Let's get this day started

Tuesday 31st August 2021
You are going to want to give up - DON'T!

I had a full on PJ day yesterday, other than walk the dog for an hour of which only 23 minutes registered as active :) I did nothing, didn't even hit 6k steps and I loved it, I was in full on rest day mode, went to bed early too, and slept for eight and a half hours, I woke up just after midnight, feeling like it was morning and when I saw the time I was so pleased to know I could go back to sleep.  From 3 I've woke every half hour and loved that I could snuggle back down to snooze, having silly dreams.  

It would've been so easy to not exercise this morning, my knees borderline, I was all chilled and well, you know how that story goes...  Instead I turned the tele on whilst I had a few swigs of tea, then looked for an easy video and found this one, thinking it's got chairs, it's for everybody, it's only 25 minutes, it'll be easy!  Well I did it standing up and started slowly, but it did it's job, got my heart going, made me sweat and reminded me that I'm loving the after effects I'm getting from doing these workouts.  It's true that saying 'the only bad workout is the one you didn't do'.  

I'm showered and ready for my day now, got overnight oats with an apple diced in it and vanilla yogurt waiting to be eaten and my weekly Tuesday morning Covid test was negative thankfully.   All is good in my world and Alfie seems to like being a lazy boy too, he'll soon wake up when he gets to our huddle this morning. 

Foodwise yesterday I had a bacon and egg sarnie for breakfast and lamb shank with cabbage, jacket potato and cauliflower cheese which was a bit random as I don't really do gravy and cheese sauce, but there wasn't too much gravy and it worked!  I indulged in some almonds again too, won't be buying them again!

Last day of August, I know Elle is planning to complete our 'The Months Matter' Journal throughout September, it's full of stuff, including a months worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas.  

Boo to it raining out there this morning!  We'll have to make our own sunshine, everything about yesterday made it's way onto my sunshine list, love a lazy day watching tele and reading a book. 

Whilst Elle works on her tracking, I'm working on my moving more and eating healthily, still working my way through my freezer and planning to fill it with mostly healthy stuff next time, plus a few nice treats like chicken wings and pizza, I do like the small ones of those though and add my own toppings.  Actually I could get a few of those M&S stonebaked ultra thin ones that are around 500 calories and fill one drawer, maybe that's what I'll do once it's run down.  

I'm still wanting my chicken tikka masala though, I wonder if I could make my own, get a good recipe?  Maybe I'll look into that, because I know if I order one, I'll have rice and tandoori chicken too because that's what I'm like and if you're going to have one, you may as well have it all, make it worth them coming out ;)

Here's to a great day, not even thought about food for the day ahead other than my breakfast, will check out the freezer, there's lots of white fish but I need to defrost it for 12 hours it says, so maybe take out now for tomorrow. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Enjoy your Bank Holiday Monday

Monday 30th August 2021

Your body deserves unconditional love.

Had a nice lie in this morning, well half six, it's a lie in for me, I couldn't sleep when I first went to bed, brain was a little busy which is unusual for me and body obviously wasn't tired enough.  

I had another lovely day, I was really pleased with myself when I finished this 45 minute workout, I could've have done that when I started exercising a few weeks ago.  

I then went out the front garden and finished weeding the one patch which took about another hour, can feel it in the back of my leg a little so will do some yoga this morning rather than a full on workout and try and stretch it out.  My knees knackered too, all hail the gel stuff you get for pain relief cos that stuffs helping for sure. 

Foodwise, well I didn't eat until noon and I had a mega full English, with a small tin of baked beans, 2 small slices bread, 2 eggs, tomatoes, black pudding, 2 small sausage and a slice of bacon (Alfie ate the rest of the bacon and the other 2 sausages - good job I planned for that isn't it.  I didn't work the calories out, why not?  Ignorance is bliss maybe!  Let's worth it out now.  Yeah just as I thought 774 calories, but it was breakfast / lunch also known as brunch which then isn't so bad, oh it was amazing too, I ate it with real hunger, I never eat baked beans like that, it also had 18.3g fibre in it!

I then had goat curry and cauliflower rice for dinner, the curry had bene in the freezer a long time, no idea how many calories but goat meat would only be 218 calories max for a large 200g portion, oil in it would be max 50 calories and the herbs and spices aren't too high.  The cauliflower rice is about 50, I did put parmesan cheese on the top but I didn't get to eat any of it because of a little shit tzu named Alfie!  

Half a bottle of red was also enjoyed, it was Sunday after all :) and today is a bank holiday, which in this house won't be any different to any other Monday.  I do hope there's a lot of sunshine all over the country though so that people can have a great time and business can get some of the cash back that they've lost over the last few years.  Ooo I've fancied a chicken tikka masala since I saw a photo of Elle's when she went out last week, maybe that could be my bank holiday treat, or maybe not, I'll see how I feel later, I'm in no rush for it. 

I've binged watched This is Us over the last week, I'm on the last episode of season 4!  That's some serious tv watching I know, but it's still a novelty to be able to choose the tv programme and watch it without interruption.  At least I'm not snacking at the same time, can't eat what ain't there can I, it really does help not having it in the house, although I did resist the other bag of almonds yesterday, so a little proud of myself for that.  Oh just remembered I had a small chunk of cheese out of the fridge, which was tasty. 

Oh Alfie took me for two walks yesterday too, helping me to clock up over 15k steps, 139 active minutes and burn 2546 calories.  I'm just aiming to burn a few extra calories to help me get my body back to a healthier weight, slow and steady.  Taking care of my body ain't I, trying too anyways!

I'm smiling because Monday's are usually draw a line day for so many, but it's bank holiday so it's more likely to be Tuesday this week :) it's okay to indulge and enjoy food, make memories and have fun, it's all about balance, enjoy your day whatever you have planned. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Sunny Sunday to enjoy

Sunday 28th August 2021
If you're going to rise, you might as well shine!

