Active in August anyone?

Saturday 31st July 2021

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines. 

Yesterday was possibly my laziest day this month, I didn't even make 2k steps, we never left the house, Alfie wasn't interested in that weather and he was a bit poorly, a little sick a few times but seemed okay in himself so we chilled.  I've only just done the washing up, the most I did yesterday was roast a chicken and make chicken and chips which was epic might I add!  

 

I also had that cauliflower cheese thing I made for breakfast, warmed it up in a frying pan, was tasty, I'm thinking of having some of the rest in a wrap with a bit of chicken.  I fancy having a go at coronation chicken(ish) too, I won't use flaked almonds, but maybe throw a few pine nuts in as I have them, I've got mayo, yogurt, curry powder, even have a few dried apricots although mango chutney would work.  I haven't got a lettuce though, might need to stop at the Tesco garage or pop over Coop, Alfie's such a bloody drama queen when I try to go out, it's a real ball ache.  Chicken egg fried rice is another option for using up the rest of the chicken, or maybe a dinner as I have leftover gravy too, although I'm tempted with chicken and chips again! 

As today is the last day of July, I'm thinking we make it Active August and try and get my (and yours) backside moving a little more.  Today I'm going to remind myself that housework is exercise and when I get back from the huddle, get the hoover out and go through the house then mop the floor downstairs.  That'll up the steps!  Hopefully it'll stay dry so Alfie will walk, but first a cracking morning at the huddle to be had, actually that'll get me a few steps on my fitbit too.  My fitbit does that annoying thing when you haven't do 250 steps that hour, I've never listened to it, so today I will, I will make it my mission to at least do the 250 steps per hour.

I need to get back to tracking, I got cocky losing 4lb didn't I, so the app needs opening again and I need to get doing it properly, I've got melon to eat so that will be cut up today, I really enjoyed the last one, yet I haven't been bothered with this one, what's the matter with me, fruit always has that affect on me.  I've also got an avocado to eat, that'll be tomorrow's brunch I think with sweet chilli cherry tomatoes and a fried egg on toast.

That's enough food talk, I need to get ready for work this morning, not going to spend my day sitting round on my laptop, actually I did do some work yesterday, so I wasn't 100% lazy, I've got my work done ready for the next few weeks!  

Enjoy your day, 

mwah, luv ya 

love me xx

 

Love a lie in

 Friday 30th July 2021
Your life is your story. Write it well, edit often.

I woke up and though yay I've had a lie in and I didn't have to put my alarm on, that's one of the reasons I love Fridays and Mondays.  I'm glad that one of the reasons I love Fridays isn't because I don't have to go to work because I really enjoy going to work again, Elle and I stood outside our venue last night as we were saying goodnight to each other agreeing that this was the best things we've ever done (work wise obvs, having babies and getting married would be up there on Elle's list I hope lol).

We did have another great day though and I got to see a few people I haven't seen for so long, at least since the first lockdown!  I miss so many people that I haven't seen for so long because of Covid and my change of job, hopefully they'll find their way back when they are ready.  I'm just loving smiling again, there was a few months there where that became difficult, I'd laugh at my situation but it was with a heavy heart all the time, I feel like me again, and I bloody like me and who I am and my life.

I was going to do a cooking video yesterday but they were making that much noise next door, knocking a wall through, bless him for coming round to warn me, thankfully I was out for a few hours of the worst noise.  

I still had a play with cooking, I whizzed my cauliflower in my food processor to rice it, then I microwaved it for about 12 minutes in a bowl covered with cling film leaving a gap for some air to get in.  Next I left it to cool for a bit, and put it in a clean tea towel and squeezed out as much water from it as I possibly could.  I put it in a bowl and added 125g grated cheese, teaspoon salt, bit of pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika and 3 cloves garlic (minced).  The plan had been to make patties or bites and roast, but I couldn't get it to stick together!  I remembered later that I was meant to add an egg to bind it all together - doh, but I forgot and instead I just flattened it all out on parchment on 2 baking trays and roasted in oven, well it was lush anyways, it sort of stuck together but with the egg it would've done and it would've made a great base for a pizza, or as patties or bites it would've been epic.  I'm going to have some for breakfast with a fried egg on and some cherry tomatoes, mmm nom nom.  Cheese makes everything better doesn't it.  The whole thing was just shy of 800 calories but there was easily 4 large portions.  Hold on I'll get the photos I took...

 

Today I'm cooking chicken, they're half price in Sainsbury's this week £1.75 for a medium chicken!  I fancy chicken and chips, I might cook both the chickens I bought so as not to waste the heat in the oven and freeze the leftovers, or make a couple of dishes with them like a pie or curry or sweet and sour and freeze them, then I have go to meals.  We'll see how I feel, looking outside it's gonna be a wet day so won't be spending time out there. 

I've got some stuff left to do on the laptop, but I do like to have at least one totally work free day so it may be today, again I'll see how I feel, love not having to rush or make decisions all the time.

Here's to a very, great day.  Make time for you xx

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x

Looking forward to seeing our Bloxwich bunch!

Thursday 29th July 2021

Where you are a year from now if a reflection of the choices you choose to make right now. 

I had a lazy afternoon yesterday, after a love morning at our huddle, Alfie and I went for a long walk and got absolutely soaking wet as the heavens opened and I only had a thin top on, we didn't care, we were enjoying being out.  Once I'd showered and warmed up the leftover orzo from the day before (I added a little St Agur blue cheese to it and it was lush), we plonked ourselves down on the settee and turned the tele on and the world off and chilled for the rest of the day.  

