Days 216 - 221 (Christmas Eve (Saturday) - Thursday) - oh my word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi All

I have nothing to say in mitigation - it was all delicious, I ate and drank everything I wanted and on Tuesday (day after Boxing day) I went to SW to face the music and had put on 3lbs :(

I'm pretty certain that much of the weight stemmed from pre-Christmas mince pies & doughnuts, coupled with the enormous meal late on Boxing Day but I had some lovely things to eat including the two desserts I made below!!
For info the top one is 4 sins a portion (SW magazine) and was an apple & cranberry strudel - very easy to make & made 6 portions. The bottom one was a Baileys Cream with hazelnut meringue (Waitrose Magazine) topped with After Eight triangles and was delicious, very rich, and would have blown up the sins calculator had I have tried - which of course I didn't!!!

In truth, however, both desserts were eaten after very SW friendly meals and whilst I did indulge in desserts, champagne & the odd after dinner mint I did not go berserk - I'd have put on much more weight :0)

On Tuesday, Tobz went off to camp & I went off to face the music. I stayed for group where we collected our new books & came away in a determined state of mind which unfortunately lasted about 15 mins!!!!!

I've really struggled to get back in to any sort of routine this week & that's not because of the four days entertaining I did it's because for the last three weeks (in which I've gained five pounds) I haven't been in a routine - everything's gone by the wayside - no gym, no self-control BUT tomorrow is another day and I'm going to try very hard to eat more sensibly.

We have a barmitzvah & the party on New Year's Eve but I will be controlled tomorrow, during the day Saturday and Sunday to limit the damage before I'm back to face the music on Monday.

I will try to blog regularly - feel free to jog my memory if you wish :)

Love to all

Lisa x

Day 215 (Friday) - vanishing grey, cooking, shopping and a successful op :0)

Quite a late post today as it's been a very busy day.

Started early as I had my legs, eyebrows and other bits waxed - it has to be done!! Then off out to the deli, the butcher (to collect the turkey & stuffing for Boxing Day), and finally to Waitrose.
OMG - I have never seen so many people & staff running around like headless turkeys (well it is Christmas) also inexplicably the aisles were full of green trays of stock which weren't being put on the shelves because the staff were elsewhere. Still ignoring all that - I was very organised and just after 12:15 was back home.

The lovely Agnes had cleaned my house beautifully as always and so after putting everything away I got everything ready for dinner - duck in oven, potatoes par-boiled and into the roasting tray sprinkled with rosemary & sea salt, cabbage shredded, broccoli trimmed and mushrooms sliced. Then I made a chocolate & cranberry cake (from the Waitrose magazine), and prepared a pineapple, some cherries and lychees for dessert.

After all that it was off to the hairdressers (result below - rather lovely I think!)







Tonight our friends came for dinner - unfortunately my friend is in hospital but her daughters, sons & husband came and we had a lovely evening. Food all turned out well and next time Michelle I want you with us :0)

So that's it for today.
Tomorrow we've got friends for dinner so more cooking for me. Maybe going to shul (a bit of spiritual uplift never does any harm!!) but it depends on what time I wake up.
Hope everyone has a fab weekend.
Lx

PS: had a very small piece of choc & cranberry cake this evening to taste but otherwise have had a very good 'diet day'. Made sure I had breakfast, lunch, fruit as snacks and lots to drink - determined not to go berserk over Christmas :0)


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Location:In my lounge!

Day 214 (Thursday) - last day at work :0)

Hi all
Just a quckie tonight because it's late (23:41), I'm tired and I've already written my work blog today - there is only so much jolly blogging a girl can do in one day.

I've eaten much better today but did have a donut at the shul Chanukah party and a mince pie at work but otherwise stuck to 'the plan'.

Tomorrow we've got friends for dinner tomorrow and I've cooked the chicken soup, made chopped liver, made egg & onion, taken the duck out of the freezer, made cranberry sauce and made apple sauce :)

Then I wrapped the rest of the presents & caught up on my emails. Now I'm watching Holby City & then too bed.

Tomorrow it's 'whole body waxing', followed by some shopping, a dessert to make and then lots of very grey hair to conceal - it's all go.......,


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Day 213 (Wednesday) - Busy, Busy, Busy.........

Evening All - as Dixon of Dock Green would say - if that means nothing to you that's fine because it means you are very young and didn't watch B&W police programmes in the 60s!!

The days are going by in a whirl now that my brain seems to be back in gear - parental good health will do that for a girl :0)
Up early this morning to get a load of washing on & hung up before I went to work & then a second load in. Then got chicken & giblets out of freezer so I could make soup tonight (for Friday night - oh I'm so planned!!) AND remembered to get out some fish to defrost for dinner tonight - sea bass fillets (yummy). Whilst in the freezer at 6:30 am found some salmon steaks which is great as I won't have to buy more for Saturday night :)

Once I emerged from the garage (that's where my freezer is) I made breakfast - 2 chocolate Weetabix with semi-skimmed milk and blackberries with a glass of squash. Startlingly filling, probably because I've got out of the eating breakfast habit.
Then off to work but not before making sure that Andrew was awake to let in the man coming to fix the shower door that fell off in October (!) who was due at 8:30 - he came (yay!) so now I'll be able to shower again - can't use the one in the kid's bathroom as the ceiling's too low - no idea how Dom manages as he's taller than me but suppose he's used to it. Just reassure you I have bathed & washed since October - it's just that the shower was unusable.

Very busy day - it always gets busy when you are going to be off for a few days - with a meeting in the middles. I wanted to get all my paperwork in order before I finish tomorrow but not sure I'll be able to (ho hum!). Anyway ate two mince pies during the day, some grapes and lots of coffee - but not any food - wasn't hungry to be honest but also out of routine.

Anyway got home & was hungry so cooked dinner - sea bass fillets (grilled) with asparagus, broccoli and a couple of latkes (small and cooked in oven - not fried!!) followed by a satsuma and some squash.

Then made the chicken soup for Friday (truly the best cooking smell ever!), did more washing (it never ends!) and wrapped almost all the Christmas/Chanukah presents until I ran out of paper - still I'll be able to finish up tomorrow which is very early for me as I'm normally doing it at midnight on Christmas Eve!!

I think that's all for now.
Going to catch up on some TV while I wait for Tobz & his friends to get back from a party - two staying over tonight so hope they wont be too noisy.

Love to you all
Lisa xx

Day 212 (Tuesday) - funny old day!!

Hi All

Today I had a 'normal' day but it's so long since I've had one it seems weird!!

Woke up a bit late this morning but as Andrew was going out late and both boys are on school holidays I was able to wash my hair, get dressed & tidy round and be out of the house just after 8:15 and in the office by 9 - amazing :) BUT.........I didn't have breakfast or remember to take a bottle of water with me.

Very busy at work because I want to get through 'everything' by the time I finish on Thursday - so head down & no time for noshing :)
Went out to a meeting for a couple of hours - and when I got back to the office, Karen had arrived with mince pies - it would have been rude not to have one so I did but only one & it was delicious but very sickly.

I had a Mug Shot during the afternoon plus a couple of satsumas I found in my handbag - not sure how long they'd been there - and loads of coffee & water during the day but NOTHING ELSE!!

Got home & made Chanukah with the kids - we opened our presents from my auntie & uncle, Adventure Days for the boys and a restaurant discount card for Andrew & I - great pressies :)

Then I went out to see my friend in hospital - she's been very poorly for a long time and I haven't seen her for ages so it was lovely to catch up and I really hope she'll be on the mend and home again very soon.

Then home to wrap a couple of pressies and then sort menus and shopping for the weekend. Much to my surprise & pleasure there were delivery slots from Tesco for tomorrow so I've done as much as I can on-line with a little list of bits I'll try and get tomorrow so I can start cooking tomorrow night - fab!!!

And now it's 22:46 (according to my computer) I've had several glasses of squash and no food - bit strange but I'm not hungry (certainly could live off my ample fat reserves for several days I'm sure!) so that's all for now!

Next job is to file away all the papers I sorted out onto the table tennis table - if I don't I fear the kids will pile it all up again when they want to play!!!

Love to all
Lisa xx

Day 211 (part two) - facing the music!

Hi all
Just to let you know I went to face the music and put on another pound.

Not thrilled but not devastated either - it could have been a lot worse.

I'm going to do my best this week (and keep my fingers crossed) for damage limitation.

I'm also definitely going to weigh in on the day after Boxing Day and the day after New Years Day as I think that's the only way I can exert some control.

Now my mum & dad seems to be on a better health track, I need to focus on my weekend entertaining - 10 for dinner on Friday, 6 (or8) for dinner on Saturday & then 8 on Boxing Day - as as yet I've not sorted the complete menus just one or two courses for each meal and no shopping lists!!!

So hope you are all ok & I'll try to blog tomorrow.
Lxx


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Days 204 - 211 Monday - Monday & another week has gone by..........

And as my sister reminded me I haven't been blogging - I have, of course, been eating & not in a good way.
So the reason I haven't been blogging is that I can't lie to the blog (no.1 rule) and I'm not strong enough to admit further disastrous eating patterns :(

In truth, I went to weigh-in last Monday evening and put on a pound which was definitely better than I anticipated so I left the class fairly optimistic. Came home had dinner got up the next morning and had a proper breakfast before making lunch to eat at work as well as an afternoon snack as I was going to Tobz's carol concert at St Albans Abbey in the evening - sadly that's where it all went wrong as all the preparation in the world is only as good as the person remembering to take it with them!!!!!!!!!

