Motivational Words

I haven't blogged about it in a while but I've still been plodding slowly away in the background trying to grind away those pesky pounds. I had that initial burst, a lull, and then slowly, but surely things started to change as posted about here.
It continues to be an up and down journey and I've never declared the words, "I'm on a diet", as that would guarantee failure.
I've watched with interest posts about the 5:2 diet but just know I would not cope on the fast days running around after 6 year olds at work.
Being at work is easier. Breakfast is a bowl of Granola, for lunch I take in a box of healthy crudités - cucumber, carrot, cherry tomatoes, celery, grapes - a small pot of hummus and a few breadsticks, I forgot the latter yesterday and still survived, then I eat at 5 with the children where I have significantly cut down my portion size and refuse to hoover up their leftovers!
Currently I am back in the zone of exercising, once the children are down for the night. It is this that often gives first and I continue to be an 'All or Nothing' type.
This morning I stepped onto the scales and am so close to crossing the two-digit number barrier - you work it out! - and this motivates me to carry on.

I also look on my Motivation - the words Pinterest board for some arse kicking words of advice when I feel I'm about to slip.

And when I look like that I will be posting a picture!

 

So, what's your motivation?

 

x x x

 

All the above images can be found here from where the original source of image can be located.

Slowly but surely

It's taking time but it's getting there.

Over the last three months I have reduced my daily calorie intake and upped my exercise levels. I wouldn't say I've been on a strict diet but I have made sensible choices.

I've learnt to say no to the constant stream of cakes and biscuits in the staff room.

I've learnt about portion control because if it's on my plate I will eat it.

I've learnt not to eat when I'm bored.

I haven't denied myself the things I enjoy though.

I still have full fat mayonnaise - I'm with big Monica from Friends on that one.

I still have fish and chips - occasionally - but I watch the portion size.

I know I could cut out every 'bad' food and eat a lot less and lose more weight a lot quicker. But, I also know I would be miserable.

Anyway, slowly but surely is working for me and over the last three months.....

.....a stone of weight has gone!


To be honest I have been beating myself up a bit over the time it has taken so I thought I would look back to see what that stone actually meant.

Here are some images from a previous update post lined up with today's post workout pics...

 

Now onto shifting the next stone.

x x x

Happiness, weight loss and cookies?!?

It has always been an issue with me - being happy with myself.

Being a SAHM had its issues - I felt I needed to do more.

Being a working mum has its issues - the guilt at not being there for anything and everything.

Lately it has been the realisation that I am not happy with my body and my weight - but then who is?

It has taken me a while to accept that change won't happen without any input on my part. In the past I have thrown myself into a diet plan only to fail within weeks. I just don't think I was ready. Something didn't switch in my brain.

But now that 'something' has switched.

Being back at work doing a job I love and working with a great bunch of people, with whom I am looking forward to getting to know better and hopefully establish a social life with, has helped loads.

That crucial decision at the end of the summer to get off my arse and assess what I eat and drink has made a HUGE difference. My mind is working differently too. I now stop and think about food presented to me. I have to - the school staff room is never ideal for people watching their calorie intake.

Now I ask myself 'Do I really need that slab of cake that holds over 300 calories and is packed full of butter and sugar?' That doesn't mean I deny myself treats. Calorie counting works really well for me as it allows me to balance what I eat and drink then I can see where I can have a treat. If you look at my Fitness Pal entries you will find jam tarts, Nutella cookies and mugs of Chai tea lattes. But, these are now my treats NOT my daily elevenses and mid afternoon snacks.

http://www.gourmetmum.tv/easy-recipes/nutella-cookies.html

Anyhow. I am still a way off my ideal weight goal and body size but for the first time I feel I am able to stay on the road to it. A little of the above balanced with a lot of sensible choices and working up a sweat is starting to give me more of the results I am HAPPY to see!

Don't forget to find #theshreddies on Twitter for some more motivation!

If you are on My Fitness Pal and want to find me I am vivmelkshammum

x x x

 

#theshreddies

Firstly, to make it clear, I haven't joined the grannies knitting that cereal made by that company!

I have joined a group though. A support group. A motivational group. A 'get off your arse and shift your butt' kind of group. A 'I've had a really bad day and want to eat chocolate, somebody stop me' group.

A group of like-minded individuals currently torturing ourselves following the 30 Day Shred and who are all trying to shift some weight, tone up, lose some inches, eat a better diet and generally feel better about themselves.

Let me introduce you to #theshreddies. Here are the love handles twitter handles of the lovely ladies involved, in no particular order of favouritism.

@fivegoblogging
@LakesSingleMum
@WritingForFun
@StressyMummy
@AResidence
@From_Fun_To_Mum
@WordsWithWine
and me obviously - @MelkshamMum, which you should know!

I'm logging my weight loss at the bottom of this blog and will be posting updates - like this one here, my frustrations and going BAM!

So, if you too are partaking in the shred, or just want to join us for motivational chit chat, find us on Twitter.

x x x

BAM!

I don't normally post at this time of the day but I wanted to get this out there.

I've done it.

I've smashed it.

I've driven through the wall.

The scales have shifted!

Yes, I know, I'm still the weight of a baby elephant but that 11 stone marker has gone. For now.

Now the goal is to keep it gone.

For good.

Oh, and apologies for the state of my nail polish!

x x x

#pinaddicts and why it's good for me

It sounds crazy but the #pinaddicts challenge has given me a focus and reignited my love of making things. Typically I seize on something new, go at it for a bit, then give up.

Knitting is a good example.

As is getting fit!

With #pinaddicts I have a monthly focus. I can choose from the things I have pinned and take my time to do it. I can do it with a cup of tea or maybe a cider and so far I have had success with bunting and t-shirt flowers! This is the key I think. My challenge to myself is attainable - in a short amount of time. My fitness and toning up is going to take a lot longer. I regularly pin motivational pictures, workouts and quotes but do I go back and get motivated by them? *whispers* No!

It seems others are achieving loads with #pinaddicts too.

Here are the great things the #pinaddicts team members have made this month.

Each of these lovely ladies will host the linky each month.

Click on the pics and pay them all a visit!

Our team leader Kerry made Chocolate Spoons:

April's linky host, JustAboveAverageMum, made burger cupcakes:

 

ButWhyMummyWhy made a fantastic Calm Jar:

Mum2BabyInsomniac made fabulous Mod Podge boxes:

SewScrumptious went ModPodge crazy too:

SimplyOutnumbered kept her hallway tidy:

If these inspire you check out more here and link up on the first Monday of every month!

x x x