Over all iv lost 7lb and 6" all over since
the 6th of Jan. I did take these inch measurements on the 26th and
due for the new measurement update tomorrow. I'm still using the
slimpod program and listing every day. I'll admit that I often forget
to write down my 3 positives of the day - even more so now there
isn't a space in the worksheet for them.
I'm still very motivated to go out walking and
making sure to eat healthy when I can. So honestly I can not put any
of this down purely to the Slimpod but looking at there Facebook
group its great to see what others are achieving.
My biggest issue currently is my partner leaving
very early Mondays and not coming back until late Thursday nights as
he is away on training for the new Ikea store. When he does come home
its junk food and large portions like how it used to be. When he's
gone its slim shakes and moaping. This is why I'm not pinning it down
to slimpod, my attitude towards food hasn't changed (always been a
bit up and down with it to do with my moods). I think the combination
of the exercise I'm doing is the biggest factor regardless of what
I'm eating.
Exercise wise I'm continuing to walk about and my
new Gym will be open in a weeks time which I'm really looking forward
to. January I hit
I must admit I'm a little disappointed that this
has kicked in again and from where I'm sitting it doesn't seem like
the slimpod is making a difference at all - I may have had a donut
for breakfast.
I was hoping that when or If the two week barrier
hit that my mind would have inhaled the slimpod enough to stay
motivated to push through. However this doesn't seem to be the case.
I'll stick with the slimpod program right through
to day 42 but I have to say at the point I'm so downhearted by the
whole process I and am left wondering if I should continue. Even
looking at my journal I can see that there are very few positives
about what iv been doing. Really been scraping the barrel looking for
something good about the day.
I realise that my issue comes mainly own to my own
self confidence and lack of will power, but to know that there's not
been a remote change (even though its been only two weeks to fix a years of issues) has left
me really downhearted by the whole process.
I think its really easy to wish for quick changes
and of course the weight didn't pile on over night so isn't going to
come off during the night.
I always said I would review things properly and
that does mean including the highs and the lows. This is the first
low so far using the slimpod and the hundredth low of weight loss in general. Using my fitbit for my steps iv done 36,245 steps
less than the previous week which works out quite a bit and just
shows how little activity iv been doing with this slump.
The positive side to this is though with writing
down my flaws I can help breath out the negativity and hopefully the
next week can improve. I'm not holding as much weight with slimpod
anymore and know its me that needs to improve and no amount of
listing is going to retrain my thoughts overnight. Maybe my brains
just as stubborn as me.
I'm writing this at day 17 and in 3 days have my
first measure in. Perhaps that will be the shock factor I need again
as I have a feeling they will be higher than when I started.
I
always notice at the start of any change I'm really into it then a
few weeks later I slip and have no more interest.
So
for that its a little to early to say whether or not the slimpods
working. So until then I'm on the fence to whether or not it truly
works and you guys will be the first to know.
However
I will tell you what I do know and what iv been up too.
I'm
down 3lb and though we are not meant to measure ourselves I always
find it motivating. Its something I love doing just like the monthly image. These habits are here to stay.
Iv
taken the time to get out and about walking, taking full force of my
fitbit and the challenges. I'm loving the competitive element as it
really makes me want to get out there and move (or run about the
house just so I hit 20k steps as was 1k away!). So far in the last 7
days iv covered 75,000+ steps so hitting above the national average
which is fantastic.
Iv
also been doing some yoga and dusting off my wii fit. I'm now also
the proud owner of a gym membership to one that's opening near me in
the coming months. I'm determined to make this exercise habit stick
and not slip back to how they were.
I
find myself reaching for fruit and making heather choices but with
weight loss in mind this is happens every time I re-boot my eating
habits. My tooth is also still niggling me a little so iv not been
chomping food down like I used to anyway.
Since
I'm writing Id like to clear something up which did slightly irritate
me. I know 100% that weight loss is calories in vs calories out. I
didn't by any chance thing I could actually loose weight by sitting
on my arse watching TV. I don't believe in fad diets and don't even
get me started on those juice plus 'miracles'. Hard work creates the
body you want, but all abs are made in the kitchen. It doesn't mater
how much you exercise if you eat 3 big macs a day. Slimpod focuses on
changing your mental habits and improving your relationship with food
which is what I struggle with.
