Photo woes and clothing highs

The last couple of weeks I've hated taking my weekly photo. I can see from the scales that I am still loosing (admittedly it's slowed down but it's still coming off) I'm just not seeing in the photos and it's getting frustrating.

I can see a big difference from week one to now so that is keeping me motivated. I just wish the day I can look at my photo and feel really good about it would hurry up and arrive.

I'm happy to say my size 12 jeans are fitting so much better now. I went out this weekend feeling fantastic in what I was wearing, it made a great change from feeling squished and uncomfortable.

Getting back in the groove

I broke out the crunch time DVDs this week. Feeling pretty happy with myself even though I only did two days of exercise, after all its been 2 weeks since I thought about exercising.

It was the week 4 fitness test that got my butt back into gear. I realized I'd have no change in my scores as I'd pretty much done nothing. So thats not happening for the next test.

I've also started using the iPhone app 'My fitness pal' to help keep me eating the right number of calories. It's so easy to have too many snacks or coffees and over shoot the 1200 mark. With this app I can plan my day better and treat myself without feeling guilty. Hopefully this will pay off at weigh in tomorrow.

Struggling

The last two weeks have been hard. I've felt like giving up so many times.

The new cafes going ok. The works fine I just don't really like the atmosphere, it's very negative and I miss working by myself.

But I'm also finding it hard to study at the moment, I've lost the 2 hours a day of reading that I was doing at the other cafe and because I've had a couple of assignments and an essay to do I've fallen behind a little bit.

What has this to do with the 12wbt you ask? Well I haven't been on the forums, I haven't listened to the mindset lessons or the weekly video, I haven't even tried to exercise. As a result my weight hasn't changed. I'm hovering between 71.2 and 71.5 and I'm getting so frustrated.

I feel like since I moved to the new cafe everything has turned to crap.

I've made an attempt to get things back on track this week. I'm following the eating plan better this week. I made Thai chicken burgers for dinner last night. Must say I was impressed they were so easy to make and tasted great.

I've got my fingers crossed I'll have just enough of a loss this week to put me into 70.something, that would make me very happy.

Could have been worse

This week wasn't one of my best. I actually got down to 71.2 by Wednesday but put 300g back on by Saturday. So that gives me a total loss of 100g for this week.

It's still a loss so I'm not going to dwell on it. I know where I went wrong, no exercise, subway twice (sweet onion chick teriaki, I tried to be good) and Red rooster once (again I chose roasted chicken roll in an attempt to be good).

I had my back tattooed on Wednesday so I haven't been able to do much exercise due to the pain. And the stress at work was really starting to get at me.

However the good thing is my back is hurting less so I plan on getting back into the exercise on Monday and I've moved to a new cafe so no more stressing. To make things even better this cafe is much busier so I wont be tempted to snack and the stock rooms are down a flight of stairs so running up and down them all day is going to be great for my legs.

Weigh in, confessions and Week 1

I almost couldn't believe I had a loss this week, and such a good one to boot.

I didn't have as good a week as I would have liked. Stress at work and a small family crisis left me drained and I didn't follow the week one plan very well.
The main slip up came on Thursday. I got home, looked at the kitchen and though f%$# it I'm getting pizza because it's the only place that would deliver. I felt like crap but I didn't care.
I did manage to pull myself out of my funk before Friday and was back on track again.

I did go out Friday night, I had no intention of drinking but I was talked into 2 glasses of vodka and diet coke (side note vodka and diet coke, not a good combo). While I'm not happy I caved I did also do a lot of dancing and I had such a great night it was worth it. I was really happy I was able to stop at 2 drinks. Luckily the friends we went out with are very supportive of my weight loss and didn't push me to drink more.

I confess I haven't done any training this week and I've got no excuse for that. But my work hours are changing next Wednesday so that will make things a lot easier.

I also can't believe I missed the very first live chat. I was kicking myself. I've written down the date and time of the next one and come hell or high water I wont be missing it again.

Fitness test results

I finished the first fitness test last night to see which level I'm starting in.

With the cardo test I just made it into intermediate how ever the strength tests put into beginners.
I thought I would do a little better than I did so that was a disappointment but it does give me something to work towards for the week 4 re-test.

I'm struggling a little with my eating so far this week. Its that time of month so I pretty much want to eat everything in sight. I did well all day yesterday although I did cave and finish off the baked polenta chips after dinner.

I also discovered I really don't like rocket, I tried it in the salad I made for dinner last night and although I could eat it I'd rather not. So my plan is to use regular lettuce, which I know I like, instead.

