Time to make a Change!

Staying on Track

2013-11-07T00:10:00.001+00:00

So last week didn't exactly go as planned - damn those tasty Halloween Monster Mallow Cakes from Greggs the Bakers!

My weight came down by 2.8lbs but then I binged again after that and put it all back on plus 0.2lbs.

I have been back on track again this week though, so I'm interested to see what the scale will read on Saturday (I have decided to make that my official weigh in day!). I haven't binged this week and hopefully I can continue this streak I have going! Ha!! My trainer (who is also studying Psychology - very hand!) told me about a book she is reading for her course. It's called "The Hunger Fix" by Pamela Peeke. It's all about food addictions, over-eating and how to overcome it. I definitely think this is something I should read. I need to let go of the vicious cycle and just DO IT already!

I created a weight loss reward thingamabob today and it really helps to break down your weight loss in to smaller chunks and look forward to a treat (non food of course!) in the very near future!
My 45 pound loss reward is booking our Florida vacation for next year!! And my ultimate reward will be a new wardrobe and shopping spree in Orlando. My other rewards include small things like new leather gloves, mani/pedi, massage, new pyjamas - that kinda stuff. When I did a similar reward list last year, I did reward myself quite a bit! Though most of the treats and rewards on my previous list were things I had to do for my wedding anyway! At least I earned those rewards tho =)

I had a new gym program created for me on Monday night, and let me tell you, it ain't no walk in the park! Prowler shuttle sprints are included in this, and boy, are they BRUTAL!! I just love being back in the gym and lifting weights again! My cardio is also a lot more interesting now than it used to be when I worked out at a chain gym. Also there is nothing better than slamming a ball into the floor with full force ;-) Gets all the anger and frustrating right out :-)

I'm still thinking of what to write in my "success story", but hopefully I will get it done by the weekend!! It will be interesting to see what I envisage my future to be like!

The Dreaded Weigh In

2013-10-29T23:43:00.001+00:00

I weighed in on Monday and the scale read 199.8lbs. I knew it was going to be bad, but I didn't think it would be as close to 200lbs as that! Eeeeek. To make matters worse, I weighed myself again this morning and it was over 200lbs at 200.2lbs.

So I am going to make that my official start weight for my new journey:

200.2 lbs

I've not done my measurements yet, but I know it's bad because my work trousers are soooo tight.
I can't continue like this. I have been basically binge eating for the last 2 months. All I have been doing is thinking about food. If I'm at work, I'm thinking of all the bad stuff I can go out and get during my lunch break. How about 4 huge Monster Mallow Cakes?? Sure! Why not?!? Heck, throw in a multi pack of crisps (potato chips!). I love those too! What else can I have?! 3 chocolate bars. Bags of candy. Anything I see in the store that I might want to eat. A packet of biscuits. Sure add that in too.

What I really need is a few days of being focussed and back on track and then I know things will feel a lot easier.

I had cancelled my subscription for my Body Media Fit a few months ago, but I rejoined yesterday to hopefully ease back into fitness and moving again. I did almost 11000 steps today just because I was wearing it. It really helps keep you moving! I like when I hit over 10000 steps! It makes me feel accomplished!

The next thing I'm going to do is to write my own success story. I'm going to write it as if I've already lost the weight, have become a runner and a become a much more positive person! I read about this idea a while ago and I loved it! Fake it 'til you make it!

Starting Afresh....

2013-10-27T23:39:00.000+00:00

Tomorrow (Monday - isn't it always a Monday?!), I'm starting afresh with my health goals.

I've already prepared my fruit and vegetables for juicing in the morning, and I've prepared my lunch and it's ready to grab and go in the morning!

Doesn't this look delicious! Loads of nutrients, that will soon be packed into a glass!

Breakfast will go something like this:

Fresh juice - 4 medium carrots, 2 small apples, a chunk of ginger and a couple of handfuls of Spinach.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie - you can find the recipe here! I can't wait to try it out!! It's a little higher in calories (399 calories) than I would normally have for breakfast but I'm trying something a little different!

Lunch:

50g Wholewheat Fusilli
70g Tuna in Spring Water
50g Sweetcorn
10g Brianna's Poppyseed Dressing (This is the bomb, yo!)
80g Cherry Tomatoes

Lunch is always a meal I struggle with. I get very bored with wraps, salads and sandwiches, which usually leads me to binge at work. I need to break the cycle of going out to the shops and grabbing unhealthy treats at the bakers or grocery store. So this lunch will hopefully hit the spot! If the rain has stopped by tomorrow, then I will have a good 20 minute walk during my lunch break and then come back to this delicious meal.