In truth I didn't stop noshing all day Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday - when it got much worse because mum was poorly again & had a 'hospital incident' :( I can't blame her - its entirely my doing ............. however she's improving now and so on Friday I pulled myself together.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday & today have been excellent SW days, within the bounds of going out to eat on Saturday night and Sunday night. I had decided not to weigh in today either as I took my dad to his hospital appointment this morning - thankfully he's been discharged so another dad-generated medical crisis has drawn to a close!!

BUT, having had a gentle lecture from my sister, and giving myself a stern talking too, I'm off to face the music.
I haven't missed a weigh in since June - another promise to myself - regardless of the outcome it is definitely better to weigh-in and suffer than not weigh-in and 'explode' because I know that will happen.

Whatever happens tonight, I'll be at least 1.5 stone lighter than I was this time last year - whilst not as good as I'd planned it is vastly better than it would have been had I not brought myself back under control.

So I'll let you know later (or tomorrow) how I get on and will try to post daily (even quick one's!) over the next two weeks - I'm sure it will help :)

PS: Thanks to Madeline for restarting her video blog yesterday & reminding me how powerful this is for both of us & that the goal was 'slow but steady' & not 'speedy but unsustainable) xx

Days 198 - 203 (Tues - Sunday) - A terrible week & I blame my mother.............

Because if I don't that only leaves me to blame!!!

As regular readers will be aware I haven't blogged since Monday when I was determined to follow the plan 'to the letter' (was what I wrote) - well I can only say life got in the way this week & as Craig Revel-Horwood (Strictly viewers will understand) would say 'Dahling it's been a disahster!!!'

Mum got taken in to hospital suddenly on Tuesday as the consultant felt he needed to resolve her heart issues swiftly & so he did - for the squeamish amongst you I won't go into all the details, but suffice to say she had a couple of very unpleasant procedures which did work & so she now has a heart that is beating in normal sinus rhythm (if slightly slowly). This is better than the excessively fast rate it was at. She came home from hospital on Friday night and is making steady progress at home.
She was in The London Independent & her treatment was top class - however it was a four hour round trip by car or 90 mins on three different tube lines so not the most convenient for me & I decided to use this as an excuse to stop eating proper meals but instead eat my body weight (& my sisters!) in chocolate, sandwiches, milkshakes etc because I could eat/drink these things in the car - I even drank the sugary Volvic instead of plain water or the sugar-free sort = stupid girl :(

I am beating myself up because I deserve it & sometimes you just need to be told. WHEN WILL I LEARN???

I'm so scared about the damage I might have done I haven't dared weigh myself - a really bad sign.
Also I'm taking mum for a blood test in the morning & then dad for a chest x-ray (it's all go!!) in preparation for his check up following pneumonia, so I can't get to my SW class in the morning.
This means I have to go in the evening & I'm not sure I can face it - but I'll see cos if I don't I suspect things will deteriorate again as I'm more in control today.

Hope all goes well with you - and that you might be learning from my bad habits better than me!

Lxx

Day 196 (no blog) & 197 - another half pound bites the dust

Hi all

Just to let you know I lost another half a pound this week.
Really pleased that the informed choices I made when out over the weekend as well as the 'Christmas lunch' last week meant that I succeeded without depriving myself.

Now onto this week - no meals out during the week so going to try really hard to follow the plan TO THE LETTER!!

Time will tell.......

Love to all
Lxx


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Days 193 to 4pm on day 195 - Thurs to Sat pm

Hi all

Sorry to to write but life has been very hectic over the last couple of days - nothing bad just busy.

Thursday I was at a conference at the RPS in Lambeth - quite interesting and, for once, food wasn't too bad. I had been and veg soup (SW dieters dream!!) with two quarter sandwiches and some fruit salad with lots of black coffee and water during the day. After the conference I went to mum & dad's so I could take dad to see the 'prostate man' in the evening. Was supposed to be going on the tube but station was closed so went on number 12 bus to Oxford Circus - really nice ride and got to see the lights in Regents Street which are gorgeous - Arthur Christmas is the theme :) Anyway I digress, got the tube to mum & dad and was reminded of my youth as I always got the tube to Redbridge Station - couldn't tell you the last time but it is such an easy journey.
Took dad to see consultant & it was good news (for once) - all signs are that prostate problems are benign and all he needs are tablets to help pee less & empty better (if you get my drift) - such a relief. Mum isn't great but I felt she seemed a bit better on Thursday - but we'll have to wait and see what consultant says on Tuesday.
Took tube home (left car at West Ruislip so had to travel entire length of Central line to get home) - journey was ok but had to wait quite a long time for train at Redbridge. By the time I got home I was so tired I just had a drink and went to bed!

Yesterday was similarly hectic - Tobz to school, gym, butcher, Tesco & deli  all before 1pm :) Then home to make chicken soup, get dinner ready and then collect boys from various places. Have to say its a bit of a blur as I'm not feeling great today but I kept to the plan - of that I'm sure.

Woke up quite early this morning with chesty cough & a throat that feels swollen not sore but quite weird :(
Andrew had decided to take Tobz to football & to stay & watch so Dom and I decided not to go to shul and had a very lazy morning. Made myself a nice breakfast of corn thins with smoked salmon (3) and smoked roe (3) with three sticks of celery and a black coffee.
For lunch we had more chicken soup and I had a portion of the boiled chicken with some baby beetroot.
I've had lots to drink today to try and keep headache at bay although not terribly successfully :(

Shortly we are going into town to meet friends for a pre-theatre drink and then off to see 'One Man & Two Guvnors' with James Cordon - cant wait as its supposed to be hilarious and I definitely need something light-hearted. After the theatre we are off to Soho House for dinner (always lovely) so hoping for a lovely evening.

Hope your weekend is fun.
Love
Lxx

Day 192 (Wednesday) - First Christmas lunch & it's not even December!!

Hi All
Quick post before I collect Tobz from JLGB.

Started the day well with porridge, semi-skimmed milk and raspberries together with a large glass of water - have to say throat and nose feel like I'm going to get 'something' but not bad enough to feel ill - most peculiar!

Then off to meeting with chocs for committee & grapes for me (so proud of myself).

Drank coffee & water during morning whilst avoiding the lovely cookies that the hotel provides - normally have at least one in the morning and they are 'ginormous'.

Lunch was delicious - vegetable terrine dressed with tiny blobs of pesto oil (otherwise free), followed by grilled salmon steak with crushed potatoes, beans and carrots (so far so good). Dessert was a small chocolate tart with cream and coffee and..........teeny weeny mince pies - it would have been rude not to have one :) Wouldn't it?

Second half of meeting was accompanied by coffee & water - I was stuffed so the afternoon cookies and additional mince pies were left untouched by me.

After meeting got home to collect Tobz and take him to JLGB - came home and had small bowl of beef casserole because
A) I wasn't very hungry, and
B) that was all that was left!

The moral of today - one Christmas lunch won't do any damage it's what I do after it and tomorrow that will make the impact.
Stick with me to see how I get on.

Love to all
Lxx

Day 191 (Tuesday) - finally got to the gym :)

Hi all

So about three months after I set myself the goal of going to the gym three times a week instead of twice I got there tonight :)
I am full of admiration for those who exercise regularly after a days work because, apart from anything else, I was knackered before I started BUT I had a good workout & it certainly was worthwhile going - but oh my word I am so tired so this is a quick blog.

Eaten a lot of fruit today - started with two Weetabix and milk and took some leftover beef casserole for lunch but no time to eat it so had a peach, box of cherries (treat!!) and two satsumas. I've had lots of water & coffee and a quick pack of cold meat tonight.

I've had a nice long soak in the bath & a long chat with my sister - mum's not well this time :( - heart problems.
But now I'm off to bed.

Bye all
Lx

Day 190 - it's Monday and I've lost another pound :)

Hi all

I feel a great sense of achievement today as despite four meals out of my control plus the midweek doughnut & Twirl Bites incident I lost a pound. This means I now weigh 17st 12.5lbs and I'm on target for my 4lbs off before Christmas. The weight losses in my group were incredible this morning with about a dozen people losing over 5lbs (one lost 8!!), one target reacher, Emma (lost a fabulous 4st 4lbs) and a lady called Dot has now lost 6st since Jan 10th - truly awe-inspiring.
It also made me realise that despite my hormone-ridden body I could do better & lose more than a pound a week.
I am only out for one meal this week (Wednesday lunch) as far as I know, and if I get my bum in gear I may lose 2lbs so that's my target this week.

I started well today as I went for a coffee with a friend this morning and had a medium skinny latte (SW website says it's 5.5 sins but I hadn't had any milk today so that's ok). Came home and had a packet of smoked turkey with two celery stick and a couple of tomatoes as well as lots of water.

Tonight we had beef casserole that I made yesterday so it had 'marinated' well - it was so easy I fried over about 2lbs of cubed lean beef with Fry Light then added a back of M&S casserole veg, a bag of Waitrose casserole pack (more veg plus mixed beans), a tin of chopped tomatoes and a litre of beef stock made with a cube - whacked in the oven for 2 hours on a low light. Tonight I seasoned it and it bubbled away on the hob to thicken up a bit while I cooked some broccolli and new potatoes which I 'crushed' to mop up the gravy - absolutely yummy and completely free.
That's the way to do it!!!!!!!!!!

I've just had a satsuma and I'm stuffed full so I'm going to try very hard not to eat anything else tonight. I usually have at least one other piece of fruit in the evening but I'm going to test out the 'habit vs hunger' thingy - I'll let you know how I get on :)

Have a good evening all.
Lisa

Days 188 & 189 (Saturday & Sunday) - the weekend

So despite my best intentions yesterday passed by and most of today without my posting a blog but I have been really busy so that's my excuse & I'm sticking to it!!