Not gonna lie there were a few packets of snacks opened, buying them was a mistake but if you have more control they were from Home Bargains!  Although they were all under 100 calories, I had one of each, frazzles (84 cals), chipsticks (83 cals) and snaps (65 cals), so it could've been worse, my favourites are the snaps and I'd buy a multipack of those again but not the others, I'm trying to remember what the snacks are called that are long, hard sticks not puffy ones like the chips sticks, I want a packet of those. Potato sticks are they?  Erm step away from the snacks section of the online shop Beverley!

I wished next door would get all the work done they're having, I know it's got to be done, but it's been over two months now and yesterday afternoon was just constant, sounded like drilling but I'm not sure if that's what it was, it was just loud, I had to turn the tele up   to mom level to be able to hear it lol.  

A busy day ahead, but I'm going to do a little cooking in-between, I'm thinking cauliflower bites, or something to use the cauliflower up anyway, and the half of sweet potato, oh then there's half butternut squash too.  This is the only setback to living alone, making sure the fresh food I buy gets used but that I still get variety. 

I didn't track yesterday, so need to get back to doing that because it does make a huge difference when you can see what you're having and it's not like the Nutracheck isn't the easiest app to use!

What to have for breakfast that is the question?  I'm go get ready for work whilst deciding and I think coffee might be required this morning, despite the 8 hours sleep I've had. 

Here's to a very, great day, 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x 

My wines on offer :)

Wednesday 28th July 2021

This years not over yet!

Well I'm glad to be awake this morning, stupid dreams, mom was in them but she had dementia, I'm mean come on, give me the dream version where she hadn't got that bloody disease!  In the real world though, life is good, yesterday was amazing, especially considering the time of year, it's great to see people joining and prioritizing their health and putting themselves first, we all need to do this!  Over 5 stone lost on our scales yesterday, lots of certificates handed out, it's just brilliant, it really is.

In-between I got some work done on the laptop, had a couple of hours watching tele too, plus I did a live video in our Facebook group whilst cooking my lunch which was cheesy spinach orzo, nice it was but next time I'd use a stronger flavoured orzo, here's what I did.

I cooked 120g orzo according to the packet instructions, whilst this was cooking I heated some oil in a frying pan, added a crushed clove of garlic and 3 chopped spring onions, plus salt and pepper.  Next I stirred in a tablespoon of plain flour and then added 200ml skimmed milk to create a sauce.  I chopped and added 100g of baby spinach and a shredded ball of mozzarella cheese (this is what I'd replace, 306 calories would get you a lot of strong cheddar, parmesan or blue cheese).  Once the orzo was cooked, I drained the water and stirred the orzo into the sauce and voila, you have this lovely dish for 529 calories, it made 2 portions.

For tea I had roasted sweet potato and carrots, it was a white sweet potato and tasted like a regular potato so I wouldn't pay the extra cost, £2 a kg it cost!  Wow, I've just looked and the vivaldi potatoes I like are £1.60kg, I'll learn to like cheap uns again at 46p kg (37.5p in Aldi), that's for sure.  Actually if you can it's definitely worth a trip to a greengrocers.

Oh I maintained on the scales which I was more than happy with after my 4lb loss last week, plus I had my jeans on this week rather than a flimsy dress, I'm happy with my progress and know I'm eating a lot healthier and in portions that are more realistic!  I'm also drinking less which is a double bonus, although my wine is on offer in Sainsbury's so I need any of my members that see it on for £6 (usually £8) to buy it and bring it to the meetings, let me know how much I owe you so I can bring the cash :) 

I've still got a dozen bottles from the last time it was on offer, all I need now is for Sainsbury's to do the 25% wine deal too whilst it's already on offer :) that happens occasionally and makes my year. 

This morning I'm going to really enjoy a scrambled egg sandwich, couldn't have one yesterday didn't have any fresh bread and wasn't buying a loaf for 2 slices, Carol gave me a few slices last night.  My last loaf I bought, last Tuesday and there's still 4 slices left but only good for toast, or I'm going to make some breadcrumbs I think as I have a recipe I want to give a go., yeah I'll do that today maybe, but I have the rest of the orzo to eat too.

Lot's of members yesterday agreed to do Meat Free Monday next week, I'm hoping more will as the week goes on, if you're reading this, you can join in.  Be interesting to see what none vegetarians choose to eat, my meals yesterday were all veggie, unintentionally.

We're at Wimborne Road this morning, then I have the day to myself, I need to hoover and mop (boo) at least it's cooled down though, housework's just about bearable, I'll put some music on or my audio book to encourage me. 

Here's to a very good day, regardless of housework :) 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Full of Fibre ain't I :)

Tuesday 27th July 2021 

This month's choices are next month's body.

Well I did meat free Monday again yesterday, I'd recommend everyone give it a go, it's not just good for you, it's good for the planet too, oh and don't have fish either if you do it.  This was what I consumed; 

 

Beans on toast for brekkie and a delicious salad for lunch with guacamole, houmous and potato salad. 

