Charity: Race for Life 5K with Scottish Power

On Sunday I participated in the Race for Life 5K event at Glasgow Green. I was going to say I ran, but it was more like a jog. It's been a number of months since I was running regularly (I just checked back in my Nike app on my phone and it was in September 2014 that I was running once a week, since then I've done only two runs!!). For a number of reasons I hadn't trained: partly due to my Crohn's playing up; partly due to lack of time; and if I'm honest partly because of the weather (although that's not really a decent excuse, you just need to dress appropriately for the conditions).

Anyway, you will be pleased to hear that despite not training I managed to jog the route in 31 minutes (I felt that deserved to be in bold!). I have to say I was pretty chuffed with myself.

I chose to run for Cancer Research UK because my mum lost her battle with cancer in 2001 and was taken from us too soon. She was 51 years old when she died. I was 19 years old, and my little sister was 17. We were too young to lose a parent. You can read my diary entries from the time on the blog: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

Due to the amazing work of scientists and researchers, today one in two people with cancer will survive.

Lot's more can be done though to beat cancer sooner.

The atmosphere on race day was mixed. I felt quite emotional - reading everyone's stories on the backs of their shirts really put things into perspective; and yet I also felt inspired and that I really was making a difference, even if it was just a little one. 

That morning I woke up early before the kids and had some porridge (with Lactofree milk!) and fresh fruit before getting dressed and ready. My daughter painted my face in a few different pink colours and with plenty of glitter! She helped me choose the Pink Army tattoos to wear and looked out a pink party hat for me. 

The run itself wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. It was a bit wet and windy in Glasgow, but the rain was refreshing, for once! It was bizarre running through the empty streets of Glasgow, particularly Buchanan Street with a sea of women in pink t-shirts around me. There were plenty of supporters along the way which helped keep me going.

I made it round the course with my Scottish Power 'High 5 me!' foam hand... which to be honest was a hindrance but I carried on regardless!! 

Scottish Power are raising support for Cancer Research UK through the High 5 Wave. The target is to reach 60,000 high fives to raise £35,000 for the charity. 

"High fives are a symbol of achievement and celebration for all of us every day. We want to use high fives to generate positive energy in the fight against cancer" Scottish Power 

I added my High 5 and joined the wave at the Scottish Power marquee after the race!

If you would like to donate some money to my JustGiving page, you will find it here (www.justgiving.com/glasgowmummy).

Or why not take part in an event yourself? They are being held across the UK and you can find an event near you here.

Disclosure: my race entry was paid for and I was provided with promotional material for the run by Scottish Power.

Healthy Eating

I was asked over on Instagram by Merry in the Ferry about my work day eating habits after posting this photograph of my office drawer filled with snacks!! It also ties in quite nicely with my health & fitness goals that I posted about last week.

As you'll know if you are regular readers, I am currently seeing a personal trainer once a week for an hour sesssion. I was struggling to get motivated, especially hard at this time of year when it's dark and cold! For me, I knew that some sessions with a PT would be money well spent. Exercise is great for your mental health and wellbeing, helps you sleep better and I know that by losing a bit of weight I'd boost my confidence. I wasn't exercising at all, and had totally gotten out of the habit of exercising, and Ross has got me back into  it. I started in November last year and now that I'm seeing results I'm finding staying motivated a lot easier. I weighed myself this morning, and that's me now lost 7 lbs.

However, it's not just exercise, what you eat is just as important.

The key for me is being organised - hence why I have a drawer full of snacks at my work. This way if I'm feeling peckish and my colleagues have donuts or crisps, I can get myself a healthy snack and I'm able to stay clear of the junk food. I actually managed to resist the donuts...! Are you impressed?

So at the moment in my desk drawer I have the following:

• Decaf tea bags (Tetley)
• Rude Health Oat & Spelt Thins
• Peanut Butter
• Oatcakes
• Munchy Seeds, Chilli Bites
• Muesli (one with more seeds and nuts than dried fruit, like Jordan Nut & Seed)
• Baby plum tomatoes
• Bear blackcurrant yoyo (these are designed for kids, but to me it's a sweet treat!)
• Food Doctor Roasted Bean Mix
• Beyond Dark chocolate drops

I've also got some Light Philadelphia cheese in the fridge, which I have on the oat & spelt thins.

