More water!

 Thursday 9th May 2024

I've woke up with a headache this morning, I need to drink more water, especially now it's warmed up outside, yep, that's my challenge for the day ahead to drink plenty of water.

Last weeks challenge in our huddles was to aim to eat 20-30 different types of fruit and vegetables a week, that's not as easy as it sounds because we tend to eat the same things over and over.  There's a programme on Netflix about it, how it can help with the microbiome and bacteria in your stomach, go check it out, just type 'gut' in the search bar and it'll come up.  

I've been rubbish this week at it, I did really well last week, this was my list; 

Apple

Avocado 

Baked beans 

Banana

Black beans 

Carrot 

Celery

Corn on the cob

Cucumber 

Green beans 

Lettuce

Mushrooms

Onion

Peppers - yellow red and green 

Potatoes 

Salad leaves

Satsumas

Spinach

Sultanas 

Swede

Sweetcorn 

Tenderstem broccoli 

Tomato

This week, I haven't had barely any, we went away and that limited what we had because we ate out, let's see

Baked beans 

Banana

Beansprouts 

Carrot 

Cucumber 

Green beans 

Grey peas

Lemon

Lettuce

Mushrooms

Onion

Peas

Peppers - yellow red and green 

Pineapple

Potatoes 

Raisins

Salad leaves

Strawberry (in jam :) )

Spinach

Sweetcorn

Tomato

Much better than I thought because I don't feel like I've eaten well this week, I'm back on it from this morning, trackers out, I'm ready for the day.  I'm looking at a recipe for Pasta Frittata, I might make that for dinner, it'll use up some of the bits in the fridge that are gonna walk out if not used!  Pasta frittata recipe - BBC Food I'll work out the calories later and we'll probably share it two ways, we shall see.  Easy, cheap meal though, which is what I need this week. 

Glass of water, 2 paracetamol and a mug of tea and my headache has gone thankfully!  Ready for the day now, I'm enjoying the chat this week in huddles, it's interesting to see how peoples brains work differently.

I need to get going, lots to do, not done physio again today, didn't do it yesterday either, my knee was in bits and my back sore, I'll let it calm down and get back to it tomorrow.  We did manage a 15 minute walk on treadmill whilst Aryn did his workout.  I will get there, slow and steady will win the race, I will walk this year, thinking about a knee brace to support it when we walk so it doesn't take so long to get over the walk.

Right, I'm off, ready for whatever today throws at me!  Let's do this...

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

Sore and tired this morning, waking up now...

Wednesday 8th May 2024

I laughed at my alarm this morning, actually I didn't but I would've done if the cat hadn't woke me up before it, I then realised I was still tired, everything hurt and there was no way I was doing my physio this morning (I'll do it later) so I had myself an extra hour in bed and now I feel much better.  I woke a lot in the night, usually I spend an hour of the night awake last night it was 90 minutes and only 1 hour of deep sleep, so that extra hour was needed.

I really enjoyed yesterday though, the huddles were great, I loved the topic if I do say so myself and I'm looking forward to the rest of them this week to see how they go.  

Food included using up stuff I have, so I found a cheese & onion potato pie, 431 calories in it though, 

Then served it with Aldi sausage and beans, which I love when I'm in the mood.  260 calories in them. 

Those potatoes would make a good side (only have 1/2) to fish served with veggies.

I had cobs for lunch, they were starting to turn, so I just pulled the blue bits off!  Tasted fine. 

Using up food I've got in freezer, Aryn had leftover chilli with rice and wraps, that boy is unfillable! 

We're going to have Tuna steaks today, they've been in there forever, so I'm going to marinade them I think, serve with couscous and veggies.  

The rest of my day yesterday involved, a tiny bit of housework, a couple of hours with my jigsaw, I listened to the end of my book Shari Low, What Now?, the second of a 2 set, What if? the first, loved them, so easy to enjoy.  I also watched a bit of my crap progs as I had the remote back.  