Yesterday I woke up early as had to take Tobz to school - away football match which they won incidentally! And when I got back I was really hungry so made myself a big breakfast (see photo below)

This is a three-egg omelette with spring onions (cooked with Fry-Light and topped with one sachet of Butter Buds), and smoked salmon. Followed by a small bowl of fruit salad & a black coffee. Absolutely delicious and nice & filling.

Then Dom & I went to synagogue and afterwards to St Albans shopping. Really we went to Jack Wills to change the jeans I bought him on-line (unsuccessfully as it turns out), but I couldn't resist going in to Long Tall Sally for a little 'look' which turned out to be a bit of a spend up!! Excitingly I got into a pair of size 16 skinny jeans, a couple of tee-shirts in medium (not large) - so pleased as it makes it all worthwhile :0)

Last night we went out to eat with friends we hadn't socialised with for ages - it was so nice to see them.
We went to a restaurant in Golders Green called Isola Bella - very nice. I had tomato & rice soup - bit creamy but I could only eat half the bowl, followed by Denis Fish with roasted veg, plain boiled rice and a side salad. It was all delicious, I had a Diet Coke, tap water and a black coffee as well & that was all.
It was a lovely meal and a lovely evening.

Today, I was up early again as I was helping out at Derech (an education event at Moriah School) - took with me a banana and a satsuma and a bottle of water (too early for breakfast) and off I went!!
I wasn't very well organised and so had nothing to eat except an apple and a coffee until I got home at 4pm.
Ravenous but luckily I didn't have to stop on the way home so no quick chocolate stop or similar.

Made myself an omelette again followed by some blackberries, pomegranate seeds and nat yog and a glass of diet lemonade.

And now I'm sitting writing my blog for the 17th week! Can't believe I've been doing it for so long and very glad that with a few splutters I have kept it up. Thank you as always for reading & commenting or at least letting me know you are reading when we bump into each other.

Dinner tonight is roast chicken (Dom can't survive without it at least once at the weekend) with rice and string beans and it's nearly ready so that's all for now - back tomorrow hopefully with good news.

Love
Lxx

Day 187 (Friday) - dinner out but not as we know it!!

Morning all

I'm actually writing this on day 188 but as I targeted a post a day this week I'm ignoring that - and so must you :0)
The observant amongst you will notice that I've added the day of the week in the title - I decided it might be useful for me to see which days of the week were especially problematic. Time will tell.............

Had a lovely day if not quite as I imagined.

Started off with 2 choc Weetabix & a punnet of blackberries with milk a a large glass of water - woke up very thirsty so this was my second one!
Then took Tobz to bus-stop, went to deli then off to Curves - 344 cals burned so I'm hoping that offsets at least one of Thursday's doughnuts!
After gym went to M&S to buy some salad & more blackberries - this week's addiction & ludicrously expensive which might just be why more people buy Mars bars that punnets of M&S blackberries. I expect there's a lesson to be learned there...........

Then back to Pinner to collect a parcel and buy flowers to take to our friends & home!!

Had a piece of salmon with some tomatoes & celery for lunch with a coffee.
Caught up on Grey's Anatomy from Wednesday & then Emma came for coffee.
We had a good catch up it's great to have friends you can just share a coffee and natter with for no special reason other than you want to :0)

Then I had my nails done, picked Tobz up from school after detention (oops!) and came home - and that's where it all changed.

Phone rang and our friends were having a crisis........AGA failed, no gas, no heat oops!! So I said bring dinner here & that's what happened!
They bought soup (broccoli, creamy), fish pie (truly yummy) and peas, banana ice cream. So I had to swiftly lay the table (thankfully Agnes had been so the house was spotless) & cook dinner when they arrived. I added a fruit salad I'd made earlier (always handy) & a lovely evening was had by all :)

Plus.we didn't have to drive home & I got to keep the flowers I bought - slightly extravagant but still lovely!

On the diet front dinner was a bit of a disaster but I'd planned for it to be & hope the 'flexible' sins I counted will see me through on Monday.
It was a lovely evening - hope yours was too

xx

Day 186 - Busy day at work :) but not good on the diet front :(

Evening all

I've had a very busy day at work today - loads of paperwork but I completed everything I needed to and managed to put myself in a good place with respect to my quite awkward boss so I'm feeling good (tired but good!!)

Food-wise I've been quite good too - I had 42g Crunchy Bran with blackberries & skimmed milk.
For lunch I had smoked salmon with a mixed salad of artichoke hearts, tomatoes & black olives.
For supper I had three grilled mackerel fillets & a mixed salad followed by a satsuma with blackberries and natural yoghurt.

During the day I had a banana, two satsumas and some raspberries and some coffee and water. But, I didn't have enough to drink today AND I had two doughnuts at a meeting this afternoon - very naughty (very nice) but very uncontrolled of me  & I'll have to work very hard in the gym tomorrow.

 If I ever meet Aladin's genie, one of my three wishes will be to hate doughnuts and chocolate - it would without doubt aid my self-control and give me a couple of less things to crave. However, this is clearly unlikely so what I really need to do is GET A GRIP!!

Tomorrow night we are going to friends for dinner so must be very good during the day - have lots to do so should be achievable & of course drink lots!!

On that note I'll bid you goodnight
Lxx

Day 185 - good progress

Hi all

Just a quick post as I need to go and collect Tobz soon & then go to bed - very tired after my sojourn to Manchester yesterday :)

Had puffed wheat for breakfast with milk and blackberries - not my favourite thing as although you get a big bowl of cereal it tastes of nothing!! But I bought them as an experiment and thankfully they are finished now - well you can't throw them away can you it would be a waste!!

Took a big bowl of homemade scotch broth for lunch with raspberries, strawberries and a couple of yogurts which I munched through accompanied by coffee and water.

Tonight I took Toby bowling with JLGB and on the way we stopped for something to eat - he had shwarma, salad & chips and I had Jerusalem Mix (liver, chicken & onions) with salad and rice. Counted 10 sins (today's allowance) and enjoyed every one!!

I feel determined and in control as well as knackered!!! let's hope it lasts the rest of the week.

Off to collect Tobz now.
Love to all
Lx


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Day 184 - back as promised

Hi all I did promise to update you and I do try not to break my promises! Firstly congrats to my friend, TC, who lost 5lbs this week amazing! & Lynn who lost another 2lbs making a total of over six stone in a relatively short space of time - truly inspirational guys ad gals!!M Today has been long - my poor 51 year old body can't cope with day trips to Manchester & I'm very tired tonight. The conference was quite interesting - some decent presentations and a chance to catch up with some old colleagues BUT the food was truly appalling :( I do wonder why a conference for health professionals doesn't give more consideration to the diet of its members! The main courses were all very 'saucy' - I had salmon with lentils in a creamy sauce with some mixed leaves & a couple of carrots & beans (they ran out!!) Dessert was cheesecake - various flavours- nothing ese so I had a cup of coffee & grumbled about the lack of choice to anyone who stood still long enough to listen :0) They'll be sorry they gave me a feedback form! on the way to Manchester I had some fruit and a coffee & on the way home some more and a low cal pasta saad care of M&S - what would I do without them!! When I got home around nine I had leftovers from last night - breast of lamb with cabbage and butternut squash - with a satsuma and two large glasses of squash plus one I'm finishing now. Before I go just want o let you know that the appalling service in WH Smiths saved me tonight - when I got to Euston I discovered my train to Hatch End had been cancelled & I had 25 mins to kill. Decided to mooch the shops and in WH Smiths the demon Twirl Bites jumped off the hooks and into my hand begging me to buy them. Not wanting to upset them I dutifully got in the queue to pay but after ten mins my sugar craving was going and I decided not to bother - yay self control returns! That's all fom me folks (Tobz wants his iPad back) Sleep well - I will Lxx

Days 176 - 183 (written very early on day 184)

Just to let you know it is 6:52AM!!!! and I'm writing this sitting on a train taking me to Euston. No I haven't gone mad - I'm going to a conference in Manchester :0)

So sorry I haven't been blogging for a while - sorry I've not been supplying daily ramblings for your amusement but even sorrier because I seem to have lost the plot 'diet-wise' and knowing you are out there (somewhere) listening has been spurring me on :)

I'm quite sure that a psychologist would have a field day on me because having been pretty good over the time dad was in hospital and afterwards I lost 2lbs last week - even got Slimmer of the Week!!
This week I took my eye off the ball & put 2lbs on. It's disturbing & irritating especially as I can't pinpoint anything major I did wrong but do know I've had the odd nibble of lots of things I shouldn't have had which has contributed to the gain.

Anyway, I'm drawing a line under all that and will be refocusing my efforts. Scarily its four weigh-ins until Chanukah/Christmas - big foodie times for us all (but when isn't!!) and I'm setting myself a target to lose 4lbs - definitely achievable and it means I'll be the weight I was at Toby's barmitzvah - my lowest weight in the last couple of years.
I know I can do it and really want to get my head back into gear.

Last week I met up with a very old friend for coffee who is also doing SW having gained a lot of weight. He is truly amazing and has lost 2.5 stone in about 7 weeks. He won't mind me saying that, like me, he had a long way to go but he is single-minded and determined whilst eating really well - sadly his determination didn't rub off on me this week but it will :0)

So as I said at the beginning I'm off to a conference today - always s challenge food-wise but also the food is usually very good so I'm going to make good choices so I don't blow it early I'm the week.
When I get to Euston I'm going to buy a coffee and some fruit for breakfast - even I can't eat cereal at 6am - so that I'm not tempted by anything revolting on the train to Manchester!!

