No change in weight overnight, although I had a good diet day yesterday and did a big cardio workout at the gym and again this morning. John came with me this morning, I think he is starting to enjoy it!
My big news is that I experienced acupuncture for the first time yesterday. Wow! I sent John along last week to see if it would help with his chronic 'golfers elbow' injury. He felt better and went again yesterday - vast improvement. Physio did not seem to help much.
I am still very sore in my ribs, back and neck from the car accident and have a swollen left elbow. I booked in for acupuncture (very cheap on Medibank private - David Haynes at Southport). Did not feel the needles at all, he knew straight away where I was still sore and I left feeling relaxed and slept really well last night with NO pain killers. Going again next week.
Just wanted to share that!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Dukan Diet - round two, day 19
Apologies for not blogging for over a week - the floods I. Queensland have caught everyone up on a frenzy of fund-raising and volunteering. My Rotary Club is raising funds to buy new mattresses for the flood victims in Theodore and we have also worked hard to get hundreds of hampers together to go to hard-hit areas.
With all this fling on my personal weight loss journey seemed less significant!
Having said that, I have now lost 1.8kg in 19 days, with 8.2kg to go in 81 days!
I started back at the gym properly this week, with John now a member and quite keen, yay! He had a personal training session this morning, so can't wait to hear about it (I was at Rotary).
I haven't been sticking to Dukan very well, slipping a few carbs in here and there and having a dinner party tonight .... But will get back to it tomorrow.
With all this fling on my personal weight loss journey seemed less significant!
Having said that, I have now lost 1.8kg in 19 days, with 8.2kg to go in 81 days!
I started back at the gym properly this week, with John now a member and quite keen, yay! He had a personal training session this morning, so can't wait to hear about it (I was at Rotary).
I haven't been sticking to Dukan very well, slipping a few carbs in here and there and having a dinner party tonight .... But will get back to it tomorrow.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Dukan Diet - round two, day ten!
A good start to the day, and week, with a big cardio workout at Fenix Fitness! I was able to us treadmill, bike, rower and cross trainer - but not so good with most of the weights, ribs still too sore!
On top of that, after a fabulous lobster Norman last night (cooked by John) and sensational salad (made by me) I was a little lighter this morning. I have lost 1.2kg in 10 days, leaving 8.8kg to go in 90 days!
Poached eggs this morning and grilled chicken and salad to ight for dinner. All good! I did have a green tea and a scotch finger biscuit this afternoon ....
Emily is doing well in Finley, got another shift at the milk bar and they have offered her one day per week to begin with. She is loving it down there. She is now on first name terms with the ladies in the Op Shop (apparently she had a splurge - her words).and she went to work today in a cute outfit topped off with a little old fashioned but seriously cute apron. Starting a trend, I think.
Emi also said she went roller skating down the street with her cousin - the local kids are bewildered by the skates as everyone else has roller blades - but that's my retro daughter! Still recovering from glandular fever, she went rollerskating in the skate park and fell asleep on a bench in the shade - only to wake up with a small kid standing right in front of her, staring. He asked what she was doing. "sleeping" emi said. "how long have you been asleep?" he asked. "don't know", she replied. Perhaps he saw her retro outfit and old fashioned skates and thought she had been asleep since the '60's ....
On top of that, after a fabulous lobster Norman last night (cooked by John) and sensational salad (made by me) I was a little lighter this morning. I have lost 1.2kg in 10 days, leaving 8.8kg to go in 90 days!
Poached eggs this morning and grilled chicken and salad to ight for dinner. All good! I did have a green tea and a scotch finger biscuit this afternoon ....
Emily is doing well in Finley, got another shift at the milk bar and they have offered her one day per week to begin with. She is loving it down there. She is now on first name terms with the ladies in the Op Shop (apparently she had a splurge - her words).and she went to work today in a cute outfit topped off with a little old fashioned but seriously cute apron. Starting a trend, I think.
Emi also said she went roller skating down the street with her cousin - the local kids are bewildered by the skates as everyone else has roller blades - but that's my retro daughter! Still recovering from glandular fever, she went rollerskating in the skate park and fell asleep on a bench in the shade - only to wake up with a small kid standing right in front of her, staring. He asked what she was doing. "sleeping" emi said. "how long have you been asleep?" he asked. "don't know", she replied. Perhaps he saw her retro outfit and old fashioned skates and thought she had been asleep since the '60's ....
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Dukan DIet - round two, day eight!
Back to 1kg lost in first 8 days, so now just 9kg to go in 92 days!
The last couple of days have been healthy, high protein, low carb and the results are good! I am starting back at the gym on Monday and John is coming with me! He is taking over Emily's membership, now that she has moved south. This should be good for both of us.
We went to the Arts Centre Gold Coast Comedy on the Basement last night - great show, lots of laughs and a late night for us! We had a light supper at the Arts Cente Cafe beforehand.
A bit of a 'jobs' day today - John fixing a broken lock and hanging new towel rack in second bathroom. I have cleaned out the powder room and second bathroom (Emily left a stack of stuff in there) and now have very presentable guest facilities! Nice! John is now playing with his new blues guitar - BB King's 'lucille' - and I have started latest Bryce Courtney novel that I found under the Christmas tree. Hoping to catch a matinee of The Kings Speech and have an Asian dinner.
Emily is loving Finley. - already did 5 hrs work at local milk bar yesterday, they can give her one day per week - and she went to Finley Rodeo last night. She is also making friends already, as one would expect! I am missing her.
The ongoing replacement car saga with RACQ - now I will have brand new car around February 1st. The wheels move slowly.
The last couple of days have been healthy, high protein, low carb and the results are good! I am starting back at the gym on Monday and John is coming with me! He is taking over Emily's membership, now that she has moved south. This should be good for both of us.
We went to the Arts Centre Gold Coast Comedy on the Basement last night - great show, lots of laughs and a late night for us! We had a light supper at the Arts Cente Cafe beforehand.
A bit of a 'jobs' day today - John fixing a broken lock and hanging new towel rack in second bathroom. I have cleaned out the powder room and second bathroom (Emily left a stack of stuff in there) and now have very presentable guest facilities! Nice! John is now playing with his new blues guitar - BB King's 'lucille' - and I have started latest Bryce Courtney novel that I found under the Christmas tree. Hoping to catch a matinee of The Kings Speech and have an Asian dinner.
Emily is loving Finley. - already did 5 hrs work at local milk bar yesterday, they can give her one day per week - and she went to Finley Rodeo last night. She is also making friends already, as one would expect! I am missing her.
The ongoing replacement car saga with RACQ - now I will have brand new car around February 1st. The wheels move slowly.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Dukan DIet - round two day five
OK, the weight loss first four days WAS magical. Weighed in this morning 400g heavier - so now 9.4kg to go in 95 days! was it the glass of white wine I had with dinner? Could it have been the dozen fat, juicy prawns I had with salad? Could it be that, due to thecR accident over three weeks ago I am still not back at the gym?
Today is a non-Dukan kind of day too. I had scrambled eggs and a mocha at breakfast meeting. (Ok, I had a piece of toast too!) and I am heading to yum cha with gal pal Susie today for lunch. Planning on fish and salad tonight ... And heading back to the gym from tomorrow, even if I can only use treadmill and bike! My doctor increased my pain medication, so I may be able to lots more, ha, ha!!
On a good note, Emily is road-tripping byherself from gold coast to Finley. She made it to Gloucester on Monday and spent two nights with pal, Lorna. Lorna had other visitors and they had to share a bed. Emi said she didn't mind as long as there was no spooning! She left Gloucester early this morning and is already at Goulburn, after driving through Sydney by herself. Not bad for 17! Ive told her to check in to a motel if she gets tired, otherwise she should reach Finley late this afternoon. Little Miss Independent.