The cats weren't being helpful though!  I think they missed me :) 

I'm gonna try and get my washing on the line before I leave this morning, hopefully it won't rain before I get back!  

I'm in pain, the weekend has caught up with my knee and back my knee gave way when I was in the Aldi yesterday, thankfully I had the trolley to lean on, oh the joys :) 

Now to go take those tuna steaks out the freezer and add some flavour to them, hopefully it'll work!  

Have a great day x 

Mwah, luv ya

Love me  

Sunshine at last!

Tuesday 7th May 2024

I had a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend!  I didn't think it was going to work out that way on Friday, it rained constantly all night, every time I woke up, it was still raining, the owner had already said they'd tow us out the field if we got stuck!  Thankfully it stopped Saturday and we had a slow start to our day, drove over to Pistyll Rhaeadr to see the waterfall, wasn't sure if I'd be able to walk but I was good, we walked the path up to the top of it enjoying some time outdoors.  Only I could forget good footwear for a weekend in wales! I have no idea where my walking boots are, maybe I left them in Ireland, I don't know but my old working boots did the job and Sunday I wore sandals! 

The food all weekend was excellent but the highlight for me was the warm scone I had from the cafe at the waterfalls, it was so good!  

 

I didn't track a thing all weekend but my app is open again now.  Sunday we went to canoe over the Pontcysyllte aqueduct at Llangollen 307m long and 38m high, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the tallest aqueduct in the world.  After we'd done that, we walked over it too, the views were stunning, thoroughly enjoyed it.  Outdoor activities | TNR Outdoors

A wonderful unrushed weekend, lots of sleep, eating and resting, the weather Sunday was glorious, sitting outside, enjoying some sunshine for a change!  

Was the weekend perfect?  Hell NO, what chance is of that with a teenager in tow and two know it all adults!  We survived though and all round it was a very, good way to spend a weekend.   I don't think he'll want to do many weekends with us going forward so I made the most of this one, we're boring aren't we!  I only managed to get a couple of photos with him, which I'm not allowed to share but he's pulling a face that makes him look like a murderer anyways!

Looking forward to going back to work today, been up since 4.15 thanks to Minnie to door handle jumping loony cat, not looking forward to tackling the kitchen, there's not a clean plate in there but on a positive I did all the clothes washing when we got back yesterday.  I need to go shopping too, we don't have much even in the freezer.  At least I've only got to feed the two of us, Aldi it is!

Here's to getting back on track, mwah, luv ya

Love me x

Posh Pot Noodle!

Friday 3rd May 2024

I lost 1.5lb so being on track all week worked, now to keep it going.  I could've eaten my own arm yesterday I was hungry, but I keep it together, I did have a sausage and egg mcmuffin in-between huddles because I was hungry but I tracked it and at £2.79 for the muffin and a latte, bargain meal.  It was actually the best I'd ever had as I'm not really a huge fan of them, but it was freshly cooked and hot, I sat in the car park and enjoyed 10 minutes peace and quiet. 

My day got healthier, as this was last nights dinner!  The main ingredients cost £4.82 from Aldi,  1kg Chicken Legs  £2.29, Noodles £0.95, Frozen mixed veg £0.99, Soy Sauce £0.59, I also added an onion (maybe wouldn't next time as Aryn doesn't like onion), 3 oxos in a mug of boiling water and a handful of spinach because I had it.  I skinned the chicken legs then cooked them in the slow cooker, when ready to eat, I removed the bones and shredded the chicken.  In a pan of boiling water I cooked the mixed veg and noodles together, then mixed it all together, adding so juice from the to the bowl as broth and we all added our own amount of soy sauce as I like mine quite strong.  I didn't use all the veg and there's some chicken left so with another strip of noodles, it'd easily feed four. 

   

And it turned out really tasty, a posh pot noodle I guess, I'd also add mushrooms next time, it was a last minute meal decision, all I'd planned was the chicken bit, until I walked in the door at half six I hadn't decided what I was going to do with it.  

  

I've got a busy morning so I better get on with it, all the mucky pots are in the kitchen, I also thinks it looks worse when the slow cooker is there because it's so big!  

