Weekend Coffee Share

If we were drinking coffee I’d be offering you a delicious ice coffee instead, with ice and milk and sugar. Because it’s frigging HOT here. Or better yet, how about a refreshing mint julep? Darn it, we’re out of soda.

In my pathetic middle-class desire to leave a smaller carbon footprint on the earth we’ve taken to using refillable soda bottles. Called Soda Stream, it has been available in Australia for what feels like forever. You have this contraption that looks like this:

(copyright SodaStream)

a bunch of spare plastic bottles and a large soda gas canister that fits in the back.

In fact, this is the exact version we have. It’s fun and cheap to use and when the gas canister is empty you can swap-and-go replacement cylinders at your local supermarket. That’s the plan, anyway. I’ll let you know how we get on…*

*much much later…

Huzzah, we found and bought replacement bottles! Fizzy water, welcome back. Is this cheaper than buying 1.25 litres of mineral water for .70c at Aldi? Not sure. What I do know is, we drink one heck of a lot when we have it. We’re probably spending about .50c per bottle, even though it suggests one gas canister will supply up to 60 litres, therefore costing us an imaginary .30c per litre.

IN OTHER NEWS.

I WENT TO THE GYM TODAY AND SWAM A LITTLE. Yes, I really really did. I feel virtuous in all sorts of ways. I’m gearing up to get back into the swing of consistent exercise and slightly less food. When I weighed myself  – at the gym, because I don’t own a set of human scales – I was pleasingly NO heavier than I have been at any time in the last 6 months. I’m just…squidgier. And as we all know, muscle is heavier than fat, so I can actually be heavier than I am now but a lot trimmer looking. And I’m sick of my face looking fat.

The plan is to lose about 2 kilos and assess the difficulty in reaching THAT milestone, then work at losing another 5. I need to get to the gym at least 5 times a week, and curtail my lolly and carbohydrate and alcohol intake. It’s not like I don’t have the time.

In family news, my stepson turned 18 last week. All of a sudden he’s an adult, although we all laughed hysterically when he said he wanted his mummy to drive him to uni for the first day (he doesn’t have a job, a car, or money yet). We celebrated his brithday at a brilliant Pan-Asian restaurant called PawPaw, in Woolloongabba, Brisbane. Food was AMAZING. He drank alcohol in front of us, but he’s no drinker – he’s not interested in getting wasted, even as he jokes about being 18 and drinking. We bought him a wrist watch – a proper one that looks like it came from a Mad Men set. Gorgeous. We’re also buying him a Barista course and an RSA (responsible serving of alcohol) course, so that he can actually work. He’s even talking about moving out of home at the end of the year. Bahahahahahaha. Anyway. It’s good to see him stretching his wings a bit.

In other news, my oldest child is throwing an engagement party for he and his girl, sometime in April. We’re travelling south to share in the day, but every day there’s more bills to pay and more frustrations to be had. We just can’t stretch our funds far enough. Dammit, I need a job.

I think that’s it for the coffee share. Although this should REALLY come under the banner of Monday murmurings.

I hope your weekend was a joy. Ours was lovely.

 

Weekend Coffee Share is hosted by Diana at Part-Time Monster.

 

 

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Sheeeeit. Cain’t git in mah pants no more.

I was doing SO well.

That’s what happens when your long holiday lazy summer turns into permanent lay-a-bed-loucher-lady year.

Truth: haven’t been to the gym since September. Another truth: I’ve been laying about, watching A LOT of Netflix/ Stan. I’ve become very sedentary. More truth: I’ve been enjoying a few too many sticky buns, carbohydrates, sweet things and alcomohol. Still more truth: I actually don’t mind the way I feel physically – I’m not too tired, I’ve got enough energy (I think), and I can still walk the dog. I’m healthy. But dang it. My pants don’t fit anymore. And I’m NOT BUYING ANY MORE CLOTHES.

This is why I must get me back to the gym. Because it’s too expensive if I don’t go. Also, I discovered a double chin and my bras are getting tight. My boobs are my bellwether because they are the first thing to go when I lose weight and the very last thing to grow back when I’ve put weight on everywhere else. They are telling me it’s time. This is me below:

Beached on the side of a mountain. Bellwether Boobs. That’s me.

I just want the weather to cool down: it’s so STEAMY here right now. I’m so sick of sweating even when I’m not moving. Truth be told I hate sweating even when I AM moving. Ugh.

