5-2 Diet

There was recently a Horizon Programme on dieting (with Dr Michael Mosley - love him) in which he explored various versions of diets incorporating fasting or calorie restrictions.

The one that he found most workable was the 5-2 diet, where you restrict your calorie intake for 2 days, but then eat normally on the other 5.

My sister and niece have both been doing it for a while, and I thought I'd give it a go - not only to lose weight (I've still got a few holiday pounds to shift) but also because it reputedly has additional health benefits, such as lowering blood sugars and chloresterol levels.

I've decided to do my low (500) calorie days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the main, as these are days when I'm least likely to go out or have other committments. Today is my first day.

There are several options on how to distribute the calories during the day - some people have all 500 for breakfast or dinner, some spread them out.

I'm spreading mine out, and it's surprising how far they will go!

So today is stacking up like this:

Breakfast = 1 grapefruit, 90 cals

Lunch = turkey salad, no dressing, a few boiled potatoes (see pic) 130 cals

Afternoon snack = pineapple and melon, 80 cals

Dinner = veg stir fry, with soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, 120 cals

After dinner = activia fat free yoghurt, 70 cals

Total calores = 490 - and I've had 4 meals

I'll keep you posted as to how it works - but so far, so good.

Full of Beans

It's summer (finally) and that means that mum's garden is now producing an abundance of fruit and veg. I called in on my way home from work tonight and came away with this bounty.

So, for my tea tonight, I'm having a medley of beans (french, runner and broad) with some pancetta and a bowl of lovely raspberries.

Mmmmm...

Running about

Today I ran for a train. You did read right, I RAN for a train. I haven't run in about 30 years, not since I dislocated my knee in my teens, but we were in London, held up on the tube and only just got to Euston in time - in time for a quick sprint that is. Up escalators and across the concourse and everything. We caught our train with seconds to spare, and although I was hot and tired, I didn't feel like my lungs were going to burst. Progress indeed! So, the losing weight and recent gym sessions are clearly paying off. And now I'm looking forward to (another) salad for tea - at mum's and with an omelette. Happy days!

Discovering Music

I recently bought myself an iPod (I know, finally I joined the rest of you!) and have just come back from my first gym session with it. Yesterday, I made a playlist - mixing some really fast tracks with some other upbeat ones - with a slow starter (to get me in the mood as I climb the stairs to the gym!) and one to cool down to on the way back down.

Can't believe how much harder I worked, or how much less effort it seemed - I think my iPod will be an essential part of my gym kit from now on - along with big knickers and structural underwear!

Tuna salad

OK, so this might look like the tricolour salad I made yesterday, but it's completely different!

Mostly, it tastes very different because instead of fresh herbs and lemon I made a Chinese inspired dressing. I used almost 1 Tbsp each of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and sweet chilli dipping sauce. Mix well, and pour over the salad. The dressing makes enough for two or 3 - I'll keep what's left for later in the week.

One of your Five a day

I've become a bit obsessed with books and TV programmes about healthy living, food and exercise. This is partly to educate myself about what's happening to my mind and body, and also so that I can separate myth from fact when it comes to claims and hype.

I watched a program last week about the "5 a day" claims that many manufacturers use on their packaging. Now I'm a big advocate of getting my 5 a day getting all of mine from fresh fruit and veg, so imagine how horified I was to find out that chocolate biscuits and fruit bread could be labelled as a portion!

It appears that the government logo for 5 a day (shown here) is very restricted in its use - the food must contain at least the equivalent of 80g of fruit or veg from the prescribed list, and only limited amounts of fat, sugar and other calories, whilst there is no restriction on manufacturers making up their own logos and adding them to any food containing fruit or veg - and they can label anything from 1/2 a portion (i.e. 40g fruit or veg) and can disregard the sugar and fat content.

So a manufacturers' claim that something "contributes to your 5 a day" doesn't mean it's a whole portion, or even that it's good for you! Very much a case of buyer beware.

If you want to see the program, it was in the Dispatches series on C4, and you can find out more here: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/articles/myths-about-your-5-a-day-reporter-feature

Well done to Jane Moore for brining this to our attention.