Here's to a good day, it's a bank holiday weekend and of course they've forecast rain!  Never mind, let's enjoy it regardless...

Mwah, luv u

Love me xx

You can eat really tasty food & lose weight!

Thursday 2nd May 2024

Needing my mug of tea this morning, I could've stayed in bed, I'll be ready for the day once it's drunk and I've showered to wake me up fully.  Here's hoping for a weight loss, 

This is my Nutracheck app week, it's set up for me to lose 1lb a week I think, so I'm in credit whichever way you look at it and after not being great the last month or 6 weeks, I'm hopeful and I'm so glad to be feeling more in control.  

I've also enjoyed my food this week, we had a concoction for lunch when I got home from work, using up the leftover mash from Sunday, fried it up with a bit of bacon and onion.  Also used up the leftover salsa from the burritos, it was delicious and indulgent.

  

Now dinner if I do say so myself was very good indeed, it was inspired by a delicious meal I had at Momma Sorrentis Facebook when Aryn and I visited.  I'd never had pork with pasta before so I thought I'd try it myself, now I'd bought pork chops in Aldi earlier in the week, if I was to make this again, I'd buy boneless ones or even try it with pork mince as the meal falls apart in the slow cooker and it's then a case of playing find the bones in your bowl eating game which isn't fun.  Other than that, the rest was delicious.  In a slow cooker put your pork, a jar of this which was really good for the price - 69p.

I also put in peppers, carrot and mushrooms, didn't add onion, not sure why not, maybe because I forgot or Aryn isn't a massive fan, it didn't need them anyway.  The mushrooms were big enough that I could ensure Aryn didn't get any.  Oh and I put a bit of chorizo in for some umph too.  It turned out really good, I just cooked it on low, left it on all day, put it on warm for the last few hours as they were messing outside with the bike.  When they were ready to eat, I did some spaghetti the cheap stuff as it all tastes the same I think and I made them cheesy garlic bread using the cheap on from Aldi and topped it with their cheese, I like that too.  That works out at about 75p for the whole thing and I split it between the two of them - I pinch one slice :) Lush!  

This was the final outcome and we'll definitely be having it again.

   

Oh I love food, I really do, I love it even more when we all sit and eat together, we managed to do it up the table in the garden yesterday - bliss.

Anyway, I better get ready for my day, I'm all showered and on my second mug of tea already!  I've even put chicken legs, onion and stock in the slow cooker for using later, not 100% sure what I plan to do with them, but they'll be eaten :) 

Here's to a great day, have a really good one,

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Time! We only get so much....

Wednesday 1st May 2024

Yesterday was a good day!  Diet wise it went well, I'm on course for a good week, but life was good yesterday too.  I was reminded that time is the most important thing we have, when I went back to the huddle on the evening I left them both messing with a motorcross bike that's been in the shed for a few years because there was nowhere for Aryn to ride it here unlike in Ireland.  When I returned two hours later, they were still at it and it made me really happy to see them doing something together, I hope they manage to get it running, he thinks it needs a battery or it's something else, but he'll sort it, it's not been ridden for over 3 years.  I've also found somewhere he can ride it once it's working, but first he'll need all new kit because he's now 2 foot taller than when he got it!  

I'm so proud of him, he's doing really well at school too, he came down later to show me where he's marking in his imedia subject, on course for a distinction, to say how much school as been missed and moving countries, I think that's amazing! 

Foodwise, I kept it simple, we had a leftover chicken bap for lunch, 

Then I made a pie with the leftover beef and I chuckled whilst making it on the afternoon, last week when I made the lamb pie I used a block of Jus-Rol shortcrust pastry and rolled it out myself, this time I used ready rolled from Aldi and it was crap, as I rolled it out it cracked, when I picked it up to use it, it was stretching and coming apart, well it just gave me the giggles, I couldn't stop, I couldn't find a dish the right side so ended up using this massive, deep dish so the pastry didn't come high enough up the side, but the bits that fell off I used to make it up (I'm laughing again now) I felt like I was playing with playdo and making something a kid would make the smile of the pie was a bit of the pastry that just come away in my hands as it stretched.  It didn't cook great either, but it tasted alright.  

