At peace with my weight..

20^th June 2011

To see your drama clearly is to be liberated from it. Ken Keyes, Jr

That weekend went super fast didn’t it!  I spent Saturday morning working, and yesterday morning helping my brother  set up his website, facebook group and twitter page for his business www.kmlgas.co.uk which filled a couple of hours then for the rest of the day we chilled out.

Whilst walking Alfie this morning round the estate, I got to thinking about how we never take the same route twice, Alfie has a knack of choosing a different way most days, although a lot of the time we end up on the same park. I started to realise me and probably a lot of those reading this are the same where their weight loss is concerned. We have probably taken so many different routes over the years to try and achieve the same thing - weight loss. If you’re like me your version of Alfies park is a Weight Watchers meeting :)

Personally I've found Weight Watchers to be the only plan I can adapt to my personality and life style. Some weeks I love spending time in the kitchen and cooking delicious recipes, then other times like this weekend I wanna sit on my backside and eat frozen pizza - both of which options can be done when following the Weight Watchers ProPoints plan.

I know the scales are unlikely to smile at me this week after the Good Food show and the frozen pizza but I'm okay with that because I'm a lifer! Yep I have acknowledged that I love to eat, sometimes more than others and I've made peace with that, I know I could be a stone or even two lighter than I am but I'm not willing to sacrifice all those delicious meals I'd have to forgo to be that weight, I am willing to compromise though so that I don't end up a stone or two or three or more heavier.

I'm at my happy weight, I'll continue to work at it and will never give up, I've lost a few pounds over the last five weeks and hopefully I'll lose more in the weeks to come. I'm in balance and at peace with food and that's more important to me than those last few pounds.

Well I better get ready for work, Alfie took me on a 90 minute walk today so I’m a little behind, so I’ll leave you with a tasty recipe I come across in one of the Sunday magazines yesterday;

BBQ Mushroom Burgers 6pp each

250g Portobello mushrooms
2 tbsp olive oil (8pp)
1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tbsp lemon juke
4 burger buns (16pp)
tomatoes
4 handfuls salad
METHOD
1) Wipe the mushrooms clean and place in a freezer bag with the olive oil
chilli, garlic lemon juice and seasoning.
2) Secure the bag, then turn the bag several times to coat the
mushrooms evenly, then leave to one side for 30 minutes.
3) Cook over a hot barbecue or under a hot grill for 8 minutes, turning regularly until piping hot and cooked through. Pile into burger buns, top with cheese, pickles or salad, and all your favourite accompaniments.

Have a great day xx

A lesson in Heart x

19^th June 2011

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong. Charles Wadworth

It’s Father Day today so if you’re luckily enough to have one, let him know you love him.  I was just looking for a little story or something relevant to father’s day to share with you but instead I came across a short story about overcoming obstacles, because when your trying to lose weight there are lots of obstacles thrown in front of you, it’s a bit like a hurdle race!  This story also made me think of a member I weighed yesterday, I covered a lovely morning meeting in Brownhills and it was great to meet different people, the one stuck in my mind though because she had the ‘but syndrome’, no matter what solution you’d have given her, she would have said ‘yes but…..’ so in the end I just said, for every problem (i.e. obstacle) there is a solution, you just have to find it yourself and I’m delighted to say by the end of the meeting, she’d found one solution to on of those obstacles, so that was a result.  Anyway here’s the story;

- - - - - - - -

A LESSON IN HEART

A lesson in "heart" is a little, 10 year old girl, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot. She wears a brace all the time. She came home one beautiful spring day to tell her Mom she had competed in "field day"- that's where they have lots of races and other competitive events. Because of her leg support, Mom's mind raced as she tried to think of encouragement for Sarah, things she could say to her about not letting this get her down. But, before she could get a word out, she said "Daddy, I won two of the races!" Mom couldn't believe it! And then Sarah said, "I had an advantage." Ah. Mom thought. She must have been given a head start...some kind of physical advantage. But again, before any comment was made she said, "Daddy, I didn't get a head start... My advantage was I had to try harder!"

- - - - - - - -

Inspiring, if you have an obstacle of whatever kind, ‘try harder’, don’t use it as an excuse, don’t run and hide from it all, don’t get angry, don’t get sad, don’t give up and resign yourself to what you are now rather than what you want to be – TRY HARDER! 

Sticking to a diet is always going to have its difficulties but nothing worth having comes easy does it.  Why so difficult, because it means changing and most of us don’t like change, it also involves resisting temptation which is absolutely everywhere isn’t it.  Just note how many times in one single day you have to resist temptation and congratulation yourself every time you manage to resist rather than beating yourself up when you notice the one time you didn’t resist!  If I think back to yesterday one example would be I popped in the Tesco garage to get mom a puzzle book and I spotted the peanuts and thought “mmm peanuts” then I had a mental conversation with myself and said something like, “if you hadn’t come in here and spotted them on the shelf you wouldn’t have even thought about peanuts today, so you don’t want any, you’ll have forgot about them by the time you get home”, and I had forgotten until now so it worked, I also resisted the reduced pizza that was massive and would have cost me millions of ProPoints I’m sure, but I didn’t resist the pizza in my freezer when I got home but at least it was a lot lower than what could have been. 

As long as we aim to be our best always, then no one can expect anymore from us. 

xx

It's a naked lady!!! YAY ;-)

18^th June 2011

You don't need strength to let go of something. What you really need is understanding. Guy Finley

Fabulous day yesterday at the good food show, I’d say I easily ate/drank everyone of my remaining ProPoints – possibly more but it was worth it, I’ll stick to 29 today and tomorrow and hope for the best on Monday night at weigh in.  We arrived about 11.30am and it wasn’t as busy as I’d expected it to be which was great, we wandered round the stalls, sampled as many things as possible, toffee vodka is a little bit too nice and chocolate wine mmm well dangerous stuff is all I’d say they’d both be much to easy to drink.  Cheese was the highlight for me, I got my hands on some Cornish Blue which won the world cheese award last year and damn tasty it was too, with the fig pickle I bought from "my secret kitchen" stand mmm, finish it off with a drop of port and that for me is the perfect meal.  I was also impressed by the one pot meals from the easy bean company, keep you eye out for them in Waitrose and Sainsbury’s they varied between 6-9 ProPoints and were tasty, although we may be pinching the idea and making our own versions, if it works I’ll let you know.