Some other snacks that are great are crudites & hummus, sugar snap peas, popcorn, yoghurt & berries, a handful of nuts, rice cakes or a few dates.

On a typical day I'll have the following:

7.30/8am Breakfast - muesli & cup of tea

Muesli with dates & bananas

10am Snack - see list above!

12.30pm Lunch - soup or salad, sometimes with a spelt thin and Philadelphia cheese

Hummus & oatcakes with salad

3pm Snack 

5pm Dinner - this varies and depends on whether or not I have the kids but I try and stick to healthy options where possible. If the kids are having pasta, then I'll have gluten-free pasta or choose to have steamed cabbage instead. I'll possibly write a separate post on our dinners.

Chicken stir fry

8/9pm Snack

So I'm actually eating lots, and eating a lot more than I would have previously. But it's all about eating the right kinds of food. However it's also about being realistic. I can't stick to this 100% of the time... I've got to have a life and I do love my food. We were at Pizza Hut at the weekend for dinner, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also still have take aways, but again I'll be sensible in what I choose.

Hopefully this has provided some inspiration, food for thought you might say ;-)

You can find my Weight Loss Inspiration post with before and after photographs here which has a few more tips on losing weight and getting healthy.

#JanuaryJoy - Make some health & fitness goals

I am feeling super motivated right now fitness-wise.

I went out for a run on Sunday in the howling wind and rain (& snow at parts!) with my two running buddies Jayne & Joanne. I hadn't been on a proper run in months and months. It was tough. But I did it, and I certainly feel better for it. Thank you Jayne for forcing me to get out there & just get on with it!

I thought I would share with you some of my health and fitness goals for 2015 as part of the Florence Finds #JanuaryJoy series.

1. Exercise

You'll be so impressed with me - as I write this (on Monday night!) I'm in my gym gear and soon I'll be heading out to a try a zumba class.

I've been going to a Personal Trainer once a week for an hour session. I've been struggling to motivate myself, so this was my short-term solution until I get back into it good habits myself. I absolutely love the boxing exercises that we do - it's so good to just punch away all my stresses! I've signed up for another 4 week block, and this time I mean business.

My aim is to continue with the weekly PT sessions, and then in addition to this every week I'll go to at least one fitness class and do at least one run. There it is in black & white... no going back!

I weighed myself this morning and I'm 12 stone 2 lbs. How on earth did this happen?? My weight has yo-yo'd over the years, and I've gone from 13 stone 10lbs down to 11 stone and then back up to nearly 12 stone, back down to 11 stone and now I'm up at over 12 stone again. So very frustrating! My goal is to hopefully lose one stone and I'd like to be comfortable in my size 10 jeans again. 

2. Eat

I'm also keen to start regularly making healthy smoothies, and the Breville BlendActive will help me with this. I just need to get a bit more organised so that I'm getting up 10 minutes earlier each morning to prepare them!

3. Sleep

One last thing that I'd like to try, which will hopefully help me get up earlier in the mornings is a 'wake-up light' like the Lumie Bodyclock. I spotted on YouTube that ViviannaDoesMakeup has one and she swears by it. I really struggle to get out of bed on these dark mornings, so perhaps this is the solution for a more natural, less harsh awakening!

I also plan to limit the amount of time I spend on my phone when I'm in bed. My sister is of the opinion that mobiles are toxic, and I do tend to agree with her. I need to get into a healthier sleep routine, which will hopefully have a very positive impact on my general mood and wellbeing. 

So do watch this space to see how I get on...

There's a tablet for that...

I was at the doctor the other week to get something for my sons verruca. My son was crying & anxious because he thought he was going to get liquid put on his foot to take away the verruca (think this is what his dad had told him would happen). He really wasn't keen on being there, wasn't happy when the doctor was checking his foot either & it was a relief when the Dr said that he would give us a prescription of liquid to use at home.