I'm not sure what I'll have for dinner but my snacks will probably be something like Mcintosh Apples, dried dates, cheese sticks or nuts.

Do you see the price of these apples?? £3.49 a kilo - Kenny always says I have expensive taste! Bahahaha! At least it's a healthy obsession for a change! I should have taken an after photo of the apples after I selected 12 of those bad boys! Slim pickins for anyone that arrived after me.

Tomorrow I will do my "first" official weigh in and measurements. I will perhaps do some before pics too - though I do have plenty of those!! lol

I just watched the Halloween episode of Pretty Little Liars! Oh my god! I just love that show. I started watching it on Netflix last month and I have been hooked ever since. I can't wait to watch Ravenswood too. I'm a real Netflix addict these days. I hardly ever watch normal TV, and if I do watch normal TV, you can be sure it will be on some music channel! I'm watching the first episode of the second season of The Carrie Diaries. I'm a TV junkie! If I put as much effort into my health and fitness as I do my TV watching, then I will be ripped very soon! Ha!

If you like you can also follow some of my journey on My Fitness Pal (nuttynewlywed) or on Instagram @healthy_eve

Reminiscing!

2013-10-26T21:36:00.003+01:00

Hey friends! So I am sitting here watching/listening to country music videos blasting from the X-box (using VEVO - it's awesome!!) and reminiscing about last summer! The weather has really changed the last two days here. The wind and rain has returned and the early nights are drawing in! The turning back of the clocks is imminent! At least that means an extra hours sleep! Yessss!! =)

My day was MADE today when I found Macintosh Apples have returned to the grocery store here!! They didn't have any last year and I was devastated! Yes, really. So I bought about 14 of them when I saw them! And spent around £7.00 on them! It's better than spending all that on candy. I love, love, love Macintosh apples!

I'm slowly making healthy changes to my diet and I stocked up on plenty of fruit and veg for juicing next week. I'm going to have at least one fresh juice a day. I did a juice fast back in May and I really enjoyed it! I also managed to lose 11 pounds during it. I felt revitalised!! I was also on holiday from work, so I had plenty of time to juice, relax and just enjoy it. I don't think I would have been as successful if I had been at work. I was juicing 6 times a day! Also clean up is a major pain in the ass. So aiming for one healthy juice a day is very reasonable!

I also got some awesome recipes from Andie's website "Can you Stay for Dinner" and I plan to make Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie and some s'mores pancakes with marshmallow sauce that sound really delicious. I will be sure to post photos of them when I make them!!

Just thought I would share some photos from last summer since I am in the mood for reminiscing!

In no particular order......................

My Before and During Photo from last year........

Newlyweds!

Wedding Love!

Top from Gap Body and Nike Golf Skirt! I love the Nike Outlet!

Sparkly! And my nails look pretty awesome too

Victoria's Secret Changing Room!

Celebration is so beautiful

Kimberly Perry!!

Happy!

Brantley Gilbert!!!! Sexy beast!!

Brantley Gilbert!

Crazy photo of the hubs and me outside M&M World, Florida Mall!

Some of my juices!

Recipe can be found on Rebootwithjoe.com

Hope you are all having a great day!

Back to the old!

2013-10-22T00:11:00.000+01:00

It's been a reaaalllly long time since I blogged here......or anywhere else for that matter, but I was thinking about this blog earlier today and I realised I really missed it. I started blogging here away back in 2008 - My goodness has it been that long?! And I also realised that I've never "made a change". Not a permanent change that is. I have been up and down with my weight during this whole time - in fact for the last 8/9 years! The lowest I got in that time was last year when I got down to 165lbs for my wedding in Orlando. And do you know what? Even though, I wasn't at my goal weight, I realised I feel really good when I stick to my goals, take care of myself and make time for fitness. I look back at my photos from last year, and I think "Damn, girl! You did good! You look good, and more importantly, you FEEL good!" So, why on earth did I gradually give all that up again. I realise more and more that I really am crazy!!

