Daisybell's collection of top tips to success.

[jamjar15]

Back on track..

No scales.

Plenty of fluids although could do more if I tried

Stuck to meal plan including snacks. Having soup at lunchtime seemed to do the trick and I wasn't scouting round the kitchen like someone who had been "nil by mouth" for weeks!

Did succumb to a couple of squares of chilli chocolate but it was 75% cocoa and within my syns.

Today:

B'fast: fruit and yogurt
Lunch: Ribollita soup.
Dinner: vegetable stir fry with tofu, yogurt jelly.
Snacks: ryvita, quark and jam, iced coffee, 6 dried apricots, carrot sticks, yogurt and mango chutney dip, grapes.

Must change my exercise routine to get the kettlebell session in before it gets too hot. Missed yesterday as I couldn't face the heat. Did go for a couple of walks but that doesn't make up for it. Have found the "lost" pedometer so that is going on my belt again today. Will use my steps for the day as the benchmark to improve. Was tempted with a Fit Bit but realized it was just a fancy pedometer and probably not worth £80.

So still need to come up with a suitable reward for my three stone. Maybe a small piece of jewellery? Quite like the idea of a charm bracelet and I can then add a charm for every half stone until target. What rewards have you planned for yourself. No chocolate brownies please!!

Off to join my trusty friend, the 8kg bell, in a war of attrition against the belly fat.

Well done on sticking to plan! love the 'nil by mouth' comment!! I'm back on track too and it feels amazing! I'm afraid I can't stay away from my scales and have just weighed even though official weigh in isn't until Saturday...and I'm a lb down
I bought a pedometer a few months ago but it was absolute rubbish, if I looked at it while I was sat eating my lunch at the table it said I was doing about 50 steps! Lol. I suppose if I'd have bought one that wasn't just from the supermarket it might work better!!
I've never had the chocolate with chilli...what's it like??

 

[daisybell18]

Well done on sticking to plan! love the 'nil by mouth' comment!! I'm back on track too and it feels amazing! I'm afraid I can't stay away from my scales and have just weighed even though official weigh in isn't until Saturday...and I'm a lb down
I bought a pedometer a few months ago but it was absolute rubbish, if I looked at it while I was sat eating my lunch at the table it said I was doing about 50 steps! Lol. I suppose if I'd have bought one that wasn't just from the supermarket it might work better!!
I've never had the chocolate with chilli...what's it like??

Stick with the pedometer. The key is improvement so even if it adds steps whilst you are sat down ( mine adds at least ten steps when I go to the loo) add more each day and it will be serving its purpose.

I am a chocoholic! And this has been one of the greatest hardships of my SW journey. I found that I can only manage a few squares of high cocoa chocolate at a time and they say it is good for you too. The chilli with chocolate is divine and unlike the orange or cherry it's isn't sweet so limits my cravings. Lindt do a 99% cocoa which is amazing. One square melted on the tongue gives me the hit I need. I also like to melt one square in a mug of skimmed milk for a hot chocolate drink. Do add a sweetener though.

My decision to stay away from the scales is based on the fact it lulls me into a false sense of security and I come crashing down if the weight goes up which it does on a daily basis. I can gain or lose 1 1/2 lbs between one day and another.

 

[daisybell18]

Wednesday lunch time. Have kept to my commitment not to get on the scales and have been carrying ( and drinking) water when I am out. Yesterday I managed to drink more than I have for a long time. Doing the kettlebells helps as I drink 3 glasses in 30 minutes!

Did 10,500 steps yesterday then went out without the pedometer this morning! I have a memory like a sieve!

Have been thinking about what makes me reach for the munchies - still trying to pinpoint why but have come up with a solution! Yesterday I prepared a snack of carrot sticks and cucumber batons to eat with smoked mackerel pâté. Whenever I was grazing I helped myself to a couple and that seemed to work. Will do the same with apple slices and chocolate Philly spread. Have realized that buying high cocoa chocolate doesn't work as once open, I can't rest until its gone. Wish I could find very small bars.

What low cal snacks do you eat?

Today

B'fast: fruit salad and fat free Greek yogurt
Lunch: salad, smoked mackerel pâté, grilled bacon
Dinner: grilled prawns, coconut green beans, carrot and PAK choi.
Snacks: iced coffee, strawberry icecream, ryvita, topfen and jam

Have been buying apricots, cherries and Saturn peaches in bulk as they are so cheap at the moment. Freezing most of them to enjoy in September and October. Will also be buying blueberries as they are half price at Billa. Very good for you, perfect frozen and used to make my fat free icecream.

 

[daisybell18]

Thursday

I am sure I must be burning off calories watching the Olympics - the tension at times is electric! The only problem is that it provides me with yet another excuse to sit on my backside. Today I have the pedometer firmly attached to my waist band and have a target of 10,500 steps to exceed. I also have week 4 kettleworx to do.

Have been distracted the past few days by some changes on the work front. - an exciting new opportunity has presented itself but interestingly it has not led to a blow out . In the past, additional stress was a sure trigger to head for the pantry. Need to ensure I retain the work life balance I have worked so hard to achieve. This means time for my health and well being, something I now realize is one of the most important things in life.