Anyway, I think the doctor could see I had my hands full. He asked me how I was. And my response... I burst into tears.

 

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I think if I had wanted to, I could have walked away with a prescription for antidepressants. I have taken them before, a few years ago now. But I think perhaps doctors are a bit too quick to prescribe them. 

 

I told the doctor I was just having a bad week & that I've not been exercising as much lately (hardly at all if I'm honest) and that I'd be fine once I started it back up (one of the reasons I've started back with a PT to give me the kick up the bum that I need!). 

He insisted that I go back to have another chat with him.

 

I've not made that appointment...and I'm not sure I will.

 

On the whole life is good, but I'm a human being and I have some downs as well as the ups.

 The Storm Beneath 

Fingers crossed this week is better as I start back on the exercising & healthy eating bandwagon!

{Motivation}

I've been lacking in motivation to get back into shape.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have much to lose... just 10 or maybe 11 lbs.

I know I'll be happier when I get back to my target again, but does that motivate me... nope, it does not.

I also know what I need to do... because I've done it before.

Eat less, move more.

Simple, you'd think?

I'm hoping as the weather improves I'll get back out running...

But I also need someone to shout at me and tell me to stop eating all the cake (& sweets, chocolate, pastries...).

Seriously, you'd better be quick or there will be none left!

{Paleo Diet & Crohn's Disease}

The lovely Laura over at The Mrs Makes has written a blog post on 'Eating Paleo' and she's inspired me to give this diet a try. Basically, the theory is that you eat like our caveman ancestors did... the diet is high in protein, low in carbohydrate and no processed food. My sister is also going to attempt a diet of no processed food to help curb her sugar cravings... I really need to get motivated for this I reckon! No more cake!!?

I've already said that losing weight is 70% diet and 30% exercise. I've got the exercise part sussed - I do at least 4 runs a week normally and I try and make a metafit class when I can. It's the diet part that's seriously lacking.

The more reading I've done, I actually think it might help reduce my Crohn's symptoms and be very beneficial to me health-wise.

Head on over to Laura's post to get some of the background information on Paleo principles, and below you'll find some thoughts on a Paleo diet specifically for autoimmune diseases, like Crohn's.

Paleo Auto Immune Protocol

Some of the normal Paleo-friendly foods have been shown to cause issues for individuals with autoimmune disorders. The key for Paleo for Autoimmunity is to remove Neolithic foods (grains, breads, potatoes, beans and dairy) and it's also recommended to avoid the following foods:

• eggs
• tomatoes and aubergines
• peppers
• spices such as curries, paprika and chilli powder
• nuts and seeds

This then means that I can't have an omelette or scrambled eggs for breakfast, and I can't have my usual porridge or muesli either... hmmmm...

*goes away and does more googling*

Right, here are my initial thoughts:

Breakfast

Smoked salmon, fruit salad, banana

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Lunch

Chicken salad (greens, red onions, cucumber, beetroot, sweetcorn, avocado, carrots; no peppers or tomatoes)

Prawn, avocado and mango salad 

With homemade salad dressing of olive oil and garlic

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Homemade vegetable soup

Dinner

Grilled fish and vegetables (no peppers or potatoes)

Grilled meat and vegetables

Squash 'spaghetti' and meatballs

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Snacks

Not sure what I can do for snacks as my usual 'healthy' choices are rice cakes, hummous, yoghurt, nuts & seeds or some cherry tomatoes! None of which are allowed. Instead, I guess I could try these:

Mange tout

Sliced apples / pear

Carrot and celery batons

Handful of dried fruit

This definitely needs more thought.... suggestions are much appreciated. Do you know anyone that's tried a Paleo diet for autoimmune disease? 

{January Joy - 9th Jan}

Today's #JanuaryJoy prompt is 'try a new exercise (or class)'. 

I was never really into sport... I played hockey and netball at secondary school but I was never really that bothered. I could happily take it or leave it, and preferably leave it when the weather was miserable and I had to stand in goals on a hockey pitch for an hour (or however long a match was!!).

