Training and nutrition

I think this week I have gone too low in my calories.

To say that I have gone a bit nuts in the gym and stuck to my 1200/1300 a bit obsessive would be an understatement.  We are only talking of 3 days straight of trying to lose the weight that should have come off the previous week plus the crap that I ate over the weekend.

With school holidays, being busy and having a child with ASD (Autism) I haven't been able to get to the shops or fruit shop on a daily basis if I am low on my foods that I need.  My son is impossible to take to the supermarket if its not on his daily schedule even trying to get out of the house to get milk is a nightmare if its not planned and negotiate for about 3 screaming hours.  It's just not worth the energy.

Anyway Today's post though my exhausted fog is about protein and take out type foods.

I adore sushi its my "treat" food and sushi should be treated like take-away food.  Are you surprised.  I was too until I found out how many calories and little protein it has in it.

Protein is what keeps our tummies full, burns faster calorie wise and feeds out muscles.  Its pretty important stuff.   So when I found out that my favorite Spicy Prawn sushi hand rolls had around 150 calories per roll with as little as 10gms of protein and a massive amount of carbs 40gms **Think white rice** its now my only for of take out.  Sure its much better for you than a Big Mac and fries.  3 hand rolls will always beat that.

But at nearly 500 calories for 3 rolls plus a skinny latte at 100 calories that's a huge lunch or snack calorie wise.  Salmon hand rolls are up around 180 calories.   With such a small amount of protein and the rice you would find yourself snacking again a few hours later.  Still its a much better choice if its your take out option.

My other quick meal is Weight watchers "Tuna pasta" Bake.  I use this when I am starving and too tired too cook or there is nothing else in the house.

Again last night I looked at the nutrition information and nearly fell over.  No wonder why I was hungry again a few hours after eating it.

A serving of this meal only has 15gms of protein - The average meal should be anywhere between 80 - 150grms for a women depending on the time of the day the meal is being eaten. Plus a whopping 46grms of carbs.

The other thing that I forgot to mention with both of the above meals is the sodium.  Sushi has vinegar and salt added to the final cooling process of the rice.  Then add Soy sauce.  Loads of water retaining fluid!   The same with the weight watchers meals.

Last night after gym I was really really flat - I know I hadn't been eating enough.  I had little energy and I hardly get hunger pains anymore so I am guessing this is what happens to me now.

So I threw in a small can of Tuna after making my weight watchers meal and felt full and so much better and the calories only went from 315 plus a small can of tuna to 385 still a much better option than greasy take away.

So for me today I have increased my calories to see if I am feeling better tomorrow.  My weigh yesterday dropped down to a 75.8kgs which was just an awesome feeling but I know it was due to the training and low carbs.  So today I've carb'd up  a bit - I think for my body that a -700 calories per day is all that my body can handle.  Anything less than that and I think I am going into a starvation mode.

I used to love Linda's arms.  10 years ago I wanted arms like this.  Actually i would still love to have arms like this and its on my wish list.   I am not sure my "Tuck shop" arm flab is going to firm up like that but I am on my way.  Just don't ask me to lift my arms its not a pretty sight. 

Some new goals that I have thought about since my little melt down from the weekend.

With summer just around the corner and then the festive season with its warm weather, BBQ's, drinking, social functions, drinking, Christmas day, Drinking and eating.  Have I mentioned drinking?

Anyway my goal is from now until Christmas which I think is around 14 weeks  (after this weekend) I am going to surround myself with like minded people who are going to support and understand my goals.

Honestly, We you are trying to get into shape and live a new life you can not have non supportive family and friends.   While I am going to enjoy myself and I guess without a doubt there will be days I will probably allow myself to enjoy a little too much.  I will be in control.  I will not allow others to control me and what I eat.

I think my true friends understand how hard this journey has been for me.  I probably could be loosing more weight per week with a bit more time and information at hand.  But it is about changing your life it is about revamping and in my case finding the old me.  The happy me with a skinny chick inside!.