 

This was my dinner and it was delicious, it was the side from my £10 meal deal and by far the best thing in it, I had all of it as my main, high in calories at 598 but worth it for a little indulgence. I had it on half of a baked butternut squash, turns out Alfie likes both butternut squash and mac & cheese :) 

I finally hit the magical daily fibre figure of 30g, actually I had 32g, beans on toast is definitely an easy way to get a third of them, I had a nectarine too which had 1.3g and my 2 Ryvita had 3g, I love those crunchy crackers, I really do and with houmous on they are epic.  Will make my own Houmous again next time I think, I don't follow a proper recipe but it's still whizzed up chick peas!  

I did a few hours work in the garden, actually got quite into it so the morning just disappeared.  I also had a walk first with Alfie, he was not impressed much at all as I wanted to do Beat the Street and my sis had got me a card, so there's one across the road from the house and then there were another 3 in a loop of about 5,000 steps but he doesn't like going where I want to go, he likes going where he wants to go - I didn't give him a choice for a change!  I think if I want to do more, he'll have to go in the pushchair after he's had his normal walk. 

I also went for my cervical smear test at the hospital, (if you're a bloke you might want to skip this paragraph!) I'm not gonna lie, it wasn't a comfortable experience, actually it was bloody painful, apparently being my age doesn't help, especially when I've not had sex for a very long time, being a full time carer didn't leave much time for shagging!  She did warn me she may not be able to do it and I'd have to go get something to help lol, but I wasn't going through that experience twice so I cursed instead and put up with the pain, it's only a couple of minutes ain't it and if it could potentially save my life, then it's worth it!  If I get a normal result, I won't be called for five years, one benefit of hitting my 50s apparently.  Please make sure you keep your appointment when it comes through, it's worth it. 

Not thought about my menu for the day ahead yet, I'm thinking fish though, maybe with butternut squash chips and peas mmm.  Weigh day today, I expect a maintain after losing 4lb last week, I'll be happy with that, I can tell I'm eating better and my heads in a great place and wanting to eat healthily and drink less.  My knee is full of inflammation so I'm hoping losing weight will help with the swelling and the pain there, my sciatica comes and goes as does the pain in my lower back, hopefully all this will ease a little the more I lose weight. 

I've also got a white sweet potato to do something with this week, will have a look for ideas later, plus a cauliflower to use, Elle has sent me a few tiktok ideas for cauliflower :) she does like a bit of tiktok.  Look forward to hearing how her birthday weekend went at our Huddles today, looking forward to them as always, it's great to catch up with everyone.  

But first a shower and a cuppa, here's to a very, great day, if you haven't joined us yet, come on - you know you want to, you won't regret it x

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Beat the street?

Monday 26th July 2021
The fact you aren't where you want to be should be motivation enough!

Late this morning, had a lie in ain't we!  Alfie woke me around 5 being sick but I got it up and we both managed to go back to sleep, I heard my phone beep but ignored it and woke up about 7.45, nice.  I obviously need it, especially as I had another early night, was charging fitbit so not sure of exact times but I feel refreshed and that's all that matters. 

It was drawn to my attention yesterday that it was 5 calendar months to Christmas day - OUCH!  After last year everyone didn't really get to have a proper one, I'm guessing all being well this year will be amazing for most.  Mine will obviously be my first without mom, but I won't let it make it a sad and lonely one, don't you worry.  

Anyway, we're coming to the end of another month, Sunday is the first of August, what would you like to achieve in that month?  Success, stability or are you going to throw it all out the window and take a gain, maybe you haven't even started yet and you're thinking I'll wait till after summer and start then.  Why?  What are you waiting for, you don't have to be a diet machine, you can just focus on being a little healthier, do what you can, when you can.  

For instance, I'm going to do meat free Monday again today, I'm also trying to up my fibre to 30g a day, damn its not easy!  I haven't actually managed it yet so maybe today I will triumph with the veggie stuff.  Here's some examples of what has a decent amount of fibre in, showing it can be done!  

 

I'm also trying to cut back on my wine, at least two days a week without any at all and less on the days I do drink, I managed it last week, so here's to week two, I'm under no illusion it's no good for me but I enjoy it, so it's finding a balance where I know I'm still be over the recommended limit but below the crazy amount I was drinking when mom was alive to make the days bearable! 

I've just signed up for beat the street, it'll maybe get us out walking a bit more, Beat the Street it's a great way to get the kids out the house, it's a walking game and there are boxes to hover your card over until it beeps and flashes, I've signed up for the local school as there's prizes to be won and these schools need all the help they can get!  You can get the cards and sign up yourself, come on let's get walking a little more, or cycling!  

Alfie needs his walk, he's sat on my foot bless him, so I'm off, have a great day, I plan too, there will be baked beans involved and canned apple :) 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

2000! BOOM!

Sunday 25th July 2021

Self care isn't selfish.

Before I talk about today, let's cover yesterday, wow what a morning, really busy and buzzing, loved the chat this week and to top it off we did hit our 2,000lb lost by our members since we opened our huddles, that's incredible and we're so pleased for and proud of each and every one of them, even those who are managing to maintain their weight, if they are there and trying they are amazing!  Love that they're committing to 12 weeks by taking up the £38 off, which means not only are they saving a tenner but they're prioritising themselves and their health. 

Alfie and I had a couple of walks, I did a load of washing and ate a pork salad, later I had a chicken sandwich and a very, early night I was in bed for 8 as it was a little cooler than it has been and I have sleep to catch up on, over 9 hours had which I'm grateful for, still some tossing and turning though.  

