HappyFitHealthy

I WEIGH 12 STONE.

I did it! Only 7 POUNDS to go. Strangely neither my BMI or bodyfat have decreased, but never mind!

Have a fab weekend all

x

oh yeh, I ran 3.2kms in 20 minutes too. Still aching from yesterdays rowing, so won't do that again in a hurry. I've been to the gym 5 times this week, hoping to maintain 4 times a week from next week.

...drum roll please ...

my super sleek new improved body!

Okay, so I cheated a wee bit, coz I haven't weighed myself today, that's scheduled for Friday morning, but I have been sooo goood. And who'd a thought 3 months ago that my body could a) cope with the changes b) improve so much?

Despite eating many rich/oversized/unhealthy meals over the last week, I have managed to lose an inch from my waist. From 43 inches 3 months ago, to 40 inches today! I think that's something of an achievement, and proof that I can reach the targets I have set myself.

This song is a little reminder of that...

... now that I have found a way which suits me, rather than loosing weight because I should I am finally achieving.

So, what am I so excited about? Well this morning I went to the gym, later than ususal but hey, I'm on holiday!

I used the resistance machines in a vain attempt to tone my bingowings and thighs. Whilst I was doing that I half watched a lady using the rowing machines. God, she was really going for it. But I was inspired - that one machine uses so many muscles. So, after she left I gave it a try. (I have used these machines before but got bored of the gyms before I got anywhere). Anyway, I rowed 2km in 11 minutes, and apparently that burnt 550 calories! Twice as much as running double the distance!

So, on a high from that I got myself on the treadmill, and set it to go for 30 minutes. I figured I'd just see what I could do, wouldn't push it as I'd already done a bit of exercise, but hey anythings better than nothing!

On I hopped, got the speed up to 9.5kph and off I went. I really struggled with the first 5 minutes or so, telling myself I'd stop at the 10 minute mark. When it got to 10 minutes I told myself I'd stop when I'd run 3kms, and when I hit 3kms I thought 'oh well, might just try running to 3.5kms'. Then when I hit 3.5kms I found a burst of energy and relaxed into my pace. In total, I ran for 28.5 minutes, a total distance of 4.5kms and I felt great.

I had intended to go for a swim, but chickened out. Hubby said he might come with me later so I figured I'd do the lengths then, hopefully he doesn't back out or I'll have to maybe go alone!

So, I'm so much fitter, and I have belief in my body's capabilities. It's a machine made for far more than I push it through, so from here on I'm gonna try to get to the gym for 7 instead of 7.15 and run for 30 minutes and see how long it takes to get to the 5km mark! I'm also gonna be using the rowing machine as it burns far more calories in such a shorter time.

I'm almost looking forward to weighing myself on Friday, but not quite. I know I will be disappointed if I haven't reached 12 stone, but it's to be expected considering my last weeks eating habits. I can't have everything I guess!

Cheerio

x

This morning I did 3.3kms in 20 minutes and 12 seconds. I'm getting better! We went out for dinner last night so I've some compensating to do. I'm off work tomorrow so I'm hoping to do a longer workout - see how long I can keep running... and then go for a swim. Might even treat myself to a sauna or steam room. Which is nicer? I've nvever done either!!

x

Monday morning, sunshine, hubby on hols but still I made it to the gym this morn!

3.2kms in 20 minutes. Plus about 100 situps.

Good day, except for the chocolates this afternoon,

bit scared about weighing myself on Friday, but I'd prefer to get maintainable slow weight loss than go mad. If I can lose a pound a month between now and Xmas I'll be well happy! Anything more would be lovely!

Ta-ra!

x

What is this thing you require from me?

I last visited the gym on Thursday morning, I was a bit bored of running, so I used the pace setting function on the treadmill, just to see how I did. I was succesful. I ran full pelt for 19 minutes and completed 3kms in that time.

