Weight Loss Journals - petecohen.tv

Well gals and guys I have really missed you over the last month or so. I'm hoping after this post to read your blogs and catch up with how your all doing.
It's seemed an age since I last logged on and for those of you who remember I was a poorly girl. I am not going into great detail otherwise it will probably send you all off the deep end and heading for the biscuits or booze!
Here goes with a short version of events …
The pain I was experiencing just got worse, saw a consultant who thought it was my back (I don't think so), pain continued getting worse, hung on for the ultra sound, all they found were wonderfully healthy bits. At this stage I lost the plot and hubby took me to the docs who sent me straight to hospital. Not a great experience, those doctors and nurses work their socks off but the noise prevents you sleeping and the horrendous food was inedible – hey lost half a stone whilst in there. After 4 days the pain was certainly less and they sent me home, where with lots of rest and good, nutritious food the pain disappeared. Consultant sent me for 2 C T scans; within minutes of being injected I had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock). This was very scary – my throat swelled up, I sneezed like mad, I found breathing difficult, nausea and more horrible pain then I briefly passed out – what joy!! Still I got to spend the next four or so hours tucked up on a wonderfully cosy bedroom with a very nice doctor looking after me. They did manage to get the scans done but not as thoroughly as they wished. Will get the results next Wednesday. I'm hoping the whole pain thing was just a 'blip' and that I'm fine.
So apart from my dear old Mum kicking off in the care home and the police being called, and my dearest Auntie with the barmy hats passing away you are now up to date with my life.
I have a garden party Sunday 30th for over 60 people (I'm celebrating by 60th birthday a few weeks early) and then I'm off to Canada for just over 3 weeks as part of my birthday celebrations.
It was back to the gym this week and playing catch up on the month or so I lost – it is truly great to be back. BUT if this is what being 60 is all about I'm not happy about it at all!!!!!!
If I can say one thing that can encourage you all (and that keeps me going and smiling) is that because I am so fit and strong I do recover quickly.
On a final note there was a delightful young lady I meet whilst in hospital, she had lost 3 stone and still weighed 27. The consultant wouldn't operate on her and wanted her to have a gastric band fitted. Surely life has more to offer than being so overweight so unfit that your life is compromised. Can you guess what she ordered to eat after just seeing dieticians and 2 surgeons – fish and chips!! Her beautiful 4 young children and husband could so easily be missing a mum.
Love to you all and have a great weekend.

Okeydokey - what else can happen then ... I know gall stones!
I may be jumping the gun here (I hope) as I haven't had an ultra sound yet but the doc thinks the pain I've been experiencing may be gall stones. Whilst in York, having a great time with great friends and a fabulous wedding I noticed a twinge in my side/back - thought I had pulled some intercostal muscles but it got worse and worse until on Tuesday rang the docs hence the possible gall stones bit - bugger!!! I mustn't eat cake, biscuits or fish and chips - no loss there then as I rarely do! Apparently this problem can be caused by a high fat diet - what!!
I am going to sign off for a few days because sitting at the PC is very uncomfortable. At the moment lying on my back or left side is the only way I can avoid the pain although the pain killers are kicking in and there is certainly some improvement.
Take care and keep on doing what ever it is you have to do to be slim, fit and healthy and I'll be thinking of you.
Hopefully the next news flash will be a good 'un!

