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

helensbiggestfan

Magic Mondays. 

Good morning my lovely friends.  

Just lazing in bed with a cup of coffee, no sugar.  Now that is magical.   I have been trying for years to give up sugar in my drinks but without success.  I've finally cracked it.  Just goes to show, no matter what it is you are trying to achieve....never give up. 😉. 

Sometimes we battle on, without success and without any discernible progress and then suddenly something clicks and we experience a breakthrough. 

Are you all ready for Christmas......I must admit I still love Christmas, I love the magic of it all.  Aiming to finish putting up the decorations today.  

As we hurtle towards the end of the year I am beginning to think about plans for next year, what I want to accomplish.  A house move tops my list of course but I also want to add more socialising and fun stuff.  To do that  I need to get "fighting fit" so health, fitness and well being will be my top priority for the next few months.   

I think quitting sugar will have given me a head start. 😁.  

Have a wonderful magical day.💕

joedenise

I have to say I found giving up sugar quite easy as I gave it up for Lent when I was 11!  Now if someone even uses a spoon to stir my tea or coffee that has been used to stir a sweetened cup I can taste it and it's horrible!

Smoking however was a different story!  That took me about 10 attempts and finally managed it nearly 12 years ago.  I so wish I'd been able to give it up sooner but it is what it is as they say.  So I have to agree with you that you just have to keep trying until something clicks!

helensbiggestfan

joedenise.   Well done on quitting smoking,  I bet you feel the benefit.  Better for you and your bank balance. 😁. Win-win.  Don't  torture yourself for not doing it sooner. You didn't give up and were successful in the end. That's what really counts.  

Now that I've cracked the "added sugar" ie, in beveridges I am going to reduce the carbs (again) - avoiding white or beige carbs (bread, pasta, potatoes).  So it's back to paleo, meat, fish, a little dairy, vegetables and a little fruit.  I am in the pre-diabetic range and I am determined to get my blood sugars back to a healthy normal range and reverse my diabetes.

I have just been shopping and am all stocked up on healthy stuff.....  

I still intend to go caffeine free in the new year, but for now I will just concentrate on reducing unnecessary carbs. No more pasties.....😂🤣. 

I know all this sounds a little "Spartan" but it isn't really. You can still eat delicious food, it just takes a bit more effort and yes it is a little bit more expensive.  Carbs are cheap fillers, and are quick and easy but apparently most of the white/beige ones (white bread, rice, pasta, potatoes etc) have little nutritional value anyway. They convert to sugar and aren't helpful for diabetics or pre-diabetics.  

And whilst the outright sugary ones such as cakes, biscuits, puddings etc taste good they have no real nutritional value.  I just have to keep reminding myself that the benefits to my health will far outweigh having to make a few sacrifices and dietary changes.  

I need to keep repeating  the following mantra.......

I want to be slim, fit and healthy. I want to look and feel better than I do.  I want to be pain free and to have more energy. I want to wear nice clothes. I want that telegram from whoever will be sitting on the throne when the time comes. 😂🤣

helensbiggestfan

Transformation Tuesday 

Good Morning lovely ladies.  

My transformative steps today are small but not insignificant, basically an at home "spa day". Just given myself a deep cleansing clay face mask, manicure and pedicure later.  My skin is looking and feeling better.  According to some of the you tube giving up sugar videos, quitting sugar improves skin too.  🤞. It's early days yet but I'm hopeful.  Anyway the new products I am using seem to suit me, no adverse effects.  

Can I turn back time and look 10 years younger.  Now that would be a transformation!!!  

I think it was Wednesday who mentioned getting passport photos and being a bit disappointed.  

I had occasion to renew my passport in 2006, the year my husband got sick.  10 years later when I had to renew again my hair had turned white and I looked 30 years older not 10.  All that stress and worry.  

Since then I have been trying to undo the damage.........hey Ho.  Just need to keep trying.  At least I will soon be able to flash my new Hollywood Smile. 😂

Makingabobor2

Well not sure what transformations are taking place here today. Apart from the fact I have started on my budgets and saving/debt paying plans for the new year. So maybe a financial transformation..
I'm another one who hates my latest passport photos. It was having to take my glasses off that did it. I have worn them for so many years now that I look awful without them

helensbiggestfan

Wellness Wednesday.  

Good morning lovely ladies.

