The best intentions

So despite my best intentions, I have still been failing to blog.
So since I figured a quick update was better then none.
So you are now lucky to be getting what is now becoming a rare glimpse into my life- thanks to my iPhone and blogging on the go.

So as of last thursday, and my latest weigh-in I now weigh 108.4kg

This is okay I feel and (hopefully) this week I can pull I nice number to really feel like I'm back.

So, mind me asking or some help? I would love some comments below to help motivate me to blog more. Either way, with or without a comment, thank you so much for all your support just by taking the time to read my ramblings.

SammiD

The Slackers Trap

Its a Trap!

Seriously, I have become quite slack in my blogging and as such have fallen into the trap of honestly forgetting to blog...

Last week I was meaning to write a blog - if nothing else then to let you know there was no weigh in as I was sick.
But between being sick and life I absolutely forgot.

Now my next weigh in is literally tomorrow I thought I should probably let you know I have fallen off the edge of the world and my weight lose journey is continuing (with many issues and dramas that I will write a separate blog for tomorrow).

So tune in tomorrow when I will try to write about my (hopeful) weight loss and the problems I have been having with my diet (snacking).

Thanks again
SammiD

Weigh-in time..

So I was a bit slack yesterday...I had my weigh-in but there was no blog update! Oops!

So despite feeling like I had a good week, I only lost 0.6kg. While this is actually my weekly weight loss target (as it is realistic and healthy) I am still quite heavy so (hypothetically) should lose a bit more weight for a bit longer. Either way I'm not worried as it is still on target!! :-) So I am happy.

Downside - I have been very slack with my food diary and blogging (sorry guys :-( ). So while I feel it's been a good week I have no physical (electronic)
proof of what I ate... Again... Woops.

So this week - entering food into my food diary is my goal I think! :-)

What are your goals for the week? If your in the Southern Hemisphere I'm sure it's to stay warm! If your lucky enough to be in the Northern part of the world - I envy you and your current summer! ;-)

Till next time!
SammiD

Week 8 weight loss and Week7 Photos!!!

After an exhausting week of "all work and no play" this fat girl got to have another weigh-in... and (low and behold) she is now lighter then before (offically hehe) - 110.9Kg.
I am happy my weight loss this week (1KG), it is a safe and normal weight loss for a one week period.

Goals for the coming week? More exercise, and cutting down on sugars (mostly fruits as I haven't been eating a lot of junk) after 5pm!!

ALSO ... Here are my photos - me at 111.9KG :)
A weight loss (at the point the photos were taken) of 10.7KG

So sorry I made you guys all wait an extra week for these - I haven't had time to up load them before today...

What about you? What are your goals for the coming week?

Thanks for reading and I will try to blog more in the coming week.

SammiD

The Day of Truth

Today was the day... the day of Truth...
After two weeks without a weigh-in I was about to find out how much damage I had done with my binge... or the success of controlling my cravings and my recovery from my fall from fame.

My goal (since the start of my journey) has always been 0.5-1 Kg per week. Obviously I have been blowing that out of the water... but I always expected it to slow down - eventually.

When I hoped on those scales I was scared... I didn't want a weight gain; anything but a weight gain; a small loss (0.1 kg) or even stay the same, would be preferrable to gaining weight.
A weight gain I couldn't handle...

1.1KG

That was my weight loss... Officially I have lost 10.8 KG... I am stoked... Technically I am still meeting my goal (It works our 0.5 kg per week, as it has been two weeks since my last weigh-in)... I am so happy, relieved really.

I have lost over 10KG - so new photo's will be posted tomorrow night! :-)

What about you? Have you had any good new this week? I hope so :-)

Thanks for reading and for all your support.
SammiD

The Smell of Failure....

You know that moment? The moment when you are so sure of yourself you start to let yourself slip? I think I'm at that moment.
So close to the 10KG mark, but yet so far...

This last week I have been so scared to say it... I have been screwing up. Big Time.

How did it start? Me getting sick. How did it continue? Excuses (of course).

When I get sick, I nearly always stop eating correctly. I stop having regular meals (sometimes not  eating at all). Knowing this, when I got better I knew I was going to be hungry. And boy, was I HUNGRY! I ate... and ate... and ate... Okay so thats not totally true. I did, however, eat more then i should of - and not the good kind.

I have had chinese... probably 4 times in the last 2 weeks? I have been inconsistant with my exercise since getting better. I have been eating late at night. And, my most horrible confession of all - I had a pretty big binge... on chocolate of all things!

