Weight Loss Journals - petecohen.tv

I've just realised it's almost a week since I last blogged....where does the time go?

It's been an OK sort of week, nothing special to report. I've got my chocolate/ sweet binge under control: I had just one small Toblerone after I had been shopping in the week. I wanted it, I enjoyed it and I didn't dwell on it. More importantly, it didn't start a new binge. Otherwise I have eaten well (but sensibly) with minimal “artificial” food or other stimulants.

I've been a bit under whelming on the exercise front since I go back from my hols. As soon as I got back to work my back pain kicked in again and everything seems to hurt constantly. So I've been active, but not particular exercising. I've started acupuncture sessions on my back again and work are referring me for physio, so hopefully both of those will help (I am going for the scatter gun approach of throwing everything at it!).

Tomorrow is my dentist appointment (at least two fillings… one of which was caused by a particularly aggressive piece of “Turkish delight”! ) So I have a batch of soup ready and waiting for afterwards.

I weighed this morning and I am back below my pre- wobble weight, in fact I am now the lowest I have been in almost 15 years (or is it 20??). Less than half a stone to go and I will have a “normal” BMI. I can remember how far off that seemed when I started this journey last year. It's been slow, but as I have got older I have learnt to enjoy the journey as well as the destination, and this programme fits in so well with that philosophy.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone, and don't worry if you've had a wobbly one.... tomorrow is another day!

I began the day feeling positive, though slightly tired after my hectic weekend. So I have taken it a bit easier today, before the punishing work schedule begins again tomorrow.

I didn't manage to get to yoga this morning (my usual Monday routine) because hubby needed the car to get to see the osteopath…he's been in agony and immobile for a week now since he did some work at my nephew's the previous weekend (hubby that is, not the osteo!)

That threw out the rest of the day's routine, which usually goes …yoga, acupuncture, mum, shopping, washing (I know how to enjoy my day off!). All was going well until I called in at my mother's late this afternoon. As some (most?) mothers do, she only feels that she is looking after me if she can force food down me. I eventually relented and agreed to have one small square of a sweet we bought back for her from Jordan (it's like Turkish delight… so it's very soft and sweet). I didn't really want it, as I think I have now “got over” my sugar addiction of the last two weeks. And I certainly didn't enjoy it, as no sooner had it started to dissolve than I felt something hard and sharp. On further examination I discovered a huge filling, which had parted company with its host. Now had I been eating a humbug, or another type of boiled sweet, or a nut, or any other manner of hard food, I could have understood it. But “Turkish delight”!!!! Not widely known as a tooth breaker, I don't think.
I already have a dentist appointment for next Monday (yeh, another fun Monday ahead of me next week!) as I had a filling drop out about a month ago. Now another filling is required. Thankfully I am not in pain, but I am very conscious of a gaping great hole at the back of my mouth.
So I reckon the tooth fairy is warning me that from henceforth I need to stick to soups, juices and other wholesome food, or else all my teeth will drop out!
So beware my friends when you start to envy me my fruit fairy… it would seem that not all her fairy friends are so benevolent.

Thank you all for your comments on my last blog.... I was howling with laughter and that helped me hold onto my resolve to make a fresh start.

The weekend has been really busy. I have spent the last 4 days helping my youngest nephew, his partner and two toddlers move house. The house was in a disgusting state and needs tons of work. …that was the only way they could afford to buy it. They were slightly overwhelmed at the level of filth, and the massive job in front of them. So we've all had plenty of “exercise” this weekend, courtesy of Messers Scubbitt, Scrapeitt and Paintitt.
It has been so nice to spend more time with my family: my sister and two nephews. I love them all to bits, but they are none of them healthy eaters. It would have been so easy to snack and fill up on junk/ convenience food. But the fruit fairy was waiting for me when I woke up today, and she gently guided me to make healthy food choices and kept me on track. I packed up a healthy salad to go with me (seafood not rabbit!), and nibbled on fruit throughout the day.

