Or Apologies, "But"s and Challenges...
Where in hecky thump was I? Well, gentle reader, I've been here but not here. You know I've said before how life gets in the way, well it really has the past few weeks. So I'm sorry for disappearing without trace, I just haven't been able to spend enough mental or physical time on the diet, the exercise, or the blog.
My "but"s and excuses? Well I don't have any, but I do have explanations. I and a group of friends have been working ridiculously hard on a charity sale for SANDS, a charity very close to my heart. The sale activity and stress ramped up until last Saturday, when I'm pleased to say everything went off without a hitch and we raised a massive £1,200 for charity! Yahoo! But organising all of that (which for the past 3 months has taken up up to 3 hours of every day, for most of us) meant that the bit of free time I did have couldn't be spent on exercise, so the Shredding had to be held off.
I must say, I was enjoying the shredding, so I'm glad to be able to start picking it up again now I'm back. So onto my Challenges...
Challenge 1: Resume the diet and exercise plan as of November 1
November 1 is the start of a new month, and the start of a new week. What better time to start again? Plus it still gives me time to fit in 30 shreds (at 4 shreds min a week) before Christmas... a present to myself.
Challenge 2: Prioritise better around child nap-times
Shredding when you have a tiny person at home is more difficult than it sounds. Yes, he naps, but he does so erratically, and a 30 min shred actually takes nearer 50 mins when you factor getting ready and showering afterwards. Add to that, the best way I have found of doing everything I need to is to have 2 showers a day on a shredding day, especially if not shredding till the afternoon - which is a bit of a waste of water but much better for my personal environment!
Challenge 3: Pull on the Alli-boots again
I've actually been pretty good diet-wise this whole time, though I've been so tired and stressed that both butter and cheese have been seen in my vicinity recently. I *think* I've put on about half a pound since the last weigh in, which isn't awful, but hopefully it'll come off again soon with a dedicated diet and exercise mindset.
How have you been doing? My Shred-Head friends are quiet lately. My Photo friends have reported missing mojo. Is October just a month of gloom? Tell me...
If you, like me, have found yourself with gravel burns while the wagon you rode in on trundles off merrily into the distance without you, perhaps you'd like to stick out a thumb and hitch a new ride...
Anyway, see you again on Monday, for the new month weigh in and the first day of Shredding Part 2...
Thursday 28 October 2010
Monday 11 October 2010
Day 5 - Hobnobs and the Plank
So, I reacted to my weight gain in time honoured fashion. I broke out the Hobnobs (it was my husband's fault they were there at all).
Did you know they are 5g fat each? Gah.
Once I had binged, it was time for scourging and self-flagellation. Being plum out of Catholic guilt and knotted rope I opted for the next best thing, Level 2 Shredding.
Do you know, it wasn't awful. Yes, I modified like hell (double jump skipping, anyone?!) but Jillian's new move, the plank is actually doable. I quite enjoyed the plank and jumps (can't remember the name!), though enjoyed is probably the wrong word. Endured maybe...
Rest day tomorrow then back on Weds. I think I'll try level 2 again, but watch this space...
In other news:
Turkey bacon. Just do it.
Did you know they are 5g fat each? Gah.
Once I had binged, it was time for scourging and self-flagellation. Being plum out of Catholic guilt and knotted rope I opted for the next best thing, Level 2 Shredding.
Do you know, it wasn't awful. Yes, I modified like hell (double jump skipping, anyone?!) but Jillian's new move, the plank is actually doable. I quite enjoyed the plank and jumps (can't remember the name!), though enjoyed is probably the wrong word. Endured maybe...
Rest day tomorrow then back on Weds. I think I'll try level 2 again, but watch this space...
In other news:
Turkey bacon. Just do it.
Not Impressed
So four days of shredding while continuing my low fat diet has left me...
...almost half a pound heavier.