Today is going to be self care Sunday, I'm going to cook myself a roast pork dinner making sure I eat well, yes even if you live alone you should still cook for yourself!  I'm going to enjoy a bath, a facemask, mmm what else could self care Sunday include?

You could; 

- Start your day with a glass of water.

- Do a little yoga or morning stretches.

- Get some fresh air.

- Eat a healthy breakfast.

- Enjoy a cuppa.

- Go for a walk.

- Take a long, hot shower. 

- Enjoy a bubble bath.

- Moisturise your body.

- Play some music.

- Dance around the kitchen.

- Enjoy a healthy snack.

- Have an early night.

- Do some colouring or something creative.

- Binge watch a box set.

- Listen to a podcast.

- Cook a simple meal.

- Take a lunch break.

- Meditate for 5 minutes. 

- Plan your evening meals for the week.

- Call a friend for a catch up. 

- Have a cuddle with a loved one or pet.

- Create a bucket list.

- Watch a movie.

- Read a book or magazine. 

- Write a letter. 

I'm sure there's many, many, more things you could do, I'm already playing music, I like Radio 2 on a Sunday morning, I've got a movie lined up for later and me and Alfie will cuddle up on the settee.  I've just had a thought and think I might need to change the dinner as I have chicken which is use by today I think, will check in a bit.  I can freeze the pork and have it another day.  I've also realised that there's a lot of self care in my life these days, I'm so thankful for my life right now.  

Ooo I forgot to tell ya, I've planted some spinach and lettuce seeds in trays to see if I can grow them easily, I've just got to work out how to keep the foxes away from destroying them, I bought them in last night just to be safe, so maybe I will grow them indoors or take them out and put them in at night, it's not difficult to do that is it. 

We've got our zoom huddle this morning, I enjoy them, nice positive way to start our Sundays, will walk Alfie beforehand, although he's spark out at the minute! 

Oh if you're looking for a cracking movie to watch, Cruella is brilliant and I really enjoyed Thunder Force too, I do love a good film, so if you have any recommendations, let me know or good tv stuff.

Here's to an enjoyable day, take care of you because you're important too. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me 

WOW how much have our members lost!

Saturday 24th July 2021
Losing weight is hard, being fat is hard - choose your hard!

I love food and alcohol so yeah losing weight is hell hard but I know I need to do it, I don't want to be unhealthy and risk my future health, so I'll continue to work at it.  The more I do it, the easier it gets because those habits are changing, well I'm building healthier habits and putting the bad ones to sleep.

After walking Alfie yesterday my sis came and sat with him so I could go do a bit of shopping, it was nice to get out the house for a couple of hours dog free, still no fun wearing a mask in shops though, but I did it. 

Then when I got home I had a play with my new Weber, used it as an oven to cook this beautiful piece of pork, gonna enjoy a pork salad later, I know it should be on baps with stuffing but I also know that'll probably give me acid or heartburn, which I'm gutted to say so do the smoothies so they're maybe not the best idea for starting the day sadly, helped remind me why I don't eat a lot of fruit.  

I have to admit, I've never been a fan of eating outside, always thought I have a perfectly good oven why am I cooking in the garden, but I'm sold by the Weber, my brother showed me how to use it and I've never been able to cook a joint in the oven, but that is delicious.  Obviously it's a lot of meat for one woman and her dog but it'll freeze, so in future to make use of all the coal I'm using I'll cook a couple of joints, get my moneys worth, then fill my freezer, it cooks a whole chicken beautifully so on days my sister fancies one we can do two and have one each.

Other than repotting my olive tree, I relaxed the rest of the day, food wise, I had my shake for breakfast, acid indigestion for the rest of the day!  Some cooked chicken for lunch and a pork and apple sauce sandwich for dinner with a glass of wine.  

We sat outside till six, it was much cooler yesterday, but I was still uncomfortable in bed last night, tossing and turning, then when the alarm went off, I could've slept, typical ay.  The rain didn't come but it's forecast possibly this afternoon, here's hoping it cools everything down and gives the gardens a water.  There's the middle aged brain coming out in me. 

We're close to a milestone weight loss total for the huddles this morning, I do hope we hit it, especially as it's Elle's birthday, I've not seen success at the scales like this in a long time, so it's great to see people are finding what suits them and doing that.  I love that there's different plans being followed from calories to Keto.  OH and keep your eye out on Facebook to find out the total if we hit it and I'll post on blog obviously tomorrow. 

Anyways I need to go get ready for work, thinking a Slimfast or cold coffee for breakfast to use them up, I picked up some canned cafe lattes in Home Bargains yesterday for 49p, they're great for when I forget to make my own, which I have every day since I had the idea of doing it!

Enjoy your day, hope to see some of you this morning :) 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

Surrounded by the best people!

Friday 23rd July 2021

Your health is your wealth!

Cracking day at the huddles yesterday, I'd say yesterday was all about work but it's so damn enjoyable, work seems like the wrong word to use, even the stuff I do at home on the laptop is stuff I enjoy doing and know it will help others so enjoy it even more.  The members are supporting us so much and for that we are beyond grateful!  I'm working on meal ideas and meal plans, after all let's be honest yeah we all know your heads gotta be in the right place to lose weight but when it is, you want to know WHAT to eat, because you've eaten badly for so long or too much, that you could use a little help.  We like to talk food in our huddles that's for sure, we really do, after all it's the one thing we all have in common and Elle and I want our members to be their own experts, work on their own solution - we're all different aren't we, Elle likes cake, I like wine, we wouldn't want to switch diets! 