We finished our day with lunch at the MasterChef restaurant,

Oriental salmon ceviche with ginger, soy and sesame oil, white radish, flaked almond and coriander salad (inspired by Andi Peters – Celebrity MasterChef Series 3) washed down with the suggested wine of course ;D.

For main I opted for the curried lamb cheeseburger served with cumin and coriander fries and onion ale mayo (inspired by Tim Anderson – Masterchef Series 7 – the only series I’ve actually watched!), I had to tell them their chips were cold though, they did go and get me some hot ones thankfully. 

I didn’t opt for dessert, Jo and I had another drop of one of the suggested wines instead whilst Lynne had the Hazelnut and raspberry meringue, vanilla mascarpone (inspired by Nadia Sawalha – Celebrity Masterchef Series 2) it did look delicious as I’m sure you’ll agree.  The best part of the meal was actually the conversation, we had a really good chin wag which I have to say wasn’t impressing the staff because we were the last ones to leave the restaurant!  We sat, chatted, watched people queue to get Greg Wallace and John Torode's autograph and just had a fabulous time putting the world to rights, sharing our memories, discussing our issues and realising how lucky we really are to be alive.  I think Greg Wallace is quite cute but not cute enough to leave my table to go meet, not when we were having so much fun.   I’d definitely love to go to another food show, unfortunately the one in November is at the same time as my holiday so it’ll have to wait.

One of the conversations we had at the table was about sex – a subject female conversation often goes to after alcohol has been introduced to the table ;D, and I shared a comment with my friends that a man once told me, thought I’d share it all with you now, especially if you are conscious about your naked body and how a man might look at you when you undress or what might be going through his mind about the weight you’ve gained as you start to get undressed.  Seriously HE ISN’T THINKING ANYTHING AT ALL, he’s just turned back into a 13 year old boy and he’s smiling, jumping up and down and singing “SHE’S TAKING HER CLOTHES OFF, YAY! IT’S A NAKED LADY AND SHE’S GOING TO LET ME TOUCH HER!!! Trust me, he’s now hyper excited and doesn’t give two hoots about your love handles, your bingo wings, or your muffin top, he’s just really, really, really excited cos he’s about to have sex!  So ladies stop worrying about your body, he loves it.

I’m working today for a change, covering a meeting for another leader, it’ll be nice to meet other members and also it’s some money towards paying for yesterday’s bill!   How ever you’re spending your weekend – enjoy yourself, stay on track but allow yourself to enjoy your food.   And why not earn some bonus Activity ProPoints by making love to your other half because he thinks you’re gorgeous!

Enjoy your day xx

New Friends x

17^th June 2011

Some people are too tired to give you a smile, so give them one of yours as no one needs a smile as much as the one who has no more to give!

Baby it’s cold outside!  Walking Alfie this morning and my hands are freezing cold now, just about managing to type ;-D   He’s found a new friend who actually likes him back bless him, he’s so full on that most of the dogs don’t want to know.  His new friend is Casey and she’s the biggest, fluffiest Alsatian you’ve ever seen, it’s quite comical to watch.

Well I’m off to the Good Food Show today but was told yesterday that there’s not much in the way of freebies so I shouldn’t damage my diet too much, can’t wait to see what there, especially now I’m becoming a proper little cook in the kitchen, might treat myself to something nice.

Yesterday I made a chicken and potato salad with roast vegetables, I added tomato puree as the sauce and it was very nice plus easy which is what I need on a Thursday.  Won’t be buying little cracker things again though as I can’t resist them and had to put 6pp on my tracker for them yesterday ;( gutted, used 19 of my weeklies yesterday, still got 30 activity pp though and 27 weeklies so I should be okay.  I fancied some whole milk yesterday and 250ml cost me 4pp, nice but high.

I’m still working on my recipe box, doing it a bit at a time, this week I’ve added Leek and Mustard bake and Bangers and mash, here the recipe for that one, I’ll try and put some more on my happy owls website as soon as I can, but I’m really busy this weekend so it won’t be soon.

Bangers and mash with onion gravy
Serves 4, 9pp each Takes 15 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to cook

low fat cooking spray
4 medium onions, sliced thinly
1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) potatoes, peeled and chopped roughly (21pp)
8 Weight Watchers thin low fat sausages (12pp)
100 ml (31/2 fl oz) skimmed milk (1pp)
600 ml (1 pint) vegetable stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Spray a large saucepan with the low fat cooking spray and then add the onions and stir. Season and cover with a piece of baking parchment and then cover the pan so the onions are sealed. Cook over a very low heat for 30 minutes, or until the onions are soft and starting to brown.  Meanwhile put the potatoes into a large pan of boiling, lightly salted water and boil for 20-30 minutes, until tender when you insert the point of a knife.   Meanwhile preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6/200°C/fan oven 180°C and cook the sausages for 25 minutes.  Drain the potatoes and mash them with the milk and seasoning.  Keep warm.  Finish the gravy by removing the lid and the paper from the onions and adding the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to the boil and simmer on a high heat for a few minutes or until thickened, then serve with the bangers and mash, allowing two sausages per person.

It’s almost the weekend, remember we’re all playing the “one does matter” game this week, so before you just think sod it, ProPoint it and make sure it’s worth it, think of those ProPoints as if they were currency and spend them wisely, get the most you can for them. 

xx

It's Impootant ;D

16^th June 2011

Two things a man should never be angry at: what he can help, and what he cannot help. Thomas Fuller

This heat is killing my sleep patterns, I usually sleep like a brick but I’m waking up a lot at the moment, Alfie doesn’t help either but I’m pleased to say it isn’t stopping me staying on track!  Yesterday was a very, very busy day and I even missed lunch, just had a packed of the new Weight Watcher fruit pastilles, a bit of chicken and a handful of Morrisons vegetable crackers which are 10 for 2pp very nice indeed, and I have to say I didn’t think about food all afternoon.  I think the fruit I’d had at breakfast might have helped keep me satisfied longer too.  I’m getting heartburn though this last week or two and the only thing I can put it down to is fruit ;( which isn’t a good thing, it may not be that, so I shall see what happens.