By the way, muscle doesn't weigh more than fat, so let's put that one to bed right now. However muscle is denser, so there's less of it, pound to pound, hence you can look and feel leaner but stay the same weight. I do feel leaner, but ultimately it's the scales who rule, so so far, not impressed.
Onwards. Only another 26 days' shredding to do...
Weekly weigh in:
10st 2.4lb
...almost half a pound heavier.
By the way, muscle doesn't weigh more than fat, so let's put that one to bed right now. However muscle is denser, so there's less of it, pound to pound, hence you can look and feel leaner but stay the same weight. I do feel leaner, but ultimately it's the scales who rule, so so far, not impressed.
Onwards. Only another 26 days' shredding to do...
Weekly weigh in:
10st 2.4lb
Sunday 10 October 2010
Rest Day
Well, even the greatest have a day off...
It was unplanned, but by the time we'd got our Sunday family gubbins finished, I really could not be faffed at an evening Shred.
Weigh in tomorrow, then back on the horse!
Try it yourself:
Tesco Light Choices Chicken & Broccoli Pie. Very nice, and perfect for a Sunday dinner if you need an alternative.
It was unplanned, but by the time we'd got our Sunday family gubbins finished, I really could not be faffed at an evening Shred.
Weigh in tomorrow, then back on the horse!
Try it yourself:
Tesco Light Choices Chicken & Broccoli Pie. Very nice, and perfect for a Sunday dinner if you need an alternative.
Saturday 9 October 2010
Day 4 - Disaster...
It is getting easier. I had been assured by friends that after day 3 things would start to feel easier and actually they have done. I wasn't even sure I would be exercising today as I felt so strained last night, but I was actually fine this morning (God bless memory foam).
I found I was able to follow the whole of level 1 without any adjustment except the second lot of skipping in circuit 1, and a slightly-less-adjusted position in the sit ups.
Today I also found when I was carrying my 2st daughter she felt light as a feather - hopefully this means something is improving somewhere?
The disaster? Well at the end of circuit 1 I heard my husband's key in the front door. Husband and children had been banished from the house this afternoon while I exercised, but just 8 minutes in, my eldest had fallen and cut her hands. Cue abandonment of the DVD while I helped him to calm her and soothe her cuts, before resuming the DVD when she was settled with Daddy and a story upstairs.
Do you like to exercise with others around you? I'm still way too self-conscious, plus my 3yo would be annoyingly distracting...
"Mummy, why are you doing that?"
"Mummy, watch me, I can do a jump [falls over]"
"Mummy, why does your belly jump up and down when you run?"
Sob.
That does mean that if I'm to undertake this DVD 6 times a week (Tuesdays having already been declared impossible) I'm going to need the co-operation of my lovely husband. Thanks darling!
In other news:
Today I exercised in the afternoon, when it fit in best with the family plans. previously I've exercised in the morning. Looking on the net I have found articles that say first thing is best, others that say the afternoon and evening matches your muscular peak. What works for you? Comments welcome below!
I found I was able to follow the whole of level 1 without any adjustment except the second lot of skipping in circuit 1, and a slightly-less-adjusted position in the sit ups.
Today I also found when I was carrying my 2st daughter she felt light as a feather - hopefully this means something is improving somewhere?
The disaster? Well at the end of circuit 1 I heard my husband's key in the front door. Husband and children had been banished from the house this afternoon while I exercised, but just 8 minutes in, my eldest had fallen and cut her hands. Cue abandonment of the DVD while I helped him to calm her and soothe her cuts, before resuming the DVD when she was settled with Daddy and a story upstairs.
Do you like to exercise with others around you? I'm still way too self-conscious, plus my 3yo would be annoyingly distracting...
"Mummy, why are you doing that?"
"Mummy, watch me, I can do a jump [falls over]
"Mummy, why does your belly jump up and down when you run?"
Sob.
That does mean that if I'm to undertake this DVD 6 times a week (Tuesdays having already been declared impossible) I'm going to need the co-operation of my lovely husband. Thanks darling!
In other news:
Today I exercised in the afternoon, when it fit in best with the family plans. previously I've exercised in the morning. Looking on the net I have found articles that say first thing is best, others that say the afternoon and evening matches your muscular peak. What works for you? Comments welcome below!
Friday 8 October 2010
Day 3 - Exclusive!
Natalie in Cheating Scandal!
While shredding today I noticed in circuit 2, Natalie stops for two reps of the static lunges with bicep curls, and just curls her biceps...
Disgusting!
(On the good side, that means I wasn't watching Anita all the time!)
Today I only undertook circuits 1 and 2, as my husband, who was assuming sole childcare, had an appointment with my eldest for swimming. I was still hot and glowing though, so much so that my friends remarked on it when I met them later!
I got some lovely compliments - it looks like my diet and now the exercise have helped lift some of the heaviness from my face at least, even though I could not be bothered to wear anything flattering or do my hair yesterday. What a boost!
In other news:
In the evening I stretched and strained whilst filling 40 goody bags full of gifts for the upcoming sale I'm helping to organise. That was very hard work for 2 hours! Thankfully my husband helped, but both of us went to bed with sore backs and necks.
While shredding today I noticed in circuit 2, Natalie stops for two reps of the static lunges with bicep curls, and just curls her biceps...
Disgusting!
(On the good side, that means I wasn't watching Anita all the time!)
Today I only undertook circuits 1 and 2, as my husband, who was assuming sole childcare, had an appointment with my eldest for swimming. I was still hot and glowing though, so much so that my friends remarked on it when I met them later!
I got some lovely compliments - it looks like my diet and now the exercise have helped lift some of the heaviness from my face at least, even though I could not be bothered to wear anything flattering or do my hair yesterday. What a boost!
In other news:
In the evening I stretched and strained whilst filling 40 goody bags full of gifts for the upcoming sale I'm helping to organise. That was very hard work for 2 hours! Thankfully my husband helped, but both of us went to bed with sore backs and necks.
Thursday 7 October 2010
Day 2 - Two Full Bottles and a Changing Mat
Well, I did it again. Go me! I'm now 1/15 through the programme!
I woke up this morning and I was uncomfortable. Mainly in my left shoulder and in my knees (as expected), but surprisingly not anywhere else, which I attribute to my active day yesterday.
By 8 in the morning, I was was shredding again.
Today I compensated more than yesterday - I found I didn't have the same range of movement as yesterday, firstly through knackeredness and secondly through strain in my shoulder and knees.
It was interesting to do the circuits for a second time though, and I was able to reflect on some of the activities.
Most of the arm activities I find pretty easy, but looking at them again they seem to serve a dual purpose, as a rest between more dynamic sections. In one you need to pull and press the weights ahead of you, and upon looking at it again it seems to be more a distraction to an exercise in maintaining a tightened core and demi-squat than anything. The 'boxing' section seems to be a limbering side-event.
Or maybe I'm not doing them right!
As I said, I compensated a little more today, but it still felt like I had worked. I've been less active today, and as a result I have slight burn in my left shoulder and in my front quads (is that the right term?). I need to find a better cooldown, definitely.
I also need new weights. One of my bottles started to leak mid-circuit...
In other news:
I felt like having a quarterpounder with cheese, so I bloody well had one. I did only have a diet coke though... I'm awaiting diet-related treatment effects lol...
I woke up this morning and I was uncomfortable. Mainly in my left shoulder and in my knees (as expected), but surprisingly not anywhere else, which I attribute to my active day yesterday.
By 8 in the morning, I was was shredding again.
Today I compensated more than yesterday - I found I didn't have the same range of movement as yesterday, firstly through knackeredness and secondly through strain in my shoulder and knees.
It was interesting to do the circuits for a second time though, and I was able to reflect on some of the activities.
