Tomato Soup and Getting back on track

Hello hello! It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting here writing my last blog update- oh wait- it was!

Sadly, after my update, I went into the kitchen and had a moment of weakness (again!) ended up picking at some of the naughty stuff that was there- including cheese. After my initial "what the hell, get a grip" moment afterwards, I calmly accepted what I did and went to bed.

Before I went to sleep, I got out my pretty flutterby journal and wrote in it. I wrote- in big letters:

"My name is Tanya- and I am a food addict"

It was like I was sitting there in an Overeater's Anonymous meeting- but I was in bed, on my own. I think I needed to physically see those words to help with acceptance that, even though I have lost nearly 9 1/2 stone, I am still a food addict. I still binge, I still get that mad guilt that comes after it, sometimes I just can't help myself.

Surprisingly, it helped. Today I feel a bit more focused- even though I have had a few moments in the day where I have just been craving really sugary sweet stuff. I have managed to curb those cravings- but only just! I am sitting here, satisfied, after having a lovely dinner of homemade tomato soup and ham salad with mayo! I've only had 4 1/2 syns today. Usually I try to get over the 5, but considering I'm satisfied and I have already probably gone over my weekly allowance of syns, I'm going to stick at 4 1/2.

So- this tomato soup! I was going to take a picture but I decided I wanted to eat it instead! The recipe is quick and simple- it's seriously tasty AND filling!

2 tins tomatoes

1 tin baked beans

1 tin carrots

2 small onions

1/2 pint chicken stock (or veggie stock if you're a vegetarian)

basil, black pepper and garlic granules to taste.

Simply put all the ingredients in a pan, blend until it's smooth and heat up. It's seriously as simple as that.

Just don't do what I did and move the hand blended up a bit higher than you should- resulting in tomato soup all over me! The shame! But at least I got there in the end and enjoyed a huge bowl of it!

I just realised I haven't had my healthy A yet! So I'm going to have a small glass of milk, leaving just enough for a cup of tea before bed!

Tomorrow I am having lunch with a friend before work- Abby is making Slimming World quiche- I may just take some tasty treats for us both to nom on afterwards!

I also have a few errands to run- so definitely must head off here now- I need my beauty sleep!

Much Love,

Tanya x

Woah! *slaps wrist*

I be so bad! Sorry guys- there have been a few times that I have got on here to update but things have been so manic it's unreal! Let's try to condense it all into one post, shall we?


Firstly- Blogger have changed the layout of this site- and boy is it confusing me! Not that it takes much! (Yes I know you were thinking that!) So I might be getting a bit lost on here. Jeeze- I don't post for 2 weeks (nearly) and the whole site changes! How rude!


So- a lot of different things happening here! 


Of course- greatest mention- I'm a mini celebrity at the moment! My weight loss story is in the local rag! I basically called up the paper last Wednesday (the day before my "Slimaversary"- a year since starting SW) and asked them if they'd be interested in my story- explaining that I had lost 9 stone 3lb in less than a year. I got a call back off a reporter and we had a phone interview. The next day she and a photographer came to my place and took a picture. The story was on the site the very same day!

The paper actually got delivered today (or yesterday for some lucky people!) So I've had people stop me (mainly in work) and say "hey! I saw you in the paper!" It was pretty awesome. A bit embarrassing too though! But I'm sure i'll get used to it!


So what else has happened?

Well- I had my initial appointment with the therapy people. It went well. The appointment was last Wednesday. I got a call back off the woman on Friday to confirm what I'm going to be given (20 counselling sessions) and I got a letter yesterday confirming my first appointment! Unfortunately- I'm working a grand total of 3 hours during the week next week and of course my appointment falls within those 3 hours! So I have to change it! But I'll get there eventually, I know this! I'm actually looking forward to getting started. Anything to get my head sorted, I'm willing to give a fair go! So crossing fingers it helps!


This week I lost 2lb. Which, considering I'm not far from target, is pretty good. But I have been quite off beam and my eating has suffered. I had a few naughty noms last Monday. Then on Tuesday after work I went to see a friend and I had a small piece of Herman cake and a couple of small handfuls of licorice allsorts. Then after weigh in I had a lovely roast dinner (cooked by mum) followed by a blowout of 3 creme eggs and 2 malteaster bunnies! I went to visit a friend then came home and devoured 2 pieces of butter on toast! Even though I don't feel mega guilt for doing it- I do feel like a bit of a dink. I can't do anything about it though- all I can do is look forward and hope for a nice loss next week (2 1/2lb would be nice- for my 9 1/2 stone award and to get into the 12 stones!).