Today

B'fast: fruit salad and yogurt
Lunch: egg and avocado salad
Dinner: Nasi goreng, coconut beans and PAK choi
Snacks: icecream, ryvita, topfen and jam, iced coffee ( have you noticed that I am a creature of habit when it comes to the snacks. Need to add some variety I think)
I also had a small Glass of Grand Marnier by way of celebration last night. Strange choice I know but it screamed out of the cupboard at me.

Tea 4 cups, iced coffee one, water 6 - that's the target.

 

[daisybell18]

Friday

Found another new snack to attack, crisp dried apple rings with no additives of any sort. Absolutely gorgeous and unbelievably there are still some left in the packet. I am flying on Tuesday so will buy some more as my travel snack. Will have to sort some other nibbles - ideas for anything that you can take hand luggage?

Yesterday was the Vienna healthy eating club meeting. - I lost 700g which was respectable. It is a great support forum where we share ideas on what works and what doesn't. Recently we have been focusing on how to change habits, hence my efforts to increase my fluid intake. I have pledged to make this my priority for four weeks and have succeeded week1.

Today's menu

B'fast: fruit salad and yogurt
Lunch: vegetable soup
Dinner: Mediterranean chicken with aubergine and tomatoes, carrots, cabbage and leek (used skinless thighs for added flavor)
Snacks: plum flapjack, iced coffee and apple chips

The plum flapjack was an experiment that has turned out brilliantly, even if I do say so myself. Layer halved plums in a small baking tin, sprinkle 4oz of porridge oats on top, another layer of plums then a further 4 oz of porridge oats. Bake in the oven for one and half hours at 140C. When it comes out of the oven, mash the plums and oats together with the back of a spoon to combine and compress them. Put in the fridge overnight and next morning you have a wonderful healthy snack. (12 squares) Not sure how many syns per square but can't be many. I will work it out for tomorrow.

Target 10,000 steps on the pedometer today.

 

[jamjar15]

Sounds like you're doing really well!!
How many syns are in the dried apple ring things??

 

[daisybell18]

Sounds like you're doing really well!!
How many syns are in the dried apple ring things??

Sorry but I have no idea. I do SW at home and gave up on the online version months ago. With syns I work on the basis that I don't use that many of them so a few extra here and there won't hurt. If you find out, do let me know.

 

[daisybell18]

Big challenge for me today as I am travelling to the UK. Being at airports and on trains seems to bring out the worst in me. I have done all I can to prepare - smoked salmon sandwich for breakfast with a packet of cherry tomatoes, lunch will be whatever sald I can buy en route and my Mum has bought food in for this evenings meal. She knows what I can and can't eat. Bought myself a very small chocolate bar for a treat and have six dried apricots and a couple of almonds for a snack. All set!

Have my laptop with me so will be able to play Kettlercise DVD.

 

[jamjar15]

Have a safe journey, how long are you over here for???

 

[daisybell18]

Hooray, I'm back. I need the discipline of a daily diary to keep me on track. Still hovering above the 12 st mark so I have to keep reminding myself that I have already lost 3 stone so that I don't get disheartened.

Need to find some inspiration to take me below 12.

Today's menu

B'fast. Fruit salad and fat free coconut Greek yogurt

Lunch - boiled rice, mediterranean vegetables, spicy minced beef, cauliflower and green beans
Fruit salad for dessert

Dinner - bowl all bran (large)

Snacks -banana , Philly cheese, 3 crispbreads, one handful of salted peanuts ( naughty but nice) 6 small water biscuits

 

[jamjar15]

If you find any inspiration can you send some my way too please

 

[daisybell18]

If you find any inspiration can you send some my way too please

Sorry to say that I have had an inspiration bypass! Currently working with the Sunday weighers group to get myself into gear. Still hovering at 12 st 1 lb. how about you?

 

[jamjar15]

Sorry to say that I have had an inspiration bypass! Currently working with the Sunday weighers group to get myself into gear. Still hovering at 12 st 1 lb. how about you?

Been in France on holiday for just over a week, got back last night so going to see what the damage is this morning on the scales. Had a few bad weeks before we went but pleased to say I was back down to 12.3 the day we left. I've had all sorts on holiday though so there's a definitely a gain due, probably a big one too. Back on it though tomorrow once all the running round today has been done...washing, food shopping, picking up the dog etc....will let you know how much I've put on. I'd love to be at least 12.3 again by the time I go back to work in sept

 

[daisybell18]

Been in France on holiday for just over a week, got back last night so going to see what the damage is this morning on the scales. Had a few bad weeks before we went but pleased to say I was back down to 12.3 the day we left. I've had all sorts on holiday though so there's a definitely a gain due, probably a big one too. Back on it though tomorrow once all the running round today has been done...washing, food shopping, picking up the dog etc....will let you know how much I've put on. I'd love to be at least 12.3 again by the time I go back to work in sept

Hope you had a great time in France. Whereabouts?

