September----- New Month New Goals

Welcome Spring!!!! Wow haven't you come upon us with all your warmth and love!!! It is such glorious weather at the moment. I love it!! The wind could maybe die down a bit but it is still warm so I can put up with it..

So as of this Monday 3rd September I was sitting at 100.2kgs!!!! Holy that is so god damn close to double digits!!! I can't believe it!! I do hope I make it this week. I'll be happy with 99.9kg! I can't say I have been 100% clean this week so far as I have not but I am still doing pretty well and not had any major blow outs.

Highlight this week has been trying on clothes in my wardrobe and seeing that they are either too big to wear now or just fitting perfect now and about to get too big. I remember the dress I wore to Ben and Skye's wedding. It was fitting snug... not tight but not lose either. I tried it on thinking maybe I can wear it to Hayley's wedding in a fortnight if I needed a back up. Um... no! It is massive on me now. There is so much room it is ridiculous..... I'll have to post a comparison photo... Where I am amazed at the difference is in my breast... It just drops... If I needed any further verification that I am losing the girls then that is it... Devastating!!! lol

So I have set myself some new goals for September...

• lose 2.5kgs which will be over 20kgs lost since starting in February
• Continue to smash out over 600 Calories in the hour on Cardio days
• Eat 95% Clean (I say 95% as to allow for my Max Brenner Hot choc when I go to Charlestown and any minor variants in my eating)
• Try a new class at the gym to encourage variety into my program
• Prepare meals at the beginning of the week where I can so as to allow for the days when something may arise and to avoid eating crap instead.
• Try to minimise the junk that is brought into the house for Andrew, Eleanor and Lucille to eat to encourage healthy eating for the total household, also eliminating temptations for me!
• Post a positive thought daily on your FB page or on here.. Especially if their is negative thoughts abound in my mind
• Have a meat free day once a week

These don't seem like major goals but they are certainly somethings that I need to work on.
Especially the mind. I was actually thinking today how much the mind plays in achieving goals. It may be obvious but to me it just seemed a little obvious today. I was doing my normal cardio smash session and I really struggled at doing the Random setting and sitting on 6.5kmh. I wanted to stop. My legs were ok but it was my mind saying "oh my god you have to stop" "you can't do it" So I slowed down the treadmill to 6kmh.. Then I caught up with myself and was like no way sister you can so do this and put it back up to 6.5kmh. OF course when my 25 mins finished I thought I would die and there was no way I could jump on the treadmill but I did..... It is a matter of just ensuring you are always checking yourself and ensuring the mind is chanting positive thoughts...

Anyway enough from me :-)

What an awesome day to what the hell am I thinking!!!!!!

Saturday was an awesome day!!!! Seriously awesome. I took part in a Fundraising Boot Camp where Margie from TBL guested. Start off with the bootcamp... Bloody awesome. I loved it and loved pushing myself hard!!! oh and can I say I loved the tyre pulls. I found it a challenge to ensure every time I did it that i was running with the tyre and not just walking the bloody thing. I know that it was a charity event but I took it as a boot camp and an exercise session at that. The only thing I found hard was the Rope run and that was running with the rope in one hand above our head and then swapping hands as the pt said and then using two hands. As we headed over the bridge the cold air got me good and I felt like I had asthma big time. It was like breathing in granules. I dropped out and was a disappointed in myself but I walked fast until over the bridge and then jogged down to the lights to meet up with everyone. Took up the rope again on the way back but as soon as we hit that bridge I died. Got back into it on the other side and quite easily handled the stair sprints.... oh and Turkish getups suck big ones as does burpees lol.... But I seriously had an awesome time and it made me realise that I am struggling big time with just the gym and maybe need to start working some classes in on my cardio days.... ooh and on a quick note. I hate weights!!!! really hate them. i don't enjoy them at all!!!!!!!! maybe it is because of the bloody ridiculous show pony boys who hog the weights and stare and make you feel shit for being in there. I seriously want to say " fuck off staring at least I'm bloody working my arse off!" but I don't have the balls to do that. Toni you need to come and sort them out!

ok now moving on to Margie. What an inspirational woman. She is so friendly and down to earth and I loved meeting and working out with her! When I got a pic and autograph at the end I asked her about the mental games... Right now I struggle mentally with losing weight. Staying true to my course and not throwing in the towel. She said that I need to focus on me and do it for me before I do it for anyone else... To know that my body will do whatever my mind believes that can be done to it... Just basically not to give up on me... as I am all my body has got..So I am not giving up...

I am pleased I did it and got to meet her. Was awesome!!!!!

So you are wondering the "what the hell I am thinking" is all about?!?!?!
Well I agreed with Toni to do  Tough Mudder next year. WTF!!!! I am seriously wondering where my sanity is at. I want to do it though. I want to challenge myself physically and mentally. I want to know that I can do anything I set my mind to. I know that it is going to be crazy hard and I know that I am going to have to train my arse off to be ready... but I want this.... The only person who can tell me that I can't do this is me... And I say a big resounding piss off I can't!!!!!!  So bring it on.. Found some training guides on the Tough Mudder site so will incorporate that into my cardio training one day a week...

See how I go :-)

Woot!!!

that I finally saw how far I have come since beginning my lifestyle adjustment.
I tried on a dress that I had not been able to fit into EVER and it fits nicely.
I brought the dress off ebay 3 years ago and it was a bargain. Couldn't even get it over my boobs!!! Was such a nice dress. My friend Hayley is getting married in September and I thought I best start thinking about what I will wear... scanning cupboard.. nothing... ooh wait what do we have hear.. nah it won't fit me who am I kidding.. I debated whether to try it on as I didn't want to feel bad about myself.. Eleanor said ooh mummy try it on it is pretty. So I obliged the cherub.. I couldn't believe how easy it went over my chest and down my waist and hips!!!! So excited!!! I did a little happy dance... which Eleanor joined in without knowing what I was dancing for ha ha. She took a pic of me in it and I don't think it does it justice and I won't be posting it anywhere.

Trying the dress on has given me such a reassurance that I am on the right path and that I am slugging my guts out for something! The scales may only be showing small losses but wow trying that dress on is showing big losses!!!  It has given me the resurgence in my desire to get to my goal weight/size. To stay true to my path and I will get there. It is 100% clean eating for me from now until the wedding....and beyond of course but I am going to be very strict with myself so that I know that I have done everything needed. I will only allow myself a treat of Max Brenner hot choc whenever I go to Newcastle rather than a day or meal cheat :-) oh and before you freak out Toni it is probably only fortnightly I go if that :-)

ok so I did promise also I would post my meals. So here is today.

Breakfast
1/2 cup of oats and half a cup of Almond Milk, sprinkling of ground Cinnamon

Mid morning Snack
shake after work out and 1/2 banana. (my Protowhey shake is made on water)

Lunch
2 poached eggs, 2 large mushrooms lightly cooked in coconut oil, baby spinach and rocket, slice of Burgen Rye ( I would not normally have eggs for lunch as this would be my breakfast some days but i felt like eggs as I have had oats the last couple of days)

Arvo Snack
Pink lady apple with tablespoon of Organic Peanut Butter

Dinner
100 gms of Moroccan Chicken, mixed salad leaves, shallots, fresh beetroot, self roasted capsicum, drizzle Balsamic vinegar, tbs Ricotta dolloped on. I wish I had roasted sweet potato but none :-(

Ooh and I have to say having my breakfast at 7 before I work out at 9 has helped me immensely with hunger through the day. I had a massive cardio session today and I had a mass amount of energy. I wouldn't even say it was due to the Dfine 8 but more so that I had something in my belly upon waking.

