an AMAZING dress that will give everyone a serious case of the **wants**

This has yet to happen for me! Now don’t get me wrong, I weigh less and look better now than I did 6 years ago, but I’m still not happy and where I want to be, and when Christmas rolls around I break out in a little sweat as the thoughts and promises I made to myself have not come through.. yet again!!!

Verette’s post from a few weeks ago really struck a cord with me and has stayed with me. It was her “before the weight loss story” I was reading it and nodding along knowingly, I’m a complete an other Christmas Nut, ask anyone, they’ll verify this.

However, I have turned down many an invite out because I had nothing to wear, my one dress that I did have was a little snug, I thought I’d be the largest person in the room and everyone would stare!! These were all of my excuses for not dealing with my issues and my weight and I’m sad for me, that I missed out on all those probably amazing nights out because I felt like I couldn't “put myself out there”.

So I decided that I had to be the one to make the changes, I had to be the one to try a little harder, its me after all that wants to wear sparkly numbers out at Christmas and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, rather than supping my drink in the corner and wishing I was anywhere but there feeling huge and uncomfortable!!!

I wouldn't wish these thoughts or feelings on anyone, I really wouldn't but its an awful way to feel about yourself… you wouldn't speak to anyone else the way that you speak to yourself would you?

6 years on, I’m still struggling weight wise, but I’m refusing to give up on myself, I know I can do this and I know I will do it. This year anyone that invites me to a Christmas party had better be prepared for me to be turning up, in a lovely dress (and Santa hat.)

This year I’ve decided that I’m not putting myself in the corner and waiting until I’m at goal to go out and enjoy my Christmas.

I’ve started my window shopping for my Sparkly gorgeous Christmas dress and I plan to be out and about to show it off. Who’s with me?

Vicki x 

and to REALLY get you in the mood.... 

Vicki has picked Shakin' Stevens for her Christmas song!!! I KNOW!!!

Chart below... well done everyone... I've done a bit of housekeeping... it's more motivating to see your name beside someone else who's losing and it makes it faster for me to get it done with weighs-ins coming from all directions! The chart was done last Wednesday as I'm away, I'll update it over the weekend, and so far there has been a total weight loss of 236lbs / 16st 12lbs!!! I KNOW!!! Let me know if I've missed anyone out...  Christmas is coming people... all aboard the wagon?! Lets do it! 

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