Weight Loss Inspiration

I had my second weigh in today and was a little disappointed with the result as I've only lost 1.5lbs this week. It's a loss though and I can't expect every week to be 4.5! I did have 2 meals out last week (with wine) and a night out with the girls so that can't of helped. I'm attempting a booze free week this week so wish me luck!

I've also done something I didn't think I'd do (and enjoy) - joined the gym! I got the inspiration after reading about my favourite blogger, Selective Potential's, own fantastic weight loss after following Weight Watchers. She lost a total of 35lbs and looks amazing for it. I adore her sense of style and it came from the confidence she got from losing the weight. I'm not looking to lose quite that much but I am looking to expand my wardrobe and try to take more risks with my outfit choices, so I've found Tieka very inspiring. I might even start outfit posting once I think my wardrobe is worthy.

Talking of shopping, I've been lusting after Ruche for the last few days, but as I'm currently unemployed I can't justify making a purchase. Plus, as I'm in the UK, Ruche charges a wacking $25 for shipping... that's £16.30! So incredibly tempted though...

I stepped up the job hunt yesterday and sent out my CV to local agencies. I need to print a bunch off and go around the local bars/restaurants/shops too. I haven't been too motivated if I'm honest as we're due to go travelling soon so I just need to get a job to save money for a couple of months. Therefore, there aren't too many options and I know I'm going to be so bored. Just excuses really though! Ruche is motivating me however, as is the fact that I still want to be able to go out with my friends. CV's and follow up phonecalls is the plan tomorrow!

Hope you're all having a good week so far!

My First Weigh In

I had my first slimming world "weigh in" today amd I've lost 4.5 pounds in one week! (I cheated and weighed myself yesterday and it was 5 but as Wednesday is my official weigh in day I'll stick to the 4.5 lbs) I'm really chuffed and really pleased with the programme so far. I went out for Indian on Friday and it's Thai with the girls tonight! I'm really pleased that I can still have meals out as it's a big part of my social life, but I just have to be more aware of what I'm choosing. For example, I'd normally have a creamy curry like a tikka masala or makhani but I had a Chicken Dhansak which is only 6.5 syns when going for an Indian. And for tonight, I've already looked at the menu and chosen Chicken in Oyster Sauce with Jasmine Rice, and if we're having starters I'll have Mussels. This will keep me at 4.5 syns for my main, and as long as I don't have booze I will have had a guilt free evening out.  

Met the girls from my old work at lunch and had a catch up. We're going out Saturday night which I'll not count the Syns for as it will probably blow my weekly budget! I can't think of anything to wear so will have to raid the wardrobe as I don't have enough time to order something new.

It's my nephew Olly's 1st birthday on Saturday so I bought him this gorgeous fleece jacket. Olly was born with Congenital Heart Defects and he has to have his first operation tomorrow, which means he's going to be in hospital over his birthday. 

Also had a major breakout so panic bought Vichy Anti-Imperfection Concentrate which I'll try out tonight and review tomorrow. I also got this free Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel as part of an offer on at Boots at the moment.

New Years Resolutions

Lose 1 stone 5 lbs
Go travelling
Grow out my hair and learn how to style it
Figure out what I want to do with my career
Decide where I want to "settle down"
Wear more nail varnish
See more of my Nan
Blog more often

Have you got any resolutions and have you managed to stick to them so far?

Back Track

Ok, so in my desperation to lose a few pounds I got it in my head that I was going to do a fad diet! After more thought and research I luckily realised this was a bad choice. The diet is ridiculously hard going and to cut out two whole food groups and not eat any fibre is a bit extreme (to say the least). So I've decided to go down the much more sane route of Slimming World. I've decided to do the programme online as I've been putting it off for ages just because I can't get to the meetings. I was a bit apprehensive about going down the online route but the website is extremely helpful and I've spent the last 2 days going through the 'Syn's' list and thousands of recipes and I've finally just completed the Tesco food shop so from tomorrow I'll have more choice on what I can eat. These past 2 days have been a bit difficult to say the least as I've been trying to eat according to the rules on the rather unhealthy selection we have in the house from last weeks shop.

Overall, I'm feeling really positive. I've already stopped the nightly alcoholic drink and constant picking of the Christmas sweets as the Syn's just aren't worth it. That travelling bikini bod is finally in reach!

Happy New Year!

I've been a bit AWOL this past month but as part of my New Years resolution I've promised to start blogging more. I've also set myself a goal to drink less alcohol and try to lose the 10 pounds I've gained over the last six months!

I've put the huge weight gain down to my current circumstances (and complete lack of willpower!) Before moving back to Cheltenham I worked in a very active job where I was on my feet for most of the day. My boyfriend was working abroad so I often ate by myself in the week, which meant low maintenance meals mainly consisting of vegetables and pasta. Since being in Cheltenham I've been working in an office and living with Jack (who is on expenses) full time in the town centre. This means lots of meals out and the temptation to eat the same as him when we are eating at home. The result has meant a 10 pound weight gain which means I'm now almost as big as I was when I left University which is the heaviest I've ever been! I'm also drinking alcohol on a daily basis which is definitely not helping my figure or health. So basically I've decided to do something I never thought I'd do - yep, I've decided to do a "fad" diet!

I know, I know, they only make you miserable and the weight you've worked so hard to lose only comes straight back on again as soon as you start eating normally. Now, I'm not going to defend it as I'm not starting it until tomorrow so have no idea what its going to be like or what I'm going to achieve but I'm going to give it a go none the less.

So the diet I've decided to try out is the Dukan Diet. It's basically a high protein diet devised by the French Doctor Dukan. I downloaded the book to the Kindle and have been mulling it over for the past 5 days and decided that I'll give it a go. I'm the most motivated I've been in a long while to lose weight as I feel awful so its as good a time as any. I'm also going travelling in a few months and would like to feel more confident to wear a bikini whilst I'm there. Travelling is also going to allow me to be more active and eat sparingly so hopefully the combination of the two will help me get to a healthy weight.

So, tomorrow I start Stage 1 of the Dukan Diet - the Attack Phase. This is the most drastic of the stages and also the time when you lose the most in the shortest period. I'm planning to put myself through this for 5 days... eek. It's the Pure Protein phase and means that I can eat as much protein foods as I like during this period. This includes beef, venison, chicken, shellfish, fish, low fat ham, fat free yoghurts & cottage cheese, eggs and oat bran. Wish me luck!

On another note, I hope you all had a fab Christmas and New Year. I really wasn't feeling at all festive this year and I'm kind of glad its all over (bah humbug!) I got some lovely gifts including an extensive range of Nails Inc varnishes and some knits from Monki (which I had to send back as they were all a bit frumpy and unflattering), as well as a sewing kit and Assassins Creed (geek). I also had a fantastic New Year, thanks to the boy, who took us off to Edinburgh for the new year celebrations. We stayed in a fabulous B&B, Kew House, and went to the Hotnamy Street Party and boogied to Friendly Fires and welcomed in the New Year with a fantastic fireworks display... I really am spoilt! Scotland was fantastic and I really want to go back and visit the rural areas as driving through Scotland was breathtaking - the views really are incredible.

(Forgive the photos - we forgot the camera so had to make do with my Phone!)