Well I fell asleep on the settee last night and woke up at 3am, I then went up to bed and had another 3 hours, over 9 hours sleep, lovely, I do love my sleep.  Doing exercise is helping me sleep better I reckon, now I didn't do a YouTube workout yesterday but I did an hour digging and weeding the garden instead, which showed up as 'sport' on Fitbit and burned 221 calories so I'll take that.  I felt like I could've done more but didn't want to risk pulling my back again, plus it's finding somewhere to put all the weeds, I don't really want a trip to the tip.  

Food wise wasn't too bad, I had eggy bread for breakfast with mushrooms and tomatoes, that was delicious, grey peas and bacon for lunch from the freezer, working my way through it all.  Then for tea I had a few melba toast with cheese triangles with my red wine, it was National Red Wine day yesterday and it tasted so good after going without.

I'm planning a full English this morning, although I don't have any mushrooms left, I could go get some I guess but I have to take the dog with me because he's neurotic and won't be left alone without getting all stressed out - deep sigh!  He was the main reason I didn't make the Essington thing yesterday too, he had a 'toilet' accident when I walked him round the block so had to wash him down, then he wouldn't go back out and it was too hot to walk him that far anyway.  The weeding was the other reason, I have to do things when the mood takes me or it doesn't get done, so at least I've made a start on the border, I'd love to fill it with pretty perennials again, rather than weeds, the soil is amazing because it's not been messed with in so long!

Really enjoyed the huddle yesterday, I love that Facebook brings people together who may have never met otherwise, I had a lovely lady join our group yesterday who's followed me on Facebook for a long time and decided she could join and visit her mom afterwards even though she doesn't live local to the venue her mom does, how great is that! 

Back to food, I've defrosted a goat curry so that's lunch, will have it with the cauliflower, I might rice it but I think I'll just break it up and roast or steam it and mix it all together.  Nisha Katona reckons cauliflower makes a better curry when it's older, so the one in my fridge would be perfect! 

We talked about good mood foods this week, how eating well affects your body and mind, it really is true, you do feel better when you pay more attention to the foods you consume, the same with activity, I have definitely noticed a difference adding just a little exercise to my day, I need to do some when I've finished blogging, get me energised for the day.  Got a zoom at 9 then I'm free to do whatever, feeling another lazy day, although I do need to order some printing, new A frame posters, it's all money ain't it! 

Our afternoon tea trip on a canal boat is almost full, really looking forward to that in October, what's not to love about cake and triangle sandwiches, add it to a 2 hour boat trip, happy days. 

Sunshine day ahead by the looks of the weather forecast, Alfie's snoring still which I reckon is a sign we'll defo be having that lazy day, do I do more weeding and just put the bin bags full of weeds in a pile till I can get rid, I think I might you know, anyway, I'm off to do a workout, whatever your Sunday looks like, enjoy it.  

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx 

Enjoy the weekend

Saturday 28th August 2021

Take time to do what makes your soul happy.

Yesterday I relaxed all afternoon and it was lovely, I indulged a little too, enjoyed this fish dinner, then had some almonds as a treat. 

Sweet potato fries are better than I expected, the meal cost me 625 calories and it was worth it, as was the little pizza I enjoyed at teatime for 507 calories.  I went over my calories for the day which I'm okay with, I did hit my 30g fibre, there was 16.1g in that dinner above and the almonds had another 6g.  

What I also did was a 40 minute workout, I did my regular 30 minute one, which I didn't fancy doing when I started I won't lie, but then by the end of the 30 minutes I felt like I had a bit more in me, I was just going to carry on doing similar moves to what we'd been doing but I'd remembered seeing a ten minute one when I was looking through, so did that. 

This was the 10 minute one, I'd done the 30 minute one before, I do love Body Project, this one shows how lovely their relationship is, I bet she has the patience of a saint 3 kids and him, which means she's got 4 kids I reckon ;), he is very motivational though. 

Two weeks of doing 30 minutes a day, I'm pleased with my progress, I will my knee didn't struggle but that's the beauty of getting older, you get to endure pain and are privileged to live long enough to witness your body wearing out a bit at a time.  I'm taking care of it now by moving it and feeding it good food so hopefully it's got a good few years left in it.

I had a chat to a lovely reporter yesterday from the Express and Star, she asked if we had plans to expand, we have talked about maybe another but Elle and I both agreed at the beginning, we want and need a work / life balance, we love doing Be Happy Owls but we also love our lives.  I like relaxing, I enjoy sitting watching tele, or sitting in the garden listening to an audio book or reading a magazine, because it's been such a long time since I could do it whilst I was taking care of mom, yes I could sit by her and watch tele but it wasn't anything I wanted to watch, I don't care if I ever watch another Tipping Point again in my life!  

I'm binge watching 'This is Us', it's a little addictive, that's my Bank Holiday weekend sorted, although it's forecast sunshine so I'll get in the garden too, can't miss the bit of sun we are getting, there's loads of weeding to do still at the front and a lovely comfy chair on the decking for me to relax in.

Oh I've just remembered there's a thing at Essington today we're going to after the huddle this morning, I'm not sure what's going to be there and I can't find anything on Facebook but I'm going anyway lol. 

For now I'm going to make me another cuppa because I really enjoyed the one I just drank, here's to a great day, make sure it is one. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me 

 

Another day done...

Friday 27th August 2021

Be happy with what you have while you're working for what you want.

Another day tracked and in the bag :) I even hit the fibre target, actually I smashed it, 34.2g consumed.  Overnight oats for breakfast, forgot to put some up last night, but have some mushrooms that need using so will have them and eggs on toast for breakfast today. 

Lunch was ryvita with wafer thin chicken and cheese dip, which set me back a staggering 543 calories! 