Salad days again

At last! The sun has come out and it's begining to feel like summer is here. And the things I love most about summer are fresh fruit and salad.

So here's tonight healthy dinner - tricolour salad. Not intentional, but most of the things in my salad drawer turned out to be red, white and green. If only there was more blue food, I could be more patriotic in time for the Olympics.

Tomatoes, red and green pepper, lettuce, cucumber, radish, spring onion, avocado and some fresh herbs made the bulk of the salad, with a little lemon juice and some chicken breast. Again, no carbs tonight - I think having carbs at luchtime rather than the evening is working, I'm certainly not hungry and don't feel full or bloated at bedtime.

Now I'm off to find some water - I'm sure I'm not drining enough anymore, ever since I stopped measuring my water intake it's been getting less and less, and I'm now probably having less than 1 ltr a day, so that has to be increased again!

Enjoy!

Back on the regime

Back on the regime and it's more Chinese inspired food for me.

I decided to go for a swim tonight, with an Adult's only swim session from 6-7. As it was about 5pm when I decided to go, I thought I'd prep dinner before I left so that I wouldn't be tempted to have a sandwich when I got back.

So this is what I left for myself - tuna steak (fresh from Bury market today, yum!) with lots of fresh veg and asian condiments.

I swam for about 30 mins - but much harder and faster than I used to. In one way, it's a bit more difficult than it used to be as I don't float as well now that I don't have an inbuilt lifejacket - but on the other hand I have much more energy.

I felt very virtuous when I got back home, and very glad that my dinner was almost ready - it took me about 5 mins to stir fry the veg and sear the tuna, which I rolled in 5 spice powder first for an extra kick.

The veg was bolstered by some fresh garlic and ginger, and then some oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and some fish sauce (1 Tbsp of each). No carbs, but with the protein of the fish it's very filling!

Holiday

Well, it's been a while since I posted, as I've been on holiday and busy at home.

We went to Sussex to stay with some friends we hadn't seen for 18 months - and I hadn't told them I'd lost weight, so it was great so see their surprised faces.

Being from Middleton, we had to visit Middleton-on-Sea when we saw it on the map, and here I am, by the town side. Apparently, I need to treat myself to a smaller windproof - this one is a size 20 and buries me!

The weather was kind to us, and we saw a fair bit of sunshine, and at least no rain to speak of, so we did lots of walking. It still surprises me how far and how easily I can walk these days - I can go for miles without getting tired and without my feet hurting. It's great!

The one thing about being on holiday though, is that you do tend to relax a little and let your hair down (and your guard!) I definitely had too many of these ...

Cakes, cream teas, home baking (curse my friend who is an excellent cook and baker!) which far outnumbered the calories burnt off walking the Sussex countryside - but hey ho! Thankfully, I don't go on holiday very often.

Back on the hard regime when we get home (after the scales).

Suit You Sir...

Love my new suit!

I wanted something lighter for summer and found this trouser suit in Mary Portas (I'd only gone in for a look, honest!) It's probably one of the most expensive suits I've bought - and that was at half price in the sale!

I wore it for work yesterday and had lots of positive comments - and I felt great wearing it. Think that will be a regular for my work wardrobe (at least until I spill coffee on it!).

Eating Healthily

Inspired by Gok Wan's new TV cookery programme, I've decided to make more Chinese food. It's tasty and healthy, and provided you get organised, it can be very quick.

Tonight I made Super Speedy Noodles with Pork. It took about 10 mins to prep (see photo of all the ingredients) and about 5 mins to cook - and it was very tasty! I made an extra dish of brocolli and beans, to boost up the green content.

I worked this out to be about 450 calories.

And this is the finished dish - it did look just like the picture in the book!

Afternoon tea

This week, the staff restaurant are doing "the best of British" to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Today, it's the tea party.

As it's also my birthday, a few of us decide to have a tea party for lunch - complete with royal headwear.

Thanks to Lisa, who's missing from the pic as she took it, and to the restaurant staff, who excelled themselves, as usual!

Birthday treats

Today is my birthday, and it's customary in our office to bring in treats, usually in the form of cakes, sweets or chocolate.