Ooh my friend Toni stated on a previous post to have more protein in my snacks.. Ok so the peanut butter is a protein source. Is that not enough?? What other ideas for snacks steering clear of Ryvitas and other crisps type of foods due to the no/minimal carbs after 2pm??? In my nuts I am having Almonds which is a protein source. Is it that I am not having enough protein in these snacks?

In my lasagna I do use Mountain bread as the sheet in place of pasta though I tried another wrap type of bread the other day which was lower in carbs. I will be making my lasagna this week with none of that and incorporating coarsely mashed sweet potato/pumpkin and roasted eggplant into the layers.. so stay tuned for the recipe for that one.

Till next time xxx

Changes

Argh there is so many changes occurring at the moment!

We are getting prepared for our move back to Townsville....And I say prepared in the mental and physical sense.

As much as I found the first year away from family a challenge and having a newborn away from my close circle, I love it here. I am settled. I am not so homesick now. I have a great bunch of friends here. I love the area and discovering new towns and just driving through the wineries.

But now I am mentally preparing for the move back. A move to where life is comfortable and easy and cellular. It is funny when I think back 2ish years and the dread I felt about leaving and I now have that same dread. This is different though. I know that I will settle back so easily into life in Townsville and we will not venture far as per normal as Townsville is very cellular. ie everything you need is there. The beautiful Strand, decent shops, great entertainment. Life will be comfortable. I will be amongst my girls again and up to shennanigans, I'll be getting stuck into the gym and getting fit and healthy. I will thoroughly enjoy being back with my parents. But I will feel a longing for Singleton and the Hunter Valley. This has been the worst few years for us financially than it has ever been... it is a very expensive town to shop in, hence why I go to Rutherford.. 40 minutes up the road to shop... Plus there is Aldi.... oh how I will miss you Aldi.. Your cheap nappies that rival Huggies more than any brand has! Your yummy Ricotta..The weetbix that Eleanor loves more than the well known brands. But the savings are truly amazing and I hope Townsville gets one cause it will be awesome! We have the demographic there but who knows. I look forward to shopping at the markets though and trying out Sprout that everyone talks about.

Mentally I am just not ready to move back. I think also I am struggling as I know that Andrew is putting in to Core Transfer to Raeme which means a trip back down this way to Albury at some stage. I just don't know if I want to move all the way up and then prepare myself again for the angst of leaving friends and family again to move. I just want to be settled but not in Townsville.

Oh the joys of the army life!

August- NewMonth NewGoals

 

August how I welcome you into my life!  I really have had a shit July! No progress on the scales or in measurements. Sick kids and myself. No focus.. To be honest just all round crap! yep blah blah blah excuses excuses excuses...

Well it is day 10 in August and I have exercised every day this month . I have really watched my food intake. I am struggling with water and really need to get this on track. Water really is essential to weightloss. So I am making an effort to drink 2 of my bottles which is 1 litre  and one extra one of those when working out.

I feel like the old mindset is setting in and I need to break out of that. Doesn't matter how many people kick me up the bum if I can't get my focus back then no amount of butt kicking will help. I do think that having not blogged regularly has not helped either so I will do that more too. Just to keep my mind on track and vent if needed etc.

You know sometimes you get the mind where ok yep I'm feeling good about my body, feeling healthier etc etc and then you lose your way as you get comfortable. Well I am not comfortable....that is what I have to keep telling myself. I have not achieved what I want to. 15+ kgs is fabulous!!!!!!!! Don't get me wrong... But I still want to get to roughly 80kgs and a size 14, I am currently about 102kgs (yes not weighed properly in a while) and size 18 some 16. So this is no where near where I want to be!

Preparation is key so I have cut up vegies ready to make salads as quickly and easy as can be. I am planning my snacks and just trying to get back on track. I am making sure my calories are not too high and also the carb content. Trying to keep carbs to morning or lunch.

I had a great chat to my PT Annie on Tuesday and she was really good. Gave me some great advice and I have put this into action.

I am really killing it in my cardio sessions pushing between 500 and 600 calories in an hour. I am being focused in my weights sessions. I make sure my form is right and I am pushing as hard as I can.

So exercise is not my issue. I love exercise. I do it 6 days a week. Sunday is my rest day though due to the last few days of July not working out with sick kids I had to make up some time. I will be resting this weekend though.

So food. Here is my typical day. I will put the timings of my food too so if you see anything wrong let me know.

7am Breakfast- 6egg white omelet with spring onion, capsicum and mushroom. (sometimes I add a rasher of short cut bacon though not always. I may also add one whole egg)
OR Quick oats with 1/2 Cup Almond Milk- will switch to rolled oats once my plain sachets of quick oats are gone
Fish Oil tablet

830am-  take my Dfine 8 and l carnitine

9am- start either my weights program or cardio session
I drink Xtend whilst I work out

1030am- finish session with Protowhey shake and L-Glutamine
May have a banana or apple once I get home

1230/1pm- lunch. Usually the same thing though may have left overs too
100gm Chicken with Moroccan Spice, mixed lettuce leaves eg baby spinach Rocket etc, red onion, capsicum, roasted pumpkin sweet potato and beetroot, baby tomatoes, lebanese cucumber.

330pm-  handful of nuts, Brazil, Macadamia, Almond, Walnuts and cashew. All are raw not roasted or salted
OR Apple with tablespoon of Natural Organic Peanut Butter YUMMINESS if you have not tried this!
OR Protowhey Smoothie-  Scoop of Protowhey, cup Almond Milk, a couple of mixed frozen berries or 2 berry Antioxidant Smoothie Cubes, 1/2 banana and a tbs of LSA mix. Delicious!!!!!

Dinner-  this is various though these are the meals I rotate with through the week
~ Chicken Parmigiana w/ salad or green veg
~ Clean Spinach and Ricotta lasagna w/ salad or green veg (I make a big batch and then freeze slices) I have cut them smaller than a normal serve lately to cut back on the carb content.
~ Moroccan Chicken Salad same as lunch
~ Steak and Veg with clean mushroom sauce
~ Clean Lean Beef Tacos
~ Salmon or home made Salt and Pepper Calamari w/ green veg
~ Home Made Pumpkin Soup

Now in these I use only Ricotta Cheese, natural yogurt, no crumbing though maybe with Almond Meal. In the lasagna I use Mountain Bread though I have recently used Mission Rye Wraps for the lower carb content. With the tacos I don't use taco shells I place my ingredients in Cos lettuce leaves (thanks Ali for the idea) or I'll toast off some Mountain bread wraps though I have not done that in a long while.

I am trying not to count calories but I will for the next couple meals to make sure I am hitting the minimum daily target of 1200 as advised by PT. But I need to keep track of all the other nibbles too.

I don't have any desert but I may have a hot choc made with my Protowhey but this is rare.

