Push it! Week 7

Second last week of the challenge... time to really push yourself! Weight losses are FAB! This final push will make a huge difference...

The Olympics has to be mentioned.. and I usually only change the mast for the seasons.. but its a big deal... I know people either love it or hate it.. but even just to watch one event shows how dedicated people are to succeeding! Working for 4 years to build up strength and stamina to be a the peak of their health and performance.. kinda puts Miss Doll firmly on the lardy couch! But if you only take one pinch of the drive and determination they have.. you're already a winner.. if you want it badly enough.. you will succeed! It might be a long slow slog.. some of us have stones to lose and we know it will take months.. some only pounds but it has the same meaning to everyone! So take a peek or follow your heroes and think of what they had to do to be where they are... the early mornings... the training in the freezing winter.. the high protein diets.. they are focussed and want it! Take a look at the Irish boxer Katie Taylor ... that girl WANTS to succeed...

And if you have already decided you want it.. otherwise you wouldn't be weighing in and reading this! You've already made the choice to weigh in either at class or at home.. you're following a programme and doing it! So what if you're not an athlete.. you're you and on your journey and there will be medals for all at the end of it! So COME ON!!! I'm donning my cheerleader outfit.. make this week count.. there's only one more left in the challenge!!!

This weeks mini challenge is... 'don't use your 49 weekly points' .. I know I know.. they're life savers but they are extras.. and lets face it we spend most of em on bad stuff! So use your exercise points for treats but give your body a break and really push yourself! Its just for one week and you CAN do it! So many of you are proof that that little bit of effort can make such a difference.. I'll be weighing in tomorrow.. and am not sure what to expect after the drama of the last couple of weeks but its back on track 100% ... and don't forget how important it is to track too!

Exercise of the week .. is 10 of everything we've done along the way... push ups.. lunges.. skipping.. stretching... the works... do 5 in the morning and 5 in the evening... like a mini workout to get you up and a mini workout to wind down.. you'll sleep better I promise!

Losses are amazing... Juleser, Time to Change and Jennifer M drop me an email with a postal address, you are all on your second flower, in fact close to your third!!! You skinny minnies.. treats ahead!

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Lifes too short.. Week 5 & 6!

Ola... firstly... thank you so much for all your wishes, prayers and messages... all greatly appreciated! Our man is off for a quadruple bypass on Thursday and hopefully on the road to recovery after that... talk about drama...

All this time spent in waiting rooms and beside his bed.. made me think how I put my life on hold so many times because of my weight.. so todays blog is about just that.. WHAT is holding me back?!?

I'm always starting sentences with.. 'when I'm thinner...'  like suddenly the world is going to change and life will be SO different.. it won't! it'll be just like it is now only I won't weigh so much! So many people live in the past.. when I was happier.. when I had a job.. when I was with him or her..  well sadly, I live in the future.. I'll be able to go meet this person ... and do this... that.. and the other... I'm constantly on hold for when it all happens.. but last week I realized.. I might never get to goal.. don't get me wrong this isn't a cop out... and I'm slowly making my way there .. all the while life is passing by and I'm in a sort of limbo ...

You've got to led a healthy happy life today! That's about the size of it.. and if your weight is holding you back from living your life to the max (get me and my street lingo!) then enough of the yo-yo dieting.. enough of the feeling miserable.. 'I'll go when I'm a bit thinner'... 'I don't want anyone to see me' .. 'I'll be the biggest person there...' enough I say! Embrace life and be healthy.. sure a chocolate bar won't kill you but we're not over weight from ONE chocolate bar! Look at the bigger picture.. if we eat 21 meals a week and one is a treat (pizza, chips, chicken wings.. ahem.. gin! ) the other 20 should be running our bodies like a well oiled machine.. its like the analogy of how we treat our cars.. we service them.. only put the best we can afford into them... oil, fuel, tyres... yet we dump crap into our bodies and feel sluggish and tired all the time without a second thought... step back this week and look at your tracker.. where could you have made a better decision.. did you really need that Kit Kat? I'm always saying life is to be lived.. but we won't be here for long if we don't take care of our bodies.. we only get one.. so look after it!

This weeks exercise is... try a new cardio! Play a game of tennis with a pal... jog instead of walk.. get the bike out.. swim... hula hoop (the latest hollywood trend I'm told!) skipping rope.... try something different to get your heart rate going and it will appreciate it! If you change things up a bit .. you'll notice the changes in your breathing and heart rate too!

