Full Weekly Wrap - Week 4

I started my weekly wrap yesterday and looked at Mon-Fri. I think that was the highlight of the week.

 

And so, to summarise the end of the week I feel I need to start with a confession... It took me 26 days to fall off the wagon, and fall I did. I guess it was predictable. No one is perfect. No one who has been used to using food as an emotional crutch, or used to binge eating, or used to over-eating can correct these habits in 26 days. Perhaps I thought I was super human. But no. I'm just like everyone else who has signed up for 12wbt. I have food issues that I am working on.

 

OK, what happened?? I visited Coles without my shopping list. And so I wandered the aisles. And then I thought, it's Saturday - that means there's a treat meal today. Perhaps I might get a little chocolate bar as my treat since I'm planning on having dinner at home anyway. Yes! Great idea! NOT. Choosing a Curly Wurly bar was good, only about 141cal. But seeing half price lindt white chocolate 100g blocks was too tempting. Surely I could just have a couple of pieces? NO! I am not that strong yet! I have been flexing my willpower muscle, but it can't overcome a full fronted attack of sitting there with an open block of chocolate yet...

 

So I ate. Then I felt sick and gross. And then I thought to myself, I used to do this all the time. I used to regularly feel this sick and yuck after bingeing on bad food. And in fact I probably felt worse, because it wouldn't have been 100g of chocolate, it would've been a 200g block minimum, and perhaps some tim tams and chips on the side. Nice to get to the point where I don't want to do that again! Next step is to conquer the need to binge at all.

 

What did I learn from this? Go back to basics. No grocery shopping without a list. And then only get what's on the list!!

 

Well, that out of the way, what else about this week?? I conquered the weekly challenge! And enjoyed most of it. Yes a few things that will not be eaten again, but probably more wins than losses. I did however enjoy putting together my blog post about that challenge.

 

With the exception of Saturday's binge I kept really well within my calorie limit every day. I kept to the exercise schedule. I have finally completed my vision board. And tomorrow I will complete my mini milestone - a 30km cycle.

 

We're a third of the way there, and at times I feel it's flying along. But I'm loving every moment of it. And so, I'll finish this wrap with some bonus pics of other meals from the week, as well as my vision board. Looking forward to week 5!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 4 Weekly Challenge

Week 4 - The challenge is to try one new recipe or ingredient each day! Great!

So here's the pictorial view of the latest weekly challenge...

What new foods have I eaten this week???

Monday = Red Onion

I was not at all convinced I would like eating this amount of raw red onion (having never done so before). But I gave it a go. All I could smell was onion when I opened the container, but to my surprise there was no harsh taste of onion, and I looked forward to having this for lunch again on Friday. I did however stock up on gum to ensure that I didn't breathe onion breath all over my patients all afternoon!

 

 

Tuesday = Corn on the Cob

So yes, I have eaten corn before. BUT I have never cooked it on the cob before. I'm more a frozen kernels kinda girl! But with some help on the forums, I popped the corn in the microwave for 3min and out came delicious moist corn. I almost started snacking on the other half of the cob!! Delish! And so easy!!

 

Wednesday = Frozen Spinach

 

Tonight's dinner was a pasta bake, and it included frozen spinach. Now I had to hunt through the freezer section for this. But tucked up in the corner I found it. Hmm, probably not my favourite ingredient, but I didn't expect it to be considering I don't really like spinach anyway. And I found the past bake a little lacking in taste (probably the first meal so far). But I ate it, and even had the leftovers for lunch Thursday too, so it can't have been all bad.

 

 

 

Thursday = Bluberry, Apple & Rosehip Tea

So, I  have never been into herbal teas, but since starting 12wbt I have given it a go, and surprise surprise it's not as bad as I used to think. If you get teas with enough flavour they're OK. I'm really liking the twinings range, and so I've been buying a new one to try each week. This was this weeks variety and it's pretty good (my fav is raspberry, strawberry & logan berry!).