I am happy to support anyone who wants to change but lets get serious for a moment.  I am not going to bullshit here.  If you are serious you have to be willing to change and its a lot of change, its good change.

Its no good saying that at Christmas time that my New years resolution is to lose weight.  Everyone including myself that i know never last more than about 30days.  I am already planning for Christmas, summer dinners etc.  This far in advance.  

My short goal for the next two weeks is to get back into planning my meals the day before and prepping the meals in the morning so that they are ready to grab from the fridge after gym etc.

Sure it takes extra work but its really a small amount for a better life.  It's a job in itself and I know that I am a stay at home mum and its easier for me.  But if your making kiddies lunches its not hard to pack a ham and salad sandwich for yourself or make an extra salad up when making dinner the previous night.  It will still be find the next day.  It all about planning for your better life. 

Tomorrow's goal.  Eat healthy and work out at the gym cause that's my job to keep myself fit and focused. No one else can do it for me. One life and one body.

So tell me what your short and long term goals are before Christmas!

76.6kgs

Yay finally broke through the 77kgs mark.  Boy its been slow.  Very slow.  While I knew my weight loss would slow down I am still happy that its going down and not up.

So my goal is still to be atleast 75kgs by the 17th October.  Actually I should be less than that as I know going on holidays I will probably gain a "Little" weight.  Again hopefully I can keep it under control.

Not much to report since yesterdays post.

So I am heading off to gym tonight - I love going later at night as my heart rate goes up so quickly as my body is already warmed up.   I had a good run on the treadmil last night first time since I hurt my calf but I am paying for it today.

Well signing off today otherwise I will just waffle on.

Dealing with well meaning friends and situations.

I am feeling rather ticked off at the moment.

As of last weekend gone I had 3 weeks until my Queensland holiday.

It is also around 16 or 17 weeks since I started my weight loss journey.  With injuries and girly problems I have been stuck at or around 77kgs.  Which is still roughly 14kgs lost since the start of the challenge.  I should be 15/16kgs lighter.

So when it was grandfinal day and my good friend who's whole being evolves around food and socializing with food asked to come over for the day to watch the football.  I thought that after several text messages and phone calls I made it clear that I did not need "platters of food".  Sure there was loads of "healthy food" but it was calories I don't need.  Don't even get me started about bringing a bottle of wine over to share that this person had half a glass and yes of course i drank the rest of the bottle.

You don't go to an ex-drug addict with bag loads of drugs. (well I assume you don't).

I have an eating problem and don't see it any different.  Of course the grand final was a draw and they are coming back this weekend and already my friend has planned what she is bringing food wise.  She is bringing platters again with healthy food and salmon.  Now smoked salmon is fine but at 3pm I have already had my lunch and happy to wait for dinner and even work out my calories for the week so I can have some Thai take away.  Yes I am grumpy about the whole thing.  Yes only I can stop myself putting food in my mouth, yes only I can control the situation but there are times when I can't food is still an addiction to me and so is wine.

The downside was I was completely and utterly drained of any energy on Sunday and couldnt find the energy to go for a walk.  So that is it when it comes to wine etc Plus it tasted like utter crap.

Of course when you have a wine and are a bit tiddley you eat more than you should.

Yes I am a freaking diet bore but I was up 1.8kgs by the next day and have had to kick arse in the gym.

Ok enough of my rant.

Today my weight thanks to my weekend is up to 77.4kgs.

Being a diet bore.

Ahh my new life of slim means that I have probably become a diet bore.  I love being asked by my friends for ideas and help but I wonder if I have become a little bit boring.  I don't drink anymore and I don't eat crap and I'm not the life of the party.  I love going to gym and the buzz from all the extra energy. But I must say I think I am getting a little boring to be around.

