weight loss Archives - Journeys Are My Diary

Hello 2017

January 3, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

On New Year’s Eve I wrote a post reflecting on 2016 and so today I want to look forward to 2017. As it’s already 3rd January I’m sure it’s probably clear that a whole “new me” is not on the horizon. I think I’ve learned from previous years, that that’s not the best route for me. Instead little changes, positive attitude and a hope for better things, is the direction I would like to go.

This Year I will:

Get a better grip on my finances. As I’ve mentioned on my blog before, I have a lot of debt – largely from my time as a single mum (I mean, I’m technically still a single mum but I have a very supportive partner now). For a few years, I just buried my head and the debt got worse but then two years ago it all hit me and I had to stop avoiding it. 2016 was the year I finally started to get that debt down and while I definitely managed to stop adding to it and clear one particular lump of debt, I still have a fair way to go. I have a specific target in mind by the end of the year and that will hopefully lessen my debt by about a third.
Work hard on my business, Closet Geek. It would be a lie to say I don’t work hard on it already as to be honest its my main focus, after the kids. I have thoroughly enjoyed working from home this last year and despite how crazy busy it has gotten at times, I wouldn’t change a thing. This year I am aiming to add at least 6 more product ranges (don’t ask me what, I have no idea yet) and hopefully more variations of the products I already sell. That said, I must remember to take time out and relax (which is hard because I often get into a flow).

Weight Loss is something I want to focus on this year. I haven’t jumped into any kind of diet yet as there is still a lot of bad food kicking around the house. However I am trying to regulate myself and not eat too my rubbish and when routine starts over again and I start cooking evening meals from scratch, I aim to make healthy dishes and avoid any junk. Last year I felt uncomfortable in my skin and it stopped me from dressing up, cosplaying and even feeling like I wanted to make any sort of effort. Its amazing what a knock on effect feeling overweight can have to all areas of life. I also want to try walking more often, especially as life isn’t so hectic that I need to save every minute of time by hopping in the car.
Last year was a wonderful change to family life, working from home instead of feeling stressed in the job I had previously (I actually can’t believe I walked out on that job 2 years ago – I’ve honestly never regretted it). I managed to attend so many of the kids events at school and I’m sure I will be doing so again this year. That said I want to make time outside of those events, to do things as a family. The kids love to play board games (we had a day doing that during holiday), go swimming and play computer games (Lily and I have played Lego Harry Potter for most days of the holidays) so I want to make more time for fun, not just scheduled events. I also want to make more time for Chris as he often gets neglected, just because he “understands more”. On evenings when he’s not at work, I need to step away from my sewing or even my computer and just be with him – doing whatever it is we feel like doing.

This year I would like to:

Moving house is definitely top of the list for things I’d like to do in 2017. Sadly not a huge amount of that decision is in our hands, but we need to try wherever possible. From the house going on the market last April, till now, we’ve only had two viewings. I think there has been many reasons to that but largely the price recommended by the agents is too high. We do have another viewing tomorrow so we will see how that goes but at some point this year we will have to make some firmer decisions – perhaps to change agents, sell at a loss, or whatever other options there might be.
During January I have a weekend away booked with the girls, to Disneyland Paris. However as much as I’m looking forward to it, I’d really like a nice week away somewhere abroad. Top choice for this year would definitely be Italy and ideally during the warm weather. Chris booking holidays at work can be a pain though as he can often only get out of school holiday time. With Megan now at secondary school I am loathed to take them out of school for a holiday, so it’s definitely going to be a juggling act – and of course available money. If we can’t get away this year, I would definitely love to book something bigger for next year – maybe a two week holiday somewhere further afield like the US.

This Year I will try:

Yesterday I was in a position (as I often am) where one of the girls asked if we could do something (something they had been asking for a while and have been saying “soon” to) and my immediate answer was “yes, tomorrow”. Now although that might seen immediate to you, it’s really only because it was that day or tomorrow that we needed to do it, before it was too late. But my reaction was still the latter, not the actual immediate. However after I walked away, I thought “actually, why can’t we just do it now?” and so that’s what we did. Basically I really want to stop putting things off till tomorrow and just get on with them. Because tomorrow never really comes and before you realise it, you’ve been putting everything off and never getting anything done.