Sugar Free 2 weeks today.  No cravings, fewer headaches, better sleep and have lost 1.4lbs in the last 5 days.  Wahoo. 💃

Getting there.  🤞. Still the usual aches and pains but I think there too I can see a slight  improvement although that could be just a co-incidence.  Doesn't matter, I'll take it.  

Need to remember the compound effect and just keep going........

MB2  A financial transformation sounds like a great idea.  I shall be joining you in the New Year,  I have signed up to the Make £2024 in 2024 challenge.  Not sure if I can make that much but every little helps. 

I want to make some extra money to save up for a nice holiday and of course the house move is going to cost plenty so I definitely need to up my game on both cutting costs and boosting my income.  

Makingabobor2

Well done on the sugar reduction. Its something I keep trying but am ok for a bit and then fail and start on it again.  I don't take sugar in drinks, but my downfall is cakes & biscuits. I do like a bit of chocolate, but its always the good quality 85% or 90% dark stuff, which is quite low on sugar.  I'm pretty sure the sugar in cakes etc isn't helping me and is contributing to a lot of my joint pains, sinus issues and the odd IBS flare up.  I really must try harder. Maybe if I post on here everyday, we can compare progress...lol.   I don't need to lose weight, as I am already underweight for my height. 

With regard making money?  Do you do any online surveys?  I signed up to some, just over a year ago, and while some of them are slow and boring, if you can get on Prolific, its very good. They are academic studies  rather than silly surveys.  I know sometimes they have a waiting list to get on there, but its definitely worth it. 

My Wellness Wednesday "thing", is that I am being extra good at my wrist exercises the physio gave me. I tend to get carried away doing jobs during the day and then suddenly realise I haven't done them enough. He says I should do them every couple of hours. Wrist won't get better if I don't try.  Also I am just about to take part in a Postural Alignment session online, that really makes me feel good

helensbiggestfan

Hi MB. Yes, keep posting.....reporting here helps me to be accountable and stay on track.  

I also find the themed days helps give me a nudge in the right direction,  I am a great one for "wandering onto the primrose path", getting distracted and procrastinating when I don't really want to do something, even when the unwanted task is actually to my benefit.  😂.  So......I came up with the idea of the themed days to help me stay focussed and give myself a metaphorical kick up the derrière.  Posting every day is also a good discipline for me,  

 I've never tried surveys, mainly because my computer skills aren't really that great and it takes me an eternity to complete online forms etc.  however, I'm always open to new ideas so I will look at Prolific.  

Well done on the postural alignment,  it's so important.  

 I was so shocked when I saw the scans my chiro did for me before I started my treatment plan.  I knew things weren't right because I was walking around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame but it was only when several people had asked why I was limping or did I know I was dragging my right leg was that I realised I needed professional help.  The scans showed that
my whole body was out of alignment, head, neck, shoulders, ribs, hips, pelvis, knees. No wonder I looked and felt so awful.  The treatment was intensive and really took it out of me but it was worth it.  I now just have a maintenance treatment every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure everything stays aligned.  

Re....your IBS, joint pain, and sinus issues.  I know we aren't supposed to give medical advice but have you considered you might have gluten intolerance.  I struggled terribly with IBS and GERD, as well as constant hay fever and dust allergies. My GP suggested I tried going gluten free but even that wasn't enough. Eventually I saw a nutritionist and she suggested I give up all grains. Essentially back to a stone age elimination diet to clear my body of all possible allergens and then try introducing things back slowly so I could monitor the reaction.  

 I now mainly stick to a largely paleo grain free diet, just allowing myself the odd grain based treat.  In my case some nice bread or an occasional cake from a proper independent bakery, one that doesn't add a whole load of chemicals and additives. I now completely avoid all baked goods from supermarkets.  I cant bear the taste, I can now taste the additives in commercial wheat products and sometimes even just walking down the bread aisle in the supermarket will make me gag because I can't stand the smell.     

When I began reintroducing foods I found I could tolerate a small amount of bread, pasta etc but that pizza and any kind of rice was a complete no no.  

I know a paleo diet sounds horribly restrictive but I've managed to find workarounds and I do allow myself a small amount of dairy. Because I am now retired and have the time to cook from scratch and experiment it really isnt too bad. I have learned how to substitute grains and rice with things like lentils, quinoa etc and I just try different things. Even eating out isn't as difficult as it used to be because restaurants and cafes are much more familiar with food intolerances now and are really clued up these days. I can usually find something on the menu.  