I am looking to change my meals up a little next grocery shop for variety. So I am currently scanning FB

Oh I must say that I may have found what has been impeding me with weightloss and I think this has come from the Ashy Bines program and some confusion there. She promotes the FBW or Fat Burning Walk. Which is a fasted session upon waking. Well I don't work out straight away as I am at 9am. So suggestions were made to at least have a banana. So I was having a banana and then doing my session and then having the shake.  I think after talking with Annie and my friend Jacque that I realised this was possibly what is having the negative affect. My body was not getting any real substance until after my workout. Since Tuesday I have changed this and having breakfast no later than 7am so that it is 2 hours between my food and workout especially cardio for the fat burning effect. I feel a lot better for it. Will see in a fortnight if there is any change on the scales. I say fortnight as to allow body time to adjust and also for being smack bang in the middle of girlies!!!! There is more structure to my food timing now so that should help.

Anyway enough from me as I have a house to clean. a shower to be had and some fun with my little cherub...

Any suggestions ladies please shoot them at me as I am happy to hear any :-)

until next time ...

M.I.A!!

ok ok ok I know I have been so slack posting. I have been so tired lately and this dreaded damn cold has kept me down. I've lost focus slightly and just feel blah... why spread that negativity?!?!?! Plus I've not been on the computer really properly for a while and just access Fb on my mobile...

Well I decided to pick my arse up and get on with it... yes I am still not 100% but if I wait until I am then I am not going to get anywhere. I have about 20kgs I still want to lose and I want them gone quickly! Well when I say quickly I mean before the end of the year...

So I decided to swap my mindset... think that I feel fantastic no matter how poo I feel...

I have worked out every day since Wednesday and I feel for good for it! A rest day of course on Sunday. I have tightened up my diet 100% and I will be moving forward.... I love my new program and managed to do it at least 2 times last week... 1 day behind but that is ok.. Returned to gym today (Monday) and all set to do my 3 days.. I can feel the burn in my arms still and I love it!!! oh and the single leg dead lifts with dumbbells HOLY SHITE!!!! my glutes and hamstrings are feeling it! oh and  am pushing out planks to try and get my core back up.. I am only managing 30-40secs and that is dismal compared to where I got :-( that's ok. I'll get there again... I wish though that I wasn't losing my boobs at a rapid rate :-( Andrew reckons I'll be in training bras soon ha ha ha but I know it won't get to that stage.... I HOPE!!!! I'll bloody well cry that is for sure..

I weighed in this morning at 102.3kg so I am pleased!!!!! Now to get to doubles by Monday!! Can be done and will be done :-)

Happy Monday peeps!!!

ooh made the yummiest Banana Muffins from this link!! Soooo good.. Even Eleanor loved them!!! And she is fussy!!!! Ok now I left out the salt, almonds as didn't have any and used Natvia instead of normal sugar. I want to make them with the Cocoa next time as I had none.

The website has some fabulous recipes..

My Play list

ok I thought I had posted my playlist previously but I can't seem to find it so here is my iPod playlist.. or shit list as Andrew calls it ha ha ha. We have very differing tastes in music. He is very old school whereas I like everything and anything but especially my hip hop, RnB, pop, techno dance.. ok anything!!!! ha ha

This is what I listen to. Some songs I skip over as I have to update it a bit but most of it is played through :-)

I Gotta Feeling Black Eyed Peas
Meet Me Halfway (Radio Edit) The Black Eyed Peas
Lonely Boy The Black Keys
Rock the Boat (feat. Pitbull, Dragonfly & Fatman Scoop) [Radio Edit] Bob Sinclar
Shake That (Remix) Bobby Creekwater, Eminem, Nate Dogg & Obie Trice
Grenade Bruno Mars
Jai Ho! (as made famous by A. R. Rahman & Pussycat Dolls) Cardio Workout Crew
Turn Up the Music Chris Brown
Not Myself Tonight Christina Aguilera
Little Bad Girl (feat. Taio Cruz & Ludacris) David Guetta
One Love (feat. Estelle) David Guetta
Where Them Girls At (feat. Nicki Minaj & Flo Rida) David Guetta
Titanium (feat. Sia) David Guetta & Sia
Love Don't Let Me Go (Walking Away) (Original Mix) David Guetta & The Egg
Naked Dev & Enrique Iglesias
I Like How It Feels (feat. Pitbull, & The WAV.s) Enrique Iglesias
I Like It Enrique Iglesias
Tonight (I'm Lovin' You) [feat. Ludacris & DJ Frank E] Enrique Iglesias
Dirty Dancer Enrique Iglesias & Usher
Good Feeling Flo Rida
Turn Around (5,4,3,2,1) Flo Rida
Wild Ones (feat. Sia) Flo Rida
Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra) Gotye
Don't Worry Be Happy Guy Sebastian
Ass Back Home (feat. Neon Hitch) Gym Class Heroes
Get It Havana Brown
The Best Thing Hook 'n' Sling
Shot Caller Ian Carey
Dance Again (feat. Pitbull) Jennifer Lopez
On the Floor (feat. Pitbull) Jennifer Lopez
Up / Down Jessica Mauboy
Inescapable Jessica Mauboy
Boom Boom Justice Crew
I Kissed a Girl Katy Perry
Telephone Lady GaGa & Beyoncé
Party Rock Anthem (feat. Lauren Bennet & GoonRock) LMFAO
Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.) Madonna
Revolver (One Love Remix) Madonna
Miles Away (Live) Madonna
Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera) Maroon 5
Brother Matt Corby
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (Single Version) Michael Jackson
Closer Ne-Yo
Tonight Is the Night Outasight
Blow Me (One Last Kiss) P!nk
Back In Time (From "Men In Black III") Pitbull
Give Me Everything (feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer) Pitbull
Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor) [feat. T-Pain] Pitbull
I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) [Radio Edit] Pitbull
International Love (feat. Chris Brown) Pitbull
Throw Your Hands Up (Dancar Kuduro) [feat. Pitbull & Lucenzo] Qwote
I Like That Richard Vission, Static Revenger & Luciana
Crazy Ricki-Lee
Do It Like That Ricki-Lee
Hear No, See No, Speak No (Radio Edit) Ricki-Lee
Only Girl (In the World) Rihanna
Where Have You Been Rihanna
How We Do (Party) Rita Ora
Touch Me Rui Silva & Cassandra
Music Won't Break Your Heart Stan Walker
Troublemaker Taio Cruz
Jumpstart These Kids Wear Crowns
Morning After Dark (feat. Nelly Furtado & SoShy) Timbaland
Scream (feat. Keri Hilson & Nicole Scherzinger) Timbaland
The Way I Are Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson & D.O.E.
Give It to Me Timbaland featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake
Can You Feel It Timomatic
If Looks Could Kill Timomatic
Set It Off Timomatic
Wild Thing Tone-Loc
Funky Cold Medina Tone-Loc
DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love (feat. Pitbull) Usher
More Usher
Scream Usher
Play That Funky Music Wild Cherry
Some oldies in there but mostly new stuff :-)

Hope it gives you some ideas to update and add to your lists :-)

Out with the old and in with the new

So over the last fortnight or so I would say my positivity and motivation has lacked. And boy has it ever.

Combine the girls being sick, me doing the detox, the negativity on the Ashy forum and my inability to get to the gym I feel deflated.

I really feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I feel as if I am never going to my after pic! I feel as I am kidding myself to think that I deserve to be lighter and have a banging body in Size 14ish clothes. I know I know this is a defeatist (is that a word???) attitude but I can't help it.

Anyway. I posted on FB about someone killing me now.... a bit dramatic I know but seriously my head hurts, the girls are trying my patience (not their fault they are sick) but I am just over it... Oh and it is soooooo bloody cold! My friend Kellie posted about how she sees me as a strong woman and I have achieved so much and I should know how much determination and courage I have in me. It really was the wake up call to stop feeling sorry for myself! The arse kicking I needed so to speak. Thanks Kel!!!!