When we went swimming, the girls and I, I was reminded of how much I enjoy it and, that despite not going very often, I’m still pretty good at it. While I don’t always want to go when they suggest it, I did realise I could take them and just watch (they’re both old enough now), but also I could go when they’re at school and just swim lengths. It would be a great way to make time for me, get fitter and even find time to shower! I don’t want to set myself a frequency but I would like to swim more.
As I mentioned last year, our friendship group is a little bit fractured now and so in the past 12 months I haven’t thrown any large group events. I think its probably easiest to just see each group of working friendships, by themselves, whenever there is time, rather than force everyone to get together. Last year we did enjoy a meal out as a group of friends, a cinema trip as a double date and a few times having friends around for dinner. I would like to continue that this year, making more of an effort but hopefully making time for everyone.
Finally I should probably give my blog a mention. At this time of year it’s always easy to say “I’ll post more”, or “I’ll post frequently” but the truth is when life gets busy, my blog takes a backseat. I also often find that I lose inspiration for what to write at times and it can become just one big life update that people probably aren’t that interested in. I’m ditching Project 52 (as I did towards the end of last year) as I always forget to take pictures weekly). Instead I might do something monthly, as I did with my round-ups (which definitely suits me better so I will be sticking to those). I’d like to keep updating about books I read (which maybe should have been another bulletpoint as I really should read more) and movies we see at the cinema but past that I’m uncertain of the direction my blog will take. I am considering various options though so watch this space!

Looking back and planning ahead

December 7, 2015 by Bel 1 Comment

It’s coming to the end of the year and although for me that means Megan’s birthday and Christmas preparations, I also find that it brings a feeling of reflection. No doubt when January comes around I’ll be making new year’s resolutions, planning to get the house sold, lose weight and whatever else. However I also want to remember what brought me to this point and where it might take me from here.

This year I had hoped to get the house on the market, a divorce from my ex and also lose a fair amount of weight. Sadly none of those things have happened but wheels have at least been put in motion. Chris and I have looked into house prices and it seems at least that they are on the up. We also want to look into probate solicitors such as Coles Solicitors so that when we get a house together, we can make sure we have all our deeds in order so to speak. It’s a sad thing to think about, but with Chris having a bike accident this time last year, it makes you realise that security for the kids is important. I know that my mum has all that sort of thing sorted out with solicitors and I’d like to know I do too.

Not only is a secure future important for the kids, but also literal security too. Timehop reminded me the other day that it’s three years ago since this house was broken into and my handbag, purse and car keys (and then my car) were all stolen from here. Installing something like Panasonic’s Smart Home devices might also be a great idea, especially as we’re in the process of doing up the house anyway.

Smart Home, Giving you Peace of MindAnd as I mentioned, while my weight loss hasn’t been as good as I’d hoped this year, taking part in DW Fitness Festive Fitness is definitely helping. I haven’t update for a while but with only three weeks left to go I’ve lost 10% of my weight which I’m pretty pleased about.

So today I’m making a cake for my 11 year olds birthday on Friday. I can’t believe its been 11 years since she was born and that in itself is making me reflect. Next year she moves up to secondary school and honestly I can’t even believe it. Hopefully by then we’ll have our lives a little bit more in order. I’ll be sure to let you know!

DW Fitness Festive Challenge – Second Update

October 28, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

I’m making this quick as I’m super delayed with everything and don’t really have time to update. However as you all know I’m participating in DW Fitness Festive Challenge, to lose weight in time for Christmas. This second update is after 4 weeks of trying. I started at 12, 5 – then went to 12, 2 and this week I’m at 12 (and a smidge). I’m pleased with the loss though I am struggling, especially with life being so busy. I hope to update properly next time but at least I have this here as a record now!

DW Fitness Festive Challenge – First Update

October 15, 2015 by Bel 1 Comment

As you know, I’m taking part in DW Fitness – Festive Challenge. This is a 12 week challenge, running from a couple of weeks ago, to right before Christmas. I posted a few weeks back, about the beginning of the process, so now I’m here for an update! If you read my last post, then you will know that I first weighed-in at 12 stone and 5 1/2 lbs. I confessed to gaining quite a lot of weight after Florida and vowed to get back on with my target of 10 stone!