What is going on with my sleep patterns? I was still awake at 4 a.m. this morning - what is that all about?!? Consequently I am cream crackered today. I had a gym session booked that I limped to but in the end really enjoyed although I did yawn a lot! I was then 'tangoed' and my feet look really nice - I've always considered life too short to paint my toe nails but I must admit they do look lovely and summery.
I have eaten well today. My PT suggested I should have more carbs at brekkie and introduce some protein too so this morning I had scarmbled eggs on toast and this did keep me going for a long time unlike the fruit and yogurt I normally have. He suggested that although fruit is good it is sugar (as is fruit juice) and that I should rethink my breakfasts. So his wish is my command especially as I want to get rid of some of the wobbly bits that go to make up my middle aged spread.
I had a nightmare yesterday making a large batch of chocolate squares (similar to millionaires shortbread thingies). The caramel bit didn't set too well and it went everywhere - kitchen floor, work surfaces, oven, sink, fridge and me of course now every thing you touch or walk on is very sticky - yuk! However, I will admit they do taste yummy!! I had to drag hubby off them and now they are safely in the freezer.
Off to Yorkshire tomorow morning. Spending time in York, I want to look for an outfit for my 60th party bash next month, before driving to friends for the night before the wedding BBQ (or not looking at the weather forcast). I've got me big hat and outfit all sorted - it's always a worry I might forget something. When setting off to the hotel for my step daughters wedding a couple of years ago, hubby (who was going to the church with her) casually asked "Got your outfit"? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARG NO!!!
I hope you all have a great weekend.

Over the past few weeks I've just got on with the dodgy eyesight problem, as there is absolutely no point whinging and getting depressed. But I have to say it has been a pain having prescription reading glasses, distance glasses and prescription sunglasses – I never seem to have whatever pair I need with me. Today I have been back to the consultant to find out what my options are - none of which are great. I can have an operation to replace the lens – no thank you as this can be dangerous with serious implications for my eyesight. I can have further laser treatment in the hope they can correct the eyesight enabling me to see clearly in the distance without specs and only needing reading glasses or I can try contact lenses. Considering I had Lasik treatment 10 years ago (and paid loadsa money) not to wear contact lenses it seems I've come full circle. I am going to take the least invasive route and try contact lenses in the hope I can wear them comfortably even after 2 eye operations. I will then wait as long as possible before having the second cataract removed and review my options again. Being so active glasses are a real pain to wear in the gym, on my bike and of course swimming. Fingers crossed for contact lenses working. My eye has still not settled down and I have to take 2 different lots of drops for the next 6 weeks before returning to the consultant.
Onwards and upwards and fingers, eyes and legs crossed that everything works out OK in the end.
My tired day yesterday resulted in a great swim (yes you were right on that one Mandie), eating carefully, not always easy when I'm tired and a great ballroom class in the evening. Disappointingly I didn't sleep as well as I had hoped but enough to feel tons better today.
Tomorrow is my gym session plus treating myself to a pedicure and spray tan. Hope I don't end up looking like the Tango man as I have a wedding to go to this weekend in Yorkshire. Looking at the weather forecast I may be wearing a mac and wellies so no one will see the tan anyway or the painted toenails!
I hope everyone has had a good day – I have enjoyed reading your blogs…you are great team!