I also know that I'm not on a diet. I can eat anything I want, I can
do anything I want. I sometimes use diet too loosely when I mean
lifestyle changes. No point in making quick fixes to spring back
+8lb.
Now that's out the way I can breath
again and go back to my Wii fit. Maybe Ill try some dance videos instead?
How do you like to work out. Let me know down below. Also if you would like to keep up with whats happining on my weight loss journey you can find me as @phoenix_slimber on instagram.
Its
no secret that I'm trying to loose a bit of weight and get fit. For
the last six months iv been going up and down on those pesky scales
and so far have lost 16lb, having put 4lb back on over Christmas.
Iv
came under fire in the past for stating that I wanted to loose the
weight, plus models are meant to be curvy right? I think its
important to remember that this body is mine and mine alone, just
like yours belongs to you.
Almost
everybody has one flaw or niggle they would like to change, be it
there eye colour, there toe length or how fragile there nails are. My
one big body hang up is my belly and its overhang.
Body
positivity is exactly how it sounds, being positive about your body
and living it for you. You can be body positive and want to loose
weight. There is nothing positive living in a body that makes you
sad. I mean don't get me wrong, my weight doesn't bother me
(medically speaking it should) and if I could smooth out just my
tummy I would. However life doesn't work that way (unless you have
the cash to do it) so its an all or nothing deal.
My
biggest issue with weight loss is the fact I'm a huge sweet tooth.
The second I get a sniff of chocolate its wolfed down and as they say
“A second on the lips, a lifetime on the hips”. Cakes, sweets,
ice-cream – essentially anything loaded with sugar seems to find
Its way into my mouth no mater how hard I try to stay on track.
I
even go as far to make sure there is none of it in the house however
my lovely fiancé – thinking he's doing good – takes home sweets
and pizza as a reward for doing good so the cycle breaks down. I get
fed up of eating a little green sad salad whilst his plates full of
yummy chips and other goodies.
So
when I was offered the chance to try out a weight loss program that
did NOT involve changing what I eat, eating certain things or even
any exercise it sounded like the perfect plan. Who wouldn't love
sitting watching TV and letting the fat melt off? I know I would. The
more I learnt about it the more perfect yet to perfect it seemed.
Could I really loose weight listing to a podcast every night for 12
weeks? Well we are going to find out. Armed with my little Arc notebook with its new Success Log for the Gold Program of Slimpod
I'm on a quest to shift this post-baby weight and get a body that I
want.
Sounds great
doesn't it? Deep down I know I eat because I feel emotionally tied to
it. When I'm bored I eat; when I'm sad, you guessed it, I eat. I eat
junk that fills the gap created by emotions. I'm really looking
forward to trying this approach to my weight loss and its not
something iv ever came across before.
I am a bit
worried however that it really will be 'to good to be true' but
looking at all the other reviews I have high hopes.
Along with
these listing tapes I'm going to be adding in my own exercise routine
of yoga (find out why it helped change my mind) and walking/running to help melt off the pounds quicker. I'm also continuing to adopt my healthy lifestyle tips. At
the moment I am on a liquid calorie diet (thanks toothache) so I'm
hopping by the time I'm ready to eat solids again I wont be reaching
for the junk but nibbling on a carrot instead. Perhaps that carrot
will be in a cake, still healthy that way right?
PS: Slimpod was given to me for review purposes. I believe in giving an honest review on items on this blog and money or receiving items will never sway my opinion.
Its so important to have a healthy
body. Our body's are temples which guide us day to day so treating it
right is so important. Quite often 'healthy' is defined as slim and
toned, and whilst this may be seen one of the peeks of physical
fitness (depending on goals) it does not mean healthy. Health has NO
size. Likewise Fitness has no size. So today I want to write a little
post on eight top tips to a healthy body and mind.
Water Intake
One of the biggest changes (and
cheapest) to our lives we can make is simply upping our water intake.
Water is such a basic part of our lives that its so easy to forget
its a basic to live like breathing air. From your brain right to your
skin every inch of you needs this amazing elixir. The biggest change
I personally noticed when I upped my water intake what how clear and
soft my skin got. However skin is not the only improvement to be had.
Concentration, energy right down to your digestive system can all
benefit greatly.
Luckily apps such as
Aqualert are available to help keep you on track as remembering
to drink enough can be difficult. Its recommended to drink 8 glasses
a day however you will know if you are getting enough as your water
'output' will be light and clear.
Tip: Swap your soda for a nice
refreshing naturally flavoured water such as lemon for a zesty kick.
Get Moving
We are told all the time to get
moving to loose weight, but what about if you don't actually want to
loose weight? It can seem like such a chore to get up and do
something that's why its crucial to find an exercise that is fun as
well as beneficial. Taking up a class like Zumba can help dance away
your blues as its proven that exercise has the warming afterglow from
endorphins. There are so many different form of exercise out there
from weight lifting to Yoga,
so there is bound to be something that takes your fancy.
Take A Walk
A nice walk in the great outdoors can
be a fantastic way to clear the mind and relax in nature. The fresh
air can really help put life into perspective and take you away from
the hustle and bustle of stress. Perhaps even a little bit of retail
therapy with a stroll to the shops if that takes your fancy.
They say to attempt 10k in steps a
day, however if this is to much try with 5k and jumping up 1k a week
until you reach your goal. The main thing is to put one foot in front
of the other and get moving. It doesn't mater how little or how much,
as long as your moving and getting out of a repetitive route.
Pictures not Scales
If your trying to loose weight the
most important thing is to ditch those scales. It sounds crazy I
know, but scales do not tell you your self worth. Scales are in my
eyes evil. Its so easy to be obsessed with those little numbers going
up and down. Then for them the put a huge downer on your day because
you have gained a pound. Throw out those scales and if you really
need to see how far you have came take a picture. In my journey
though the scales may not have moved very much, just looking at
pictures is enough to see that there is an actual change. Likewise
with clothes, see how they fit you better. Numbers mean very little
in terms of clothing size and weight, go with how you feel inside,
not how you are meant to feel.
Buddy Up
Be it a jog in the park, a walk to
the shops or chat over a cup of tea, having somebody to support is
key to mental health. We all need an ear now and again so reach out
and talk. Whether there being a goal you both work towards or maybe
another mummy so your little ones can play. Having somebody there can
help relive stress and keep you focused.
Of course sometimes its hard to make
friends if you feel alone in the first place (ill put my hand up to
this). Online communities are out there with pretty much one for
every person and there problem. If your a female runner there's a
fantastic Facebook group named 'Run Mummy Run' who are incredibly
supportive, there are lots of plus size supportive groups, yoga
groups etc. You name it there's a group for it on Facebook. There are
also lots of #hashtags on instagram which focus on issues and offer
support so its worth checking them out too.
What are you top tips to a healthy
body and mind? Let me know down below
I couldn't tell you
pose names or the history of it, but I can tell you what yoga has
done for me.
Back in August I
started a 30 day challenge with the lovely Donna Noble who runs
Curvesomeyoga. I had always wanted to try yoga, but afraid that my
size might stop me. So when I came
across Curvesomeyoga It was a much needed boost to take my life in
hand and do something I always had wanted to. I was already in
process of a cleaner lifestyle but I really believe that starting
yoga helped to clear my head as well as helping my body.
So August 1st
came and I started for 30 days carrying on with the routines,
following the same video day in day out. I thought it might get
repetitive and dull but I started to really look forward to that 'me'
time when my little toddler finally went down for a nap. The same
range of motions helped me know what was coming next and not panic
about if I couldnt do something.
I enjoyed 'yoga time'
and had my partner join in on a few occasions too, and even the
little one started to copy me finding it hilarious that I was in
weird and wonderful positions.