Weigh ins below and I'll post the new chart Thursday!
Doll x

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Say 'I love you...' week 5

Hey Dolls, this week I am blogging on my mobile, sitting outside a hospital, smoking... So bare with me... I know...

I have heard people spouting on about 'the power of twitter' but never truly realized it was true until now... You know the way you can get a song to number one for charity to posting an event and getting it trending, to learning about people we would, on a normal day not have a breeze about... indeed I have partaken in such trends... Dare I say I was rather chuffed with my wit when #irishshadesofgrey started... I even unlocked my twitter account for the day to join the fun... But this weekend an event occurred that really showed me the 'power' of social networking...

Someone who I love had a massive cardiac arrest at the local pool on Saturday at lunchtime... As he was being resuscitated I was nursing a fabulous hangover, making my way through the Irish times crossword and mentally planning the outfit for dinner that evening, an altogether none eventful Saturday afternoon. I was anticipating a call from someone who was about to become a dad.. and when the mobile rang,  I bellowed ... 'Its a girl!!!!!' the reply... 'You have to get to Vincent's A&E... E's had a heart attack' ... My stomach was in my mouth.. my heart sank... Those 30 secs of hopelessness when you don't know which way to turn seemed to last an hour.. Everything was in slow motion... I told Dave I'd ring him once I got there and dizzied around the house closing windows.. Getting dressed... Faffing with alarms... Upon arrival we were directed to that little room out of the publics eyes that only holds news of the worst kind... An aunt was already there.. Another cousin in the car park ... The three of us sat in a tiny room painted dark grey without a window... Knowing it wasn't good but too scared to say it...  Nurse Jackie, I know, handed me an envelope, his cards, phone, car keys watch... His name labelled on the front... it seemed so final... 'we need some information' ... we tried our best to remember dates, places, meds... 

We didn't have the full story and the pool was closed.. but we have since found out that a young man called Ciaran saved his life without doubt.. to him our family will be eternally grateful...

The consultant met with us, there were no ICU beds in the hospital and he was going to be transferred to another... an emergency ambulance was prepared so it would be best if we went ahead to be there when he arrived...

By midnight another consultant came to see us .. he was honest, frank and despaired in having to tell us the news.. you could see it in his face... His heart had stopped and he had no idea how much damage had been done... He was on life support, we really should get all the family together as soon as possible... he had a 15% chance of pulling through...We were offered tea .. ah... good old tea..  and we got ourselves in to gear.. who would stop for food, who would break the news to the rest.. And who had cigarettes...

Now.. Im very fond of twitter... I escape there regularly to meet folk I've never met in real life! Some take me to funny places and have me giggling all through lunch..  Some are there to bitch about boys, trouble and boy-trouble and some shamelessly flirt and compliment you just to make your day... Some are there just on their soap boxes looking for a scrap if you're in the mood... And i can find out about the weather before I open the curtains... I get the scores from games that are not on TV... I see the Aussies hitting monday morning whilst the yanks are having Sunday brunch... I step in and out as I feel and escape with a different bunch on a merry path to god knows where...  Throughout this ordeal I was understandably free from all this, consumed with how to fix our boy, make this as painless as possible and work out who was going to save him and what we could do apart from wait and clean (my OCD kicked in about 3am!)... But once he was settled and the long night was in store.. I couldn't phone anyone... It was the wee hours... Friends couldn't help and why wake them now... Family were all in motion.. So at about 4am I took a pic of the ICU and sitting under the most amazing moon I tweeted... '24hrs previously I was on South William Street drinking Blue Sapphire Gin and wanting to dance and here I was in ICU feeling totally helpless..' Then I turned the phone off thinking everyone should be tipsy or asleep in twitterland and headed back to the family room to spend the hours laughing and crying...  hoping and praying.. Till we all started smoking to relieve the boredom and escape the crap coffee and try to breathe (I KNOW!!!) .. It wasn't until I checked in at 7am, I couldn't believe the responses.... I was overwhelmed... Why were these people up and thank god for auto correct! People who I laugh at and with daily, people who put up design links that make me go green with jealousy... The gays, divas, ruggers and drama queens and of course the Skinny Dolls who weigh in and who entertain so often had tweeted their love.. From prayers and a hug to DMs offering lifts and any help... The tears flowed...  the virtual hug I had received sitting on the steps of the hospital smoking at 7am as there sun rose on Sunday morning were enough to make me realize these people are kinda special and very important... tweet peeps you are most awesome and I love you!