RACQ has just told me that my new car will still be two weeks before arriving, so I am a bit disappointed in that. I have the use of Jasmine's little Toyota Echo until she gets back from Perth on the 15th, but it will be around tuesday 18th before mine is ready. That will be almost six weeks from the accident AND the guy that hit us was fully insured!!
On a final note, I really have to get back into the Dukan mind-set. Maybe I should read the book again?!? Any tips?
Today is a non-Dukan kind of day too. I had scrambled eggs and a mocha at breakfast meeting. (Ok, I had a piece of toast too!) and I am heading to yum cha with gal pal Susie today for lunch. Planning on fish and salad tonight ... And heading back to the gym from tomorrow, even if I can only use treadmill and bike! My doctor increased my pain medication, so I may be able to lots more, ha, ha!!
On a good note, Emily is road-tripping byherself from gold coast to Finley. She made it to Gloucester on Monday and spent two nights with pal, Lorna. Lorna had other visitors and they had to share a bed. Emi said she didn't mind as long as there was no spooning! She left Gloucester early this morning and is already at Goulburn, after driving through Sydney by herself. Not bad for 17! Ive told her to check in to a motel if she gets tired, otherwise she should reach Finley late this afternoon. Little Miss Independent.
RACQ has just told me that my new car will still be two weeks before arriving, so I am a bit disappointed in that. I have the use of Jasmine's little Toyota Echo until she gets back from Perth on the 15th, but it will be around tuesday 18th before mine is ready. That will be almost six weeks from the accident AND the guy that hit us was fully insured!!
On a final note, I really have to get back into the Dukan mind-set. Maybe I should read the book again?!? Any tips?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Dukan diet - round two, day four
Struggling a bit to re-focus on Dukan, I had forgotten how strict it can be!
Having said that, woke up this morning to discover, with joy and surprise, that I have now lost 1kg, with 9kg to go in 96 days!
We babysat John's youngest grandchild on Sunday night - Sienna, just three months old, which was lots of fun and she is such a good baby. We woke with six of us in the house, plus baby, and John whipped up a big bacon, eggs and sausage breakfast for all. I admit to two eggs, some crispy bacon, one sausage and a piece of toast! Broke Dukan on day three! We had chicken and salad for dinner .... But still not sure how I got my weight down overnight...
I have been more focussed today, with a protein shake for breakfast and planning a fish with salad dish for tonight. I made home made pesto with fresh basil from our garden yesterday and it is definitely not Dukan friendly, but must be tried!
Emily left home to move to southern NSW yesterday, she has moved to my home town of Finley to stay with my parents while she completes a TAFE course this year. Missing her already! Jasmine is in Perth on holidays and is back on the 15th Jan, although we text and chat quite a lot.
I am also now part time with my magazine editing job and starting a new communications business. More about that shortly.
Having said that, woke up this morning to discover, with joy and surprise, that I have now lost 1kg, with 9kg to go in 96 days!
We babysat John's youngest grandchild on Sunday night - Sienna, just three months old, which was lots of fun and she is such a good baby. We woke with six of us in the house, plus baby, and John whipped up a big bacon, eggs and sausage breakfast for all. I admit to two eggs, some crispy bacon, one sausage and a piece of toast! Broke Dukan on day three! We had chicken and salad for dinner .... But still not sure how I got my weight down overnight...
I have been more focussed today, with a protein shake for breakfast and planning a fish with salad dish for tonight. I made home made pesto with fresh basil from our garden yesterday and it is definitely not Dukan friendly, but must be tried!
Emily left home to move to southern NSW yesterday, she has moved to my home town of Finley to stay with my parents while she completes a TAFE course this year. Missing her already! Jasmine is in Perth on holidays and is back on the 15th Jan, although we text and chat quite a lot.
I am also now part time with my magazine editing job and starting a new communications business. More about that shortly.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Dukan diet round two - day two!
Wow! 9.2kg in 134 days. While I didn't meet my original dr Dukan target, it still seems like a solid result. I had a little break over Christmas, and yes, I put on about 1.5kg - so i am focussed on my new diet, which started yesterday.
We had a big new years eve, which included a three course meal and wine and champagne, but I did not stress, knowing I would get back to my diet the next day.
So my first day, yesterday, I lost .6kg - now only 9.4kg to go in 99 days! I had a light breakfast and early dinner and drank lots of water.
Today was two poached eggs and a black tea. Will have an eye fillet steak for dinner to tonight.
Wishing all my fellow dieters all the best for 2011. Dare to dream BIG!
We had a big new years eve, which included a three course meal and wine and champagne, but I did not stress, knowing I would get back to my diet the next day.
So my first day, yesterday, I lost .6kg - now only 9.4kg to go in 99 days! I had a light breakfast and early dinner and drank lots of water.
Today was two poached eggs and a black tea. Will have an eye fillet steak for dinner to tonight.
Wishing all my fellow dieters all the best for 2011. Dare to dream BIG!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Dukan Diet - starting new countdown
Another three weeks have gone by and so much has happened, most of it has nothing at all to do with diet.
However, to stick with my theme - I finished my original 137 days with a 9.2kg loss. Not bad. Not great either. My biggest problem was sticking with the diet after the first 60 days, especially once I started at the gym as I seemed to need carbs on workout days.
I am starting a new countdown on January 1st, 2011. I am giving myself 100 days to lose 9kg, which should have me to "sex goddess" status by Easter (ok, that's getting a bit carried away - how about "fabulous 40ish"?)
Now for the news. Emily, my youngest, is moving to Finley, NSW ( where my parents live and where I grew up and went to school) on Jan 2nd for the year. She is studying Cert III in Child Care and will also work part time. She wants to be closer to Melbourne, for the fashion, and near my parents too as she is planning to go overseas in 2012 and may not see them for some time. She passed her Cert IV Fashion Design and is excited about being a country girl for the year! She says she is ready for Finley, but I am not sure whether Finley is ready for her!
My older daughter Jasmine finished her first year at UQ with distinctions and credits and is looking forward to another busy year. She is mo ing into a better Apartment with her own bathroom and just one room mate - she is delighted about that!
I am now contract Editing for Travelling in Australia Magazine, so can now work from home most of the time. I am stRting a new consulting business too, in January, so more about that shortly.
I am currently just starting back at the gym after almost two weeks absence, as Emily and I drove down to Finley dec 6-10, and after doing 3500km, hitting one magpie, near missing a kangaroo and hitting millions of locusts while navigating the floodwaters near Wagga - we were hit by a fast moving vehicle just 20 minutes from home. My car is a write-off (it was brand new this year!) and thankfully Emily was unhurt. However I suffered lots of bruising and contusions and a number of cracked ribs. Eleven days later my bruising is quite. Colorful but my ribs and back may take longer to heal. No heavy workouts for me, just walking at the moment and waiting for insurance e to replace my car. The driver that hit us was at fault, so no problems with the claim, but due to the time of year it may take another week or two for my new car to be ready.
Getting ready for Xmas has been a little harder due to this, but just thankful that my I injuries will heal, given time. Looking forward to a week at Hyatt Coolum over the break.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and new year!
However, to stick with my theme - I finished my original 137 days with a 9.2kg loss. Not bad. Not great either. My biggest problem was sticking with the diet after the first 60 days, especially once I started at the gym as I seemed to need carbs on workout days.
