La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life) - on a tiny budget.

helensbiggestfan

Sizzling Sunday. 

Phew!!!  It's a scorcher.......

Have stayed out of the sun much of the day.  Treated myself to a Salon Sunday - of the diy variety.  Lots of  primping,  preening and pampering. I am soooooo worth it, 😂🤣. 

I watched the Panorama programme about ultra processed foods. I find Chris Van Tullekan very impressive and have been trying to follow his dietary advice for some time now so I have really taken this on board.  Eating clean and avoiding processed foods.  It seems to be working. The good news is I have lost 2.1/2lbs this week, blood sugar levels are falling too.  Wahoo.  💃. 

It seems to be really suiting me, zero sugar/carb cravings.  Normally I would feel terribly bloated in this hot weather and my ankles and fingers would be really swollen.  Not today.  

My digestive system is happier and even my mood seems better, more of an even keel with fewer mood swings.  I used to get quite "hangry" sometimes.  I wouldn't have said I was clinically depressed but there were times when I felt a bit melancholy or just generally low energy. 

The one real downside is that it does cost more but hopefully not buying cakes, biscuits, wine, chocolate etc should help it balance out a bit.And it is often said that "health is wealth", so I'm prepared to spend a bit more to invest in my long term health.  

I've had a lovely week, met with a friend for a day out. Whilst she tucked into a huge slice of passion cake (a snack for her because she had already eaten) I had fasted and not had breakfast so I could then tuck into avocado on sourdough toast with poached eggs. Aren't I virtuous......lol. 

Treated myself to some new eye make up, other than that no major purchases this week. Am still trying to be frugal.  

Wednesday......what a lovely photo.  It looks so pretty.  I bet it's been glorious this weekend.  There was a Buddhist cafe near to my husbands nursing home.  The grounds were lovely.  When my husband was well enough I used to take him there. It was hard work because by that time he couldn't really sit unsupported so he had to use a tilt in space wheelchair which was very heavy and cumbersome. The staff were always so kind and helpful to us.  

helensbiggestfan

Magic  Monday. 

And another scorcher.  I can hear some distant thunder but still brilliant sunshine.  We haven't had rain for weeks, the lawns are brown and parched so really hoping for some rain soon.  .  

Anyway another new week ahead.  No hard plans at the moment.  It's nice to have an empty diary and nothing much on the to do list.  This morning  I had a bit of a try on session.  I have to confess that I am not very enamoured with the content of my wardrobe, at least not with the garments that actually fit me.  Hey ho my own stupid fault but I refuse to buy any more clothes until I get closer to my target weight.  

Then, in the immortal words of Viv Nicholson (lottery winner), I shall Spend,Spend, Spend.  😂🤣. 

Good news is I have lost another 1/2lb.  

Getting there.  

Ooh. Thunder is definitely getting closer.  🤞for  a good downpour.  

artistlifestyle

Magic Monday today, worked all weekend and this morning, then had the afternoon off at a local NT place, lovely walk and then a rare meal out. Making time for me when I can. Working all next weekend too. Loving the summer and the warmth.

Hope you’re all well. 

Wednesday2000

I woke up feeling like I had pressure in my head and a thunderstorm started after about 5 mins! 

My bathroom is finally almost finished. Just some touching up of the paint is needed.

I had a nice night out on Friday. We went to an outdoor festival in a park. Ibiza Orchestra. I felt very tired after so I just rested for the remaining weekend.

Have a good day all.

helensbiggestfan

Transformation Tuesday. 

Good Morning my lovely friends.  Well the weather has certainly transformed itself. Ha ha.  

Currently chucking it down.  However, I'm not complaining, it's very refreshing. The heat and humidity has been a bit oppressive, and like you Wednesday, I have found myself being a bit headachey a couple of times, usually before a storm. You can't beat a good storm to clear the air and freshen the atmosphere. 

Artisteslifestyle....you sound busy and happy. I keep meaning to rejoin the NT. we have some lovely properties hereabouts.  

Well now - what's new.  As it's Transformation Tuesday I thought I'd give you an update on my reinvention and transformation journey.  At the risk of sounding cocky I am pleased with my progress.  

I mentioned that, as a result of watching Chris Van Tullekans programmes about ultra processed foods I made the decision to eliminate as many processed foods from my diet as possible.  For the last two weeks I have been trying to eat as cleanly as I can, avoiding anything that comes out of a box or packet, anything that has been heavily processed or "mucked about with".  I have been sticking to meat, fish, some dairy, fruit and veg.  That's it, with the exception of coffee and tea.  No alcohol, no grains, and avoiding nightshades.  It sounds horribly restrictive but I can truthfully say I am enjoying it. I have no sugar or carb cravings.  I feel great, no digestive issues, no carb withdrawal side effects. I have lost 5lbs, my blood sugar levels are falling nicely and my blood pressure is perfect.  (It was starting to creep up). 