We both enjoyed pizza for tea last night, the lovely Louise bought us samples from her family chip shop, thankfully they were the smaller ones not a huge on, donor kebab on a pizza - who knew!  The scary thing was that the base alone worked out at about 700 calories (OUCH!) thankfully there was no alcohol consumed by me last night so I made it to the end of the day within my allowance. 

I managed a little lie in 6.45, that's helped me catch up a little on sleep, this weather is stopping me from sleeping, I'm tossing and turning with the heat, then Alfie woke me at 1am to go up the garden, he's suffering to, so I wasn't angry.  I've just heard there's flood warnings for today, a bit of rain would be nice but floods can be very dangerous, so stay safe everyone. I was contemplating giving my new BBQ a go but now I'm not so sure!  We shall see...

There's at least a cool breeze this morning, it was unbearable yesterday, the worst I've felt since this hot weather started, I felt sick in the car driving on the afternoon, I put a wet towel in there for Alfie, thankfully Bloxwich only takes about 15 minutes to get to, he's good as gold in the car, he really is.

Friday, is my day off huddles, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with myself but I do know I'll enjoy it whatever I choose, loving my life  right now.  I've got a olive tree to repot, I want it to grow bigger and it's not going to in the pot it's been in for the last few years.  Ain't my life rock and roll - I bloody love it. 

Who knew I'd start thinking about lowering my alcohol intake and upping my fibre lol, I was just shy of the recommended 30g yesterday, it's not as easy as it looks I have to say, but as I empty the freezer of all that processed food I indulged in when mom was still alive, I'm replacing it with healthier stuff, frozen fruit will definitely fill a drawer at some point to make smoothies etc, I have noticed it gives me acid though, so not sure what the solution is there, I think it's the fruit anyway unless it's the milk?!

Okay, I'm off, things to not do, places not to be :) 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

A-Z eating?

Thursday 22nd July 2021

Start by starting - if not now then when?

I got some work done yesterday after our huddle, it was nice to sit in the garden in the shade whilst doing it though, putting some stuff together for our members, sometimes we just want help with what to eat and we want normal food, not fancy stuff, food that fits in with our family and our lives so that's what I was doing. 

I still had a few hours for me though and watched a bit of tele in the cool of the living room, I'm so glad I have tile flooring, it really keeps the room cool for Alfie on days like this, then he has his bed for all the other days, although he spends most of his time on the settee with me bless him.  We've both had a hot night tossing and turning, I'm a spring/autumn kind of girl, this is way too warm for me, I like my sleep as you know and don't like it being disturbed by the heat. 

I made a tasty smoothie yesterday using up a bag of raspberries out the freezer, I added a litre of Alpro no added sugar almond milk (it's on offer in Sainsburys half price £1 but I've just had an email to say they didn't have any for my order so they've substituted with their own brand but I don't think it's long life plus it's a little higher in calories so I won't be having them when they arrive, might have 1 to try), anyway I then added a banana which needed using up and the leftover yogurt I had plus a few teaspoons of agave nectar as it needed sweetening up a bit, it made a litre and a half so three portions at 182 calories each.  Great breakfast and almost 10g of fibre in one portion, I still didn't hit the 30g of fibre that's recommended, so need to work on that!   Lunch was lazy bitch fish pie, it took 15 minutes, I used 4 frozen basa fillets and pan fried them in 2tsp oil, topped with a tub of Heinz mushroom soup then leftover mash, and sprinkled with 20g of parmesan cheese =  484 calories per portion, it was missing something so I added a spoon of wholegrain mustard to my plate.  

I then had these for my tea, shared with Alfie, damn they were good and my favourite wings from the shop so far, but I want to try Iceland's home brand bbq wings to compare as I have a feeling they'll be as good as their salt & pepper ones are good.  They're both £3 a bag, but the Iceland ones are £3.53 per kg as opposed to £5 for the TGI ones.  

They took me over my daily target what with the wine I had, but at least I added a bit of lettuce!  Must do better today :) They were just too tasty, shouldn't have cooked the whole bag lol, 

At least I added some new foods to my A-Z list this week, now to decide what to eat today and add to that list! 

A - Almond milk, agave nectar

B - bread, baked beans, broccoli, banana, butter, basa

C - coffee, chicken wings, 

D

E - edamame beans

F - french fries

G - gravy, green beans

H - hotdogs

I - Iceberg lettuce

J

K - kidney

L

M - milk, mushrooms

N - noodles, 

O - onions

P - potatoes, peas, pastry, parmesan

Q

R - rolls (cheating I know it's bread), raspberries, Ryvita

S - steak, Slimfast, sesame seeds, soy sauce, soup

T - tea

U

V - veggie sausages, 

W - wine, wings (chicken)

X

Y - yogurt

Z

First things first, I need to go shower and get ready for work, then a quick walk with Alfie before it's too hot, here's to a happy huddle day, have a great day yourself.  

Today I shall mostly stay within my calorie target!  No wine Thursday here, which will definitely help ;) 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Yay, I'm a loser!

Wednesday 21st July 2021

Storms make tree roots deeper.