So, in the spirit of getting back into health and getting fit again, I figured I would rekindle my old blog. I won't promise I will write every day, or even weekly, but I hope I can use it to help me back on the path to health, wellness and feeling fit! AND actually Make a Change this Time! =)

I actually joined a new gym a couple of months ago - and I hope I will be able to share it with you in future posts! Until then, here are just a few photos! As you can see (or not see!) there are no treadmills or cardio equipment like that (except for 2 spin bikes!). Big tyres, ropes, sledgehammers and prowlers are all you need to get your heart rate up! Ha ha!!

Happy Monday everyone!!

A New Blog!! I hope you will join me!

2012-11-04T03:43:00.001+00:00

A new blog!

Hey guys - if there is anyone out there still following my blog!

I have created a brand spanking new blog, to showcase my new life as a newlywed, while getting fit and losing weight.

If you want to join me the blog is: Nutty Newlywed

I do hope you will continue to follow me on my journey. I've lost 40lbs now - and I am so happy that it has finally clicked for me! A fresh blog for a fresh life!

Thanks for joining me!

Weight Loss at Last!!

2012-06-23T13:36:00.000+01:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I last blogged. I'm pleased to report that things are going well, and as of today, I am down 14 pounds (1 stone!) since the 4th May! I had started on Slim Fast and lost a lot of weight in the first 2 weeks (11.2lbs) but then I seemed to hit a wall and was going up and down for a few weeks again. I am back on my trainer's diet (I did it 2 years ago!) and it finally kickstarted my weight loss again! 5lbs off since Tuesday!

My start weight had been 201.2lbs and this morning I weighed in at 187.2!!

From the 200's to the 180's!! Yay!!
It is now the big countdown to the wedding - 11 weeks until we leave for Florida! We have picked a venue, and we are just waiting to hear back to see if it's available on the day we have chosen!!

I hope to back next week with some measurements for you all!! I hope there is a significant difference!! That dress of mine will have to be taken in A LOT!! (Fingers crossed!!)

The Wedding Dress!

2012-04-21T18:53:00.002+01:00

So yesterday, I hit the town with my sister to go have a look at wedding gowns. I was only going to look and try on a few to see what suited me and then order something similar online because I really didn't think I had enough to time to get a dress custom made for me since the wedding is in 5 months! The first store we went into was no good. The woman in the store was no help whatsoever! She just pointed to the gowns around the shop to where the various sizes were and that was it! Needless to say we just walked out!

The second store was really busy so we just kept walking to another store. The girls were really friendly, I was taken straight to some gowns she thought I might like and then let us browse and pick out any others I would like to try on. The first few gowns I tried on were quite nice but nothing was really WOW! While I was trying on another gown I saw another girl trying on a gown that was absolutely gorgeous!! I wanted to try the dress she had on! So after she had taken it off and had left the store, I was able to try it on! I just knew it was THE ONE! I was beaming ear to ear and right there and then I knew I was going to get this dress! And it was within my budget AND it will be made to my size AND it will be ready for me for August for any alterations I will need. I'm hoping I lose a bit of weight for then and can get a few inches taken in! It will look even more stunning once I lose some lbs!

I'm not going to post the pic of THE ONE - but here's a couple of shots of a couple of the dresses I tried on - my sister had to take the photos secretly since it's a big NO NO! lol

I kinda liked this one - but just didn't LOVE it.

I really didn't like this dress at all - as you can probably tell from my face - plus it didn't really flatter my figure as much as the one above!

So now the countdown is ON! All we need to do now is book the actual wedding venue in Orlando - we have a few ideas but just need to settle on one!

Happy Saturday everyone!

I will hopefully do another post later about what I'm doing activity and weight loss wise!

Weight Loss Rewards

2012-04-20T02:00:00.001+01:00

Just a quick blog to remind myself of the things I can look forward to as I lose the pounds!

Weight loss motivators - Treats and incentives for losing the lbs.

5lbs - Subscription to Self Magazine.

10lbs - New Pyjamas

15lbs - Massage & Facial

20lbs - New haircut & color

25lbs - New Perfume

30lbs - Teeth whitening (professional!!)

35lbs - Fake tan and nails

40lbs - New workout clothes

45lbs - Trip to London for a West End Show

50lbs - Spa Day

55lbs - New handbag

60lbs - New designer shoes

65lbs - Sky diving or bungee jump

70lbs - Belly button pierced (again!)

Ultimate Goal Weight (around 125lbs) - Trip to NYC or San Francisco for a shopping spree!

An exciting announcement!