I started going to the gym on & off when I was at university, having bursts of regular sessions but then months of doing nothing. 

How times have changed! In the summer of 2011 I started a healthy eating and exercise plan with the help of a personal trainer. I very quickly lost 3.5 stone and I'm loving it! I really got into jogging (not such a fan of the jogging itself, but feel amazing afterwards!) and I surprisingly enjoyed my first ever proper race! I've also joined a private gym which I try to go to a couple of times a week, childcare permitting (I'm still really intimidated to use the weights when I'm at the gym... the room is normally full of men lifting massive weights, and then there's me who is rather weak and a bit rubbish at times!!).

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I did used to go to various gym classes - Pilates, Body Attack, Body Pump, Body Step, Body Combat - but haven't been to one for a while now and I haven't been to any classes at my new gym.

So that's my #JanuaryJoy challenge for today - make it along to one of the classes at my new gym. 

P.S. I failed miserably on the no chocolate or sweets thing, caving after just one day. Feel like I let you down, but I did try... honest!

{Busy}

I've been rushed off my feet this past month or so. My friend and her three girls were staying with me for just under a fortnight, then I had my sister's wedding, then my dad & his wife were visiting, followed by a visit from my sister and her husband (btw congrats guys!). On top of this, I've been busy getting more stuff done at the house (I've converted my dining room into a playroom, and changed the living room about a bit so it's a proper grown-up space - no toys!). It's only now that I'm getting back into a routine.

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I've joined a new gym (thanks to my friend who transferred her membership over to me!), and starting to feel motivated again about exercise. I went straight from work yesterday (if I were to go home first and sit down, it was more than likely that I wouldn't have gone out again!) and did a workout... on the treadmill, rowing machine and then for a swim. 

I was trying to look cool, and failed miserably... I slipped on the steps on my way into the pool area and landed on my ass. Majorly embarrassing. However, I think (crosses fingers) no-one saw me. Honestly, what am I like!

Healthy eating has not been going so well (as I stuff more chocolate into my mouth!) and I know I need to make more of an effort to cook from scratch. In my defence, I did make soup the other day in the slow cooker but I will continue to try harder.

I've also been getting more organised... around the house, planning play dates ahead of schedule and making the most of my days off. I feel much more on top of things now as a result. I just hope I can keep it up. 

The kids and I went to soft play last week - it's been a while since I've taken them - but it was great fun and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. There were tantrums from both when we had to leave which was not so great. The walk home seemed to take forever with a son that kept demanding to go back! We also had a dry afternoon on Friday so we headed straight for the park. It was great for all of us to get some fresh air, and I felt myself smiling as I walked home. I was really starting to get fed up of raining days stuck indoors. I've also been looking into organised activities for the kids, and I'm hoping to sign them up for a few things soon.

Things are on the up again, I hope?

{Lazy}

I have become so lazy in the kitchen lately and I'm ashamed to admit I can't even remember the last time I cooked a meal from scratch (ok, I can - it was a Thai chicken curry I made for a buffet day at work - but before that, who knows!). I've been surviving on cereal, sandwiches, fruit, salads (pre-prepared from supermarket), beans on toast, scrambled eggs and microwave meals. The kids have been having much the same, but they get fresh pasta a lot (it's quicker to cook!) and sausages (but I'm trying to be healthy so avoiding both!). I used to be really good at making homemade soup in my slow cooker, making beef or chicken casseroles too and the occasional risotto. The laziness has got to stop - all the pre-packed food is expensive and it's not setting a good example for my children. I was blaming it on the fact that I'm so busy and that it's harder being on my own to get everything done, but it's no excuse really.

Tonight I placed an online supermarket food order and along with the microwave meals and pre-packed salads I got the ingredients to make cheese, ham & courgette muffins (thought this would be something fun to make with the little ones and would be an alternative to sandwiches at lunchtime) and vegetables to make my usual carrot and lentil soup in the slow cooker.