Being busy has its benefits, I earned 9pp on my pedometer yesterday which means I now have 23 saved for the Good Food Show tomorrow – yay, and I’m working Saturday morning covering a meeting, therefore no time to get bored and eat.  Someone said to me yesterday when I mentioned I was so busy that I seemed the type that had to keep busy, little did they know that I am naturally a lazy person, there’s nothing I like better than sitting on my backside doing nothing at all, unfortunately that doesn’t pay the bills does it, luckily I have the best job in the world so I don’t mind going to work each day.

Water, water, water - please drink more now the weathers warmed up! Please drink more – thought I’d say that twice just in case you didn’t realise how important it is.  I’m sat here with a huge glass in front of me and I plan to ensure I drink plenty more today; my track book even has 8 boxes to tick to ensure that I drink enough.  Why drink more?  Because your body is made up mostly of water and this weather is dehydrating you quicker than normal.  So many people have told me they’re constipated this week – heck I feel like the ‘poo person’!  DID YOU KNOW, I was told this yesterday that our bowel absorbs over a liter of water everyday, and if we’re not drinking it then it’s going to struggle!  I know it’s not the most enjoyable topic, but it is soo impootant (get it lol)

What can help prevent constipation?

·         A well-balanced diet high in fibre, including bran, fruits and vegetables, is often helpful.

·         Cutting down on white bread, cakes and sugar.

·         Drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Hot beverages, such as coffee, tea or hot water, may stimulate bowel movements.

·         Prunes and plum juice can also be beneficial.

·         Regular exercise improves digestion and reduces stress.

·         A regular bowel habit. The best time is usually the first hour after breakfast. Don't hurry and sit for at least 10 minutes, regardless of whether you manage to pass a stool. Don't strain.

Today focus on drinking more water, the more water you drink, the less of a chore it becomes? In fact your body starts to crave it as it learns to recognise when you are dehydrated.  If you want to know how much is the correct amount or why you should drink it – google it.  I would just say water is an essential nutrient and required for many bodily functions and drink as much as you can until your wee is clear when you go to the toilet, that’s the easiest way to tell if your hydrated, if it isn’t clear you’re not drinking enough fluids. 

Water is best, but other fluids will help such as sugar free squash, tea and coffee but personally I notice a difference when it’s water, my complexion looks better and funnily enough I’m not so tired, maybe that’s why I’m so shattered this week because I haven’t been drinking the fluids.

Anyways I’m off to enjoy this beautiful morning for an hour with my Alfie as he doesn’t like it when it warms up either.

Enjoy your day xx

3pp main meals

15^th June 2011

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Buddha

Didn’t want to get out of bed this morning, very unlike me!  Not sure if it’s the heat or the busy weekend I haven’t caught up from and now I’ve agreed to cover a leaders meeting this Saturday so gonna have less time off. 


So yesterday I made the mistake of using myself as the wastebin instead of the one in the kitchen!  I had a pack of Warburton square wraps which were about to go out of date and I didn’t want to waste them and ended up having one for breakfast with mushrooms and another for lunch with honey soy salmon and salad both delicious but used up a lot of my ProPoints.  I realised because I’m using my track book and had already planned in my glass of red wine for when I got back from work that I was only left with 3pp out of my daily allowance (I’m saving my weeklies for Friday Good Food Show). 


I had the idea of sending out a text challenge to see who could come up with the best 3pp main meal suggestion and I received lots of responses, some better than others, ½ glass of wine being one of the silly ones ;D


Here are some of the ideas that proves you can stay within budget even when you’ve got a little crazy;


Rachel was full of ideas, with “Warbutons thin 3pp, tomato purée, mushrooms, onions peppers NO cheese... Grilled with loadsa salad... OR Omelette, 1 egg, 3 egg White 3pp mushrooms, courgette, diced pepper n roasted veg or salad... That's what I'd have anyway lol x”


Then later she text “Ok I've thought of another lol! 2x turkey rashers grilled 1pp, loadsa mushrooms (fried in non stick pan with spray), half can chopped tomato's, 1 grilled halved tomato and a boiled or poache egg 2pp :) think I'm gna av that 1 for tea lol!!! Or two stuffed mushrooms with veg of choice and 3pp worth of cheese spit betweenthe two and side salad... Think I'm gettin this weeks menu done haha


I think she had some great ideas, one of which I kind used as I ended up cooking 3 eggs (5pp) & 3 egg whites (1pp) (Alfie ate the yolks microwaved them) mushrooms, pepper, spring onions, courgette and capers and made a huge frittata.  I used one of the WW pan liners in my frying pan so I didn’t have to use oil to cook it then sprinkled 3pp worth of cheese on the top and browned under the grill.   I had a third of it with a side salad and I can have the other for lunch today.  It was delicious and very satisfying.  It was also quick and easy to make as I had all the ingredients already in the fridge.


I loved this idea from Lisa, she suggested “How about scoop out centre of a courgette and place both halves on baking sheet. In pan cook 1 rasher of bacon (1pt) spring onions, drain tin of tomatoes with garlic, dash of Worcester sauce, salt and pepper and 1 skinned pork sausage thin (2pts). Put filling in courgette halves, cover and cook in oven 4 approx 20 mins. Serve with veg and enjoy”.


Val also had a great idea of “Poached 120g haddock 2pp. Served on salad with lettuce, tom's, cucumber, red onion, mixed peppers, beetroot.1tbs. Sweet chilli sauce drizzled over followed by fresh strawberries yummy”


Esther said “whole egg-2pp. 2egg whites omelette,wiv mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, leek, with lots of salad on side! Oil and mayb small sprinkle of cheese for the last 1pp! Well done on ur weight loss yday!”


Jackie had a great idea of “100 g King Prawn marinated in grated ginger and garlic, zest & juice of a lime and chopped coriander (leave for an hour), stirfry veg, onion, grated carrot, sliced cabbage and beansprouts, peppers, add marinade at the end for a nice sauce mmmmm....” unfortunately I’m allergic to prawns but it does sound delicious because I used to love them.