It starts

Today is the first day of the first week of the 12 Week Body Transformation and I'm excited. I've watched the video and printed all the information.

I did my shopping on Sunday, spent about $50 dollars more than usual but there are things I won't need to buy every time, like spices and pantry stuff. Really looking forward to trying some of the recipes, I already like the egg, sprout and lettuce sandwich.

I'm finally getting over my cold as well so I'll be right to do the fitness test tonight. Thanks to the forums I have a way of working out a 1km route for the run (google maps). I'm a little scared of the flexibility part, I know I need a lot of work on that hehe.

This weekend I struggled a bit on Sunday. All I wanted to do was eat, all day. I tried to keep it at least to healthy stuff and I don't think I did a bad job. I resorted to cooking baked polenta chips, I'm not sure how good or bad they are but I figured it was better than heading to Macca's. I really have to push myself harder to exercise. I've been really lazy and it's got to stop.

Pre season task 8

The last pre season task was taking my measurements. I wasn't looking forward to this all that much. I know it will be great to be able to see the numbers change but this was actually harder for me than taking the photo.
Anyway here's the results for the 10/9/11:

Chest - 99cm
Waist - 102cm
Widest (hips) - 104cm
R thigh - 62cm
L thigh - 60cm

I look forward to not seeing these numbers again. Next measurement update will be in week 4

Food shopping time

Week 1

The first official week has opened early so we can get ready, so I've been working out my weekly shopping list.
I've gone through the menu plan for next week and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised.

I was expecting to not like a lot of the recipes but I think there are only a couple I'm not to sure on. I'll be substituting anything that has fish with chicken (I just can't do seafood) but I'll have a go at everything else (although I will have a back up plan ready for a couple of things, mainly anything with spinach)

I've written down the workout plan, of course sticking to it is going to be interesting but I'll see how I go. I'm kind of looking forward to the fitness test, except for the 1km job because I'm not sure where I'm going to do it. I'm guessing I might just make it into intermediate but I'm not sure.

I'm also excited to find out about the mindset lessons, I think these are a great addition to the program. I've been on other weight loss programs and this is the first one I've seen with kind of thing.

I'm doing my stats (the last pre season task) tomorrow so I'll up date on that then.

Happy happy joy joy

Yay I hit my first mini goal today, 3kg lost before the 12wbt starts.

My official weigh in day isn't until sat but I like to check on Wednesdays to see if I'm on track.

I haven't been going as well with the exercise as I would like. I did some dancing on the Wii on Monday, only burnt 200 cal but I look at that as being better than nothing. Yesterday I didn't get home until almost 7 so I ate and then studied from 7.30 until 9.

The cafe I work at has just been sold (I knew it was going to happen but the sale finally went through yesterday) and working with the new owner is a bit of a nightmare. She's a lovely person but has no idea what she's doing and her English is very poor which is making it hard to teach her. I'm focusing on not reaching for comfort foods when it starts to stress me out.

After next week I'll be moving to another store so that will make things easier.

Kitchen makeover and diary time

Pre season 6 & 7

Time for a bit of catch up.

First the kitchen make over. This was one task I had no worries about. I don't usually keep bad foods in the house, we eat it as we buy it so there wasn't much to get rid of and I was looking forward to seeing what other things I could be buying.

The one thing I was said to see go was my muesli bars. But I'm going to look into alternatives I can make myself.

Task 7 is Organise and diarise.

This is another one I had already started. Now I'm studying I really need to keep things in order so I already have a diary with assignment dates and things in it so I've added my 12wbt stuff to that.

I'm adding in training sessions week by week and changing things up depending on how I go. Shopping will be done mostly on Sundays, unless OH is working. I'll also start to plan out my weekly dinners so I don't get home and go "I've got nothing to cook" "I don't know what I want" as I know I will.

And now for a weekend update.

I cooked a kangaroo roast last night for dinner and actually enjoyed it.
I really never thought anyone would get me to even try kangaroo let alone cook it. I'll admit I'm proud of myself.
OH wasn't all that impressed, he said he will eat it but he still prefers beef and so do I but kangaroo is higher in protein and lower in fat and cholesterol compared to lamb or beef. So while I'm not cutting out beef it gives me a little more variety in my meals.

Yummy

One of the reasons I usually give up on eating healthy is because I am a fussy eater, I get bored eating the same thing all the time. I do like veges and fruit but usually on their own or raw and it's not always about the taste. I don't like the texture of a lot of foods especially when they are cooked together.
For example, I like most of the ingredients in minestrone separately but not together, uck.