I think that's it for now - I'm going to try very hard to blog daily to ensure I lose weight over the next four weeks which means you may hear from me again today.

Hope you are all ok.
Lisa xx

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Location:St Paul's Ave,Harrow,United Kingdom

Days 170 - 175: It's been a good week :0)

Hi all

I've had quite a good week this week. Dad came out of hospital on Wednesday and seems to be making a slow but steady recovery.
I was going to Ilford every day last week - missed Wednesday & Friday but was out on Wednesday so really busy.

It is knackering and to be honest I pretty much lost track of what I was eating but other than a bag of Twirl Bites mid-week (they are truly the best new chocolate invented) I have been very good and restricted my sins to no more than 10 a day.

Tomorrow is weigh day so keeping my fingers crossed.

Did a proper shop on Friday so have lots of fruit & veg now. Making a big beef stir-fry for dinner tonight - I'm looking forward to it!!!

Hope you are all doing well - sorry I haven't been blogging regularly but will do better next week.

Love
Lxx



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Day 169 - status quo for 4 weeks - much too long

This was my dad three weeks ago on his 80th birthday - he had a great time, was well & very happy. I'm relieved to tell you that he is much better today & may even be out of hospital on Wednesday. He's been so ill but it does look like he's turned the corner in the right direction.

I weighed in this morning & stayed the same which means I've lost one pound in the last four weeks - rubbish!! All the Jewish holidays, birthdays & (hopefully) sick-dad excuses are now done with.

There are six Mondays before Christmas and I aim to lose at least half a stone in that time. I've got to get my big bum into gear and rediscover the consistency and determination I had beforehand - I'm sure it's still there just need to look for it!!!

Will start by doing a proper shop tomorrow and planning my meals more successfully - also need to stop noshing and start weighing everything again - I know what to do I just need to get on and do it!!!

I'm also going to read back posts of my blog because I've had some really good weeks and I need to learn by my own progress.

Wish me luck
Lx









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Location:Home

Days 167 & 168 - decisions, decisions!

Last couple of days have gone by in a bit of a blur. Dad has improved a bit but not as much as we'd hoped but he's in the best place and we are a lot more optimistic today than we have been.

On the food front I've been pretty good and have avoided the lure of chocolate.
I've been sure to eat breakfast, lots of fruit & berries, and veggies with my main meals.

I went to the gym this morning and burned off some more calories as I've spent a lot of time sitting in the hospital over the last few days. Needed to expend some energy - an unheard of experience for me but it did work :)

Weighing in tomorrow - fingers crossed!!!




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Day 166 - Trying not to eat chocolate

I'm writing this early on Saturday morning too early for most people so please pretend I posted it yesterday - hope that makes sense.

To be honest everything I'm doing now is based around my mum & dad. Dad's still in hospital - he's very poorly and although his temperature is not as high as it was on Thursday he doesn't seem to be getting any better :( He's really confused & agitated which frankly makes him seem like a lunatic and it's really horrible to watch - and that's all we can do.
We saw his doctor yesterday who seemed to tell us this is very severe without stressing that point - or that's what Jo & I heard. Trying very hard not to dwell on what that might mean but it's difficult.

On the bright side I'm not eating much - on the downside on craving chocolate like other addicts crave 'smack'!! - not that I have any experience of the latter you understand it's just a guess!!!

Started yesterday with berries and LF natural yoghurt. Then took Dom to school and myself to the gym.
Tough workout but I needed that to concentrate and then to the deli.
Next home for a quick change and to collect Tobz. Dropped him at a friend (they were off to Camden) then back to Pinner for roots & a cut - not as relaxing as usual but at least the grey is banished for another six weeks.

After that I went to pick up a couple of bits of shopping for mum and then picked her up (ate a banana & two satsumas on the way) to go to see dad.

For dinner we had roast chicken, broccoli, stir-fry veg & rice noodles.

Spoke to my mum after dinner - she just sounds so sad and worried it is heart-breaking but all we can do is support each other now & pray hard.

I'd be grateful if you could include my dad in your prayers and if you aren't a prayer just think healthy thoughts.

Thanks xx



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Day 165 - parents!!!!

So today started well - had breakfast (2 Choc Weetabix with raspberries & semi-skimmed milk) and got ready for the conference tonight.

Made myself a big smoked salmon salad for lunch and a couple of yoghurts and some fruit - proper planning for tonight!!

Left home with Dom to take him to school.
Half way there got a call from my sister to say dad was I'll again & mum had called an ambulance.
Decided to go to hospital (in Ilford) and to cut a long story short I got home about an hour ago.
He has a really severe chest infection which apparently he's had for a while but was being treated as a urine infection :(
It's awful to see him in hospital so confused and disorientated but I know he's in the best place.

Hopefully tomorrow he'll be a bit better once the antibiotics kick in and we'll see him in the hospital tomorrow.

Just eaten my lunch for dinner & caught up on Corrie for a break.

Missed my conference but had to be a 'daughter' and it certainly puts your priorities in order.
And I will be forever grateful I have my sis to share this with.

Night all xx


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Day 164 - poor planning = hungry Lisa

Hi all

Back in the office today - really busy which was a good thing as I forgot to take any lunch :(

I had a big breakfast - crunchy bran with berries and semi-skimmed milk.
Was so busy putting dinner in the oven & remembering to take everything back to work that I forgot to make my lunch - although I did pop some fruit in my bag.

I was starving at lunchtime so drank lots more water & coffee with the fruit and finished off some natural yoghurt that was in the fridge!!

It could have been disastrous but I had a meeting all afternoon (at the PCT) so was away from the dangers of the evil chocolate machine at my office :)

Tonight I came home from work and cooked some rice for Dom & took Toby to JLGB. I'd cooked three chicken breasts (Toby ate out!!) and was going to have mine when I got home. However, 'Atkins man' came home in the meantime & ate my dinner as well as his!!!
Luckily (and unusually - in my house at least) there was some beef casserole left from last night so I had that with rice, mushrooms and some green beans followed by blackberries.

Must do better tomorrow as I'm in the office all day & have our conference tomorrow night - high stress levels need food and chocolate avoidance tactics.

Finally, must mention my friends Tony & Lynne who are both doing SW at the moment and doing really well - unlike me their weight is coming off in great big lumps and I'm so pleased for them whilst craving their willpower - brilliant results :)

Bye for now.
Lxx



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Day 163 - not much to report but a good SW day!!

I worked at home today & I have to say I'm full of admiration for people who have the concentration and willpower to do it all the time but...........I'm not one of them!!

This is how my day went...

Up at 7am and made breakfast for Dom & me (2 chocolate Weetabix, blueberries & semi-skimmed milk - measured of course!) then got dressed and took Dom to school.

Then home, tidied up, hung washing on airer, put on more washing, loaded Office 2007 onto Toby's Netbook so he could use it to finish his English coursework....then started work.

OK for about 30 mins then Agnes (my lovely cleaner) arrived - had to stop to say hello :)

Then Toby came down & I made his breakfast as well as getting some grapes and a black coffee for myself!

Then for about 90 mins we both worked at the dining room table - or rather he worked which involved asking me lots of questions as well as writing his essay and I lost concentration. I dealt with e-mails sent since last Friday (I don't work Mondays or Fridays usually) but couldn't open several documents on my laptop so made a list of things I need to do tomorrow and Thursday - so some productivity!!

Took Toby to orthodontist at lunchtime - which is why I worked at home today - and they tightened his brace wires & took impressions to make his mouth-guard for rugby (another £45 bites the dust but at least the orthodontics are on the NHS!!)

Came home and made lunch (after sorting more washing!!) - smoked salmon salad/orange squash/raspberries, then put dinner in oven to 'slow-cook' and got down to some work.
Internet connection was awful this afternoon (or even more awful than usual!!) so I read some documents, made some notes and returned a couple of phone calls about our conference on Thursday.

Around 5pm my dad phoned to say my mum had fallen over & that was the end of that!! She's ok  but any concentration I had built up was completely lost!!

Dinner tonight was slow-cooked beef in the remainder of some veg soup with onions and mushrooms, with spinach, broccoli and jacket potatoes - if I say so myself it was delicious but it certainly heralded in winter :(

I've just had a nectarine and other than something to drink that'll probably be my lot tonight.

Tomorrow, I'm going in to the office where I'll certainly be more productive - home-workers I salute you!!

Lxx

Day 162 - half a pound on :(

Well that serves me right - but I'm on track & committed to losing two next week so have to stay that way too!!

Not much to add tonight as I've just come back from my parents in Ilford - my dad had to see a specialist & then I stayed on to chat as they were both exhausted by the experience.
It's times like this you fully appreciate how old they are and how worried they get about doctors visits (especially my dad).
Anyway he's got to have more tests & a scan - hope its not serious and just 'elderly gentleman's problems' - we live in hope :)

Hope you've had a good day.

Lisa xx


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Day 160 & 161 - I'm on the case :0)

I'm on the case & feel very determined this weekend.

It's been very strange having no boys at home but it has meant I've only got to feed myself - Andrew's doing the Dukan diet (sort of!!) so he is only eating protein & fat free youghurt.

I've had lots of berries, salad, cold meats, veg soup - coffee, squash & diet coke. I had a lovely breakfast of porridge with blackberries & a couple of hard boiled eggs - strange but yummy!!