Now I don't want to deter all the bikini concious dieters in our office (and there are many) so I've arranged a big platter of cut fruit. It's going down well, just had time to snap it before it's completely demolished!

Celebratory lunch coming up...

Black tie event

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Pride of Tameside Business Awards on Friday night. It not only celebrated business success in Tameside, but was also a fundraising night for the Convoy of Happiness.

Joanne Jacobs (http://www.jojacobsphotography.com/) was doing photos on the night to raise funds - taking the pics and then printing them out fo us to take home.

She kindly emailed me mine so I could share it with you - I'm still loving this dress - it's the one I wore to the Halle Ruby Ball back in November, although this time around I accessorised with bronzer and a gold necklace, rather than a fur shrug and silvery bling. Still loving those collar bones though, can't get used to having those again!

Lovely day out

On Saturday we had a bit of a family get together, and went to the Derbyshire Food Fair, and then out for dinner.

This is (from left) me, mum, big sis, middle sis, all standing outside the restaurant we went to in Chesterfield.

I amazed myself by not eating lots of samples or buying lots of food at the fair - I bought some tea, as I'm getting quite a taste for different teas now that I drink it black. I did have an ice cream though - but just one scoop, and not in a sugar cone, so it wasn't all bad!

It was a great day out, lovely and sunny and great company - just have to schedule in the next one now...

It's a Chelsea morning

I had the good fortune to go to the Chelsea Flower Show on Thursday. I wanted to be smart (it was part business) but comfortable - so it all started with the shoes.

Black brogues set the tone, topped off with black jeans, white shirt and a tunic top.

It was scorching hot, as you know, but the great thing was that I didn't feel the heat anywhere as much as I used to! I guess being 6 1/2 stone lighter than this time last year has affected more things than I thought. So, without that thick insulating layer, I could walk round comfortably all day - and my feet didn't hurt either.

It was wonderful, and I made the most of it!

Nice nails

Have just painted my nails whilst speeding through countryside on the train.

Liking this colour, makes my fingers look quite tanned. Just need the rest of my body to catch up - still milk-bottle white!

This is a Nails Inc polish I got free with a mag. Three cheers for freebies.

Desk Picnic

Had another desk picnic this week - jazzed up my salad into a tuna nicoise with some olives, tuna and boiled egg, and saved my banana for my afternoon snack.

Although it was lovely, it's actually much nicer on days like today when I can go and sit outside in the sunshine. I have a picture of that somewhere too - must find it for you...

I look very nice today...

...and I know this because this lovely young lady and her mum stopped me in Morrisons and told me.

This is Charlotte, who, with her mum,  made my day today, with the help of her sister Georgia who took the picture.

They said they liked my outfit, and it was so nice to see someone wearing a pretty dress.

Now, I often stop people and give them a compliment - usually it's the colour of their outfit that might really suit them, or some funky glasses, or a coat or bag that catches my attention. But this is the first time it's happened to me. Don't get me wrong, people at work and my family and friends comment, but never complete strangers. And given where I came from (21 1/2 stone) it's hardly surprising!

So now it's your turn - make someone's day, tell them they look nice!

In a stew

Rhubarb and Apple.

Finally, I have a freezer - having been without one for about 3 1/2 months, and I really missed it! So today I've made up a batch of stewed rhubarb (with sweetener, not sugar) to have on my weetabix or with yoghurt in the afternoon when all my fresh fruit has been used up.

I used 2x450g packs of rhubarb, so that makes 190 calories, plus 3 Tbsp sweetener making another 24 (214) and it made 7 little pots, so about 30-35 calories a pot (each little pot holds about 120g of stewed fruit).

I've also made some stewed baking apple - we're having pork for dinner, and I love a bit of apple sauce with it - this is made with lemon juice and sweetener, and will also go in the freezer for with pork, or with yoghurt. They work out about 40cals per 120g pot.

Now I just have to wait for them to cool down enough to go in the freezer...

Hey Presto

Hey Presto - fruit prepped and in the fridge!

I don't mix it, as it keeps fresher longer kept separate (especially with fruit like pineapple that "goes" quickly). When I'm ready to eat it, I just take the selected boxes out of the fridge and mix it in my bowl.

