5 years MFW - Lets get cracking...

HelenDaveKids

Thanks Tilly and CathT, no unfortunately didn't leave with the trophy, but was a fabulous night, lovely food and was fantastic to see all those winners. I genuinely didn't mind not winning as being there made me very proud to be shortlisted (and nominated). Will be in local paper Monday. Also had my photo taken again with Dave, which came up on a circuit every few minutes which was for the first time ever, I really liked. Might see if I can buy a copy. Got a taxi home so made the most of the free wine too.


Very surprising, still woke early, felt "ok" and went for a run and we did our 6 miler in just under 60 minutes, first time ever. Did it in 61 on Thursday which was a PB, think Dave jealous as he was really pushing the pace today.


Just back from Day surgery with DD2, as shes had to have quite a few teeth removed, ready for braces to be fitted. She's currently in bed as we've just got home. Bless her.


Never had a STS SHS, right up until I was last few weeks and was playing with calories. That was the beauty of calorie counting, as long as you are brutally honest about what your eating / drinking and keep to the numbers, you have a guaranteed loss. Kept me motivated all the way through.

smallholdingsister

Thanks Helen.
*must be honest must be honest*
Of course I got to this weight NOT being honest.

Your MFP photo is stunning. Is that *the* dress?

HelenDaveKids

Yes. Really loved the dress. Its my twitter and facebook one too.... Ages since I've liked a photo so have updated all my profiles! Gosh when I compare that to Christmas party 2013 photos, its incredible.


I think its the need to be honest to yourself that makes the difference. Adding those extra bits that you ate during the day and seeing the tally has been shocking at times. I am definitely a snacker and eat a ridiculous amount of rubbish.


Gym this morning, then chores which have lasted all day. Finally sat down.

smallholdingsister

This is a super dumb question...

What stops you going over calories and saying "s o d it"?

My downfall has been getting stressed/anxious then giving up.

HelenDaveKids

If I know I'm doing something or want a drink etc, I will actually exercise just to earn those calories. So I know I need 300 for 1/2 bottle of wine.. I suppose the answer is that well known analogy that if you dropped your mobile phone on the floor, would you pick it up and carry on, or think well that's that then and stamp on it till it was smashed into pieces? A bad day isn't the end of the world, just have to move on. I cheat... ALL the time but my cheats are tricks, so when I want something really sweet, a meringue is surprising low in calories and is a major sugar hit. I like crisps, so I buy the snackrite fries from aldi, I can have 3 packets (and frequently do) for the same amount of calories as the ones I used to have. I love ice cream but Ive swapped it for frozen yoghurt which I also love. I no longer have a biscuit for lunch, I have frozen berries with low calorie yoghurt. I now actively avoid a lot of processed food, which is actually cheaper but I also always cook extra and take leftovers to work in order to avoid taking bread. I no longer have anything but smart price porridge which is just oats whereas before I didn't realise the hefty dose of sugar I was getting, assuming I was being good. I create fake away take aways, so Chinese using slimming world recipes. The list is endless and is just finding a way of getting what I crave without the calories. I don't miss anything, I do however miss mindless eating which just isn't an option. When you change those things and create cheats, you actually have leftover calories to use on what you want. I think the first month is the hardest because you can't necessarily see the difference for a few weeks, then suddenly your trousers aren't as tight, and soon after (about 2 months in)close people start noticing, then month 3 everyone starts to notice, those comments are a huge boost as well as getting to wear clothes that are no longer too tight. It snowballs from there, as your taste changes, it starts to become habit not a "diet". People sometimes said, "still on the diet?" nope.. this is for life. I still feel very frightened I will fall back off the wagon, so I still count every calorie, still weigh every week, and don't allow myself to not exercise. I do feel how I feel about my body compared to back then makes it all worth it. You know what they say, "this time last year, you'll wish you started today". Keep going SHS xx

smallholdingsister

Thanks Helen.

What an amazing post and thank you for giving your time to post that.x

HelenDaveKids

No problem xx

HelenDaveKids

Well day off. Time owing. quick gym, ironing etc. Lazy day.
Managed to order some items online for relatives room at work as been given some money as given go ahead yesterday (has to be signed off).

Only 50 points off ugov payout... so close.

HelenDaveKids

Ugov cheque on way. Still averaging £5 SB AGC a week, nice and steady. Has paid for a fair few Christmas presents. Plus pay day is nearly here. MF seems so frustrating close yet so far away.


Have now finished all but the girls Christmas present shopping. Will finish that bit of wrapping this week sometime. Have still stuff to buy for the girls and constantly looking for inspiration. I did buy sets of theatre tickets for Mama Mia and Priscilla the queen of the desert as a "family" present.


Had a senior visit on the ward on Friday, did my usual "why we are such a fab team" bit and at the end I was strongly encouraged to book and see her when I want to go further, as when asked how long Id done the role, id said probably too long but I still enjoyed it and it fit around my children, but they are now a lot older. Also had a lovely present left for me by a nurse whose gone back to Scotland with a lovely thank you card. And my third thing was a pt incident that on closer inspection, was 100% not the wards fault. So all in all Friday was ok!




This weekend I have
slept a reasonable amount. I wake at 5 or earlier everyday but both days have stayed in bed till 8. Saying that, feeling incredibly grumpy and have no idea why. Think will rug up and run as need to lose it as it floweth over...


Plans for today, chores, ??Run, DD1 take and fetch from work then nip her to a concert shes going to with a mate (that she paid for with her own money!) Fortunately her mates mum doing return run. Plus catch up with my mate who has a interview next week and wants some prep.

HelenDaveKids

Chores done, run was cold but enjoyable, managed 6 miles in 1 hour and 13 seconds....
Have had a couple of hours reading a book so nice and relaxed.