I would gladly put every single pound and more back on to get our man through.. We're still critical but stable and the signs are good.. we might just be one of the 15% who pull through... so advice and tips this week... If you are fighting with someone.. if there's someone you haven't seen because you're too busy.. tired.. proud or just can't be bothered... pick up the phone.. or make a point of contacting them today and have that cheesy.. 'I love you' phone call.. hug em tight.. because you don't know whats around the corner ... and in every hospital in the country there are families waiting and watching, praying and hoping for their loved one... and it might be your turn next... so don't make the mistake of thinking .. I'll do it tmrw.. Say  a few prayers for us.. whatever god you pray to... we'll take anyone help at this point.. we're not fussy! To say I have lost the plot point wise is an understatement... not ONE piece of fruit in the hospital shop (and they wonder about the obesity epidemic!) Weigh in below and I'll catch up with you all in the couple of days when life is a bit clearer...

and for the record.. I love all you guys .. you motivate and inspire me all the time.. and keep me on track! so there cheese central!

Doll xxx

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Believe you can... Week 4!

Yes Dolls! We're halfway through the challenge! And get a look at the losses! Brill! 84lbs already! Way ahead of any of the other challenges! Go us!

Since we're halfway.. its a little time to think.. so this weeks mini challenge is to think... that's it.. just think... about how far you've come.. and how far you have left.. and how well you've done.. think about setting yourself a challenge.. a REAL challenge... Choose something the will do some good not just for you and your body but someone else will benefit too... maybe its the Mini-marathon next year.. set yourself a time.. 'I'm going to do it under 2 hours/1 hour.. for X charity.... and I'm going to start training for it now!' Personally I'm looking at a 400k cycle in Cuba for breast cancer and raising 5k to get there, its a 10 day charity cycle and it sounds mad but why should I doubt myself, why CAN'T i do it? Whats stopping me from trying? ME! Just silly old me! Its been on my mind for a while and whilst I'm not the best cyclist in the world and my gammy knee might hold me back.. I think I need to set myself something big to prove to myself I CAN do it! I'm definitely doing the mini marathon next year.. and my physio says I can as long as I'm sensible and do all my knee strengthening exercises its all go.. so what would you love to achieve.. a half marathon.. a 10k, a 5k, a 300m swim in the sea, triathlon, sponsored walk... a mountain climb... top of Carrauntoohil, base camp at Everest.. The Sugar loaf.. everyone has their own dream... and there's so many events on .. so this week, have a think about how you can challenge yourself and by think time next year we'll have the blog full of trophies and medals! You can do it.. only thing stopping you is YOU! So thinking caps on... 

Here's two that I spotted up on our local pool notice board! 

Exercise this week.. I'm being kind.. its stretches! My fitness guru is always banging on about the importance of stretching.. before you even get out bed.. streeeettccchhhh... from tips of fingers over your head to the tips of your toes.. trust me its simple but effective! Plus is so good for you! Touch your toes waiting for the kettle... 

It increases your physical performance. If your joints are flexible, you need less energy to go through the motions.. You can burn more calories and your ability to lift weights is greater if your joints are happy!

This is the stretch chart from Curves that they suggest ...  

Less risk of injury as your muscles are warm and you're less likely to strain something! AND.. stretching increases the blood supply and nutrients to your joints meaning more oxygen (energy!) so your endurance and intensity is up! Win win... 

If you need a bit of guidance, cause its easy to stretch and actually pull something that was perfectly fine! Check out this link... there's great tips and you can watch them do all the stretches BEFORE you pull a muscle and curse me from a height! 

LINK

Plus when we're all old in the nursing home.. those of us who have stretched will be able to catch the cute male nurses easier! So.. stretching now are we! Good!!! Have a great week and remember this weeks top losers are winning Skinny treats! Lets be having you! Doll x

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Open all hours... Week 3

Ola... Week 3... how the time flies by! How are we all doing?  First thing is to ask you all to pop over to last weeks blog and show a little love to Anon3.. she's struggling and needs all your tips and advice! We've all been there..

Second on the agenda.. Look at the petals on the chart.. filling in nicely thank you very much! Here's to another good week!