I couldn’t fault Karen who came up with an entire 3 course meal “Starter melon 0pp. Main course vegetarian curry half pp for olive oil to fry onions chillies n garlic, served with roast butternut squash and roast beetroot wedges and pea shoots n green leaves. Add 25grams white rice for 2 half points. Sweet is fresh fruit salad. Drink no cal fruit water chilled with ice. Enjoy. X”


Whereas Nicola suggested “3 rice cakes or an apple sandwich :) x x”  I thought the apple sandwich was a joke but according to members in my meeting last night they eat them! Wierdy’s


I have to say I really enjoyed my omelette but I particularly enjoy the idea of Lisa’s baked courgettes and plan to cook them soon.


The weight losses are great still with 126lb lost last night and 154lb lost yesterday morning, well done to everyone at Willenhall, actually well done to all my meetings as you’re all doing so well, even those that are struggling or not doing so well you keep smiling and doing your best and that’s all we can ask. Xx


Today’s challenge (you can either email ideas, comment on blog, post of fb wall or send me a text) is lunch ideas for a member who works 7 days a week – yes 7, she only gets half hour lunch and ends up snacking because her sandwich isn’t filling her up.  So what would you recommend that’s quick and easy to prepare?


I’m just off to walk Alfie, have a great day xx

Phew - a loss ;D

14^th June 2011

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.

At the weekend we all snuggled on the sofas Sunday morning and watched Eat, Pray, Love, what a great movie and definitely one I want to watch again, it was full of thought provoking quotes and words of wisdom – whilst also being a great story.  In one scene there’s an Italian barber talking to Julia Roberts who’s playing the lead role American lady, this is what he says about the Americans, but I think you can include us Brits in this too;

“You don’t know how to enjoy yourselves.  You work too hard then you get burned out and spend the whole weekend at home in your pajamas in front of the tv.  You know how to have fun, but you don't know the pleasure of little things, you have to be told you’ve earned it.”

How scarily true is that!  He then went to talk about "dolce far niente", the sweetness of doing nothing."  I know so many people who are afraid to stop or feel they can’t stop because they have so much to do and if it doesn’t get done…..

Italy has been on of the last places to visit on my bucket list but I’ve never wanted to do the tourist bit of visiting the sites, I just want to sit outside a restaurant with a glass of red wine, eating a big bowl of spaghetti whilst watching the world go by and I’m thrilled because yesterday, I booked to do just that for a weekend with Chantel next year – whoop whoop, can’t wait.

Until then, I also intend to practice the art of "dolce far niente" here more often because that barber was right, we do overdo it and don’t “stop to smell the roses” anywhere near enough! 

So it was the big weigh in last night, my first time of being weighed by another leader in a few years and I was a little bit scared in that queue knowing I had a great weekend of fizz and food, so I was relieved when I lost ½lb, Katie lost 4½lb and Vicky lost 1½lb so all is good and we’re all on track for another loss next week.  My only obstacle this week is the good food show on Friday but if I save all my weekly and activity ProPoints for then I should be ok.  I want to weigh in under that next stone bracket next week, it’ll be the first time this year and I’m only 3lb off being able to not pay to attend meetings ;D which is even better, my monthly pass runs till June 5^th so I’m planning to have done that by then.

I managed a great day yesterday, had 1pp left out of my allowance, and I had the most delicious tea for 8pp plus a big glass of red wine for 6pp, last week I didn’t drink from Monday – Thursday and I got the most amazing sweet tooth so I’ve decided that doesn’t work as normally I don’t want sweet things at all.  My tea was a plate of bits and bobs, including  bresaola beef from Sainsbury’s taste the difference, olives, pepper, courgette, apple tomatoes, Weight Watcher crackers and cheese triangles, I really enjoyed it and it took me ages to eat too as I ate it with my fingers. 

Yes I have to admit I really do like eating the right kind of food, I eat the junk such as pringles but I can honestly say when I’m doing it I’m not really enjoying them, it’s almost an automatic thing that I do quite quickly too!  I zone out when I eat foods like that whereas I zone in when I eat food like that in the photo above.

I’m cooking the oriental salmon recipe from the Simply Enjoy cook book today for 8pp, mmm, hungry already ;D

Have a fabulous day, the sky looks glorious. xx

Too early to think this morning...

13^th June 2011

Live as though heaven is on earth.

I had a fabulous weekend, got home around teatime last night and was in bed by 8.30, shattered in a good way, we’d had a lovely day despite the rain, couldn’t believe that Saturday we’d been sitting in the garden and I’d got burned then Sunday it was soaking wet through all day – you gotta love the crazy British weather. 

I’ve loved this weekend not only because I got to catch up with great mates but because I’ve also totally chilled out and relaxed, I spent two hours yesterday morning just reading magazines and chilling out.  When I read the mags I pick up ideas and bits and bobs to share with you so here’s the first one;
Mushrooms are a natural source of antioxidants.  Mushrooms don't stop at being terrifically tasty. They're really good for you, too. Low in fat, low in calories and just 80g counts as a quick way to one of your five-a-day.  Not forgetting that they're a natural source of antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals, which can help you build a stronger immune system. Move over, Mrs Smith.  Over 250 tasty recipe ideas at moretomushrooms.com, I’ve had a quick this morning and the Char sui mushrooms recipes sounds scrumptious.

Yesterday morning we all watched Eat, Pray, Love, really enjoyed the film and again there was some moments that gave me food for thought, one being a comment made “Select your thoughts the same way you select your clothes each day”, how true is that, we put some much effort into what to wear and sometimes what to eat and lots of other things but then we allow our thoughts to control us, mainly because I think we don’t always realise we can control your thoughts.  So starting today and hopefully the entire week, everytime you have a negative thought, shoo it out of your head and replace it with a pleasant thought.  Everybody has bad days but instead of thinking you’re gonna be stuck in that bad day forever, acknowledge that you’re having a bad day and it will end soon enough and you can have a good one tomorrow.