Well two weeks in and it was weigh-in on Monday. I was pleased to see a weight loss, despite having spent several days ill!

As you can see, I’m now 12 stone, 2lbs! That’s a loss of 3 and a half pounds and I’m pretty pleased with it. There are actually 12 bloggers taking part in this Fitness challenge and so every two weeks we hand in our weigh-in results and a league chart goes up. This week was obviously the first chart but I was pretty pleased to see myself in 4th position!

So as well as weighing-in every two weeks, there are topic prompts provided by DW Fitness, to get us talking about the challenge, previous diets, problems we face etc. This weeks topic was actually previous diets we’ve tried but I’m skipping ahead to the next one as its more relevant for me this week – the struggles I face (I’ll do the other one next time!).

Last week I was really really ill. It started slowly on Monday and got worse over the week. Even by the second day though, I was wanting to eat my weight in chocolate and order takeaway for dinner. It’s hard to admit, but food – and bad food at that, is definitely one of my biggest crouches. When I feel sad, angry, depressed, ill – whenever I’m down – food is my go-to pick-me-up. In fact, that’s one of the biggest reasons I put on weight after Florida, as there just didn’t seem to be much to look forward to, money was tight and my career was up in the air. However finding a better place mentally, has always been the best time to try and lose weight for me.

Anyway I was good. Mostly anyway. Monday-Friday I still tried to eat as well as I could – though I have to admit my appetite disappeared somewhat and I was barely eating at times. However by the weekend – Saturday was my worst feeling day – I did give in to temptation. Chris went out to the supermarket especially for me and bought chocolate cheesecake – 2 slices which I was good and had over two days.

It didn’t end there though. We actually had takeaway for dinner on Sunday night too. This is the first one we’ve had since I’ve been dieting and so I knew that was pretty good anyway. However I was ill, Chris was ill and both of the girls had spent the weekend feeling rough. No one really knew what they wanted and so takeaway was ordered. I wasn’t especially good or restrained over it either, though I probably didn’t eat as much as I do at times. I knew it was weigh-in the next morning but it was really all anyone fancied!

Luckily though, I’m feeling better this week and have been back on track this week. Fingers crossed for keeping the illness at bay and managing to keep losing weight as I did the last couple of weeks. I’ll check back in in a fortnight, to give you my next update!

DW Fitness Festive Challenge – The Beginning

October 1, 2015 by Bel 2 Comments

Summer is gone (if it was ever here) and that’s usually my most motivated time for getting fit and eating better. Anyone who follows my blog and has done for a while, will know that I’ve been trying to lose weight for quite some time now. I originally started in April of last year, my weight being around the 13 stone mark. My target was 10 stone by the time we visited Florida in April of this year, though ultimately it’s a long term goal as well. Sadly I didn’t make it to 10 stone, though I did make it to almost 11. I was pretty pleased with myself and the photographs were definitely better than if I’d been heavier!

However sadly I’ve completely lacked motivation ever since then and the weight has crept back on slowly. On weigh-in this weekend, I was 12 stone and 5.5 lb.

So when I saw that DW Fitness were looking for people to take part in a 12 week challenge, I definitely decided I needed to kick myself into trying. The process goes on from Monday just gone – right up until Christmas. These are the months I always struggle the most in, so I really hope this keeps me on track.

For the last few weeks I’ve tracked what I’ve eaten and then it was sent over to the boffs at DW Fitness. They gave me hints and tips on what to improve on, a plan so to speak. We were also given a break down of what would happen throughout the 12 weeks and to keep me motivated I’ve printed it all out and stuck in on my walls as a reminder!

So like I mentioned before, the plan started on Monday and the weigh in (above) was taken on Saturday just gone. I have my aims and my goals and while I won’t reach 10 stone in 12 weeks, I do hope to lose 2lb every week if I can manage it.

So far, so good. Monday I had loads of motivation and kept 100% on track. Tuesday I kept on track but I have to admit that cooking cheese burger and chips for the kids was a real test of willpower. Wednesday was fine too, though cooking a roast dinner for everyone and having to have a really small portion myself, was hard. I know I need to really try hard though, especially in these beginning weeks.

Keep your fingers crossed for me and I’ll update again in a couple of weeks!

Two of the delicious salads I’ve had this week!