So knowing this is a problem for me I'm making a real effort to branch out and find new recipes. I tried Mish's chickpea, beetroot, feta and basil salad for lunch today (with lettuce instead of basil). I was surprised at how filling it was and it tasted great. That one is definitely on my list of approved meals.

I've also picked up some cottage cheese to try from some snacks and some tofu. I've never wanted to try tofu before but I thought what the heck. Although I'll have to wait until tomorrow night to try that because OH says tofu is the devils food and has no interest in trying it, spoil sport. If it's good then I'll sneak it in one night without him knowing.

Why Monday?

Monday wasn't the best start to the week.

The day was great, I took my lunch and snacks to work and wasn't tempted by any of the goodies I sell. I didn't even eat the broken off little bits of rasp/white choc muffin that I usually tell myself don't count because it's not really a full bit.

How ever things started to go pear shaped on my way home. OH picked me up and I thought great I'll get home a little earlier, I can start dinner, exercise then study. Nope I was wrong. OH had decided we needed to go buy a new pantry and the shop was only open for another 10 min, not enough time to drop me home.
Then on getting home I remembered I'd have to clean and refill the new fridge that had turned up Monday morning while OH put together the new pantry. After an hour and a half the kitchen was still in no state to cook so take away it was.

Naturally the BBQ chicken shop was closed, as was the kebab place so fish and chips it was. Except I don't eat fish so I had a burger.
It wasn't the worst of nights, I didn't just sit at the computer saying I can't be bothered and I did try to keep the damage to a minimum by not having the extras like dimsims and cornjacks.

I've got tonight planned out, get home workout, cook dinner, study. I will be doing these 3 things tonight, no excuses.

Say it out Loud

Preseason task 5

I am committed to loosing 10 kg while doing Michelle Bridge's 12wbt. I am committed to exercising 6 days a week and eating a healthy diet. I am committed to doing this for my health and well being, not just to fit into a smaller dress size (although that will be great).

Off to a great start

I'm feeling really good at the moment, just had my weigh in and I've lost 1.7kg since I started the 12wbt pre season.

That has mainly been through change of diet. I have been exercising but only lightly. I've had a couple of bad days, mainly around cooking dinner but I didn't give in to my inner voice that was saying "just get take away, it's only one night, you can make up for it tomorrow" I squished him and cooked soup instead.

I picked up Michelle's Crunch Time cook book last night, I can't wait to try out some of the recipes. One of the main reasons I don't succeed with healthy eating is I don't really know what to cook and I get bored with the same things everyday so I'm really hoping to find some good easy meals and snacks to make.

My next step is to find the Crunch Time DVDs.

Yay shopping - the task I've been waiting for

Pre season Task 4

Ok so this task isn't all about shopping. It's choosing where I'll be doing my exercising. I flirted with the idea of going to the gym but if I'm being honest with myself (which I am) then I know I wont go. I've got a whole range of excuses for not going, it's too far, I'm settled at home, I have to cook dinner etc. But also I just don't like the gym, I might look at classes as my fitness gets better but for the mean time its a no-go.

So rather than use these excuses I'm going to be doing my exercise at home. I'll be able to fit it in around my study better, if I don't have time for a full hour I can break it up. I will be able to start dinner before I start exercising (gotta love multi tasking) and it's defiantly not too far to get to.

But this also means I get to go shopping. I have some work out gear but I could do with another sports bra. I will be buying Michelle's work out DVDs and getting a heart rate monitor.

I know it's going to cost a bit to set up but in the long run it will be worth it.

Things are working

It's amazing how much of a difference one small change can make. Since starting preseason I've been making an effort to drink more water during the day. Already I've noticed I'm not getting as thirsty at night and I'm sleeping better (finally, no getting up at 3am to pee yay).

In hindsight it shouldn't have taken a weight loss program to point out the blindingly obvious to me but it did.

I can't wait for the 12 weeks to start to see what other useful little gems I will learn.

Setting my goal

Pre-season task 3

This task was much easier than the last. Although I never thought about braking down my ultimate goal into smaller ones, even though it does make a lot of sense.
These goals aren't set in stone I will be coming back to revise them when the 12WBT program begins. In the mean time it gives me something concrete to work towards.


1 month goal
Lose 3kg

How will I get there
Start regular 20-30min exercise sessions 5 days a week. Increase healthy foods, cut back on snacking.

3 month goal
Lose 10kg
Fit into my goal bikini for new years eve.
Be able to wear a skirt in warm weather, without chaffing.