So, my friend Kate and I have a bet going. We're having a race to target- winner gets afternoon tea paid for by the loser. I have 9lb to target whereas Kate needs 12.5lb. Advantage me, but I seem to be hitting a steady pace- I don't know how she's going to lose in the coming weeks- so slightly nervous- especially since it's my birthday in a week and I have my holiday to contend with too! But I'm up for a challenge! And I hate paying for things, so the race is on!


Work has been a bit thin lately. Only a few short shifts, albeit a bit every day. But next week I'm doing just over 3 hours Sunday and 3 hours Monday. I was hoping for a bit more, just because I know that it's going to be stopping soon- but every penny counts. I'm making the most of it- I still love that job!


Ok it is time for bed for this flutterby. I'm hoping the rain eases up tomorrow so I can go for a jog- need to get training for the race for life! I've found myself jogging a bit more lately- need to get the practice in!


I need to get my bum into gear really- I have a few tasty recipes to post on here- because I haven't posted any in an AGE. It's on the list- I have a lot to do, even though I'm not working- but doing proper updates and posts on here is near the top of my "to do" list! So stay tuned!


Much Love,
Tanya x

A year on....and the hardest is yet to come!

I'm sitting here, after a pretty decent day, with a heavy heart. I have complete mixed emotions about me, my journey and the distance I have to go.


Today I lost 3lb, that takes me to 129lb lost, or 9 stone 3 for us "stoners". I was really happy, considering my health hasn't been the greatest and my exercise has been limited. Group was really good and got a lot from it. There were some great losses and it made me focused for the week ahead! I would love to get 4lb off this week to get my 9 1/2 stone award. It's a tough one, but it's not like I've never pulled out a big number. So we shall see. I'm planning on staying focused!


I have found more and more lately that I've been focusing on my "flabby bits" more than I ever did. Poking at my belly and pinching at my sides. To a point where people are noticing. This worries me because I believe that it can easily become a slippery slope for me. If I keep doing things like that, I could obsess so much and end up either hurting myself or develop some kind of eating disorder. It's easily done as I have recently found out.

A lovely lady who I met on a weight loss forum has shared that she is struggling (and I hope if she's reading this she doesn't mind, but I am omitting any names so no one knows who it is I mean- it's not fair on her.). She started SW a few months after me and lost over 100lb, which is an amazing loss. I have to be honest, I was very jealous of her at one point because she was losing weight quicker than me (the days before I accepted the speed I lost weight and stopped being competitive!) It's been the last month or so, since she reached target, have I noticed how hard it can be for someone to maintain the weight. I waited every Tuesday to see how this lady had done the week before, to find she had lost again- actually getting under the target threshold pretty quick and unable to get back "into" target range. I read how her family worried about her "obsession" with Slimming World, wondering when she was going to let her foot off the gas a bit, now she was in target. All these things were, and are, things that I've been worried about doing myself. Seeing someone else do it and go through it makes it harder to digest. Because I'm not even at target yet and I could very well be like that when I get there.


This lady has actually now been diagnosed with an ED and depression. 


I think people focus mainly on the physical aspects of losing weight, less about the mental stuff. Maybe if you have only a stone or so to lose, where the change isn't as drastic, then that could work- but it's completely different if it's someone with more weight to shift.


I started with 10 stone to lose. Nearly a year on (it will be a year in 2 days time) I'm over 9 stone lighter. To say I'm a different person just doesn't quite emphasise how much I've changed. It takes so much getting used to. I have more physical energy, I want to do things- like go for walks, train at the gym and go out with friends. 


Another thing is people see and act towards me differently. My family aren't ashamed to be out with me anymore, I'm no longer the "fat friend"- which I know I was to some people- sad but true. People pay me genuine compliments not say nice things then laugh at me behind my back.