So after a read through of my motivational posts and finding some Vin Diesel pics I am doing ok. I won't say I am better as I still feel terrible but my mental attitude is back. I have lost 13.4kgs!!!! That is something I should be proud of. That is losing a Lucy and a bit :-) I do feel better for it.

So I found some of my fave motivational pics at the moment and thought I'd post them to share. Ooh and went over some pics of Andreia-Brazier. She is just so hot! She is a bit too toned but I love it. She looks nice. Not the exact shape I would love but I want to be really toned and fit. If you don't know who she is click on the link. She is so nice. Even her out of comp pics were she is not so cut she is hot!!!

Anyway here are the pics. Ooh and I included one of Andreia just in case you couldn't get link to open :-)

There are so many more and I will add more later. But for now I must lay down again :-)

Before and Afters

My friend Fiona gave me a link to an inspirational lady that I had seen preciously on FB however when I watched it this time round something finally connected with the video. Here it is here. Jill Birth. An amazing inspirational woman!!!!

She talks about having 20 before pics but never an after pic. I thought to myself. OMG that is so me. I haven't got many before pics so to speak but I have so many "before" moments. The "I am starting this weight loss thingy" ARGH!!!!! So many of those!!!!!

I totally agree. I want my after pic. This has lit a renewed fire in my belly. I am going to get there! I have my progress pics this time so I will certainly have an awesome after pic to post!!!

Disgusted at Human Nature

ok so I have posted before about Human nature and I am going to go back onto that topic for a moment.

I have mentioned before that I got the Clean Eating Guidelines from Ashy Bines and I really do thank her for the information. Best $39 I have ever spent. (normally $69 but I got it in the Valentine's Special) Anyway I have always known not to eat crap food, drink soft drinks etc but I guess like most people didn't fully understand the full reasoning behind it only that they were bad. Since buying the guidelines I have learnt so much and really looked into Clean Eating benefits etc. I try to make more informed choices about the food I eat and also have started to try buying organic where ever possible. (budget allowing on one wage and living in expensive Singleton!) I now have an understanding how we need a balance of protein, carbs, veg and fruit. It really is getting back to basics and eating how our grand parents would have eaten I guess. In those days there were no tim tams, Maccas, fatty fried foods and minimal if any processed food. We have a lot to learn these days that is for sure!!!
Now the Clean Eating guidelines, yes, while they may seem basic to some and freely available on the net via other sites, it wasn't until I stumbled on Ashy Bines Bikini Body Challenge that I really knew where to start researching or even what Clean Eating was. Then you add access to her private forum and you are really set. I've met some lovely ladies in there and find it very encouraging to see other success stories, get some new recipes and also learn about benefits of certain foods I'd have not even considered eg Coconut Oil. This link provides some info on the benefits if you are curious. It really is an awesome oil to use!!! mmmmmm mushrooms cooked in coconut oil, or Moroccan Chicken!!!

Coconut oil benefits

The guidelines Ashy provides are just that and you suit them to yourself. For example, Ashy and a lot of the girls on the forum are big advocates of eating Kangaroo meat. Well hell no. I am not going to eat Skippy!!!! The thought of road kill just puts me off! NO I am not naive and I do know that this is not the meat they use but it is the image I see. When I think of eating beef I see the cows in those green lush farms I drive past regularly and same with lamb. I have taken Kangaroo meat off the shelves at the supermarket, had it in my trolley and then gotten to the end of the fridge sections and put it back. I just can't do it. I don't care if it is high in protein, low in fat and the leanest meat known to human kind and I'd lose all my weight eating it.. I won't do it. I'm not going to make myself sick to the stomach doing it just because she says it is great. So I just adjust the guidelines to us.

Lately the forum has gone to shit and maybe that is where my mindset has hit a low. Seeing so much negativity daily just gets you down... I've started avoiding the forum due to this.  The group has blown out to 19000+ girls and on just a facebook page this makes it very hard to get to the information you want and ignore the crap that you don't need. You feel like you see the same questions over and over and have to scroll heaps to get to what interests you. This is a common complaint amongst users. Hence a new forum has been created and we are slowly being moved over. Hoorah! I am just waiting for my access details for this and then hopefully it will be a lot better.

Soooo where does the Human Nature come into it???? Hold on I am getting there :-)

There is a new Fb page created by ladies disgruntled at many issues to do with the Ashy Bines management, the guidelines, pricing etc. I am not referring to the issues they have as let's face it as customers we are entitled to get what we expect out of a product and if we feel it is falsely advertised then sure pursue those avenues.. Where my disgust comes from is that they have been making rude derogatory comments about her, getting pics off the net and putting nasty slogans on them etc. I find that so so rude. Stick to what the aim of the group is for and leave the school girl behaviour behind. Sure they have every right to feel hard done by, as they feel that have received terrible customer service... whatever it may be.... but don't start acting like bullies. If that is what they feel is happening from Admin's side then leave them to do it. Just makes the cause less credible when you see that crap going around. I have looked at the page and have observed that there are a few ladies on there who have dignity and respect for themselves and the cause but then there are others that I feel are stemming from an intense hatred of Ashy and that needs to be left out of it.

Now for the record I have not felt nor feel hard done by with my purchase. Sure I thought wow this is it???  2 PDFOk fair enough. But really the cost??? I've forked out more on the other programs and not ended up where I am right now. Each person is different I know but I am just thankful I found Ashy and am on my way to the best version of me! I have taken an interest in a lot of clean eating pages, brought the James Duigan books and really taken an interest in what is going in my mouth. (well except for the Max Brenner Italian Milk Chocolate Hot Chocolate I had on Friday!!!! Holy shit they are good. Like getting a melted block of chocolate and drinking it. So heavenly!!!! Um mah indeed but I don't care. One is allowed to splurge every so often ha ha ha) I guess I am not expecting nor do I require the responses from Ashy that many want nor had any of the experiences that others have had. So it is not for me to say that they are "haters" or anything of the like. I just find that when you get a bunch of girls together who are unhappy about something a big massive bitch mentality comes into play and the pack joins forces. It really is sickening to see. Do we really unite in such circumstances for the better or do we become attracted to the drama and therefore join the cause of something that really does not affect us or had any impact on us previously??? Out of all the drama going around and being caused, does everyone have a legitimate issue or are they jumping on the bandwagon due to the drama??? Is it bringing up issues that didn't exist before but do now for them? There are people commenting about it all who have not even brought the plan nor considered buying it but just jumping in on the drama. Anyway I for one am staying away and not joining in, hence why I have not mentioned the FB page. I will steer clear of the negativity going around on the forum and on FB in general. I have many pages that I like to visit that is full of daily advice, positivity and no nasty comments. I've got my $39 worth so I am grateful for that.

Another complaint for the group is that Ashy responds with "Google it" to a lot of questions. Ok so maybe this is not the sound nutritional advice that had been offered but I would rather Google something to see the benefits etc for myself then someone tell me that I should eat it, use it, drink it etc. I remember seeing a response a while ago by Ashy when someone questioned her and it was something like "Google it so you know what you are putting in your body. Because it works for me doesn't mean it will for you" Something along those lines anyway.... So true. Not Googling would be silly not to see what benefits or detriment it has to your body. Everyone raved about Fish Oil and it was a suggested supplement that Ashy recommended. I wanted to know why to take them as there is so much marketing out there about these wonder tablets and to be honest I've forked out enough money for things!!! So I googled it and now I know so I take them. here is a link if you are curious.
Fish Oil Same with L carnitine and L Glutamine.... I may have put crap food in my body for years but when it comes to vitamins and medicines etc that I know nothing about well I will check to see what they do and why we need them etc.

