Tuesday 29 January 2013

All too much

I am not to sure where this post is going to go. I have a few things going on at the moment and feel like I am   not doing any of them justice.

I have signed up for Michelle Bridges 12WBT. It is great and there are a heap of tasks to complete before you actually start. So far there are 5 pre season tasks that have been released. They release one every few days in the lead up to the start of the round. I have been putting it off and I'm not sure if I am doing that because I am scared to fill them in or I am just being lazy. I have told myself I will do them once the kids are back at school and bugalugs is having her daytime sleep.

When I started this whole 'Becoming Nikki' thing it was to change not only my weight but my lifestyle and day to day life. I was going to keep the house in top shape, sort out the kids rooms, stay on top of the washing etc etc. But 3 weeks in and it feels like the old habits have crept back in. The couch is calling me more so then the broom and vacuum. The blogs, facebook & 12WBT forums are all far more interesting then dishes and washing. Although I did clean the ceiling fan in the kitchen which was LONG overdue. And the washing has been kept upto date and folded as it comes in.

I have also started back at work. Cleaning at the local primary school. There is a huge list of holiday cleaning to be done. Windows, skirting boards, cobwebs etc. My wonderful hubby has been helping me out which has been fantastic. I still have a few things to do before school starts on Monday and I am quickly running out of time to do them. The kids have been great they come in with me and I take their scooters or they play on the play equipment. But there is only so long kids want to be at school when it's holidays.

So I am trying to get back into it. I keep telling myself that once school goes back and we are into a routine it will be easier. Although then I will have to fit in 2 hours of work in the afternoon. I just need that kick up the butt to tell myself to get off the couch and do my jobs. Maybe I should make myself a rewards chart like the kids have and give myself gold stars when I complete a task. Once I have a certain number of stars I get a new pair of shoes or my hair done.

Anyway a bit of a post about nothing really but thought I would share whats happening or not happening as the case may be. On the up side I am still working out, although not as much as I should be. Bit nervous about weighing in this week.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week. :)


Saturday 26 January 2013

Water, Water, Water

My name is Nikki and I am a water snob!

There I have finally admitted to the world what only a few people know about me. It is a relief to finally have it out there. I hate tap water and only like to drink rain water or bottled water.

I haven't always been this way. When I was about 9 I went to hospital and they gave me a jug of water which I told my mum tasted funny. She tried it and started laughing because it was rain water. When my cousins used to come and visit they used to bring their own water. I thought they were crazy there was nothing wrong with our tap water.

Now having lived on a farm for 3 years where every part of our house is connected to a HUGE rain water tank. I am a water snob. When we go away I don't normally drink much water because I'm never organised enough to take water with me. And instead of buying water when I am thirsty I would buy Diet Coke.

This time however I was prepared!! We went to Perth for 2 days. I was about to walk out the door when I saw the pile of empty water bottles on the sink. So I filled up 5lts of water. 1x 2lt and 2x 1.5lt bottles.

I even remembered to take them with me when we went out and about. I was at the shops this morning almost finished one of my 1.5lt bottles and I thought why haven't I always been doing this all the time??? My poor body. Amazing how much better I was feeling after being properly hydrated.

But this does all come at a cost. While I was feeling all awesome, healthy and very hydrated. I was also feeling the urge to pee every 5 seconds. Actually I reminded myself of my 4yr old. She is always thirsty and always busting!!!!

So I will now be making sure my water bottles are full before we go anywhere and that I always know where the closest toilet is!!!

On a side note.............. I lost another .5kg this week. Bringing my total loss for 2013 to 2.8kgs & 6cms! 



Wednesday 23 January 2013

I have been hypnotised!!!!

I had heard about many different stories about Hypnotism for weight loss. I had looked into one that takes you through the gastric bypass operation but it required several sessions and was quite expensive. So when my Mum called to say they had someone coming to her small country town to do a session on weight loss and it was going to be a fraction of the price I jumped at the Chance.