We ate it anyway, but it cost me a lot of calories because I used two packets and we had a quarter each!  I wouldn't do it again! 

My week so far, 

I've gotta lose a pound tomorrow ain't I looking at them numbers?!  We shall see.

I feel good for being back in control anyways, that's the most important thing.

Today I'm thinking pork and spaghetti in a tomato style sauce, I remember having similar at Facebook Momma Sorrentis and it was delicious, I might stick it in the slow cooker actually, mmm good idea. 

Anyway, physio done, I'm ready for the day, let's start May with passion and make it aMAYzing :) 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me 

Snoring Princess! Oops!

Tuesday 30th April 2024 

Well the wonderful cat was throwing herself at the door at 4.30am but I ignored her and she went away, so I got another hour of sleep and I've just finished my physio, backs got a bit of a twinge but not too bad.  We did the gym last night too, I ended on 9500 steps which is great progress for me.

When I've just asked him if he slept well, his reply was let's not talk about it my snoring princess, I'm gonna get you a t-shirt with that printed on!  :)  Apparently I've been worse than usual lately, I am snotty from either a bit of a cold but I don't  feel ill or maybe it's hayfever - any solutions gratefully received. 

Food was good yesterday, I started the day with avocado and egg on toast, I love it when you open an avocado and it's perfect and this one was, 202 calories for 118g and it was delicious, if I'd put butter on the toast that would've cost 100 calories so the avocado is a bargain and good for me. 

    

Evening meal was crispy chicken, corn on cob and a bit of mash, they had curly fries instead of the mash, I left one of those pieces of chicken the corn filled me up and it was delicious, roasted in the oven, no need for butter. 

I'm doing good this week, feel like I'm back in the zone - at last!  I'm making pie today using up the remaining beef and gravy, I will make it so they have a bigger portion than me, or I could do me a separate one with just pastry on the top, I'll think about that one. 

This is my progress this week, looking good.

I'm looking forward to this weeks huddle topic too, it'll help keep my on track, encourage me to eat more of the good stuff!  

Right lets get ready for the day, busy one hopefully!  We've got this x

Mwah, luv ya

Love me 

You can't beat seeing success....

 Monday 29th April 2024

I've had a little lie in, check me out!  Now I've got to get stuff done but first a mug of tea....

We've had a lazy weekend, I did the usual housework and cooking and managed to stay on track - woo hoo.  Moving didn't happen much though, the weather wasn't the best when we woke up Sunday morning so I shut the curtains and ignored the day, even though it got better as the day went on, it was too late, I'd planted my ass on the sofa. 

Let's look at the important stuff - food!  Here's what I ate, this burger was delicious, I'd bought the to try when they were on offer so it came in at about 80p per roll. 

 

Dinner was this plate of goodness, I made the garlic baguette myself with a free baguette and the chicken was from Farm Foods in the 8 for £10 Birds Eye offer, the couscous was from an offer too, it all helps keep meal costs down.  Even if you're not watching the pennies why would you want to waste money on food that can be spent on other stuff. 

  

Sunday was all about the roast dinner, cooked it slowly in the air fryer and once again it didn't disappoint, the salmon roll from Facebook and there's lots left to make a big pie today after we had some for tea on cobs too.   

   

  

It was so good, I love a roast dinner and everyone loves a Sunday roast don't they.  Need to get the pastry for the pie today and a few bits to make meals this week, got a few meal ideas in my head.

This is my week so far, 

If I wasn't motivated already, seeing our wonderful Sarah Lou on the Nutracheck Facebook page certainly gave us the boost to carry on.  

Facebook Just incredible, we are so proud of her and it's an pleasure to support her every week. 

Now if that don't motivate us all, nothing will because trust me, that lady knows how to enjoy life and losing weight hasn't stopped her from doing do.