Cheese, ham & courgette muffins

Carrot & lentil soup

I bet mine won't look anything like the photographs, but my aim is to at least make these two things before the weekend. 

My energy levels are starting to dip, I've also been in a bit of a bad mood (to be expected I guess with all the recent goings on) and I'm guessing my rubbish diet isn't helping matters (that and my Crohn's Disease and the fact I haven't had my Vit B12 injection in aaaaaaages, when I'm supposed to have them every 3 months!). 

However, I've made it back to the gym this week which I'm very pleased about as my weight was starting to creep up and up (which is the last thing I want after the efforts I went to to lose it!). In the last week I've run 5 miles, went to Body Attack, Body Pump & Body Step at the gym and I went to my usual Pilates class. 

Here's to a happy & energetic week ahead *crosses fingers*

This post was for Kate on Thin Ice's Grooving Mums, which I haven't participated in for a loooong time (sorry Kate). Do check out Kate's blog and join in if you are feeling like you want to get your groove back - the more the merrier.

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{On the Up}

I don't want to tempt fate, but I think things are on the up! I've been through a pretty rough time lately, and on top of all the relationship stuff, there has been all the other bits and pieces that fell apart too.

Today I had was given the gift of another compliment from a random stranger. This time it was two ladies in my local park. I stopped briefly as my little ones were interested in seeing the dogs they were walking and we got chatting. One of them was telling me what lovely teeth I had and that I had an amazing smile. It was all very bizarre, and a bit embarrassing, but lovely all the same and I walked off feeling much better about myself. My confidence is improving, definitely.

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I'm still in the process of moving my kiddies into separate rooms, but I'm forcing myself to go to bed earlier (8pm last night I was in bed!) and that's helping massively too. I'm still getting a number of wake-up calls during the night, but if I go to bed early enough I can cope better!

My boiler has been fixed, my iPhone is now back in my possession and working perfectly *touch wood* and my car has also been repaired. Phew!

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I've not been doing much in the way of exercise recently and I think that it has been affecting my mood. So on Tuesday morning this week, when the kids were with their daddy, I got up at 6am (yes, six o'clock in the morning!) and went for a quick 3 mile run before going to work. I'm going to try and make this my new routine. I was shattered by Tuesday night, but I did feel much better for getting some much needed exercise. My diet has been pretty appalling, but I am aware of this and need to try harder. It's basically down to me being lazy and I've been eating far too many processed foods

I've got a few social things (was going to call them events, but I'm not sure what qualifies for an event!) in my diary coming up - the girls are coming round this weekend for pizza and wine, I've got another personal shopping trip with my sister next week (@the_grey_house, who has nothing to do with 50 Shades of Grey lol!!), and I'm also going for afternoon tea soon with all the girls at my work - I find that having things organised ahead of time makes a big difference and it's great to have things to look forward to. I was out with some new friends on Saturday night this weekend and had a great night. My little ones were thankfully with their daddy on Sunday as I was in bed for most of the day... oh dear! I am well and truly a lightweight!

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For all you other 'Grooving Mums' out there, do join in over at Kate on Thin Ice.

For now, over and out!! :-)

{Macmillan Cancer Support}

As many of you will know, I ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon a few weeks ago and I was raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support (the total raised at the moment is in the region of £4600!!).

Anyway, I was asked if I would participate in some PR for Macmillan, so on they day I had my photograph taken and I had to answer some questions after the event too. I think they are going to use my story for some advertising for the 2013 campaign!

I thought I would share the photographs and 'interview' here with you all, perhaps it will inspire some of you too?

1.      How did you feel before the race/at the start line?

I was a little nervous at the start of the race. This was my first ever race, and I didn't know what to expect. There were a lot of people! The music from the radio station was blaring throughout the crowds and there was such a buzz of anticipation in the air! As we started crossed the starting line my nerves calmed down, I plugged my earphones in and I started the long jog to the finish.

2.      How did it feel when you crossed the finish line?

I felt brilliant! I had paced myself throughout the run (particularly due to the hot weather that day!), and by the end I still had enough energy for a little sprint through the finish line with a massive smile on my face. I was so pleased that I had made it to the end!