Well I only went and lost 4lb, that's my first stone in the bag, to say I was pleased is an understatement, I did a little dance and made a little noise :) I'm feeling much more in control, it does get easier as you start to make things a habit.  What's also helping is I'm taking time for me, to cook a meal, to rest, relax and recharge.  I'm having to remind myself it's okay to sit and read a book, I don't have to be a human doing all the time, that's why we're called human beings.  

Another fab day had yesterday, two lovely huddles, quite cool in our room too thankfully and as it's not far away Alfie doesn't get time to overheat in the car, it's probably less than half mile.  

Meal wise, I had a caffe latte slimfast for my breakfast but even with the ice in, I could taste the artificial sweetener, it's weird because I have a sweetener in my tea and coffee and I'm okay but in other stuff I can really taste it and it spoils the taste.  I was going to buy more of them but I've decided instead to buy the cold Caffe Latte's that I do like and take a good multivitamin for a change, so I've just added a months worth of Centrum Advance 50+ Multivitamins & Minerals Tablets x30 to my Sainsbury's basket, they're on offer for £4 instead of £5, plus the latte, they do a litre one for £2 which as I'm putting it in a cup to take to work is fine, so I've got 3 litres and minerals for the price of a pack of 6 slimfast and there's no corn oil in it!  It is more calories though, but that's okay, as long as I'm within my allowance that's all I care about.  I'm actually sat here reading the ingredients thinking DOH make your own you silly cow, it's cold coffee!  I'll have a go this morning at doing just that, then I can just buy milk!  I know I said I wouldn't shop this month but I need salad, shampoo, garlic and eggs, for the love of god I want to play with my new BBQ so I'm going to do a minimum shop for Thursday, continue to use the stuff in the freezer, it's going down and to my delight, most of the stuff in there are things like vegetables, yorkshires and my curries, there's not too much else other than the fish which I'll eat.  I'm making a fish pie today with the other half of the mash I made yesterday. 

These were my meals yesterday; 

I had onions needed using and frozen rolls in the freezer so this was a no brainer, 

plus Alfie loves hot dogs. 

I found a piece of my sisters steak and kidney pie in the freezer too, so it had to be done, I know it's a bit too hot for this meal but I enjoyed it and didn't care.

Enjoyed a big glass of wine and came in at 1640 calories, I didn't hit my 5 a day though so I need to work on that.  

Last night at the huddle we were talking about the weekly challenge, we set one every week, but I can't remember if it was me or someone else who said we could try eating the alphabet (this isn't this weeks challenge btw) I like this idea!  I think I will see how much of the alphabet I actually eat as I can't buy more food obviously because I'm skint and trying to use up what I have but it'll be interesting to see how much variety I'm having in my diet.  

So far this week of what I can remember this is how much I can tick off, now let's test my memory! 

A

B - bread, baked beans, brocolli

C - coffee

D

E - edamame beans

F - french fries

G - gravy, green beans

H - hotdogs

I

J

K - kidney

L

M - milk, mushrooms

N - noodles

O - onions

P - potatoes, peas, pastry

Q

R - rolls (cheating I know it's bread)

S - steak, slimfast, sesame seeds, soy sauce

T - tea

U

V - veggie sausages, 

W - wine, 

X

Y

Z

That's two days, let's see what I can add to this shall I!

I've got a courgette in the fridge, that's a zucchini in America, I'll have that today!  

I need to wrap this blog up, spent far too much time on it, I have stuff to get done!  

Here's to a great day, mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

Wish me luck at Elle's scales!

Tuesday 20th July 2021

Small progress is still progress. 

Well I did what I said I was going to and had a Meat free Monday, I think I'll do it every Monday (if I remember, maybe put a reminder in my phone!) and it was good, obviously I could've been more 'out there' but I'm using what I have in the kitchen so was limited to choices, this was what I went for; 

  

The sausages were red onion and rosemary, they were a little dry but edible, I wouldn't buy them again let's say but I will eat the other 3 in the freezer.  Loved the fries, best vegan food out there ain't it chips!

If you've never tried edamame beans, give them a go, they're particularly nice with a sprinkle of salt as a snack when you're watching tele at night.  I had frozen ones that my sister picked up for me.  I even fitted in the last of the white wine I opened Saturday (erm a bottle lasting 3 days... what! I put ice cubes in it too which makes it last longer as well as cooling it down. 

I'm hoping for my first stone certificate today, if I get it I'll be thrilled, especially considering the crazy month I've just had with visitors, starting up a new business with Elle, mom dying, this year has thrown a lot at us already, so I'm glad to finally be taking losing weight a little more seriously.

What to eat today?  Well I'm gonna opt for the slimfast drink for breakfast as I won't fancy anything before 9, will take it to the huddle with me, got to walk Alfie before it gets too hot.   Then I've not thought any further than that, I really do want to make planning part of my routine though because I know not only will it help my weight, it will help my finances.   I'm thinking fish, maybe a fish pie, mmm will have a think about what's in the freezer, it all needs using!  

I was watching a couple of episodes of eat, shop, save and most rave about how planning helps.  I'm always fascinated to see what people spend on their supermarket shop and other stuff, I still have to pay all the bills on my house anyone else pays, yeah I use less of some stuff, but putting a light on cost the same if there's one person in the room or 6, same with turning the tele on.  My finances have changed because of mom so I'm learning to live with a new norm, especially now I've spent all that money doing my house/garden up :) it does look great though don't it.

Exercise - boo, that was covered a lot in those programmes too, it is something I need to think about, actually it's something we all should consider, I've got Alfie that pushchair so we can walk more, just need it to cool down a little, can't make him walk in this or be pushed, I can't walk in this.  I'm going to try and focus on steps on the Fitbit as I was well aware over the weekend I was down massively, just over 5k on Saturday and 7k Sunday, yesterday I made myself get my ass into gear and did some sorting in my house, the back bedroom, hallway and alleyway/shed are now in order, still got the summerhouse shed to tidy but that'll wait till it's cooler.  This helped me up my steps to 11k and my active minutes to 48, I want to be aiming for 10k every day, I'm not ready for any 'exercise' as such, my backs not right, it keeps starting to seize up, when I get up in the morning or when I'm walking Alfie, so ease myself into stuff I reckon.

It's all about  making small changes, a tweak a week, what's your tweak going to be this week?  Drink more water, add more veggies, drink a little less, move a little more?  Don't try and do it all at once, it'll blow your brains!  I'm terrible for going at things like a bull at a gate and ending up smack in the middle of the field with the gate lying on top of me (not literally obvs)!  

Right let's have another great day shall we?  Get yourself to a huddle, there's two today, one tomo, two thursday or one Saturday, no excuses, there's even the Sunday zoom if you're in a rush and can't stay for the chat in the week; 

Have a very, very, great day, wish me luck at the scales  

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

No more 'la la la I'm not listening'

Monday 19th July 2021

Don't be upset about the results you didn't get from the work you didn't do.

Wake up call for all of us I think, yes we've had a rough 18 months at least, but things are getting back to some kind of new normality, we've got to learn to live with this situation and we can't continue to ignore our health whilst we play the 'la la la, I'm not playing' card!  I gained stones over the last few years, it started sneaking on as mom got worse, a little here and there at first but a pound here and half there soon took me to the heaviest I've EVER been!  Just shy of 15 stone, not even my fat jeans wanted to play any more. 

Then we started the huddles in April and I wasn't completely ready, I was still grieving mom in my own way which also involved gaining a release from being trapped so I was enjoying too much wine.  It was the end of May when I decided it was time to start getting weighed at the huddles by Elle, I was 14st 11lb, what a wake up call, no wonder my joints were hurting and my sciatica was back with a vengeance.  

It's never a 'good' time to lose weight, life will always throw something at you so for me that was my brother coming to stay and wanting KFC, Indian, Chinese and Yellow Chips with EVERYTHING for 3 weeks solid, not to mention drinking together every day too, that first week he arrived, I gained 3lb, but the week after I'd slightly got a grip and lost 2 of it, the week after another 1/2 had gone so the 3 weeks only set me back 1/2lb.  Tomorrow though after getting back to it, using the marvelous Nutracheck app for simplicity, no faffing, just a place to go to find and track food and work out recipes, I want to do everything else like communicating in real life not on an app, I'm hoping to get my first stone certificate.

I love myself whatever I weigh, which can cause me motivational problems sometimes, I don't judge myself by what I look like, I'm a self proclaimed tramp, my brother calls me Stig, it doesn't bother me one iota.  I do care about my health though which is what's helping to motivate me, I don't like being in pain, who does, so if losing weight will ease that pain, then I will use my app and track, it's not difficult is it.  Heck if you have to take tablets to keep you alive, you do it, you don't think oh what an inconvenience, you're grateful for those drugs, we should feel the same about the ability to track our food, even if it's on paper, food labels these days tell us plenty.

I enjoy my wine (in case you didn't know lol) and I know the quantity I drink is too much as far as the experts are concerned so I'll do my best to counteract that with healthy eating and drinking plenty of water.  At least I've cut my caffeine intake right down to one or two in the morning. 

Are you still making excuses?  Don't get me wrong, if you're not ready to take care of yourself and you're okay with that, you don't need to make excuses, you've made a decision, I did it for months, I was okay with feeling crappy in my body because I was getting more from the food and booze, I'm not now.  However if you want to lose weight and you've had enough of how you feel, it's time to get your act together, make time to take care of yourself, get your ass to a huddle or somewhere else, there's plenty of options out there, you won't have as much fun though lol.

Yes I'm talking to you!  Stop playing the 'when I was..... it was easier' that's a crock of crap, it's never been easy, you were just in a better frame of mind once you'd got into it, you were making time for yourself.  How hard is it really to say okay this week I'll put my huddle in my diary, I'm make that hour my priority, I think about my meals, you have to decide what you're having  anyway, so make it something that's good for you - good food can be fast food too, so don't give me that excuse.  Beans on toast, fast as!  A banana, no faster more convenient food, guaranteed to taste the same every time.  Weetabix, you don't even have to weigh them, tin of tuna, that even has a pull ring on now so it's easy to open, salad comes ready made in bags and bowls.  Are you ready to be an adult and tidy your diet up like you'd tidy the living room.

Today, I'm doing Meat Free Monday because I feel like over the last month, I've overloaded on meat, what with the BBQ on moms birthday, the tbone we enjoyed, the beef curry, I need some lightness in my diet.  Yesterday wasn't heavy though to be fair, I made use of the leftover potatoes by making a hash for brunch;

and I made a potato salad with the rest for tea, I won't buy these fish strips again, not because they aren't tasty, but because you only get 3 for 100g portion which is about 250 calories. 

 

I had one small glass of white wine with a can of pop in it and nothing else for the rest of the day, we were so damn hot, we went to lie on the bed about half seven and I read the last of my book, that's all I did all day was read my book in the shade, I was chasing cool all day but it wasn't available.  At least I've had some sleep though, didn't get out of bed till 6.40am woo hoo. 

Okay you ready to have a great day, hell a great week, a weight loss week - what do you say, shall we do it? 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Sunscreen on if you're out today please!

Sunday 18th July 2021

A Sunday well spent brings a week of content.

6am and I'm out walking Alfie before it gets too hot, he didn't get a walk yesterday because by the time we got back from the huddle it was 26 degrees, not a chance, we just went and sat in the garden, in the shade and relaxed. I had a couple of hours reading magazines, I can't remember the last time I did that.  I have loads to sort, clean and tidy but its not getting done in the heat, not a chance. 

I cooked a simple dinner using something out that freezer and I have to say, I was really impressed with the Linda McCartney burger, need more veggie foods in my life I do. 

Once the garden had no shade left I went in and spent the afternoon with the curtains closed catching up on America's got Talent. I do like stuff I don't have to think about, it has its funny and feel good moments too. 

I've already watered the pots in the garden, didn't get to drink my cuppa though, it was a good un too! 

We've talked lunches all week and by yesterday, I wanted the boring ham sandwich we'd talked about, it was actually nice but I couldn't eat it every day, I'd be bored senseless. 

 

I used the ham from the salad I'd made and Alfie ate the egg yolk

Not sure what's going to be on my menu today, I really enjoyed melon this past two days but that's all gone now, I've some tinned fruit I think I'll open.  I might do cold potato salad for lunch with fish, I'm just walking and thinking what's in my kitchen.  I'm going to start doing meat-free Mondays I think starting tomorrow, that'll help me get my healthy on. 

Huddle on zoom this morning, always enjoy our Sunday chat and wow what a morning yesterday, 60lb lost, that's just amazing for the beginning of the six weeks holidays!  Lots of certificates handed out too, love the community- in this together vibe we've got going on, it was exactly what we had planned when we set up. Everyone is there to lose weight (or maintain) doing it their own was, from intermittent fasting to calories, they choice their way, they become their own experts and it's working for them as we are seeing some amazing results!  We talk about the good, the bad and the absolute ugly in our huddles, we are not all rainbows and sprinkles because real life ain't like that is it! 

Well we are almost back at the house and I'll get to have my cuppa at last, I need to work on next weeks subject too. 

Here's to a slow Sunday, enjoy your day, it's forecast highs of 29 today so whatever you're doing slap some sunscreen on! xx

Mwah, luv ya

Love me.

Sunny Saturday ahead

Saturday 17th July 2021

Schools out for summer!

So many end of school photos on Facebook yesterday, leaving junior or senior school and what's scary is I've known these kids since they were born and their moms walked into my meetings.  Kids get a bad press a lot of the time, but there's a lot of amazing, good kids out there, I know a lot of them I'm glad to say.  Now to make sure all those moms don't give up on taking care of themselves and making time for their huddles because of the holidays!

How was my day yesterday, it was good, my sis came round for an hour in the garden and a cuppa, I chatted to Terry on facetime, I made the workmen next door a few cuppas and I cooked myself a tasty dinner, 458 calories sea bass with slow roasted garlic & lemon potatoes and veg, tasty 😋  I had the recipe from here; Slow Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes | Sprinkles and Sprouts there was a bit too much lemon in them for me, next time I'd probably half the quantity recommended.  I've kept the juices and will use to cook some fish today or tomorrow, the leftover potatoes will keep 3 days, or I can freeze a few, might make a cold potato salad with some.  I had to cadge the garlic from my sister but I had all the other ingredients and I used some of that white fish from my freezer. 

I'm thinking stuffed mushrooms today as I want them using before they turn, but what to stuff them with that's the question?  I've got a whole loaf of bread too that I haven't touched since my shopping come on Tuesday so I'll be eating something on toast I reckon!  I guess I could just have mushrooms on toast and keep things simple.  I've said I won't shop again this month but it's things like black olives and garlic, I haven't got those ingredients so without garlic you can't make much, I used an entire garlic yesterday in my spuds - I love the stuff!  

 I'm getting my mojo back in the kitchen, actually I'm getting my old self back in my life all round, the stress of the last few years has faded, even the stress of the last 3 weeks has gone already, I have been catching up on my sleep though, had a power nap yesterday afternoon, had to rewind the last 15 minutes of a programme three times.   Loving my job and my life, not so much my bank account but two out of three ain't bad and the money I've spent over the last month has given me a wonderful home that'll last me forever, plus I got free labour, can you imagine how much that saved me, thousands and thousands.  I need to stay off Amazon too now, my Weber bbq arrived yesterday and my plant pots from TK Maxx are coming today and that's me for now, no spending at all this month apart from paying for the work on my car when it comes back, I paid my first TV licence this week too (ouch) mom got it free didn't she, being a grown up can suck can't it. 

I've got the huddle to look forward too this morning too, there's a garden there so anyone who brings their kids can let them play there, it's all closed in and safe, Alfie often has a walk about out there.  Elle's picking me up this morning as I'm car less for the weekend I think, which I'm okay with, I'm going nowhere, gonna enjoy my garden and chill, it's going to be a hot one. 

Here's to a great day, hope all's good in your world. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx