Day 52 - Hurrrahhhh

So having a puppy really is like having another baby and to be honest I am finding it really really tough, everyone keeps telling me though that it does get better, so I am just going to hang on in there.  The great news is that as I have been so busy, my appetite has completely disappeared and food no longer has the same appeal.  So when I stepped on the scales this morning to find I had lost 5 pounds in the last 2 weeks I was well and truly chuffed.

Roll on another 2 weeks when I can actually walk this puppy!!!

Breakfast
1 banana

Lunch
will try to eat a sandwhich

Dinner
Stirfry chicken!  I think

Day 48 - Puppies!!! Arrrghhhh

Ok, whose idea was it to get a puppy????  oh ok it was mine, bloody hell, stop me if I come up with an idea like that again!

I had no idea it would be so trying, so tying and so much bloomin hard work.  Nearly sent it back yesterday.  On the good side, she is so so cute, Charlotte absolutely adores her and she is growing on me.  Just can't wait to get out for those walks.

so because I have been so busy, I can't say I have been following the programme perfectly, however probably more to the point, I haven't really been eating, which I know is not the way to lose weight, but I simply have not had time.  So not sure what the scales will show this week, my belt has gone down another notch and i feel slimmer, but, well, you never really know.

Ok off to poop scoop! 

Day 39 - Ouch

Have been working out really hard this week at Zumba and the gym and I hurt.  There's no getting round it, I ache!!!  I know its good for me, but I do wonder why I ache so much, I thought I was getting fitter!!

Weigh day yesterday and I said a firm farewell to another 3 pounds, thats 17 now, and this time they are not ever coming back!!

Really enjoying losing weight and eating healthier even my nails are growing longer and stronger!!

Breakfast
Belvita

Lunch
Tortilla wrap with 1 cheese slice and sweet chilli jam and rocket
1 pkt french fry crisps
banana

Dinner
Scallops and chorizo with mushrooms and frylight roasted potato
Yoghurt

Day 37 - Puppies

So we finally decided we were ready for a puppy and then out of luck (ok, maybe out of me looking) one came available at the weekend, so we travelled down to see it, under the strict instruction of my husband not to make any decisions.  An hour later we found ourselves the proud parents of an 8 week old Cairn Terrier, she is absolutely gorgeous and we are all (including husband) besotted with her.  I was restrained though and didn't bring her straight home, even though I could have done.  We are going back to get her next week as we are all out at Crufts on Sunday and it really wouldn't be fair to leave her on her own.  I am just thinking about all the extra walking and how good it will be for me, although someone did point out that as a puppy they don't actually walk that much so may I had better not rely on it!!! 

So I went to aqua fit again yesterday and she is now beginning to split the class into two, those that want to work and those that don't.  guess which side I am in, well the aches will convince you!!  Off to Zumba tonight, haven't been for a week so its going to hurt!  Also its weigh day tomorrow, wish me luck!

Breakfast
1 slice wholemeal toast with cheese slice

Lunch
Tortilla wrap
French fry crisps
Yoghurt

Dinner
Omlette
Strawberries 

Day 32- Hurrrahhhhh

A bit late but yesterday I hit the 1 stone lost mark, I am so chuffed as it has taken me just a month to do it.  I am already feeling much better and my clothes are loser which is fab.  I know i still have a long way to go, still have another 1.5 stone to lose until I get to where I was last year, but I am trying not to think about that!

Haven't been as busy this week or done as much exercise so have to change that today and head off to the gym.

Setting up this new business is great fun but involves a lot of sitting on my bum, so have to compensate for that!!!!


Breakfast
crumpet with cheese slice

Lunch
Low fat home made macaroni cheese (very small bowl)
Pear

Dinner
Omlette
Strawberries

Day 29 - Time to Blog

How come time flies so quickly, I can't believe it is three days since a blog, however you will be pleased to hear I have kept to programme, just been busy.

We had my lovely inlaws over for Sunday lunch and rather than drown the potatoes and parsnips in duck fat (yum) I did boiled new potatoes and lots of dry roasted veg, and everyone loved it.  How says healthy can't be tasty.  I also served a huge fruit salad rather than crumble or other such sweet and sticky desert like I usually do.  I even allowed us some extra light cream, and it was lovely.  We then went for a long walk with my Mother in laws dog.  We did indulge in a slice of cake and some wine when we got home, but I pointed everything and was still within my limits, hurrahhhhh.

So this morning (Monday) started with aquafit, which was great but my arms really ache, must be from all the gardening over the weekend, oh well, no pain, no gain!

Breakfast
Belvita biscuits

Lunch
mushrooms on seeded toast

Dinner
Pork escalope with roasted butternut squash and broccoli
Yoghurt

Day 24/25 - Woo Hooo

Can't believe i forgot to blog again yesterday, must have been the excitement of having lost another 4 pounds, god I am so chuffed. It feel brilliant to be going down on the scales instead of up and up!!  My goal for this week is to lose 2 pounds and then thats the first stone gone, and this time it is not coming back!!!