3.      Why did you decide to run for Macmillan?

My mum died of ovarian cancer in June 2001. I wanted to raise funds for a cancer charity, and so selected Macmillan.

4.      What kept you going when it got tough?

I knew that my mum would have been so proud of me, so thoughts of her kept me going. 

5.      Were you impressed with the Macmillan cheer-points?

The cheer-points definitely kept me going. It was such a buzz to hear everyone shouting my name and words of encouragement. 

6.      What was the support like that you got in the lead up to the race?

I had plenty of support in the run up to the race. The Macmillan newsletters were brilliant and I knew that I could call upon someone from the team for help if I had needed it.

7.      Was it proud moment?

I am so proud of myself for finishing the Edinburgh Half Marathon! At the end of the race I made my way to the Macmillan tent and the cheerleaders shouted out my name as I walked up the red carpet for my leg massage! I was beaming. Such a great feeling!! I was also really pleased with my time - I had wanted to finish in under 2.5 hours, and my time was 2 hours 12 minutes. Result!

8.      Have you been involved with other Macmillan fundraising events before?

No

9.      Do you think you’ll do it again?

Yes, definitely. All going well I'm hoping to run the full marathon next year!

10.  What would you say to encourage someone thinking of running for Macmillan next year?

Do it! With the right training it's certainly achievable and with Macmillan you will be running for a fantastic cause. 

 

{And the beat goes on}

So, here's my #groovingmums update for Kate's Getting your groove back blog hop.


This week has been a bit 'bleugh'... can't think of a better word to describe it, sorry! I've now completed my three treats that I had lined up for achieving and maintaining my weight loss (cupcake masterclass, spa visit with a friend and personal shopping trip). I kinda feel like I've not got anything much to look forward to and despite the weight loss and feeling a bit better within myself things still aren't brilliant and I'm not sure if I have my groove back or not... 


However, I suppose there is Christmas next month which I'm very excited about as my toddler seems to be starting to understand about Christmas, probably due to him being at nursery. I've also got my 30th birthday in January which I need to start planning... thinking of having a party at the house but not totally sure yet. My to-do-list just keeps getting bigger and bigger!


This week I've only managed one run on Sunday with the running club girls and I did 7 miles! A new personal best, so I'm pleased with my achievement. *mentally ticks off one of the challenges from last week!* I'm sure that by May 2012 I'll be able to run the half marathon as planned... I might even do it in a decent time!

Healthy eating wise I've been so-so. I've indulged in quite a few cakes... had a massive scone at garden centre with hubby and the kids at the weekend (it was yum though!) and I also had one delivered to the house from Sponge which was delicious! I've not weighed myself so I'm not sure if I'm still at my target weight or not... got my personal trainer this week so I'll find out then :-/

I've continued with my painting and decorating at the house. I'm actually just back from B&Q where I was getting some more supplies as I plan to do some more painting tonight once the kiddies are in bed!

I have been enjoying my new wardrobe and I've been making an effort to mix n'match with my new clothes and wear things that are a little bit different for me.

On Saturday night I was at a friend's new house for a housewarming party. Hubby stayed to babysit the kids so I went along on my own. I was a bit nervous... I wasn't sure if I was going to know anyone there and I was feeling rather self conscious despite my amazing new clothes. I wore my skinny jeans, orange pussy bow blouse and my leopard print boots and I got a few nice comments about my shoes which made me feel more confident. Aside from my friend who's house it was, I knew one other person there, but I had a fab night and met some lovely people... There was no dancing though so I failed on Kate's challenge from last week (unless dancing about in the kitchen with the kids counts??... maybe the neighbours can vouch for me!).

In terms of Kate's other challenges, I have shared a favourite, but sad, poem in my Poetry blog post and I also took part in Kate Takes 5 listography blog hop which was harder than I thought it would be!