We went to the theatre last night - bit disappointing but lovely to be just us & for once not worrying about where one or other of the boys were. This worrying is if course entirely in my imagination as inevitably they are both absolutely fine - the joys of motherhood!

This morning I went to the gym and we started our Biggest Loser month - with a weigh in. I had a good workout which is definitely easier if I haven't had a big meal the night before!!

Then home (via the butcher) and had some fruit and a black coffee.
Now I'm watching Leeds Vs Cardiff - they are losing but only by one goal and there's plenty of time!!

Off to collect Tobz at around 2:30 & then Dom back around 5pm - will be nice to have a full house but enjoying the peace for now.

Enjoy your weekend.
Lxx



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End of day 158 & Day 159 - back on track but very hungry!!

Hi All

Had a lovely time last night at Oslo Court. Dad was on very good form - he does love being 'master of ceremonies' - and the food was delicious :)
I resisted the urge to go berserk with the menu and had warm artichoke with hot vinaigrette dressing followed by Sea Bream (steamed with spring onion & ginger) with green beans, spinach, sautéed potatoes (just had three scrummy ones), 1 onion ring & 1 fried zucchini slice - just couldn't help myself!!
I had fruit salad for dessert but it wasn't very nice - very sweet & spongy - so didn't finish it & was quite full.
I had one glass of wine, a diet coke & some water - thoroughly enjoyed myself & didn't feel at all deprived because I had what I wanted.

Today I've been very good but starving all day so I've eaten quite a lot!!

Had a banana & pack of blackberries and some water then off to the gym - very hard work after last night's meal but still pleased I went - 341 useless calories burned.
After the gym I had a pack of meat in the car & when I got home I had an apple.

Tobz went to JLGB leadership camp today so I had to sort him out, take him to his friend (his mum was taking him) & then get back to have my nails done - lovely neutral colour that will go with 'everything'

This afternoon I did some tidying, washing & catching up on Eastenders & Corrie (such high class viewing!!) - it was lovely & I'm feeling much more rested.

Tonight we had roast chicken for dinner - mine with a large portion of spinach - followed by a portion of berries with lots of orange squash. Strange having Friday night with no boys around - but they'll be having a good time so that's great.

Hope you have a good weekend.

Lxx

Days 155 to 158 (afternoon!!)

Quick post this afternoon as I'm just having a break from trying to organise my work projects & doing some reading (not interesting but essential) whilst trying to ignore the 'call' of the Celebrations tin!

I must get back to posting regularly as erratic posting & erratic eating seem to go hand in hand - sadly :(

I stayed the same this week which was OK as I'd been so awful the week before but it was my birthday & dad had been ill so I had lots of excuses. But I've lost control - I'm being really good then really bad & although it might balance out it really isn't good for my system & my system is letting me know all about it - if you get my drift!!!
Tonight I'm we are going out to eat with mum & dad and Jo & Marc (my sister & brother-in-law) for the last celebration of dad's 80th (actually that's not true as he's having a special celebration in synagogue on 5th Nov but it is the last one involving food!!)
We are going to Oslo Court which should be lovely but definitely not a place for sensible eating!! But from tomorrow I'm going to go back to blogging regularly & following the SW plan - properly!!

Please nag me if I don't blog - it's definitely a sign all isn't well!!

I have had a major triumph this week though - I got into my size 18 jeans without the need for deep breathing or lying on the floor & wriggling like a demented snake trying not to shed it's skin!!
In fact I've worn them twice & there is nothing so good as a denim corset :)

I've set myself two goals to achieve before Xmas day - get under the next stone level ie: to get under 18 stone & to get into a size 16 'something' without stretching it out of recognition.

I'm determined to get back on track & I will do it - also want to win the 'biggest loser' pot at Curves so that's three aims I suppose.

OK so that's it for me - back to work now.
Will blog again tomorrow.

Lxx

Day 154 - head back in gear :0)

Today has been a better day!
No binging - lots of sensible eating.

I had a lovely lie in this morning & didn't wake up until 9:30 - very late for me!
Got dressed & went to deli then off to Curves.
Hadn't been since before Succot (about 10 days) - it was really hard going but I felt pleased with myself for going & it definitely focussed my mind back to the task in hand.
Also a group of us have decided to do a 'Biggest Loser' raffle from 1st Nov - 24th Dec - we're all going to put in £10 and the 'Biggest Loser' takes all - game on!!!

Had a quiet day overall - quite a lot of Toby-ferrying but otherwise lots of house tidying, ironing & refereeing (the joys of having two teenage sons!!) - all good exercise I suppose :0)

Tonight having a quiet night in - X Factor results, Merlin & maybe Strictly too as I've got to wait up for Toby to come back from a barmitzvah.

Hope you've had a good weekend.
Lx


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Location:Potter Street Hill,Harrow,United Kingdom

Days 151 - 153 it's all going wrong :(

Currently I'm sitting outside the barber waiting for Tobz to have his hair cut & thought I'd use the time to confess my shameful last few days.

Seems that I've used my birthday & dad not being well (he's fine now by the way) plus my resulting tiredness, to eat all the wrong things in excessive quantities :(

I'm so annoyed with myself as the pattern's obvious - good breakfast, then bad lunch, then chocolate buying (& eating!!), biscuit binging, sandwich making & swallowing at speed - very bad & I've had a shocking headache for the last two days which I'm sure is due to the sugar rush.

Yesterday I helped with kiddush in shul & ate the apple cake which I don't normally like but after my friend told me how much she liked it - I suddenly had a mega craving for it!!!

Last night we had friends for dinner which was great but we had duck (too much crispy skin consumed) and not-dry-roasted potatoes which I ate in the kitchen where no-one could see me - stupid, stupid, stupid......

Today I've been better but craving chocolate and other things because I've got the taste again - writing this is preventing me from sneaking into the sweet shop while Toby's having his hair cut!!

Not out much this weekend so will have to be very careful & definitely going to gym tomorrow - haven't been for ten days because of holidays & birthdays.

Wish me luck
Lxx

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Location:Pinner,United Kingdom

Day 149 & day 150 - too much cake & not enough sleep :(

Hi all

It's all gone downhill since my birthday - in a big way :(

On Monday night about 30mins after I posted my blog I got a phone call from my sister telling me my dad was in hospital again. To cut a long story short(ish) he had another hypo because his urine infection hadn't gone - so they put him back on antibiotics - but over treated the hypo so his blood sugar was sky high & he didn't get out of hospital until 4:30am. I was awake until then (at least I got to watch the x factor from Saturday/Sunday!!) & had to get up at 6:40 for work & to take Tobz to school.

I was really tired but had loads to do so had to go in. Unfortunately I used this as an excuse to eat chocolate, birthday cake, macaroni cheese (lunch) and a beigel with egg mayo - didn't eat huge quantities but really felt sick & had major stomach pains :(

Had Toby's parents evening last night and then came home & went to bed but still up early this morning.

Had proper breakfast (2 Choc Weetabix, banana & semi-skimmed milk) but couldn't be bothered to make lunch so when I got hungry I finished off the birthday cake (two pieces) and had about six 'Celebrations'.

Left work early, did Tesco shop & collected Tobz from school (had to bring his tuba home).
Had lots of chores to do when I got back home then made dinner - lamb cutlets, brussels & AH Dahl (yummy!!) plus two satsumas.

It was very nice & I feel it booted me back on track.
I'm catching up on 'House' then off to bed - still really tired but not working tomorrow so hope to catch up on some sleep.

Hope you are all doing better than me so far this week.
Hope to be snoozing soon.

Lxxx


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Day 148 - my birthday celebration

It's 23:06 and post-chinese meal at the end of a really nice birthday :0)

Firstly I need to say that I love FB - not really surprising - but I've had loads of really lovely messages from people today & it does give you that warm feeling inside. I feel loved & it's absolutely fabulous.

Also, one of the (many) advantages of having older children is that they surprise you & buy lovely cards and a very nice pressie - Jamie Oliver's latest cookbook. Thanks again boys xx

I also got a very posh purse from my parents, fab JL vouchers from my sister (& family), and things to plant from my in-laws SP I've been spoiled rotten :0)

So going back to the blog - I weighed tonight (pre-Chinese obviously!) and lost 1.5lbs which takes me (finally) below 18stone for the first time in 2 years.
I've also taught myself a really important lesson about 'difficult weeks' - I've proved that despite two meals out, Succoth and dad's 80th if I make sensible choices and don't go berserk even when the food isn't ideal you don't necessarily need to blow it all. I had 'nibbles' of cake etc yesterday so I didn't feel deprived & didn't feel liked I'd missed out and didn't come home and 'pig out' because I was miserable - possibly adulthood has come at last!!!

Also, I met 'myself' earlier this year in class tonight. A very unhappy lady was saying she'd only lost half a pound in four weeks but she'd been following the plan!! - I felt really sorry for her & tried to encourage her to make changes as did several other people. Just like me she was in denial - it's easy to get in to and hard to kick out - I really hope she went home and had a 'rethink'.

Anyway - time for my beauty sleep - not enough hours in the night really but I have to try :)

Night, night xxx

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Days 146 & 147 - what a weekend

Had a lovely weekend & tried really hard not to go mad (succeeded too although only the scales will tell tonight!!)

Actually Saturday night wasn't too bad mostly because portions were very small & I didn't drink as I was driving!!! When I say small the hors d'oeuvre, which had a very exotic description, was actually three small sticks of asparagus, three halves of artichoke heart, and three wild mushrooms with about three leaves of spidery lettuce - actually about three mouthfuls!! The rest of the meal was similarly proportioned so despite having buttery mash in the main & cheese for dessert I certainly didn't feel overloaded!!