Breakfast
Crumpet
Lunch
2 egg omlette with mushrooms
Dinner
squid and chorizo with chick peas

Day 25
Went to an auction house to collect my bid from yesterday and to be honest was really nervous, I had bid without seeing the lot which is always a bit risky, however I figures it wasnt much money for 8 vintage compacts and it was worth a risk. Imagine my delight when one of them turned out to be solid silver and hallmarked Birmingham 1950, it alone is worth twice what I paid for the entire lot, ooooooh this is so much fun.

Breakfast
Belvita biscuits
Lunch
ham sandwhich and an apple
Dinner
Stirfry duck with honey and soya sauce
roasted gnocchi

day 22/23 - busy busy

Ok I am trying to blog every day to keep myself on track but sometimes you are just going to have to bear with me when I lump a couple of days together!!!

So yesterday was a busy old day, started with Aqua fit, which was great as we had a new teacher and she really pushed us hard! the grumbling from some of the (how shall I put it) less fit or interested in being fit ladies, could still be heard hours later.  Me, I loved it!

Dashed out to visit a couple of auctions, and then came home to do some research, housework oh and pick Lottie up from nursery, I don't know where the time goes.

Today its a day for Lottie, hair cut, play date, ballet, and for me Zumba tonight!! yeahhhhhh

Breakfast Monday
blueberry muffin

Lunch
Dim sum
yoghurt

Dinner
salmon with posh mushy peas and roasted gnocchi

Tuesday Breakfast
Crumpet with one cheese slice

Lunch
egg on wholemeal toast
yoghurt

Dinner
Spicy turkey stirfry

Day 21 - New Business Opportunities

As anyone who knows me, knows, I have a major addiction to handbags and have been collecting them for a long time now, so I am surprised that it has only just occured to me that I may infact be able to turn this into a business.  No I am not getting rid of my bags, just thinking about sharing my knowledge and nose for a vintage bargain with other people.  So with this in mind I set off to my first auction today to see what is available and what people are bidding on.  I didn't buy anything but it was a great experience, and I am going to continue to research and then think about whether this idea might fly, or whether if will be just another of my many schemes!! lol

Went swimming this afternoon and it was nice to feel the aches and pains have gone, so I am ready for aqua fit again tomorrow.

Breakfast
Blueberry muffin

Lunch
half a sandwich and an energy bar (in a rush)

Dinner
low fat roast dinner - chicken breast, and frylight sprayed potatoes and parsnips (so they tasted roasted) green beans
clementine

Day 19-20 - lost a day

Not sure how I have managed to lose a day, but it seems I didn't actually post what happened on Friday, and its all got a bit mixed up, so today is day 20 and I will just write about today!!!

Took Lottie to the cinema this morning to see if she would actually sit still for more than ten minutes, guess what, she didn't.  At least she will never become a lazy couch potato, she is just always on the go.  The film was great, Happy Feet 2 which is brilliant for children, and actually has really good music in it too.  I resisted all temptation for popcorn or pick and mix, and got through the whole film with just a diet coke, a first for me, ever, I think.

Came home and cooked lunch and then instead of falling asleep in front of the fire, as my eyes were threatening, I decided to brave the monsoon rain and head for the gym.  Really pushed myself so know I am going to ache tomorrow, but its a great feeling.

Breakfast
homemade low fat blueberry muffin

Lunch
Tuna wrap
pear

Dinner
Chicken breast with ginger and chilli
Roasted butternut squash and sweet potato
2 glasses of wine.

Day 18 - I know what's best

So my body was still complaining this morning when I got up, so I told it to be quiet and get to the gym where it would definitely feel better.  Hurrahhh it worked, I didn't think i was going to complete my cycling challenge but I powered through the pain, then went for a swim and a jacuzzi afterwards and amazingly my aches and pains have gone.

Starting to feel a bit slimmer which is fab, however I had ordered a beach wrap for my holidays and it came today and won't even meet in the middle let alone wrap round!! ha ha, have a long way to go before June to see if I can get in it!

Breakfast
Energy bar

Lunch
crustless quiche (actually very yummy without pastry)
Clementine

Dinner
Chicken with madeira sauce
Roasted vegetables
Curly wurly

Day 17 - Ouch

Ok I knew I was going to hurt today when I got home from Zumba last night, the only thing is, I wasn't aware it was going to be this bad.  The problem with getting addicted to Zumba is that now we know some of the steps you actually do them and push yourself harder each week.  I was very glad that Paul was dropping Lottie of at nursery as I wasn't sure I would manage the stairs.

I decided there was only one thing for it and that was to go swimming to try and stretch and ease the muscles, it worked that god and I managed to continue the rest of my day pain free!