Trying to decide whether to Run or Dye

May 12, 2015 by Bel 3 Comments

I have a confession to make. You know how I was trying really hard to lose weight and get fit? Well right now I’m struggling. For the last year, going to Florida has been my motivation and now that’s passed, I’m finding it really hard to get back on track. I started my weight loss journey at 13 stone and 3 lb, getting down to 11 stone and 2lb before I went away. I promised myself that when I got back from holiday, I’d get right back to it – but it’s just not happening.

For the last four weeks, I’ve really struggled to eat well. The first week – excuse no. 1: Lily was poorly. Second week – excuse no. 2: I was poorly. Third week – excuse no. 3: let’s face it, I’m just not motivated again yet. Fourth week – excuse no. 4 – I’m going to eat so badly and then get back on with it next week….

So I’ve come up with a plan… train for a marathon!

It might seem a little crazy and even a bit extreme, but I think it’s what I need to motivate myself again. I absolutely hate exercise and I’ve really struggled to get out and run/jog, but maybe a summer of preparing for this, is just what I need!

Run or Dye is not just a 5K run for charity, its also a ridiculous amount of fun. Throughout the course, every 1K, you get covered in dye and your body becomes a canvas – an artwork. I hate getting messy so again this is quite extreme for me, but there is just something about it that seems so exciting.

Living in Lincolnshire, the best options for me are either North Yorkshire or Derbyshire. Both options give me plenty of time to train and also to continue losing weight. However if you’re interested in participating, there are locations all around the country. Also, if you’re interested – there is a discount code available (KISDISCOUNT) that will give you £3 off per person.

Although I want to get myself fit and hope to run this marathon, I also know that it doesn’t matter how long you take and ultimately you can walk it if you like. I think ultimately this makes the decision to participate a lot easier and hopefully a lot less daunting. I definitely recommend you check out the website and think about doing Run or Dye. I’ve always fancied doing something like this and now I think it’s just the motivation I need.

Get Fit Friday – round up

March 27, 2015 by Bel 3 Comments

When I get back from Florida, I’m not sure if I’ll be continuing with Get Fit Friday or finding a different way/day to track my weight. However today is the last Friday before I go away so it seemed like a good idea to do a round up of sorts.

It was almost a whole year ago since I started this particular weight loss journey. Nat and I, over at Twice the Mum, came up with the idea of Weight Loss Wednesday and together we motivated each other to try and lose weight. At the end of the year, I moved the feature over to my own blog as Nat wasn’t trying to lose weight any more for a while. I started at 13st 3lb and got down to 11st 1lb – that was a loss of 30lb (2st, 2lb). However that was 2 weeks ago and in my heart of heart I knew I had given up a little as Florida neared. As much as I wanted to be the thinnest and lightest I could be, I also knew I was about to put a whole load of weight back on. I didn’t stop trying completely but I knew I just wasn’t trying as hard as before – you may have noticed there was no Get Fit Friday post this time last week. However I braved the scales one last time this morning, so I had an accurate figure of my weight-loss before Florida. I was actually pleasantly surprised.

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 1lb
Current weight: 11st 2lb
Change: +1lb
Total Loss: 29lb (2 st, 1lb)

This week I put on weight but it was only a pound and honestly I am okay with that. As I head off to Florida next week I’m sure I’ll be stuffing my face and enjoying my holiday, so it’s likely I’ll come back weighing at least a half stone more! I’m not going to worry about that for now though – but when I get back I’ll definitely be back to weight loss. 10 stone is still my target and even if it takes till the end of Summer to achieve it, I’ll hopefully still get there.

Thanks very much for joining me on this weight loss journey so far. I’ve appreciated everyone’s comments and advice. Good luck to anyone who is currently trying to lose weight – I know it’s not an easy adventure to take!

Get Fit Friday – Week 10

March 13, 2015 by Bel 4 Comments

This week I’m making a super quick post because it’s actually got to 11pm and this is the first moment I’ve found all day! As of this morning I had lost 2lb – though a murder mystery later and that might not be the case in the morning! (Not that I’ll check!!). It’s been a pretty busy week and although I wouldn’t say I’ve been good with what I’ve eaten, I’ve definitely tried to be aware of what and how much I’m eating. With less than 3 weeks to go before we jet off to Florida, I know I’m not going to make my target but that’s okay. Instead I’d just like to get below the 11 stone mark and into the 10’s and when I get back I’ll be trying again to pick up where I left off (and with whatever I’ve put on!)