This weeks mini challenge is... drum roll... No eating after 7pm! Now THIS is a challenge! Anyone remember the 'no junk food' challenge.. this is worse.. but try it.. if only for the week days... and those working difference hours etc this won't apply to you... but its one of the main reasons for weight gain.. snacking late at night.. at least become aware of it and prepare for it.. get some yummy berries.. low fat yoghurts... mini meringues.. but not the crisps and other junk we indulge in.. and sorry ... choccie is a no no!  Here's the top five guilty parties to avoid like the plague!

Greasy or fat-filled foods: Greasy, heavy, fatty foods not only make you feel sluggish the next morning, but they also make your stomach work overdrive to digest all that food. Stay away from things like fast food, nuts, ice cream, or super cheesy foods right before bed.

High-carb or sugary foods: A little bit of something sweet before bed may be just what you need to rest happy, but if you gobble a huge slice of chocolate cake, the spike in your blood-sugar levels could cause your energy levels to spike and plummet, disrupting your sleep in the process. Avoid cake, cookies, or other desserts as well as carby snacks like crackers or white bread and munch on an apple instead.

Red meat and other proteins: Like fatty foods, eating red meats late at night will sit in your stomach and make it hard for you to fall asleep while you're digesting (red meat may affect you the worst, but eating a large portion of chicken or pork would have the same effect as well). You don't have to avoid protein altogether, just make sure you go for lean and small portions, like deli-sliced turkey breast or a cup of yogurt.

Spicy foods: Spices may be a natural cure-all for a range of ailments, but when you're craving something to eat late at night, step away from the hot sauce. Spicy, peppery foods may upset your stomach, and not only that, chemicals in spicy food can stimulate your senses, making it hard to fall asleep.

Big portions: Late-night snacking shouldn't turn into a late-night meal. Keep the total amount of calories under 200 so you won't have any problems going and staying asleep. You'll also feel good knowing that you didn't undo all your healthy eating habits of the day right before bedtime.
So what should you eat instead? Small, light portions that will also calm cravings and help you sleep. AND remember to limit how much alcohol you drink as well, since too many drinks can keep you up at night.

Here's some snacks that will hit the spot and not do too much damage.. 

1 cup of plain oatmeal with 1 sliced banana (171 calories)
1 cup of Corn Flakes with 1 cup of fat-free skim milk (192 calories)
1 banana with 1 tablespoon of creamy no salt peanut butter (184 calories)
1 slice of whole wheat toast topped with 1 small slice of low-fat cheddar cheese (117 calories)
1 rice cake topped with 1 tomato slice and 1 slice turkey breast (60 calories)

Exercise this week ... lunges... Check them out HERE again these can be done waiting for the kettle to boils.. or down the corridor at work.. just don't let anyone catch you! Great for toning up the legs and bum... how did we do on the press ups?

Finally - The three Dolls who lose the most this week.. (for next weeks weigh in chart) will be getting a surprise! The blog is nearing 250000 hits (I KNOW!) so its time to give something back! I can assure you they're nice treats and sadly non-edible but will help with your weight loss! So.. once you've weighed in this week its a fresh start to be a winner! Keep up the amazing losses! Doll x

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SEEING IS BELIEVING! Week 2 - 8lb challenge!

Week 2 - Weigh in… Hello Dolls!

First mini challenge to keep everyone on their toes.. and its not too taxing… visualize your goal..  yep, it can be as simple as just writing it down somewhere you'll see it every day.. hang those jean in front of you! That dress that's a little too tight.. take a pic of it and use it as your screen saver.. or the icon for your mother on your phone.. every time she rings that dress will pop up!!! Sometimes we need to SEE the destination.. and a visual mood board is brill if you have the patience and space to do one, even on the inside door of the wardrobe .. quotes, favorite clothes, healthy images of women with figures you aspire too… think about it...  put that 'before' pic on the fridge..  stick a little quote that inspires you where you can see it… often … view some of the success stories online from weight watchers all over the world… everyone does it.. we see something and think.. I can achieve that.... from boys building muscles to mothers and their hanging baskets! SEEING that it can be done will reinforce what you've already started.. you're already plotting your own success story on here!

Sample of vision board

Have a google at 'weight loss vision boards' .. .something might spark you off! Having an image recurring over and over again means it stays with you.. trust me every time I go to the loo upstairs that feckin' dress is SCREAMING at me! But its working… it now goes OVER my head and will eventually zip up!! If it was in the back of the cupboard it would be long forgotten!! So get visual gals!

and THIS is the dress!!!