I too have just returned from an extended break to the UK. Didn't do too badly as I lost 2lbs rather than gained but 1/2 lb a week is a bit pathetic. I haven't seen you around much lately - must inhabit different groups to me. Do you have a diary? How close to 12 stone are you now?

As predicted, once I hit the 12 stone I have been able to get a couple of pounds off again. Strange how the stone milestone creates a mind block. I was exactly the same at 13 and 14. Won't mind saying this at 11 though!!

I met with my slimming support group yesterday and have pledged to get back to meal planning as this helps me to stay focused. I also intend to get back to swinging the kettlebell (session planned today) 1 kg loss projected for next Thursday. Let's see.

 

[daisybell18]

Menu plan today

B'fast: scrambled egg and grilled tomatoes
lunch: figs wrapped in ham, large green salad. Fruit salad and fat free Greek yogurt
Dinner: leek lasagne as per hairy biker recipe, mixed salad. Homemade raspberry
Snacks: 2 crispbreads with Philly light and jam, cherry tomatoes, iced coffee.

 

[jamjar15]

Losing 2lbs whilst being away is fantastic!!!! well done you!!
I sadly did not stick to plan when we returned from holiday so I'm back up to 12.7 boo hoo!! 5lbs away from losing 3 stone now! Started back on plan properly yesterday and I'm really enjoying it
We stayed a few miles below Bayeux in Normandy, it was gorgeous there. France was in the middle of a heat wave while we were there, 34 degrees!!!
Have a great day!

 

[daisybell18]

Losing 2lbs whilst being away is fantastic!!!! well done you!!
I sadly did not stick to plan when we returned from holiday so I'm back up to 12.7 boo hoo!! 5lbs away from losing 3 stone now! Started back on plan properly yesterday and I'm really enjoying it
We stayed a few miles below Bayeux in Normandy, it was gorgeous there. France was in the middle of a heat wave while we were there, 34 degrees!!!
Have a great day!

In a couple of weeks you'll be back to where you were. Glad you are enjoying being back on plan. I have stuck to my menu all day and am craving something sweet. Perhaps I'll do myself a cup of Options chocolate - one of the few things I like to bring back with me. Find the rest of the time I eat less processed food. The Austrians aren't into ready meals so I have to cook from scratch. Gives me more control and pleasure cos I love cooking.

 

[jamjar15]

Well done for sticking to your menu! I have a few syns left so might make myself a hot choccie and take it up to bed with me

 

[daisybell18]

Not been posting on here as much as I should. It helps to make me accountable for my losses.

It was the big wedding at the weekend. Friends got married in an Austrian castle - very romantic and the dress code was jeans and white top. This was part of my motivation to lose weight in January. Got down below my target 12 st and wore size 14 jeans. Result. It felt brilliant.

Business as usual now and I have set my next target as 11 stone for Christmas. I plan to wear a little black dress for Christmas Day. This isn't symbolic, just gives me something visual to aim for. I find this helps. I can imagine what I will look like.

My weekly slimming group helps keep me on track but we are not the most committed bunch. I am trying some new tactics. First is the number of good days between now and Christmas. So far I have done 2 out of 4. Could do better! Today will be a good day. Next is menu planning ( not new but very effective) I am going to add a review that logs what I did eat compared to what I planned. This way I can see where I am going wrong. - not that I don't know most of the time.

Menu
B'fast: fruit salad & yogurt
Lunch: Vegetable Ribollita soup. Fig x 2
Dinner: Bean curd, soba noodles and mixed steamed veg. Sugar free jelly with raspberries
Snacks: Crispbreads,philly light and jam (2 syns) Banana, iced coffee. Carrot with mango dip ( 2 syns)

Will be doing kettlebells today as well as wearing pedometer. Did 11,400 steps on Monday, then forgot to put it on yesterday. Must have done a fair few as I went walking in the Wiener Wald looking for mushrooms.

 

[daisybell18]

Yippee! 2 1/4 lbs off for me today which makes me 11 7 1/4. Buddying up has made a big difference yet again so thank you M Louise H and Jenna88. Good luck M Louise H and I hope you enjoyed last night Jenna.

Six weeks until Christmas when I am hoping to be 11 stone, so 1 1/4lb per week until then. I have some tough times ahead as this includes two business trips to the UK which I find particularly difficult for some reason. Will keep "reporting in" on Minimins this time to keep me on track. In the meantime I have my four stone target to achieve at 11 2 1/2. I aim to be at that weight in four weeks at the latest.

I haven't been following my own advice yet again on a couple of fronts and it's just plain stupid as I know it helps me. First, posting my meal plans on here makes me shop and cook better and it also acts as a check at the end of the day to see where I have gone over. The second is not getting on the scales. I am nowhere near as bad as I was but yesterday I weighed myself "just to check" I was doing alright. Weighed in at 11 6.5 stone. All day the little voice in my ear kept telling me it was OK to eat a piece of bread and the extra sliver(or two) of Apfel strudel. Hence the 0.75 increase today! When will I learn.

All in all though I have to admit to being very pleased with my overall progress. Since Jan 9th last year I have lost almost 4stone! Can't believe how the time has flown!

Onwards and downwards!