How really, really annoying when you just can't sleep which is what happened to me last night consequently very tired and washed out this morning. Taking things slowly in the hope that I eventually manage to rev up and zoom off!
I notice many of you log what you eat for the day so I thought I would do that for a change. Yesterday saw me nosh a breakfast of strawberries, blueberries and Yeo Valley yogurt (lovely stuff and it just tastes wonderful so you don't need too much - give up the low fat stuff girls its yuk). Half a slice of toast (the homemade loaves out of the bread making machine are enormous so half is more than enough) with Yeo Valley butter - again it tastes so yummy I don't want any jam/marmalade etc on. Mid morning snack after spin was a banana and a cup of cappuchino. Lunch feta, olives, tomato, spring onion on a bed of lettuce, cucumber and peppers, a couple of oat biscuits and houmous followed by 3 dried apricots and green tea. And dins was trout fillet with spinach, carrots and broccoli followed by fresh fruit and yogurt - unfortunately this was eaten very late due to hubby not getting in until 8.40 pm. I'm not sure if this would affect me sleeping well as the meal was light but who knows.
Today should see me weight training and ballroom - we never miss ballroom but I'll see how I feel about the gym - perhaps a swim would be better. I have to go to a garden nursery for some hostas so I may go to the gym then and rest this afternoon. The garden is taking up so much of our time these days. we have several projects on the go (which reminds me I said I would finish painting the new fencing panels - bugger forgot about that - put it on the list!) We have worked so hard since we moved in 7 years ago when it was just a jungle but now the hard work is beginning to pay off. I had virtually given up digging and planting due to endless joint problems but now my fitness is such that I can dig and pl;ant for England - so girls take heart if you're fit and strong you can do all sorts of things you would never have dreamed of!
I've been singing Beatle songs since the concert on Saturday and I remembered going to see the original Beatles at the Finsbury Park Astoria in (I think) 1964. My Dad took me to buy the tickets and when we got there hundreds of people were snaking round the building queuing. Luckily Dad was in the Metropolitan Police and he knew the policmen on duty who somehow got us to the front and I managed to get tickets - how excited was I!!
The concert was amazing from the second the Fab Four walked on the stage I didn't hear a single thing as girls screamed through the whole concert not only that they all rushed to the front jumping over the seats and generally going mad. Took me a little while to get the hang of the seat and screaming thing but as I couldn't hear anything I decided I might as well scream along with the rest of them. Oh happy days!!!
Have a great day everyone.

Well I thought I would just spend a few minutes reading your blogs and almost an hour has passed so this will have to be a quick entry as I'm off to spin class soon.
It's been a crazy time - I think the summer months are always so busy with lots going on. Saturday saw us at a huge local outdoor concert - we go every year. This year it was the Bootleg Beatles, The Manfreds (the old Manfred Mann) and a local group called the OG's (Old Gits). There was 18 of us, it was cloudy and threatening rain but hey us Brits just got on with it and set up our picnic and bar tables and had just the best time singing and dancing but best of all being with great friends and laughing. Towards the end of the main act it was pouring with rain but we just sang Hey Jude even louder whilst getting soaked through. The firework finale was brilliant and who cared how wet we were!
We have at last decided on the final itinerary for our Canada trip in September and now all we have to do is look forward to our 3 week trip - can't wait!
I have lost momentum with the program a little but I have many good habits I've learnt through Pete's programme. I certainly can't eat as much as I use to and my training always takes priority over almost everything else. I know when I've over indulged and have to cut back for a few days (this week its alcohol that is being banished until next weekend). I love eating healthily and if for any reason I don't - boy don't I feel yukky after. My one focus this week is to eat slowly - I don't think I'm giving that tool enough attention.
Wishing you all a great day - forcast isn't brilliant and I have lots of gardening to do this afternoon so no rain is allowed!!!

Hi there - at last time to get back on line and catch up. My last blog saw me whizzing down to Wales to see my lovely Aunt. Well she's doing OK, lots of problems you would associate with a 92 year old. After lots of kisses and hugs she said to me "What do you call a blonde policeman"? Wait for it ... "A fair cop". She's feeling better I thought!! However, her daughter (my cousin of 65) is in hospital too having pre cancerous cells removed so nothing is going to be easy for them. However, I did stay overnight with my son and his wife in Bath and we has a great evening together and I got to mooch round Bath the next morning before driving home.
Life seems to be one long catch up - ironing, gardening etc and there always seems so much going on in the summer.
Monday saw the girls on a narrow boat, by kind invitation of one of our friends, for lunch. Her husband did whatever you have to do to drive it as well as looking after us in the champagne department. There was lot to celebrate as one friend has been given the all clear from cancer and finished her treatment whilst the other has recovered from major heart related surgery. We had a great time - it was hot, wet and stormy at different times ending up with the locks beind struck by lightening so we couldn't get home - hey that was fun!! Gallant hubbies came to the rescue and after a 10.30 am start got home about 6 pm - not that's what I call a long lunch.
Food wise things are going OK its the alcohol that seems to be the problem in these wonderful hot summer nights. However, I feel good, still training hard with some great bike rides. Last saturday cycled 9 miles had a lovely lunch of fish, crab and prawns and then cycled the 9 miles back - now that's what I call a great lunch!
Off to the gym for a session with the trainer and then I may try a swim something I haven't done since my cataract op. I have an appointment next week to discuss my eye as I'm not happy with it but I don't think they can do much about it.
Running out of time, I've had a quick look at your blogs but little time to comment so love and hugs to you all.