I know this doesn't look all that but it was tasty, home made burgers, sweet potato fries which were better than I was expecting, mashed carrots and 1/2 roast pepper. 

My muscles were sore yesterday and my knee knackered so I just did an easy walking workout moving my arms lots too whilst watching tele, made it up as I went along but it logged as an aerobic workout on my fitbit, so all is good.  I did get 14/14 hours with 250+ steps which made me smile, almost 13k steps in total and bagged me a cracking 8hrs 28mins sleep hence my blog being later, I didn't get out of bed till half six this morning. 

The Express and Star came to take photos at our Bloxwich meeting yesterday, so hopefully we will make the paper at some point before the end of the month, we did giggle trying to hold the 'poses' he was asking us to do, we both almost got stuck on the floor and Alfie was of course trying to get in on the act, we were very grateful to our members who agreed to come out and be a part of it.

MMm what to do today?  I'll do my exercise when I've finished blogging, then have some breakfast, see how Alfie is, if he wants walking, some days he's lazy and waits till later.  Considering a drive out but not 100% about that, I also like the idea of being lazy and chilling, then I remember there's not many sunny days left of summer, but it's bank holiday weekend so will the roads be mad busy mmm, decisions, decisions. 

What I do know is I intend to stay on track, I'm liking how I'm feeling, it's two weeks today since I started my activity and I'm feeling it in my body, things feel like they're firming up and not so wobbly already, not sure if that's in my head and I don't care if it is.  A couple of people have commented that they can see I've lost weight now which is nice to hear isn't it.  I've a way to go, I want to lose at least another stone, but ideally two, that's too much to focus on those, let's get the next half stone, one pound at a time!  

No meals planned yet, again might take some white fish out the freezer to defrost, need to use up 1/2 cauliflower before it dies too. 

Let's have a great day, sunshine moments from yesterday included this photo of Alfie that Elle took; 

He also took his tablets easy which cheered me up too, easily pleased me ;) we had a play together for half hour in the living room as well, rolling round on the floor, he does love to play, bless his little heart. 

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x

I managed 100% yesterday

Thursday 26th August 2021

Your direction is more important than your speed.

I had a bit of a restless night, woke quite a few times but managed to go back to sleep so I've still managed 8 hours sleep according to fitbit, I'd say I've managed that long in bed not sure all of it asleep but I'm rested after another great day. 

I enjoyed my overnight oats yesterday, I'd put a few chai seeds in to as they're good for us apparently,  They may improve digestive health, blood levels of heart-healthy omega-3s, high in fibre and a rich source of minerals, so I can handle a teaspoonful a day.  I even bagged up the rest of the porridge into 50g bags, said I would and I did! 

 

Our Wednesday morning huddle is growing nicely, a couple of new members yesterday, we're really impressed with how many members are doing their best considering the time of year, so GO YOU if you're one of them! 

Now I asked Kelly for her permission to share a post she'd written, I wanted to show how a change in words, thoughts and behaviour can have a massive impact on your outlook and results. 

Words like 'didn't', 'only', 'write off' aren't helping those thoughts, it's like words such as 'should', 'ought to', 'have to', they are laced with guilt and don't instill enthusiasm.  I re wrote her post in the comments below to read;  

Can you see the difference!  If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.  How many people wouldn't have skipped pudding, nor gone to swimming or aqua, I think she's doing amazingly well, don't you.  Let's start giving ourselves credit for the things we are doing to move us towards a healthier lifestyle. 

I'm feeling particularly pleased because I finally tracked an entire day yesterday, yay go me :) 

I enjoyed my breakfast, then around one, I had this for lunch, I had a tub of coronation chicken in the fridge with use by yesterday on it, 543 calories in the tub (ouch), it was tasty though and that's 3 slices of the small slices from a 400g loaf, I really enjoyed it, I rarely have a sandwich as I feel robbe.d of a meal but I will start to because it filled me up with that side salad (need to buy more salad leaves) 

My day ended really well for me, 1583 calories, even tracked the Kenco Iced latte I enjoyed and the mugs of tea, oh and for my dinner I had some tasteless thing from Tesco for 388 calories. 

Still nowhere near the fibre we should be getting daily which is 30g, I only managed 18g with the porridge, I can't eat 1/2 tin baked beans a day!  I'll continue to work on that target, especially whilst I'm not indulging in wine because wine helps me go (too much information?) :) 

I loved that my Fitbit things I went swimming twice yesterday!  The first time I thought was when I hoovered and mopped the floors downstairs, it only burned 27 calories though, the second time was at 6 o'clock for 53 minutes burning 61 calories, as there's no steps next to that activity I think it was when I was crocheting in the living room watching tele!  Just goes to show they're not always correct, but as it tells me I did 12,637 steps and 105 active minutes, I know I created that deficit and that'll do me, two dog walks and my exercise, it's all good. 

You can't beat a good walk, studies show that even a 10 minute walk immediately boosts brain chemistry to increase happiness, plus it's free, you just need something comfortable on your feet!  

I'll do my exercise later on today, haven't got time this morning, it's my leave the house early day, Bloxwich starts at 8.30, we've hopefully got the photographer from the Express and Star coming at 10, so we'll probably start our chat a bit early so they don't miss out on the good stuff, (if you're coming, try and get to us for 9.30).

Right breakfast is calling, Alfie's spark out bless him, he did a lot of sleeping yesterday after skidding all round the church hall, it's particularly slippy there!  

Have a very, great day, have you started your sunshine list yet?  I dug out a small notebook yesterday, ripped out the pages that were scribbled on and I'm using that, I'm writing things as they happen or I see them, good tunes needs to be added this morning, I'm listening to Magic radio and they're playing excellent music this morning, I also need to add Ronan Keating and Harriet Scott as they are excellent presenters.  What can you add to yours today?