I am not a Ashy kiss arse as they are calling a lot of the girls defending her plan. I don't worship the woman or anything, think she walks on water or that her shit doesn't stink... I just think she had a great business mind to get out her eating plan to as many as girls as she could and help them on their journeys and try and get our society eating healthier. I do not believe her intentions was to scam people. If it was however, then I am ok with her taking $39 from me as I am on my way now to the lighter healthier version of me and have a wider knowledge of clean eating. I have Ashy to thank for it as it opened the door for me.  I will not disagree that the group has shed some light on bad business practices and needs to sort these out if she wants the credibility of her business to remain in tact etc HOWEVER I have only really noticed these from when the "complaint page" mentioned them not prior. Otherwise I am oblivious in my happy weightloss bubble!

I hope that what the girls are crusading for is resolved and all issues addressed and they can go back to their own health journeys and live positively. But the hatred that is being spat out of their mouths is quite alarming.  As I have said I wouldn't say they are "haters", though maybe some are who knows. But whatever they are doing, do it for the right reasons!

Anyway I wish the girls well in their cause and hopefully they can show some dignity and respect for themselves and act like ladies rather than the foul mouth kids that some are behaving like.

oh and for those curious :
Would I recommend the guidelines; Yes... Do I think the price is worth it; No...

Now back to becoming that clean eating machine!!!

There is approximately 25kgs of excess that needs to go.  So look out!!!!



Lindy Olsen's 7 Rules to Success

Ok so I thought I would try and get back some positivity that is lacking in this mind at the moment. SHITTY BLOODY COLD WEATHER!!!!! I stumbled across this article in my daily search on the net. Thought I'd share :-)

Lindy Olsen's (editor of Oxygen Magazine) 7 RULES OF SUCCESS!!!

Rule 1 - ALWAYS eat a LEAN source of protein at every meal. You can get your lean protein from many different sources. Some of these include chicken breast, lean beef, turkey, fish, kangaroo and egg whites. Eating enough protein is VITAL for muscle growth and repair not to mention other essential ...bodily functions!!

Rule 2 - Always eat 5-7 meals EVERY day about 3-4hrs apart! I always eat 5-6 small meals each day in order to keep my metabolism on fire. If you skip brekky the chances of your metabolism becoming slow and sluggish is increased significantly. I want to make sure my metabolism stays revved up and in top gear throughout the day

Rule 3 - Eat your Greens.. Try to eat at east 5 servings of vegetables a day, as a means to help boost immune function and reduce risk for chronic disease. Remember restricting any one of the major food groups can lead to a macronutrient imbalance and corresponding vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Rule 4 - Every 9 out of 10 meals you have, has to be in your plan. In other words if you are eating 5 times per day, you would eat 35 meals per week in total. Effectively 3.5 of them can be your choice, within reason of course. I call these my junk meals, so try to find out what combination works best for you and stick to 300-600 (no more) junk meals (cheat meals).

Rule 5 - AVOID sugar and limit your complex carbs (starchy carbs) with your last 2 meals unless training! Hidden sugar is the number one enemy for most "saddle bag" sufferers and is a major reason why many people fall short of reaching their health and fitness goals. Read your food labels carefully and try to avoid rich sauces and fatty dressings that contain large amounts!

Rule 6 - Drink at least 500ml of water with every 10kg of body weight (60kilos = 3litres of water per day) Water is my number one weight loss secret! It has no calories, sugar or fats and is a great way to quench your thirst without adding to your waistline. Many people often mistake thirst for hunger, so if you drink plenty of water throughout the day, you may need less food to..

Rule 7 - MOVE MORE! Try to get yourself moving each day for a minimum 30-45minutes before your day begins. When you get outdoors for a walk or hit the gym just remember to schedule it in before the day ends. I find best to get it over and done with first thing in the morning. That way if I am tired from a hard days work, it doesn't give me an excuse not to do".
 
Soooo these are pretty straight forward and simple in all honesty. Very easy to incorporate them in our daily life.  Rule 6 though you are so so so true. I am struggling with this colder weather to get my water in and I feel shit for it. I really do. I feel dehydrated, my skin feel sdry, I am head achey and just yuck. I know that the water is a big thing and it really is an inportant instrument in weight loss but also in just general health and wellbeing. I am making a more conscious effort though to drink it so I will get there.

So what Rules do you need to live by or start incorporating in your daily grind???
Hope you found this as intereting as I did :-)

Long time no speak hey

I can't believe it has been almost a fortnight since I last blogged!!!

Ok so an update.

I've been plodding along nicely. I have struggled big time with getting any weight or cms gone in the last fortnight. I guess being sick has not helped. Then the girls got sick and I had just really lost my focus. All the stupid things came back, only one won't hurt, it is semi clean blah blah blah.

I don't know if I had posted about getting a new program done at the gym?? Ok well I saw a PT at the gym to get a new program as part of my membership. She had me lifting weights way above my capabilities. I mean seriously 20kg chest press and upright row!!!!!! So I lost focus a little and went back to just smashing out my cardio.

This though wasn't helping me. I have goals that I want to achieve and well I needed further assistance. So I saw Annie. She was the lady I wrote back ages ago that I saw with my friend Jac and Teagan. Discussing food etc. Well I contacted her and asked her to see me and we had an awesome chat about food and exercise. Oh she is just what I needed. I have a new 6 week program and we went through all the weights and I am using dumbbells and not the machines so that if I can't get to the gym I can still do my session at home with the weights we have here!! Hooray!

Today is my first day and as I have started play group Mondays then I will be doing my session at home. WOW!!!!! I thought I was not too bad with weights, well the lower end of weights but how wrong was I!!! Only onwards and upwards from here though!!! I feel good! Well arms are dead but I feel good.

When talking food we discussed clean eating, cutting out processed garbage that our bodies don't need bread etc and it was refreshing to know food wise I am on the right path. I just need to watch portions and drink more water!!!!!!

ooh and I have decided to do a 10 day detox. Just rid my body of some of the impurities that my be holding me back. Annie discussed doing this food wise and doing a 6 month detox but I don't think I could go that long on it even though it is not much different to food now I am eating. I will be trying to buy more organic produce and introduce more fish into our diet also. Will do this 10 days strictly and hopefully it is the recharge my body needs. ooh and no caffeine so no Dfine8!!!!! Though no big cardio sessions either, which I'll struggle with, but towards the end when I'm over the first 4 days and I start feeling better ie; headaches gone, general lethargy you feel when impurities are going from your body, I'll get into it again. So long as I do my weights and keep progressing with that program I'll be happy.

There is only roughly 12 weeks until the wedding so I need to get cracking and get lower in these numbers or at least in dress sizes so I can look smoking in a fabulous new dress!!!!

As of this morning weight in I am sitting at 103.6. I have been as far down over the last week as 102.2 but I will take my weight from this morning and it is 103.6! So below 104 and that makes me happy. Now to move forward and get this train really rolling!!!!