Whilst my body became a
little bit more toned and flexible, it was my mind who had the
biggest dent. There were poses I never thought I would be able to
achieve, and by the time the 30 days where up I could do them with
ease. The act of seeing myself change opened up my head to the
possibility of being able to conquer what I set out to.
I'm quite open with the
fact I suffer from depression and anxiety. I really struggle some
days to get out of bed and spend hours flicking through Facebook
hiding from the world I'm too scared to step out into. I let
opportunity slip through my fingers, make up excuses and hide myself
away. I land up needing my fiancé far more than I would like for the
little things and let my daughter miss out on opportunity to mix with
others her own age; which I know is not right. However Yoga really
did help me see a flicker of light at the end of the dark long
tunnel.
As the challenge grew
to an end I was able to mentally prepare myself for going outside on
my own to walk my daughter, something that did not seem possible
previously. The hours I spent stretching let me grow able to control
my breathing and stay focused. This breathing helped me to overcome
panic attacks that would stop me leaving my own front door. I could
now stand outside and walk to my partners work with the buggy. I even
landed up managing to go running on my own around my area through
forests and muddy paths which I would never ever have done.
I'm
speaking in past tense because unfortunately I did start going back
into the shadow as I started to become to tired to do anything and
spent most days sleeping. Finally diagnosed with Anaemia plus a
Calcium and vitamin D deficient, I can get back on track.
Curvysomeyoga recently
announced holding two online classes in January for 5 weeks. So this
means you can try it out from your own home. They will be interactive
so if you cant manage a pose Donna will be there to offer assistance
and provide help into making a pose easier for yourself. I'm really
looking forward to this as will be the much needed boast to getting
back into my yoga and self help journey.
Do you partake in yoga?
Or do you like to meditate? Let me know down below.
Water is such a key
part of life, but quite often we are just not getting enough of it. I came across Aqualert when I
was looking into ways to help me loose weight and improve my skin.
Again and again I was hitting the information about making sure my
water intake was high enough. Now i'm the sorta girl who could be told
something a thousand times but then forget. So setting myself a
mission on chugging back the water this app has been my must have.
From the get go this
has proved a very easy to use tool that's easily adaptable to any
life style. Most people have a phone on them at all times so having
something to track water is fantastic. No more remembering or jotting
down on paper.
What I especially like
about it is the fact it has such a simple display. A customisable
colour display at that, but I have kept with its original blue. At a
glance you can tell how much is left of the daily target. With easy
to use scroll buttons to select how much you are drinking, there is no reason not to use it. I hate when an app is
overcomplicated with so many options that never get used. The
simplicity of it makes using the app such a smooth process.
When you first download
Aqualert you are prompted to enter your details so a more accurate
amount can be calculated for you. I really like that there is a
'pregnant' option, because I know when I was pregnant I really didn't
drink as much as I should have – even if I was going through peach
diluting juice like it was going out of fashion. There is also the
options of inputting your activity level – a handy thing depending
on your job. There is even a grid so you can look back and compare if your hitting your water targets so you can notice any patterns.
My only downfall to
this app is that it can not be synced up to 'My Fitness Pal' which
would have made things a little easier across the weight loss bored; MFP has the option of adding a cup at a time. I couldn't tell you
how much ml is in a cup, but I can read a bottle and input it in
Aqualert. This doesnt effect the app at all if you dont use MFP, but with everything becoming connected app wise it would have been a nice added bonus.
However the best bit of the
app: The reminders.
I have it set to buzz
me every hour to tell me to drink something. When im running after my
toddler a drink is often the last thing im thinking about, but the
prompt makes sure im staying on target throughout the day. Its always
better to sip than chug a large quantity at a time. There is only so
much your kidneys can process an hour.
Overall I really enjoy
having this app on my phone. Its a functional app that was the first
thing to be downloaded onto my new phone.
Actually want to know
the best part about this app? Its free. Yep that's right, it doesn't
cost a dime. It is available on both Apple and Android so there's no
excuse to not have it.
How do you make sure
you drink enough? Will you be downloading this?
Let me know down
below in the comments.