I’m doing it. Come Saturday morning, I’m off to the gym. Just watch me. I can do this. (might need iron supplements and magnesium…and a big kick up the whatoosie.)

*Saturday edit: I never made it to the gym. Sad face.

 

 

In which I explain how I am on my way from A to B (A=misery, B=happiness)

Well, I will walk 500 miles and I will walk 500 more. Sorry. Ear worm. But it’s kind of true.

I am determined not to feel shitful this week. Because crap weekend and all. Exercise makes me feel better. So today is my over-sharing post about exercise, food and that little demon called indulgence.

Now that I have all this free time I’m getting to the gym 3 times per week. I feel fantastic afterwards and not sore anymore. I hate going but my personal trainer (not too expensive, it’s only 30 mins a week) also takes hour-long group HIIT classes, and I like the way she trains. So I’m weighing myself once a week on a Saturday morning (ugh, hideous), and I am slowly beginning to lose the weight again. I’m dropping between 500gms (1 lb) and 900gms (2 lbs) per week which is normal for me. It’s slow, it’s boring, but I’m starting to feel strong again and wanting to push myself a bit more.

As the weather heats up I will add a couple of swim sessions to my week – they seem to help me drop weight quite fast and I never feel sweaty afterwards although I do feel deliciously tired, and the pool is essentially empty between 8.30 – 9.30am. And if I can make it to even one yoga session I will gain flexibility. So I am hoping my week will start to look like this:

Monday: cardio and weights, then swim.

Tuesday: Personal training session, then cardio

Wednesday: cardio and weights, then swim

Thursday: HIIT session

Friday: swim then Yoga?

Saturday: HIIT session

Sunday: are you kidding me?

At the moment cut out Monday and Wednesday and you have a clearer picture of my ACTUAL week. I know I’m wanting to exercise more because on Monday morning my body is telling me to get moving. I have to exercise in the morning because I hate the evening heat. Better get me moving early before I overthink it.

However, despite all my good exercise intentions, my diet is a little horrible. I’ve been trying to reduce my food intake from about 2000 cal to 1500 cal – which is a perfectly reasonable amount of food for someone who is weight training and also trying to reduce a dress size or two. This is not so easy. I’m getting very hangry (angry hungry) while my body adjusts to the new portion sizes and I’m not always able to contain my eaty moments. So last night, for example, I ate a cup of home-made macaroni cheese as well as 2 lamb chops and a salad. Plus 2 glasses of white wine (I know, what was I thinking?) and some licorice bullets. Now, one of the above has to go. I’m thinking I need to reduce my wine intake again. And maybe my licorice bullets. And perhaps the lovely delicious carbs. According to my diet diary I was 222 cals over for the day.

Most days I manage to keep it at 1500-1700 cals, but I might be cheating a bit on portion sizes. ANYWAY. Last week was woeful. I’m struggling to be as disciplined as I was the first time I lost all the weight. I think it’s because my last diet was very restrictive in terms of carbs and sugars. I can do it, but actually my diet needs to be sustainable in the long term. As I’ve mentioned before, I nearly always eat freshly prepared unprocessed food. My worst diet enemy is my DH, who has a sweet tooth and who can eat crap all day long. I need to be able to have dessert from time to time, or eat pasta, or have a glass (or 2) of red wine. But it’s SO hard to LOSE weight without restrictions. Easy enough to MAINTAIN as long as the exercise stays consistent.

So here is my plan to get from A to B, in the form of diet and exercise.

• Let’s start with Sober September. Well, not quite because why? but I’m saying it here: I’m cutting down to 1 glass of wine a night! MAYBE I’ll even have a night off drinking altogether. I know! Amazing!
• I’m reducing my carb intake to 1 meal a day. So if I have my delicious sourdough soy-lin bread in the am, no high GI carbs for the rest of the day. Including (sniffle) pasta.
• I’m reducing my pasta and rice intake again (but I LOVE my pasta)!
• I’m cutting out evil ice-cream dessert. Including chocolate bullets. Even when DH just brings them out and flings the packet all over the couch along with the Rocky Road and the chocolate bars. (EVERY FREAKING NIGHT).
• What shall I add instead? Well, I’ll go back on the nuts and seeds for snack food, and there’s always oranges and apples and bananas and strawberries to enjoy if I need a sweet something.
• I’m gonna do the exercise plan above and not shirk on the Monday and Wednesday.

I’m on my way from A to B. I’m determined.