Yesterday was my dad's 80th - he was well & it went really well. The tea was fabulous and all the guests contributed to my dad having a wonderful afternoon to remember. Pre-party & pre-speech nerves meant that Jo & I resisted hammering into the tea - however post tea clearing up was a very risky business (& most of the clearing was done by the caterers team!) - all those little tasters soon add up :0)

So today is my 51st birthday and I'm weighing tonight mostly as I can't find a good excuse not to!!!
Have a good day all & just to finish here's a picture of my lovely dad with my Tobz - aah :0)




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Days 141, 142, 143, 144 & 145 (up to lunchtime!!)

Hi All
Sorry it's been so long but this week has been hectic & even now I only have a short while.
This is a shame because I've had a very difficult week on the food front & I realised how much my ramblings help me (because I hadn't been rambling - if you get my drift!!)

Weighed on Monday and lost 1.5lbs - this means I've lost 20lbs in 20 weeks (since I've been blogging) & my BMI has now dropped to 33.5 - all of this is great but since then I've been on a self-sabotage mission!!
For two days I ate lots of bag things - donuts, bags of Twirl Bite-size (truly the devil's invention!!), sandwiches - you name it I ate it!! Then on Wednesday lunchtime I stopped & exerted a bit of self control.

On Wednesday night Succot started and we went to friends for dinner in their Succah (this is a shelter with an open roof covered in leaves etc. so you can eat and see the stars!). Lovely meal & had a lovely evening (it was quite a mild evening) but the main course was a fabulous chicken & leek pie, roast potatoes, roast parsnips & green beans. It was delicious but not SW friendly :0)

Yesterday & today I've been back in control - Weetabix choc with banana & semi-skimmed milk for breakfast  and I've just had some cold roast lamb with a salad and a couple of glasses of squash.

Tomorrow I'm going to Stoke Park for a formal dinner with Andrew's firm, and then Sunday is my dad's 80th birthday party. Definitely a challenge on the food front but I'm looking forward to my weekend.

In about ten minutes Natasha is coming to do my nails & then I'm out to collect dad's cake.

Will try to blog later and over the weekend, but can't guarantee it, so hope everyone has a good weekend.

Lx

Days 139 & 140 - fathers & fast days

Hi all
Hope that fasted were all ok yesterday.

Mine was ok but very headachy - probably less to do with fasting & more to do with my dad having a hypo at his synagogue on Friday night & then being up until about 3am waiting for phone calls from my sister to keep me updated.
Desperately wanted a cup of coffee but didn't succumb :0)
Thankfully he is ok - the hypo was brought on by an undiagnosed symptomless urine infection. So they sent him home with antibiotics & his blood sugar is almost back to normal for him today.

Went to my sister to break our fast & had lovely meal - fairly sure I didn't have too many sins - but couldn't resist a teaspoonful of my mum's cream sweet. It's a marvellous concoction of cream, sponge fingers soaked in coffee, more cream, sliced bananas, more cream, chocolate flakes & mandarins - delicious :0)

Had a great catch up with my family - discovered that my cousins have both read my blog (I knew one had but not the other). They are both trying to lose weight in different ways to each other (& me) so we did chat about that a fair bit.
Obviously we did not spend the entire evening talking about diets - how boring would that be???

Also my mum & dad were there & he was fine (although tired & emotional).

I realised (not for the first time) how lucky we are as a family that we all get on so well - we had a great evening (thanks Jo & Marc xx)

Today I've been to the gym - hard going after a day's fasting - then on chauffeur duty for both boys.
Have been eating a lot of protein, veg & fruit today also drinking a lot but still seem to have a headache :0(

Weighing tomorrow evening as at work tomorrow instead of Thursday so should be interesting - hoping to at least stay the same but will need to keep food to a minimum.

Hope you've had a good weekend.
Lx


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Day 138 - a short word from a tall girl

Have had a good & busy day (even managed to watch the Great Bake Off final!!)

Had a light lunch - crispbread & smoked salmon with a black coffee and a banana.

We'll have dinner soon - traditionally roast beef (my once a year treat as it's sooo expensive) with dry roast potatoes, broccoli, sugar snaps & Brussels followed by melon. We'll have lots to drink (psychological really as you pee out any excess!) & then off to synagogue.

Next meal will be at my lovely sister's house around 8pm tomorrow.

Bye all xx


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Days 136 & 137

Hi all
I'm writing today (9am day 138) from outside Curves - stealing myself to go in - but also multi tasking as I have a lot to do today.

Last couple of days have been good as far as my weight loss plans go - and generally in truth.

I'm having breakfast every day - two Weetabix with fruit (blueberries/strawberries/banana), lunch has been a salad with cold meat or salmon. During the day I've eaten fruit and at least one FF fruit yoghurt.

I've also made sure to have an evening meal and plenty of fluid during the day - at least 2l.

It's definitely making me feel better and I'm getting more rest at night. It also has seemed to have had a dramatic effect on my body's waste production - no need to share any more details but suffice to say I'm losing weight this week!!!!

Tonight (day 138) is the start of Yom Kippur the holiest day in the Jewish calendar & a 25 hour total fast - no food or drink. But actually we only miss two meals because we eat dinner before going to synagogue tonight (early - in our house we are eating at 17:10), miss breakfast & lunch tomorrow but then have a family 'fast-breaking' at my sisters (around 8 tomorrow night). It is without doubt the drinks you miss - tonight when I come home from synagogue I'll be desperate for a cup of tea I cant have (and wouldn't normally drink!!). It is psychological in part but for me it does focus my mind on the repenting I'm supposed to be doing when it's not occupied with planning my next meal!

So to all who do - fast well. To those that don't I hope your Thursday & Friday is calm & peaceful. If I've inadvertently upset you in the last year, I'm sorry - I'll try to do better next year :)

Love to all
Lisa x


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Location:Benningholme Rd,Barnet,United Kingdom

Day 135 - breakfast has been reinstated!!

A quickie tonight!
Just to say I reinstated breakfast today & I felt a real sense of achievement but............I was roaring hungry by 11am & had no snacks with me!
Luckily the conference I was at provided limited food & no mid-morning snacks - just coffee or tea so no chance to indulge but I drank loads of water to compensate.

Lunch was sandwiches & fruit - I had three small triangle sandwiches, a banana and two satsumas (pretty poor food actually) & just realised I've not eaten this evening but not hungry.

Went to Tesco at 6.30pm (we were desperate for a shop) - very disappointing pathetic display of fruit but did get some bits so better than nothing & stocked up on flavoured water, veggies and cereal too.

That's all for now.
Lx

Days 129 - 134 I'm back :)

Hi All
So sorry to have been away for so long but what with New Year & a busy weekend there just hasn't been time - also I only got round to buying a mouse today for my laptop (not very good with the pad thingy!!)

I weighed in this morning & lost half a pound which wasn't bad under the circumstances.
My erratic eating seems to be calming & overall I'm eating three meals a day and snacking on fruit/yoghurt.

Lots of meals out meant an inability to follow the plan totally as well as

• a small piece of my honey cake (had to make sure it tasted alright before I gave it to anyone)
• a small piece of my mum's apple strudel - would be rude not to!
• one delicious roast potato at my sister's - ditto!
• 4 glasses of wine (two on Wed & two Saturday night) - more than usual for me :0)

Went to friends for dinner on Saturday too - fabulous meal (had to avoid the lovely looking desserts) but the rice & spinach combo (which was delicious) was cooked in coconut milk & the asparagus was baked  with oil. It was all delicious & life is about socialising :)

I'm pleased that in such a week I've got back on track - I achieved.

Pre-New Year I did decide that as my long term goal was to have lost 2 stone by Christmas - I still was going for that so to overdo it over the next couple of weeks would be foolish & something I'd regret. So far so good & I'm going to keep at it.

Also did loads of walking on Thurs & Friday (it's a 1.7 mile walk from my house to the synagogue & of course the same back - and up hill!!!) as well as going to the gym on Sunday so I'm all exercised up too :0)

One of the less significant but still enjoyable parts of New Year is getting to see people I haven't seen for ages - friends, family & just acquaintances that you don't see often. I have to say I received more than my fair share of compliments and was surprised at how many people are reading my blog.

Just wanted to thank you all for this, your support & your confidence that I can achieve my goals - I know the only person that can do it is me but the thought that you are all their 'pushing' me forwards is tremendously encouraging - I WILL DO THIS HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES!!

Will try to go back to daily posting from now on - even if just short ones - so please comment so I know you are still there!

Love to you all.

Lisa xx

Day 128 - busy day & good choices

Evening all
I know it's late but I've been cooking since I got home from work & now I'm waiting to take honey cakes out of the oven.

I'm still not eating properly but today I had no chocolate (yay!!) & actually no craving for it either which is half the battle.

Really busy at work so between meetings on the drive to Stansted I ate a punnet of strawberries and a punnet of cherries as well as two bottles of water - then I ran (I know it's an interesting addition to my vocabulary) into the conference centre to use the loo when I got there - so covered all bases!!
There was a lunch buffet available but it was mostly sandwiches so I avoided them (I do try not to make the same bad decisions two days running!) & monopolised the fruit. Also had a delicious fruit tea - cranberry & pomegranate :)

Since I got home I nibbled some carrots, had one small boiled gefilte and one small fried - cooks privilege! Loads of water & that's it.
I am very tired but not hungry and I've done all my cooking which means I'll have time to do all my other stuff tomorrow morning.