Don't get me wrong - I didn't totally stop with my diet... I have still been on Herbalife, and most of my meals ( apart from the Chinese) have been pretty healthy.

But honestly? I screwed up... and why its taken me so long to admit it? Excuses and embarrassment. Being so close to that 10Kg mark, that I aloud myself to slip up made me upset and embarraessed.

I am now back - moving forward from this point on! When I have my next weigh-in at the nutrition club it will be interesting to see if I have put any weight back on... however the weigh- in is not until this Thursday so hopefully I can prevent my screw up from being reflected on the scales.

Either way I have now admitted to you the truth - I messed up..

Fact is... I am human... and make mistakes. So as I have my Herbalife dinner and write to you now I want you to know - I am starting from the beginning (mantra and all). No junk - 30 days, Break the habit... Remember?

Thanks for all your support - I will keep you posted! Till next time...
SammiD

The waiting game

It seems most of our lives we are waiting.
Waiting to be born.
Waiting to grow up.
Waiting for appointments, people, transport, test results.
Waiting.

As I wait for my Tafe class tonight, I am reminded of another thing I am having to wait for this week - My weigh in.

The Nutrition club ( where I usually have my weigh-in's) is closing down till next Tuseday. As I have started a new job (Yay) and worked today and am working tomorrow I can't go for my weigh-in before they shut up for the week... My next day off they will be open? Next Thursday :-(

So it seems both you and I are now playing the 'Waiting Game' -for the results of my next weigh in!

I feel... Iffy, to say the least. It is weird not weighing in this week.... But what can you do? Thats Life - The Waiting Game.

Thanks for reading.
SammiD

Homemade Sushi For The Win

When a free day comes along, most of us grab it with both hands and don't let go. In our busy lives (of work, education, friends and family) we don't always get enough time for us. We end up stressed or upset due to everything stacking up. So a free day? Score!

I had just that today. Instead of spending it on my own catching up on reading or something else antisocial, I decided to visit a friend who has been sick.

Our decision for the day? Home made sushi for lunch. Winning!!

So my friend, Lainey, cut up some ingredients while I made the sushi and together we had a delicious lunch.
Not the healthiest but also not that unhealthy :-) Having already had a shake for breakfast I am not worried, and it was so delicious it was worth all the effort (and carbs ;-] )

Sometimes a treat like a day off or some homemade sushi is just what you need to make yourself feel better, less stressed, and rejuvenated.

What about you? What kind of homemade goodies do you like to make on a free day off? What helps you feel better?

Thanks for reading!
SammiD

Week 5 weight in... Still sick :(

So after my weight-in, and hanging out with a close friend who I haven't seen in ages ~~ I finally have time to blog my newest weight loss.

When you are sick, you don't do a lot. Still on the couch, curl up under blankets on your bed, sip hot chicken soup and copious amounts of apple juice.

With my lack of exercise this week from being sick the last 5+ days I really didn't expect a very good number. I was still very excited though, and knew that I would lose something as I had been having my Herbalife shakes and eating well as much as possible.

On top of being sick with the flu, I also have what is called 'shin splints'. According to the doctor they will of been cause by the high impact exercise (running) that I have been doing as, my body isn't used to it.
Good note - it's not a fracture, as I had feared.
Bad note- need to lay off the high impact sports for a while as it can become a fracture :-(

So no running for me for a while.

So back to the weigh-in! Hoping on the scales I hoped to still pull .5kg - as that would be reasonable with my inactivity and the fact I have continued being as strict with my diet as I could.

Weigh loss? --1.4kgs!
Very happy, I am 300g's away from that first 10kg. And the lightest I have been in over a year!!!

Expect some photos next week once I have lost that last 300g's and have finally lost the first 10kg's!!

Thank you all for your continued support and don't forget to vote on the poll on the left hand side.

SammiD

My weight loss tips ;)

So considering the success I have been having I thought I would impart some of my wisdom to all of you.

I have been try (very unsuccessfully) to lose weight for over a year. During this time I have learnt there are 7 major things I do and consider to lose weight successfully. These things I only learnt recently and are how I have been able to stick to my weight loss journey and loss weight.

Sammi's 7 tips....

1) Research everything to make sure you know that you are doing things correctly (diet, exercises etc)

2) Diet!
Find a diet that works for you. I have chosen Herbalife but everyone is different and you need a diet you can stick to. A diet approved by either a doctor or dietitian will ensure you are eating the correct things that are healthy for your age, height and weight etc

3) Exercise!!!!
You can't lose weight unless you are active! Walk up stairs instead of taking the lift or get off your bus stop a stop early and walk.