Yesterday I did some baking with the toddler (he licked the bowl - does that count!), and my hubby took the cakes to his work today for his staff. I was practicing my recipe for my Christmas cupcakes for the neighbours.... vanilla sponge with a gingerbread frosting... although I used pink spotty cupcake cases and heart decorations whereas my Christmas ones will be a bit different. I got a text from hubby to say that one of his staff members said my cakes were 'the nicest she's ever had' and 'well done you, everyone loves them'. So I was very pleased with that... success!

I packaged the cakes in the cupcake boxes I shared in my fabulous finds post

Here are the challenges set by Kate for this week:

1. Winter Warmth – how can you treat yourself to something that keeps you warm in this wintry weather. A new hat, scarf or pair of gloves? A pampering session involving heat? A hot chocolate every night for a week? Whatever warmth means to you. 

2. Money – is it time you thought about your finances? This will mean different things to different people. Do you have debts to sort out? Do you need advice on benefits? Is it worth joining an credit union as a way to build up savings and with access to credit? Is it time you set a budget for Christmas and stuck to it? It is absolutely up to you how you interpret this one. 

3. Art – How much do you know about art? Would you like to share a favourite painting with us and tell us why it appeals to you? Do you create things yourself that you would like to promote? Would you like to learn more about art and how might you do that?

4. Blogging Fun – How about taking part in Magpie Monday where bloggers celebrate bargain pre-owned finds whether located in charity shops, car boot sales, Christmas fairs, Ebay or whatever? You will find details with the lovely Liz over on the Me and My Shadow blog.

Perhaps this is the excuse I needed to buy a gorgeous hat I've spotted in a local gift shop? ;-)

Catch up with me next week to see how I got on...

{Grooving, or not as the case may be...}

I'm linking up again this week with Kate on Thin Ice for her weekly #groovingmums Blog Hop. This is week #6 already, and we're now into November... where has the time gone? Grab the badge that features above and check out Kate's blog if you fancy joining in.

I've had a bit of a mixed week if I'm honest.

My dad was here last week which was lovely to catch up with him and his wife. My son adored having his granddad around - we went to the garden centre and you could here my son shouting at the top of his voice from all corners of the store... 'Granddad, where are you?'. My sister also came down for one night and we had a mini-celebration for my dad's 60th (which is actually in November, but we won't see him again until April). I enjoyed being the hostess (I used to love hosting dinner parties b.c.) and I prepared a few nibbles for our friends & family which went down a storm (big thanks to my friend Claire for the inspiration for all the canapes). We also had a day trawling round some fabric shops and I'm feeling inspired to get the sewing machine out to make some curtains for the house (watch this space!). My sister has already made a cushion amongst other things with the fabric she purchased (she's child-free so can get things done much quicker than me!).

Some nibbles.... healthy-ish!!

On Thursday after my dad left I had a 'Keeping in Touch' day at my work. I'm due to start back in January, but had a day of training organised. I have to admit it was nice being back, even though I spent the afternoon reading Standard Operating Procedures! I wore my new Gok Wan dress (size 10!) and got a few nice comments about my new slim figure.

At work.... 

I also had a lovely night away in a 5 star hotel with a friend. We had a day of pampering at the spa followed by a lovely dinner that we got all dressed up for...

Dressed up for dinner in my new Wallis spotty dress

For Halloween on Monday I took the kiddies in their pirate outfits to visit granny & grandpa and they had a lovely day. My sister-in-law also came along with her two little ones so my son had great fun playing with his older cousin.

Last night, my friend Becky and I went to a flower arranging course. It was a one-off 2 hour course at a local florist and I had a great time and learnt loads. I'll do a separate blog post on this, but here is a quick photo of my creation:

However, here are the negatives (thought I'd start with the positive, up-beat bit!)...

Sticking to the healthy eating has been difficult now that Maria, my personal trainer, has said I can ditch the food diary. I've had too many nice cakes with my dad when he was here followed by a weekend of indulgence... must try harder this week.

I've also not been feeling great. I've had a bit of a cold and my tummy has been a bit sore too. I've been a bit of an idiot when it came to my Crohn's medication. With my weight loss I should have really reduced the dose of my medication, so I've technically been taking an overdose and I've been getting some not-so-nice side effects! My own fault really. My dose has now been lowered, but it's going to take a wee while for things to settle out. 