After another 8 hours of hard slog, my nephew said “how come you are always so chirpy aunty Kath?” I said it was because I was so pleased with the progress we had made. He (not surprisingly) was distracted by and worried about what was still to be done. I realised that, at one time that would have overwhelmed me too. I
t was only afterwards that I pondered that there are so many parallels here between getting slimmer and tackling any large job….. Break it down into achievable steps, Concentrate on the achievements, take one day at a time, don't be weighed down by the enormity of it etc etc . Thank you Pete for giving me a mind set that I can use in so many other scenarios!

I am now tired but satisfied: I have had a lovely weekend with family, eaten well, worked hard, and achieved much, both at my nephew's house and in my own head!

The Fairy Rules!

I have survived all of the following and not put on any weight: Christmas, a health scare, a five star holiday, Bereavement, severe joint pain, limited mobility and work relocation.

All of the above, and “The duck”, I can cope with. But I have met my nemesis in the Easter Bunny. I came back from my holiday with an upset tummy and didn't really fancy anything much to eat. I was lacking in energy and restless, but had every intention of starting the programme from day 1 again and giving it my all.

But for the last two weeks the bunny has distracted me. He has tempted me with cakes, sweet pies and puddings, led me straight to the chocolate counter in shops and strategically placed biscuits before me. And, like Oscar Wilde, I can resist anything but temptation.

Actually, that's not really true. I have resisted temptation for the last 5 months, but for some reason I have just completely given into it for the last two weeks. So now I have put back on a couple of pounds. And I can't even say I really enjoyed the chocolate and sweet things that much.

I could be utterly disgusted with myself for what has been a total collapse,(rather than just a relapse). I feel that my system has been completely out of balance for the last two weeks. I could throw in the towel. But I won't. I will bounce back.

I am now heartily sick of sweet things. I have started to crave salads and soups, fresh vegetables, fish and fruits. I want to start watching Pete again, and get back into my healthy habits.

So the Easter bunny has been hunted down, stabbed and poisoned and lies terminally ill in my back garden.

Tomorrow he will be resurrected as the Fruit fairy, and she will lead me not into temptation.

Hi there everyone…. We are back! We had an amazing two weeks in Jordan and experienced so many different things: swimming in the Red Sea, sleeping in a Bedouin tent in the Desert, floating (covered in Mud) in the Dead Sea, scrambling through dry river beds, exploring the stunning ruins of Petra (and much more). If anyone is thinking of visiting to Jordan, I'd say “go”. It's a fantastic country, with warm, friendly and witty people, a wide variety of landscapes and experiences. The only downside is it's not cheap... but I'm worth it!

I went away confident that the good habits I had built up over the last 10 weeks would stand me in good stead. Some did (we were very active, drank loads of water, walked miles most days), but some bad habits slipped back in. I didn't always eat slowly, or when hungry. The biggest slippage though was in eating sugar and other stimulants. The first challenge was in the 5 star hotels we stayed in, where the breakfasts were gargantuan, and treats galore (like Danish pastries) eventually called louder than the fresh fruits and other healthy foods. Jordan also has many temptingly (but sickly) sweet cakes and sweets, which initially I resisted. But finally (because hubby bought some every day) I relented. For about 5 days I went into sugar overload but then began to feel very bloated and tired. Thankfully I was able to hear my body shouting “No More!” and cut drastically back on the baddies.

So how much did I put on? Well actually nothing. I will give myself credit for that, because actually on reflection this holiday (despite some significant lapses) I probably did eat less than I normally would, I did try to eat healthily and did moderate the treats. However I must share the credit with two significant bouts of D & V, which basically meant that I fasted (and only drank water) for two days!

Now I am back I am planning to start the programme again at the weekend.
My plan is to give it 100% attention, as if it were the first time.

I've caught up with a few blogs, but still have pages more to go. I did notice that several people are having a really hard time, so an especial hug to you. Well done to those who are making such good progress.

Onwards and upwards!

Well, au revoir to my blogging friends old and new!

Today is day 1 of a different journey...our long awaited trip travelling around Jordan.

I am full of energy and enthusiasm, and have a suitcase full of clothes I have not worn for years! Thank you Pete and this community for the support and inspiration that has helped me to get slimmer, fitter and healthier.