Off I went with an open mind and my Mum to see Matthew Hale. The room was full of women who varied in size and also varied in their belief that it would work and we wouldn't all walk out clucking like chickens at random moments. (which I am happy to report didn't happen)

He was great! He spoke about how our portion sizes have grown over the last umpteen years. Also about the simple calories in vs calories out. Everything he said made sense and a lot of it I had heard before but for some reason the way he put it made me think about it more.

Now we weren't hypnotised the entire time. We did two small visualisations. One where we had to visualise our favourite meal from entree through to desert including drinks I have to tell you I was sitting there thinking I needed to undo the top button on my jeans just 'seeing' all that food, chicken parma, apple crumble & ice cream..........................

Funny afterwards Mum and I were discussing our meals and drinks. Her drink was 2 glasses of wine. Mine was 2 beers, 2 glasses of wine & 2 bourbons. Which is how a good night out for me would go. Although there would be more bourbons and some great dancing after dinner. But that's another story.

The session ended with being hypnotised for about 20minutes. It was very relaxing and comfortable. I thought I would be sitting there the whole time telling myself to relax, go with it. But I didn't need to worry. Matthew had me completely relaxed and feeling confident that this would work.

We were given a 'workbook' and CD to take home. There is a plan to do for 30 days which includes weighing yourself every day, eating only half of your meals & listening the the CD among other things.

The only problem with all this was that we did it on the 18th of December!! Really smart. However I started before we went on holidays. Whilst on holidays I will admit it went out the window a bit. I mean who can only eat half a great Chicken Parma at the pub??? However once I came home I was back into it. I listen to the CD and drift off a bit. But then at random moments in the day Matthews voice enters my head. Telling me to 'be confident' and other great things. Which goes to show it is getting through to my subconscious. Now if only he can put into my subconscious to stop shopping online................................

So I am about half way through the 30days and already I have noticed changes. Like I only have one slice of toast for breakfast and I'm not hungry until lunch time. As you have seen the weight is coming off which encourages me to stick with it.

Here is his website  www.MatthewHale.com.au check him out if your interested. I have not been paid in anyway to write this story but I have asked for permission from Matthew.

Sunday 20 January 2013

Surviving a weekend away

We went to the beach for the weekend and I have to say we had a fantastic time. Great weather, great friends, great beach what more could you want?

I have to say I was nervous about going as usually a weekend like this would mean lots of drinking and eating thing I shouldn't. I told myself I wouldn't spend the whole weekend worrying about what I was eating and drinking. I would be miserable and what would be the point of going if I wasn't going to enjoy it. So instead I was just more aware of my food, drink & exercise.

I did indulge we had fish & chips, drinks, nibbles & chips. But I was always aware of how much I was having. I did have Diet Coke. And to be honest it was great! I had one a day. We went to a friend place for drinks Saturday evening I didn't want to drink beer the whole time as I was trying to be good. I took one can of DC with me to have. I need to find something to drink when I'm out other then water so I don't feel like I am depriving myself.

We did do a lots of swimming and whilst the kids were playing on the beach and in the water with hubby. I took the opportunity to go for a walk along the beach. It was great and I felt much better afterwards, I also did some walking in the water which was a real work out for my legs. (I could really feel it)

This morning I stood on the scales to see what damage I had done........................I had only put on 100grams. So lesson learnt I can have a weekend with a few indulgences as long as I don't go overboard and do some exercise. And now I am back on track.

I have also just signed up for the Michelle Bridges 12WBT challenge. I am looking forward to letting you know how it is going.

Happy Monday Everyone.

Thursday 17 January 2013

Week two results

I have had another great week. I started my circuit training which I am loving. I broke my record for the plank. I held it for 40sec. My goal is to hold it for a minute.

This week I lost .5kg! (I am going away so decided to weigh in a day early) Which I am really happy with. I think my 1.5kg last week was part of my body going into shock. But happy with a total loss of 2kgs after two weeks.

I still haven't had a Diet Coke! Which I think I am more proud of then the weight loss. It hasn't been easy and has taken a lot of will power. It doesn't seem to be getting easier. I am wondering if I have just one it will be ok.

We are off to the coast for the weekend and this usually means a weekend of drinking and eating. I am hoping that I can have some self control and not undo all my hard work. I am hoping lots of walking, swimming, playing with the kids and making the right food choices will help this. 