Another short piece I read yesterday said; If you only do one thing this month...
RE-LABEL YOUR LIFE, You know how it goes. You ate a biscuit or two? How greedy.  Skipped a gym session? That's just lazy. According to Dr Daniel G Amen, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Body calling yourself names is one of the worst negative habits, Self-labelling takes away control over your actions.  And bad, mad, sad, hopeless or helpless thoughts release chemicals that make you feel bad/ So how to change the habit? Catch yourself in the act, then write down your thoughts, reworking them positively.  For example, 'I enjoyed that biscuit - I'll eat less dinner to make up for it / 'If you want to feel good, think good thoughts; says Dr Amen.  Mmm so change those negatives into positives and I’d definitely recommend a read of RED especially if someone else has bought the copy ;D

Look for inspiration and ideas everywhere, you’ll be amazed and surprised at where they appear from, I love what Monique Howell wrote on our group facebook wall yesterday, “its great having my weight watcher leader in my pocket (on my fone lol) if I’m feeling the urge I just read a few wall posts off other ppl and ur happy owl blogs and I feel motivated again I’m a happy howell” Yep, dieting works best with support.

That’s me for this morning, Alfies under my desk whining and crying to go out, he doesn’t realise I’m not fussed as its wet out there, but we’ll go and I’ll shower when I return!
Have a fab day, and if life throws a rainy day at you – play in the puddles. xx

Girls & giggles

June 2011

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.  

Had a lovely day with the girls yesterday and practiced damage limitation as best as was possible, I also ended up having an afternoon snooze which stopped me eating/drinking for 2 hours.  The sea bass was absolutely delicious cooked on the BBQ served with jersey mids which again were so tasty they didn't need any butter.  

We sat in the garden for hours laughing and catching up and that's what getting together is all about not what your gonna eat for lunch. 

I'm now sat in Chantel's kitchen drinking a mug of hot water enjoying the silence whilst waiting for everyone to wake up, think it will be a while.  I did miss my morning walk with Alfie but it was nice not to be woke up at 4.44am although I naturally woke up at 5ish but I've just lay there for a change instead of getting up. 

I'm planning on having fruit for my breakfast to save the ProPoints for my carvery lunch but if I wasn't I think I'd be tempted to treat myself to the following recipe that I've just food on my phone notes, I might have it in the week for my lunch one day. 

Smoked salmon scramble on bagel
Serves 2, 6pp each

Low fat cooking spray (1pp)
3 eggs, beaten (5pp)
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 plain Weight Watcher bagel, split and toasted (4pp)
50g smoked salmon (2pp)
Few sprigs fresh dill, to garnish 
Lemon wedges, to serve 

Heat a small non stick pan and mist with low fat spray. Add the beaten egg and a pinch of cayenne as stir constantly with a wooden spoon over a low heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the egg starts to form soft curds.  Divide between the toasted bagel halves and top with the smoked salmon and dill. Season and serve sprinkled with a little pepper, with a lemon wedge to squeeze over.

That sounds scrumptious but today I'm happy with cherries, apple and a pear as I'd like a weight loss tomorrow night.  

I noticed Asda now have the Weight Watchers ProPointed wines in stock and one of them, I think it was the White worked out lower in ProPoints than ordinary wine. Now we can't actually ProPoint alcohol ourselves as the carb content is different, that's why Weight Watchers have done it for us but I've just read in a magazine that an 8% alcohol 250ml glass of wine has 2 units of alcohol and 123cals whereas an 11% glass has 2.8 units and 160cals and a 15% glass has a staggering 3.8 units and 201 calories!  So it's always a good thing to decide initially "why" your drinking - if it's just to be sociable then maybe go for a lower alcohol version, there's the WeightWatcher ones or Tesco do a light range too or of course there's always lambrini ;D or why not use lemonade or soda and turn it into a spritzer that way your keeping your body hydrated too, particularly useful on a hot summer day like we had yesterday, I have a very red nose this morning (from the sun not the booze!).

I do however plan to indulge in a fine glass of red today with my carvery as I was on the dizzy prosecco yesterday which goes straight to my head makes me giggle then knocks me out - I'd quite like to stay awake today as I don't get to see Chantel that often and we will soon be back home in Wolverhampton.

Lots of veggies on my carvery plate and no pudding I thinks, and just off to have another mug of water to cleanse my system. Hope you are enjoying your day as much as we girls are. 

Xx

Giant grapes & going overdrawn!

11^th June 2011

Andrew Lloyd Webber was right, “Love changes everything”, so try loving yourself (Bev Longsden)

Well I’m thrilled to say my blog’s getting so popular, yesterday I had to pay for the daily emails to be sent because the distribution is now too high for the free version!  So if you do enjoy receiving these emails, please consider donating 50p or a £1 to help me cover the costs in the coming months as this is something I do (unpaid) as an extra to help you all, to donate click  https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HQD84DR8MTK38 Also remember there's also my www.happyowls.co.uk website with lots of ideas and recipes.

What an absolutely glorious morning and extra fabulous because I’m off out with the girls, can’t wait, so looking forward to it – yay!  Yesterday was a great day I didn’t rush anywhere, got all my paperwork do at a relaxed pace, then went to Cannock and bought some fabulous fruit off a stall that’s there Tuesdays and Fridays, such good value, 2lb cherry tomatoes for 1lb, cherries a quarter of what you’d pay in a supermarket, so now I have lots of fruit to keep me on track this weekend.  I also purchased the biggest grapes I’ve ever seen in my life, larger than 50p coins and sweet as sugar.

Alfie doesn’t do Saturdays and woke me at 4.44am, this is the universe’s idea of humour as number 4 is my favourite number and I can guarantee he wakes me up regularly at that exist time – spooky eh ;D.  This early rise meant we were out and about at 5ish and have already earned 1pp on the old wineometer, which I’ll need today.  I almost a lot of my weekly/activity ProPoints last night but still have 25 activity ProPoints left.  Foodwise I shall be okay today, as we’re having a bbq but Chantels got seabass for us and lots of salad and I’ve got all that fruit so it’s just the vino that’ll be the thing to watch!  Then there’s a carvery to cope with tomorrow, but I’m going to limit the damage as much as possible. 