Happy Monday :-)

An update

ok so had to get to the doctors today as I hit rock bottom.
My throat was killing me, my chest all congested and well just a long list of ailments that seriously you would put a bullet in a cow for the things wrong with me lol

I have a chest and sinus infection. Not had one in god knows how long!

No cardio until at least Monday :-(

I am devo as I just have no motivation and energy and feel so lethargic.

I will get better and get back into it but just wish I was better now!!!!

Anyway sorry there's been no posts from me for a few days. Nothing to report :-(

Dying

I have what I think is Tonsillitis!!!! EEEKKK
I feel miserable. My body aches, I have no energy and then wowsers add my sore throat to the mix and the yucky coughing up crap and that is me

Will see how it goes tomorrow and then if needed go to docs.

Trying to put it out there that I am not sick so the universe pays me in kind :-)

I will have to put a hold on the gym as I have no energy to walk nor to lift weights.

A bit of a dampener on my June goals but that is ok. I will eat cleanly and try to rest as much as I can to get over it. Damn it and I have been so healthy for so long!!! See what happens when you eat well and try and be good your body says ah hell no! lol I am kidding.

I let myself get run down but not sleeping well. So I will stick to my June goal and get my butt into bed by 9 every night at the latest!!!!!!!!

here's to a speedy recovery!!!

Anywhere Workout

So while I was surfing the net last night and checking out Fitness model pages etc I came across this one on Jennifer Andrews IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete site

Thought it was awesome to share.

Warm up: 5-minute speed walk, making sure to swing your arms and take long stride

Perform this complete sequence 1-2 times

5-minute jog

20 Pop squats (start in a wide stance, squat, jump and bring feet together, jump back out to a wide squat)

15 (sets) switch lunges (start in a lunge position, jump while switching to lunge position on the opposite leg, repeat)

20 standard squats

1-minute walk

4-minute jog

50 high punches while in a horse stance (um not too sure about this stance. I even googled it and didn't find anything??)

15 push-ups

20 mountain climbers

1-minute walk

4-minute jog

15 walking lunges (30 total)

15 wide high jumps

10 leap jumps (start in a wide stance, squats and leap forward, land in a wide squat, repeat)

1-minute walk

4-minute jog

20 jumping jacks

50 standard punches in horse stance

15 push-ups

Cool down and stretch

Not sure if I'll give it a go but it looked pretty cooked if you were strapped for time or stuck in doors with no options :-)

New Recipe

Ok so I thought I would start posting more pics and recipes of the meals I make

First cab off the rank is Chicken Parmigiana
This is my all time favourite dish and I love making it.

Ingredients:
2 Free Range /Organic Chicken breasts sliced in half length ways
1 brown onion diced
3 cloves of garlic (or you can use jar stuff though try and get the organic one)
tsp Italian herbs
tin of Organic tomatoes
jar of Organic Passata
cup of Almond Meal
1 egg beaten
3tbs coconut oil to fry
1 cup Ricotta or Cottage Cheese

Method:
brown the onion then add the garlic, Italian herbs and tin tomato and passata
allow this to simmer on low heat

In a separate bowl beat the egg, in another bowl have the almond meal
Dip the chicken breast in the egg and then coat with the almond meal.
Fry the chicken in the coconut oil until browned.

In a casserole dish place a serving of the sauce mix on the bottom of the dish. Place chicken on top covering with the remaining sauce.
Place tbs of the ricotta along the chicken so that each individual chicken has some ricotta spread.

(mine is a little naughty tonight with some Parmesan sprinkled on top also)

Serve with a side of greens or any other veg you like :-)

Side note: 

• If you don't have Almond meal then use crushed up Rye Ryvitas.
• I weigh my chicken breast to ensure that when sliced in half it is no more than 100gm (150gm at the most!)
• If you don't have Coconut Oil use Avocado, Canola or Macadamia oil. Olive oil turns into a bad fat when heated at high temp and loses all the benefits of being a good fat.
• I alter the sauce to taste so I may add more herbs or garlic depending
• I don't like Cottage Cheese when it is heated therefore I use Ricotta. Now Cottage is higher in protein but I figure with my Chicken I am getting a decent serve anyway. Also Cottage is casein dominant therefore keeping you fuller for longer whereas Ricotta is whey so breaks down faster. Again personal choice.
• If you want to make your meal lighter then do not coat the chicken in the Almond meal. Almonds are a good source of Omegas but of course have a higher fat ratio. A good fat but if you are counting calories then it would bump them up for sure.

So that was our dinner tonight and thank god I have some left overs for next week when Andrew is away! Only need to steam some greens and I am set!!!!

The chicken breasts we got were quite large so cute off a fair bit. Diced these up and coated them in Moroccan Spice to have in salads for lunch during the week. YUMMO

Hope you enjoy :-)

New gym program

Wowsers!!!!!!
new gym program and it is a killer, I am dead!!!! Seriously my arms are killing me
I feel a renewed sense of determination! I have goals now and ready to get stuck into it.

June goals start NOW!!!!!

oooh and doing weight and some cardio I burnt 477 calories in 52 mins. I was meant to do treadmill at end but with this head cold I was so dizzy and blah so didn't want to push myself. Calories burnt would have been heaps bigger!

So excited.... well I would be if I wasn't so sore!!!!

Woot go me!

Woo hoo!!! So today I was pissed off cause the stupid gym stuffed up my creche booking and then had not spaces for babies group. In the end they had people either not turn up or the space but someone screwed up. I only know this cause Jac was at the gym today and had Bronte in. So annoyed.

Anyway took the girls for a walk instead. Stupid pram had a flat tyre so couldn't take both girls at same time so had to use my pram and then Eleanor either walk or ride. So she chose ride. We couldn't go far of course but it was nice to get out. We had fun and will do that more often.

Worked my arse off on the treadmill! What is the saying you only regret the workouts you don't do. So today I aimed to just go hard with cardio.  Did an hour and burnt 503 calories. Was pleased about that BUT what I loved was I gave a huge go at jogging 1km!! I did it. I jogged it in roughly 15mins at 6.8kmh. I was stoked. There goes my June goal out the window!!!! Wooot!!!!! I worked out so har don that treadmill. I nearly gave up so many times but the above motivational is on my treadmill and I kept repeating it over and over.. Got me there!!!!

June is upon us

Can you believe that the month of May is almost done!!! It feels like it only just started!!!!!!

Crazy times.

I thought I had better start thinking about my June goals. I really want to enter June with goals and plans in place and really get some kgs gone, cms lost and body toning happening.

I have a promise too that I am going to make up and will post this later. I got the idea from a few motivational pics that are doing the rounds at the moment. I didn't want to just copy it and use it. I wanted to choose my own pic and create it myself. make the promise my own.

Ok so here goes. Goals and the plans to achieve those goals

GOALS

• Get below 100 kgs.  - Now I feel this is a vague goal as; am I aiming for 99.9kgs or more?? So I will say I want to get down to 98kgs. (As of yesterday I was sitting at 104.7)
• Be able to run 1km without stopping - Currently I do sprints and try to jog for a time frame both on treadmill and on road. So I'm switching this around a bit and working on distance so I can get stuck into doing some fun runs
• Complete each day with 100% clean eating - it is all good and well to say yes I will eat cleanly but something may slip in  that is not clean.
• Workout 6 days a week with a rest day -   I do this pretty much now but sticking it my June Goals for accountability.
• Minimum 8 hours Sleep a night - of course keeping in mind disturbances from girls etc.
• Drink Water!
• Focus on the positive - there is a lot of negativity out there and it is so easy to get caught up in it and lose yourself.