4) A support network
You need people and an environment which supports you in your weight loss journey. Tell people so they don't push you to eat fast food but instead can support you in your choices because they are fully informed.
Working in a fast food store is not a productive environment! Try and remove junk as much as you can from you work and home life. Ask your partner to follow your diet at home so you don't have to see him/her eating junk.
You also need to find a way to support your self (e.g. If you have read my earlier blogs you will see I do this via my mantra :-D)

5) Goals.
Set reasonable goals! Be flexible as well. My first goal (for the moment at least) is 100kg by August; however if I am a little heavier (105kg-ish) or lighter (under 100kg) I won't be upset. Flexibility in my goals means I don't beat myself if I don't reach exactly my goal within the time frame.
Also if you are doing everything correctly don't get upset if you don't meet your goal within the set time frame- everyone loses weight at a different rate. Just keep moving forward.
And if you haven't been doing things correctly don't beat yourself up but change your habits, be honest about need new habits and move forward with new goals.

6) Stubborness concerning your discisions..
You need to be strick with yourself. I don't mean denying yourself treats and things you love but limit them and STICK to you decision! Example- if you decide to only have one scoop of ice cream don't go back for seconds. If you decide before you eat the first it will be your only scoop you need to honour that decision.

7) HONESTY!!
This is the most important! You need to be honest with yourself and your support network. If you screw up don't dwell on it but move forward and keep progressing! But don't hide your screw up ~~ you need to be honest and accountable.

They always say 'sharing is caring' and I know that there are people out there struggling with their weight like I am. These are my 'tips' - you may or may not find them helpful but I hope that I can atleast help someone with the knowledge I have gotten from trying to lose weight (and so far succeeding)

Thanks for reading!
Know I believe in all of you - if I can lose weight you can all do anything you set your minds too!!
SammiD
xx

The dreaded flu...

In Australia it is that time of year - Winter.
Though it is one of my favorite seasons, it does come with one thing I hate... The dreaded flu.
I'm sure you all are aware of what I speak of. Most of us are bound to get it at least once during winter; the runny nose and the headache and the sore throat.

I dread getting the flu... Mostly because my immune system sucks and I can guarantee I will get the flu more then once each winter and it will last longer then it usually does.

When I get the flu all I want to do is curl up with a cup of hot soup, my blankets and a good book.

This seems counter productive to my weight loss plan.
When you want to lose weight, shouldn't you stay active?
Eating soup also seems slightly silly, I'm sure there are foods out there with a higher nutritional value that could help me recover faster...

However my 'logic' doesn't win out and as I write this blog I am curled up under my blankets (though without any soup!)...

Sometimes, we have to do things that are good for us right now. When you are sick that is resting, even if a part of you wishes to go for a jog.

My point? Do what is best for you, don't feel guilty if you can't do something you want to do because you are sick or stressed. Be happy no matter what life throws at you and don't regret anything.

Thanks for reading everybody!
SammiD

The shock of Truth...

I'm sure most of you have experienced that feeling of happy shock when something surprising but positive happens.
As I write this blog I am in that state of shock. I can't believe what the scales said. There is no way they can be telling the truth...

1.9kg!

Despite my slip up this last week I still managed to pull a good weight loss number.
I guess the extra exercise I have been doing has been giving me benefits I didn't realize! On top of that, even though I didn't take my Herbalife religiously (twice daily) I took it at least once a day so I guess that was enough... Well at least for this week.

I am still hoping back on the horse of strict Herbalife twice daily and no junk... I am now feeling refreshed and excited- that first goal of a 10kg weight loss is in sight!!

Thanks for reading!
SammiD

Getting back on the horse

"Nobody's perfect"
It's a phrase most of us have heard a thousand times. As we would grow up and make mistakes people around us would say - " Don't worry, Nobody's perfect."

As I have been trying to lose weight I have learnt that I am definitely not perfect. Don't get me wrong - I never thought I was perfect before this, however this journey has really brought my faults into focus...

Another phrase we are all intimately familiar with is to "get back on the horse".
When I was younger this always confused me; why would Mum tell me to 'get back on the horse'? I hadn't fallen off a horse, nor did we even own a horse! As I have gotten older I have learnt the true meaning of this saying/phrase - don't give up and keep trying.

This week I feel I have fallen off that imaginary horse. How that decent started? I'm not 100% sure. I just know through out this last week I have not been as strict with myself and have let my diet especially slide.
On one hand I have increased my exercise.
On the other hand I feel I had one or two 'binge' days. I didn't eat junk (chips or chocolate) but binged on salmon and cuppa-soup, and allowed myself small treats like a small piece of cake that I really shouldn't of eaten...
On top of this I haven't been taking my Herbalife everyday nor even eating regularly!