Oh dear sometimes life does get difficult - my dearest wonderful Auntie of the wonderful age of 92 is really poorly. The one 'elder' I know who has never complained, always got a joke to tell and wears the most amazing hats (I think she thinks she's the Queen Mum) is probably not long for this life. I am therefore off to Wales tomorrow to spend some time with her in hospital in the hope I can tell her some 'risque' jokes to make her laugh. Her lovely daughter (my cousin who is 65) is also unwell and due an op on Monday is really struggling to come to terms life without her Mum.
But hey ho that's what life is about making the most of what we have and not moaning about stuff that really is not important.
Love to you all and enjoy each day as it comes, live your life to the full and learn to love yourself.
Hope I'm not sounding morbid because I'm not - just reflective and the fact I can't find my specs thus can't really see what I'm typing so I hope this isn't too much of a nightmare.
Be happy and goodnight to you all
Luv 'laine xxxx

It has been a difficult day whilst taking my friend for her radiotherapy session and listening to a distraught cousin on the phone sweltering in temperatures of 32 degrees as well as a barmy Mum causing chaos it's a wonder I am still sane. However, I had a bit of fun dressing the duck up on some of Auntie's most outrageous hats and managed to raise a laugh.

Hi bloggers it's great to be back home again after a great week away where I did lots of walking and cycling up hill and down dale in the Peak District. One memorable cycle was 30 miles and we worked out that we must have walked at least 2 miles pushing the bikes up huge hills that seemed to go on forever. You should have heard us old dears (2 x 61 year olds & me) banging on about there was a time when we would could have cycled up these hills, we never would have had to get off our bikes and walk. Well I happen to think it was very probable we would have got off the bikes and we just like to think we could have done it!
Anyway that was the fun positive side - as to how much alcohol and food was consumed is quite a different matter so I shall not dwell on the fact that the cycling shorts felt a bit snug by the end of the week. If I'm honest it's great getting back to 'normal' eating and cutting down on the booze. It reinforces the fact the more alcohol I drink the less likely it is that I will control what I eat – thus the lesson is not to drink too much … not rocket science is it?
I'm determined not to moan about this amazing hot weather, which everyone seems to be doing at the moment. This afternoon has been far too hot to get out in the garden so I have stayed in the cool of the house however, I did a 13 mile bike ride this morning which was just brilliant – took about 30 minutes to stop sweating, I had drunk my 2 litres of water by 12 o'clock.
Day 5 has been about our feathered friends and I have always felt that I don't notice this nasty voice very much but since my return I have listened to a 55 minute rant from Mum, spoken to a social worker for almost an hour, spoken to relations that Mum had totally mislead and spent time with Mum and her husband (in advanced stages of Dementia). And I have really struggled with these imaginary conversations in my head – the things I want to say to Mum, but can't, and explain what she is saying and doing is wrong. At times I think I'm going mad. If at any time I think “oh I shouldn't have eaten that so quickly or I've eaten too much today” I can shut that up instantly and not give it another thought but going over the conversations with Mum is a different matter. I try to keep smiling, listen to some happy music and keep myself occupied and this helps me not get so ANGRY with her and of course all this 'stuff' affects my sleep.
Once again many thanks to all you lovely people who wished me a happy holiday – I certainly did!
Off to read your blogs now and catch up on all your news.