I didn't do both melons in the end - this looked like enough and the other one isn't quite ripe yet.
There's about 360 g in each of these boxes (they held 1 large mango, 1/2 pineapple, 1/3 melon each).

Calories per 100g:
Mangoes - 65
Pineapple - 48
Honeydew Melon - 36

So, a selection of about 1/4 or 1/3 box of each fruit (around 100g each) would be about 150 - 200 cals and would be plenty for a snack meal (I allow 200cals for breakfast and snacks, then 400 for lunch and 600 for dinner, making 1600 altogether).

Getting Organised for weight loss

Step one in my renewed vigour is to get some fruit prepped and in the fridge, so that I can have this for mid morning or afternoon snack.

Fruit was one of the things I really missed last year, so I don't want to miss out on all the exotic fruit which is so lovely now (mangoes and pineapples) and the great soft fruit that will be coming soon.

Mangoes - just £1 each at Morrisons for huge, ripe ones, and melons at 2 for £3. I'll have all this prepped and in the fridge shortly (not just for me either, this stack of fruit will feed quite a few, and will stay fresh in the fridge).

Renewed Effort

I can't believe it's May already. Soon, it will be 6 months since I reached my target weight of 12 st 4lb.

Since then, my weight has been up and down a bit - I'm 12 st 9 today, which is fairly usual. However, I'd like to get back to target, or even lower - summer is coming, and I have very fat knees! It's strange, the top part of me feels tiny, but the bottom bit is still large and my legs are still trunk-like (although from much smaller trees now!). So, I am having a renewed effort to lose a bit and then maintain a lower weight.

I've noticed recently that bad habits are creeping in again - the occasional glass of wine I can forgive myself for (as it is occasional and not yet a habit) but my portion sizes have started to increase, and I'm not eating 5 times a day, but only 4 and sometimes 3.

So today is a new day - I'm getting ready for the week ahead, and let's see if I can lose a pound this week - just 1 lb a week for 6 weeks should do it!

Helpful Cat

We finally managed to find a kitchen table - some self assembly required.

This is Arthur helping out by counting the washers and making sure all the bits we need are included.

I love my new table in the kitchen - we've already used it lots, almost every mealtime since we built it.

Fishcakes

We've been out all day shopping today - looking for a small table for the new kitchen. I was hoping to buy a second hand one, as I'd like it to be a bit distressed and homely. No joy though, everything we find is too large for the space we've got.

One of the places we visit (Holden Wool Antiques) has a lovely tea room, and since it was lunchtime, we felt it would be rude not too!

I had these very tasty smoked haddock fishcakes, which came with salad rather than chips, so I didn't even have to change the option from the menu for a change, which was nice.

Beautiful Day

It's such a beautiful day, I couldn't resist having lunch outside today - we're lucky that our staff restaurant has a garden area, with picnic tables for al fresco dining.

And the omelettes and salad are really tasty too - one of the busiest days in the restaurant is omelette day!

Sea Bass

And to follow the pea and ham soup, some sea bass, with boiled new potatoes, asparagus and sugar snap peas.

It was lovely!

Company for Dinner

My niece came for diiner tonight, before we went to a comedy gig. She's also watching her weight, so low cal all the way tonight.

This is homemade pea and mint soup, with some crispy pancetta on top (which is where all the calories are!)

I made it with shallots, sweated off with 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, then added a veg stock pot cube, some fresh peas and some boiling water - then cooking it until the peas were done. I added a big handful of chopped mint and blitzed with a stick blender until smooth.

In the meantime, I crisped the panchetta between two baking sheets (to keep it flat) in a hot oven for about 7 mins. You could skip the pancetta if you want to reduce the calories even more.

How the other half live

Of course what I really fancied was the cheese and onion pie, with potatoes and cheese and chive sauce...

Although to be honest, I'm not sure I could actually eat that these days - but it looked popular - that hand sneaking in ended up with a fork in the back of it! "Touch my food, Feel my fork".

Tuna

And trying to stay on the healthy options, I then went with seared tuna, with sides of green beans and ratatouille. Eschewing the carbs drops the calorie count quite a lot - and with this much protein, lunch is quite filling anyway.