I am starting a new countdown on January 1st, 2011. I am giving myself 100 days to lose 9kg, which should have me to "sex goddess" status by Easter (ok, that's getting a bit carried away - how about "fabulous 40ish"?)
Now for the news. Emily, my youngest, is moving to Finley, NSW ( where my parents live and where I grew up and went to school) on Jan 2nd for the year. She is studying Cert III in Child Care and will also work part time. She wants to be closer to Melbourne, for the fashion, and near my parents too as she is planning to go overseas in 2012 and may not see them for some time. She passed her Cert IV Fashion Design and is excited about being a country girl for the year! She says she is ready for Finley, but I am not sure whether Finley is ready for her!
My older daughter Jasmine finished her first year at UQ with distinctions and credits and is looking forward to another busy year. She is mo ing into a better Apartment with her own bathroom and just one room mate - she is delighted about that!
I am now contract Editing for Travelling in Australia Magazine, so can now work from home most of the time. I am stRting a new consulting business too, in January, so more about that shortly.
I am currently just starting back at the gym after almost two weeks absence, as Emily and I drove down to Finley dec 6-10, and after doing 3500km, hitting one magpie, near missing a kangaroo and hitting millions of locusts while navigating the floodwaters near Wagga - we were hit by a fast moving vehicle just 20 minutes from home. My car is a write-off (it was brand new this year!) and thankfully Emily was unhurt. However I suffered lots of bruising and contusions and a number of cracked ribs. Eleven days later my bruising is quite. Colorful but my ribs and back may take longer to heal. No heavy workouts for me, just walking at the moment and waiting for insurance e to replace my car. The driver that hit us was at fault, so no problems with the claim, but due to the time of year it may take another week or two for my new car to be ready.
Getting ready for Xmas has been a little harder due to this, but just thankful that my I injuries will heal, given time. Looking forward to a week at Hyatt Coolum over the break.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and new year!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Dukan Diet - tried Bikram Yoga last night!
Apologies to readers of my blog - I have been offline for a couple of weeks. No excuse really - a slight change in working environment and busy with life, as usual.
First - the weight report. Now 9.2kg lost in 134 days - that's still a half kilo loss per week. While not on track with my original goal - I am still slowly losing weight AND maintaining a lifestyle that is sustainable. Now my original 137 day goal finishes in just 3 days - and I am only halfway to my 19 kg goal.
So, tomorrow being December 1st - I am re-setting my goal - to lose the remaining 9.5kg in 120 days - and that includes Christmas and New Year. So bring on April and the new, sleeker, Susan!!
In regards to my health - I feel great! I am enjoying the gym - averaging 5 mornings per week for around 50 minutes per session, alternating cardio and weights and trying to 'mix' that up a bit too. As far as the gym is concerned, I am in 'the zone'and my good habit is becoming a mild obsession. (So is the morning weigh-in).
I have a new chiropractor - Dr Aaron (and Dr Craig) at Parkwood. I still miss Dr John but his new practice is geographically inconvenient for me ... Amazing energy and great approach to overall wellness with these guys. Now Dr Aaron is also a yogi and heavily involved in Bikram Yoga. He talked me into going to the Bikram Yoga Centre in Southport yesterday afternoon as he was teaching a class. Now I don't know much about yoga - except that I am 48 and not very flexible and that I have never been able to effectively meditate due to a mind that does not stop, even when relaxing.
I had to google Bikram Yoga before I went - it is a 90 minute class in sauna-like conditions. I am not sure of the room temperature, but at a guess it must have been at least 45degrees (they don't tell you in their website - probably so no one gets too scared ...).
I was nervous about going and took Emily with me as she has been doing yoga and pilates at our gym (but not with the heat). Before we started Dr Aaron told me that my main goal should be to just stay in the room for the full 90 minutes - anything on top of that is a bonus.
Well - it started with a lot of breathing exercises (very good for the mild asthma I seem to get) then we went through the 26 asana positions (OK, I got that bit from the website). Whilst not able to fully extend in some positions and some problems with the flexibility in my knees - I DID THE WHOLE CLASS! I felt kind of heroic at the end - especially when we walked out into what would normally seem like a humid 26 degrees - and we actually felt cold after the heat in the yoga class!
There is a whole heap of info on their website about the benefits of heat with yoga - and I have to say, this is something I think I should try again. What a workout!
In other news - Emily is moving to my old home town of Finley for 2011 - to do her Cert III in Children's Services and to be close to Melbourne (for the shopping and fashion). A big step for her and I am going to miss her like mad. But it should be good ... OH, and she has passed her Cert IV in Fashion Design with flying colours this year!
Jasmine ahs also had a great year at Uni and with World Vision - clocking up close to 200 public speaking engagements in her role as World Vision Qld Youth Ambassador. Amazing. I heard her speak at her old school this morning and felt very, very proud!
So .. I promise to keep the blog going more frequently ...
First - the weight report. Now 9.2kg lost in 134 days - that's still a half kilo loss per week. While not on track with my original goal - I am still slowly losing weight AND maintaining a lifestyle that is sustainable. Now my original 137 day goal finishes in just 3 days - and I am only halfway to my 19 kg goal.
So, tomorrow being December 1st - I am re-setting my goal - to lose the remaining 9.5kg in 120 days - and that includes Christmas and New Year. So bring on April and the new, sleeker, Susan!!
In regards to my health - I feel great! I am enjoying the gym - averaging 5 mornings per week for around 50 minutes per session, alternating cardio and weights and trying to 'mix' that up a bit too. As far as the gym is concerned, I am in 'the zone'and my good habit is becoming a mild obsession. (So is the morning weigh-in).
I have a new chiropractor - Dr Aaron (and Dr Craig) at Parkwood. I still miss Dr John but his new practice is geographically inconvenient for me ... Amazing energy and great approach to overall wellness with these guys. Now Dr Aaron is also a yogi and heavily involved in Bikram Yoga. He talked me into going to the Bikram Yoga Centre in Southport yesterday afternoon as he was teaching a class. Now I don't know much about yoga - except that I am 48 and not very flexible and that I have never been able to effectively meditate due to a mind that does not stop, even when relaxing.
I had to google Bikram Yoga before I went - it is a 90 minute class in sauna-like conditions. I am not sure of the room temperature, but at a guess it must have been at least 45degrees (they don't tell you in their website - probably so no one gets too scared ...).
I was nervous about going and took Emily with me as she has been doing yoga and pilates at our gym (but not with the heat). Before we started Dr Aaron told me that my main goal should be to just stay in the room for the full 90 minutes - anything on top of that is a bonus.
Well - it started with a lot of breathing exercises (very good for the mild asthma I seem to get) then we went through the 26 asana positions (OK, I got that bit from the website). Whilst not able to fully extend in some positions and some problems with the flexibility in my knees - I DID THE WHOLE CLASS! I felt kind of heroic at the end - especially when we walked out into what would normally seem like a humid 26 degrees - and we actually felt cold after the heat in the yoga class!
There is a whole heap of info on their website about the benefits of heat with yoga - and I have to say, this is something I think I should try again. What a workout!
In other news - Emily is moving to my old home town of Finley for 2011 - to do her Cert III in Children's Services and to be close to Melbourne (for the shopping and fashion). A big step for her and I am going to miss her like mad. But it should be good ... OH, and she has passed her Cert IV in Fashion Design with flying colours this year!
Jasmine ahs also had a great year at Uni and with World Vision - clocking up close to 200 public speaking engagements in her role as World Vision Qld Youth Ambassador. Amazing. I heard her speak at her old school this morning and felt very, very proud!