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 3lb
Current weight: 11st 1lb
Change: -2lb
Total Loss: 30lb (2 st, 2lb)

Get Fit Friday – Week 8 & 9

March 6, 2015 by Bel 2 Comments

As you may or may not have noticed, I didn’t update last week with my “Get Fit Friday” post. Part of that was because I was busy all day, but part of it is because I just stayed the same at my weigh-in. It’s not that I was disappointed – the opposite really as I’d expected to gain – but really that I wasn’t in the mood for making excuses or saying I’d try harder next week etc. Last week was very similar to most weeks, whereby I tend to eat badly either the Friday or Saturday – not necessarily deliberately, but its usually when celebrations or days out occur – and then I try hard for the remaining days of the week, usually resulting in a weight loss. Friday I had Pizza Hut Express in Meadowhall, though I’m sure I walked off majority of those calories anyway. However Chris and I then had Chinese takeaway for dinner. On Saturday it was my sister’s birthday celebration and for that I had burger and chips, with onion rings and coleslaw. I didn’t manage it all but I know it was a bad day calories wise. After that I tried hard for Sunday and Monday but I really hit a stumbling block on the Tuesday. I felt tired, completely lacking in energy and a huge craving for chocolate. No matter what I tried to eat during the day, I just felt unsatisfied. Not to mention sticking to 950 calories is very limiting, especially with the amount of tea I drink. Anyway long and short of it, Chris and I ordered takeaway and we really bombed out on our diet. There was donner meat, cheese burger, cheesy garlic bread pizza, chicken goujons, cheesy chips and onion rings. I honestly stuffed my face to the point of being disgusting but it was so good and exactly what I needed. I felt so much better afterwards and even for the next few days. I guess my body was just craving some fatty foods.

Anyway, despite being good after that, I maintained my 11 stone 2lbs weight from the week before and like I say, I wasn’t disappointed, I was actually surprised. That’s not to say I wasn’t disappointed in myself though and as such I decided not to post and make a ton of excuses. This week has been much better. Friday I was good, even after weigh-in. Saturday Chris had offered to make burgers for dinner and so I deliberately ate a light lunch and then even went without chips or buns on my burgers, just to limit the calories some.

This was Chris’ dinner, not mine!

Sunday and Monday I was fine too, though Tuesday and Wednesday we ended up with takeaway (bad days) but I was very good with the amount I had. Last night it was Lily’s birthday and we went out for Pizza Express dinner. I only had some dough balls and a pizza and even the pizza I only made my way through half before being too full to eat. This morning I got up and weighed myself and was surprised by the results. I won’t say it was a good result, but it definitely was a nice surprise.

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 2lb
Current weight: 11st 3lb
Change: +1lb
Total Loss: 28lb (2 st)

So yeah, I put on 1lb this week but honestly after what I’ve eaten the last three days, its not really a surprise. I hope that by eating better today I might just wake up and have lost that extra pound again, but we’ll see. I’ve got no real reason to eat badly this weekend, or this week, and next weigh-in falls just before Lily’s party day and Amy’s lunch out at Damons. Fingers crossed for a loss this week, as I don’t hold out much hope for the following one!

Get Fit Friday – Week 7

February 20, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

This week I’m having a very busy Friday so I’m gonna make this quick! I’m heading out to Meadowhall with my girls, to get some clothes shopping ready for Florida. As of today its 5 weeks and 5 days (or 40 days) until we leave for our holiday. I honestly can’t wait! Anyway, to make up for a short post now, I’ll be making a Florida post later. So onto the info!

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 3lb
Current weight: 11st 2lb
Change: -1lb
Total Loss: 29lb (2 st 1lb)

It’s been a bit of a struggle this week with the drop in calorie allowance and hand on heart I don’t think there is one single day that I’ve been under my allowance. However just the determination and effort to try has obviously paid off as I’ve at least managed one pound. This week I’m going to continue trying to stick to my 950 calorie allowance but I also won’t cry over it if I do. Fingers crossed it will be a lot easier this coming week with no meals out planned and no friends visiting!