PLAN

• Get below 100 kgs- Eat cleanly, exercise daily and drink minimum 3lts water daily
• Be able to run 1km without stopping -  Focus on form, utilise a program like C25K to assist with building up the length of running time which in turn will increase distance in running
• Complete each day with 100% clean eating - Plan my meals daily and be prepared. Ensure that all foods that can be pre cooked and cut are done so the Sunday or every so days. Think about each mouthful and keep goals in mind before reaching for crap. Acknowledge that if there is a slip up especially at TTOM, that I try and choose "clean cheats" eg clean chocolate, muffins, protein balls as opposed to something processed and sugary. Ensure I have these available to combat any situation that may arise. (currently I don't make these items as I was throwing away a fair bit)
• Workout 6 days a week with a rest day  - Plan my exercise sessions. Ensure that if I have any issues on gym days that I am still completing something at home. I have my reassessment booked in with the Gym Thursday so will ensure I adhere to the schedule set.
• Minimum 8 hours Sleep a night - Aim to have myself organised before 830 so that I can allow myself 1/2 hour to destress and prepare for bed. Bed no later than 9pm every day. Heck if professionals that have children can do this then so can I. I am lucky that my girls go down reasonably well and sleep pretty well. I need to just get my arse into bed on time. I love reading through the Ashy forum but I guess I just have to do it before 830!
•  Drink Water!  - I have recently brought 2 x 1 litre bottles so I need to utilise them like I was previously. Water is such an integral part to losing weight and without it our bodies just don't function properly. With winter upon us it is even harder to get the water in but I will!
• Focus on the positive - this is a big one. It is so easy to get down when we don't see any changes to our body with the efforts we are putting in. But not only that with life. But I aim to find the good in every day and run with that. I will try to keep any negativity out of my life and brush past any that I may see occuring. I will aim to also be a more positive person in my daily outlook. Change what I can and let that which I can not just roll on by.

So these are my main goals. I will print them out and stick them on the pantry , the fridge and my ensuite door.

June is going to be my month! Stay tuned peeps.. Kick off Friday though will start these as of now :-) No time like the present hey.

Awesome Clean Eating Sites

I don't know if anyone else has found The Gracious Pantry on Facebook but I love it.
Here is a link to the website. An awesome site with amazing recipes!

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/

Looking forward to trying out a few recipes on there!

Another great site is Tosca Reno! What a gorgeous lady!!!!! More vegetarian but some great ideas.

http://www.eatcleandiet.com/


Another great site too.
http://www.thenakedkitchen.com/

the toughest job

any mums out there struggling with the thoughts of returning to work from maternity leave or struggled with those thoughts?? That is me right now. Well I have to do it. There is no if, but or maybes, for the sake of our financial future I must return.

Do I like this idea??? Um NO. I love being at home with my girls. I love seeing Lucy growing into a gorgeous little cherub. I returned to work at 5 months with Eleanor and then went back on maternity leave at 6months until she was 1 year old. Lucy is 15 months and I have been home since birth.

Do I want to?? YES. ..Ok I know this sounds like a bit of a contradiction to the previous answer doesn't it? Let me explain. I love being home with my girls and I would love to stay home forever and not have to return to work. Unfortunately though the world revolves around money and we need it to survive. I do actually miss working though. I miss making my own money. (Andrew and I don't have the attitude of "this is yours this is mine" when it comes to money but I like to contribute) I like going to work and knowing I am helping our household out financially. I have the best job in the world. I am a mummy. It is the most rewarding job but also the hardest job too. I'm a social person. I love people. I must be around them all the time. It helps to keep me sane. I miss my work colleagues in Townsville.

So I struggle with this decision daily and it stresses me at times but stressing and struggling about money is not doing them any favours. So Newcastle or Townsville that is the question? Do I return to Townsville seeing we are going to be back there next year anyway or do I continue to try and get a job at Newy to tie me over until the end of the year???

I am so pleased to be returning to Townsville next year. ( we should be back at the end of this year but I say next year as that is when Andrew will start work) Now it still is not 100% confirmed as we have not received our posting order but 99.9% certainty. I will miss here though. I love how we have to travel a bit to get see things and there is just so much to see in such a little space. Although it is effing freezing, the weather is glorious on most days and rain is minimal compared to the tropical crap that is Nth Qld. I don't want a steamy humid yuck Summer. I love the dry ones here. I have great friends here (yes I have some there too)

I guess I am just having a moment of sadness that life is changing in a few months. I will be back at work soon. I've become settled in Singleton and now have to relocate and only relocate for a year while Andrew decides whether he will 100% core transfer to become a vehicle mechanic and then get out of the army. But no matter what else I am thinking or that is happening around me, I purely and simply feel guilty that I am looking forward to not being home 24/7! I know I shouldn't and it is just life but you can't help it. Oh well one has to do what one has to do regardless of what people's opinions are. Mind you it is our lives and we are living it not anyone else :-)

We are trying to work out what the best balance will be for us.

Some New Goals and determination to boot!

so I was sitting here tonight watching 60 minutes and there was a segment about a lady who turned 40 and wanted to do something with herself. So she did the Iron man in Melbourne for her 40th. It was the answer to her midlife crisis and what could she do with herself that was meaningful other than having one kick arse party. It didn't hit her when she was 30 that she was getting older it was when she turned or was turning 40 that she realised she was aging. Brought tears to my eyes when she finished. She didn't care where she placed but she just wanted that accomplishment of finishing.

I know how she feels. I guess my journey is slightly different though. I want to get to my goal of losing weight, that is my finish line. And of course staying there, somewhere between 80 and 75kg. I really have a tough road ahead but then I guess it is as tough as you make it. Time to get my game head on and just do it. I know that watching this segment and watching her fulfill her goals has made me determined.

My younger brother Ben used to do triathlons years ago . He was great at it and I loved watching all the competitors. The ones who were the professionals, then the die hard competitors,  and then those who did it as a fitness goal or to achieve completion. I want to do it. I have always said I loved them and wanted to do them. That was in my mid 20s. What better way to top off getting to my goal weight and being physically fit then to do a triathlon. Being back in Townsville next year will be perfect. I will gain my fitness this year, lose my weight and then focus on training.

I am I kidding myself to think that I can get this goal??? No I don't think so. The body achieves what the mind believes right!? I have wasted so many years being unhappy with myself. Just going through the day to day motions of living. I have 2 beautiful girls who are my world and being fit and healthy is of massive benefit to them.

I will focus on my weight loss and building up my fitness and strength and then focus on this. Swimming lessons is a big thing and to get into a swimming cossie again would mean to focus on my weight loss more. So I am now more determined to do that. My focus and fire in the belly has been renewed :-)

So here is some new goals;

• focus on my weight loss and get to goal by end of year 75-80kgs
• build on my ability to run starting with 1km non stop and then work up in distance from there
• look at participating in fun runs and gain experience with "competitive" lifestyle
• work on cycle and swim.
• research triathlons and distance. Find clubs and coaches. Research training plans and just get some general information about this.

I know that I will enjoy this as that sense of accomplishment is what I desire. I have loved watching triathlons and I love all 3 sports. I sent my brother a message to see if he was keen to join me next year at Noosa! I know he has wanted to get back into it. Maybe this will be a bit of a push for him. Or he'll just laugh and think I am an idiot for wanting this. Nah he won't think that. He will just want to express how hard the work will be to get there and to let me know that it won't be easy. I know this as I know how hard he used to train! I'm not kidding myself. I know I won't be able to do this by just losing weight.