2012-03-13T23:27:00.000+00:00

Well, I don't know how exciting it really is. It's more scary at the moment - and no I'm not pregnant ;-)

Kenny and I have signed up to do a half marathon!! I can't believe I have agreed to do this. I am not a runner. I suck at running (at the moment anyway!) but I believe that with a lot of hardwork, training and dedication, then I will be awesome at it! The Great Scottish Run takes place on 2 September so we have just under 6 months to prepare. As we will be getting married about 2 weeks after the half marathon, I'm hoping it will give me some focus to start taking my exercise and healthy eating seriously. I feel like the wedding isn't enough for me to really want to buckle down and get to my goal! I know that if I don't lose at least 20lbs (I would like double that though!) then I will regret it on the day, and then every day thereafter. I still remember how I felt in Florida a year and half ago and I don't want to feel that pain again in 6 months time!

We will be starting our training on Thursday - and I think I will just start with Couch to 5k again. I will follow it to the letter too! Usually I have a habit of skipping a week when I feel that I can run for longer.

This photo is from a previous race. I drive over this bridge every day, and no pedestrians are allowed. And just think, 6 months from now I will be running over it!!

Does anyone have any advice they could give to a newbie runner?? I think I will need all the help I can get!!

PS - I gained half a pound at my weigh in last Wednesday :-( I need to do better!

A set back is always a chance for a COME BACK!

2012-03-03T23:20:00.000+00:00

I seem to have lost my stride the last couple of days. I always seem to stray off course when I get out of my routine. Why is it so easy to get out of good habits than it is to keep with them?? I love it when I'm eating healthy and I feel so good when I drink plenty of water and have my fruits and veggies! I feel slightly back in control today - but I haven't tracked so I could be doing worse than I think!

I weighed in on Wednesday and I was down 0.6lbs! Yay! So I'm at a total loss of 7.8lbs in 3 weeks. I feel good about that :-) I hope my wee set back won't do too much damage at my next weigh in.

My gym has just undergone a transformation! I haven't seen it yet, as I haven't been there in over a week, but we are excited to go tomorrow and see all the new equipment and newly painted walls and flooring! I will try and take some photos of it to show you guys.

I bought Zumba Fitness RUSH for the Kinect during the week after trying out the demo. It is an amazing and fun workout!! There are different types of workouts you can do - short, medium or longer and either high, low or medium intensity. I did a short workout at hight intensity which lasted about 20-25 minutes. I wore my HR monitor and it showed I burned 180 calories! The calorie count on the game said I only burned 100 - but that is obviously nonsense! ha ha ha! I guess it's just a guestimate!

I'm off to watch Charmed on Netflix! I'm still on season 1, episode 20! I love it!!

Hope you are all having a kick-butt weekend!!

My Favorite Things Part 1.

2012-02-26T00:20:00.001+00:00

Happy Saturday, everyone - I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend :-)

Just thought I would do a quick post about things I am loving right now!

The new Weight Watchers Theme Song here in the UK - it really gets me excited about WW again!!!

Banana Republic - I just wish we had BR here in Scotland, but luckily I can still shop online :-) I love these jeans.

McIntosh Apples........

DIY Manicures - I love these false nails - they look so natural, don't you think?

Sausage fingers!

Blue Bloods......

Supernatural....... I love Jensen Ackles!!! Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins aren't too shabby either ;-)

Breathe Carolina - Blackout. I am loving this song - it's a great workout tune!

I hope to do Part 2 of Top Tips to Get You to Goal, sometime in the next few days!! I am happy to report that I'm down a total of 7.2lbs - My 3rd Weigh in will be this Wednesday - I hope to get 5% achievement then! =)

Top Tips to Get you to GOAL! Part 1!

2012-02-08T23:18:00.000+00:00

If you are looking for some inspiration, motivation or a bit of no nonsense advice on losing weight and getting to goal - then look no further!! These tips were in a recent edition of Weight Watchers Your Week magazine. I hope you enjoy them and find some tips you can use yourself.

1. Stick to your Daily Points allowance.
Every day that you stay within your daily PP budget brings you one day closer to reaching your goal because you're creating the calorie deficit your body needs to lose weight.

2. Use Your Weekly Allowance for Greater Flexibility.
When you want to eat more than your daily PP allowance or enjoy a treat, dip into your weekly allowance.

3. Track EVERYTHING you eat!
Studies show that keeping track of your food intake can boost weight loss success. That's because, without tracking, it's easy to think you've eaten less than you actually have!

