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!