The biggest thing has to be my own self image. I genuinely still see myself as a size 26-28. I still avoid smallish gaps that I could now fit through, just in case I got stuck. I still go to the likes of Evans or the big sections of stores and pick up the bigger sizes in clothes. I still make comments about me being fat- not because I'm being negative about myself but because I still think I am! Without looking in mirrors I still see my fat belly, wobbly thighs, bum and bingo wings. I can't not focus on them- it's just how my head works. It gets me down because people say nice things about me but I can't believe them. Can't see they see what I see for goodness sake? No- they can't. I know why that is though. My head isn't right. I'm ill and am struggling with my mental demons. It's going to take a lot of work to banish them but I'm taking the right steps there. As people tell me, admitting there's a problem is the first step to any kind of recovery.


I think there should be something in place in Slimming World for people who have either a lot to lose or have lost a lot, especially over a short space of time. I can't be the only person like this, actually I know for a fact that I'm not. Even if it's just a leaflet talking about the mental stuff that can happen when losing weight. I wasn't aware that it'd be this hard. Don't get me wrong, I would have still done it, of course I would, but if I had known about it sooner, I might have been able to get the help I need sooner, rather than waiting until now (or tomorrow- since my first mental health team appointment is tomorrow afternoon).


Please don't get me wrong- I am so grateful for what SW has done for me, and I always will be. Julie is the most amazing consultant I could ever ask for and she is someone who will hopefully be part of my life for a long time to come, but as a whole, I think Slimming World should emphasise that the mental side of things need work too, especially when someone has a lot of weight to lose. It is something I am going to write to HQ about. It needs to be voiced and I feel so passionately about it, I am going to write to them and explain what's missing. 


My journey is really just beginning. I think the next 12 months are going to be as much of a roller coaster as the last 12 months. I'm nearly at target- I've done the easy bit- it's soon time to learn about the art of maintaining as well as sorting out my head. It's going to be a long ride. Do I want to get off? Do I hell! I'm in it for the long haul- and you're all coming with me!


Now, time to do some exercise I think! Still not shredding-ready but I need to do something!


Tomorrow is a new day- I am looking forward to my appointment with the mental health team (3.30 phone appointment)  because I am determined to get the help I need to be a better, healthier and happier person!


I think this is going to be a positive week, I hope it will be!
Much Love,
Tanya x

Allergies and Awards

Hiya! Quick update from me, since it's been a whole week!


I've been a bit ill lately, mainly due to working on checkouts all of last week. Long shifts sitting under those damn fans= a terrible chesty cough and a throat so saw it would have been less painful if i sat at home swallowing glass shards! Also, the weather has changed constantly, which makes my sinuses play up something chronic. So I've been really fuzzy, ill and grumpy!


Other than that though... I've not been too bad!


I'm actually happy I've been on checkouts- apart from the icky sicks! I love it there, it makes time go quicker and I feel less panicky than being on the shop floor, between awkward customers and a colleague who (I know- bunny moment) I thought had it in for me. They didn't- I was just being paranoid and uber sensitive. 

I have, though, got this week off. The manager didn't sort my rota out- so she told me to pick up some overtime- and there wasn't any- so time off! Plenty of time to recuperate and get some energy back!


On to Tuesday, last Tuesday anyway! I lost 2lb- which got me my 9 stone award! I was pretty chuffed to say the least. I was expecting to only lose 1 1/2lb, so was totally planning on having to wait another week for the award! I had my "treat" last week, pizza and an easter egg. That was my treat for getting into the next stone bracket, just a bit delayed because of lent. Straight back on plan the next day though and I've been 100% since.


My shredding has been on pause for the last few days, just because I've been so unwell. But hoping to get back on it tomorrow night, all being well! I didn't want to stop doing it- but a few days ago I got as far as completing the warm up and doing 2 walking press ups before getting dizzy and nearly knocking myself out! So I decided to give it a miss, until I was feeling physically fitter. I do miss it though! I can't wait to get back on it!! (I know- I'm weird!)


I went to a Slimming World opportunities event on Saturday, with a fellow member. We were only half an hour late (considering we both suck at directions/maps/road signs, I thought we did pretty well! heehee). The District Manager did the talk, explaining how much time goes into becoming a Slimming World consultant and the financial costs involved. It is pretty expensive, but I'm sure it would be worth it after a while! It's definitely something I want to do in the future! Just not until I'm at target and not until I've sorted my head out! Give me a year- I might be ready then!