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

4 days dry lol

Wednesday 25th August 2021 
Don't let your mind bully your body.

Yay, it's Wednesday!  Then weather forecast might be cloudy all day but you don't have to be, let's make our day full of things worthy of our sunshine list.  

First thing on my list is the YouTube workout I've just done, it was a shorter 17 minute one, I did add a few minutes warm up and cool down though to make it longer and to warm up and cool down my body lol, then a few stretches.  This is the video, she was recommended to me by Ruth last night when we were talking about activity and I have to say, I do love a bit of Mamma Mia so the time went really quickly as I attempted a few moves, let's just say I wouldn't have made the cast of the movie with them ;) 

 

Good feel good music does make it easier though, I will definitely give her other ones a go, like the fact they're a little shorter, could do one in the afternoons.  My knee felt dodgy when I got out of bed and the muscles on the inside of my legs were tight so I wasn't looking forward to do any exercise at all, even contemplated leaving it till I got back later using the excuse I'd set my alarm later than usual 6am - check me out having a lie in!  I ignored my inner devil trying to turn me back into a lazy bitch and got to it and now I feel great again, my knees even loosened up.

Food wise yesterday, I had a slim fast for breakfast there's a couple left in the fridge well there was one at least, I could taste the sweetener in it yesterday as I drank it straight from the bottle at work instead of watering it down with ice - doh.  I also had a couple of weetabix before I went to bed, I was peckish and fancied something but I haven't got anything treat like in the house so I had them and they were lovely in warm milk.

This was my dinner, fishcakes were nice 201 calories for 2, but you can keep Batchelors savoury rice, not for me, I'd rather either make my own from scratch or have microwave rice and add some diced vegetables.   Alfie helps me eat my carrots, hence the quantity on the plate. 

The was my tea, 60g wholewheat pasta with the leftover pesto sauce and a piece of salmon, a little parmesan. 1/2 roast pepper and salad leaves = nice!

Loved the huddles yesterday, so many laughs, I even lost the pound I gained last week, so the exercise is working as is not drinking since Friday, I had 8hrs 29m sleep and clocked up over 15k steps, 108 active minutes and 2644 calories.  I keep dodging tracking my food though, so that's the next thing I need to master, Elle's on about day 11 of 100% honest tracking, she's even tracked her amazing looking Indian meal last night, which has made me fancy one :)

Only work this morning today, when I get back I'm going to sweep and mop the kitchen floor and do a couple of loads of washing, yeah that kitchen needs sorting.  

I have made up overnight 'ish' oats, using tinned peaches and milk, I had yogurt too so not sure why I didn't use that, might mix a spoonful in before eating, I have put a bit of the juice off the peaches in too because I can!  I just looked at the open bag of porridge and thought, I need to find a container for them to keep them fresh, then said no, I'll portion and bag it up then it's all ready for eating.  Now to decide whether to have 40g (148 calories) or 50g (185 calories) as the portion, I might go for the larger portion because then I'll be properly full up and oats are so good for us, they are rich in Vitamin B, they’ll help to stabilise your blood sugar, which means a steadier mood and more energy.  There are many types of vitamin B, oats are a particularly good source of riboflavin (vitamin B2) which helps the body release energy from food, as well as vitamin B6 which allows the body to use and store energy from protein and carbs in food.  They’re a great way to start your day, hence me giving them a go!  It also means I can save eggs for another meal.

Let's get this day started, a few things to remember from yesterday and to add to my sunshine list; 

Laughter - there's nothing makes me feel better, it's my favourite thing.

Seeing people succeed

Community - watching people sitting and chatting, enjoying each others company

Our Huddles - knowing Elle & I are doing what we're passionate about 

Pesto & Pine Nuts - I know, I could just say food, but sometimes you have to focus on specific tastes and that is definitely on my favourite foods list!

This image; 

Alfie never leaves the seat when we're in the car, he lies or sits on his cushion like a good boy, he's a little cautious of the car, but yesterday we'd been sat at those temporary traffic lights so long, he got up to see why!  Did make me smile, especially as it means he's getting more comfortable being in the car. 

There were more things for sure, but I have to get ready for work, I've been sat here half hour typing this and drinking my cuppa, oh cuppa tea, another for the sunshine list, I'm defo going to find a little notebook because I want all these things in one place and I'm going to add to them daily.  I'm in a really good place right now but we all now life is full of highs and lows so if I have this list ready for any future bad times, it will be a reminder of the good things in life.

Mwah, love you loads

Love me xx

  

It's a beautiful day (Buble's on the radio, what can I say!)

Tuesday 24th August 2021

Start by starting, it doesn't have to be easy.

The alarm woke me at half five this morning and my knee made me take the staircase one at a time with both feet on each step so I did consider not doing my workout until later but instead I decided to pick an easier one and pause or stop if needed, I was okay and managed the half hour.  Here's to one I did yesterday, 

And the one I did this morning was the first one I did of Body Project and my knee was okay, it hurts a little and clicks a lot but it does that anyways! 

Yesterday was a lovely day off, Alfie sat on my lap to stop me doing any housework - he's a good dog, but then when he got off we drove to Weston Park for a lovely walk down to the lake through the grass, so I ended up with wet feet, need to remember to put my boots on when I go walking.  It's glorious there, over 1,000 acres to explore.  It certainly helped me add to my sunshine list.  

What's a Sunshine list? For those who don't already know, it's a list of anything and everything that makes your heart sing a little or a lot, puts a smile on your face, makes you glad to be alive, or just helps you get through the day. Get yourself a little notepad and pop it in your bag and add to the list every time you think of something else or like me use your notes app on your phone.  I haven't added to mine in a long time, so yesterday whilst I was sat on a rock letting Alfie catch his breathe, I jotted a few things down; 

I mean look at that toadstool, it was nearly as big as my head - what's not to smile about there!  