It was all delicious, and I'd had pleasantly enough by the time I'd finished...

Asparagus and Egg

We celebrated our photoshoot with lunch at Albert's (where else!). This was my starter, baked agg with asparagus.

I tried not to have too much of the hollandaise sauce, although it was lovely!

I'm so glad asparagus season is here, I love it! If you read this blog regularly, you'll probably see many pictures of those delicate green spears before the end of June.

Where have I gone?

Can you tell I'm still baffled by where I've gone?

I did my "big trousers" trick again today, getting sis in there with me (pics to follow). I still cannot get over the fact I used to be that big - and although I say I don't know how I got there, I do really - just eating too much and exercising too little.

Putting on these trousers reminds me just how far I've come, and makes me very determined to stay here. I'm so glad I kept them.

Getting ready for my close up

Here I am, putting in my earrings just before the Daily Mail photo shoot. Big sis and I decided to co-ordinate outfits, and so we were both wearing our bright red dresses.

Co-incidentally, we also both painted our nails red, and wore bright red lippy - just as well we have different colour hair or we'd look like twins!

Another 15 minutes of fame

Following our recent appearance in Real People, my sister and I have been asked to do a feature for the Daily Mail.

We're delighted - another photo shoot, but this time with both of us together, which should be fun. My big sister is like me - very confident and very open about the whole weight issue, so I'm sure there will be some quite frank questions and answers, and banter, today.

So I'm sat here, hair and makeup done, nails done, outfits packed, ready to head over to west Manchester to meet the photographer.

I've no idea when the feature will be published - but I'll keep you posted!

Leading a normal life

Now that I'm maintaining (rather than dieting to lose weight) I lead more of a "normal" life - my food choices are now only restricted by my own judgement - rather than by a strict list.

And so yesterday I found myself faced with sticky toffee pudding.

It had already been a busy day; lunch out whilst shopping with Wardrobe Angel saw us in Carluccio's with a pile of pasta - she's doing the Manchester Marathon on Sunday, and is carbo loading. So we had pasta between us - but with a side salad for me, so I could fill up on salad while enjoying some pasta, but didn't need to eat lots of pasta to be satisfied.

It also helped that we had pasta to share, so it was in a serving dish and not actually on my plate - meaning I could decide my own portion size. Having said that, I'm sure I worked lots of the calories off doing the length of the Trafford Centre and getting dressed and undressed about a million times!

I got home just in time to get ready to go out again - to a Cricket Club pre-season fundraising dinner. Then off to the White Hart at Lydgate, where the food is excellent, even for large functions.

After a goat's cheese salad and some beautifully moist chicken, dessert arrived - the most delicious, light, sticky toffee pudding you've ever had. Well, I had to taste it - but that was all - I ate less than half and then put my spoon down.

At one time, I would have eaten it all - and perhaps helped someone else finish theirs - it was so lovely. But I was already satisfied, and didn't want to be "stuffed", so I left most of it.

And do you know what - nothing happened - nobody died, I didn't get struck down by lightening, there was no vengeful wrath from the chef. And I felt good.

I just thought to myself "I cannot eat all of this, on top of what I've already had today, and still fit in this lovely dress I'm wearing, so I have to chose. Slim or pudding?"

And I chose slim!

Spicy Soup

Thought I haven't posted a recipe for a while, and just made this soup for lunch. I'm home from work today, so had a bit more time than normal. It's lovely and thick (which is how I like it, but you could water it down) and very filling.

Chop up a butternut squash into about 1" cubes, and spray with a little oil, then roast in the oven for about 40 mins at 200 degrees.

When the squash is almost ready, add 1/2 Tbsp oil to a pan, and gently fry 2 shallots with about 1" of root ginger and a garlic clove (both grated or very finely chopped). Add a little chilli (I used 1/2 tsp lazy red chilli) and once its all cooked add a vegetable stock pot. Stir it in, then add in the butternut squash. Add just enough boiling water to almost cover the squash and then cook for a couple of mins to let the flavours blend.

Tip everything into a blender (or use a stick blender in the pan) and blitz until smooth. Add more boiling water to get the consistency you like - being careful not to splash yourself with boiling hot soup.