Anyway, so tomorrow, I'm going for coffee with Chris then off to my weigh in at 5pm. I am hoping for a nice loss, since I have been good- even if my exercise has been lax lately. Hoping to up the exercise, maybe even get some swimming in this week since I'm not working! We shall see!


This Thursday will mark exactly a year since I started Slimming World. It truly is amazing how much of a difference just 1 year makes. Thinking what it was like this time last year...and thinking about the person I am now, it really is unbelievable. I can't tell you how much better I feel, both inside and outside. I'm still very much a work in progress, but I'm getting there.


It makes it even more worthwhile when people tell me how they find me inspirational and keeps them focused and determined. I love helping people- and I always said if I helped at least 1 other person get to where they wanted to be, by following my example and my progress, then I would be one happy flutterby. I'm very very very happy!


Now- it's time for bed- lots to do tomorrow, it's a great big day tomorrow! With hopefully a great big loss- we shall see!


Much love,
Tanya x

New day and new light

After my uber-ranty-depressed post yesterday, I went straight to bed. I actually slept pretty well and woke up refreshed. It really helped to read everyone's comments on facebook and on here. So thanks to everyone for your support. It really did help pick me up from the ground!


Today I was feeling a lot more positive, albeit nervous about stepping on those scales!


Work was good- after 2 hours of go getting (in that time only 1 person asked me where something was!) I was told by the manager that all my go-getting hours were now checkout hours- so until Friday (which at the moment I am assuming is my last day- but I'm not too sure at the moment! I might get more checkout hours- since they have brought in seasonal people- I hope I get a bit longer anyway!


Straight after work, I went to weigh in. 


I lost 2lb this week- taking me to exactly 9 stone lost! I now weigh 13 1/2 stone and have 1 stone to target! It is also my "club 40" which means that I have lost 40% of my starting weight. My goodness!


I didn't get Slimmer of the Week, but the person who won didn't stay to group- and I ended up winning the raffled fruit basket- for the first time in a year!! I was chuffed to bits!

Tonight was my "night off". I had pizza, my treat for getting into the 13's (since I got there during lent and couldn't have it!). I met my friends Abby and Jacinta at the pizza place, and we picked up the pizzas (mum called ahead with the order). We sat and ate (us 3, Mum and her "boyfriend" (he's not exactly a boy and I'm not calling him her "special friend") ) while watching telly. I even went all out and had an easter egg too!


So I can safely say that I've gone waaaaaaaay over my syns today. You know what though? I do not feel in the slightest bit guilty! A lot of people save syns and flexisyn. I haven't for a long time, so this is my treat, and I am right back on it- more determined and focused than ever! I really want to get to target now! That's it- right on plan until target- and I really mean it!


Next week will be the last weigh in before my "anniversary". I wanted to get as close to my 9 1/2 stone by my year. So hoping to knuckle down and work hard to see how close I can get! 


Right- I am going to see if I can manage a shred in a minute. I wasn't going to- but I've decided to keep going and finish- of course I was going to! I'm no quitter, god!


If I want a loss this week, I'm going to have to work for it! And I am going to!


Here's to a great week (hopefully!)

Much Love, 
Tanya x

Feeling Disheartened!

I am rather frustrated tonight! It was day 14 of the shred tonight. I decided that it would be a good idea to have my "midway" picture taken tonight, since tomorrow night we're having company- and pizza.


Mum took the pictures for me and I've put them next to each other. I see absolutely NO difference, at all. The only one that looks different is the back on and thats only because I think I stretched it too much!


I said I wouldn't put up....but sod it- you can all see for yourself!

 
























It probably doesn't help that the underwear is different- but still, you get the general idea.


I thought I'd show off the labels too....lol.


So I am feeling really disheartened. there are people in a facebook group I'm on and they've lost a tonne of inches in a week or 10 days and I've not. I know that most of mine will be skin but I have a lot of fat still, especially on my middle. I thought that doing this shred would make a difference but it doesn't look like it!

People have told me that because I'm young, the skin will bounce back- well surely if that's the case, my results would be better than someone in their 40's? But there are people much older and have better results- it just doesn't make sense to me!