Determined to get fit!!!!

This post is for all the diet and health nuts out there. I am a very lazy person. I’m sure I’m not the world’s laziest person – that would be hyperbolic and smack of hubris. So for me to get back on the diet and fitness wagon is an effort.

I’m also not a runner – in the hot, humid Brisbane heat I can’t actually run because I get very lightheaded and puffy and look like I’m going to pass out. Heat will do that to people with low blood-pressure. And I’m an ex-smoker. I don’t think my lungs have ever really recovered. I would love to run. It looks self-sufficient, but I hate getting hot, sweaty and panicky. And I really can’t be bothered with the treadmill – I only go on one to get my muscles warm.

So I must find other ways to exercise. I like to swim. I like to lift free weights. I really like yoga. So last week I got back on the wagon, back on the horse, back on the treadmill.

Mondays and Fridays I see a personal trainer (at the moment until I can’t afford it any more), and because on these days I don’t work all day, I can stay there for more punishment. Last Monday I stayed for a Tabata class. Nearly killed me. Tabata is a regime whereby you do a body weight exercise for 20 seconds, have a 10 second rest, then repeat. 7 more times. Then you have a minute’s break and start the next exercise. Exercises can include Burpees, push ups, crunches, hi knees, lunges, squats and other things. You do this for an hour. When I’m fit it’s not too bad. When I’m out of condition, oh boy. Oh, boy oh boy.

Word of warning, if you do 3 x 120kg leg presses followed by weighted squats and lunges with your PT plus other fun stuff, then try and do a Tabata class, make sure you eat breakfast and be prepared to NOT SLEEP for THREE NIGHTS because when you turn over your body is in such pain it WAKES YOU UP.

On the plus side, I got to my next class on Friday and while I was in no condition to push myself too hard, I stayed and did some more weights, treadmill, seated rowing and stairs. It felt good to work my poor aching quads and glutes. OMG.

Food-wise I’m not faring too badly although I’m still a little generous with the carbs and potatoes. As I keep the diet up I’ll reduce my bread, pasta, rice and potato consumption and up my leafy green vegies and quinoa. Anyone who knows me knows I rarely eat junk food – can’t actually eat Micky D’s because the food doesn’t actually taste like food. Same for KFC and other fast food outlets. And I cut out milk from my coffee (except when substituting it for breakfast) and tea long ago. I hardly ever drink soft drink or juice – I actually prefer the taste of sparkling mineral water. My great weakness is sweet things, and/or hot chips. Once I get rid of the desire to eat these things I’ll do a lot better. But NEVER ask me to forgo my Pinot Noir. Even hubby knows not to ask now.

I’m back on MyFitnessPal and my calorie intake is hovering around the 1700 mark – this needs to drop by 200 calories for me to lose weight easily. Problem is, the weight goes straight back on if I ease up on the exercise. I’m not an exercise junkie so I can’t maintain my habits very well. SIGH. But I’m determined to get fit and healthy again – need it to maintain my ageing body!

Bad sporty spice.

I’m referring to me, not the actual sporty spice girl. It has been a rotten week for my weight loss and health regime. Occasionally I get mildly ill with a small cold and I’ve worked out it’s much better if I just stay home and don’t do very much. So I did this. I managed to get through my teaching days this week but geez Louise it has been hard to maintain the rage when feeling under the weather.

I’ve not been to the gym since Saturday last week. I feel weak and schlumpy. On the plus side, I’ve lost 1.5 kilos since I started my regime. Clothes are fitting just that little bit better.

Despite my poor health I’ve religiously maintained my healthy eating habits, eating slightly under 1500 calories (6280 kj) per day. It’s getting easier to remember to bring an apple or nuts to work, or a low-sugar muesli bar. And I’ve only one week to go to the end of Feb Fast. Faint Huzzah me.

I’m looking forward to punching that boxing bag again. And swimming. And dropping those kilos off my person. Here’s a positive thought image for the day, which if bloody WordPress worked properly would sit UNDER my writing where I have tried many times to place it, not OVER it.

 

 

I reached my goal weight for Christmas!

Woah, I’m halfway there, woah, living on a prayer… (and sit ups, and bench presses, and circuit, and boxing classes and no bread or sugar). Down 1.5 kilos since my last weigh-in and now sitting at 67 kilos (148 lbs) overall.