So I feel this wasn't the best week for me. Eating regularly is very important for weight loss and what I feel will probably be my down fall this week. So as I head off this morning to my weigh-in I am sort of dreading those scales for the first time. How ever no matter what they say I am going to 'get back on the horse' this week and re-focus myself.

I am not doing this because it is easy, i am doing this because I need to become healthier if I want to have a long and full life.
What about you? Have you ever done something that wasn't 'easy', but that was either good for you or the right thing to do? Would love to hear your stories in the comments below.

Thanks for reading everybody.
SammiD

Shhhh... It's a secret!

Okay, before you read the following blog, you have to swear not to tell anybody else - okay? Promise?
Alright here we go....

I'm going to share with you all my top secret weight-loss weapon... Ready? ... MANTRAS!

Okay so you probably weren't expecting that right? :-) But seriously, over the last 3 weeks I have found that the one thing to keep me going, and the main thing to keep me from eatings unhealthy foods spontaneously when I have no one around to keep me accountable, was/is my mantra.

Did you know that it takes a minimum of 30 days to break a bad habit?
And a minimum of 90 days to teach yourself a new 'good' or positive habit to the point that it become a natural habit?
The first 30 days are always the hardest. After 30 days it usually gets easier to break a bad habit. And honestly I can see how this is true. So my mantra was born - "30 days; Break the habit."

Using the knowledge I shared above as the background to my short mantra, every time I walk past a fast food place, or somebody offers me chocolate, I am able to remind myself - "it's only 30 days; the first 30 days are the hardest..." and the most powerful hidden message in my mantra - "You can do this!"

So that's my Mantra: "30 days; Break the habit." It may not be very exciting, but it's mine. And it works for me. It has meaning for me.

I don't think I could of gotten even this far without my mantra to give me the self motivation to stay away from the unhealthy food options. I also don't think I could of done this without my friends and family, and the support they give me. So if you are out there wanting to lose weight, can I give you two pieces of advice?
1) Tell all your friends and family so they can support you
2) Come up with a mantra that has meaning for YOU - so you can support yourself.

I would love to hear about any mantra's you use to help motivate yourself.
Comment below with your mantra and if I get enough responses in the next week we might do a poll to decide which mantra you all like the best and have a prize for the best one!

Thanks for reading everybody!
SammiD

The Suriparty

So last night was a first.. well a first since I decided to start my weight loss journey and my new life.

I went out. Not on my own and not just because I felt like it, but because one of my good friends was having a birthday party (Happy Birthday Suripat!).
So myself, my boyfriend Lincoln, Suripat and around 18+ other people went to Suminoya buffet. A Japanese buffet...
Let me repeat that... Buffet. In other words...all you can eat.

So on one hand, I knew where I had agreed to go to, and what to expect. I don't feel guilty at all about going because it was planned and not a spontaneous gorging.

On the other hand, it really wasn't too healthy, and I have NO IDEA how many calories I consumed.... -_-'

So good points v.s bad points............

                 Good Points                                                                              Bad Points

Lots of meat equals lots of protein (something                           Some of the meat was quite fatty
I haven't really been having enough of lately).                           and greasy, so not the best.

I ate a lot of salmon sushimi which is quite healthy                   Had very little (almost no) vegetables.
and not fatty and a part from meat, I ate rice as well
so I didn't just have meat and fish.

 Although I was eating food that wasn't the healthiest,              I have no idea how many calories I
I made sure I didn't stuff myself or over indulge in any             consumed and though I was only

one food, andI only ate until I was comfortably full.                 comfortably full, I probably ate too                                                                                                       much...

So to make up for my planned outing (and treat) I have already made decisions on 2 things I am changing this week to make up for any extra calories or fat I consumed...

1) Cut 200cals from my daily calorie allowance - It is all about averages, cutting 200cal per day gives me an extra 1400 cal difficant this week which should help to make up for last night (I am positive I did NOT consume more then this as it was a Japanese buffet and therefore pretty good quality and I really didn't have that much of the fatty meats).

2) Exercise EVERY day this week (not every second day as I usually do) and exercise for longer each day (min 1 hr) - just in case I did eat more then 1400 (I know I didn't, but better safe then sorry).

This last one is also me "paying" for my outing. I knew I was going to go out, so because of that I have to make sure I earn that outing! :-D .

I do hope I am able to earn back any extra calories I consumed last night and still have a good weight loss this week, but we will see! Either way it was a good night and I do not feel one ounce of guilt as it was planned and I am taking measures to earn those calories back!

What about you? What do you do when you got out and splurge on something (whether that is food, or shoes, or movies, or going out drinking with mates...), do you do something to earn that splurge/ pay for it/ justify it? Would love to hear some stories in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.
SammiD

Weigh-in number 3... - "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.."

After an exhausting weekend (wedding's always seem to make me tired but they are just so enjoyable) my Monday has arrived.
Most people wake up Monday morning with a sense of dread... already sensing the exhaustion the coming week will bring. Monday to most of us represents the start of our working or study weeks... the start of the 5 day period we go through before we get to enjoy 2 glorious days of rest.

Myself? Well I woke up this morning with a bounce in my step and a smile on my face. Why? Well one part was the fact that my Herbalife shake I have for breakfast always cheers me up ;-) but the second reason... I was going to have my 3rd weigh in today :-D

I usually have my weigh-in's on a Wednesday (as most of you know) so having my weigh-in on a Monday meant that it was 2 days early. This meant I would only get to see what I lost over the 5 days since my last weigh-in, not over a normal 7 day week.
However, as my Aussie readers already know, Wednesday this week (25th April) is Anzac day meaning the Herbalife club would be closed for the day as it is a public holiday.
As I already have plans all day tomorrow (Tuesday 24th April), today (being the Monday before Anzac day) seemed the best time to have the weigh-in.

So I got out of bed excited to see how my week translated on the scales. I knew having my weigh-in 2 days early meant it probably wasn't going to be a 2kg number like the last 2 weeks, but I felt positive that I had done well and been good this week. No matter what the scales said I was happy with my self-control this week and would be happy with what ever number I lost.

Getting to the Herbalife Nutrition Club is always fun. It's like walking the gauntlet every week ;-)
Walking past fast food places on my way to the station near my house and then getting off the train at Chatswood (where the store is) and walking to the nutrition club I again have to walk past a tone of food outlets... and smell all those foods...

This week, I did it and wasn't tempted one bit (yay!) :-) I don't feel like those kinds of food any more...
Kate Moss has a saying "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." Now I'm losing weight and feeling good about myself I see what she means - nothing can ever taste as good as the feeling I get when I hope on those scales and see that I am that much closer to a healthy life :-) Closer to being within a healthy weight range and making healthy food choices.

So this week, having my weigh in 2 days early meant I was never going to lose as much as I have in the past two weeks. When I hoped on those scales and saw how much I had lost.... I was very pleased.

This week : 1.6kg

This works out over 300g per day, so hypothetically I would of lost over 2kg this week again if I had had my weigh in on Wednesday instead of today.

So I am very happy with my results for this week. Any ways, I better get back to class (I'm actually in class as I type this... so I better go before I get in trouble haha)

Thanks for reading everybody and for your contiuned support as I continue my weight loss journey!
SammiD xo

Pre-Wedding Jitters and Cold feet...

So most married people can remember the feelings they had on their wedding day; the nerves, doubts, worries, and uncertainty... and above all else, excitement. Those who haven't yet had the joy of 'tying the knot' have probably heard of the feeling one usually experiences on their wedding day and can sort of understand.

I suppose I should probably stop here and clarify - no I didn't get married nor am I engaged. However I went to a wedding today. It was BEAUTIFUL and very sweet. The thing is before leaving for the wedding... I experienced all those feelings mentioned above... and it wasn't because I was getting married... It was because of the food.

The nerves and doubt - "Will I be able to show self-restraint and keep from eating the dishes that I know are high in calories?"
"Will I be strong enough to make healthy options when 'yummy' (a.k.a FATTY) foods are put in front of me?"
"Will I make excuses (e.g. it's just for one day; It's a wedding so it's okay to eat junk...)?..."

The worries and uncertainty - HOW will I know what is high in calories? WILL there be healthy options available?

.......and above all else excitement... it was a WEDDING after all! :-)

The end of the day has arrived and as I write to you now I am very happy with myself.
*smug grin* ;-)
I made the healthiest choices I could (little sandwiches made from wholemeal bread with egg, grapes and a few white bread sandwiches [which were still healthier then the party pies!]); I stayed clear of cakes (even though the wedding cake looked so yummy); and when the dancing started I worked up a sweat! ;-)

This morning, knowing I was headed to the wedding I had my herbalife shake for breakfast which filled me up and was an amazingly healthy start to my day. Tonight I am planning on another herbalife shake (a healthy and yummy dinner option) and some deep sleep (all that dancing has made me exhausted!)

They do say "2 Shakes a day keeps the doctor away"!!

Love you all for supporting me in this journey and also taking to time to read this blog.
Till next time.
xox
SammiD

Week two at an end - Weigh-in time!

So the second week of my new life is at a close and it sure has been eventful. There have been many downs and a few ups. This week has presented me with many challenges and I have learnt a lot. Only two challenges have presented me with real problems. These challenges consist of gym and wet weather.

Firstly I have had the problem of issues with my gym (we will just say I don't go there any more) so this week most of my work-outs have been at home or the local park. this means I have had to make myself EXTRA motivated.

Secondly - its has been wet!!! Sydney has been lucky to be covered by clouds the last few days... well maybe not so lucky. I have learnt two things from this wet weather.
1)When you are stuck inside or at least don't want to leave the house due to rain you snack - a lot. It is a lot harder not to pick at foods when you aren't busy. So today (even though it is poring down rain) I have been out and about all day (mostly at shopping centers and now an internet cafe).
2) When it is super cold it is even harder not to eat cuppa soup! Or hot chocolate! *sign* My two weaknesses. All I want is to curl up and inhale cuppa soup and I defiantly had more then one the other day (despite the fact I have been trying to only have one a day). So it's been hard to stick to eating things that aren't just empty calories....

But despite these two things I still feel positive and have been trying as hard as I can to lose weight and make healthy choices. So when I went to have my second weigh-in today I knew I could hold my head up high, no matter the outcome.

How much have I lost this week? Anybody want to guess?...
Okay so here's a little game - take a moment and guess how much I've lost this week. After you have finished reading this blog comment with your guess underneath! I would love to see what some of you think!

Okay so you have a number? Ready for me to tell you how much I've lost?

2.2kg! Pretty good for my second week I think! :-) So all up in two weeks I have lost a total of 4.8kg! I am very happy with this and feel good about the coming week.

I'm not going to bother with my measurements (e.g. hips, neck etc) again this week. I will probably just post my measurements every 10 kg so as not to bore you. (Same as photos.)

I am expecting my weight loss to level out a bit in the coming weeks. I am aiming for 1/2kg weight loss a week as I know this is healthy. However if I lose more I don't mind (though I'm not trying to lose more). I haven't been starving myself just making healthy choices.

So how about you? How has your week been? Have you been making healthy choices?
Till next time! Thanks for reading.
SammiD

Trust is a flickle thing..

After blogging yesterday I learnt a lesson I am not likely to forget - Trust nobody.

Okay so that is a bit harsh; but when it comes to my weight loss I have really learnt that know one else will be as strict as me because nobody wants me to lose this weight as much as I do. Okay so rewinding - let me tell you want happened.

Yesterday, after blogging, I went at a counselling appointment. On Friday's, after my appointment, a group of teenagers and workers from the organisation I go to for counselling and support for my weight loss have lunch together. I was planning on hanging around and eating until I learnt they were having kebabs; but the workers who I have been talking to about losing weight said it should be fine - to just get a salad plate (basically a kebab without the bread).
I trusted that they knew what they were talking about. It wasn't until I got home and looked up the calories online that I was shocked and upset.

Kebabs have close to 1000 calories!! Due to the fat in the meat. I was so upset and I learnt a valuable lesson.
Even though people act like they know what they are talking about they don't always. When it comes to my weight and my journey of losing it I should trust know one but myself and I should always double check calories in my calorie book as apposed just taking other people word for it.

So all of you out there trying to lose weight - don't just trust anybody. Don't just trust your friends or 'professionals' unless they are trained dietitians. I have learnt I need to check things myself because nobody wants me to lose this weight as much as I do.

So I hope this wasn't too depressing :) and I want you to know I am not mad or upset anymore. Today is a knew day and it's time to jump back on the weight loss horse. :)

Thanks for reading! :-)
SammiD

Unhealthy Addiction - The Trap of Empty Calories

This week has been ok so far. I went to the gym yesterday and felt like I was going to puke for the rest of the afternoon - plus I was extremly sore :-)
My diet has been a bit weird. I have stuck to my calories but have developed what I think is an unhealthy addiction....

It's not chocolate; or chips; or soft drink; or fast food. It's Cuppa Soup.

If you don't know what cuppa soup is it is basically flavouring with a little bit of noodles or croutons; that when added to hot water in a mug makes 'soup' or a broth. It is low in calories (yay) and a great snack on a cold day. And boy has it been cold in Sydney lately.