Here's my >>> visual board… its in my little laundry where I keep my weights and skipping rope but every time I go in there.. it reminds me I just want to be healthy and comfortable in my own skin…(apologies blogger is acting up adding pics... meh!)

ALSO…. this week I'm adding an exercise to do .. since its summer and the arms are out, kinda  … sorry kids but its press ups! Now if you can't do the boy ones.. do the girls ones (on your knees) .. and if you are stuck for time.. do them against a wall and be honest with yourself.. if you can only do 10 then aim for 10 every day.. either straight out of bed or before you hop in or BOTH! When you're waiting for the kettle to boil do 10 against the wall! Think of those strappy tops… once the sun plays fair!! AND *spoiler* someone tweeted yesterday its 6 months to Christmas.. I KNOW! AND…. wouldn't it be nice to have some toned limbs to show off against the sparkles!?! Those who are experts at press ups.. push yourself even further.. you do 20 .. this week try for 25 or even 30!

Have a great week.. next week a giveaway!!! YAY! Will update the chart when everyone has weighed in…

Doll xxx

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WEEK 1 - 8lb Challenge

So.. here is how this one will work..  Everyone has a flower with 8 petals (what its summer!) and by the end of the week you should have all changed your flower pink or even better be on your 2nd!

Note: Dotty is only 3 lbs away from goal so she's only got three petals to get but she's here to spur the rest of us on! YAY!

First mini challenge... PORTION control!!

Give yourself half and hour with the kitch scales and pack of cheap freezer bags from Lidl and WEIGH everything out... Put them somewhere you can see them when your cooking and learn what size you SHOULD be having.. the first time I did this I realised I was eating a full portion of pasta WHILST I was cooking.. just tasting it!!!! So weigh a portion of rice, pasta, cereal whatever you need to and bag em up and hold them so you know what they feel like and how generous you are being to yourself... Now.. weigh out another set and cook them! See a portion of pasta once its cooked, look into your favourite cereal bowl and see exactly where it should stop!  One of the biggest mistakes in weight loss is portion control... 'sure I'm having brown rice and thats good for me' you wail! But are you having enough brown rice to feed a small family! Bulking uo on the veg is good - yes.. bulking up on the carbs no matter how holy they are.. will just lead you down a merry path.. so I know Lidl and Aldi and most of the supermarkets have tehir own brands of freezer/sandwich bags.. and its an exercise you only have to do once.. Here's some of the other tips..


1• Don't leave a half-eaten birthday cake sitting on your kitchen counter. Wrap up cake and treats and send them home with your guests.

2• Doggie-bag it at restaurants. Their portions can sometimes be extra large. Ask that half of your meal be wrapped up to take home, I have yet to eat in a restaurant that hasn't obliged.

3• Consider ordering kiddie-sized meals at fast-food restaurants. You'll still get that fast food buzz but with a smaller portion.

4• Seek out starters and side dishes at restaurants that serve huge portions. Order two of the smaller dishes for a more reasonably sized meal. I'm a big fan of ordering two starters instead of a starter and main course.

5• Minimize bargain temptations. If you buy big tubs or bags of snack foods to save money, store them on a high shelf so they're not within arm's or your eyes reach. Or, immediately divide them into single serve portions and stash them away in a hard-to-reach place.

6• Learn to eyeball portion sizes, so it becomes second nature, you're homework this week will help with that! A 'normal' portion of chicken, about 3oz, for instance, equals the size of a deck of cards or your palm, NOT including your fingers.

7• Make your own "frozen" dinners. Store the leftovers in single serve containers for portion-controlled meals later on, or for lunch at work.

8• Don't leave the extra portions on the table in front of you..  if half a tray of lasagna stares you in the face while you eat dinner, you may be more likely to reach for seconds. Instead, serve yourself a portion and put the rest away. You can always go back for more, but this way, you may be less likely to.

9• Stock up on smaller plates. A half-empty 10-inch dinner plate spells deprivation; a salad plate filled to the edge seems like a huge meal.

10• Eat slowly! Research suggests that it takes approximately 20 minutes for your body to know that it's full. If you hoover down your food, seconds will be much more tempting.

I'll be first to log in and I'm down 2lbs this week! AND I got my 5% book and sticker (who knew a sticker could make me sooooo happy!!!) Post below and I'll update the board on Friday for those weighing in later in the week.. anyone else want to join in? the more the merrier!

Doll x

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