I am also a Biggest loser drop out.  Due to a misunderstanding I had been deleted and cancelled from the Michelle Bridges 12 week challenge.  I had sent an email to find out if they had a cancellation policy as I had been feeling a little bit down from all of the negative talk from the newbies.  Which don't get me wrong is how we all start but I didn't need all the negative talk and as much as I was posting hoping to inspire people - I had zero people reply to my posts.   So I just emailed to find out if they had one while I took some time to think about the challenge and if it was what I really wanted.   Well the next email I got was "Your account has been cancelled and your forum information deleted".

Maybe it was a sign...................... I wish everyone on the challenge the very best on reaching the goals and getting on track for a better life.  It is amazing when the journey you have always dream come about.

Talking about amazing feelings.  Nothing in my life has every come close to the feeling of the day I gave birth to my son.  People often say their wedding day was their best day ever but mine was the day my son was born.  After being told I would never have a child without IVF and having many failed attempts to finally be a mother was and still is my best day ever.

Second to that was last weekend.  I had finally had enough of my clothes falling off.  I hit the shops and I was in the right frame of mind to go clothes shopping.  I don't know about you but if I am grumpy or frumpy there is no use going shopping for me.

Plus I had wanted to be at a size that I could walk into ANY shop and fit into a size that I have not been for a long time.  I think if I had walked into a shop and still been size 16 - I would have been dissappointed because I can fit into size 16 at Target. Remembering I was atleast a size 20 at Christmas just gone. Actually I stopped buying clothes if I couldn't squeeze into an 18.  I think I have about 3 items that are 20's. As I was just too ashamed to buy that size plus I would always start a diet and promise myself that I would get smaller. (Every weekend I would say it as well)......

So I hit Colardo and I could fit easily into their clothes.  Just last Christmas gone I couldnt fit into anything.  Walking into Witchery. Now I have never ever ventured into this place as it looks so nice and well tiny sized clothes.  I was over the moon when I fitted into size 14 and if I waited a few more weeks I probably will be their size 12.

It didnt stop there I went into shops that I would have been too embarresed previously to go into.  I always felt like the staff being the counter where thinking "Oh that fat chick doesnt stand a chance at fitting into Ourrr clothes".

It was the first time ever in my life that I went from shop to shop trying on clothes and leaving empty handed but happy.  Usually its is me leaving empty handed and feeling so miserable.

So then I went to Myers and tried on my old time favorites Country Road, Jag and Esprit.  Well I had a lovely lady who worked for Espirit at Myers come and help me out.  I had no idea what size I was let alone fit into their clothing.  Everything I picked up she told me I would need a smaller size.  Yes I laughed loud when she told me I would need a med or a size 12/14 but she was right and I am now the proud owner of a pair of Espirit jeans in 14 and they are slim line. I have never worn anything with "Slim" on the tag.

After my Sunday shopping adventure I was back at it on Monday. Just happy to try on clothing.

I am stuck this week on 77kgs and I have changed my goal of trying to reach 72kgs before we head to Queensland.  With me still being injured I doubt that I will loose 5kgs in four weeks but hey I can only try.

With school holidays here and lots of play dates I will have to be extra good and rely on family and friends for child minding so I can get to the gym for the next two weeks.

Obsessing & struggling with foods.

I have been really really hungry the past few days.  I am not sure if its due to boredom or that while I am still doing a reasonable amount of exercise its not enough to put me into a hungry coma  from being so exhausted that I don't have enough energy to think about eating.

Yesterday I did 1000 calories at the gym - I felt back on top of the world. I love that feeling. I didn't go out to even do more than 300 calories. I had even thought about not going as I was pretty exhausted and didnt want to put any more stress on my injuries.

A friend stopped and chatted with me for nearly 20mins while I was on the treadmill and I just kept upping the incline and before I knew it I had burnt over 300 cals. BUT I was so bloody hungry and grumpy.  I am fine for lunch, even afternoon but come dinner time If I don't eat pure protein like steak, chicken and veggies I feel like I havent eaten in months.