It was weigh in today and I had lost another 5 pounds, hurrah, thats 10 in 17 days wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Breakfast
Energy bar

Lunch
small pot of low fat macaroni cheese

Dinner
lamb steak, parnsips and roasted gnocchi
Strawberries

Day 16 - Sweet Valentine

Ok so we haven't had much sleep this week as Lottie is not very well, just a cold, but as she is such a light sleeper, any little thing will have her up most of the night, so today I was a bit of a zombi and spoilt lottie by letting her just lie on the sofa and watch disney films all morning.

I decided after lunch that we should get some fresh air and so we set off on a fairy hunt (long walk) only half way round the lake I realised I had Zumba tonight aswell, so should be preserving my energy! ha!  Zumba was exhausting, but it is so much fun and so worthwhile.

Swapped handmade cards with my husband, which was a lovely touch, love him so much.

Breakfast
Crumpet with marmite and 1/2 slice cheese

Lunch
Crap wrap
Clementine

Dinner
Stirfried turkey with yoghurt and mint

Snack
Energy bar

Day 15 - Aqua fit Rocks

Ok its official I am addicted to Aqua fit, well my Monday class anyway.  Kirsty works you really hard and I feel like I have had a proper workout, but the great thing is its also so much fun as her music is great and its really loud.
Relaxed and read my book for half an hour afterwards, before being a domestic goddess (?) and menu planning then shopping for the week. Really getting into the healthy eating routine now.

Breakfast
Energy Bar

Lunch
Prawn dumplings
Breadsticks
yoghurt

Dinner
Chicken, roasted butternut squash, asparagus
Strawberries

Day 14 - Holiday shopping

Had a great day, took Charlotte swimming again and now she is splashing off without armbands, just with a float so I feel she is really getting somewhere, and is being such a brave and determined little lady. Pottered around the house for the rest of the day, and then decided to do some holiday shopping, well I know we have another 17 weeks to go, but I thought if I did a bit each week it would keep me motivated.  I am also soooooooooooooooooooo excited that the shopping helps me to be patient!  Bought our snorkels and beach shoes today, oh and am also bidding on some ebay bargains in smaller sizes, determined to be able to wear them!

Breakfast
home made energy bar (took 10 minutes to get the greaseproof paper off!)

Lunch
small portion of onion and mushroom lasagne (only 6 points)
clementine

Dinner
fillet steak with potatoes, onions, mushrooms and green beans
WW choc mousse

Yum, yum, yum and all still in points allowance.

Day 13 - Party temptation

Managed to haul husband and child out of bed at a fairly decent time in order to fit in a couple of hours of swimming and playing round at the spa before home for lunch and then out to a housewarming party. Charlotte is really coming on well with her swimming and we all had a lot of fun.

The housewarming was for one of my best friends and I had already spoken to her about not eating and ensured that she would be supportive and not get upset which made things easier.  I also decided to drive so I would not be tempted by the demon wine!!  And success, I managed to get through the whole party on a glass of water and an expresso, so was impressed with myself! I can do this!

Breakfast
Crumpet and marmite

Lunch
Chicken sandwich
Pear

Dinner
Vegetable omlette
2 glasses of wine (yum)

Day 12 - oooops Stuck

Spent the snowy day at home with Charlotte with both of us going stir crazy! It was just too cold to go out, so we decided to bake instead.  Now usually this means sticky chocolate muffins, or sausage rolls or something equally calorific.  Today however we decided to make WW energy bars, they look delicious, only one slight problem, they are stuck to the greaseproof paper (how does that happen) and so you can't eat one without the painful task of inching off the paper, by which time you don't want it, maybe that what they meant by energy bars, it takes so much energy to get one ready to eat you give up!

Breakfast
crumpet with marmite

Lunch
Sandwich thin with leerdammer light slice
Walkers french fries
an apple

Dinner
Stir fried chicken and vegetables
glass of wine

Day 11 - ouch

Because I ventured back into the gym yesterday and stupidly thought I could just pick up where I had left off 5 months ago, I ache ever so slightly (ok lots) today.  Its a good ache though and to ease it a little I decided to do an aqua fit class, it worked.  I really enjoy aqua fit, but the guy that takes it on a Thursday is completely mad and doesn't actually work you that hard, so I just pushed myself.  Very different to on a Monday when Kirsty takes it and she's a demon!!!

Breakfast
Breakfast Belvita

Lunch
sandwich thin with leerdammer light slice
packet of french fry crisps

Dinner
Poached salmon
roasted gnocchi and mushrooms
curly wurly

Day 10 - Catch up

Sorry folks have been sooooo busy and really haven't had time to blog, so here is a quick catch up.