So .. I promise to keep the blog going more frequently ...
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dukan Diet - not so much on my birthday!
What a wonderful weekend! It was my birthday yesterday and I had an awesome weekend ... and it's not over yet as tonight I have dinner with my two beautiful daughters (so excited!). I received dozens of facebook birthday wishes and lots of phone calls. Emily called from Pacific fair and sang 'Happy Birthday' to me out loud, which was really cute! I spoke to Jasmine last night and can't wait to see her tonight.
Now, before I tell you how non-Dukan I was over the weekend - I will say that I still lost a little weight - now 8.2kg in 112 days! I am actually really pleased, as I expected to gain weight considering my naughti-ness!
We started with breakfast at Aqua on Saturday - although I did have two poached eggs, one piece of bacon and one piece of wholemeal taost (thick) with butter and a green tea. Then home we went, I thought for a chilled out day together. But no - pack your bag, said John, we're heading south. Off to Peppers Salt we went - in a one bedroom spa room with private plunge pool (the best). Early check in - so we headed off to the outdoor spa, then had a swim. The sun was out, it was just lovely. And for the first time I did not feel totally embarrassed wearing a swimsuit in public. OK, it's still not a hot look, but not embarrassing either. Then before I knew it, John was walking me over to Golden Door - he had booked a massage, just for me! Gorgeous aromatherapy massage, floated out to reception and John was there waiting to walk me back to our room. There was knock on the door and champagne and birthday card arived from hotel management (very, very nice, thank you). John had the spa ready and in we went with the champagne.
Now those of you who know me, will know that I am not a big drinker. In fact I have hardly touched alchohol at all for months (one glass of champers on Melb Cup day) - and champagne has a tendency to go straight to my head. So there we were, relaxed and happy, drinking champers in the bath. Then I became relaxed and chatty, then just chatty ... then the bottle was finished and I was downright giggly - plus all we had had since breakfast was a few pretzels and it was now time to get ready for dinner. John said I was very funny ...
Dinner at Season at the hotel was lovely, once I ate something I started to feel 'normal' again. I did not drink with dinner (not willing to push it, who wants a headache on their brthday?) We had two courses, although not huge, it was more than I would normally eat. I had goat loin for main course (yes, goat is the new lamb)!
A lovely day, gorgeous weather, lots of surprises. The next morning we had breakfast by the pool - I had poached eggs again .. and a hash brown ... and a piece of bacon ... and two pieces of (thin) dark bread toast. We organised a 4pm check-out, so had the whole day to relax. Back in the room John gave me a lovely romantic card and a bottle of Chanel! Noice! Jumped back into our swim gear and headed to the big pool for a couple of hours. Swimming, sunning, reading in the shade. All good. John had a couple of beers by the pool, I stuck with soda water, but got hungry around 1pm and had a small serve of salt and pepper calamari by the pool. Consumed it then felt very guilty. John did not eat - he had a much bigger breakfast than I.
Finally we checked out and headed home, relaxed, tired and a little sunburnt. Got the washing done then headed off to our favourite Italian restaurant (John said I should not cook on my birthday) and had garlic pizza AND an entree ravioli. I haven't had pasta in over 3 months. By this stage I thought I would have gained a kilo ... but I jumped up at 5.15am today and went to do a really vigoous cardio workout - and I still weighed in at 8.2kg lost. Yay! I'm crediting the extra efforts I made last week with diet and gym.
Goal for this week - 9kg by the weekend.
Dinner tonight is at Hogs Breath - so I will go for a small steak (I need that protein fix) and salad. Maybe two curly fries ... Can't wait!
Now, before I tell you how non-Dukan I was over the weekend - I will say that I still lost a little weight - now 8.2kg in 112 days! I am actually really pleased, as I expected to gain weight considering my naughti-ness!
We started with breakfast at Aqua on Saturday - although I did have two poached eggs, one piece of bacon and one piece of wholemeal taost (thick) with butter and a green tea. Then home we went, I thought for a chilled out day together. But no - pack your bag, said John, we're heading south. Off to Peppers Salt we went - in a one bedroom spa room with private plunge pool (the best). Early check in - so we headed off to the outdoor spa, then had a swim. The sun was out, it was just lovely. And for the first time I did not feel totally embarrassed wearing a swimsuit in public. OK, it's still not a hot look, but not embarrassing either. Then before I knew it, John was walking me over to Golden Door - he had booked a massage, just for me! Gorgeous aromatherapy massage, floated out to reception and John was there waiting to walk me back to our room. There was knock on the door and champagne and birthday card arived from hotel management (very, very nice, thank you). John had the spa ready and in we went with the champagne.
Now those of you who know me, will know that I am not a big drinker. In fact I have hardly touched alchohol at all for months (one glass of champers on Melb Cup day) - and champagne has a tendency to go straight to my head. So there we were, relaxed and happy, drinking champers in the bath. Then I became relaxed and chatty, then just chatty ... then the bottle was finished and I was downright giggly - plus all we had had since breakfast was a few pretzels and it was now time to get ready for dinner. John said I was very funny ...
Dinner at Season at the hotel was lovely, once I ate something I started to feel 'normal' again. I did not drink with dinner (not willing to push it, who wants a headache on their brthday?) We had two courses, although not huge, it was more than I would normally eat. I had goat loin for main course (yes, goat is the new lamb)!
A lovely day, gorgeous weather, lots of surprises. The next morning we had breakfast by the pool - I had poached eggs again .. and a hash brown ... and a piece of bacon ... and two pieces of (thin) dark bread toast. We organised a 4pm check-out, so had the whole day to relax. Back in the room John gave me a lovely romantic card and a bottle of Chanel! Noice! Jumped back into our swim gear and headed to the big pool for a couple of hours. Swimming, sunning, reading in the shade. All good. John had a couple of beers by the pool, I stuck with soda water, but got hungry around 1pm and had a small serve of salt and pepper calamari by the pool. Consumed it then felt very guilty. John did not eat - he had a much bigger breakfast than I.
Finally we checked out and headed home, relaxed, tired and a little sunburnt. Got the washing done then headed off to our favourite Italian restaurant (John said I should not cook on my birthday) and had garlic pizza AND an entree ravioli. I haven't had pasta in over 3 months. By this stage I thought I would have gained a kilo ... but I jumped up at 5.15am today and went to do a really vigoous cardio workout - and I still weighed in at 8.2kg lost. Yay! I'm crediting the extra efforts I made last week with diet and gym.
Goal for this week - 9kg by the weekend.
Dinner tonight is at Hogs Breath - so I will go for a small steak (I need that protein fix) and salad. Maybe two curly fries ... Can't wait!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Dukan Diet - I hate it when it stalls!
Again, almost two weeks since my last blog (sorry) and not much to report. Still stuck on 8kg loss - in fact it has fluctuated by about 400g during this time too. So frustrating! My goal was to reach 10kg lost by my birthday (Sunday 7th November) but it is obvious that is not going to happen in the next 3 days. In fact I will now be happy if I can get to 8.5kg and delirious if I hit 9kg.
So, currently 8kg lost in 108 days - that's 15 weeks folks - so still a loss of over half a kilo per week. Not bad. Not fantastic either. My original goal to lose 19kg in 137 days has been completely blown out of the water. In fact I only have 29 days left for my original task. Based on the way I have been tracking I should reach 10 - 11kg lost by then. I sound like I'm whinging, but on reflection it is still a great amount of weight lost! I have changed my eating habits significantly and have established an exercise regime that I enjoy! Go figure. And I will keep going. I will re-set my goals at the end of this task and puch on through the holidays. It's a lifestyle now.