 

Friday = Apple & Strawberry Puree

 

Well, back to baby food for today!! I had the breakfast crumble this morning for breakfast, and quite OK I must say. And it kept me feeling full until morning tea, which is pretty good considering there's not a lot of muesli in it. It's tasty, but I think I'll try stewing my own apples & strawberries rather than eating the packaged stuff.

 

 

Saturday = Kale

 

Now this was a real new experience. I have never eaten kale before. I wasn't sure I'd like it. But there was a bunch sitting fresh and pretty at the farmer's markets this morning, so I thought, why not! I'll wilt that for my dinner tonight instead of baby spinach. The verdict... I probably should've stuck with the baby spinach! At least I know I like that. But, nothing ventured nothing gained. The rest of the meal however was beautiful!! Well worth the extra money I used to buy fillet steak. Yum! And roast beetroot and pumpkin... What can I say!

 

 

Sunday = Tinned Salmon

 

Now, let me just put it out there that 4 weeks ago I had never eaten salmon before in my life - thinking that I didn't like fish! I have since discovered that there are some varieties of white fish that I quite enjoy. BUT I have been nervous about this meal all week. If the challenge hadn't been on I would've swapped for sure. But I enjoyed the fresh salmon in the stir fry in week 1, so I've given the tinned variety a go. The verdict... I ate it. I did not enjoy it. And needless to say I won't be eating it again!

 

 

So, at the end of the week there have been some wins and some losses. New foods and meals to add to my repetoire, and others to put aside for others to enjoy. But, this week, as well as the past 3 weeks of 12wbt has taught me to try new foods and things I think I won't like. You never know what you like or don't like until you've given it a go. Yes, we say that to kids all the time, but sometimes adults need to hear it too!

 

I hope you've enjoyed my version of this challenge.

What have you tried?

How did your week go?

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Wrap Part 1 - (Mon-Fri)

Well the weekend is upon us once more, and all I can say is Thank Goodness!!! It has been a pretty busy week for me, most days leaving in the dark early hours, and getting home after dark too. These short, cold, winter days are really not conducive to much outdoor activity. Work has been constant and has stretched me this week too. BUT the positive thread throughout all of those days has been not one slip up with my nutrition or exercise!!! I am actually really proud of myself. A month or 2 ago during a week like this I would've definitely not gone to the gym after work AND I would've compounded that with getting take away or junk food for dinner on the way home, sat on the lounge, binged, felt gross, and the whole cycle would take a tail spin for the worst. What a turn around in just 4 weeks! I'm sure there's lots to it, but partly it's my commitment to making a change that's keeping me strong, and also the simple fact that I know there's food in my fridge at home, and I don't have to thin about what to have for dinner, I just have to cook it up. So all in all it's been a great week for my health, a big win!!

And so what else has happened this week?? Well weigh in Wednesday was a winner. I lost 2.9kg this week. I was over the moon, totally not expecting that. I was hoping for just 1kg, but almost 3??? I had to get off and on the scales again I actually couldn't believe it when they said the same number again. And I took my measurements for the first time since starting - a total of 25cm gone from my body!! And I can feel it too. I bought a few new sports bras before starting 12wbt, and they're starting to feel just a little big all round!! A nice (but expensive) problem to have. And, during a nice relaxing soak in the bath last night I realised I no longer am wedged into it, but have space on either side of my hips again. Ahh, it's the little things that make you realise you're winning the fight!!

As for my delayed week 3 challenge - 600 step ups! DONE!! Admittedly it was a thought finish, 500 in 3 days, but they are done and dusted. And I feel really good about deciding to give the challenge a go. Glad I didn't let my old attitude rule that one, and it's always better to start late than not at all. 

Week 4 weekly challenge has been a blast, but I've got a whole post dedicated to that one - date of release: 9/6/13... New foods, or new recipes etc. I've done it!! Perhaps slightly more boring than some, but I've tried cooking different ingredients that I would've avoided had this challenge not been happening. 