Most of the arm activities I find pretty easy, but looking at them again they seem to serve a dual purpose, as a rest between more dynamic sections. In one you need to pull and press the weights ahead of you, and upon looking at it again it seems to be more a distraction to an exercise in maintaining a tightened core and demi-squat than anything. The 'boxing' section seems to be a limbering side-event.
Or maybe I'm not doing them right!
As I said, I compensated a little more today, but it still felt like I had worked. I've been less active today, and as a result I have slight burn in my left shoulder and in my front quads (is that the right term?). I need to find a better cooldown, definitely.
I also need new weights. One of my bottles started to leak mid-circuit...
In other news:
I felt like having a quarterpounder with cheese, so I bloody well had one. I did only have a diet coke though... I'm awaiting diet-related treatment effects lol...
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Day 1 - Shred
Ugh that was horrible.
Today I undertook the DVD for the first time, and it did hurt. I sweated so much I and to go and stand in the rain afterwards. I'm still alive though, so able (just) to type this blog entry...
What can I tell you about the DVD? Well, although it bills itself as a 20-minute-ish workout it actually takes just over 27 mins including warm up and cool down.
Starting with the warmup (jumping jacks are exhausting enough) it runs through three circuits, each of:
* 3 minutes strength
* 2 minutes cardio
* 1 minute abs
The DVD has three levels (I'm on the first, of course), and there are two fairly muscular ladies behind Jillian Michaels, Anita who does the 'easier' movements (snort) and Natalie who does the full booty-in-your face versions. Guess which one I'm following?
The first circuit I found the worst - I don't know whether that was because I was cold to it, or because it is purposely frontloaded to get through the worst earliest, but the cardio (jumping jacks and skipping) exhausted me.
For strength items you need weights. I found that I had car-booted mine in the summer, so instead I filled two old baby bottles to the brim with water. Instead of a gym mat I used my baby changing mat. I am the epitome of a mummy trying to lose her baby weight!
I found the arms items easiest - basically lifts and stretches. I'm guessing though as my youngest weighs just over a stone and my eldest almost twice that I'm used to lugging weights about.
Surprisingly, my stress areas during the workout were my knees. I must compensate for them a lot because by focussing on them it showed me how weak they are.
My hefty muscular thighs lived up to the job of course, though overall I was quite shaky after the circuits finished.
So how did I do? Did I manage to follow everything? Pretty much. Sometimes I couldn't even do Anita's version - the press-ups were a prime example of this - not because of strain on my arms, but on my knees - so I had to modify those further.
The cooldown I thought was poor. To cooldown you need to be able to assume a sitting position my legs simply won't tolerate (straight out in a V in front of you) as I have very tight calf muscles form years of wearing heels. Instead I modified the leg position to a diamond shape and completed the other stretches that way. I am incredibly inflexible though... (all my friends will be nodding in agreement at that statement).
So overall, it wasn't awful. It was hard, not least because my youngest kept tossing and turning in his nap, meaning I'd have to rush to settle him.
For the rest of the day I concentrated on staying loose if possible, mindful of the poor cooldown. So I moved about as much as I could, and as the day was sunny, broke my eldest out of baby-jail for a walk round the park. Bliss. I could do this again...
In other news:
I may be bored of chicken. Hmm. This could present a massive problem for my diet. Other low-calorie sandwich options please!
Today I undertook the DVD for the first time, and it did hurt. I sweated so much I and to go and stand in the rain afterwards. I'm still alive though, so able (just) to type this blog entry...
What can I tell you about the DVD? Well, although it bills itself as a 20-minute-ish workout it actually takes just over 27 mins including warm up and cool down.
Starting with the warmup (jumping jacks are exhausting enough) it runs through three circuits, each of:
* 3 minutes strength
* 2 minutes cardio
* 1 minute abs
The DVD has three levels (I'm on the first, of course), and there are two fairly muscular ladies behind Jillian Michaels, Anita who does the 'easier' movements (snort) and Natalie who does the full booty-in-your face versions. Guess which one I'm following?