Won't blog again until after new year so for those that do - Shana Tova & for those that don't - have a lovely few days in the 'promised' sunshine.

Lx


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Day 127 - put on weight, tried hard not to eat badly and failed spectacularly :(

Hi All

Had shockingly awful food day yesterday so decided to confess all early, get it out of my system and move on!

Got weighed before work yesterday & as anticipated, had put on 2lbs :(

Very disappointed but not surprised & left without staying for class as I had to work yesterday (I'm working today & then off the rest of the week). Filled car up with petrol on my way & bought a salad & smoked salmon to have for lunch from the M&S part - also bought mango slices, strawberries and cherries.

Had lots to do at work & didn't stop to eat until 1:30pm (had water & black coffee to drink in the morning) when I ate the salad & mango.

The trouble started after that when a colleague came to see me & bought donuts - had one but the damage was done. I then polished off two bars of chocolate from the evil vending machine (the rest of the fruit is still in the fridge at work!!). 

After work I had to go to a meeting - no preparation and there were sandwiches on the table - I can't tell you how many I had but it was far too many.

This morning I feel vaguely sick & very bloated - I've been to the loo twice already & its only 06:55!!

The morale of this story................I've done worse than this in the past but the thing is I mustn't extend it into today & oh - I've got my appetite back!!!

Have a good day.

Lxx

Days 125 & 126 - still out of routine :(

Hi all
Phew life seems to be very busy at the moment & accompanying my much less than usual appetite is a lack of routine which means that I'm not only not eating proper meals but I'm buying (& eating) the odd bar of chocolate too. In truth nothing too terrible and no more than two a day - even then I haven't finished the second one but still.................

I've the perfect opportunity this week as I'm working tomorrow & Tuesday, then off Wednesday for 'Yom Tov cooking' (Jewish new year cooking for the uninitiated!) and Thursday & Friday is New Year so I'll be at home (or out - eating!!)

Did a huge shop yesterday - some ingredients for cooking and some for us but I'm just not as organised as usual and it is quite disconcerting.

We went out to friends for dinner last night & had a lovely time but I drank a lot (for me!!) and the dinner was delicious but definitely not SW-friendly.
Started off with Bellinis (Prosecco & peach juice - mmmmmmmm) - avoided the crisps - then we sat down to eat. First course was blinis with smoked salmon & marscapone, and smoked aubergine - had to have one of each it would have been rude not to!
Main course was steamed Sea Bream fillets with boiled potatoes & mange-tout accompanied by a couple of glasses of Beaujolais and lots of water. Interestingly the water had fresh mint leaves and lime chunks in it - made it delicious so I'm going to try that at home.
Dessert was tarte tatin - I had a small piece (no cream) followed by another small piece - which made up a medium size piece  but it was delicious :)
Mint tea to follow and no chocs - so was a bit controlled where I could be :0)

Then today I was on a course this morning & got up quite early but had no breakfast or lunch - came home at 3.30(ish) after lots of son-chauffeuring duties and had a punnet of raspberries and a Chinese flavour Mug Shot - have drunk lots of water but ate nothing else & I'm not really hungry.

Cooking a tongue at the moment so will probably have that for supper with some salad.

Probably going to weigh tomorrow morning & go into work late as I have a meeting after work that starts at 7 and is near the office. Will be glad if I stay the same as I think last week's loss was a bit of a fluke and my eating has been very random so have no idea how I've done.

Anyway - hope you are enjoying the weekend.
Lx

Day 124 - Pre-New Year hair cut & colour will always make me feel good

This is a very quick post from my very new laptop - and very nice it is too!!!
Had hair cut & coloured today - picture posted on FB but can't seem to get it on here (I did say it was new!!). just feel so much better - it's a bit shorter & I can see my neck & chin more clearly & the vaguest sense of bone lurking underneath!!

Had good session at gym this morning but had no breakfast before so bought some fruit to eat on way home plus plenty of water (of course).
No lunch but was peckish mid-afternoon whilst in Tesco buying more fruit & made fatal mistake of buying a Twirl. Fatal mistake because I ate it!! Then felt sick & had really bad tummy ache for rest of afternoon which does of course serve me right :(

Tonight had roast chicken, boiled baby new potatoes, mini carrots, mangetout & brussels followed by fresh fruit salad made from melon, pomegranate, strawberries, blueberries & blackberries. It was all delicious but i was careful with my portion size as tummy still a bit sore.

Pledge tomorrow to have breakfast as even if I'm eating less I get sluggish by mid morning if I don't!!

Have a good weekend all.
Lxx

Day 122 & Day 123 (up to lunchtime!)

Hi there
Sorry not to post yesterday but I had a very (very!!) long meeting & by the time I got home could barely think let alone type.

Still struggling with my appetite - very strange!
Yesterday had black coffee & lots of water but nothing to eat until about 3.30pm when a couple of my colleagues ordered me a smoked salmon salad. It was at that point I realised my 'stress' headache that seemns to have been with me since the burglary, had intensified & I really should eat!
It was a very small salad - really some smoked salmon, three teeny cherry tomatos cut in half and six leavces - but it hit the spot :)
Dinner was a small portion of fish pie and a salad which I couldnt finish - people commented on my lack of dinner which as you may imagine is a very rare thing!
And that was all I ate yesterday.

Today I again couldn't face breakfast but I have cut back on the coffee & drank even more water.
I did however have a small box of M&S cherries late morning & I've just eaten lunch - a M&S wholefood salad (cous cous, roasted veg, broccolli) with smoked salmon & some melon. I'm absolutely stuffed but have a lot to do this afternoon so don't want the headache to intensify again.


I have settled our insurance claim (actually yesterday) and today replacement laptops for Toby & myself as well as cameras for Dom & me have been delivered to my office - so we are on our way to normality at last. However our insurance premium which has to be renewed on Sunday has rocketed & now I've found out that the alarm has to be set at night as well as when we are out!!!! No more late night munching for us :(

Day 121 - appetite still AWOL

My appetite has gone AWOL & I miss it!!
I know I shouldn't complain & if I lose a pound next week I'll be under 18 stone - not been there since the week before Toby's barmitzvah (March 2010). So I do have incentive but even so it is a bit weird.

I went into work a bit late today as had to wait here to show Agnes how to set the alarm & wait for someone to come to sort out the keys for our windows.
Had a black coffee & one HiFi bar for breakfast - only one not the whole box!!

During the day I had lots of water & black coffee. For 'lunch' I had a Spicy Tomato Mug Shot and a yoghurt & that was it until I came home at 8pm.
Just had a small salad with a couple of frankfurters, followed by some blackberries & a mandarin - I'm stuffed :)
Most peculiar....

Tomorrow I have an all day meeting so will take some fruit with me to munch during the day.

Had interesting BBM chat tonight with a very old friend (male) who has just taken the SW plunge. He lost 6lbs in his first week & is (in his words) 'not entirely happy'.
I told him not to be daft but it is a fact that we all have a perception about what we should lose in our first week, how much we should have lost in x weeks etc & if we don't we are disappointed and often go in to 'to hell with it' mode. In turn that can lead to pressing the self-destruct button and we all know where we end up then!!

Part of the benefit of writing this blog for me is the commitment to honesty which is definitely helping to keep me out of the 'sod it' zone - this is my strategy and if you can I recommend you find one too because that way only leads to weight-gain and misery (as well as the secret chocolate stash!!)

With that I bid you goodnight xx




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Day 120 - Massive weight loss & I feel good :)

Just back from SW & lo and behold I've lost 4lbs this week - truly fabulous if somewhat amazing!! especially as I normally weigh in the morning & this was 7:30 in the evening.

This means that in the 17 weeks since I started blogging I've lost 20lbs & my BMI has dropped to 33.5 from over 37 at my biggest.
In SW terms i received my stone award this week and (drum roll please........) I won Slimmer of the Week - very chuffed with my little slimmer self :)

I know in my heart that it's such a big loss because I have had far less appetite since the burglary but I'm still going to pat myself on the back because the old me would have undoubtedly eaten her weight in chocolate, bread, butter, cheese & anything else i could consume at speed - maybe I'm re-educating myself; I do hope so :0

As I knew I was weighing tonight I've mostly eaten fruit, celery, water & black coffee today - I wasn't that hungry and it was enough. Just had 4 corn thins with some egg & onion followed by a banana - mostly because I felt I should eat something slightly more substantial but actually I feel stuffed & vaguely uncomfortable now so probably didn't need it really.

So that's it for today - off to bed now as quite pooped. Do feel more relaxed tonight than I have in a while so hopefully will sleep better too.

Night, night xx

Day 118 & most of 119

As you can tell still not entirely back to full focus on blog posting but every couple of days may just be enough for you :0)

However my eating habits are back on track if still a bit erratic so I am really trying not to munch between meals so that I eat at meal times - and I am conscious that tomorrow I'll have to weigh in the evening. If I register a loss that will be a real achievement as I normally weigh in the morning.

Was rushing about a bit yesterday, chauffeuring kids, going to shul, Tesco shopping, washing etc but last night Andrew & I went to cinema. I do miss the 'nosh' - a bottle of water & some grapes just doesn't do it in the same way. Still it'll be worth it in the end - however far away that is.
We saw 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' - it was full of fine acting performances (John Hurt, Gary Oldman) & in truth I could watch Colin Firth all day, but I have to admit I wasn't entirely sure what was going on!! I haven't read the book and I didn't watch the tv series so I was a bit lost in places - either that or I'm just thick!!