I am so stoked and know that if I want to achieve this then I need to be 100% committed!!! Sure I may have some niggling doubts that I can do this but with research, training and that wee little thing called determination I can get there.

So who else has set themselves some goals??

oooh and for me to get into running I need to shift this weight and to get me some new damn shoes!!!!!

Look out fitness world!!!!! Wendi is on her way :-)

Today is the day I have decided that I want to become a triathlete!

Wendi has been AWOL!

wow I have had such a terrible week. This head cold, migraine and other ailments have really messed with my mojo!!!! I had no energy, no desires and above all ate like shit. Was not the Wendi I have become that is for sure. Now I won't say I ate really crap but I did have more bread and other things I've been eliminating from my diet. I had a Coffee Kick Frappe from Maccas after groceries on Thursday and some biscuits.. ooh ok I have had a fair bit of shit.

I am back on track today and with Andrew away bush most of this coming week I have no reason to fail!

I will get under 100kgs!!! I don't care if it is 99.9 but it will be under. I am going to shake it up with some cardio this week too and hold off the weights a bit. I think my cardio took a back seat a fair bit lately and I just need to shake it all back up. I respond well to cardio and I think I've lacked it a fair bit.  Plus I have sacrificed buying a creche card this fortnight so will not get much gym time with Andrew away. I have my reassessment on Thursday and will see what comes of it then. I will just move more at home. I have the treadmill and can push hard and will do my own circuit.

I will have oats and banana made on Almond milk, or slice of Rye with  2eggs. Rotate this. Snacks will be apple and peanut butter and nuts or protein smoothie. Lunch Chicken and Salad. Dinner will be steak and salad/veg, chicken and veg/salad. Going to make it as basic as I can. I will drink lots of water.

I am cycling off Dfine8 this fortnight. A/ because I can't afford a new tub and B/ it is time that I went completely off it and had a complete cycle without. I don't have it daily but it still needs to be off  for the recommended time frame.

Ooh only carb will be my oats or Rye Bread in the morning and the sweet potato in my salad.

This is so very true. I copied this from the cutandjacked.com site. I can eat 100% clean. Anyone can. Not eating 100% clean is a choice we make and of course the results  show for themselves.

So this week I will put in 100% effort and eat 100% clean. I know that it brings results. I'm 11.4 kgs down because of it. But I could be further along in my journey if I remained 100% committed day in and day out. Winter is here and I am surely not going to let it be the undoing of my efforts and use cold weather and hearty comfort food as an excuse!

I have a ball to get ready for! Ok not a ball but a wedding. I really really really want to wear something that I have not worn in such a long time... worn comfortably I might add.... a dress! I want to get to a decent size. Ok maybe not at goal but a comfortable goal where I will feel smashing in my outfit! 15 weeks! So I can be definitely down to 90kgs then.

I believe that I can do it and I will tell myself every day that I am doing it.



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Human nature

now I don't mean the Aussie boy band... what has happened to those boys anyway?? Did they break up?? Ooh back to my post lol

I mean the way people are. In their nature to be arseholes and negative, pessimistic.

Ok let me explain a bit more. I have mentioned previously about a comp that Ashy Bines ran offering $5000 for the best transformation pic. Didn't have to be a clean eater. It could have been anyone. OK so the chick who won is this gal named Erin. Well there's a lot of controversy around it all. Girls in the Ashy forum are getting shitty because a clean eating girl from Ashy's Forum should have won. Well Ashy set that the competition was open to anyone. Anyway I am sure people would not be so pissed off if so many people weren't posting in the forum about her having lap band surgery. Apparently this is cheating. OMG!!! Seriously. How in god's name is this cheating!!! From my understanding it is a pretty torturous surgery and then eating is like being in hell. 

The chick from the Ashy Forum who was winning at one stage, and subsequently stripped of her votes due to cheating or some other drama, kept going on and on and on about how Erin was not deserving as she had surgery to get where she needed. That it was not as much as an achievement as someone who did it by clean eating. I was getting angry as this girl was using the forum to put out a poor little me, I'm a mum of a few kids look how well I've done, this other girl doesn't deserve it blah blah. I voted for a different girl, my friend Rebecca that I met in the forum. She has a son, who I think just turned 1 and has done really well to drop 15ish kgs in 9 weeks! But she wasn't on there going on and on and on about why she is more deserving! If anything she was a big supporter of all the other ladies on there. Everyone deserves some accolades no matter how they achieved their weight loss.

Erin has a blog which I decided to read. All I can say is OMG! I have a new found respect for anyone who goes through lap band or any other surgery to try and achieve their goals for weight loss. A tough road for sure!

here is a link to her post. http://www.erinjayewilliams.com/apps/blog

have a read. Seriously this woman should be commended on how she beat the bulge! Who cares how she did it. She wanted to win the money so she could go and get some surgery to remove excess skin. I even noticed that some girls, who I might add are friends of the girl who did not win, saying she had surgery and therefore did not deserve to win. That Ashy opened it to anyone as a publicity stunt blah blah blah blah.  Yes Erin did have lap band surgery, but that didn't drop her weight! She had to eat to get the weight down! It took her 4 years roughly!

Honestly I feel like I am amongst some of Australia's biggest bitchy women in this forum! We are all trying to lose weight in this world and how we do it... well does it really matter if I have more success doing it the clean eating way and that I have not needed to resort to a drastic measure like surgery or needed to do it with Jenny Craig, WW or any other program out there... Does it make me any more special??? No it does not. We all have our own journeys. Be happy that someone achieved their happy ending! Why do we need to bring them down and try to take away their spirit? I have typed up so many responses to these posts and then deleted them of course. No point arguing with people who are not willing to accept any other shade than what they see as black and white. God I know this by being married to my husband! He has no inclination to see things any other way than his own way! I have no intention to replying to any of the posts as I know that from seeing other comments, these people don't get it. Oh and then there are those that say.. ooh it can't be the same person as her tattoo is on the other leg... oh seriously???? Do you not notice she has had one person take the pic and the other pic she is doing it herself in the mirror?!?!  argh idiots! I guess that some people just make that choice to pick apart a person's success rather than accept it for what it is and commend them. They have no happiness in their heart and therefore can not be truly appreciative of anyone else holding the spotlight.

I am now choosing to skip over any further posts about Erin. They just make me so... I was going to say angry but they don't make me that.. I know they make me so frustrated... I do not need anger or irrationality (part from that which comes from my 4 year old!) in my life. I am now all about surrounding myself with positivity, letting all the silly unimportant things pass by. People will be people. We all have choices. I choose not to let these people waste anymore of my energy with being frustrated at their useless comments :-)

I am sure we all know someone who has been like this. .. Doesn't even have to be in regards to weight. Can be anything. Shit I have probably been this kind of person in the past. If I had then I am sorry.  I am trying to enrich my life and bring positivity to it. So I assure you it won't happen again :-) And if it does just give me a sign.. maybe the peace fingers and I'll pull my head in lol

I am choosing to ignore the negative people in my life and get rid of those that I can :-) I only want to be surrounded by supportive people. The saying is true... Life is too short :-)

In saying that Night peeps.

PS Fingers crossed to waking nice and refreshed in the morning..  ready to get back into the gym!!!! Withdrawals for sure x