The first circuit I found the worst - I don't know whether that was because I was cold to it, or because it is purposely frontloaded to get through the worst earliest, but the cardio (jumping jacks and skipping) exhausted me.
For strength items you need weights. I found that I had car-booted mine in the summer, so instead I filled two old baby bottles to the brim with water. Instead of a gym mat I used my baby changing mat. I am the epitome of a mummy trying to lose her baby weight!
I found the arms items easiest - basically lifts and stretches. I'm guessing though as my youngest weighs just over a stone and my eldest almost twice that I'm used to lugging weights about.
Surprisingly, my stress areas during the workout were my knees. I must compensate for them a lot because by focussing on them it showed me how weak they are.
My hefty muscular thighs lived up to the job of course, though overall I was quite shaky after the circuits finished.
So how did I do? Did I manage to follow everything? Pretty much. Sometimes I couldn't even do Anita's version - the press-ups were a prime example of this - not because of strain on my arms, but on my knees - so I had to modify those further.
The cooldown I thought was poor. To cooldown you need to be able to assume a sitting position my legs simply won't tolerate (straight out in a V in front of you) as I have very tight calf muscles form years of wearing heels. Instead I modified the leg position to a diamond shape and completed the other stretches that way. I am incredibly inflexible though... (all my friends will be nodding in agreement at that statement).
So overall, it wasn't awful. It was hard, not least because my youngest kept tossing and turning in his nap, meaning I'd have to rush to settle him.
For the rest of the day I concentrated on staying loose if possible, mindful of the poor cooldown. So I moved about as much as I could, and as the day was sunny, broke my eldest out of baby-jail for a walk round the park. Bliss. I could do this again...
In other news:
I may be bored of chicken. Hmm. This could present a massive problem for my diet. Other low-calorie sandwich options please!
Day 0 - Shredfail
Nooo... already?!
Poor planning on my part; trying to start an exercise regime on the day you have both children running around is a bad idea. Learn from me...
I did however do a little exercise in the form of slinging my eldest for half an hour round the local farm... am I forgiven?
In other news:
I substituted one of my meals for a Snickers bar... yum... bu yikes at 16g fat!
Poor planning on my part; trying to start an exercise regime on the day you have both children running around is a bad idea. Learn from me...
I did however do a little exercise in the form of slinging my eldest for half an hour round the local farm... am I forgiven?
In other news:
I substituted one of my meals for a Snickers bar... yum... bu yikes at 16g fat!
Monday 4 October 2010
Challenge Two - Let's Shred
Like the new look? (the blog, not the woman over there >)
Okay, Challenge 1 complete, time for the next stage. So as well as maintaining my diet and finishing off my Alli supply, I'm going to introduce exercise.
Which exercise have I chosen? Well, it's a fitness DVD called the 30-day Shred. Popular among my friends, I've decided to try it for these reasons:
* Quick fix - do you know nothing about me?! The promise of results in 30 days sounds fabulous. The DVD does promise 'up to' 20lbs loss but then it also advises a diet plan, plus I'm guessing that's not a guarantee for those of us at the lower end of the fat scale. Still, it promises results of one kind or another, let's try it.
* Support - my friends are at various stages of trying it, so the support is there (I have also had lots of prewarning about pain...)
* Weather - it's rainy out. Let's stay in instead!
* Time - it's a 20min workout, once a day. Surely I can fit that in?
Well, today was all about the preparation. The DVD plopped onto my mat (thanks postie) and I settled down with my 5m old boy to watch it (admittedly, he wasn't as motivated but then he only weighs 14lb. Goodness me, I want to lose his bodyweight and more... gulp).
I think it's important to watch at least the first bits of a fitness DVD before you attempt it, so you understand the context of the whole thing, and also so you have the right equipment.