One of my lovely followers has told me that she was motivated by my blog and has lost 5.5kg herself - so impressive and I believe she has done it quite a bit faster than I have. I will ask her for tips! It's also nice to know that my weight loss journey has impacted on at least one other person.
Last time I blogged about my impending visit to Gwinganna Health Retreat. It is an outstanding, astonishing, awesome place. I've been to a few health retreats in the past - but this place is a knock-out. OK, its not cheap - but everything is included and they run about two staff per one guest. The Spa is the best I have ever been to. I had the most gorgeous hydrating facial on the first day and a hot stone massage on the second. We were on an 'indulge' weekend - so the meals were healthy, yet plentiful and very tasty. On other programs, such as a detox, the meals vary to suit. I tried some new things - like deep water running both mornings and did a pump class followed by boxing on Saturday. Also early morning thai chi was invigorating! The property is set on about 160 acres in the Gold Coast hinterland and the accommodation is spectacular. Susie and I stayed in 'Peel House' high on a ridge - a private cottage with a king bed and ensuite each with a shared living area between. We had little golf buggies to get around in as we were quite a long way from the facilities. Susie drove most of the time - she does a great Stirling Moss impression in a golf buggy - hilarious! I would like to go back - actually we boeth would - and take our blokes next time. Lots of fun. I didn't lose or gain weight during my stay ...
This week has been a bit tricky diet wise - we had a Melbourne Cup function here at work on Tuesday and the nibblies were not really healthy choices. I didn't have much - and one glass of champagne - but it still upset my diet balance. I am taking Jasmine to lunch today - Thai - and have a World Vision awards night to go to in Brisbane tonight with Emily for Jasmine. Last year it was finger food, so I am going to try to have a reasonable lunch and yoghurt before I go, so I won't eat more than a couple of things tonight. Jasmine will be recognised tonight for her work this year as Queensland Youth Ambassador, so I am looking forward to it.
Then, my birthday on Sunday - John is taking me to dinner on Saturday night - not sure where - but I like surprises!
So, currently 8kg lost in 108 days - that's 15 weeks folks - so still a loss of over half a kilo per week. Not bad. Not fantastic either. My original goal to lose 19kg in 137 days has been completely blown out of the water. In fact I only have 29 days left for my original task. Based on the way I have been tracking I should reach 10 - 11kg lost by then. I sound like I'm whinging, but on reflection it is still a great amount of weight lost! I have changed my eating habits significantly and have established an exercise regime that I enjoy! Go figure. And I will keep going. I will re-set my goals at the end of this task and puch on through the holidays. It's a lifestyle now.
One of my lovely followers has told me that she was motivated by my blog and has lost 5.5kg herself - so impressive and I believe she has done it quite a bit faster than I have. I will ask her for tips! It's also nice to know that my weight loss journey has impacted on at least one other person.
Last time I blogged about my impending visit to Gwinganna Health Retreat. It is an outstanding, astonishing, awesome place. I've been to a few health retreats in the past - but this place is a knock-out. OK, its not cheap - but everything is included and they run about two staff per one guest. The Spa is the best I have ever been to. I had the most gorgeous hydrating facial on the first day and a hot stone massage on the second. We were on an 'indulge' weekend - so the meals were healthy, yet plentiful and very tasty. On other programs, such as a detox, the meals vary to suit. I tried some new things - like deep water running both mornings and did a pump class followed by boxing on Saturday. Also early morning thai chi was invigorating! The property is set on about 160 acres in the Gold Coast hinterland and the accommodation is spectacular. Susie and I stayed in 'Peel House' high on a ridge - a private cottage with a king bed and ensuite each with a shared living area between. We had little golf buggies to get around in as we were quite a long way from the facilities. Susie drove most of the time - she does a great Stirling Moss impression in a golf buggy - hilarious! I would like to go back - actually we boeth would - and take our blokes next time. Lots of fun. I didn't lose or gain weight during my stay ...
This week has been a bit tricky diet wise - we had a Melbourne Cup function here at work on Tuesday and the nibblies were not really healthy choices. I didn't have much - and one glass of champagne - but it still upset my diet balance. I am taking Jasmine to lunch today - Thai - and have a World Vision awards night to go to in Brisbane tonight with Emily for Jasmine. Last year it was finger food, so I am going to try to have a reasonable lunch and yoghurt before I go, so I won't eat more than a couple of things tonight. Jasmine will be recognised tonight for her work this year as Queensland Youth Ambassador, so I am looking forward to it.
Then, my birthday on Sunday - John is taking me to dinner on Saturday night - not sure where - but I like surprises!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Dukan Diet - Yay! 8kg milestone reached!
A good start to the morning - I reached my 8kg milestone - so that's 8kg lost in 95 days, with another 11kg to lose in just 42 days. I know that I'm not going to reach my original goal of 19kg in 137 days - but I should be somewhere around 12-13kg down in that time. I will push on past the original date to reach my goal - why not? I'm on a roll!
I did not go to the gym this morning - I had an early appointment with new chiropractor (LOVE my old Chiro but just cannot get there during his opening hours, so have changed to John's Chiro who is very close to home and opens before and after work). He told me that, considering the trauma my body has been through (two quite serious acidents in my 20's and 30's) that my spine is in quite good shape. He adjusted my neck and I need to think about a better chair to use at work, which may help recurring problems.
I am off this afternoon with my friend Susie to Gwinganna health retreat. Really looking forward to it! Watch out for Monday's blog!
I did not go to the gym this morning - I had an early appointment with new chiropractor (LOVE my old Chiro but just cannot get there during his opening hours, so have changed to John's Chiro who is very close to home and opens before and after work). He told me that, considering the trauma my body has been through (two quite serious acidents in my 20's and 30's) that my spine is in quite good shape. He adjusted my neck and I need to think about a better chair to use at work, which may help recurring problems.
I am off this afternoon with my friend Susie to Gwinganna health retreat. Really looking forward to it! Watch out for Monday's blog!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Dukan Diet - another small loss - almost to 8kg!
I was working toward an 8kg loss by yesterday - but still not there this morning. Currently 7.8kg. I missed the gym yesterday as I went to a Rotary breakfast (tried to choose low-fat options) and also had a small Thai meal on Tuesday night with Jasmine.
John and I went to the pub for dinner last night - I had a 300g eye fillet, grilled, and salad and stole four chips from John's plate! However - I headed back to the gym early this morning and did a really hard cardio workout which left me hot, sweaty and heroic!
Planning a very healthy day today - with lots of protein and minimum fat and carbs - so with luck I will hit my target tomorrow morning.
In addition - I am heading to a gorgeous health retreat in the hinterland called Gwinganna tomorrow afternoon for the weekend, with my friend Susie. We will do thai chi, walking, aqua aerobics and all sorts of healthy activities. The meals will be low-calorie and nutritious AND I have booked a massage and facial while there. Total pampering, girls weekend! With luck I will lose a kilo over the weekend and maybe start Monday 9kgs down (will I make it a goal?)
Just over two weeks to my birthday and I want to break the 10kg mark by then. I plan to celebrate a little - perhaps a glass of champagne? And, once the 10kg target is reached I want to buy a couple of outfits .... shopping should be much more fun these days!
Wish me luck!
John and I went to the pub for dinner last night - I had a 300g eye fillet, grilled, and salad and stole four chips from John's plate! However - I headed back to the gym early this morning and did a really hard cardio workout which left me hot, sweaty and heroic!
Planning a very healthy day today - with lots of protein and minimum fat and carbs - so with luck I will hit my target tomorrow morning.