4. Stay to Your Meeting Talk.
Research shows that people who attend the greatest number of meetings have the greatest weight loss. So weigh in, then stay around to be inspired!

5. Move More than you did Before.
Getting active is the ONLY way you can get your body to burn more calories every day. Why not break down your moves into 10 minute bursts, so it's no sweat?!

****************************************

I hope these simple tips can help you if you are struggling or are in need of a simple reminder that it's easier than you think. They certainly helped me get back on track!

I went back to my WW meeting tonight and weighed in at 202.5lbs. My weight in the morning though was 201lbs - so I may just take my weight in the morning, nekkid! lol Although I think just being up 1.5lbs at night with my work clothes on sounds not too bad!

I hope everyone is having a great week =) I'll be having an even better week if I can book tickets tomorrow to see Madonna here in Scotland in July!! I will let you know how it goes :-) Wish me luck!

I will be back with more tips later in the week!

Happy February! =)

2012-02-03T21:47:00.000+00:00

Happy February everyone! I was going to say Happy New Year - but it's well past the time for saying that ;-)

I feel motivated to do a post just now - so I'm just going to go with the flow. I have been kind of out of touch with the blogging world for quite a few weeks now. I have been kind of reading everyones blogs, but usually just once or twice a week! I miss the blogging world, so I'm back to catching up with everyone and try and keep my own blog updated.

As you know, I had gone back to WW in October and was doing well for a few weeks. I lost 9.5lbs but then I started slipping back into old habits again and messing about with other diets. I basically lost all focus! I gained a little bit back so I'm at a total weight loss of 7.5lbs at the moment. I have been hitting the gym though and I feel that I'm back into a routine with working out, so now all I have to do is balance my diet and exercise and see results - why do I make it so difficult for myself?? ;-)

We have booked our holiday/wedding/honeymoon for September!! I'm so excited, but also scared that I've not left enough time to lose enough weight to feel great about myself. I know if I just focus on the goal I will get there or pretty darn close, so it's time to stop messing about. This is real! I don't want to feel like a fat, sweaty cow on my wedding day. I remember how awful I felt in the Florida heat in 2010 - my legs were always rubbing together, they were chafed and sore and I could hardly walk! We spent the best part of a day looking around Walgreens, CVS and Wal-mart looking for anti-chafing cream!! Not a memory I really want to remember but that's the truth of it! Being fat SUCKS!!

I am pleased to say, that as of today, I am back to doing WW - I'm counting my PP's and tomorrow I will be hitting the gym with my love! The good thing is I have no excuse to back out now. I sold my car two weeks ago, and have inherited my lovely fiance's car, which means I have to go home and then we go to the gym together. It makes it so much easier when you have someone supporting you and working out with you too!

I will be going back to my usual meeting on Wednesday, so I hope to have a good result for you all =)

I'm Baaack, baby!

2011-12-01T23:30:00.000+00:00

For a while there, I considered not blogging again, but then I started missing it - and having a little bit of accountability with my weight loss journey. I feel that I have gone round in circles the last couple of years. Losing a bit, gaining it back with a little bit extra each time and feeling very down, defeated and that I will never lose this weight again.

I rejoined WW back in the middle of October! I love my meetings, counting my PP's and feeling better about myself for staying on track for most of the time!

I had lost a total of 9.5lbs but this week I gained a pound :-( This time, I am NOT giving up. I have nine months until my wedding!! I need to look fantastic!!

I will make this a short and sweet post but wanted to mention a few great things that happened over the last few weeks!!

I met Toby Keith! He is so tall and gorgeous! We took the train through to Edinburgh and had a quick bite to eat at Hard Rock Cafe! I had a bit of a headache so I barely ate anything :-( I think I was too nervous about meeting Toby! Ha!

A Whole Foods Market opened up right here in GLASGOW and the only one in the whole of SCOTLAND!!!

Isn't it awesome!!! My life will truly be complete when Krispy Kreme opens up here in Scotland......

I lost 9.5lbs following Weight Watchers!
The jeans I bought to wear when meeting Toby Keith are already waaay to big to wear again!!
I had an awesome bike ride today - it was cold and sunny when I set out but even colder, rainy and windy on my way back home - but it felt amazing to be out and moving my body!
I am thinking of running a Rock n Roll Half Marathon! I couldn't believe it when I found out it was coming to Europe, and it's first leg is Edinburgh!! I will let you know when I book my place. I'm talking Kenny into joining me - I don't want to run it on my own. I've never really run before, so this would be a great event to train for and get me running!!
I am starting Couch to 5K - again - tomorrow. I think I will start in week 2 or 3 though - I can comfortably run for more than 2 minutes......