I made a home made pita pizza with ham and loads of salad goodies. It didn't feel like it even hit the side of my down sized tummy.   I went to the shopping centre after dinner and found myself standing outside of the sushi bar and a small skinny latte later and I felt slightly better.    I ended up eating cr

Followed by my little guy having gastro and getting very little sleep.  I stuck to bread carbs today simply because I was worried if I ended up with gastro that I didnt want to puke up my ceral as its the only one in 41 year that I enjoy.

I need to be more careful with my foods.  I am getting alot of picking and crap in without realise I am doing it.

I did weigh myself in my sleepiness this morning and after breakfast plus two cups of tea and found that I weighed in even lighter.  78kgs straight.  Of course now I am obsessing about what I might have weighed this morning if I hadn't eaten crap.  Then again I probably wouldn't have slept either because I was hungry.

So today I went for a walk and was really over the moon when I walked up a huge hill on my main road, a road that I have hardly ever walked in the 13 years we have lived here because simply to me it was an asthma attack waiting to happen.  The times I have dared myself to walk it, I have had to stop at least 3 times and the walk has taken over 40mins just to get up this hill.

Well I felt so good walking up this hill that I could have nearly jogged it. But I honestly didn't want to do that in fear of that crazy person who did think it funny to yell out from their car the last time I attempted this hill to call out and tell me " You need to move faster to get your fat arse moving".  Yes someone did that to me and that had emotional scared me for however long.  I am not sure if it was before having my son or after.

Today I was prepared with an I.pod blasting so I have no idea if I had a cheer squad or not.  I did however want to cheer a couple of older guys that were riding their bikes up this hill.  I was like I am going to do that one day. Hopefully I will achieve that goal soon.

I was really surprised that walking up this hill had my heart rate up around 140 and even 160 at one stage.  That is awesome and I will be doing this walk more often on my "Off Gym days".

So tonight I needed to relax and get this need to eat crap out and over.   I allowed myself two alcohol drinks (that's all I needed) and a large pack of my addiction "Red Rocks Deli rice chips" with 500 Cals for a huge pack - I am glad I burnt 600 calories on my walk today.

78.2kgs

I can so feel 77 come on soon.  Please don't let me down body this week.

Another good day at the gym finally strong enough to get my heart rate pumping over 140. Even had it up to 150+ at one stage and that was on the treadmill.   I had the incline up a fair way still only half of what I would normally do but so so happy to be able to really push myself a little bit.

In my head for some reason I have always had the number 77 so I am really looking forward to kicking 78 good bye.

With a little over 5 weeks to my holiday I had made my goal 75kgs by then but I am now thinking 74kgs.  I know its only 1kgs but I figure that I won't be at the gym everyday and will probably put on a kilo or two while away (really hoping that I will actually come back lighter) but hey I can find a happy medium.

So my next goal is 77, 76, 75, 74kgs.

I can really see that if I keep this up I will be in the 60's by Christmas.   I got down to around 69kgs for my wedding (no I am so not fussed if I get in to my wedding dress). I've had a baby there is no way I am going to fit nicely into it.

So my goal is 68kgs by Christmas (to be reassed at any stage) 65kgs by January 2011.

Back up and walking & 78.8kgs

I am finally walking around without limping.  It appears that I have another problem that has been the cause of all this unstable back, glut and leg problems.  When I run it cause everything to go haywire.  Yesterday I walked into the physio limping and came out walking.  She found a nerve that was pinching up under my armpit and when she worked on it to release it my leg came good.

It is still sore and Im a little scared to push myself just in case but today I did treadmill, bike and 5 mins of the cross trainer.  It hurt a little doing the cross trainer so I just left it at that for today.

Being very very careful of my calories in and weighed in today at 78.8kgs same as this time last week but I am ok with that seeing I have hardly done any hardcore cardio and was very very naughty food wise over the weekend.  So naughty that even I didnt track my calories.

This weeks pre-season challenge over at Michelle Bridges is cleaning out the pantry.