Whilst away we should be very active, and I will do my best on the food front, although there should be lots of new and interesting foods to tempt me. I hear jordanian sweets are yummy! Drink shouldn't be a problem though, as It's a muslim country and I have only had about 3 glasses in the last 3 months!

Keep doing the do everyone, enjoy the highs and ride out the lows!
I am not taking my lappy, and don't think I will have much chance to log on anywhere in the next two weeks, so there will be a mountain of blogs for me to catch up with when I get back
I will catch up with the you all in April, and I am planning to restart the programme to give me a boost

love to you all
hoops x

I've just completed the programme for the second time

My mind wandered several times during this round, I was away for a few days, I missed a few videos and didn't always record my tools. I also didn't consistently exercise as much as I did first time round.

So I could easily give myself a hard time...but instead I will give myself a pat on the back, because I am still obviously doing some things very well, as I have continued to lose weight (and not just becaue of the tummy bug!). To be honest, I can't say how much I have lost this time around, as I am now not so driven by the scales. Let's just say I can now get into clothes I haven't worn for several years, and I will soon weigh less than taller skinnier hubby, which is my first major goal!

Some things have beome second nature now, and they are;
eating slowly (though could still ,and will, improve on that)
eating smaller portions
eating natural foods
not eating sugary foods
eating only when hungry
drinking water
being more active (though again, room for improvement)

I am feeling great, though there is still room for improvement on the health front:
My back pain is much improved (largely due to a mixture of accupuncture and carrying around over a stone less weight)
My knees are improved, though still give me some pain in aqua classes , and going up and down stairs or hills (i could walk for miles on the flat!)
The artiritis in my knuckles is still a nuisance, and will I fear stop me kayaking this spring unless I can acheive an improvement

I have heard that diet can help arthritis...do any of you fab bloggers have any experience or suggestions?

Anyway, enough for now, I must go and get ready for my action packed day.
it's largely about me: Yoga, accupuncture, leg and bikini waxing (ouch), visit to mum, and then finally a trip to the theatre.

I have paused the programme now, as we jet off to Jordan for two weeks this wednesday. That will be a good test of how I cope on my own. I know I will do Ok, but I suspect I will benefit from repeating the programme again when I get back

have a good day everyone

Grrr, I think the blog monster has just eaten my carefully composed entry!
In case it doesn't reappear, here is the gist of it! If it does appear, apologies if you read the same things twice!

It's a week since I last posted, and some of it has been great, some of it has been rough!

My meal last week with my ex work colleagues was brilliant. They are a fantastic and inspirational group of women. I had a great evening, good healthy food, eaten slowly and without the need for alcohol. I had another enjoyable meal out on Sunday with some good friends, and again felt well in control.

Work was frantic, trying to tie up ends before I take my 3 weeks leave. By mid week I was flagging, lacking in energy and even went to bed at 9 pm on Tuesday (unheard of for m!). I lost interest in good food, and snacked on things I haven't eaten for months (bread, cheese, chocolate). I haven't managed any exercise. I haven't managed to keep up with the blogs, which usually are the first thing I look at when I switch the computer on.

Then on Wednesday I had the full-blown D & V. At first I thought it was something I had eaten. But my mother had been poorly with the same for a week, my sister had it at the weekend. So I think some sort of bug was to blame. But next time I am tempted to snack on rubbish instead of eating good food I will remember the nocturnal nightmare that was Wednesday. Hopefully that will be an incentive to got for the good options!

So now I have lost 36 hours, as that's how long it's taken me to raise myself from my sickbed. I have also lost another 2 lbs, but I don't recommend it!

On the bright side, I have not been in the stressed state I usually get into before I go away. I feel much more in control, despite the lost 36 hours. The critical pre holiday tasks will be achieved by the time we go on Wednesday; anything else is a bonus and can wait till we get back.

I notice a few people are away this weekend. I hope you all have a great time. Welcome back to those who have been away for a while.
I'll try to blog again before we go away on wednesday

Less than 2 weeks to go to my holiday. (2 weeks touring round Jordan)

The initial push to lose weight was to be able to get into my “holiday clothes”. I've just got them out, and now find they are comfortably loose!