I'm sure I had more to blog about but I can't think of anything else at the moment! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving (for those that celebrate it!) and are getting ready for the Christmas season!!

I'm going to meet someone amazing!!!

2011-10-25T10:49:00.000+01:00

I just couldn't stay away from Blogger! Hi guys, did you miss me??!! lol

So I started WW again almost 2 weeks ago. My first WW weigh in was bad. I weighed in at 14st 10.5lbs, which is 206.5lbs. My first week I lost 1.5lbs. I was pretty bummed about that, but I couldn't really complain because I had stopped tracking on Sunday and was WAAAY over my points =( This week though, has been stellar! I have been sticking to my PP's and getting in way more fruit and veg on a daily basis. My weigh in is tomorrow so I'm hoping for a good result. I just need to ease back into exercise again and get my butt to the gym! Last night I had the weirdest dream I ran a half marathon in those toning flip flops! I did great in the dream - I ran in it in 1 hour and 20 minutes! lol Then I said to someone now I know why all these people on the blogs enter races and stuff - it's just so exciting! Maybe that's my subconscious telling me something?!

Anyway, I have fabulous news also!! We are going to see Toby Keith this Sunday in Edinburgh and I actually won a Meet and Greet!!

I'M GOING TO MEET TOBY KEITH!!!

I may die on the spot! And then he'll have to resuscitate me - how cool would that be?! Yeah I know I'm totally crazy!!

I will be back tomorrow or Thursday with a Weigh in Result!!

Catch ya later dudes!

Should I come back to Blogger....?!

2011-10-09T21:16:00.000+01:00

Hey guys! Been a long time since I've blogged here - or over at my other blog for that matter! I feel lonely over at WordPress - I don't know why! I like Blogger because I can follow all my fave blogs right from the Dashboard and follow people easy through blogger.

I may actually come back to blogger. I left blogger last year to try Word Press and ended up coming back to Blogger again. And I feel I may be back here soooon!

I'm rejoining Weight Watchers (for the trillionth time!) some time this week and I hope to start blogging about that again!

I need to get my butt in gear - I only have 11 months until I get married! Yikes - that isn't that far away really. I want to get to a decent weight by March/April next year so that I can start shopping for a dress - I don't really want to go shopping the way I look just now. I have been way to bad for too long - it's time to get serious!

Hope to be back again sooon!

A NEW BLOG!!

2011-08-22T10:53:00.000+01:00

Hey everybody. Just wanted to let you know I've moved over to Wordpress.

I needed to wipe the slate clean and just start afresh with a new look, a new blog and a new plan!!

Will you join me over there?!?! I hope so!! See you there!!

Weighing Less for the Dress!!! <--------------- CLICK HERE: YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!

Instagram!

2011-07-30T13:22:00.001+01:00

So, I finally found the app that transforms your photos into fabulous and retro looking amazingness….. I know that’s not even a word, but whatevs! :-) I still can’t figure out how to get smiley faces on my blog……………. how do you do that??

Anyway, here are some photos I thought I would share with you!

Aren’t they fab?? I’m going to use this app. ALL. THE. TIME. :-) You have been warned….

On to other health related news……I finally dragged my butt to the gym on Thursday! I burned over 400 calories in just over 40 mins! Man it was tough, but I did manage 18 minutes on the cross trainer and 25 minutes on the treadmill. I did a walk/run combo on the treadmill. I started off walking for one minute, and then running for one minute. It did feel easy at first but after 15 minutes I started to feel how out of shape I am. Not to worry, I pushed myself, but didn’t go to the extreme like I normally do. When I do that, I end of thinking it’s way to hard and don’t work out again for weeks on end! In fact, the last time I was at the gym was in June……or was it May…??? Well, whenever it was, it was a LOOOONG time ago!

I had missed my WW class last Wednesday because of a bad migraine. I had had it since Tuesday morning of that week. It really was bad. I went to my class just Wednesday there and I was half a pound heavier than when I started – but….. not to worry. I have to just own it and move on and do the best I can to start following a healthier lifestyle! I saw my doctor on Thursday about my migraines and she gave me a new tablet called “Clotam”. I unfortunately had to take one yesterday as I felt another migraine coming on and it did the trick! It was like a miracle. It just disappeared and I felt fine the rest of the day.