I was sweaty after that! It means that I can focus on running harder for longer now, as I was able to run at speed almost immediately - i usually do a minute or two of fast walking before increasing the speed to a run, but no more. I will endeavour to get my speed up within 30 seconds of jumping aboard the treadmill!

Since then, hmmm, the food front hasn't been good or bad. We went for a curry Friday night, and I ate a whole naan bread, but... I left about 1/3 of the rice and some of the curry. I was soo full. Although I did have a half bottle of wine with my meal and a bottle of Bulmers before hand.

Last night neither of us was inspired so I resorted to comfort food, pasta, chicken and mushrooms in a cheesy sauce, but I threw in a pepper too. We're at a BBQ this lunchtime, one of my triggers to overeating. So it'll be an interesting experience.

Then back on the sensible eating from tonight.

x

So, an exercise free day today, except for a brief handful of sit-ups this morning. But a good day none the less. Someone had brought cakes at work and I couldn't resist. One mini apple pie later and I was tripping from the sugar.

About an hour later I went up for a second one, once I've sugar in my sights I can't say no! So, lunchtime came around and silly me wasn't hungry. I had a small brown roll with just salad for lunch, oh yes, and a can of lilt!

So, I started the afternoon on another sugar rush, and started on a downward misery trip for the rest of the afternoon. I got home and had a ginger biscuit (homemade) followed by a choc chip cookie (again homemade) and then a few cashew nuts.

But the strangest thing was dinner.

Before FF a meal for two with lean minced beef would've consisted of:
5 ounces of rice
500g of lean minced beef,
500g jar of tomato sauce
3 mushrooms chopped
1 pepper sliced.

Todays meal we had:
3 ounces of rice,
200g of lean mince,
500g jar of tomato sauce,
4 mushrooms,
2 carrots,
2 celery sticks

When the rice was cooked I lamented at how little was on our plates. Then I piled the meat and veg up and both our dishes looked swamped.

Now, previously we woulda both eaten til plates were empty, and been totally stuffed, followed no doubt by some pudding.

Today, we both stopped eating about 3/4's of the way through our plates, realising that we could eat more, but actually we didn't want to. And I took the left overs to the kitchen.

One hour later I am feeling stupidly full, contemplating a little pudding just to give me a sweet kick, but also thinking of washing my teeth and forgoing pudding altogether.

Now, considering the dramatic reduction in portion sizes, (and I eat about 2/3s of what hubby has instead of the same) is it any wonder I am losing weight? How is it possible to change both our mindset AND our eating habits in such a short space of time? Yet, it is sustainable is the one thing which surprises us both.

I vowed never to do a crazy faddy diet and I have stuck to that. I am so glad that I went to Fitfarms because it really made me rethink my attitude on food. The only negative is that I do think about food more, but only in terms of what I can snack on/eat which is better for us.

I'm not weighing myself again until Friday week. I'm hoping that with our portions back under control again and my steady gym visits I will tip the scale at 12st exactly. That would be my idyll. And I think if I could lose 1 inch from my waist too, that would make it perfect.

I'm happy, and if I can manage then anyone that really wants to can. Maybe there's a fitness dvd/book in this?

See ya

x

It's all psychological with me. I forgot to use my asthma puffer this morning, so when I walked up the road I suddenly felt out of breath. I was actually fine, but in my head it was all going wrong.

So, by the time I got to the gym I think I'd already talked myself out of doing a decent run. Stupid I know but the type of thing I do. So, anyway. I hoicked the machine up to 2.3% (it is percent I checked, but wouldn't it make more sense in degrees? ) and set myself going.

I only managed 1.5kms - was very down hearted and grumpy on arriving at work an hour later. I tried reminding myself that 2 months previously I would've still been in bed/pushing 13 stone so anything was better than nothing, but it didn't work.

Tomorrow I'll be back with a vengeance. I think I'm gonna aim to do 3.5kms on a flat treadmill, at least that should be achievable and will give me a boost again.