Anyway I don't know whether to bother with the rest of it. I'll decide tomorrow. Someone said to me, I might as well finish it since I've started it, maybe I will. At least I've exercised! It's just so annoying!


Right- it's nearly midnight- so I'm going to get my bum to bed! Working 7 hours tomorrow and have weigh in straight after!


I have been good this week, so hoping that I can get that 9 stone award tomorrow! Fingers crossed!


Much Love,
Tanya x

Level 2 and head stuff

I have to be honest- today has to have been one of the worst day's I've had in a long time. Even as it's coming to a close I feel like a shaky ball of mess.


Work today, at Asda, was horrendous. It didn't help that I got up late and didn't have time for noms. 


It was absolutely MANIC there today. Good Friday- what's so bloody good about it? Every single till was open and with all the customers wanting stuff- of course I was the only go-getter. A lot of pressure and it got the better of me. My throat was still really sore and I was struggling to not get dizzy.


In the space of 2 hours I had 3 panic attacks. 2 I managed to get to the back of the store, in the warehouse, before it got too bad. One of them I was stuck in one of the aisles at the other end of the store, by checkouts. I found myself being propped up by a family pack of loo rolls and struggling to breathe. It was horrible. I've had panic attacks before, I used to have them so often, but this was worse because I had a voice in my head telling me that if I stopped walking around, one of the colleagues would tell me off and say how lazy I am (because, I know that's what they think- and it's not the case!)


One of the "incidents" where I got to the back of the store, I was in the warehouse and one of the Asda Aces (the cleaners) asked me if I was ok, and one of the managers passed me (not my manager) and told me to go get a drink in the canteen. She must have called my manager, because she checked on me. I explained how I was feeling and just said it was the sheer number of people and the fact that I was the only go-getter that was getting to me more than anything. There should have been at least 1 other one working with me!


A bit later on, I was in the middle of the store, with a colleague in front of me, we were both going the same way. There was a massive "pile up" of trolleys, people trying to push through. I put my hand on the colleagues shoulder (she wasn't a random colleague, she's someone who I get on with pretty well), because I could feel the panic set in again. Behind me, the section leader appeared and said "are you standing here for the good of your health?" To which I pointed out that Ann was in front of me, and neither of us were fit enough to actually jump over trolleys. That was the straw for me. I just wanted to throw the stick and leave. But, trying to be reasonable- I asked to go on my dinner and decided to give it half an hour to calm down. I thought it would be a good idea to get some food and relax. But I failed at both. I couldn't stomach any food and I couldn't calm down.

After the half an hour, I looked for my manager. After eventually finding her, I asked her if it would be possible to go home because I was in absolutely no fit state to work. I needed to get home and I needed to rest. She was reluctant but apparently I did look like crap. So she okay'd it.


Usually I have hindsight with something like this. But I'm torn. There was no way I could have stayed there for another 2 1/2 hours. But, considering it was yesterday I was asking my boss for permanent hours- I don't think this will go well for me (which my mum kindly pointed out to me- which was something I really needed to be told after the day I had and feeling as fragile as I did!)


But, work this evening (yes I did go!) went better- no incidents as such, apart from one guy telling me that last week i ended up putting money on his gas card twice last week, so he was left without electric. I was very apologetic- but I remember the guy, and he told me a list of about 5 things to do and I must have gotten a bit lost with it....but he didn't come back and tell me, even though there wasn't  much I could have done to be fair. Anyway- I did it right this time *sigh*.


I had my first takeaway in 6 weeks today! I know lent is meant to end tomorrow at sundown (or midnight depending who you ask- it's always so confuzzling!) but my theory is, if Christians get to have a day off on Sundays- and I didn't, I'm entitled to finishing lent a day early! Still only 5 syns though- and that's all I've had all day!


When I got home, I did level 2 of the shred- even though I was/am feeling like crap. Oh My God! I actually collapsed from the plank position twice. The pain! I hope it gets easier! I'm sure I will- but it's better make a difference on the scales- in a good way!!


So that's me- sorry for the absolute negativity- but this is my head at the moment. I'm on checkouts tomorrow so I should be ok. 


I'm going to get a drink and my hifi light bar (1/2 of my healthy b) and get to bed. up in 6 1/2 hours!


Hopefully my next update will be a bit more positive!


Much Love,
Tanya x

End of Level 1 and possible job prospects!