For this DVD I will need:
* Trainers and leggings
* A mat for floor work
* Some weights or tins of beans/similar
* Gaffer tape for the children
From watching it, it looks doable. There is an 'easier' version of most moves, demonstrated pretty well. I guess the only way to know is to try, so I will start tomorrow.
Wish me luck!
Weigh-in:
A reminder, 10st 2lbs
In other news:
Not a bad food day, though I celebrated with B&J FroYo and a few chocolate fingers... oops.
Try it yourself:
The 30-day Shred. I found it cheapest at Play.com, £5.99 including delivery.
Who's in?
Okay, Challenge 1 complete, time for the next stage. So as well as maintaining my diet and finishing off my Alli supply, I'm going to introduce exercise.
Which exercise have I chosen? Well, it's a fitness DVD called the 30-day Shred. Popular among my friends, I've decided to try it for these reasons:
* Quick fix - do you know nothing about me?! The promise of results in 30 days sounds fabulous. The DVD does promise 'up to' 20lbs loss but then it also advises a diet plan, plus I'm guessing that's not a guarantee for those of us at the lower end of the fat scale. Still, it promises results of one kind or another, let's try it.
* Support - my friends are at various stages of trying it, so the support is there (I have also had lots of prewarning about pain...)
* Weather - it's rainy out. Let's stay in instead!
* Time - it's a 20min workout, once a day. Surely I can fit that in?
Well, today was all about the preparation. The DVD plopped onto my mat (thanks postie) and I settled down with my 5m old boy to watch it (admittedly, he wasn't as motivated but then he only weighs 14lb. Goodness me, I want to lose his bodyweight and more... gulp).
I think it's important to watch at least the first bits of a fitness DVD before you attempt it, so you understand the context of the whole thing, and also so you have the right equipment.
For this DVD I will need:
* Trainers and leggings
* A mat for floor work
* Some weights or tins of beans/similar
* Gaffer tape for the children
From watching it, it looks doable. There is an 'easier' version of most moves, demonstrated pretty well. I guess the only way to know is to try, so I will start tomorrow.
Wish me luck!
Weigh-in:
A reminder, 10st 2lbs
In other news:
Not a bad food day, though I celebrated with B&J FroYo and a few chocolate fingers... oops.
Try it yourself:
The 30-day Shred. I found it cheapest at Play.com, £5.99 including delivery.
Who's in?
Day 43 - Challenge One Complete
Well, an un-customary (is that a word?) morning post for me, to close this chapter of the blog. The weigh in is below and I'm glad to say my feared gain didn't materialise, even if I did basically maintain the loss so far.
As you'll recall I undertook the Alli 6-week challenge, so thought it would be good to summarise the 6 weeks.
Total loss: 7.2lbs
Foods I enjoyed: Extra Light Philadelphia, Shapers Caramel Chocolate Bars, venison sausages
Foods I missed: butter and cheese, though not as much as I'd thought originally
Side effects: some bowel issues when off-diet, headaches at the beginning
Would I recommend the challenge?
I would (obviously Alli is a medicine and therefore can and should only be used under supervision). Taking the tablets has forced me to do exactly what I knew I needed - to re-evaluate the food going into my mouth for quality as well as quantity. If Alli does as it is claimed and increase the loss you manage yourself by 50%, that means I've lost about 2.5lbs due to it, of my total loss, and that's helpful. The psychological breakthrough after years of yo-yo dieting of lasting so long on a diet and passing a magic half-stone marker should not be underestimated.
It hasn't been plain sailing, as you'll know from the blog - mainly down to boredom at times, and adjusting my mental attitude to being placed in situations where no low-fat food was available. But it wasn't a difficult diet - I find exclusion diets suit me better than having to judge what moderation means. Having a big 'no' in my head works well for me. For others that may be unhelpful. For some, the initial cost of the course of tablets is prohibitive, but for those who need it, Orlistat can be prescribed, so pop along to your GP.