In addition - I am heading to a gorgeous health retreat in the hinterland called Gwinganna tomorrow afternoon for the weekend, with my friend Susie. We will do thai chi, walking, aqua aerobics and all sorts of healthy activities. The meals will be low-calorie and nutritious AND I have booked a massage and facial while there. Total pampering, girls weekend! With luck I will lose a kilo over the weekend and maybe start Monday 9kgs down (will I make it a goal?)
Just over two weeks to my birthday and I want to break the 10kg mark by then. I plan to celebrate a little - perhaps a glass of champagne? And, once the 10kg target is reached I want to buy a couple of outfits .... shopping should be much more fun these days!
Wish me luck!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Dukan Diet - another loss, yay!
Despite an overnight stay at the beautiful Sheraton Main Beach on Friday night - including seafood buffet dinner and totally delicious buffet breakfast - I still managed to lose weight over the weekend.
I have now lost 7.7kg in 91 days - with 11.3kg and 46 days to go! My goal is to hit 8kg lost by mid-week.
We also went to an Indian restaurant for dinner on Saturday night- but I was careful not to over-indulge and we had a really healthy day yesterday with a very light dinner.
I had a great cardio workout at the gym this morning, which I am sure helped too!
I saw a recipe in the Sunday papers yesterday for grilled chicken on silverbeet, garlic & pine nuts - it looks healthy and John has an abundance of silverbeet growing in the backyard - so I am cooking this tonight.
Oh - the haircut last Thursday - not so good. The colour was wrong - a little lighter but not what I asked for - however it looks OK. But the cut - I ended up with a mullet (nothing like I asked for) and had to go to another hairdresser on Saturday to get it fixed - which also meant going much shorter than I would normally be comfortable with. However although short, it is a good cut and will grow out quite nicely.
We spent a couple of hours at our neighbours house yesterday afternoon, having a few drinks (water for me) and chatting and John pllayed guitar a little. Lots of fun. The nicest bit, however, was PJ telling me that I looked great, much slimmer, and she LOVES the short hair (told me I looked younger). However, I will temper this by saying she may have had a glass of wine at this point! It still left me with a warm glow!
Will hit 8kg loss this week!
I have now lost 7.7kg in 91 days - with 11.3kg and 46 days to go! My goal is to hit 8kg lost by mid-week.
We also went to an Indian restaurant for dinner on Saturday night- but I was careful not to over-indulge and we had a really healthy day yesterday with a very light dinner.
I had a great cardio workout at the gym this morning, which I am sure helped too!
I saw a recipe in the Sunday papers yesterday for grilled chicken on silverbeet, garlic & pine nuts - it looks healthy and John has an abundance of silverbeet growing in the backyard - so I am cooking this tonight.
Oh - the haircut last Thursday - not so good. The colour was wrong - a little lighter but not what I asked for - however it looks OK. But the cut - I ended up with a mullet (nothing like I asked for) and had to go to another hairdresser on Saturday to get it fixed - which also meant going much shorter than I would normally be comfortable with. However although short, it is a good cut and will grow out quite nicely.
We spent a couple of hours at our neighbours house yesterday afternoon, having a few drinks (water for me) and chatting and John pllayed guitar a little. Lots of fun. The nicest bit, however, was PJ telling me that I looked great, much slimmer, and she LOVES the short hair (told me I looked younger). However, I will temper this by saying she may have had a glass of wine at this point! It still left me with a warm glow!
Will hit 8kg loss this week!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Dukan gal does pilates
I had to write a quick blog today to tell you about my very first pilates class last night. I learned a lot:-
1. I am not very flexible
2. My lower back doesn't work the way it is supposed to
3. I have no chance, ever, of doing the one where your left leg is bent and your left foot is somewhere near your right ear (if I could do that John would be the happiest bloke in town!)
4. When I think of this during class I get the giggles, which gives Emily the giggles, which gives her friend Pip the giggles - which mildy annoys the teacher.
My weight was the same today as yesterday - but that happens quite often.
Heading to the hairdresser for new 'do' after work - going lighter and maybe shorter. There could be tears.
1. I am not very flexible
2. My lower back doesn't work the way it is supposed to
3. I have no chance, ever, of doing the one where your left leg is bent and your left foot is somewhere near your right ear (if I could do that John would be the happiest bloke in town!)
4. When I think of this during class I get the giggles, which gives Emily the giggles, which gives her friend Pip the giggles - which mildy annoys the teacher.
My weight was the same today as yesterday - but that happens quite often.
Heading to the hairdresser for new 'do' after work - going lighter and maybe shorter. There could be tears.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wow! Another 400g weight loss in 3 days!
Good Morning! I was so excited this morning when I weighed in - that I had to write another blog today! I was down 400g (.4kg) this morning - so now 7.4kg lost in 86 days, with 51 days and 11.6kg to go!
It seems that my morning carbs and protein, followed by protein and salad or vegetables the rest of the day is working. So is going to the gym each day. I was hungry before dinner last night, so I had a small mandarin, just to 'tide me over'.
No gym this morning as I attended a Rotary breakfast - I was careful to choose fresh fruit followed by one egg and grainy toast. I have rice crackers (about 20) and a small portion of hommus for a snack this morning, followed by lean silverside and fresh salad. I have another mandarin and a low fat yoghurt for the afternoon - as I am planning to go to the gym after work (I may attend my first pilates class with daughter Emily) - then I will just have a small vegetable soup after gym for dinner.
I'm a bit worried about the pilates class - I am so un-coordinated that I am scared I will embarrass myself. Emily tells me we can stay in the back and just go at our own pace. However, she has been doing this class for weeks ...
Oh ... and I need to tell you about my pants. (Have any of you seen Eat Love Pray where they mention 'Big Lady Pants'? - think of me!) My favourite work pants (Liz Jordan) black pinstripe, size 14 and have always been 'snug' are now so loose that they :- 1. drag on the ground even in my highest boots because I have less 'booty' these days; 2. are so loose that I can take them off without undoing them.
John saw me getting changed after work yesterday - I just slid the pants off - and he is now pestering me to buy 'interim' pants as he is worried they may just 'fall down' at work! I have been wanting to wait until I reach my goal to treat myself to a new wardobe - but I may have to concede and buy a couple of outfits for work.
Having fun, feeling good and well set to reach my goal of 8kg lost by just after the weekend (if not sooner).
It seems that my morning carbs and protein, followed by protein and salad or vegetables the rest of the day is working. So is going to the gym each day. I was hungry before dinner last night, so I had a small mandarin, just to 'tide me over'.
No gym this morning as I attended a Rotary breakfast - I was careful to choose fresh fruit followed by one egg and grainy toast. I have rice crackers (about 20) and a small portion of hommus for a snack this morning, followed by lean silverside and fresh salad. I have another mandarin and a low fat yoghurt for the afternoon - as I am planning to go to the gym after work (I may attend my first pilates class with daughter Emily) - then I will just have a small vegetable soup after gym for dinner.
I'm a bit worried about the pilates class - I am so un-coordinated that I am scared I will embarrass myself. Emily tells me we can stay in the back and just go at our own pace. However, she has been doing this class for weeks ...
Oh ... and I need to tell you about my pants. (Have any of you seen Eat Love Pray where they mention 'Big Lady Pants'? - think of me!) My favourite work pants (Liz Jordan) black pinstripe, size 14 and have always been 'snug' are now so loose that they :- 1. drag on the ground even in my highest boots because I have less 'booty' these days; 2. are so loose that I can take them off without undoing them.
John saw me getting changed after work yesterday - I just slid the pants off - and he is now pestering me to buy 'interim' pants as he is worried they may just 'fall down' at work! I have been wanting to wait until I reach my goal to treat myself to a new wardobe - but I may have to concede and buy a couple of outfits for work.
Having fun, feeling good and well set to reach my goal of 8kg lost by just after the weekend (if not sooner).
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Small diet success - 7kg lost!
I had a great week and weekend of dieting and gym - and reached my 7kg target on Sunday morning! Yay! So, still 12kg to go and only 52 days - at my current rate I will lose another 5kg by D-day. However - this is still a great result and I will keep going - set new targets - to get the remaining weight off. And I haven't been totally 'good' and sticking to it. The odd piece of chocolate on occasions and I had a sliver of birthday cake at the office yesterday (my first in 12 weeks) as it was mid afternoon, I didn't have anything for a snack, and it was there. I thought it was better to have a small piece and not go home starving.
I find I have more energy and less hunger or cravings, even though I eat less than I used to. More frequently, but smaller portions. This journey (12 weeks so far) has also made me think differently about food - or perhaps LESS about food.
I had Uncle Tobys nutty oats for breakfast and one slice of burgen bread with a scrape of butter. I just have trouble getting protein in at breakfast some days (eggs are great at the weekend, but I don't always feel like them during the week). Carbs first thing seem to help me get started - then I stick to protein and salad for the rest of the day, generally.
John only came twice to the gym last week - he is just not motivated to do it at the moment. No point me nagging him to join when he's not totally into it. I admit I'm a bit disappointed - it would be fun to go together. However he is watching me getting results and I think he will start walking or swimming when the weather warms up - plus we need to get our bikes out again on fine weekends.
Next target - 8kgs - by this time next week.
I find I have more energy and less hunger or cravings, even though I eat less than I used to. More frequently, but smaller portions. This journey (12 weeks so far) has also made me think differently about food - or perhaps LESS about food.
I had Uncle Tobys nutty oats for breakfast and one slice of burgen bread with a scrape of butter. I just have trouble getting protein in at breakfast some days (eggs are great at the weekend, but I don't always feel like them during the week). Carbs first thing seem to help me get started - then I stick to protein and salad for the rest of the day, generally.
John only came twice to the gym last week - he is just not motivated to do it at the moment. No point me nagging him to join when he's not totally into it. I admit I'm a bit disappointed - it would be fun to go together. However he is watching me getting results and I think he will start walking or swimming when the weather warms up - plus we need to get our bikes out again on fine weekends.
Next target - 8kgs - by this time next week.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Not so Dukan Diet - 6.7kg lost in 78 days!
I can't believe it is two weeks since my last blog! Currently 6.7kg lost in 78 days - 59 days to go and still 12.3kg to lose.
Why have I been so quiet? Is it because I have only lost 300g (.3kg) in the last two weeks? Perhaps. And work has been busy. And my personal life has been hectic.
Only 300g in two weeks ... I hear you mutter. Well .... during this time I gained almost 1kg - only to work hard to lose it again .... and a little more. I stopped following the Dukan Diet to the letter. I've developed my own diet that IS working for me. The weight gain was due to a couple of nights out where I even ate dessert (shock! horror!) However, I think I needed a break - I had been so strict that I felt I deserved a little relaxation on the diet. We shared a packet or red rock chips over two weekends of football AND I had some dark chocolate this week too. It was a treat and I am over it now, which is great!
Now, the good news. Getting the extra kg off, plus some, took only a week when I focussed on it. I am making great use of my mornings at Fenix gym in Nerang - now doing cardio 3 mornings and weights 2 mornings. John came with me yesterday (amazing!) because I organised a 'free' week for him to try the gym. He didn't come this morning but tells me he will come again tomorrow. There is no point pushing him - he shouldn't join if he is not motivated.
Now to the diet. Contrary to Dukan law - I DO have carbs in the morning. At the moment one serve of Uncle Toby's nutty oats with a tablespoon of bran and light milk, followed by one slice of grainy bread or muffin with honey or a smear of butter and vegemite. Alternate days I have two eggs and one piece of toast. It stops me feeling light headed in the mornings.
Then for a work snack I have been bringing in celery sticks - sometimes by themselves and some days with a small amount of hommus. Lunch is either tuna in springwater or a green salad with protein. John made a great meatloaf last night - so I have brought that in for lunch - plus the celery for a snack. My afternoon snack is generally a small no fat yoghurt. As John is starting to watch his diet and is moving towards starting his own weight loss journey, we have been having lighter dinners. Minestrone or tomato soup (home made). John has a bread roll with his. We have a cup of tea later (I usually have a herb tea at night). With the four small meals already during the day, I am finding it easy to eat a wholesome, nutritious but calorie light dinner. If I'm hungry after dinner I have another yoghurt. And water - I am drinking more water.
This seems to be working for me. If we do go out for dinner (apart from the two nights I ate a dessert) I generally have grilled fish or eye fillet steak with green salad. We don't have soup every night - but, like last night, we had the meatloaf John made with green vegetables. He also had some mashed potato but I noticed he had less on his plate than usual ... good for him!
My goal this week is to reach the 7kg LOST mark. By Saturday. Next stop 8kg.
Back to work now ...
Why have I been so quiet? Is it because I have only lost 300g (.3kg) in the last two weeks? Perhaps. And work has been busy. And my personal life has been hectic.
Only 300g in two weeks ... I hear you mutter. Well .... during this time I gained almost 1kg - only to work hard to lose it again .... and a little more. I stopped following the Dukan Diet to the letter. I've developed my own diet that IS working for me. The weight gain was due to a couple of nights out where I even ate dessert (shock! horror!) However, I think I needed a break - I had been so strict that I felt I deserved a little relaxation on the diet. We shared a packet or red rock chips over two weekends of football AND I had some dark chocolate this week too. It was a treat and I am over it now, which is great!
Now, the good news. Getting the extra kg off, plus some, took only a week when I focussed on it. I am making great use of my mornings at Fenix gym in Nerang - now doing cardio 3 mornings and weights 2 mornings. John came with me yesterday (amazing!) because I organised a 'free' week for him to try the gym. He didn't come this morning but tells me he will come again tomorrow. There is no point pushing him - he shouldn't join if he is not motivated.
Now to the diet. Contrary to Dukan law - I DO have carbs in the morning. At the moment one serve of Uncle Toby's nutty oats with a tablespoon of bran and light milk, followed by one slice of grainy bread or muffin with honey or a smear of butter and vegemite. Alternate days I have two eggs and one piece of toast. It stops me feeling light headed in the mornings.
Then for a work snack I have been bringing in celery sticks - sometimes by themselves and some days with a small amount of hommus. Lunch is either tuna in springwater or a green salad with protein. John made a great meatloaf last night - so I have brought that in for lunch - plus the celery for a snack. My afternoon snack is generally a small no fat yoghurt. As John is starting to watch his diet and is moving towards starting his own weight loss journey, we have been having lighter dinners. Minestrone or tomato soup (home made). John has a bread roll with his. We have a cup of tea later (I usually have a herb tea at night). With the four small meals already during the day, I am finding it easy to eat a wholesome, nutritious but calorie light dinner. If I'm hungry after dinner I have another yoghurt. And water - I am drinking more water.
This seems to be working for me. If we do go out for dinner (apart from the two nights I ate a dessert) I generally have grilled fish or eye fillet steak with green salad. We don't have soup every night - but, like last night, we had the meatloaf John made with green vegetables. He also had some mashed potato but I noticed he had less on his plate than usual ... good for him!