Hope you are all well,

Happy

x

I am now making a conscious effort to eat smaller portions at dinner, breakfast and lunch keep me fuelled through the day so I don't fancy cutting back on them. This morning I made it to the gym and actually did some stomach exercises - different variations on sit-ups basically. I've to try to keep the reps going past the pain barrier to make a difference, but I hate pain. Goodness knows how I'll cope giving birth when my time comes!

So then at the gym I ran 2kms. I know this is less than usual, but there's a reason. Honest . I ran up a 2.3% (or maybe degree) hill the whole way. I did the whole distance in 13 minutes which was quite good, considering it takes 20 minutes to go 3kms on the flat.

Then, yes I even had more energy, I used something called a Chest Press, which is supposed to tone your pectorals, triceps and summat else. I did about 20 then rested then did 20 more, but only with little weights - my triceps/bingowings are my only concern on my arms as my biceps seem to gain definition really quickly.

And my new gym ball and weights? Well the gym ball is a very comfy chair. But until we shift junk back into the bedroom we have no floor space for me to exercise. Or so I say. You'll have to take my word for it!

Back to the gym tomorrow and I might go to Aquarobics tomorrow night. I desperately want to get myself in shape, and today gave me a shock the 14th of the month, precisely 4 months til I am 30 so I'm running outta time. Minds, if the last two months are anything to go by... it'll be easy!

Cheerio

x

Good times come on!

I went shopping today and bought myself a new pair of trousers for work... in a size 12!

I did have a little belly overhang but no more than usual in my previous size 14-16 trousers. Size 12! I haven't worn size 12 in years!

Yippee!

The good news first.

I weigh 12st 2lbs! Which is a loss of 10lbs in the space of two months! Good result.
My BMI has gone down in the last two weeks from 30.2 to 29.8. Does this actually mean anything?

On the not so good front, my body fat percentage has crept back up, from 34.9% two weeks ago to 36.5% which is my post FF percentage.

Talking it through with hubby we think we know why. Slowly but surely over the last weeks our portion sizes have crept up, and the vegetable percentage has gone down. We also seem to have pasta two nights a week which is probably bad, even if I excuse it for being 'brown' which is supposed to be better for us.

And, the downside is, that I will have to get back to cooking more often, measuring out this and that, and trying to come up with healthier recipes.

But overall, I'm pretty happy. I know now that I CAN get to the gym 4 times a week, I know that I can run 3k in 20 minutes, and I know where my weaknesses are. I've lost 10lbs in 2 months man, I weigh 12st 2! I didn't ever believe that I would get it down to this, and the best thing is that I really have done it the way I always said I would, no crazy cabbage soup diet, or apple diet, or F Plan, or any other faddy/trendy diet.

Just pure hardwork, increased exercise and self/portion control. So, I firmly believe that by November, which is only 4 months away now, I can get myself down to 12 stone. I'm not holding out for 11st 7, but if I could get ANYWEAR under the 12 stone mark I will be chuffed.

I really must get into doing the tummy toning exercises and resistance/weight side of things. That is what will give me the figure that I want. I must remember that the weight loss isn't all this is about. Overall healthiness and a toned body are what I'm after!

And slowly, but surely I'm getting there!

I've now been to the gym 3 times this week. I ran 3kms in 20 minutes today and it felt much easier than 3 weeks ago, and 3 months ago I wouldn't have even tried.

Tomorrow is W-Day. I'm gonna get myself weighed and bodyfatted to see if and how I've improved. Hubby says he can see a difference, my clothes feel looser, but I still find it hard to believe I've acheived. Mind, I'm glad I've kept going coz lots of my fellow fitfarmers haven't kept the faith!

Wish me luck
x

So far, between yesterday and today at the gym I've run 5.9kms in 36 minutes. I was being a weed today, ony running for 15 minutes before I wimped out. Food wise, been reasonably good. But other than that nothing new.