I’ve lost 8 kilos since I started my health regime and I’m feeling really fit and healthy. I’m the sort of person who when they go, they go hard, so this health regime has really been working out for me. I hate raising my heart rate, I have to admit, but I’m finding ways to endure new forms of torture in order to get my healthy body back! Swimming has helped a lot.

This week I’ve been relaxing my diet and exercise regime just a little, because my DH got a great promotion and it’s nearly Christmas, so we have a thousand parties to attend. I drank a glass of champagne last night, and had a piece of fruit cake. The other day I ate 4 pieces of dark chocolate. I’ve been drinking red wine quite regularly. But it’s all working out really well. I’m loving the new (old) me.

Here’s how getting fit and healthy have helped me.

1. I no longer feel like I’m getting frumpy and middle-aged.
2. I fit into size 8 – 10 clothes again.
3. I feel more attractive and youthful.
4. I feel faster and more powerful, both in mind and body.
5. I’m not getting as overheated as I used to during our hot summers.
6. I feel like I’m contributing to a healthier old age, with all the weight work helping avert any age-related osteoporosis.
7. My brain is working better.
8. I’m feeling like working out is not a “reward” for doing my PhD anymore; it’s a necessity to finishing it.
9. I’m being more careful and circumspect about my food choices, and eating less, and more healthily too.
10. I don’t miss sugar or bread at all.

I don’t know how anyone else feels about their weight loss, but I feel that when I lose weight, I go to bed one night and wake up, and there it is, gone. I wake up feeling lighter and thinner than the previous evening. I don’t have any scales, so I can’t weigh myself – I can only go on what clothes fit or don’t fit this week. Anyway, a telling litmus test was that I rummaged around in the cupboard last week, and found a size 12 cotton golf skirt I’d not worn for a couple of years. I tried it on, and it fit beautifully. So I ironed it, wore it and then it went in the wash. Well, I wanted to wear it last night. I ironed it and put it on. It was too big. By far. Now that’s only 1.5 kilos difference. But for some reason yesterday I woke up and just felt: smaller. My thighs felt smaller. My KNEES felt smaller. There’s more definition in my body overall and I can see beyond the back fat now.

I’ve lower than the wedding weight. My BMI is 24.4 and falling. And that’s a great feeling. I’m now at the weight I was 8 years ago when I decided I needed to lose 7 kilos.

60 kilos: here I come!

That terrible limbo between clothes sizes

So, all my size 12 clothes are falling off me now. Maybe not literally. I mean, I have to hold up my pants with a belt and a tug, but hey! They’re mostly still working. Hmm. Yet, I’m not at the point where I’m ready to buy a whole new wardrobe. For one, I can’t afford it. And for two, I’m waiting until my size is at the little end of my weight loss. Which means, for now, all my clothes will have to do until next March.

This is very annoying. All my bras are too big! What does one do with DD cup bras when one has miraculously become a C cup? And my trousers are all looking rather shapeless, as my legs must have been not so long ago. Shirts – well, luckily my t-shirts just look neater. I’m just not showing the rolls of fat I was a month ago. Phew.

But this is actually a serious conundrum. I’ve not really kept any of my “thin” clothes, because I’d decided (about 6 months ago) that I was entering middle-aged frump and so best to get rid of them all. Besides, most of them were winter clothes for another, colder climate, and quite out of date, fashion-wise. They had been well worn, too. Off to the charity bin they went.

But here I am now, slap bang in the middle of my weight loss and health regime kick, 6 kilos down and 9 to go, wondering what to do about my wardrobe! Replacement bras are the most urgent item because without a well fitting bra one’s puppies run a bit wild and free. Escaping out of the backyard, so to speak. But I have quite a few regularly worn cocktail dresses bought in the last 3 years that will soon become too large. Argh.

Maybe I should go to Zara and pick up some cheap and cheerful fashion clothes to last me the summer? Maybe that’s the best idea yet. I mean, I don’t really need an excuse to go shopping, but unfortunately because we’ve decided to build a FENCE and buy a DOG, we need to count the pennies. And a clothes buying expedition just don’t cut it. Except for the bras. The sad thing is, I’d basically stopped buying fashion clothes because they just didn’t work on me, so I found a day “uniform” that I quite like (long capri style pants/jeans and stripy tops) and was content with that. Now, though, I see light at the end of the tunnel and I’m reminded that I disliked my body bits BEFORE the weight gain anyway. Sigh.

Still, planning my new wardrobe (if not the space to hang it in) will be FUN. Eventually.