Just sitting here now, things I could add to my list include hearing 'shine' by Take That on the radio, it always reminds me of how for a whole week I got my members to sing it in my meetings, the lyrics to that song are words to take note off, 

Stop (stop)
Being so hard on yourself
It's not good for your health
I know that you can change
So clear your head and come 'round
You only have to open your eyes
You might just get a big surprise
And it may feel good
And you might want to smile, smile, smile

Don't you let your demons pull you down
'Cause you can have it all
You can have it all

Then there's Alfie, he's been my doggy pal for over 11 years, he follows me everywhere which is lovely and frustrating all at once.  Everything in my living room makes me smile thanks to my brothers transformation and my choice of decor, I love my yoga lady ornament, she looks like me with her wobbly belly and real body, my buddha scentsy warmer that's not plugged in, I just like it's face, then there's my cyberman head hiding on the shelf reminding me that being void of emotion is never a good thing, it's so much better to feel even when it's painful.  My curtains with images of ferns on, they make me want an indoor and some outdoor fern plants in the garden because I love ferns and they remind me of walking with my brother Ian in ferns so high he couldn't see where I was to follow!  I have orchids now too, mom could always keep her orchids for years, I was never so good, my concrete man, he's my oldest ornament and I love him.  See just focusing on the things that make you smile helps your brain start to focus on the positives rather than the negatives.  The bad stuff will still be there but why give it more space in your brain than you need to, that's my thinking anyway.

Food yesterday started okay, 

 This was delicious

 This wasn't as good as I'd hoped

I then got a raging urge for something sweet land from nowhere, that rarely happens and the only thing in the house I had was 1/2 apple flapjack crumble in the freezer from last month when I went shopping and bought a meal deal.  It wasn't all that which is why they other half was frozen easily.  Anyway, the packaging said defrost for 8 hours and don't cook in the microwave - MEH!  I defrosted it in the microwave for 3 minutes and cooked it in the oven, it was okay covered in Elmlea Plant Double Vegan Alternative to Cream which I'd been given as a free sample, I have to say it's not a bad alternative and did the job.  Not bad on calories in comparison either, 288 per 100ml as opposed to 439 for regular cream.  To stop me drinking the rest, I poured it into a dish and let Alfie have a bit so I had to throw the rest away.   I knew if I didn't do that, I was going to make creamy coffees!  It did the job, sweet cravings gone, I settled down on the settee to watch more of 'This is Us', I'm watching it, enjoying some of it, but it's bloody depressing in parts, they're all crazy, messed up people, I'm on the second season and I just want to know how he dies!  

Anyway, good news, I had a call from the Express and Star last night, their photographer is coming Thursday morning to take our photo so hopefully we'll make the paper, it's never 100%, so until we see it in there we won't get over excited!  We're also organising afternoon tea on a canal boat for our members, we said we wanted to create a community where we could get together outside of groups and do things we all enjoy, this is hopefully the first of many events. 

Looking forward to Tuesday first, can't believe it's bank holiday weekend coming up, if you're looking for something to do, Weston Park has a Summer Fiesta | Weston Park (weston-park.com) that looks good for families, you can even take dogs on leads.  

Here's to making it through the day, the scales will say what they say, wins for me this week are, I've exercised every day for a minimum of 30 minutes, I haven't had a glass of wine since Friday which explains the sweet tooth, I'm averaging 8 hours 22 minutes sleep over the last 5 weeks and all these things are helping me achieve a healthier lifestyle.  It's not just about the scales, remember that - eating well is extremely important but don't undereat as that just encourages that starve / binge / overeat behaviour that is no good for anyone.  Don't cut out all the good stuff, plan it in, create a calorie deficit and enjoy the journey.  

Now, what shall I eat today?  Decisions, decisions....

I'll let you know tomorrow what I chose, have a great day 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

Let's do this!

Monday 23rd August 2021

Start the week with a positive mind!

Well I had another good day, actually let's say I had an on track in the zone weekend all round, if I want to lose weight, I've got to start doing something about it.  Yes I lost a stone but then I got slack and cocky and stopped trying, so now I'm back in business and ready for the next stone!  I'd love to do it by year end if I'm completely honest.

I moved a lot yesterday too, 15,901 steps on a Sunday with 131 active minutes is impressive for me, two aerobic workouts according to Fitbit and a walk too, although we actually did two walks but Alfie doesn't go fast enough for it to register as exercise sometimes bless him. but it did register as active, so I'll take that.  I forgot to share the link of the workout I did yesterday morning, here it is, I enjoyed this one. 

Not long been wake so haven't worked out yet, I'm enjoying a cup of tea and blogging then I'll do my exercise, it's my day off after all, so I don't need to rush today. 

Foodwise, I ate two meals, I didn't eat brunch until almost noon, I was busy walking the dog, doing a zoom and a bit of exercise by the time I got round to it, was worth the wait though; 

Avocado and eggs on crumpets with mushrooms, spinach and sweet chilli tomatoes, 547 calories, kept me going until 5pm, when I quickly threw together my dinner, genuinely took 20 minutes, as the beef only takes 11 minutes in the microwave and I had a visitor half way through cooking, I looked up from the oven to see the lad from next door standing at my back door, bless him.  He kept me company whilst I finished cooking and ate my dinner.  Then we both had an lolly pop out my freezer, he told me he was going to Blackpool, he was going to swim in the pool and I asked if he'd be swimming in the sea, he looked at me bewildered as if I was a little stupid and replied, 'no there's a pool because it's called Blackpool!' so now I know!

Anyway back to the dinner, the beef brisket was delicious and tender but I personally didn't like the ale gravy,

I also cut that piece of beef in half, I didn't eat it all, the other half was Alfie's he had it with some carrots, and ate all his carrots bless him. The potato was a frozen jacket that I microwaved for 5 minutes then put in the oven, whilst the beef cooked.