Planning to swim tomorrow's evening classes and see what there is. I fancy a change. I thought about going to Aquarobics again today but have decided against it - yup, too lazy. But nevermind. My mate at work signed up for the gym 2 weeks before me and has hardly been, it reminds me of how I used to be before this determined streak!

My trousers annoy me now as they, don't fit as well as they used to, I've never had this sensation before and resent buying new clothes! Oh well, at least they'll be smaller.

Payday isn't for another fortnight so I still have time to get down that clothing size so I can buy a new smart suit for work.

Well, I've been good this week. Today was the first weekend I've exercised since Fitfarms, so I am now able to say that I have been to the gym THREE times this week, AND to the swimming pool once.

Ok, I wasn't there long for any of the sessions, but I've got my distance up to 3.1kms in 20 minutes. I'm pretty chuffed with that! Swim wise I struggle to do more than 12 lengths but I only get about 40 minutes in the pool before I have to go work (yes I am a slow swimmer!).

But still, its exercise innit.

So, I've eaten all over the shop this week, dominos on Wednesday, chilli con carne Thursday, rice and chicken yesterday. Today will be a bad day as we are out for the afternoon evening.

But, I made ginger biscuits yesterday and a coffee sponge this morning, so at least (if not organic) I'm eating home made cake and know exactly what's in it.

Cheerio!

See, last night I was in such a grumpy mood that I succumbed to the devil himself. Well, not quite. I had a dominos pizza which was heavenly as I ate, but left a lead ball in my belly.

This morning it had me really grumpy, still leaden, and I had a headache which can be attributed to the junk I guess. I never thought I'd be this affected by junk food, it was never a problem before. Or am i in denial?

Anyway, so tired and grumpy I stayed in bed as late as possible, as a result I might have been a bit unwashed at work, but I went in. I've just walked to the shop and back, Waitrose have the Dorset Organic muesli at half price at the moment so I have just bought 3 boxes which should keep me eating a healthy breakfast at least for some time!

Dinner tonight will be veg laden, I'm doing chilli so I'll do a salad for mum and me to go with it, but there will also, doubtless, be some wine.

Gotta get back to the gym tomorrow though or I've failed myself.

Too scared to weigh myself but my new 'smaller' trousers felt lose today, not sure if they've stretched or if I've lost inches round my waist.

Who knows

x

I overslept this morning and was so tempted not to go the gym, you know when you find a myriad of reasons slowing your exit from the house? Here's my list

didn't have house keys,
hadn't taken medication,
needed watch and couldn't find,
back was hurting too much,
hadn't eaten enough
eaten too much,
it's raining!

Well, it's all too easy to make excuses, but hubby encouraged me to go, probably so he could have some peace and quiet to wake up. I ached as I walked down to the gym and several times I turned to come home.

But I finally arrived at about 7.15am. I completed 20 minutes of good fast paced jogging?/running? and managed to cover 2.9kms in that time. I was pleased as I didn't feel breathless until the last 4 or 5 minutes.

Stretched a wee bit before trotting home again, and getting ready for work. Good day!

x

No, I haven't weighed myself, I won't go through that torture til next week when I've been back to the gym a bit more!

Bananas are apparently really fatty (in the fruit world) and there's me eating one or two a day and patting myself on the back for reaching my five a day target! Darn!

x

Isn't it weird how a little exercise can make you feel marvellous? I slept a wonderful sleep last night and got up awake enough to get my behind to the gym. I swam either 12 or 14 lengths (I always lose count) and then came home. Now I feel alive and sparkly. Maybe that should read 'sweaty' but I'm not sure?

It's gonna be a good one today, already hitting 19 degrees down here, so I'm even wearing a skirt into the office to flash my legs. I think I'll get the swing ball out tonight, and hopefully their won't be much wind, so hubby can cook on the BBQ.

Have a good day all

x