Pour into a bowl and enjoy!

Depending on the size of your squash and how thick or thin you like it, it will serve 1 hungry person or up to 3.

I worked out the calories at about 300 (but it depends on the size of your squash, I based this on about 1 lb of squash weighed raw).

Thank you M&S

I went to M&S this afternoon to buy another Control Body Slip - they are fabulous. They give you a great outline, stopping the wobbling, pulling you in the right places, and because it's a slip (rather than control pants which can be a bit cutting) they are really comfy. I love mine (I have a nude and a black) and wear them most days, so time to buy another.

The lovely lady on the till suggested I didn't need one as "there's nothing on you"! You can imagine that that made my day. I couldn't help from saying that although that might be true now, I'm still not used to it, having lost 9 1/2 stone. She was flabbergasted and wanted to know more - and hopefully she'll be reading this soon, as I told her about my blog.

Anyway, if you want some great shaping underwear that's comfortable to wear and easy to wash, check these out http://www.marksandspencer.com/Body-Solutions-Firm-Control-Smoothing/dp/B003X0JA8M?rrClickthru=Browse

I'd recommend buying your largest size (so I'm a 12 top and 14 bottom, so I buy 14, or even 16 (for more comfort and marginally less control). If you're on Alizonne, buy your size or it will be too big for you before you know it!

A Year Ago..

This is me almost a year ago today - swimming in open water at Hatchmere, on Easter Sunday. That's the size 22 me, with a big smile on my face.

To be fair, the smile's frequently there, I'm generally a happy bunny anyway, but I'm especially happy when I'm swimming outdoors.

I haven't done any so far this year though - an indication of how much colder the weather has been this year, and the fact that my wetsuit no longer fits me, and I haven't got round to ordering a smaller one yet. Must do that and get back out there... c'mon summer!

Little kitchen

This is photo of the kitchen I set up at one end of the dining room during all the recent building work.

With only a microwave, toaster and fridge, it wasn't brilliant - but I was amazed at how well we managed. OK, so there was a higher degree of beans on toast than would be normal, and it's been nice to have meals that don't end in a "ping".

I was particularly impressed by some of the microwave dinners you can get these days - with lots of fresh veg and not too many additives - and all calorie counted!

I've set myself a 600 calorie limit for dinner, and didn't have to go over it all. Sometimes I had a dessert too, all within the limit.

I'm glad the builders have finished though, and I'm getting back to normal (albeit in a much bigger kitchen!).

Pasty anyone?

Last week, I made a pasty for my husband, having some leftover pastry in my fridge. I don't often have pasty in the house, but I'd made a chicken pie for the in-laws at the weekend.

Anyway, there wasn't a lot of pastry, so I made a turkey, bacon and mushroom pasty, with some creme fraiche to make it more moist. I had the pie filling on its own, followed by some fruit salad.

It was very tasty, and I didn't miss the pastry at all!

I'm a Real Person!

I'm a Real Person - I must be, because I'm in Real People magazine!

This is the article, it's on page 18 of the issue dated 26/4/12, with a story about a bacon butty on the front cover.

I've quite enjoyed doing this - Alex, the journalist, was lovely and the whole article has come out quite chatty - just like me (apparently).

There is a mention in there for Alizonne, and I hope people who read it will look it up - as you all know, I've found the whole journey of losing weight with Alizonne very supportive and positive.

If you do get a copy, enjoy the read,

Really glad I lost weight

Some days, things happen that make me very, very glad I lost weight. Today was one of them. I've been running errands all day, and at one point I got back to my car to find that some "idiot" (to use a much politer phrase than I did at the time) had parked so close to my driver's door that there was no chance I was getting into the car that way.

I just shrugged, opened the passenger door, and clambered over the handbrake. I got my feet over the handbrake and under the steering wheel to the pedals with ease - not a feat I would have even attempted last year!

So, that's another thing that doesn't scare me anymore.

This makes me very happy!

One Year Ago...

 
One year ago today I was nervous about my first day on Alizonne. It was the night before my first weigh in and treatment. I'd seen the doc, I knew what to expect (kind of) and I was very determined.

Tonight, I've just come home from my 4th monthly check in since reaching target at the end of November. I'm over 38kg (6 1/2 stones) lighter. I'm a size 12/14 not a size 22/24. And I feel fabulous. (and just 1 kg over my target - but it's "TOM" if you know what I mean).

According to many, I also look fabulous (and I'm very happy to take that compliment, thank you!)

This week, Real People will publish my story - comparing my weight loss journey with that of my big sister, who had a gastric bypass. (It's out on Thursday, and we're this month's centrefold - now I never thought I'd be the centrefold in a glossy magazine!).

I've changed my eating habits - having 4 or 5 smaller meals rather than 2 or 3 big ones. I've also changed what I eat, with much less bread and carbs (and drink) and more fruit and veg.

I'm no paragon of virtue; I did demolish some Easter Eggs, I have the occasional chippy tea - but they are not habits, just treats that are offset by generally eating much healthier.

I now know people who never knew me when I was fat. They think I've always been the slim me, and that feels wierd.

My head still hasn't caught up with my body. I'm still reaching for larger sizes in shops, and I still get surprised by my reflection or photos.

But I have so much more energy, I'm no longer scared by stairs, long walks uphil - or by high heels!

I'm not pretending it was easy (or cheap) but for me it wasn't as difficult as some. I don't have children, my husband is away a lot, and I have really (REALLY) supportive family and friends, and I'm in control of my own schedule most of the time.

And I made some great friends along the way (you all know who you are and I love you).

So if you're just starting out, good luck - enjoy your journey and make the most of it.

To all those who went before me, thanks for the inspiration, the tips and the support.

Good luck everyone,
take care,
Dawn

Real People

I recently did an interview with Real People magazine and I just found out the article will be in the next issue - which is out on Thursday 19th April. I'll be buying a copy - possibly more than one!

It will include lots of photos, from both me and my big sister - who also lost lots of weight, but through bariatric surgery.

It's been quite a long process - I think I initially talked to them back in January, and with several follow up calls from them, and requests for more photos, I can't wait to see the final results. I've had the text read out to me, so I know it will be fine, but I'm really interested to see how they've illustrated the story, given all the pics we sent.

So, that will be another 15 minutes of fame for me then!
Enjoy - and let me know what you think if you read it.

Proper dinner

Well the builders have finally left, and I now have a fab new kitchen to cook in. So this was one of my first "proper" dinners in ages - having lived on microwave food for months.

For starters, scallops (as you know, they are my favourites). This big juicy super-fresh ones were from Bury market. You just can't beat them. Simply pan fried, served with a little sweet chilli dipping sauce and some micro pea shoots. Lovely.

This was followed by cod and chips (wedges made in the oven) with tinned peas - I still don't have a new freezer yet, so frozen peas are off the menu for now).

And then some exotic fruit salad later on - but unfortunately my other photos didn't come out too well, so I'll have to recreate this dinner again soon!

Things that make me smile

You know sometimes you come across things that really just make you smile? I've had a few of those recently - and here's the latest.

Another gem from IKEA - someone in their merchandising team has a real sense of humour, love the thought of Bert and Ernie playing chess, and being so equally matched!

Enjoy,

Walking the Plank

Did I mention that we have builders in? It's been very chaotic, hence my radio silence for a while.

As I was leaving the house this morning, walking the plank from my new back door, it occured to me that at one time I wouldn't have faced this plank.

So, this should be "things that no longer scare me #2"

I would have had a fear of the plank breaking, or of me overbalancing (with my wildly off centre balance point). But for the past 6 weeks, I've been happily walking the plank without thinking about it.

In fact, the only thinking I've been doing is "which pirate phrase shall I use today?".

Avast me hearties, and have a lovely day!

Mother's Day Lunch continued

... as I then had lamb with hollandaise sauce!

Well, it was a special occasion, and this was absolutely delicious!

So I will be doing lots of exercise to make up for up (but perhaps not right now, need to let this settle first!).

Mother's Day Lunch

And of course, as it was a special occasion, I was to be found in Albert's Shed, with my mum and middle sister.

They had a special 3 course menu, and I started off with scallops with a lemon rissotto. It was lovely (as always) and very light. Which was just as well...