Does this happen to anyone else?? How come it takes a couple of weeks to lose 2kg but only 2 days to put it back on??

Not that this will happen this weekend. I AM NOT GOING TO LET IT!!!!!!

Next week I will post about my trip to the Hypnotist for weight loss.

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Circuit Work

So I started the second part of my exercise programme today. THE CIRCUIT!  I attended a class 12 months ago in our town hall which was great and I learnt a lot. I have also done a bit of study to become a fitness trainer. (Will explain why only a bit another time.) So with these experiences and a great little free app on my phone I set up a circuit that looks like this.

1 minute exercise followed by 30 second rest in between activities.
  • 5 minute warm up walk
  • Step ups
  • Push ups
  • Abs (passing a fit ball from hands to ankles)
  • Lunges
  • Plank
  • Side leg raises
  • Bicep curls
I did make a few modifications, I swapped the bicep curls with squats given my sore shoulder and in the last round I swapped side leg raises with running. 2 laps around the house. (lucky we have a big verandah.

 found it was great and I definitely 'felt the burn'. I did the circuit through twice which took just on half an hour. I will do it like this when I do it again on Thursday but next week will amp it up to 3 sets.

Only real issues I had was trying to do all this with 3 kids asking questions, playing with the fit ball & generally getting in the way. My 18 month old really could understand what I was doing. And why I wasn't picking her up.

I now have all my fitness equipment (fit ball, foam mat, skipping rope etc) in a corner in my lounge room as a reminder to keep it going. I am open to any ideas or suggestions, will take all the help I can get.

I am off to try and make Stephanie Rice's salad that she made on the Today Show this morning. Looked yummy.

 Have a great day!!

Saturday 12 January 2013

Week one results

After a week which included swimming lessons, a trip to Perth, Hungry Jacks and some very hot days I was very happy when I stepped on the scales this morning and saw I had lost 1.5kg!!! I am really excited and encouraged to keep it up.

Ok so I had Hungry Jacks but I only had a burger. No chips and no cooldrink. Baby steps. Baby steps.

I have also managed to not have a Diet Coke for a week. This is a HUGE achievement for me. Normally I would have at LEAST 2 cans a day. And always buy one when I am at the shop. I have been to the shops everyday this week. (because of going to town for swimming) And I haven't bought one.  And to be honest I haven't really missed it. I did almost grab one when we were in Perth at the end of our food shopping as I was tired and needed a sugar hit. But bought a water instead and felt much better for it.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and thanks for all the support it has been amazing!

BRING ON WEEK 2!!!



Friday 11 January 2013

Here's the plan........

Ok so here is where it starts my first blog!!!..................................

I am beginning a transformation in 2013. I am going to drop a few dress sizes and lots of kg whilst getting healthy and fit. My main goal is to be a size 10 - 12 by Christmas this year. I have tried every diet there is with limited sucess.  The easy quick fixes DON'T WORK!!! I have finally worked out the only thing to do is do it the hard way.  I live on a farm in rural WA so there in no gym, personal trainer, personal chef or meetings. So I am going to go back to the good old eat less exercise more!!! I know it will be a long hard road but I am ready and with the support of my wonderful husband, family & friends I can do it!!

Along with this I am getting my house and garden under control this year. We have been here almost 3 years and I feel like we haven't really settled into the house yet. we live in a great old farm house which has 3 big bedroom and 2 huge lounge rooms but unfortunately no storage!!

So here's the plan -
I have set myself weekly to do lists. Which includes housework and work out routines. At the end of each month when I have completed these things I will give myself a reward such as getting my hair done, spending a day in Perth on my own, going to the movies. That sort of thing.

This is this weeks list
  • Start C25k
  • Clean and organise the big kids room
  • Wash & put away all the clothes
  • Work out strength training routine
  • No Diet Coke
So far I have done 3 of the things on the list and am part way through the other 2. So bring on weigh in tomorrow. Not brave enough to share my weight at the moment but will let you know how much I lose each week. Saturday is my weigh in day. Fingers Crossed xo