But it's not rocket science; reduce the amount of calories you eat (and fats are the largest 'empty' calories you'll find) and you'll give yourself the chance to lose. I don't have any medical conditions which get in the way of this, thankfully, and I am aware that others do, and the equation isn't as simple for them, but for most of us who are otherwise fit and healthy, it's a simple maxim.
How about fat? Well if you want to read more about fat, and how it can affect your body there's an ABC-level guide here.
Recommended daily allowances are useful: Adults should consume no more than 70g of fat (of which no more than 20g saturated). Remember the McDonalds test? Did you know that that's just 4 slices of a Meat Feast deep pan pizza? And remember that if you're eating butter and cheese, they are pretty much gram for gram fat. Not the good stuff, either (Of course if you don't care at all, there is a recipe here for you to try).
What about the role of exercise? As you'll know from my blog I'm not a big exerciser. So the weight loss I have achieved has been pretty much through diet alone. Apart from my 5k amble, I think most of the other exercise was normal incidental movement I would have undertaken anyway.
So what now for me?
Well, I'm going to continue to take Alli for a bit longer, certainly while I have tablets left. After that my BMI will (hopefully) be too low to continue the course, but I should have built a good foundation of loss then. After all, I still have at least a stone to go.
I'm going to try something different though - I'm going to try an exercise programme for the next month, and see what effect that has in conjunction with my new diet. I'm waiting for the DVD to pop through the post (that might give some of you a clue), but now the focus of my blog will be the loss through exercise as well as diet.
Thank you anyway for joining me on my Alli journey over the last 6 weeks. I hope you have enjoyed reading it, and maybe you've found some of the linked info useful too... stick around! The blog will continue, but it will look a bit different from tomorrow... watch this space!
I'm off now to fill out my online questionnaire and maybe win myself a holiday!
Weekly weigh-in:
10st 2.0lbs
(By the way, definitely weigh yourself in the morning! I weighed myself last night to compare and contrast and the difference was over 1.5lbs with this morning, and the only difference was a wee...)
As you'll recall I undertook the Alli 6-week challenge, so thought it would be good to summarise the 6 weeks.
Total loss: 7.2lbs
Foods I enjoyed: Extra Light Philadelphia, Shapers Caramel Chocolate Bars, venison sausages
Foods I missed: butter and cheese, though not as much as I'd thought originally
Side effects: some bowel issues when off-diet, headaches at the beginning
Would I recommend the challenge?
I would (obviously Alli is a medicine and therefore can and should only be used under supervision). Taking the tablets has forced me to do exactly what I knew I needed - to re-evaluate the food going into my mouth for quality as well as quantity. If Alli does as it is claimed and increase the loss you manage yourself by 50%, that means I've lost about 2.5lbs due to it, of my total loss, and that's helpful. The psychological breakthrough after years of yo-yo dieting of lasting so long on a diet and passing a magic half-stone marker should not be underestimated.
It hasn't been plain sailing, as you'll know from the blog - mainly down to boredom at times, and adjusting my mental attitude to being placed in situations where no low-fat food was available. But it wasn't a difficult diet - I find exclusion diets suit me better than having to judge what moderation means. Having a big 'no' in my head works well for me. For others that may be unhelpful. For some, the initial cost of the course of tablets is prohibitive, but for those who need it, Orlistat can be prescribed, so pop along to your GP.
But it's not rocket science; reduce the amount of calories you eat (and fats are the largest 'empty' calories you'll find) and you'll give yourself the chance to lose. I don't have any medical conditions which get in the way of this, thankfully, and I am aware that others do, and the equation isn't as simple for them, but for most of us who are otherwise fit and healthy, it's a simple maxim.
How about fat? Well if you want to read more about fat, and how it can affect your body there's an ABC-level guide here.