And so finally, it's the weekend. Just my super sat sesh to go and then a rest!! However on Monday I'm hoping to complete my first mini milestone of a 30km bike ride. Should be fun! Also, one more goal for the weekend is to finally get my vision board completed. I've got some ideas, and I've got everything printed out and ready, so just gotta get it together. Watch this space!

 

These are a few of my favourite things...

No, don’t look around for Julie Andrews! What I’m wanting to blog about today are some of my newly discovered favourite things!! Why? Well, I’ve had a bit of a blah kinda day. Ate well, got to the gym etc, but work was busy, I left home before dawn, and got home after dark (and I only live 10min from work), work was hectic, I’m suddenly in charge this week due to my boss having to go away suddenly, and it’s all a little bit much for a Tuesday. So, I want to refocus and look at some good and positive things. So, some things I love at the moment…

12wbt – how fantastic is this program??!?! I tried it before and after not even completing the 12 weeks declared that “it doesn’t work for me! I’m not trying that again!”. Well, aren’t I having to eat my words now. And I’m happy to because this program is fantastic. It has suited me down to a tee, and perhaps I was also just ready to commit to something whole heartedly, fulfil the program requirements, and not play the victim anymore. I have taken responsibility and there’s no going back!

Weekly Shopping List – This is just heaven! And yes, I’m only shopping for 1 and it takes a little work to figure out the precise quantities I need for the week. But, print it out, spend about 20min looking through everything and hey presto – I have a shopping list for one! It’s great, one trip to the shops a week, and the rule is only buy what’s on the list so no treats sneak into the trolley. And because I don’t have to go back and forth to the shops there’s no temptation to buy snacks during the week. I love organisation, no, I thrive on organisation, and this shopping list is a godsend!

Weekly Meal Plans – Did I just say I love organisation?? Well, this is heaven! I can know exactly what’s coming up, and those nights I’m a little more busy I can arrange to have leftovers or a quick prep meal. Bliss. I did try doing this off my own back once and planned out 10 weeks of meals, calories counted and all (it took me hours!), and needless to say it was a very boring plan. Not so 12wbt meal plan. Nothing boring here. Actually I’m almost wishing a few of my favourites might reappear in the next week or so (stroganoff, pizza, lamb & pumpkin salad…). And, they’re customisable with updates to calories and shopping lists – so easy!!

Weekly Exercise Plans – Have you ever been to the gym and thought, “right today I’m going to do a weights session” and then had no idea where to start, what equipment to use, what weight, how many etc etc… Well, that hasn’t happened in over 3 weeks now thanks to my trusty exercise planner! And, if need be I can swap a day around here and there if my schedule determines that need. And it’s balanced so I’m working all over (and don’t I feel it sometimes).

GREAT food – I’ve said it before, so just briefly – I LOVE THE FOOD ON THIS PROGRAM!! Fresh, simple, tasty. And when I see TV adds for other weight loss companies that provide all your meals pre-prepared I just think – yuck! Reheating every meal, no thanks!

Weekly Challenges – OK, I have to admit I’m really only loving the week 4 challenge. I ran out of time for week 1’s vision board (still in progress). I had a dummy spit at the idea of 300 push ups in week 2. I slowly came around to the idea of step ups for week 3, and after a late start only have another 100 to do tomorrow and I can tick that off. BUT, try a different food every day – GREAT idea!! And I’ll give you a run down of my weekly challenge in pictorial form at the end of week 4.

Forums – A great place for support, to ask a silly or not so silly question, to blow your own trumpet, or get on your soapbox. Or like me earlier this week – use them to find out how to cook BBQ corn cobs without a BBQ!!! Thanks for the help people!

And did I mention the food??? 2 days into week 4 and I’ve got another top 3 dishes – Corn thins with tomato salsa, Breakfast crumble, and the lamb and pumpkin salad. Delish!!

 

And so, thanks for indulging in my rant of the things I love at the moment – it’s made me remember that even when I’m tired and stressed at work, there are so many good things in life – and here I’ve only mentioned a few 12wbt related things!! There is so much more too.

What are some of your favourite things at the moment??