Today has been less busy - went to gym this morning and then to collect Toby from his sleepover. Then home for lunch for me & a nap for Toby (don't think much sleeping happened at the sleepover!!)
This afternoon I've had a brief but fruitful veg out in front of the tv catching up on Eastenders - it had to be done :)

Tonight I'm making turkey stir fry & lamb cutlets for dinner with some rice noodles so will have to start getting it ready soon.

Hope your Sunday is going well.
Lx




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Days 116 & 117 - I need rhythm!!

Sorry all this is a quick flit through the last two days - just can't seem to get back into a rhythm and also without a computer it's difficult to write too much as I make so many mistakes on my iPhone - still I don't want to leave you in the lurch so here goes!!

Yesterday I was at a conference and the food wasn't too bad especially with my still slightly shrunken appetite.
They had plenty of water this time on the tables (although I had taken my own as well just in case).
At lunchtime I had two small smoked salmon sandwiches and a bowl of carrot & coriander soup followed by a bowl of fresh fruit salad & natural yoghurt - weirdly the fruit was completely tasteless. Not sure how they did it nut it was soooo disappointing :0(

For dinner we had breast of lamb, with broccoli and green beans followed by blackberries.
I went to a meeting last night and had to come in after everyone had gone to bed - felt quite weird about it but I was ok.

Today has been really busy - as Fridays always are!!
Dropped boys odd then went to the gym - very hard going at the moment but I burned 368 cals & that has to bs good.
Met a friend here for coffee - just a quickie because her baby was sick - then went to deli to pick up my order a d stock up on smoked salmon.

Then home again to have my nails done - nice colour I think



Not sure why my hands look so yellow!!

Anyway then collected boys, dropped Dom in Pinner & Toby & I went to see Rob & Polly - had a good catch up :)

Dinner tonight was roast chicken, sugar snap peas, brussels and jacket potato. Followed by blackberries and cherries. It was nice but considering I hadn't eaten since breakfast I really wasn't very hungry.

Looks like insurance will be replacing everything that was stolen so that's good - just need to check out that what they are offering is equivalent to everything we lost. I foresee a trip to PC World or Currys at the weekend. They are also reimbursing me for everything I had to lay out for this week - doesn't seem to be any quibbling.

The most annoying thing is going to be the massive increase in our insurance from our existing company who we were trying to move away from & now can't cos no-one wants to ensure us!!! It's such a racket and there's nothing we can do - grrrr!!

I'm thinking bad thoughts again so will sign off now - have a good weekend.

Lxx




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Day 115 (yesterday!!)

I'm currently standing on Pinner station waiting for a train (not entirely certain what other reason I could gave for being here - but anyway I'm on train now!!)
Off to a conference about transfer of care - I'm an 'early adopter' for a major project - hope it's interesting :)

Anyway, yesterday was a better day although appetite still strangely lacking. Had Weetabix and milk for breakfast. Made myself a big smoked salmon salad for lunch & took in some cherries, a peach, a couple of yoghurts (M&S count on us - deliciously creamy) and a portion of SW lemon cheesecake.
During the day I ate most of it and drank plenty of black coffee and volvic sf lemon water.

I was quite headachy for most of the day - mixture of stress and clearing my 264 holiday emails I expect!!

Left around 5:45 & traffic was awful so Toby had to walk home & I didn't get in until nearly 7!!

Made fettucine with tomato, tuna & sweetcorn sauce for dinner but just wasn't hungry so the three 'boy's' had extra - not unexpectedly!!

Made some calls, put on washing, put on more washing!, tidied up etc but as everyone else was busy & downstairs tv isn't quite working properly yet decided to go upstairs & read. At this point felt peckish so had a couple of crispbread with home-made salmon pate (sin-free), and a black coffee.
It was more than enough :)

Slept a bit better last might but still feeling not quite myself - but today's another day

Have a good one xx


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Location:Bridge St,Harrow,United Kingdom

Day 114 - a better day overall

So today didn't start so well mostly because I had about two hours fairly restless sleep last night & anyone who knows me knows that I really don't function well with so little sleep.

Took boys to school then came back home to deal with new locks, insurance etc but firstly had to come into house on my own - did it but felt very weird :( and I was glad when Agnes (my cleaner) came.

Organised locksmith to come, phoned insurance company & confirmed alarm installation for next Monday - as I had to wait in for locksmith decided to deal with practicalities - ordered power leads for TVs, sorted out user codes for boys & me on Andrew's computer and did a bit of paperwork.
Eventually got into work at 1:30 (on my way in realised I'd have to come home early as I was the only one with keys!!) - was nice to see Karen & Sara but really couldn't get myself in to gear and hope I can focus myself tomorrow as I have loads to do - always the same when you go on holiday. Don't know about you but I spend my last day before holidays clearing my desk only to find it 'refilled' by 'outside forces'!!

You'll also be surprised to know (as I was to realise) that other than a couple of cups of coffe and some water I'd had nothing to eat during the day - it wasn't deliberate I just wasn't hungry.

Anyway on my way home I stopped off in Pinner to have extra keys cut, buy some fruit & collect Dom. Then home - still feel nervy coming in but Dom was with me so not too bad. Put shopping away & munched the last pear from our garden (delicious) & then left to pick up Tobz from school - he had a football match (sadly lost 12-1!!)

When we got home Dom had reassembled the downstairs tv & got it working - sadly we also realised at this point that the thieving scumbags had taken all the remotes too (Amazon will be so happy I'm a customer this week!!)

Made dinner for us all - grilled steak with brussels & broccoli followed by mixed berries & pomegranate seeds with lots of squash. I ate dinner but still not over hungry - expecting appetite will kick back in soon enough :)

I think that's all for now.
Lx


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Day 113 - good news then very bad news :0(

Today started off well - I lost half a pound this week - & ended very badly as while I was at SW we were burgled :(

The police think I disturbed them when I came home but I didn't see them & I'm not hurt but I feel shitty & desperately want to eat a large bar of chocolate - luckily there's none in the house!!

They stole two laptops (mine & Toby's), Dom's iMac, his PS3, & 2 cameras (mine & Toby's) - if I hadn't come home when I did they'd also have taken our TV & Toby's TV which were on the hall when I walked in.
Ironically I was with the man who'd come to quote for a burglar alarm!! - if it wasn't happening to me it would be funny but I've definitely had a sense of humour bypass today.
Anyway he was great, called the police, and looked after me until they came - he'll get the job!!

The police were here in under ten minutes - six of them plus a very big alsatian.
They were very kind and very thorough and as several people have said thankfully it's only 'stuff' and we are insured but I do have a terrible sense of being invaded.

I'm going to bed now with a hot chocolate (Options) - hopefully everything will look better in the morning.

Hope you've had a better day than me.

Lx


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Days 110, 111, 112 - habits & routine

Hi all

As you will have realised since leaving for France my newly learned habits of blogging & sensible eating have gone to pot a bit - to put it mildly - but since Friday (today is Sunday) I've been much better.

I went back to Curves on Friday & went again this morning - I've also decided that I'll go on Tuesdays after work so that I go up to three times a week. I told the boys they'll be no lifts home on Tuesdays & dinner will be later (unless they cook themselves!!).

Also from Saturday (yesterday!!) I've gone back to following the SW plan properly. It's really hard work but I am doing ok so far.
I did some cooking (cheese cake & smoked salmon pate) so I have interesting things to nosh other that fruit & yoghurt. Also made a big fruit salad yesterday which is all gone mysteriously!!!

Last night we went to the Barbican to see South Pacific and decided to eat there. Avoiding the fabulous dessert buffet table right by the entrance (I kid you not) I found a huge quinoa-stuffed tomato which I had with salad leaves & dry roasted new potatoes. It wasn't the greatest meal I'd ever had but was filling.
Toby had a strange mix of things that looked yummy & included creamy mash and onion rings!! I was sorely tempted to pinch one but resisted - also he definitely wouldn't have let me have one :0)
By the way - I'd highly recommend South Pacific.

This morning took Dom to Pinner & Toby to hockey practice so was up early. Didn't have breakfast though and MUST get back into that habit ASAP.
Then went to gym then back to collect Toby (hockey training called off as courts were locked at Harefield Academy!!)
Then got dinner ready for tonight - Italian lamb with rice, cauliflower & green beans.

Just had lunch with Toby - he had smoked turkey salad & I had six Finn crispbreads with smoked salmon pate & smoked salmon accompanied by radishes, baby corn & tomatoes. Also had a Chinese Mug-Shot. A bit later I'll have some cheesecake and blackberries (lovely free treat) with a coffee and some squash.

This last week has shown me that I really don't get any 'days off' from my aim to lose more weight (at least four more stone if I'm honest) but I'm feeling optimistic nevertheless.

On Friday when I went to curves they took my monthly measurements & I'd lost another two inches all over plus a drop in body fat & BMI and 2lbs in weight - pretty good considering I've been on holiday.

Yesterday I tried on the skirt from the suit I had for Toby's barmitzvah & it fits!! Also tried on a suit I bought for RH last year that I never wore because it was much to tight - couldn't get jacket over arms or skirt zipped up (very depressing). Skirt fitted beautifully and jacket will be ok for this RH if I'm careful over the next few weeks.
So this is good news for me.

I'm going to aim to resume blogging everyday and go to the gym three times this week.
Tomorrow I start training as SW money lady & I'm not expecting to lose weight (unlikely to have a miracle two weeks running!!)

Have a good Sunday.
Lisa

PS: I'm sitting in the garden as I write although it is getting a bit chilly now :) Thought you'd like to see my beautiful fuchsias.



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