Think about it, if you were overdrawn by £20 at the bank, would you think what the hell and draw another £100 out?  No of course you wouldn’t because you know you’ll be paying for the privilege well the same thought pattern should be used for your ProPoints allowance just because you go over by a few ProPoints doesn’t mean you may as well think, ‘sod it’ and just carry on consuming more, the ‘sod it’ syndrome is a dangerous disease and one you don’t want to catch because at the scales the symptoms can include tears and weight gain.  So if like me you know this weekends going to be difficult because of your plans, try and work out how you can limit your ProPoints overdraft.  What helped me yesterday was carrying my track book around with me and every time I went into my handbag I was reminded that I wanted to lose some weight and could see what I’d already had and how many ProPoints I had to play with.

Also talk to people, make sure they know how important it is to you and give them ideas of what you can have, my mate was planning a bbq with burgers not realising how much damage they would do me, and she has no idea if coleslaw is high or low in PP!

This weekend, keep reminding yourself you’re following the Weight Watchers ProPoints plan for a reason, and remember what those reasons are, WHY did you join Weight Watchers, why do you want to lose weight, what is more important to you how you look and feel or that food that’s about to tempt you to go overdrawn!

xx

Belle Vere...

10^th July 2011

No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.

Man was I hungry yesterday and it wasn’t for bad stuff because I opted for real food, I’ve come to the conclusion I’m hungrier on a Thursday because it’s nearing the end of my busy work week and my body genuinely needs more food, so yesterday I let it have more which meant I ate 45 ProPoints, now all of them except 8 were because I was truly hungry, 3pp were wasted on a stem ginger cookie, although maybe not wasted because it was mighty fine in taste ;D and 5pp was on a Warburton Thin with pastrami just before I went to bed which I could have done without and only ate because I fancied it.   Looking in my track journal now I did have all my five a day but maybe could have had more and maybe too many of those Warburtons thins, they’re obviously very tasty but not sure if they were substantial enough to fill me up!  I’m still on track, I have 14 of my weekly allowance left, and I’ve got 33 activity propoints earned so I should be ok this weekend.

Unlike my Warburtons breakfast, I wasn’t born to be ‘thin’, I’m happy to be healthy and shapely (or chunky as some would say ;D) and I’m hearing more and woman agreeing with me which just makes me so happy because I feel this obsession with super thin isn’t a good one.  I was thrilled this morning when I found this photo of the cover of this months Italian copy of Vogue, now if the text that went with it hadn’t pointed it out, I wouldn’t have even realised they were plus size women, I was just looking at it thinking how fabulous they all looked.  But isn’t it just brilliant to see real woman adorning the cover of such a prestige magazine, it’s Vogue Italia’s first plus-size cover, photographed by Steven Meisel. The accompanying caption”Belle Vere”, means “Real Beauty”. The models are pretty, sexy and eating real food (pasta) in a restaurant, ok they’re in their underwear but we can cope with that. The setting, styling and the black and white cover has a retro feel and reminds readers of the truly desirable women in the fifties and sixties, who I hope you agree look a hell of a lot healthier than some of the models we see today. I think it is a beautiful cover that exudes sensuality and hope if there are more magazines and covers about to follow in the UK, inspiring woman to be healthy not skinny!  I have so many members who look gorgeous without being really thin, curves rock!
I’m so pleased I haven’t got to rush this morning, I have lots to do but I can do it at my own pace as I haven’t got to be anywhere at a specific time until this evening, I do enjoy my work and don’t mind rushing about but it is nice to slow down at times too, balance is what it’s all about.
Me and Alfie have just had a fabulous walk, really enjoyed it over the park this morning, had a giggle with my fellow walkers, they tend to laugh at my inability to control my dog but that’s ok with me ;D
I’ve actually had a really enjoyable week, I’m not sure if that’s because I’ve been on track or that I’ve been on track because I’ve had such an enjoyable week full of laughter, maybe the two just go hand in hand.  I really do have the best job in the world; it’s perfect for me anyway.  I’ve done a lot of smiling this week, one caused by a member yesterday who text me to say she’d bought two track journals and one had writing in it and would it be okay to swap.  I of course said yes that’s fine and she went on to tell me it made interesting reading and must be mine because of the walking and the wine – oops ;D

Mom’s screaming at the newspapers right now because it’s got a coupon for Tesco but only if you have the internet, which she doesn’t but I do, but that’s not the point and she’s going to write to them - **???~~@@####!!!! O dear ;D she’s not happy, so funny, I can get it for her but she doesn’t want me to, she’d much rather have a good whinge. 

On that note, I’m off to do my paperwork, enjoy your day, YAY it’s Friday!
xx

Church of the Weight Watcher!

9^th June 2011

Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.

Have you noticed some mornings just run away from you, today's one of those for me. I got out of bed at the usual time and yet I seem to be behind with everything and I have to be out of the house soon for work.

Yesterday’s blog got a few replies, one suggesting that instead of a religion where we believed in something more powerful than us, we instead choose to have a religion where we believe in ourselves? She went on to say "many of us especially the ones who need to lose a few pounds/stone have little or no faith in ourselves. Which is a shame really because we DO all have the power to change, I totally agree with what you have said today which has lead me to respond to this mail. Earlier this week I thought about having faith in myself and the power/willpower to change and this time for good. I can choose to eat anything I like and portions that I want and with this I choose to stay fat - or - I can choose to eat anything I like, but with the knowledge that if I don’t take charge of the quantity, if I choose to maybe not
point some things I'll con myself into believing I've tracked this week and should lose weight. Coming to WW is like the Catholics going to a confessional. We would go once a month and confess our sins, we now go once a week to weigh ourselves in front of our (Priest) Bev and she can see through us like God can"

Interesting stuff ay, it reminded me of a meeting I once did about the seven deadly sins in the church of the Weight Watchers, I'll try and find it out. I do remember one of them was "they shalt not commit adultery by going on anyone else's scales but mine"

Yesterday’s text message got a few ‘stop’ replies too, and one angry response from a mom, again I’m truly sorry for sending it out so early, I pressed the wrong button it was in error

You can tell I'm rushed I'm actually writing this blog over the park whilst Alfie's having his morning run- there's always a solution. Yesterday was just as busy but somehow I managed to throw together and get a chicken casserole in the oven in ten minutes so at least today's lunch is sorted.