I don't want to lose too much weight between now and my departure date, otherwise I will either have to go out and buy a complete new wardrobe, or risk a wardrobe malfunction with the exisiting clothes (not a pretty sight!)

Gosh, I can't believe I am saying that I don't want to lose weight... it seems to have been a constant preoccupation thorughout my life!

I didn't have time to reflect on day 10, and my wardrobe experience has prompted a mini reflection:

I have lost 14lbs since last November. The first few were with Slimming world, but as soon as I rediscovered Pete, I ditched that and put my energies into this programme. I have now lost more weight by not being on a diet than when I was going to my slimming class. I have almost lost 10% of my body weight, and with a few more pounds shifted will soon move from “overweight” to a healthy BMI.

In fact, I have gained much more than I have lost (energy, fitness, fun, support, positivity, less pain in my joints) since the beginning of Jan, and enjoyed it far more.

So I am aiming to continue to stick with the dream team 2 until I go away, but concentrate on consolidating the good habits, getting fitter and healthier.

We should be really active whilst we are away, and then I will probably start the programme again. But enough of the long term planning…. One day at a time.

Tonight I have 7 ex work colleagues coming over for a get together and a meal. I used to be their manager, but we all went our separate ways 10 years ago. Its wonderful that we all still meet up about 3 or 4 times a year. It's always heaps of fun and inspiring. There will be good food, much of it healthy and nutritious, some of it indulgent. But I know I will not eat to excess, I can control the treats, and take remedial action afterwards if necessary.

It should be the start of a good weekend

I hope you all have a good weekend too. I am envious of those of you going to THE event.

Hugs to all, especially those having a challenging time

Greetings to everyone, and a special welcome to the newcomers!

I'm back after my short break to Inverness. We had a magical time, staying at an amazing hotel where the food was out of this world (eg 4 course breakfasts). At one time I would have said to myself “ go on, you are on holiday, it doesn't count, you can stuff yourself”. But I think the new habits of the last two months kicked in, and although I ate well, I chose healthily and could only manage smaller portions. We also did a lot of walking (several days notching up in excess of 10 miles). The weather wasn't brilliant, but the scenery was stunning so we just wrapped up and went out.

Zenith, I thought of you while we were up there, as we walked one day on the Black Isle…. (Chanonry point and the fairy glen). Wow, what a place. It's hard to imagine where your parents would move to from there!

I'm really pleased to find that the scales are exactly the same as before I went, and the clothes fit the same…so no damage done.

I've caught up with the videos and most of the blogs from when I was away, and it's time now to really get back into consciously using the tools.

It's Day 10 tomorrow, so it will be useful to reflect again as an additional opportunity to kick-start.

So generally feeling great at the moment.

But: Only two weeks to go before our BIG holiday. That's usually the time I go into overdrive and get really stressed, trying to sort out beforehand home, job, mother, parents in law, packing, the national debt, and global warming etc etc That usually results in arguments with hubby (“ I sometimes think its not worth going on holiday “ blah blah) and chocolate bars for comfort. The plan this time is to carry on with the relaxation mp3 and not to let it get to me. Watch this space to see if I remain cool, calm and collected during the coundown!

It feels so supportive and encouraging to be doing this programme at the same time as so many others....it's given me a real boost, and just the focus I needed to rein in those habits that have slipped a little since I finished round 1 a few weeks ago

I've had a couple of pretty good days; I've eaten well, but healthily. I've drunk more than enough water, done some exercising and indulged myself with a reflexology session and back massage. I am now back to where I was before my extended wobble.

Work is manageable at the moment, but better still there is none of it now until next tuesday. Tomorrow we are off to Inverness for a short (4 day) walking break,. so walking for 30 minutes should be one tool which is easily achieved!

We are staying in a super duper hotel (a real treat for us), where apparantly the breakfasts are legendary, so we will have to make sure we walk them off!

I don't think I will have access to the internet whilst we are away, so I'll have loads of blogs to catch up with when we get back. I will be carrying on with the programme whilst we are away: I've printed off the text to days 3-6 and will read them aloud to myself in my version of Pete's delivery, with his enthusiasm and energy.