It hit the spot anyway and did it's job of filling me back up.  The only other thing I ate yesterday was a thin slice of brie straight from the fridge, another wine free day, so yes I did an alcohol free weekend - go me!  

Not sure it's enough to pull back the first half of the week but it's a start and hopefully next Tuesday the scales will be my friends as I plan to have a cracking good week!  I want to get my healthy back, I want to strengthen my muscles to protect my joints and I want to give my liver a rest. 

The weather is picking up according to the forecast, the sky outside is an odd pink colour at the moment!  I might get my exercise done - another low impact on, I want to build up gradually, then I'll do some housework, then take Alfie out and maybe chill out in the garden or go for a drive, we shall see where the mood takes me. 

Let's make this week matter!  Oh it's meat free Monday, I can do that today, got this in the fridge; 

That's dinner sorted, I can have eggs on crumpets again, I'll be chuffed if I make em look and taste as good as I did yesterday!  I'll have without the avocado and tomatoes though today.  

I'm off now honest, I have things to do ;) as do you!  Make sure you put yourself on your to do list though okay because you matter too!

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Be proud if you're trying!

Sunday 22nd August 2021

Do your best!

Another great huddle yesterday morning, 50lb lost and lots of smiles and laughter, can't ask for more!  The rest of my day was perfect for a rainy day, Alfie had his little walk before we went to work so we missed the rain, I had about 6000 steps on my fitbit when we got back but I was hungry as hadn't eaten that morning just had an actimel drink so I'd stopped at the garage to get my black olives I'd forgotten the day before and they had the bread I'd forgotten to get to make my bacon and brie the day before when I had it on crumpets - you guessed it, I bought a 200g tiger bread baguette and made that for my brunch. 

Well what can I say, the tiger bread alone was 560 calories, 80g brie is 291 and there was 232 calories in 4 slices of the streaky bacon! OUCH and if I'm honest I preferred it on crumpets because you could taste the brie and bacon better.  Eating more mindfully is making me realise some things just are all that and definitely not worth the calories. 

I then watched a couple of hours of 'This is Us', I think I'd seen a few episodes before but I stuck with it and am enjoying it, aren't people messed up!  I'm thankful for my terrible memory because I can't remember most of the crap that's happened in my life and I tend not to dwell on the bad stuff that did.

Elle said something to me in the week when I said I was getting up half hour earlier to do my exercise, she reminded me that I don't have to get everything done first thing anymore, I have all day because I don't have all those other commitments I had before.  I took that on board yesterday, once I'd let my brunch digest, I did half hour walking workout whilst watching my tele, then later one I did another ten minutes to get me up to 10,000 steps, I clocked up 54 active minutes and the walking on the spot showed up as aerobic workout on the fit bit.  

I defrosted some chicken drumsticks and made a marinade out of ketchup, honey, soy sauce  and garlic, the roasted and enjoyed them with a salad for my tea, Alfie helped me by eating the knuckles ;) 

Then I enjoyed these Quaver that Sarah gave me, they were lovely but I won't be buying any because I can't eat what isn't there, it's how I control what's going in.

No wine and an early night, I've enjoyed just shy of 10 hours sleep!  I woke a few times, middle of the night and half five my regular time but I thought no, I'm gonna go lie back down and I snoozed, lovely slow Sunday morning.  I'll finish this blog just in time for the zoom at 9.

I've still had time to do 45 minute workout, this one was really good, easier than the other because it was more controlled and not so fast, it's still showed as a 31 minute workout burning 153 calories, I'll take that for a Sunday morning, it didn't bother my back at all and only slightly niggled my knee, depending on how far Alfie walks, I might throw another walk watching tele later, that's quite easy to do really.  

I'm making changes slowly, not just focusing on the scales, I'm looking to create a healthier lifestyle, I want to take care of my body and become my best self again!

I've even planned my meals today, not worked out the calories but I'm only having two meals so it'll be okay, for breakfast I'm having crumpet, avocado and egg with tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms.  Might have 2 crumpets/eggs, we'll see.   Then I'm thinking a roast dinner, I have a brisket in gravy thing in the freezer just enough for me and Alfie, if I buy it like that rather than a joint at least it's portioned controlled because Alfie and I can see of a huge joint of beef!  I've got potatoes, cauli and carrots, frozen peas, mmm nice.  

Ooo just looked at the weather, it was forecast rain yesterday but it's saying cloud and sun now so might get Alfie outside, be nice to have some sunshine to sit in the garden later that's for sure! 

Shall we all do our best, it was 18 weeks to Christmas yesterday, none of us know what tomorrow will bring, so let's live for today, be proud of ourselves for doing our best and wanting to improve our health.  What one thing can you do today to help you get a little closer to a healthier version of you?

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Ready for the weekend?

Saturday 21st August 2021

Make it happen, shock everyone.

I'm gutted, my backs hurting today so I'm scared to do my regular routine, instead though I've done a 30 minute yoga for a bad back so at least I've done something and if my back eases when I get back from the huddle this morning, I'll do something then, who knew I'd want to do exercise!  Yoga For Back Pain | Yoga Basics | Yoga With Adriene - YouTube 

I went and did a huge shop yesterday, long lasting stuff that will last me a few months and I genuinely think pushing a heavy trolley hasn't helped my back - boo!  At least I won't have to go again and to be honest, I don't like doing it so much now, I've got that used to shopping online, I can add things to the basket throughout the week when I think about it because I'm rubbish at doing a shopping list and I came back and had still forgot a couple of things lol.  Plus you end up looking at things you don't really need but are tempted by, I was pretty good there though and resisted, only bought good food, resisted all the naughty stuff, quite proud of myself.  