My breakfast yesterday was delicious, I just fancied a bacon sandwich so I made a healthy version using just the lean part of the bacon, I had the white bit of the hard boiled egg, cherry tomatoes, salad leaves and two toasted Warburton thins, absolutely delicious for nine ProPoints. A little of what you fancy does you good.

I've earned 24 activity ProPoiints so far towards the weekend so still on course for a loss next weigh day.

Having a fabulous week in my meetings this week, I really do have the best job in the world, my members always manage to make me smile, laugh and sometimes even cry - this week has mostly been a lot of laughing. Three members have also achieved their goal weights this week so are now official members of the exclusive Weight Watchers gold club, always a great feeling.

It's a glorious morning over the park, so peaceful; all I can hear are the birds and the faint distant hum of traffic from the motorway. The sky is full of clouds but the suns managing to shine through at the moment, so I'm making the most of it. I've just watched two pigeons rooftop surfing which was rather amusing, I actually think their trying to have a bit of nookie but the roofs too slippy lol.

I’m home now so lots to do, catch you laters, and have a fabulous day full of laughter if you can xx

Laughter is an instant vacation!

The 12 step programme!

8th July 2011


Every thought you think is creating your future.

Midweek already, and I’m on track because I’ve got the support of my friends and the fact that I know I’ve got to be weighed by someone else next week. I planning the weekend, I’m out for a balti on Friday night, going to have the main with pilau rice and 1 poppadom, the place we go doesn’t do very large portions so that won’t cause too much damage, and I’ve earned 15pp already with my pedometer, so that’s the poppadom and pilau rice covered nearly, plus I’ve got most of my weekly propoints left and still have 3 days to earn more. There’s no wine in my house either as I didn’t buy any this week so of course that’s going to help.

Yesterday I made pork lasagne, recipes in the Seriously Satisfying book, it was delicious, the recipe in the book serves 4, but I had 500g pork mince so made enough for 6, easy to make too, took 20 minute to prepare then just left in the oven for 40 minute. I sometimes think I’m not going to have time to cook or that it’s too much effort but when I do set aside the time it’s not so bad, it doesn’t take very long, I actually enjoy it and the food tastes amazing.

I was watching Neighbours (I know I’m sad, but I love it!) last night and it was talking about the 12 step programme for gamblers anonymous which is the same as an 12 steps for addicts, and apparently the first step is “admitting you are powerless”, and I couldn’t agree with it, having looked at it this morning there’s a little more to it than that I suppose, but I still don’t like this idea of giving your power away, obviously I’m not an addict as such although I do at times feel out of control regarding my eating but personally I feel if I used the ‘I’m powerless’ line then I’d actually get worse, my personal strength comes from the fact that I believe I have the strength and power to do anything if I decide to set my mind to it. Having googled these 12 steps, number two is “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living.” Again I personally (this system obviously works because of the huge success worldwide) believe that the greatest power I know comes from inside me, and I can restore myself any time I decide to take back my power. I think that all makes sense and if it doesn’t – it did in my head ;D

Staying on the spiritual path, I’ve just had an email about the Serenity Prayer which I do like but again, I don’t personally buy into the God bit, hopefully you know of the prayer and if you don’t here it is;

God, grant us serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

Lot’s of you spend way too much time anxious about things you cannot change: the economy, the weather, traffic, or people who annoy you and as a result, you waste a lot of your energy and aren’t left with much to make the most of the opportunities you do have. Recognising the difference between what you can and cannot change can help you live more peaceful and productive lives. This week I’ve watched a friend get really angry about someone who winds them up and she can’t change that person’s behaviour but she can change her response to that person’s behaviour – she has the power within to control her responses, we are all much more powerful than we know. I also see members get really upset because they didn’t get that weight loss, it starts with anger and annoyance at the fact they’ve stuck to the plan and the results haven’t shown on the scales, usually the next step is disappointment and they still sulking in my meeting and pulling faces at those that have lost, then the next part I don’t see but I know it exists because I hear about it later and also because I’ve done it myself. Next they go home and get upset, some even cry, I don’t do that anymore as I don’t feel weight is worth tears, it’s already had too many of them from me over the years. Unfortunately the last part of this scenario is usually overeating, “I haven’t lost weight and I’ve tried really hard so I may as well eat!”, mmm logical – not at all but how our brains sometimes work, unlike the prayer above we’re not accepting the things we cannot change and we’re just lost the courage to change the things we can, and we’ve lost all wisdom to know the difference! When this happens instead of reacting in this way we should be thrilled with ourselves that we’ve had such a fabulously, healthy week and have taken the time to take care of our bodies and minds, we should also acknowledge that the results will come, if we’re following the plan and sticking to the rules, science says the results have to follow, but it’s important to realise our bodies are robots or machines and they don’t work to an exact timescales.

Don’t let the scales control your moods, in fact only get on those scales at my meeting and get rid of the ones in your bathroom because they control your mood most days! You know I’m right, instead of bathroom scales buy kitchen scales, they will have a much better effect on your diet. Xx

Have a fabulous day xx

WORDS OR WEAPONS! & I joined a WW Meeting ;D

7th June 2011

Anger or hatred is like a fisherman's hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it. Dalai Lama

Guess what I did last night, I went to Weight Watchers, no not just as a leader but after my meeting, I bought me a monthly pass and went to a meeting as a member with my mates, it was great. Me and the girls are so busy we hardly ever see each other these days so this is a way of killing two birds with one stone. We get to spent an hour together catching up each week and hopefully it will focus the three of us to get us losing some weight ready for our holiday to New York later in the year. I’d stayed the same on the scales since last week, which I’m pleased about but now I want to lose this week, it’s going to be difficult because I’m at my mates house the weekend with the girls, but I will do my best. I’ve got no wine in the house so at least I won’t be drinking until the weekend that should save me a few ProPoints.