We are hoping to go to the gym later tonight, or failing that I will do my Tae Bo DVD workout! I love Tae Bo – Billy Blanks just makes you feel awesome!! Go try it and see for yourself!!

Well I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!! I’m off to get ready to go for lunch with my dad =)

Testing Live Writer!

2011-07-26T23:14:00.001+01:00

This is just a test…………..

This Live Writer is amazing! Too bad I can’t get this on my iMac :-(

I think I will start using my laptop again for blogging….it seems so much easier with this Windows Live Writer!!

New Facebook Page!!

2011-07-24T19:39:00.000+01:00

I thought it would be fun to add a Time to Make a Change Facebook page!! I have never ever done this before, so it's all quite new! Someone please "like" me! Ha ha ha! Just click on the pink button on the left side!! Or go here......... Facebook - Time to Make a Change!

Hopefully it can be a quick way to update what's happening with me. I didn't want to use my personal facebook page because everyone gets really annoyed at workouts and what I'm eating or going to eat! I need proper support and encouragement!

Please bear with me if it looks a little bare at the moment - I hope to update it frequently with food posts, weigh in, measurements and hopefully some advice and insight (eventually!)

I hope it takes off!

Aphrodite's Advice

2011-07-21T23:12:00.000+01:00

I was clearing out a drawer the other day, and I came across a small note pad. It has a cute little guinea pig on the front and underneath it says "Aphrodite's Advice". Now inside this little note pad was a world I used to live in - a world where I exercised consistently.

Basically it's a record of a lot of my workouts from July 2004!

Here are a few excerpts of my little book of fitness!!
Thursday 1 July 2004 - 25 mins treadmill - 3.15km - 151 cals.

Sunday 4 July 2004 - 55 mins treadmill - 7.68km 441 cals
Chest press 30kg - 2 sets of 10
Hip abducter 23kg - 2 sets of 15 (I hated this machine - totally pointless!)
Ab exercises and stretches.

Thursday 15 July 2004 - 55 mins Cross Trainer - Level 12 (wow!) 632 cals burned!
Saturday 17 July 2004 - Tae Bo Advanced - 1 HOUR! (Wow - I must have been really fit back in the day - I can't even do the basic tae bo nowadays without nearly dying!)

There is also a weight entry from Monday 19 July 2004 - I weighed 120lbs!!
Today I weigh 195lbs........

On to August 2004 - I was leg pressing 190lbs!!

Basically, I exercised nearly every day - doing a mix of high cardio, weight training and stretching!

Maybe I should just use my own advice and follow the workouts in this note pad - It worked then - and it can work again. I just need to get my ass off the couch and do it......

Wednesday Weigh In Results, recipes and dessert.

2011-07-06T23:30:00.000+01:00

Starting Weight: 199lbs

Last Week's Weight: 195lbs

This Week's Weight: 194.5lbs

Total Loss: 4.5lbs

So this week's weigh in was entirely expected. I had way to many Pro points yesterday - I stopped tracking at 42 pro points but I still had some activity points left over from my long walk on Sunday! But it's really not the best idea to eat almost 50 pro points the day before weigh in.......... I'm just glad I lost.

I thought I would also include a couple of "recipes" and tips for some who are looking for healthier alternatives to their favorite foods!

First of all is PIZZA! I love pizza. A few years ago, I was totally addicted to Pizza Hut and for almost 2 months I was having Pizza Hut pizza 4 times a week. Now I can't stand it - it tastes phoney, yucky cheese and not like pizza AT ALL! This was my dinner tonight - it's only 7 points, but you can add or subtract from it what you like. My pizza consisted of: (I weigh EVERYTHING!!):

Pizza and Salad - the healthy way!

1 Warburton Square Wrap (or any wrap you like!) - 4 pro points

20g Caramelised Onion Chutney - 1 pro point

40g Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Grated Cheddar Cheese - 2 pro points

1 Large Sliced tomato - 0 pro points

Just slather the chutney over the wrap, evenly distribute the cheese, add tomato and anything else you like and just bake on a pizza tray or baking tray for about 15-20 at about 150 degrees.

Doesn't it look delicious? It really is a blank canvas - add more veggies like roasted peppers, mushrooms, a bit of pineapple and ham, the only limit is your imagination. Unfortunately, I didn't have anything else in the house I could use on my pizza. I served it with a simple side salad, baby corn and 10g of onion chutney.