My indulgence was brie and bacon and some salami.  I enjoyed brie and bacon on crumpets yesterday, there's 568 calories on that plate but it was worth it!  I thought I had cranberry sauce but I didn't, I did have fig chutney stuff though and a spoonful of that was just as good. 

Now why crumpets?  Well the truth is, I bought the brie and bacon and hadn't thought about what I was going to put it on, I always buy Warburtons 400g wholemeal but that didn't seem right somehow.  I then remembered that I'd bought a pack of 9 crumpets intending to freeze some, this is the problem with bread products they come in packs of 6, 9, 12 and there's only me!  I can buy half dozen for the same price of 2 lose ones, it's frustrating, if I'd thought about it in the shop and there was the option of a single one, I would've paid extra but I forgot, glad I did because this was scrumptious and the crumpets didn't need any butter, they were great with the brie and what's not to love about grilled crispy streaky bacon!  

Alfie was a nightmare once again for my sister, another reason I can't be bothered with going shopping!  He refused to walk before I went shopping and again when I got back, he'd worn himself out barking after me, any suggestions gratefully accepted because he's got my sister there so it's not like he's alone and he knows here, he used to stay with her and mom before mom died, now he's just like a clingy monster! 

Lack of dog walk meant I only clocked up 8,416 steps but that's better than some Fridays, we had a lazy afternoon, watching tele and an early night.  Hopefully he'll walk today, but the forecast is dreadful isn't it.  I could've put him in his pushchair and gone for a walk but I was honestly shattered after my shopping expedition, I had a bath instead, I enjoyed my lazy afternoon so much, caught up on Celebrity Masterchef, watched the final of cooking with the stars, did a bit of crochet and then watched a couple of Outlander, I think there's a few series of it so that's me sorted for a bit and I've had another recommended, 'This is Us', I vaguely recall trying it when mom was alive but after 5 minutes she kicked off so we turned it off.

Looking forward to this morning as always, Saturday's are always great, plus it's forecast rain so if you've not managed to get to a huddle this week, why not come spend a couple of hours with us, start your weekend off with a smile and some motivation. 

Remember, however much you're struggling, be proud that you are even trying and if you aren't struggling, but flying BOOM keep flying and inspire the rest of us.  

I bought weetabix yesterday too, finally after fancying them for weeks, again because a member talks about them every week lol, but my inner tight bird came out in the shop when I saw how much they cost, £2.80 for a box of 24, that's 12p a biscuit which I suppose now I'm writing it, that ain't that bad lol, but it's been that long since I've bought any, then I noticed Tesco home brand for 95p, that's 4p a biscuit and I bought them, I had a bowl for tea last night and I honestly couldn't tell the difference, so that's a swap I'm more than happy to make!   I sound like an episode of Eat well for less, time for me to go get ready for work I reckon. 

Here's to a great day, whatever you're up to this weekend, enjoy and be kind to yourself, be your own biggest supporter and take it one day at a time. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

FriYAY

Friday 20th August 2021 
Strive for progress not perfection.

 

Another great day yesterday, loved the huddles at Bloxwich, a few new member and a lot of laughter.  Food wise, I did alright too, I enjoyed the toastie thing again that I'd made the day before, for dinner I had liver and onions, mash and beans, then when I got home I had the leftover mash, beans and onion gravy with a couple of slices of pork that I'd defrosted.  The liver and onion dinner was 500 calories but I didn't work out the calories in my tea, I'm not gonna lie.  I'm celebrating what I do not what I don't!  

I've done another 30 minutes workout this morning, another body project one, I like how encouraging he is, I don't work well being shouted at, I need a yeah you can do this motivator and these are those type of videos.  I also like his positivity and how he talks about our bodies and how we should love them, it aligns with my beliefs. 

If I can continue to do 30 minutes a day, I'll be really pleased, wish my knee wasn't shot but I can only do what I can do and hope the knee doesn't get any worse. 

Is it sad that I'm excited to go do a big shop today!  My fridge is bare, I want some salad, hell I want some fruit, because of Elle I want brie and bacon, because of Rebekah I want caramelised onion chutney, my to eat list is getting longer by the day!  I also want healthy stuff, eggs, tuna, weetabix, it's a balanced shopping list :) 

My Fitbit is proud of me this week, it just told me I've done 5 of 5 days active, the 30 minutes in a morning is upping my daily step count nicely, I've already done 3300 and burning about 200 calories.  Yesterday I ended on 14,100, burned 2576 calories and was active for 94 minutes - go me! The dog took me for 3 walks, 2 short ones and one longer but they all help the step count.   My thought pattern is if I can't do so well with my eating, I can at least try and burn more calories, that won't stop me trying to improve the eating situation too. 

Right, let's get this day started, although Alfie isn't looking very willing!  Yay, it's Friday, a whole day ahead of doing what I want, I'm thinking shopping, cooking a nice dinner, doing a bit of crochet, finding a new book to read as I finished mine yesterday, a bit of tele and an early night cos I had a late one for me last night.  Whatever you have planned, enjoy x

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x

First week x 30 mins in the bag!

Thursday 19th August 2021
You're stronger than you think!

Another morning, another alarm set half hour early, another 30 minute workout.  I am feeling very proud of myself this morning and I can actually say for the first time, I enjoyed it whilst doing it, not just finishing!  Today's choice of video was this one; 

walking cardio at it's best!

I'm pleased to report my back seems to have gone better, so maybe I've stretched the muscles out doing a bit of yoga (oh yeah I did half hour of that yesterday lunchtime too!) and these exercises.  My knees still knackered but you can't fix a joint, I can however strengthen the muscles around it and try and get some pressure off it with a bit of weight loss. 

