The Power of 10%

When I started my Weight Watchers journey, my 10% goal symbolised a weight, I thought I'd never be again. Undeterred, I thought I'd try anyway. And that brings me today.

I'm 10% lighter and feeling of top of the world!

Not only did I believe that I couldn't reach this goal, when I dared to envisage the possibility, I thought it would take years and not a mere 14 weeks. In fact that has been one of my biggest lessons from Weight Watchers (besides nothing tastes as good as thin feels!) - how quickly you see the difference as well as how a little weight lost can make a big difference in how you feel and how others see you. For the last few years, losing weight has felt like "mission impossible" but I realised it wasn't my mindset that was at fault, I just wasn't properly equipped.

So today I see the fruits of my hard work using the right tools at my disposal. If 10% wasn't enough to put a spring in my step, it was also measurement time. (Cue dramatic music) and in four weeks, I've lost 12cms (in total) off my measurements. No wonder my smaller sized jeans are feeling baggier!

So today I celebrate - not with cream buns and a lie-in - instead I'm off out to seize the day and whatever comes my way!

Weight-loss Wonder-tips!

Since I started my Weight Watchers wonder-journey, I have been reading any (genuine) weight-loss-tips out there for motivation and encouragement. I’m *not* talking about those tips that promise you instant results but little nuggets of positivity that can help you achieve your goal.

The latest discovery was 101 Weight-Loss Tips from http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk

I’ve taken those that resonated with me and have added my own thoughts to them as well!

For those who want to lose weight, here goes:

1. Blueberries

GoodtoKnow: You probably already know blueberries are an excellent super-food to snack on, but scientists now say they can also slash the fat cells in the body by up to 73%. The clever little purple fruits are said to change the way our bodies process fat and sugar, helping us to lose inches from our waistline.

Me: Woah! Slash fat by 73%! Shut up! I am a fan of the purple nugget of yumminess and since starting Weight Watchers, have had some blueberries every day – but only because they are delicious and zero-points! Who knew they were the secret-super-food?!

Besides blueberries, grapes and raspberries have saved my bacon (so to speak) since I started my WW journey. Zero-pointed, delicious and filling – the perfect diet snack. I don’t think I would have made it here without them.

2. Stop and think

GoodtoKnow: I rate how hungry I feel on a scale of one to 10. One means I wasn't hungry at all, five means moderately hungry, 10 means ravenous. I have to be at least six on the scale before having something to eat. Anything lower is just being greedy!

Me: I knew, in that vague sort-of-way, that I ate when I was bored or stressed but since I started monitoring what I ate (see point 3), I can clearly see triggers (moods and situations) as well as those moments when out-of-habit, I go to the ‘fridge. I thought this would be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome but I am still shell-shocked how easy it has been. I found myself standing in front of the ‘fridge on Sunday afternoon about to eat something (why, I had the points spare after all) but when I realised I wasn’t actually hungry, I simply turned away. Now that is progress my friends!

3. Keep a diary

GoodtoKnow: I decided to keep a food diary, when I found I wasn't losing weight as fast as I'd like. It forced me to be honest. And yes, eating in the dark does count! I also identified my danger points, like the post-lunch energy dip at 4pm. That way, I could make sure that I'd be distracted by something else.

Me: Isn’t it annoying when one of those tips you read in every magazine, newspaper and feature actually works. Yup, this is one of those. Of course my “food diary” takes the form of the Weight Watchers app on my iTouch and it has helped me identify those moments when I eat more and “dips” throughout the day. But I think it does more than that – for me, it has helped me realise WHY I eat certain things at certain times. It has shown me the emotional side to my eating and that has been invaluable.

4. Once a week

GoodtoKnow: Weigh yourself once a week only. Make sure you do it at the same time of day. If you keep jumping on and off the scales you may get disheartened as your weight will go up and down with water retention.

Me: I am a big believer in this tip – once a week absolutely. There are two further tips I’d give in relation to this:

1. Get digital scales. People, this for me is a must! Some weeks I have lost half a kilogram / half a pound (whatever “money” you use) and my old scales wouldn’t have reflected this and knowing me and my need for visible results, I know I would have been discouraged and disheartened.

2. If possible, choose Saturday or Sunday as your weigh-in day. Sunday is my weigh-in day and was dictated by the day I signed up for Weight Watchers but it has been a Godsend. Sunday is MY day. My only chance to stay at home, do chores, chill out … and previously it was also a chance to pig out (popcorn for movies, eating from boredom etc etc). Knowing Sunday is my weigh-in day keeps me motivated and on-track on Saturday. Not only this but when I see the results on Sunday, it motivates me to keep up the momentum for the rest of the day. Win-win!

5. Minty treat

GoodtoKnow: Don't chew gum when you're hungry, it stimulates your stomach. Have a low-cal mint instead.

Me: Amen! You’re preaching to the choir. With WW minty delights at 2 points for a box full, you’re laughing!

6. Be bold!

GoodtoKnow: Don't be scared to try different foods, sometimes it's the only way to change your diet. I thought I didn't like salads, until I tried mixing in nuts, raisins and little chunks of cheese, and all the other things I really liked.

Me: Somewhere along the way, I not only lost my way with my weight but I lost some of my adventurous spirit and with the weight loss, this too is coming back (as is my joie de vivre). During this adventure food-fest, the results have only been positive. It’s worth the risk!