I'm not sure if there's a connection or if it's just co-incidence,  but my fibro and arthritis feel better too, although the nice warm sunshine probably helps so I am reserving judgement on that.  Time will tell.  However, I have noticed two very definite changes for the better which I really do feel can be attributed to my healthier diet,  

Firstly, less bloating and discomfort.  Normally during hot spells my feet and fingers swell with the heat.  Not this time.  Nothing.  Secondly, my mood seems better.  I am not saying I was depressed as such but there were times when my mood would dip for no real reason.  I would feel a bit low and tearful, and just generally lacking "emotional energy".  There were a lot of cba days. 😂 when all I wanted to do was slob around.   Difficult to put my finger on it but I really do sense a change, both mentally and emotionally as well as the more obvious physical effects. 

Anyway, it's still early days but I'm going to stick with it and see how it goes.  It is sustainable, and I wont get obsessive.  I will allow myself the odd treat, especially when I eat out, entertain at home or when I visit family and friends and they cook for me.  I think the old 80/20 rule will be fine.  

As well as overhauling my diet I have also made a start on decluttering my wardrobe, filling up two black bin liners.  Hopefully as I lose weight I can ditch even more.  I did buy a nice maxi dress from the chazza. At just £2.50 it would have been rude not to. 😂. I want to change my style, not rely on trousers so much and starting adding more dresses and skirts.  

I have been out and about quite a bit, meeting up with friends, done some gardening and just generally pottering about making the most of the lovely weather.  Washed all my sofa covers, garden furniture cushion covers, duvets, sofa throws etc. I also managed to set up the garden pressure hose so I was finally able to tackle the dustbins which were quite disgusting. I don't think they had been cleaned for years.  Yuk.  

Just waiting for the rain to ease and then I'm off to Aldi.  

Have a great day y'all.  

Wednesday2000

Wow, Helen, 5 lbs is great! I could do with losing some weight. Lol.

I have just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis as I have developed bumps on my fingers, no pain at least. I've been referred to a rheumatologist again. The doctor said it could be related to diet as he said arthritis often starts in the gut. I've been trying to cut out gluten for two weeks now and I do feel better. It is difficult as bread is my favourite food!

I received my £150 cost of living payment today which was nice!🤩

Foofoopuppy

Hi all, hope you don't mind me joining a bit late. I have read through all the posts 😲 and quite like the idea.

Today is definitely transformation Tuesday, as I am out to the hairdressers to cut about 6-8 inches of hair off!

I've also this year been able to finally stick with weightloss, and am currently 1/3 of the way to my goal.

I also (don't laugh please!) have this year finally learnt to ride a bike, with a goal to cycling the 7 miles to work once I am more confident. 

I hope that I will continue to see the changes I am working towards this year, I also finally qualify in December, and turn 30 in September, so a pretty big year for me! I want to stay on track, so will read along with you lovely ladies to make sure I don't slip too much.

artistlifestyle

@Foofoopuppy hello and welcome. 

Congratulations on your progress so far. 

Today is Wellness Wednesday and I’m now resting while on my split shift break as that’s what my body is telling me to do today. 

The lawn will wait for another today to be cut. 😂😂😂😂

Edited to say I cut the lawn after work as I was feeling fine. 

failingminimalist

Hi everyone - I have been away a while, things have been super busy, but I am a bit more settled now, so can catch up and update you all on what I have been up to.

I don't know if I mentioned but I have moved back in with my parents.  My health has been very hit and miss this year, I have a number of chronic conditions and when they are flaring up I am extremely limited on what I can do, and I hadn't been looking after myself very well. 

I am also unhappy in my flat, my rent was due to go up to £1150 a month, which for a 1 bed flat with no garden and no parking is a huge amount of money.  Its also in an area that is getting increasingly rough - I really didn't feel safe there at all anymore, so moving back in with my folks just makes sense. 

My grandmother is poorly, my mum is stressed, Dad works too hard.  I can help provide them with emotional support while they support me physically, so its a win-win all around. 

So I spent last week moving. I am in now and mostly set up.  The rest of the stuff in the flat is either to be packed and stored or sold/donated. I have sometime before I need to give back the flat so I can have a proper sort out. 

I am already feeling better than I was, I think it was making me anxious living in the flat -  things are much better now. 

How is everyone else doing? Well done on your weight loss Helen! That is a fantastic achievement and welcome to FooFoo

I do hope everyone is getting by okay xo 

Foofoopuppy

I have been continuing my year of transformation and health. My facial moisturiser was discontinued and I've really struggled to find a new one (very awkward skin). So I've tried a cheap (voucher) trial box of random skin care - that's been received today so we'll see if anything agrees with my skin. 

We also tried hello fresh as we had another voucher for it, but don't think we will continue it as the meals were often higher calorie than I'm trying to eat, and were very easy, so not worth the cost once the initial voucher ran out. 

@failingminimalist it can definitely be beneficial to move back home, good luck with sorting your flat!