Let's have a mega Monday.

Mwah, luv ya 

love me 

Baps and Bakes!

Saturday 27th April 2024

I survived another day, not just any day - A Friday, not just any Friday but one where he was at home too, but I did not cave I survived and I finished on good form.

 

835 calorie difference there comparing what I burned to what I ate, Fiona suggests we change 'Deficit' to 'Buffer Zone', if you have more deficit, it's a bigger bugger! I like that, definitely a bigger buffer for me yesterday. My week so far; 

Now to make it through the weekend! 

Food was good yesterday, for Breakfast I made mushroom and onion omelette baps, delicious and I could've easily eaten two but one was enough, I wasn't hungry again until I made our dinner at 6.30!  I made it with 4 eggs, 150g chestnut mushrooms 1/2tbs oil and a medium onion, oh and a splash of milk.  I put cheese slices on his but mine didn't need it.

  

We were out and about a bit running errands, he asked about lunch at half two so I gave him some toasted teacakes I wanted using and I had a cuppa because I wasn't hungry.

Aryn and I went to gym after he'd finished school and I managed 10 minutes on the treadmill walking and 10 minutes on the bike, improving daily.  I smiled to myself when we were walking round a few shops yesterday realising I wasn't in agony like I have been in the last year or so, it's so good to be able to function like a 'normal' human who's legs work! 

Dinner time was easy Tuna pasta bake, cheap and cheerful, I bought 6 cans of tuna from Farm foods for £4.50, I used 3 of these, one each, I know some people would use less but for £2.25 that's a cheap source of protein!   

These were from Aldi, I love this cheese, Aryn likes frozen mixed veggies so that's a result. 

  

I used Heinz soup because I'd bought them on offer 12 cans for £10 a while ago but home branded soup is only 62p and it works just fine, my pasta was £1.29 a bag.  

The meal cost well under a fiver for 3 people, it could've fed 4 or 5 for under the fiver with the addition of a bit more pasta and cheese

Tuna £2.25

Pasta - I used 70g per person - 27p

cheese I used 80g to top it - 50p

Soup 83p

Mixed veg - I used 80g per person  24p

Total cost £4.09 

I did put a handful of spinach in there too because I had it but it didn't need it.  I cook the frozen veg in the same pan as the pasta, then drain when cooked, stir the tuna and soup into the pasta and veg, then put in a baking dish topped with the cheese and either brown under the grill or I did it in the oven because I had a pizza in there. 

I cooked a yellow sticker reduced pizza for them to share instead of garlic bread, I fancied a little taste so did this to make it so they still had 2 slices each :) I tracked it too!

  

I was cold all day yesterday, I seem to be cold in the day and them wake up sweating at night, can't win with the temperature control at the minute, I put the heating on in the end, I'm not being cold and we'd had a frost yesterday, my car was white over when I woke up!  Summer - where are you?  We've obviously skipping spring!

Another good day planned, I've already thought about our main meal as I've had an extra bit of time this morning thanks to Minnie waking us up throwing herself at the door to get our attention! 

I'm thinking Chicken in tempura batter with couscous and tenderstem brocolli, all I have already.  I have more buns to be used too, I've got some veggie bean burgers in the freezer I want to use too so if Aryn wakes and comes down before lunchtime, we could all have one of those for lunch, I won't tell them what they are, I'll just make them and see what they think.

Right I better get ready for work, I'm watching Minnie plan with a pellet of wood which has come from her litter tray and Coco is sat on the table considering attacking her!  Mad house, I live in a mad house and I love it!

Despite all the things life throws at us, the usual daily struggles that most of us go through as we were driving to the shops yesterday, I found myself thinking, 'I love my life', I said it out loud too because I want him to know he makes my world a better place.  Don't get me wrong - he drives me mad, the crap I have to sit next to him and watch for starters, deep sigh but the good outweighs the silly daft stuff, you can't beat cuddling up on the sofa and watching tele.

On that soppy note, I'll say have a great weekend, tell people you love them!

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x