7. Enjoy your bed

GoodtoKnow: Not getting enough sleep has been shown to increase levels of the major hunger messenger (NPY) in the brain. This promotes food cravings and the desire to snack.

Me: “The amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more” - Wilson Mizener

I am a big believer in the power of sleep and not only to starve off hunger pangs. I believe it’s a time when the body and mind rejuvenates and heals itself ~ a time for the batteries to be recharged. I believe it eliminates stress and illness and boosts an ability to be productive, positive and see the best in the world. Finally, I also believe it’s a chance for the mind to work through any issues, worries and fears and bring us out on the other side.

8. Relax

GoodtoKnow: Research shows that stress triggers a hormone that increases our appetite and deposits fat around the organs in our stomach.

Me: Despite being a fan of sleep, I am a new convert to relaxation. I’m one of those people – eldest child, organizer, do-gooder, always-on-the-go and used to view relaxation with loathing and disgust. It just felt …lazy. Well here I am embracing the lazy beast within. Our society, personal lives and work all encourage us to do more, squeeze more out of each day and each moment. What happened to smelling the roses? It worries me seeing this pattern imprinted on our kids with 3,001 extra curricular activities to squeeze into each week. My new mantra – do one thing and do it well. Multi-tasking is a skill and can be handy but for me, I’m learning to slow down, even a little bit, and take enjoyment from life. It doesn’t have to be all work, uber-productive and always at full speed!

9. Set a date

GoodtoKnow: Having a holiday, wedding or special event to look forward to will help motivate you to achieve your goals.

Me: This ties in with another weight-loss-winning-belief for me which is “do it for yourself”. Don’t try this to please parents, family, children, partners, spouses or friends. Start the journey because there’s something in you saying you deserve better than the weight you’re at.

For me, my “date” is a Florida holiday in September. Lord knows there won’t be a bikini in sight but to have fun in the sun with friends and family then look back on the photos only to smile, there’s the best reward!

Wishing you the best with your journey!

Week Seven

Woop Woop!!! You know good news is bound to follow when you start with that! It's weigh-in Sunday and the news is great! This week I've lost 0.7kgs (or 1.5lbs for those using "old money". Woop woop!! Bringing the weight-loss total so far 6.9kgs (or 15.2lbs).

This Sunday was also time to check on my measurements and see how I was doing there and the news again, was GREAT! A total of 12cms off all my measurements (bust, waist and hips) including a whopping 6cms off my waist!

I promise I don't want to be all cliche-y but Weightwatchers has really been life-changing for me and this diet so far, is really a journey. I feel really empowered and positive and today's results just spur me on!

Weight Watchers Weigh-In Wundernews

It's official..... I've lost a stone on Weight Watchers in six weeks.

[Pause for applause]

(Even I want to roll my eyes when I say.....) it has been a bit of a "journey" to use a cliche! Yet it really has been. It has been difficult and wonderful and it has changed me.

Despite attacking diets with gusto and enthusiasm in the past, I've never really seen results so this experience has left me feeling proud of myself and the results I am seeing and has spurred me on to keep going and reaching my goal. For the first time, I believe I can do this.

My family, it needs to be said, have been AMAZING and have cheered me on every step of the way!

Yeah me!

My Weight Watchers Journey So Far!

It's been there a while. That lurking, lingering thought that I'm uncomfortable with my weight. Yet for some inexplicable reason on 27th February this year, I decided to *do* something about it.

My goal? To shed those pounds before my Florida Wunderhol in September. As it slowly dawned on me that I really was going to tackle my weight (or die trying), I realised that this was the first time I was doing it for myself which in itself, gives me extra fighting power. This wasn't for family, friends or a loved one. I wanted this for me. (Yeah me!)

Although I am gripped by reading what torture the stars will put themselves through for a Size 0, I knew I didn't want to do some wacky craze diet. My colleague started Weight Watchers at the beginning of the year and was finding it do-able as well as enjoying the results so I thought this would be my method too!

The Journey So Far (in kgs lost)
Week One -2kgs
Week Two -2kgs
Week Three -0.6kgs
Week Four -0.6kgs
Week Five -0.5kgs
In total? 5.7kgs. High five right here please!

Not only can I see the results in the kgs that are being lost but my clothes are baggier and so many friends and even people in my Line Dancing class have noticed. In five weeks! Talk about motivation to keep on the Weight Watchers Wagon!

Being the food hound that I am (hence the reason I am in this predicament), I expected Weight Watchers to be HARD. To feel deprived and to suffer through each day (which shows my resolve to lose the weight!)

Although it hasn't been easy per se, it has definitely not been difficult. There are two secret weapons in my arsenal. Grapes and my colleague although not necessarily in that order. Having someone in the same office also on Weight Watchers helps when buns or chocolate are brought into work. She's also a wealth of knowledge on ProPoints and tips and as she attends meetings and I am subcribed online, we can share resources. It has been a win-win for me.

Grapes? Grapes are nuggets of zero-pointed yumminess that have saved my bacon! Weight Watchers has helped me see all the times I ate because I was bored or how I often rewarded myself with food. Still there are moments between meals when I am peckish and my little tubs of grapes and raspberries see off those hunger pangs as well as give me lovely vitamins and minerals.

What's more I've also started rewarding myself when I do lose weight with non-food related goodies although last week's Lawn Mower may have been slightly excessive!!!

Each day I am on Weight Watchers, I find it empowering and I love the results I am getting. I can't wait to be a shadow of my former self. The journey continues!