I hope you all have a good few days, i'll catch up with you all at the weekend

I was so pleased to read that Wendy suggested the Dream team. It came at just the right time for me

I have successfully completed Step 3 once, but then faltered several times as I worked my way through it again. I have restarted twice, but I only got to day 4 and then missed several days of videos.

I have had one major wobble when I put back on a couple of pounds, but overall have been pleased with my progress. Many of the tools are now almost automatic. I have lost over half a stone since I started at the beginning of January. I don't know the precise amount, because the scales are beginning to lose their hold over me. I have dropped a “dress” size (hmm, I can't remember the last time I wore a dress!), and most of the time I feel much fitter and healthier.

I have felt slightly frustrated with myself for not sticking with the vids every day, but, like many others on here, I am juggling with life's challenges: a demanding job, some health issues, an elderly mother, a mother in law with alzheimers etc etc. Given this it is all too easy to lose focus on oneself. But I have seen the benefits of putting myself first, and of group encouragement and support, so here I am back again!

Today is my day off, so I have a very indulgent me day. I am going to my yoga class, then I have an appointment for reflexology and a back massage.

Tonight hubby is going to the theatre, so I will read all the blogs on here for inspiration. Then I will pack for our short trip to Scotland on Wednesday. As I won't have access to the Internet, I will print off a transcript of the days I will be missing whilst I am away. That should keep me inspired.

Have a good day one and all

I've lost focus over the last 10 days. There have been a number of contributing factors: The snow, a horrendously busy and stressful time at work, Hubby's birthday, Valentines Day. I've not watched the videos or been able to do much exercising. I know (both from the scales and my clothes) that I have put a pound or two back on.

So I am restarting the programme from day 1.

We go on holiday in 4 weeks time, and I will be slimmer, fitter and healthier by the time we go

Not sure what's happened over the weekend, but I've felt really restless and not able to concentrate on anything, including this programme! I've generally felt irritated by everything and everyone! If I hadn't known better, I would've said it was PMT!

I've read (and replied to a few) blogs, but didn't feel like writing my own.
Part of me has been tempted to be really hard on myself, but when I really look closely, there haven't been too many transgressions.
Ok, I haven't done much exercise (apart from an hours badminton on Friday), I have eaten a couple of biscuits each day over the weekend and I've probably not drunk as much water as I usually do. I haven't even listened to the mp3.
On Saturday I made a healthy (and delicious) fish pie, and as a treat grated some cheddar cheese over the top. I ended up feeling sick, as it was obviously too rich. Thinking about it, I probably haven't eaten cheese for 2 months. On Sunday I had one small white wine spritzer, and woke up this morning with one heck of a headache.
Otherwise I have eaten sensibly and I have half-heartedly followed the tools (though not bothered to watch the videos). At one time, my transgressions would have been far greater in comparison (eg half a packet of biscuits, a bar or two of chocolate, two or three glasses of wine). So I'm gaining a sensible perspective on it today.
Anyway, today is a fresh day. I've restarted the programme from where I left off, had good wholesome food so far, and we are about to go off for another hour's badminton and a Yoga class.
Tonight we are going to see “calendar girls” at the theatre, so that should lift the spirits.
Tomorrow is hubby's birthday and I've taken the day of work. We are planning (weather permitting) to go to the gym again in the morning, and then he wants to go for a slap up meal at lunchtime. At one time I would've panicked and thought that would undo all the last few weeks' progress. Now I feel confident I can make sensible choices and not “blow it “.

Have a good day everyone!

I've been working at home today, which is proably a good job as I would never have got into work. A colleague tried, and had to abandon her car. I've watched all the local kids (of all ages up to 90) going past the window with skis, sledges and tin trays, and wold love to have joined them, but work were on the phone on and off all day, so I darnen't budge!
It did give me chance though to try out Debs kerala prawn curry which she posted a few days ago...... wonderful, and very quick. Thanks, I'll definately be trying that one again!
otherwise a fairly unremarkable day, no exercise, but several litres of water, eating slowly seems to be comng more naturally now, and good, wholesome natural food.
No work tomorrow, so hopefully my turn to go out and play. Now where did we put that large tin tray?????