I've also not been doing much exercise... partly because I've been too busy and partly because I've been feeling a bit rubbish. I'm finding it difficult to go out running in the evenings now as it's so dark and it's not really safe to go on my own. I would go in the morning before hubby & the kids get up, but again it's too dark. I'm finding it really tricky to keep to the exercise plan at the moment and I'm feeling sluggish and a bit bleugh...

I feel like all I do is go round and round the house picking up stuff all the time and don't actually get anything done... dirty nappies, messy clothes, toys, more toys and even more toys...

Here's hoping the week picks up!

{Weight Loss Inspiration}

I've reached my target weight, and my personal trainer has now featured me on her list of success stories on her website! Here are the before and after pics:

3 July 2011

3 July 2011

11 Oct 2011

I have achieved the following results:

• lost 6 inches from my waist
• lost 5.75 inches from my hips
• my body fat % has dropped 11%
• lost 33lbs (however I've lost in total 3 stone since having had baby 5.5 months ago)
• dropped from a size 16 to a size 10

All in just 3.5 months!!

The key has been to eat healthily, no crazy diets, and to do a bit of exercise.

A number of people have asked how I've done it, so I want to share with you some of the tips I've learned from Maria.

• Keep a food & exercise diary, and be honest with yourself
• Eat little and often
• Watch portion sizes
• Have something to eat as soon as you wake up in the morning to get your metabolism going
• Choose the healthy option where possible
• Limit bread, pasta & potato intake (I had no bread or pasta to start with)
• Choose wholemeal where possible (brown rice, wholewheat pasta, wholewheat noodles, seeded brown bread)
• Avoid or limit bananas (as far as I'm aware they slow metabolism - not sure if this is true or not. This is the only fruit that I've been told to avoid)
• Avoid or limit red meat 
• Eat lots of fresh fruit & vegetables
• Eat lots of fish
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (I struggle with this one!)
• Avoid Coke & Diet Coke
• Avoid alcohol (I'll have a soda & lime when out)

Here's what I would eat in a typical day:

7am - couple of spoons of low fat natural yoghurt

8.30/9am - museli (one with nuts and seeds rather than dried fruit e.g. Jordans Nut & Seed) with skimmed milk & lots of blueberries & raspberries or porridge

10.30am - snack (handful almonds; crudites & hummus; oatcake, fruit salad, yoghurt & berries; sugar snap peas or handful popcorn)

12 noon - vegetable soup; chicken, tuna or prawn salad (with salad leaves, beetroot, pine nuts, peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and drizzle of dressing); ryvita & cottage cheese or Food Doctor pitta bread with chicken and salad

3pm - another snack

5pm - fish with lots of vegetables; chicken stir fry with brown rice/noodles or homemade chicken curry (tomato based sauce) with brown rice

8pm - another snack

If I'm feeling hungry at any point I'll grab a handful of Food Doctor seeds or Munchy Seeds or a handful of cherry tomatoes or sugar snap peas.

I still have the occasional cake (there is no point trying to cut out everything 'bad' - it's got to be a realistic diet so that you can stick to it), I'll also still eat chocolate occasionally (80% cocoa dark chocolate and I'll only have 2 squares) and if I do have a take away then I will have a chicken kebab (salad, no sauce!).

In addition to the healthy eating I've been exercising approximately 5 times a week. I've joined Maria's running club which meet on a Sunday morning and I've started a Pilates class too which is a Monday night. In addition to this I do a Davina workout DVD at the house (Davina's are the only DVDs that my personal trainer recommends by the way). I've also been trying to do a run when I can, but at the moment it's becoming difficult as the nights are getting really dark, as are the mornings! To start with I went out for brisk walks with the kids in the buggy and I'm now able to run (I did 5.37 miles this morning at running club, and before August I had never really run before).

Davina Fit DVD

Hope this is helpful? Any questions, do let me know.