Katie also made me my tea which was delicious, Chorizo lasagne (12pp) – a recipe she’d adapted from an old Weight Watcher cookbook, I don’t eat much pasta but it was delicious. So the three of us are in it together and focused on losing, dieting’s so much easier with support.

WORDS OR WEAPONS!

I was having a conversation with a lady yesterday who’d really been annoyed and hurt by comments made to her by another, has someone ever said something to you and you felt like you’d been stabbed? The next time that happens you have to remind yourself that no one can hurt you without your permission, so don’t let them, instead choose not to accept their nasty comment and see it for what it is, someone who obviously feels bad about themselves trying to bring you down to feeling the same way. A good standard reply to a nasty comment is, “And you’re saying that because?” Throw it back at them and see if they can explain who they’ve said such an awful thing, if they look at you confused as them if trying to make you feel bad has made them feel good!

And if you’re the person who says the nasty comments, STOP doing it, if you haven’t got anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all! Think before you speak and ask if there’s any reason for you to say it.

Enough of me on my soap box! I took my nephew out in my car at the weekend to have a go on a car park to see if driving is for him and of course it was so we came home and ordered his provisional license. Then we discussed what else he'd need to help him pass his test. Obviously the first thing was driving lessons preferably with a damn good instructor not me because I was rubbish. We all have our talents and that wasn't one of mine ;). Next on the list was a highway code book and theory test info and the list went on, and of course included money because there's not much you can do without it!

Whenever you start something there is usually a list of things you need to do it from booking a holiday to losing weight. And sometimes different things help different people. For example my essentials when losing weight are my kitchen scales because otherwise I suffer from portion distortion and my calculator to ProPoint packaging when I'm shopping. I also find using the Track book useful so I can keeps running tally of what I'm eating. My mom on the other hand has to have a supply of low ProPointed sweet stuff and snacks to hand - thank goodness her daughters a leader with access to all those bars and bakes (I have to pay for them I'd like to add), my sister cooks a great deal so she's always using the cookbooks and waiting for the next one too arrive so in-between she also enjoys the recipes that are in Your Week and the Weight Watchers magazines. It's important to find what works for you, to identify the tools that will help you succeed. I almost forgot my favourite tool is my wineometer or as its better known the Weight Watcher pedometer, obviously that's not a necessity but it most certainly is a nicety because it helps me accurately work out my activity ProPoints, yesterday I earned 8pp by working and walking the dog – cool eh.

Okay, I’m off now, lots to do, weight to lose ;D

Have a fabulous day and happy birthday to my bestie xx

Raring to go!

6th June 2011

You feed your body every day. You must also feed your mind.

Monday morning again and raring to go! Although I wouldn’t have said no to another hour in bed thinking about it ;D I worked quite a lot of this weekend and my office is almost sorted, but I still managed to get plenty of relaxation fitted in.

I was working at the weekend, not always a good idea but now and again it’s okay, after my meeting with my boss on Friday, I spent some time sorting through my members card boxes and looking at my meetings stats to see where I can improve – everyone can always improve.

The same goes for our diet, it’s easy to just get complacent and think well as long as I’m losing weight does it matter what I eat, but it does. By making better food choices, losing weight is easier. That’s why I love using the track book because not only is there space to write down what you’ve eaten but you can also mark off how many fruit and vegetables you’ve had, whether you’ve had your dairy intake, enough water, what exercise you’ve undertaken, any questions you want to ask your leader. And just picking the book up to write it in reminds you how important it is to you to lose weight because otherwise you wouldn’t be tracking!

Yes I’ve noticed the weeks I track in my track book are the weeks I have the best results because it’s a constant reminder of what I’m trying to achieve.

Whilst I think about it, don’t forget the sale starts this week;

WEIGHT WATCHERS ******SUMMER SALE****** 25% OFF Stock is gonna go fast
Propoints Pedometer Plus now £12.71 reduced from £16.95
Propoints Kitchen Scales now £29.96 reduced from £39.95
Propoints calculator now £7.46 reduced from £9.95
Essentials pack now £7.46 reduced from £9.95
Delux Essentials pack now £14.95 reduced from 19.95
Eat Out now £3.38 reduced from £4.50
Shop now £4.13 reduced from £5.50
Track now £3.38 reduced from £4.50

This offer is only available from 5th June to 2nd July 2011 (coupons cannot be used in conjunction with this offer)

I found this recipe on the Sainsbury’s feed your family for a fiver and thought it look really tasty so used Weight Watchers esource recipe builder to ProPoint it, though it’s quite high I think it would be very filling, serve with a side salad.

Tomato, spinach and red onion frittata
Serves 4, 15pp each

1 x 1kg pack salad potatoes (20pp)
2 tablespoons olive oil (8pp)
2 red onions, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and sliced
9 medium eggs, beaten (16pp)
135g British mild Cheddar, finely grated (15pp)
500g frozen chopped spinach, defrosted in microwave and squeezed dry
225g tomatoes, sliced
500g pack frozen broccoli florets
350g courgettes, cubed

1 Boil the potatoes for 10 minutes, until tender, then drain and slice thickly.

2 Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 23cm frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5-10 minutes, until soft, adding the garlic for the last minute.

3 In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs with half the cheese. Add the onion, garlic, potato and spinach, and stir gently to coat all the vegetables.

4 Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the frying pan. Pour in the tortilla mixture and top with the tomatoes.

Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and cook over a low heat for 12 minutes, until the bottom has set.

5 Meanwhile, boil the broccoli and courgettes for 3-4 minutes, then drain. Preheat the grill to hot.

6 Place the frittata pan under the grill for 5 minutes, until the egg is cooked through. Cut into 4 and serve with the broccoli and courgettes.

If you’ve got any fab looking recipes don’t forget the Weight Watchers esource is free to monthly pass holders.

I received a lovely email yesterday from a member who no longer attends my meeting as she moved to Wiltshire, she does however still read my daily emails, please feel free to share my blog/emails/website with anyone you know who may find it useful in some way, they don't have to be my member.

I’m off to walk Alfie before the rain starts falling.

Here’s to another great start to the week.
xx