I'm now running behind timewise for work I think, so I'm typing quickly ;) still got to shower, dress and eat breakfast.  I want the same as I had yesterday morning, although if I don't have time, it can be my lunch.   This simple plate of deliciousness was 125g fried chestnut mushrooms, I use a spray bottle of oil so you only use about 1/2 teaspoon, then I dry fry the bread, I prefer it to toast for some strange reason!  I pushed it all to the side with the mushrooms on the bread, put 3 small piece of pepperoni in the pan and once they were fried a little topped the mushrooms with them and a cheese slice and had me a tasty toasty for under 250 calories, nom nom nom!

Not gonna lie when I looked at the freezer surprise meal, I wasn't hopeful, I knew it had been in there for the longest time because it had the smart points written on it and I haven't done them for coming up to a year easily!  Then the mash on top looked a bit lame so I covered it with some cheese sliced using a potato peeler and popped it in the oven for half hour on low.  I also made use of the leftover peas, not a fan of tinned peas at all anymore but they're a veg so they'll do.  I was pleasantly surprised at the meal, it was tasty, there were lentils in with the mince, I DO NOT REMEMBER EVER MAKING THIS DISH that's how long it must have been since I made it!  

My tea ended up being a packet of vegetable savoury rice because the curry I defrosted to go with it was rank and ended up in the bin, that had obviously been in the freezer too long or was one of my more unsuccessful cooking sessions where I freeze the food so I don't have to eat it!  Again I didn't remember cooking it! 

The rest of my day was chilling, I started watching the series Outlander on Amazon prime, it's alright, I won't say I can't wait to watch another episode like some things I've watched.  

My neighbours arrived back from visiting my brother and Alexis in Corfu, they'd had a great time and Terry had sent me back BBQ pressies so I have the right seasoning now and freshly dried and crushed oregano from his mountains, plus another bottle of his oil - yay. 

Well I have a very busy day, Bloxwich Mem Huddles with Elle, yesterdays was lovely too, I also love how they all have their own personalities our groups, time to get a move on.  I have not even looked for food today yet, my fridge isn't even worth opening lol, but there's still loads in the freezer, so when I do shop it'll be for fresh stuff and to fill the cupboards, I will rearrange the freezer see if I have any space for things like frozen peas lol.

Catch ya tomorrow, unless I see you today, 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Good morning, good morning

Wednesday 18th August 2021

Today's workout was another Body Project video, I need the low impact because of my knee and back and this did the job, I also put trainers on today, I've been doing it barefoot as just getting out of bed and I think that made a difference, took some of the impact off the knee.  I'm quite pleased that's 6 days in a row I've done something, even set my alarm to get up that little earlier so I have the time.  When I got out of bed this morning I felt like Gollum and walked to the bathroom like the evolution of man thinking I'm not going to be able to do this today, I have to take the stairs one at a time with both feet, yep that's how knackered my middle aged body is, but by the time the tele was turned on and I'd found a youtube video, put my trainers on, I soon loosened up.

I'm hoping the more I do these workouts the stronger my muscles and core strength will get and I might get out of bed less like Gollum and more like a healthy human being!  That to me would be worth so much more than losing a few pounds, although I won't say no to that either.

Not this week though, I gained a pound, I'm not surprised, I've been consuming too many calories, also indulging on sweet stuff I wouldn't bother with, apart from Jim Jam chocolate spread all the other sweet stuff has been removed from my house now, I'd bought it for the huddles and I'd been picking at what I'd bought!  Lesson learned there, I can't be trusted with junk in my house any more.

Yesterday's food, I had a couple of slices of toast at the huddle once I was sure my stomach had calmed down, I just think it was the combination of foods I ate on Monday that caused that, although I'm not gonna eat that yogurt in the fridge lol just in case.  I nipped in Tesco garage on way back from vets to buy some salad, they only had salad leaves which was better than nothing but they also had cauliflower cheese, fish sticks and some cooked meat reduced to half price so I scooped them up.  That was the rest of my meals sorted. 

I did have a slice of bread and butter with this as Alfie stole some of the cauli cheese.

Alfie also ate all the meat off this plate, but in fairness I'd already eaten the rest of the packet of seafood sticks throughout the day and some of the cooked meat as I was putting my salad out as I had a phone call and was hungry waiting to eat.  That's garlic butter on that there piece of bread - nice. 

I'm pleased with my food intake yesterday, now to keep it healthy and work on getting my calories lower and creating that calorie deficit!  

I also bought some mushrooms so might have them on toast for breakfast, wished I'd thought to buy a box of eggs DOH!  I could have beans on toast, that'd be one of my five a day.  I've defrosted something from the freezer, think it's either mince with veggies on it's own or it might be topped with mash, either way, that's one meal sorted.   

I'm going to continue to slowly create new routines and sort my environment, I've even started doing a couple of moms copy the answer from the back crosswords ;) they still arrive monthly and I had been giving them away but I opened this months and for the last couple of days, I've said and done one or two crosswords, apparently it's good to keep your brain going and I've enjoyed doing them, makes me smile when I'm not sure of an answer and I cheat just like she did, but I use google instead of finding it at the back of the book which makes no sense at all!

I'm still enjoying relaxing, sometimes I feel I should be doing something but then I think WHY?  I like watching tele, the weather is rubbish so can't really do much out there.  I've found myself thinking a lot over the last few days about what kind of life do I want, what do I want to do with the life that I have left, I didn't do much of that when mom was alive because I couldn't bare to think about tomorrow as today was difficult enough!  

If you haven't done it lately, take some time to think about the life you have, the life you'd like, and how you want to spend the years you have left on this earth.  Remember, there is no right or wrong answer, you don't have to want to change the world!  It's a question we're asked a lot when we're younger, but we stop asking the question once we've left. 

Time for me to go get ready for work, that is something I know I want to continue to do, I absolutely love working with Elle and holding the huddles, seeing people getting healthier and enjoying each others company.  

Have a great day, 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx