The Scales

Life is all about balance. My mom's favourite words to me were: Simone you need to find a happy medium. Her way of telling not to take things to their extreme.

When it comes to using the scale to weigh myself that is one thing I have great balance with. I only do it once a week. Now I like numbers I like working things out. Whenever I begin to make some healthy changes i start calculating the possibilities. Up until now in last ten years it has gotten me no where.
I see the scales as a little blankie for some odd reason they give a little comfort. I know I can use a measuring tape - waist measurement is a good way to measure weight loss and an important figure (88cm is apparently what we should aim to get down to). But as soon as I got a little extra money I bought a scale - LOL.

There are pros and cons.
if you can't resist getting on everyday , then I say follow the dietician's recommendation and get rid of your scale.
If you don't have money - don't bother - use a measuring tape instead.

I have a challenge. My husband is away for two weeks. I am on my own and need to stay motivated. I have a head cold and a daughter to look after. Easy to slip into doing things the easy way.
Yesterday I had to get our camera after dropping my husband at the airport but the shop was still closed. tesco was closed - only KFC and M was opened. so We went to Mac Donalds - I had the vegetarian meal with orange juice. Hows that for a balancing act - LOL

Jump Start Report

About a month ago my husband and I did the JumpStart of the CHIP program.
Felt a bit hungry for the first two days and then it went well.
I was very proud of myself for giving up sugar and coffee for the week.
I know that I can do it.
However I am sad to report that we left things slip back to normal on that front. I didn't however feel the need to pig-out and I just decided to do more preparation for change.
Now that the time has arrive to implement some of the principles of have learned reading through the CHIP program.
I want to make a more permanent change this time. I feel that i have grown up knowing most of the right principles but always fallen short at implementation for various reasons.
The one thing that has attracted me to this program is the inclusion of bread. Bread is a staple in my diet. I have succeeded in reducing the amount (quantity) bread I eat but to almost completely cut it is extremely difficult for me.

You will notice that my menu plan for this week is totally vegetarian. I know and understand the merits of a vegetarian diet. I have always seen it as a good idea and once did it for 6 months until I was in an area where it became difficult. So I am yet to make a full commitment to a vegetarian way of life.
Coffee is another area in my life where I am not sure I can say that I am at the point of never drinking it.
So I am going to live with those two things as grey areas.

Tuesday will be my weigh in day.

Need to Lose to Win

Well all this walking is starting to pay off - I have lost 2 kg.

Today is a rainy day - so I will do the indoor walking exercise.

Poem about Weight Loss by jen4sexx2

I hit the ground
and I turned my life around
I used to be fat
now the guys think I'm all that

Yes, I did defeat it
but sadly there's no secret
it took a lot of work
(not tryin' to be a jerk)

Yes, bad genes suck,
I know 'cause I have them too,
But don't let your bad luck
get the best of you

'Cause I ate a healthy diet,
you should really try it
I worked out every day
now my hotness' here to stay,

And, yeah, it was hard,
but I got rid of my lard,
And the guys all think I'm hot
when I show up at their yacht,

I lost the weight,
and you can do it too,
and have a fun date,
'cause I am here for you!

If we work together
in any type of weather
We can both win,
We can both be super thin!

More good news

Went to the doctor yesterday - the medical centre was running a special program for overweight people - So the doctor weighed me in and I am down another 1 kg - now weigh 107kg! YAY
took blood test and then listen to a talk by a nutritionist and personal trainer.

Next weigh in is on 28 November and a one-one with the nutritionist.

so I will continue with my measuring tape and at the end of the month I will have a weigh in.
Good news for the budget cause I just can't afford to buy a scale right now.

Update

Hi

I have lost 2cm YAY - this measuring thing is not so bad.

Struggling to get my water drinking done but I will persevere.#

Happy with the fact that I have exercised everyday since last Tuesday.

By the end of today I would have walked over 5km (over 3miles I think).

really happy that my daughter is enjoying making healthy choices and the fact that some of her clothes are getting to big for her!

Goals for the next 4 Days:

1. Watch Water intake
2. increase exercise

reward: hair mask ( I have bought it already!!)

Weigh In # 6

Progress Report.

Starting Weight: 111kg/244.7 lbs

Current Weight: 108.2kg/238.5 lbs Total loss so far: 2.8kg/6.2lbs

Target Weight: 65kg/143.3lbs

I am very pleased with myself. And to celebrate I walked 3miles/almost 5km in 1hr05 along the Scarva Centre path.

I have succeeded at exercising and eating more veggies. I have also done my visualisation exercises and motivational reading.
I need to work on water-in take and cutting out junk food.

Next 4 Days:
5 glasses of water (managing between 2 and 4 glasses - aiming for 8)
No eating out (make my own meals - will be good on my budget as well)
Maintain 25min visualisation exercise
Reading 42 Day Challenge motivational readings
20-30min Exercise
Do something positive/kind for someone else

Motivational reading from the internet:

Eating Your Way Thin

Cheating On A Diet: Avoid The Tailspin!

posted @8:00am ET on September 2, 2008

Weigh in #5

Well I am done another 0.5kg/1.1pounds.
Starting Weight: 111kg/244.7 lbs
Current Weight: 109kg/240.3 lbs Total loss so far: 2kg/4.4lbs
Target Weight: 65kg/143.3lbs

0.6lbs to go to reach my goal for this week - Before the end of this week I want to put up the 5lbs badge from the Healthy You 2008 Challenge.

What I am going to do to reach my goal?

I have working on and refining a plan.

This morning I started putting it into action.

I did a 25min visualisation exercise with SeeSlim CD
Exercise with Ann Crowther's Fitter Firmer Slimmer in 30 days DVD
I read a passage frm Robin Sieger's 42 Days to Wealth, Health and Happiness.
Drank 500ml (2 glasses of water)

The plan for the the rest of day:
6 more glasses of water
2 cups of coffee
cereal for breakfast
Lunch - I must still decide
Picnic supper - sandwiches with cold meat, salad and carrot sticks

For the next 3 days I want to complete the cycle of starting my morning with
2 glasses of water
20min exercise
25min visulisation
5min reading
5-10min planning/revising the days and menu.

True Weighloss

Weighed in this morning - 107.8kg - loss 1,2kg (2.6 pounds)

Now thats more like it. I am totally stoked!! The only two habits I had started again was 30min exercise and 8 glasses of water/herbal tea.

When tried reducing calories I had a 2 day setback and then got back track.

Tomorrow will be the end of 4 day re-enforcement of my two habits and a reduction of 100 calories.

Reward:I think of plan to have a nice candle-lit 1 hour aromatherapy soak in the bath and a mini-facial.

Monday check in

YAY I have lost 0.6 kg (1,3 pounds)

Last week I weighed in at 109kg
This week 108.4kg

Actually it I might have lost a bit more cause - I forgot to weigh myself this morning.

Here are few inspirational quotes for the week:

The groundwork of all happiness is health.~Leigh Hunt

The first and the best victory is to conquer self.~Plato

The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.~Vincent Lombardi

The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.~Anthony Robbins

Never, never, never, never give up.~Winston Churchill

4 Day Life Plan

Okay so I had a successful 4 days and then I lost it again for the past two days. Today I decided that I need a Life Plan and reward calendar. A visual reminder in the morning of the PLAN for the day and something to "tick off" at the end of the day.

Thinking about and doing lists reminded me of how I felt when I was studying. I felt a great accomplishment every time I ticked off an area I completed studying. I am in the process deciding what would be the most effective, motivation and yet simple calendar.

I tried an online goal tool once but it did not work well for me. I am thinking something with a positive affirmation and a simple key to tick. I can stick it up in my home office next to my computer.

I am off to do a 30min aerobic workout with the Joanna Hall DVD and then I will continue on my calendar design.

Back on Track

I have successfully completed a 4 day cycle of exercise and water drinking.

Thank you everyone for your encouragement, it is highly appreciated.

I started work this week but tomorrow is the first full day of classes. I am looking forward to have a balance program. One day at a time and 1 cycle at a time.

My next goal is to cut down my eating by 100 calories - I don't really want to count the calories so basically I am going to cut out the sugary snacks (chocolate, muffins and milktart) with diet muffins, diet milktart and yoghurt - making the the stuff with low fat milk and less or replacement sugar should cut 100cal.

My reward tonight is put on a mask and soak my feet in my foot bath.

Wanted to give up

I felt very tempted to just delete this blog and to forget about even trying to change. It seemed to be easier the route. Just accept my weight and try to make myself look as good as possible.

I walked up the road with my daughter (6 years old) to drop off something by a friends house. Half way up the hill I said to my daughter " Why didn't we take the car?" - she told me that if she could drive she would have. When we got to the top I felt like my heart was going to stop.

On the way down I started to feel better and mentioned that maybe we should go to the beach later and go for a walk. She said we could leave at home.

I was very active as a child, and as a teenager you would have definitely put me into the category of outgoing and outdoorsy. Now I spend half my life in front of the computer or reading a book in bed. Even a few years ago I was still doing 5km walks, 1km open swims, camping and going plays etc.

So what am I going do? Sitting around, feel sorry for myself and eat chocolate. Well actually that is exactly I was doing. I was also surfing the internet for diet pills. At the back of my mind I keep hearing a voice you don't need to waste anymore money - you have a great diet advise book, a great cookbook (low GI), exercise videos and a walking route - a husband ready to support and a daughter who needs you to be a good example.

I redefined my surfing and came across this: Healthy You Challenge

I am thinking every Tuesday would take me into a new 4 Day Cycle so this could work out very nicely. Another support to my journey - actually interaction with others. Well I have sent in my e-mail to join up and Tomorrow I will continue........

Restart

Hi

It is officially the New Year and a New Start or Restart.

I switched off for the last week and half. I decided not to beat myself up about it. I stepped back and observed. Did I learn anything? I am not exactly sure.

Today I drank water and exercised. I did not feel to good while exercising, my ankles hurt and towards the end of the walk I started to feel a bit dizzy. But I know tomorrow will go better and soon I will feel great.

So I am going to take it one day at a time 4 cycles at a time. For now I am just going to get back on track. Exercise, water and "meditate" (Find Thinner Peace).

The one thing I did observe in the last two weeks is that I have become less harsh on myself, my self-talk is still negative but I switch over to positive thoughts a lot sooner.

Back

Hi

I am back and in the little while I was gone I manage to pick up 2 kg. And so this year ends the same as every year has for last 7 years. I weigh more instead of less.

Well technically the year is not over yet I have 7 days before the year end. But I am not going to go into panic mode and try to starve myself or detox. For the next 4 days I want to re-establish the gains I made in exercise, water drinking and cut out the cold drinks, find my inner (thinner peace) through visualization. The I should be ready for a 1-3 day detox - starting the New Year on a fresh and positive note.

Last night I wrote down the following New Year Resolutions - I joined a swap that says its a tradition to write it down but necessarily to keep.

5 things you would like to change in the new year [resolutions]

1. Make healthy decisions on a regular basis. One tool I plan to use to help me is the 4 Day Win by Matha Beck. I have started a blog .
2. Have more sex with my husband. ( I was very sick this past year and this is the area in our relationship that suffered the most.
3. Become more spiritual as a family.
4. Make our a home place where not only enjoy living, but also feel proud of when people visit.
5. Start dancing again (Belly Dance, Spiritual dance, just dance). Any dance, maybe even learn a new one.

5 things you would like to accomplish [goals]

1. Lose 1 kg (2.2 pounds) a week for the next 10 months ie. Weight 65kg at end of October 2008.
2. Climb up Helderberg Mountain – to First peak.
3. Pay off my credit card by the end the year and reduce my debt. I want to be debt free in 18 months.
4. Travel out of South Africa either to another country on the continent e.g. Namibia, Northern Botswana and or Victoria Falls or move to Ireland (a possibility).
5. Learn a new skill e.g. HTML or Photoshop or sewing or………….