Hello everyone - I'm supposed to be packing but just couldn't resist a sneaky look at your blogs. But what I really wanted to say is a BIG thankyou to all you lovely bloggers who responded and wished a great hol. THANK YOU ALL.
Have a great week and go from strength to strength.
Luv Elaine xxxx

As today is about giving yourself credit I am going to say well done to you all on the summer Challenge. As I read your blogs I'm amazed at how honest and up front you all are. Confronting your demons (or should I say ducks) and sharing your wonderful success and achievements. So here it comes a great big pat on the back from me!
I had a great bike ride yesterday. I went out expecting to do about 4 or 5 miles but just felt good and kept going doing just over 14 miles in about an hour. I know it's a bit naughty but had the ipod on which allows me to sing and no one to hear as my voice is not the best - a few scared looks from cows and sheep along with rabbits running for shelter at my version of Are We Human by the Killers.
My massage was wonderful in the afternoon but I still didn't have a good nights sleep. I'm hoping that when we go away all the fresh air and exercise along with change of routine will get me out of this poor sleeping pattern.
Will have to be organised with food today otherwise my busy day will mean chaotic eating and as you know that can lead to problems. Off to meet Mum for a quick coffee before a gym session with the PT. Immediately after it's a hair appointment (strange but hubby has an appointment too at the same time - didn't discover that until this morning - the same happened last week at the dentist - weird eh?). Then home to sort clothes out for hol and with a bit of luck and a prevailing wind, mow the lawn.
I'm not sure if I'll have time to blog tomorrow morning as we plan to leave mid morning. So I shall love you and leave you. Keep up the blogging - I will miss reading about your progress.
Good luck and have a fantatstic week.

Morning to you all.
Still feeling tired but just going to get on today – JFDI! A favourite mantra of mine – JUST F****** DO IT – amazingly motivational!
The one tool I am going to focus on is eating slowly – it's hit or miss with me. Sometimes I'm great other times not so great. I'm determined this tool will become a permanent habit. I know whilst away in Derbyshire it won't be a problem as I'm with people and we'll be chatting etc, it's when I'm on my own that it's the hardest.
I will chew my food about 21 times (not easy with yoghurt), I will put my knife and fork down and I will stop when I'm full and of course I will eat slooooooowly.
Last nights dins was yummy. If you are a veggie or fancy a meat free option this was very quick and easy.
Pilaf with poached egg – serves 2
1 onion, 25g butter (I didn't find this necessary), 80g Bulgar wheat rinsed and drained, 4 Green cardamom pods slightly crushed, 350 ml vegetable stock, 2 eggs, 100g fresh spinach washed and 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Fry the onion (in your choice of oil or cook in a little stock) until golden and soft. Stir in Bulgar wheat, cardamom pods and stock; simmer for about 15 minutes until liquid has evaporated.
Meanwhile bring a shallow pan of water to boil and gently crack eggs into – simmer for 3 minutes. When cooked remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain.
Remove wheat from the heat and stir in the spinach (it will very quickly cook) and season. Serve up placing the poached egg on top and scatter with pine nuts – yum!
Today I am going out for a bike ride then sort the house out before lunch. I have an aromatherapy full body massage this afternoon. Hubby always plays badminton Wednesday evenings and I take the opportunity to carry out a service – you know the type of things girls … nails, feet, facial – a good once over MOT. Hopefully I'll sleep through the night and not wake up 3 times, which seems to be the magic number at the moment.
Have a great day everyone – off to read your blogs now.