The other "recipe" is a dessert, which is totally yummy, includes 1 of your 5 a day and is a lovely sweet treat to look forward to at night after dinner.

1 Med/Large Banana

1 Curly Wurly (or any low calorie choc/toffee bar)

Peel the banana and cut lengthways but don't go all the way through or to the ends of the banana.

Break up your desired choccy bar and stuff into the banana

Wrap in foil, pop in the oven for about 20 mins at about 120 degrees and VOILA!

Gorgeous yummy dessert for only 3 pro points*

(based on pro points for Curly Wurly)

I wish I had a photo of this, but sadly I always end up eating it before I remember to take a photo!

That's all I got for today!

Ciao =)

Walking, Lattes and Staying on Track!

2011-07-03T21:44:00.000+01:00

Last night I thought it would be a good idea to go for a long walk on Sunday, but I wasn't sure where to or how far I would walk. When I got up this morning I thought I would walk for half an hour and then just turn back. I changed into my exercise gear, leashed up Molly and hit the pavement!

I walked, and then I walked, and then I walked some more! When I first set out, I felt lethargic, and my legs felt really heavy. It was hot out today (for a change!) and the sun was shining so I just kept thinking to myself "just put one foot in front of the other".

I ended up walking almost 6 miles to Partick, which is in the West End of Glasgow. Partick has a great mix of pubs, cafes, second hand shops and restaurants! I kept walking until I reached a lovely little cafe and decided to sit outside (well I had to since I had Molly with me!) and enjoy a well earned Latte! The cafe was on the shady side of the street, which I think was just as well since we had walked for well over an hour in the blazing sun. I did stop a few times before this to let Molly drink some water, her tongue was hanging out!

Molly is thinking something...... not quite sure what....!

As I sat here enjoying my Latte, I looked at the road up ahead to see probably one of the steepest hills in Glasgow! And I thought to myself "I'm going to walk up that hill!"

After I finished my Latte, I went inside to pay for it. I managed to catch my bag on the corner of one of the chairs inside the cafe and it crashed to the floor! Oooops! I was slightly embarrassed at first and then I thought "hey, sh*t happens!'

I headed out to tackle this hill that loomed towards me.

OMG! That hill was a bastard! I am not even kidding - I felt like I was climbing a vertical street! I would even say this street rivals those in San Francisco! I love SF!! One of my fave places in the world! Well, that and Orlando......

I hope they turned their wheels to the kerb!

Can you tell how steep this street is from this picture?!? It looks tame here!!

I walked back down the hill, and headed home again. A few points along the way I really wanted to phone Kenny to come get me, but I kept going. My legs were sore, my hips were sore, but I kept going!

Poor wee Molly's legs were wiped too - she has been sleeping ever since we got back home =)

All in all, I had a fabulous workout! I burned almost 1200 calories and walked almost 12 miles, and earned 15 WW activity points!!

I hope to have a great weigh in on Wednesday - I'll see y'all back here then!

Until then, have a happy and safe July 4th!!!!!

Wednesday Weigh In

2011-06-29T19:20:00.000+01:00

Last week, I rejoined another WW class, after being so disappointed by the one I had previously joined two weeks ago. This class could not be better! Not only is the class bright, lively and informative, but it also has one of the highest weight loss results throughout some of the other Glasgow classes since January. Also the leader is a Diamond Award leader, which I can only take as a good thing! Ha ha ha!

So, basically, I restarted (AGAIN!!) last Wednesday. My weight had gone up 1lb since I started the week before that but I wasn't worried. In my head I knew I was going to restart over in this new class so I didn't track all week.

Tonight, I weighed in and was so pleased to have lost.....dun, dun, duuuun!!

FOUR POUNDS!!!

Yay! I am so over the moon happy, I can't even begin to tell you! I have even been "struggling" with eating all my ProPoints all week. Until last night, when I went over by 9 :-( Now in the past I would have let that de-rail my whole effort but no - I continued to track it all. There is no point in lying to myself about this anymore. It's not going to get any better if I don't track and just pretend it didn't happen.

I find that when I am following WW, I challenge myself to eat more fruit and veg and yesterday just wasn't one of those days - i just felt snacky all day.

I am going to step up my activity this week also and hopefully that will give me another great result next week!

I hope you're all having a great week too!!

See ya later, Alligator!

*Time to make a Change!*