Hello! Time for one of them blog updates! About time too. It may just be a quickie tonight, because it is well past my bedtime, especially since I'm in work (job number 1) at 10 tomorrow morning!

So I completed Level 1 of the 30 day shred! 10 days at level 1 to be precise. That means that tomorrow, when I finish work at the off licence, I shall be doing day 11- which is the first day of level 2! I gotta be honest, I'm pretty nervous- I find level 1 hard. But if I am to get the body that I want (and as Jillian says- the body I deserve) I need to push myself!  I will just need to invest in more radox!

I am semi looking forward to the next lot of unflattering pictures. Of course, I won't be properly toned by then so will do a warning again! So you are all prepared!

Next on the list- the possible job prospects.

I spoke to my manager (she's new- only been with our Asda for about a week) and asked her what was going to happen after I finish go-getting (my rota ends a week tomorrow). She said that I'm probably going to be on checkouts for a couple of weeks. I did ask her if it was possible to get a permanent contract, even if it was just the absolute minimum. that way I could do overtime. She said it *may* be possible but she would have to speak to another manager. I am really hoping for a contract. I seriously love the place, and I really like working there. Anything permanent, I would be over the moon!

So we shall see. I hope that I've made a decent impression and I come out with something! *fingers crossed*

Ok tomorrow is a long day- and I need my sleep!

Much Love,

Tanya x

My "tips" (and non-scary piccies of my jeans!)

People have asked me lately what my "tips" are to get good losses. Rather than post it in a group, I thought it would be a good idea to get it down on here!


I don't have any tips as such, I can only go by what I do- and all I do is follow the plan set by Slimming World. But I can try and put them down as "tips". Here goes.

1) Pick the plan that suits you best.

There are 3 plans- Red (or Original), Green and Extra Easy. I have done EE since starting and not tried out Red or Green. Why? Because I like to keep things simple and I stick with things that work. I am aware that EE doesn't work for anyone. It's basically as much lean meat, pasta, rice and potatoes as you want, until satisfied. Some people need to restrict carbs or protein. I don't, eating carbs is good for me and I can still pull off big losses, which is great. 


If you have to restrict your carbs, try red days, which is low carbs and higher protein (from my understanding). If you are vegetarian or don't eat much meat, and can't get enough carbs- opt for Green days.


I recommend EE because it's limited restriction. I can have a big meal of chilli and rice with veggies or salad and that's syn free- whereas if you were on the other days, you would have to measure out either the meat or rice. 


But, do your research. If you are on SW and you aren't happy with your losses, try switching it around a bit. Maybe do 1-2 days different and see how you feel. Sometimes it's about trial and error, see what gets you into a happy medium and stick with it!


2) Tweaks/ Food Abuse

This is something that has come up a lot, I've found, on facebook groups especially.


Food abuse is basically using free food in a way it's not intended. Examples can be making a pizza base out of  Smash potato powder, crisps with potato and frylight, lasagna sheet "doritos" and chickpea nut snacks. 


According to SW, things like this should be synned. Even though it's a free food, with the example of the crisps, you could eat and eat them and not be satisfied, yet you're eating a lot of calories. Yes, it might be better than the alternative of full fat crisps, but it's still not great. In this instance, you should syn the potato like you would do on a Red day (restricted carbs).


I've seen MANY people post about how they do tweak and don't syn it. They then go on to justify it.


My opinion is this- I pay a fiver a week to go to class and to pay to follow the SW plan. If SW say that things like the above should be synned, I would syn them. But, I just don't do it. There is so much free food out there you can eat, in the way it's intended, why would I want to cheat myself?


The "rules" (for want of a better word) are there for one reason- to protect YOUR weight loss. If you want to tweak, fine, you go ahead, but I think it's wrong that people brag about it on public forums, and chastise people who point out what they're doing is not part of the SW plan. I personally say when something is food abuse- because if a person new to SW reads it and doesn't know, they might be disappointed and disheartened with their losses and have no idea what they're doing wrong.


So tweaking=bad. I don't do it, and I doubt I ever will.


3) Stay at group!


At every available opportunity, try to stay for the whole of IMAGE therapy. There have only been 2 weeks in the last (nearly) 12 months that I haven't- one week was when I just started, and hadn't quite got my head into it and the other was a week my consultant wasn't there and I went to do overtime at work instead.