Cycle 4 Day 1

Had a good day. I watched my hunger barometre and made wise eating choices.
Water - check
Exercise : Walked on the Beach

Still considering detox plans. Here is a 7 Day Detox Plan that looks reasonable.

Cycle 3 Day 3 and 4

I am reading the 24 Hour Dayt by Joanna Hall. I enjoyed her exercise DVD. I tried to find some of the stuff she spoke at the Health food shop. The lady there suggested that I should just eat raw fruits and vegetables for 3 days - for a good cleanse and a kick start to my diet.

She also recommend drinking up to 5 glasses of water with flax/linseed for a colonic cleanse and sleeping with a charcoal and linseed paste around my waist to draw out the toxins.

I am contemplating doing this.

Day 3

Had a rest from exercise
Drank the required water

Ate too much chocolate

Day 4

Went to the gym for the first this year ! Exercise for 40min - 10min on bike, 5min on the treadmill and then did the circuit and some free weights.

Water is becoming a good water and I am starting to drink it without effort.

My eating has gone well today.

Cycle 2 Day 3

Yes ! Yes! and Yes!

I achieved all my goals today:
Walked for 35min
Drank 8 glasses water/herbal tea
Ate 100 calories less
Spent 25min doing relaxation and visualization exercise. (I am using a CD I bought two years ago and the exercise in Matha Beck's book - Thinner Peace (Watcher)).

TAKING THE WEIGHT OFF…AGAIN (from the book and Oprah.com)
Becoming the Watcher

"I call this mental exercise "Becoming the Watcher." When I first learned it, I never suspected that one unprepossessing visualization would free me, and many of my clients, from the hellish roller coaster of rebound dieting. Going on the fad diet du jour may—temporarily—change you from a caterpillar into a thinner caterpillar. This exercise can turn you into a butterfly: a different body, no going back.
Hold out your right hand, palm up. Imagine that standing there is an inch-tall version of yourself—the part that insists on losing weight. We'll call her (or him) the Dictator. The Dictator wears a uniform, carries a whip, screams insults and orders—the things you tell yourself when you're feeling fat: "You'd better stop eating now, you disgusting blob of &*%$!" Let these words, and the Dictator's hostile energy, fill your consciousness.

Now notice: Do you want to eat more, or less?

Both Lisas, along with everyone else I've ever guided through this exercise, respond, "More."

Interesting.

Now hold up your left palm. Standing on it is another tiny version of you; the animal part that isn't verbal or logical, and doesn't understand what the Dictator wants. I call this the Wild Child, because it's like a kid who's continually assaulted by the Dictator's attacks and privations. The Wild Child is tired, afraid, and frightened. Notice: Is she planning to obey the Dictator in its effort to starve her? No?

Interesting.

Now hold out both hands. See the Dictator in your right, Wild Child in your left. This next part's tricky: Notice that both mini-yous are essentially good. The Dictator gets frantic when you gain weight just as you would if you saw a toddler wandering into traffic. It screams and yells, pushes and forces, because it's trying to save you from a terrible, fat fate. And your Wild Child isn't remotely malicious, just devastated, confused and afraid. Consider both perspectives until you can empathize with them.

At this point, it's time to realize that the Wild Child and the Dictator deserve compassion. Offer it to them. Say this: "May you be well. May you be happy. May you be free from suffering." Repeat it to both Dictator and Wild Child, until you mean it. Take your time.

All right, now answer the following question: Where are you in this picture?

The only reason you can "see" both the Dictator and the Wild Child is that you're not either of them. You've moved into a third realm of consciousness, in a different part of your brain. I call it the Watcher." Read more..... Click Here


Here is another exercise you could do:A Guide To Positive Imaging For Weight Loss