Recommended daily allowances are useful: Adults should consume no more than 70g of fat (of which no more than 20g saturated). Remember the McDonalds test? Did you know that that's just 4 slices of a Meat Feast deep pan pizza? And remember that if you're eating butter and cheese, they are pretty much gram for gram fat. Not the good stuff, either (Of course if you don't care at all, there is a recipe here for you to try).
What about the role of exercise? As you'll know from my blog I'm not a big exerciser. So the weight loss I have achieved has been pretty much through diet alone. Apart from my 5k amble, I think most of the other exercise was normal incidental movement I would have undertaken anyway.
So what now for me?
Well, I'm going to continue to take Alli for a bit longer, certainly while I have tablets left. After that my BMI will (hopefully) be too low to continue the course, but I should have built a good foundation of loss then. After all, I still have at least a stone to go.
I'm going to try something different though - I'm going to try an exercise programme for the next month, and see what effect that has in conjunction with my new diet. I'm waiting for the DVD to pop through the post (that might give some of you a clue), but now the focus of my blog will be the loss through exercise as well as diet.
Thank you anyway for joining me on my Alli journey over the last 6 weeks. I hope you have enjoyed reading it, and maybe you've found some of the linked info useful too... stick around! The blog will continue, but it will look a bit different from tomorrow... watch this space!
I'm off now to fill out my online questionnaire and maybe win myself a holiday!
Weekly weigh-in:
10st 2.0lbs
(By the way, definitely weigh yourself in the morning! I weighed myself last night to compare and contrast and the difference was over 1.5lbs with this morning, and the only difference was a wee...)
Sunday 3 October 2010
Day 40-42 - Yawn...
I'm coming to the end of the 6-week challenge, and final weigh in is tomorrow. I'm sorry to miss a blog at the final hurdle but my eldest's sleep is broken temporarily and as a consequence, mine is also. Sue me.
This weekend has been a little more active, but the food intake has been less predictable.
In has slipped a chip butty, a roast dinner, some bits of pizza, some profiteroles. I guess when I weigh in tomorrow I will see what effect this far more 'relaxed' week has had on my weight, and what conclusions to draw - is this a diet I think I can continue? What have I learned? What will I keep doing, and what will I stop doing?
Tune in tomorrow to find out. I'm expecting a gain, but who knows...
What I ate today:
Mini Shredded Wheat and Milk
1/4 margherita pizza, it less of garlic bread. A strawberry (yum!)
Chicken roast dinner - stuffing balls, pigs in blankets, broccoli, cabbage, sprouts, carrots, peas (I eschewed the potatoes) followed by profiteroles.
Exercise of the day:
The past two nights actually, over which I have totalled about 3 hours of rapid return with my eldest. She gets up, I take her back to bed. She gets up, I take her back to bed. She gets up...
Surprisingly wearing on the back and legs, not to mention the nerves...
Product of the day:
Blogger! Without which I wouldn't be here writing this, and you wouldn't be here reading it!
This weekend has been a little more active, but the food intake has been less predictable.
In has slipped a chip butty, a roast dinner, some bits of pizza, some profiteroles. I guess when I weigh in tomorrow I will see what effect this far more 'relaxed' week has had on my weight, and what conclusions to draw - is this a diet I think I can continue? What have I learned? What will I keep doing, and what will I stop doing?
Tune in tomorrow to find out. I'm expecting a gain, but who knows...
What I ate today:
Mini Shredded Wheat and Milk
1/4 margherita pizza, it less of garlic bread. A strawberry (yum!)
Chicken roast dinner - stuffing balls, pigs in blankets, broccoli, cabbage, sprouts, carrots, peas (I eschewed the potatoes) followed by profiteroles.
Exercise of the day:
The past two nights actually, over which I have totalled about 3 hours of rapid return with my eldest. She gets up, I take her back to bed. She gets up, I take her back to bed. She gets up...
Surprisingly wearing on the back and legs, not to mention the nerves...
Product of the day:
Blogger! Without which I wouldn't be here writing this, and you wouldn't be here reading it!
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