My goal this week is to reach the 7kg LOST mark. By Saturday. Next stop 8kg.
Back to work now ...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Dukan Diet - is it just me, or is it getting easier?
Good morning - again, sorry no blog for a few days - I have been under the pump a bit at work and the weekend was super busy.
Weigh in results today : 64 days and 6.4kg loss - now 74 days and 12.6kg to go!
I actually hit this milestone on Saturday morning (6.4kg loss) and was REALLY excited! However the weekend was tricky - with a BBQ dinner on Saturday night. John barbecued steak (eye fillet for the girls) and I made two salads - one of them a pasta pesto with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts, a green salad with olives, semi dried tomatoes and avocado AND crunchy roast potatoes. While I did not have a dinner roll (like John and our guests), I DID have a small portion of potatoes and pasta salad as well as some of the green salad. After that the strawberries soaked in mead with creamy ice cream seemed OK, as well as a glass of red wine AND a Baileys on ice. VERY NAUGHTY, but delicious!
I should not have been surprised when my weight went back up 400g on Sunday morning. I made a lovely vegetable omelette and crispy bacon (for John) - but sneaked a piece of bacon myself. Then off to a Rotary lunch at the Marriott Hotel. One glass of wine, small portion of main course and a little fresh fruit for desert. I avoided the petite sweets ... just.
It gets worse - Sunday night John barbecued some lean beef sausages which we had with the left over salads (again with the pesto pasta ...). I had TWO sausages followed by a herb tea.
So yesterday I went to the gym at my usual early hour and did a big weights session - came back to a 100g loss (yay!) Had a great day yesterday, food wise. Stuck to the attack menu - including Dukan meatloaf last night (which I have for lunch today) - and after a big cardio session at the gym this morning I am back to Saturday morning's record breaking weight loss!
Despite all that - it isn't actually that hard. I don't beat myself up if I have a little slip up or treat once a week or so - and seem to be able to shift the weight a bit easier too. I am hoping that I will increase my weight loss ratio, per week, over the next few weeks. Logic tells me that the diet and gym should be helping to kick-start my metabolism, so in theory it should get easier/faster for a while. I know that when I get closer to my ideal weight it may get hard again.
I read another interesting thing the other day - if you have been at a consistent weight for a few years - which I have - initially your body wants to keep taking you back to that weight. But after a while it gets re-programmed to accept the lesser weight as 'normal' .... I love this theory - lets see how it works!
Feeling pumped - planning to hit the 7kg loss mark by the weekend. I have to be careful - as I am taking my daughter Jasmine to dinner tonight (seafood, which is always a good choice) AND I am catching up with gal pals Susie and Irene to see a play at the Arts Centre on Thursday night titled "Often I find that I am naked" and we are having dinner first.
Weigh in results today : 64 days and 6.4kg loss - now 74 days and 12.6kg to go!
I actually hit this milestone on Saturday morning (6.4kg loss) and was REALLY excited! However the weekend was tricky - with a BBQ dinner on Saturday night. John barbecued steak (eye fillet for the girls) and I made two salads - one of them a pasta pesto with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts, a green salad with olives, semi dried tomatoes and avocado AND crunchy roast potatoes. While I did not have a dinner roll (like John and our guests), I DID have a small portion of potatoes and pasta salad as well as some of the green salad. After that the strawberries soaked in mead with creamy ice cream seemed OK, as well as a glass of red wine AND a Baileys on ice. VERY NAUGHTY, but delicious!
I should not have been surprised when my weight went back up 400g on Sunday morning. I made a lovely vegetable omelette and crispy bacon (for John) - but sneaked a piece of bacon myself. Then off to a Rotary lunch at the Marriott Hotel. One glass of wine, small portion of main course and a little fresh fruit for desert. I avoided the petite sweets ... just.
It gets worse - Sunday night John barbecued some lean beef sausages which we had with the left over salads (again with the pesto pasta ...). I had TWO sausages followed by a herb tea.
So yesterday I went to the gym at my usual early hour and did a big weights session - came back to a 100g loss (yay!) Had a great day yesterday, food wise. Stuck to the attack menu - including Dukan meatloaf last night (which I have for lunch today) - and after a big cardio session at the gym this morning I am back to Saturday morning's record breaking weight loss!
Despite all that - it isn't actually that hard. I don't beat myself up if I have a little slip up or treat once a week or so - and seem to be able to shift the weight a bit easier too. I am hoping that I will increase my weight loss ratio, per week, over the next few weeks. Logic tells me that the diet and gym should be helping to kick-start my metabolism, so in theory it should get easier/faster for a while. I know that when I get closer to my ideal weight it may get hard again.
I read another interesting thing the other day - if you have been at a consistent weight for a few years - which I have - initially your body wants to keep taking you back to that weight. But after a while it gets re-programmed to accept the lesser weight as 'normal' .... I love this theory - lets see how it works!
Feeling pumped - planning to hit the 7kg loss mark by the weekend. I have to be careful - as I am taking my daughter Jasmine to dinner tonight (seafood, which is always a good choice) AND I am catching up with gal pals Susie and Irene to see a play at the Arts Centre on Thursday night titled "Often I find that I am naked" and we are having dinner first.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Dukan Diet - just broke 6kg weight loss! Woo hoo!
A great start to the day - headed off to the gym at my usual early hour - did a cardio session and took some good advice (thank you John) and did 12 minutes at each station instead of 10. This pushed my heart rate up over 170, which really seemed to make a difference. I was sweaty and smelly on my return, but triumphant!
So ... wait for it ... 6.2kg lost in 59 days, 12.8kg to go in 79 days! That's right ... OVER 6kg! To be honest, this is now officially the lightest I have been in 20 years! Next goal - 10kg!
I ate well yesterday - had cajun grilled salmon for dinner with about 6 calamari pieces. John had crumbed snapper with calamari and chips ... followed by a cup of tea and sao biscuits with tomato and cheese on top ... which he ate in front of me.
So it really does come down to Energy In, Energy Out. Getting the balance right.
So I had porridge for breakfast and a toasted split muffin. I seem to need some carbs in the morning after gym. I have brought celery sticks in for a snack and have tuna in springwater for lunch - as I am meeting my pal Susie and my daughter Emily for dinner and a movie at the Arts Centre tonight. I am not sure what is on the Cafe menu, so I have to make sure I choose well and make tomorrow a total protein day.
Note to self: I must not let Susie lure me with chocolate or ice cream, I must not let Susie lure me with chocolate or ice cream, I must not ....
Have a great day!
So ... wait for it ... 6.2kg lost in 59 days, 12.8kg to go in 79 days! That's right ... OVER 6kg! To be honest, this is now officially the lightest I have been in 20 years! Next goal - 10kg!
I ate well yesterday - had cajun grilled salmon for dinner with about 6 calamari pieces. John had crumbed snapper with calamari and chips ... followed by a cup of tea and sao biscuits with tomato and cheese on top ... which he ate in front of me.
So it really does come down to Energy In, Energy Out. Getting the balance right.
So I had porridge for breakfast and a toasted split muffin. I seem to need some carbs in the morning after gym. I have brought celery sticks in for a snack and have tuna in springwater for lunch - as I am meeting my pal Susie and my daughter Emily for dinner and a movie at the Arts Centre tonight. I am not sure what is on the Cafe menu, so I have to make sure I choose well and make tomorrow a total protein day.
Note to self: I must not let Susie lure me with chocolate or ice cream, I must not let Susie lure me with chocolate or ice cream, I must not ....
Have a great day!
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