Spent the weekend in Hayling Island watching my lovely nephew Tony sailing.  He has been selected by the GB Squad and is training with them so its all really excited, he is very good, but then I may be slightly biaised.  In order to be good, I packed a picnic for the day and wasn't tempted to stray off it one tiny bit, even when my husband bought a portion of chips, I just ignored them!! hurrrrahhhhh.

Went to aqua aerobics on Monday and at last a teacher who makes you work, really enjoyed it.

Oh and I lost 5 pounds!!!! back on my way down again, thank god!!

Right must dash, off to the gymn and then to tackle the ironing.

Breakfast
belvita biscuits

Lunch
Prawn sandwich

Dinner
Mushroom and onion lasagne
Yoghurt.

Day 5 - Cake!!

Had a great day today with Lottie, we went to the library and met her best friend which is always lovely, the two of them are so sweet together.  Then home for a healthy lunch and learning time.  Lottie is really coming on and already starting to read which is fab.  She however asked whether she could have a small piece of cake (left over birthday) as she has been so good (arrrrghhhh the food reward is starting early) I agreed as she eats so healthily she is allowed occasional treats.  It did, however, take all my will power not to put my face in the cake tin and munch!  The delicious sweet smell was overwhelming.  I did resist however and am very glad that I did.  I can now have the small glass of wine I promised myself later tonight!

Breakfast
1 crumpet with marmite

Lunch
sandwhich thin with leerdammer light cheese and chicken
1 packet of walkers french fries
clementine

Dinne
Chicken in pitta bread
1 glass of red wine.

Day 4 - old ladies are nice!!

I decided to go to aqua fit today in a hope that it would rid me of my Zumba aches, what I hadn't prepared myself for was to be surrounded by snowies, none of which must have been under 70, god did I feel silly.  What if I wasn't fit enough to keep up with these keep fit grandmas!!  I needn't have worried the work out was great fun, and only really hard work once or twice, so I just tried to push myself harder and harder to ensure I felt I had actually done something.


The rest of the day was a bit of a blur, shopping, looking after guinea pig (the last remaining one) and stock piling the coal and wood, as we prepare for artic blizzards!!

Breakfast
Belvita breakfast biscuits

Lunch
2 oz of lardons on sandwich thin (my version of a bacon sandwich with only 6 points)
1 packet of walkers french fries

Dinner
Homemade caramelised onion and mushroom lasagne
1 curly wurly

Day 3 - Swimming Helps

Ok woke up feeling slightly sore from Zumba, but in a good way, it meant I had actually worked.  Well the thought of house work was daunting, how was I going to bend and stretch!! lol so I promised myself if I worked hard on the house I would reward myself with a swim and jacuzzi, and half hour on a lounger by the pool with my book.  The motivation obviously worked as I slaved tirelessly for three hours on the house and then vanished to the spa!!

Breakfast
Bevita breakfast biscuits

Lunch
2 crumpets with 2 poached eggs
yoghurt

Dinner
baked salmon with roasted gnocchi and purple sprouting brocolli
clementine

Snacks
Breadsticks

Day 2 - Zumbaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Ok sorry this blog is a day late but I got back from Zumba late last night and it was all I could manage to haul myself up the stairs and in the shower.  I am really enjoying Zumba, even though I must surely be the most uncordinated person on the planet, but god she works you hard.  I had also been swimming in the morning, so it was a good activity day.

Breakfast
1 small bowl of cereal with skimmed milk

Lunch
Prawns with creme fraiche and mushrooms on square thins (a fab new thin bread which toasts really well)
Grapes

Dinner
Mushroom soup before Zumba followed by stir fried chicken and vegetables when I returned, lovingly cooked by my husband as I couldn't move my arms!! lol

Snacks
Banana
2 breadsticks

Day 1

Ok for those who know me well you will know what hell I have been through the last 3 months.  Losing a Father is never easy, but when it is a shock, and when he was so young, it is quite simply hell.  The sadness is unbelievable and coming to terms with it is really hard.  I can now admit I really went to pieces, eating and drinking my way through it, which was neither smart, or infact helpful and the complete opposite of what Tom would have wanted me to do, which only made me feel worse.  So I got to my 40th, not fabulous as I had wanted to be, but quite simply fat!  Something has changed however and I feel totally motivated again, I don't want to die young and I want to be able to really enjoy life and be more active.

The blog I wrote last time really helped, but I can't bear to go back to it as it reminds me of another time and how much I lost and then put back on, so I have created another one and am treating it like a totally fresh start.

My lovely husband has booked a first class trip to Mauritius for our 40th's and I don't want to be mistaken for a whale on the beach, so have 5 months to lose 3 stone, and that is my new goal!

Wish me luck and help me along the way if you can.

Lots of love

Alison xxx


Breakfast
breakfast biscuits

Lunch
Chicken Wrap

Dinner
Salmon with roasted gnocchi and posh mushy peas

Exercise
1/2 hour swim.