I think it must be really hard for people with coeliac or Crohn's disease,  thankfully my issues, although problematical, were never that serious.  For me it's more of an intolerance built up over time rather than an acute allergic reaction. I  can happily manage the odd piece of bread or portion of pasta without any ill effects or IBS flare ups as long as I eat appropriately (for me) for most of the time.  I think it's like anything else "moderation in all things". Luckily I don't crave cakes, biscuits etc.  I do love croissants and bread but unfortunately they would trigger my IBS if I ate them regularly....so they are now just an occasional treat. 

I keep meaning to have a go with almond or coconut flour.  I did try a few times but tbh I'm not much of a baker and my efforts were pretty dire.  😂🤣. 

I realise my way of eating might sound dull, boring and very restrictive but it's such a joy to finally be able to control my IBS and GERD and not be plagued by constant sneezing, sore throats and a runny nose so I stick with it. For me it's not really a sacrifice now. Unfortunately I do still have joint and muscle pain so I'm still looking for a magic bullet for that.  Apparently high ferritin levels (iron overload) could be the culprit so I will  just have to wait and see.  Should get the follow up blood tests soon and hopefully a treatment plan in the new year.  

Ah the joys of aging.......still it beats the alternative. 😂🤣

helensbiggestfan

Thrifty Thursday. 

Good Morning Lovely Ladies.  

How are we all.  Are we still being financially savvy, living simply but well.  December is always a heavy month isn't it.  I try not to gasp with shock when I look at how much Christmas actually costs. Hey ho, thankfully it's only once a year. 😉. I did think about buying myself a new outfit for Christmas day but decided against it.  I shall shop from my wardrobe and save my money.  

I have just bought a few gifts this morning from Am@z@n - so much less stressful than battling crowded shops and roads,  I don't know what happened yesterday but the traffic in and out of the village was horrendous. I fully intended to do some errands and go shopping but took one look and changed my mind, hence shopping online today.  Saves time, frazzled nerves, and petrol money.  

I might do an online grocery shop this weekend too. I just can't face the shops at the moment.  Did a bank reconciliation, moving money around,  again all online, avoiding the hassle of going to the bank. Taking the easy option. 

 Apart from the extra Christmas spending all is good, I'm pretty much on track with my finances.  I am still well in credit with my energy provider, so no worries there.  

I have more or less decided that I am going to sell my car soon.  MOT is due in January and I already know it needs a set of tyres, that's before anything else and I just don't think it's worth spending money  on it now.    So.......I might conduct an experiment, go car free for a while and see how I feel.  I can always get another one if I really miss it. 

 Keep my options open....

Have a good day. 💕

helensbiggestfan

Fabulous Friday.  

And it really is......a fantastic good news day.  

Hello Lovely Ladies.  

First the good news, blood test results in, it's not  haemachromatosis.  So the high ferritin levels are more likely to be metabolic syndrome, ie linked to my pre diabetes.  And that is within my control.......

the second bit of good news is the Ferritin levels have already dropped 14 points and I have lost another 1.1lbs.  Wahoo. 💃.  Only another 2 stones to go. Lol.  This quitting sugar milarky is definitely working. I just wished I'd done it sooner but hey, better late than never.  I got there in the end.  

I've now finished all my Christmas gift shopping. Cannot tell a lie I did it all on online.  Just couldn't face the shops.  The tree and the decorations are up and it's all coming together.  I couldn't manage to put up any outside lights (I'm not happy on ladders these days). and both boys and my little odd job man are really too busy so I have just put lights up on the inside of my windows.  

Hopefully by next Christmas I will be in my new home and I can make more of an effort with the outside but for now what I've done looks nice enough.  Actually I am not hosting Christmas here, i am being wined and dined by my family.   I'm looking forward to it......no cooking.😁.   

I have now binge watched the second part "The Crown".  What a marathon.  Apparently it cost £12m per episode.  You can see where the money went, production values were high.  It was "interesting". High quality tosh but fun. 

Speaking of Tosh but fun watched a series called "The Diplomat". An American ambassador and her husband assigned to London during a political crisis.  The gorgeous Rufus Sewell played her scheming Machiavellian husband. He's knocking on a bit now but still as handsome and charismatic as ever......

He would be my perfect "younger man".......lol. 

Have a great day.  Stay fabulous.  💕