How will I get there
Follow 12WBT program

6 month goal
Lose 15kg

How will I get there
Follow what I've learnt through 12WBT
12 month goal
Maintain weight loss

How will I get there
Follow what I've learnt through 12WBT

Still on first week high

We're into week 2 of pre training and I have to say I'm still feeling great about doing this. My OH is being very supportive but he has admitted he has reservations about if I'll stick to the program or not. He's seen me try and fail so many times. He says he's happy with me the way I am and I believe him, but he also wants me to be happy and this is one step to making that happen.

Putting my first photo up on Saturday made me feel a little sick. But it's a good wake up call and I can't wait to see that photo slowly change to something better.

It's been interesting to see how often I use excuses to get out of eating right and exercising. I haven't been giving into them, I'm more aware of them now.

2 small changes

While waiting for the official 12wbt to start it's recommended you start with making two small changes.

They should be something that's easy to 'win'. We're talking baby steps here.

So here's my two changes -

* Drink a 600ml bottle of water a day. More often then not I don't really think about drinking during the day. I have a cup of tea in the morning and maybe another one or a coffee around lunch time. Then around 8pm I start to get really thirsty and have 2 or 3 glasses of water just before I got to bed and that's never a good idea I'm up and down like a yoyo at night.

* Mini training sessions at work. Between 9 and 11 I'm usually sitting at my computer or reading a book with the occasional customer, great time for a bit of a workout. I wont be able to do cardio (sweaty is not a good look working in a cafe) but I can do strength exercises like curls (milk bottles make great weights), squats, lunges and bench push-ups.

My Excuses and Their Solutions

Pre-season task 2

I found writing down my excuses for putting off exercising harder than I thought. For one thing seeing them on the screen makes me realise just how silly they are. 'I don't have time' really??? in the 3 hours of watching TV when I get home I can't find 30min to exercise??? Of course I can.

So here's what I came up with as well as solutions I can use when these excuses come up.

Internal excuses
I'm too tired.
I look silly.
It hurts too much.
I don't want to do it by myself.
I can start tomorrow.

It takes too long to cook.
I was good all day, I can have dessert.

Solutions
Exercise will energize me. I'm not as tired as I think.

No-one is watching me. I look like I'm getting fitter.

It will hurt a little less each time. I don't need to go super hard every session. It will get easier.

Jump on the forums, I'm not alone.

Tomorrow never comes, start today.

It takes just as long to drive to get take away. Once I start I enjoy cooking.

Berries make a great dessert.

External Excuses Within My Control
I don't have enough time now.
I wont have enough time when my study starts.
It's too cold/hot.
I have nothing healthy to cook.
Solutions
The computer/TV will still be there after I work out.

Study hasn't started yet, I have plenty of time to start now. Take 10 min workout breaks, it will break up my study time and re-energize my mind.

Cool the room down before I start. Try yoga or something less physical. Exercise will warm me up.

Make a stir fry with chicken and vege's, it's quick and easy. The fridge is full, there's plenty of things to cook.

External Excuses Outside My Control
Family crisis.
Dog crisis (need urgent vet care)
I get sick.

Solutions
The crisis will pass. This is just hitting the pause button, not the quit button.

Take things easy. Eating healthy will get me better quicker.

Pre season

 The 12wbt isn't just about improving diet and exercise habits it's a life style change. It works to change the way you think about food and the way you live.
In keeping with this there are pre season tasks to do to get ready, I like to think of it as easing my way into it, I'm not just jumping in the deep end and hoping for the best.

So I've introduced myself on the website and started making connections with some of the other participants, which is the first Task.
We're encouraged to participate in the forums which I actually find a little daunting. I'm a member of a few different forums, I love reading what other people have to say but I'm reluctant to join in. Usually because I don't feel I know enough about the subject and on some forums people can tear you to pieces for the smallest thing.

Luckily the 12wbt forums look to be full of encouragement and help. Everybody is working towards a similar goal, some have just been doing it longer than others.

So whats it all about?

If your here reading then you may be thinking this looks a bit like a weight loss blog and you'd be correct.

I've decided after complaining all too often about having nothing that fits and not going out with friends because of it that its finally time to do something about it, again.

Yep you guessed it, this isn't my first attempt at weight loss. I started in January last year and I did manage to loose 7kg but all too soon it came back. I need to learn more than what to eat and what exercises to do. I need to change the way I think about things.

That's where Michelle Bridges 12 week Body Transformation comes in. I'm also hoping that making myself accountable here will help.

I hope you'll join me on the journey. I can't guarantee it will be entertaining, although I will try to be and there may be a few tears but I hope to stay up beat. Yes loosing weight is going to be hard but that doesn't mean it can't be fun as well does it??