Wow the blogs are buzzing at the moment making great reading. I'm sorry I can't get to write a comment to you all, however I am thinking about you and wishing you all great success.
Today, after yet another restless night, I feel tired. I go to sleep OK then wake up any time between 1 and 2 in the morning. Managed to get back to sleep again but woke at 5 a.m. listened to Pete and went straight back to sleep (sorry Pete). Hence feeling a bit washed out and decided not to go to the gym but just 'potter' round the house doing bits. I will probably have a rest to see if I can recharge my batteries for tonight's dancing.
Taking on board what Pete said today about trying something new I'm going to make a new recipe - Pilaff with poached eggs for dinner tonight. I'll report back to let you know what it tastes like.
I have another wedding in about 4 weeks time and want to get an outfit altered. The usual dressmaker had a right strop on so that was the end of that beautiful relationship. But a happy ending as I've found a tailor, can you believe it … in the village. They make uniforms for the Army and RAF and were very happy to make my alterations for me … result! These outfits that don't fit properly just show me how much my shape has changed - narrower on the hips and back with a flatter tum.
Getting ready for our week away in Derbyshire. 7 couples are going and yes we did manage to find rented accommodation for 14 people with 7 ensuites! It's an age thing but it was a priority along with a dining room table that sat all of us together. We're a very social group but draw the line at communal loos!
The 'mafia' are only doing a long weekend but Hubby & I are staying on to cycle the Tissington Trial along with another mate who will be joining us. Hope the weather is good and we can get plenty of fresh air and with a bit of luck sunshine. All being well the cycling and walking will burn off the alcohol.
Have a happy day one and all.

Really looking forward to reading the blogs from the Summer challenge Team to see what you want to achieve and how you're going to do it.
From my own point of view I'm very clear what I want to achieve, which is improve my fitness over the next 10 – 12 weeks and continue to see an improvement in my shape. This is also the 'course' of time I have with the personal trainer I work with. The last 12 + weeks have been brilliant and I want to continue going from strength to strength … literally.
My tools are to EAT SLOWLY (hope you all heard that) it's the one tool that I find the most difficult - also to stop when full and only eat when hungry.
I had great time in Bath visiting my son and his wife but it has left me tired today (always a potential overeating time) mainly due to the dear students that rent the house next door who seem to spring into life around 2 a.m. in the morning – humph! Therefore the banana chips have had a bit of a battering this afternoon.
My lovely daughter in law thought I had lost weight (I have no idea how much I weigh) but I put that down to the change of shape due to training. The rib cage and hips can be seen these days. But there are wobbly bits I want to say goodbye to. I remember years ago Terry Wogan suggesting that you should strip off, jump up and down in front of the mirror and if it jumps up and down with you then it shouldn't be there (with the obvious exceptions of course). I'm not suggesting anyone should try this of course although if you want to please do – could be a laugh but remember to hang onto your bits!
The summer is also a time when it's just to easy to drink too much booze. There seems so much going on and B-B-Q's etc the wine seems to go down a treat. So that is my other aim – to cut down on the alcohol.
I had a great spin class this morning with an extremely manic woman - I hope the usual instructor is back soon for the sake of my hearing!
Good luck everyone and I hope you've all got off to a great start.

Despite the most amazing, torrential rain today ... the sun is out - hurrah! Just having a cuppa before going out to mow the lawn (any excuse to delay).
This morning I had an excellent training session, once again doing exercises I would have never thought I could manage. At one stage when my muscles were tiring there was Pete's voice going "you can and will succeed, you can and will succeed" inside my head. Brilliant as I'm sure I would have given up otherwise. My trainer commented that some people would have just given up but I know if I tell myself I can and will do something then the chances are I will. The feel good factor afterwards is wonderful and that makes all that hard work really worthwhile.
I had a chat with a couple of members of staff who were complaining bitterly about managements approach to new and existing members. They want to target the younger, fitter group which is fine but they both felt there is a whole group of people, especially women, who would love to come to the gym but feel intimidated by the beautiful people. How true that is, especially as I have read many of your blogs saying how hard it has been to take that first step in actually going through the front door of a health club. All I can say is don't feel ashamed or intimidated by the body beautifuls keep focussed on your goal of being fitter, slimmer and healthier and that is all that matters - stuff everybody else!!! Keep Pete's voice in your head telling you how wonderful you are and that you can and will succeed!
Have a great day everyone - I really have run out of excuses now so it's off to mow the lawn.