I get a lot from group. Lots of recipe ideas as well as motivational tips from people. 

Also, everyone there either is going through the journey with you or are at target and maintaining- but have still been where you are! You can potentially get support and motivation off everyone there. 


Those 2 hours I'm at group (because I stay behind for a cuppa afterwards) is a "social" time for me too. I love it. I have made some fantastic friends at my group and Tuesday is the highlight of my week (after I've sweet talked the scales that is!)


4) Get off your bum


When I started SW I could barely walk to the end of the road without getting tired. I had to walk at a snail pace and if I tried to walk with my mum I'd be exhausted. 


After losing about 2 stone, I became more active. I started with just 5 minutes at a time then built it up until I could manage 15 minutes to work towards my Bronze Body Magic award!


Body Magic is an extra incentive from SW. There are 4 awards- bronze, silver, gold and platinum.

Bronze is 3 x 15 minutes "activity" (what normal people call exercise!) a week, maintained for 4 weeks. Most groups do the awards. Have a chat with your consultant and see if they do it- because it does differ from group to group.


I now do about an hour of exercise a day- sometimes more, if I have the time! I love to get out and walk. 


Exercise doesn't mean hitting the gym or going to Zumba 10 times a week. It can be just walking around the block, or dancing around your front room for 15 minutes. Get the music channel on, or the radio and bop around. It's unreal how good that is for you- not just physically, but mentally too! Exercise releases endorphines, which makes you feel awesome.


So get off your bottom and get moving! Don't strain yourself though- take it slow and build up gradually!


5) Be kind to yourself


This is so so important! Especially if you have a lot to lose.


If you stick to plan 100% and you haven't lost as much as you wanted to- do NOT beat yourself up. Sometimes the body just does this. It's very common. There have been weeks where I've been 100% and lost 1/2-1lb. Which was disappointing. But what I didn't do was feel sorry for myself and eat my weight in chocolate! If you were really on plan and you did everything right, you will get the losses eventually. Just have patience and perseverance- don't quit- you'll get there!


Same goes for if you've "fallen off the wagon". It's sometimes so hard to get back on it. There was a week where I just couldn't get back on it. and I beat myself up something stupid! I thought I was pathetic, a failure and just wanted to quit. But after talking to Julie (my consultant) I managed to draw a line under the previous week and after I got on the scales and accepted the gain (3 1/2lb it was) that was it- a new week, a new start.


So if you are feeling like that- not able to get your head around getting back on it- have this on me:


__________________________________________


^ It's a line, to be drawn under your day/week/month, whatever. After this line, nothing else matters except the present and future. If you want this loss, don't be dwelling on what you did or didn't do yesterday or last week- nothing you can do about them now! Look forward, be patient with yourself- you will get there!


Also- after a milestone (be it an award, smiley face (for getting into the next stone bracket) or just dropping a dress size) treat yourself to something- even if it's just a bit of a pampering with a face mask, or a new outfit. Something to keep your motivation up and your head more settled!


6) Get to know your consultant.


Julie has been a real support to me, right from the start. She is a great consultant to me and I really get a lot from her. A good consultant is very important. They're there to support you- if you need help, either with syns or just a bit of extra motivation- contact them. If they give you their number, call or text (don't over do it though- don't want to look stalkerish!) Or even email them! That extra support in the week from your C can really help! So get to know them, they are there to help you on your journey!


I think that's enough lecturing for now! Quick update from me!


So I decided to do the whole "fit in 1 leg of my pants" thing, this time, with my brother in the other leg! We fitted (just!) and it's hilarious. We ended up falling over and mum kindly took a picture of that too!

It's still unreal to me that this time last year I was squeezing into them on my own! Sometimes I just can't get my head around it! It's crazy!

Anyway. I completed day 7 of the "shred" today- and I feel great- just achy still. Not sure what the scales are going to say tomorrow but I have been good. Not gone over 10 syns each day and have been focused (ish). I've just not been as active, because the shred has taken it out of me- but I think that's exercise enough, to be honest!

So we shall see what tomorrow brings!

Now, it is time for bed, since I'm in work in 8 hours! I need my sleep!

Much Love,
Tanya x