How ever this change in weather which has me consuming cuppa soup is really no excuse for me to consume it by the bucket load.
Yesterday I think I had three cups; now while this is not the end of the world (and hardly any calories) cuppa soup is what I like to call ' empty calories' - a.k.a it has no real nutrional content.

So instead of having and apple or carrot (something with vitamins and minerals and all those goodies we all need for weight loss and a healthy diet) I have been having cuppa soup.
"It's cold" I have been telling myself (and it is!!) but I need to cut down on the amount of empty calories I'm consuming and that means nipping this addiction in the butt!
So from today - NO MORE than 1 cupa soup a day (Hey it's still cold and it does warm me up!) and instead I'm going to try and fill those calories with things like friut, carrot sticks or even a low calorie garden salad.

What about you? Do you have a 'unhealthy addiction'? It might even be a health food that you eat too much of; or something like my addiction- low in calories but is really just 'empty calories' and no real nutrional content.

Till next time everybody! Thanks for reading!
SammiD

The First Milestone - Week 1 Weigh-in!!

The week has come to a close - or at least my first week of my new life has :)

Today has been an amazing day, and looking back on it (and this last week) I am so proud of what I have accomplished in just 1 week.

Today I had my first weigh-in - the first milestone in anybody's weight loss journey.
I started the day with a healthy start - Porridge YUMMY :) (It is getting so cold in Sydney right now that porridge was a welcome start to my day plus its full of fibre!). I then proceeded to head off for the day.

Around lunch time I went into the Herbalife store. It was time for my first weigh-in - My first week had ended and I was about to see if I had done enough work.
I felt positive as I had had a good week. I had gone to the gym and eaten quite well (always staying within calories) and I had been taking my Herbalife shakes! :)

I hopped on the scales. I closed my eyes (I didn't want to see those numbers jump until they had settled on my new weight). The scale beeped –

120.1kg! A 2.6kg loss in my first week! :-)

I am still stoked!!! :)

We also took my measurements - my neck, hip, arm, thigh and chest.
I copied them all down for you, as well as last week’s measurements to compare ( I didn’t post them as I didn’t have them handy!) I have decided not to do a waist measurement as I have a tendency to suck my tummy in so it isn’t always accurate (I also am only measureing my right leg and right arm as I don't see the point in doing both left and right).

Here are my measurements:-

Date------------------------04/04/12------------11/04/12

Chest -----------------------128.5 ---------------129

Hips-------------------------132------------------132

Right leg -------------------60--------------------57

Right Arm -----------------38 -------------------33

Neck ------------------------41--------------------41

My measurements seem pretty good - I only went up in my Chest (which I can't explain).

So I am extremely pleased and pumped for this second week – Bring it on world!
I feel positive and happy.
So it’s the gym for me tomorrow – What about you? What are your plans for this week?

Till next time!
Sammi

Day 1 Photos - 122.7kg

So here are the photo's my partner took day 1 - me at my heaviest!

I was smiling in the 'front on' photo but after when I saw these I was pretty horrified.

The shorts I am wearing wouldn't stay done up but my partner says that once I can wear them done up we will be able to see a weight
loss so that will be good. :)

Untill next time everyone !

Sammi D

Happy belated Easter everybody!

So, it's that time of year. Everybody spends the weekend indulging in chocolate and spends the next week buying it on sale.
Me? No chocolate!! Well almost :)

I think this week end I did quite well, I didn't eat any easter bunnys, or eggs and only ate a little bad food. My weekend?

Well Saturday I saw a movie with a friend. No popcorn this time! Just a little sushi; and considering my friend had Hungry Jacks, I think I picked the better option - and I stayed within my calories.

Sunday I slept in so I missed breakfast, and because I spent the day with my partner and step-bro I didn't have any Herbalife shakes (oops :( ), but again I tried to stick to healthier options and talked my step-bro out of steak and chips for dinner and convinced him to let me make stir-fry (WINNING! :) )

Monday I again had sushi (and missed breakfast) but I still feel good about the day as a whole :) My partner shared a thickshake with me (I drank about a quarter and gave him the rest, as it was a TREAT and they are too high in calories to have the whole thing.)

Today I missed breakfast (again) because I had to fast and go to the doctors for blood tests. He is testing for any abnormalities like high sugar, cholesterol, or insulin resistance.

I also went to the gym today :) It was a good day and as my first week comes to a close (and I have my first weigh in to look forward to tomorrow) I feel positive I will see a weight loss.

I'm going to post again tonight with some photos my partner took of me day 1 when I first started my diet. I plan to post similar photos every 10kg loss so we can see the difference :)

Well I hope everybody else had a good Easter weekend, didn't eat too much chocolate and that you are all making healthy choices (or at least trying to.)

Until tomorrow when I post the results of my first weigh in.
Thanks for reading! :)

SammiD

It begins - 122.7kg

When a girl reaches the age of 19 she should be out clubbing; partying with her friends.

Not sitting at home because she no longer fits into her old dresses or because when she dances her whole belly jiggles.
This is my reality.

And for a lot of people this is your reality to.

2 and half years ago I weighed just under 80kg. I was mostly healthy and I loved life. What happened? I got lazy of course- stopped cooking food and eating more fast food; and I stopped exercising.
Four nights ago I said "Enough is enough", and after giving myself the hugest pep talk of the year decided on Wed 4/4/2012 I was going on a diet!

A lot of people are probably thinking- it’s not that easy!! And it's not! You are right, but I have tried many diets in the last year and still have a lot of things left over from those diets. The two most important things which allowed me to get started on Wednesday, the morning after I had made this
decision were:
1) a gym membership I still had from last year &,
2) Herbalife products also left over from last year when I had last tried to lose weight.

For those of you who don't know Herbalife is a meal replacement shake, however it is so high in vitamins, minerals and protein and so perfectly balanced that it is really just a low fat meal option (also great because it is VERY convenient!). For those who read that and want more information please email me and I can give it to you - but I won't bore everybody with the details here! :-)

So Wednesday came and the first thing I did was have a healthy breakfast.
What, you ask? Why, porridge and an apple.
Porridge is great - it's high in fibre, fills you up and (if you cook it with water) low in calories!!

Then I went to see somebody about my weight. Here I have to explain a few things- one, is that when you start taking Herbalife you work with somebody who helps you monitor your weight and weight loss goals. I went to see my 'supporter' as I like to call them. It's was really enlightening. Not only did I have a beautiful lunch that was low in calories (Herbalife shake) but my supporter (we will call them Jim) did my measurements for me- and an initial weigh-in.

I was shocked- I knew I had put on a lot of weight but the scales HAD to be lying- 122.7kg???? What have I done too myself?? After a few moments I realized that the scales WEREN'T lying (they are electronic so they are very accurate) and that I have a serious problem!

Jim and I took my other measurements as well - neck, arms, legs. I don't have them here right now but I will post them next week.

We then sat down and made a plan. I was to keep a food diary (so we could see if I was sticking to my diet), have two Herbalife shakes a day (especially important as the vitamins etc. I was expected to get from doing this I was NOT getting from my current diet), one other meal a day- preferably colourful with lots of fruit and veg, and healthy snacks throughout the day (e.g. carrot sticks etc.), exercise more, and lastly I was to come see him at the Nutrition Club once a week so he could check my progress and weigh me in.

This seemed do-able. I already had the Herbalife products at home from last year, I had a gym membership and this time I knew I was going to do it!!

It is now Saturday 7/4/2012, so it's been 3 days since I started my diet. So far I am keeping to it!! I have even been doing calorie counting as part of my food diary!! :-) I have been trying to stick to under 1500 calories a day as my Doctor says I burn over 2000 calories at rest this should naturally create a calorie deficient! I have an appointment to see my Doctor next week to get blood tests to check if anything is majorly wrong due to my weight and have my next weigh-in with Jim on Wednesday. :-)
 I will make sure I post the outcomes of both of these- it will be interesting to see what weight I lose in the first week! :-)

Also for those of you who are curious about what I'm eating- I have my food diary online at MyNetDiary.com my username is Sammi2308 so you can look me up - everything is set to public so you should be able to check out what I'm eating!!
I'm also trying to put my exercise on there. It is not 100% accurate as I don't weigh everything and a lot is estimated - I'm not really strict about the calorie counting, I have just been using it to keep track of what I eat but the calories are as close as I could get them (I aim for around 1400 due to estimating as that way if I’m a bit out I have a bit to play with, also I try to estimate high – so I sometimes put in more than I actually eat just to make sure).

I will also be making a twitter account in the coming weeks you can follow me on- I will tweet daily once I get it, as opposed to the expected 3-4 days for blogs.
I will be posting photos of myself at this weight next blog (as I can't post them from my phone as that is where I am blogging from now), my partner took them for me as my starting photos.

That is all for now, I will post next time with my fat photos (at least I'm being honest) and an update on my progress! Thanks everybody for your support and if anybody has any questions please email me!! Thanks!!

SammiD