The Weight Watcher

Texas pulls the reins on HCG diet

2011-10-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

Weight loss clinics in Texas have been stopped from advertising HCG injections, following action by the state's attorney general's office.

The HCG diet is a weight loss programme that requires participants to receive injections of HCG in conjunction with a daily caloric intake of just 500 calories a day.

The contraversial diet - which has never been approved by the FDA as a weight loss drug - is typically used as a fertility drug.

Supporters of the diet claim that regular HCG injections keep hunger at bay while assisting with the body's fat storage. However, there is no research to support this to date.http://www.weightlosssurgerychannel.com/breaking-wls-news/weight-loss-clinics-offering-hcg-diet-under-scrutiny.html/

What example are we setting?

2011-10-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

A third of girls between the ages of 10 and 11 are said to be skipping meals in an effort to stay slim. Not only will this damage their health prospects, sense of self worth and their likelihood of maintaining a healthy food/life balance... it will leave them distracted and irritable making school success problematic.

Something needs to change or we will just see the generation after this one worse still with girls as young as 5 worrying about thier figures and feeling unworthy. Argh.

Does Slimpod work?

2011-10-10T05:11:00.000-07:00

Forget the pills, the shakes and the diet pills, according to a report in today's Sun, Slimpod download helped one dieter lose 4 stone. Impressive results really!

Through the Slimpod website, you can order a range of specific Word Weaving weight loss downlooads. Whether you want to drop a dress size or two, glam up for a wedding, say no to chocolate or simply keep your weight loss going, there is a weight loss download available for you.

Compared to the cost of 1:1 sessions with an NLP specialist who uses a Word Weaving for weight loss technique, the price is very reasonable at under £30.

Syn-tastic: Low syn snackbox

2011-10-04T23:44:00.000-07:00

One of the keys to Slimming World success is maintaining a good intake of syns. Too little and your body will go into starvation mode... Too many and you undo the good work you've been doing. Losing weight depends on striking this balance... and it's sometimes easier said than done with so many temptations around us!

Some slimmers find that creating a snackbox which contains all their favourite treats and doesn't exceed their weekly syn level is the trick. So, how do you create your box?

The most successful dieters have at least 5 syns of their 15 syn daily allowance each day. If you were to have 5 syns available for day-to-day eating to cover things like oils, cheeses, etc, you would have 10 syns available per day. So your snackbox could contain as many as 70 syns! And that's a lot of snacking!

Your box could contain any type of snack - sweet or savoury. The only rule would be that it contains no more than 70 syns for the week. This way you could dip in when and as you please to meet your body's needs.

Low syn snacks - sweet

Hartley's low calorie jelly - .5 syn
Mini milk ice lollies - .5 syn
Quality Street (per sweet) - 2 syns
Celebrations (per sweet) - 2 syns
After 8 (1 square) - 2 syns
Cadburys Heroes (per sweet) - 2.5 syns
Mini Wall's Twister lollies - 2.5 syns
Terrys Chocolate Orange - 2.5 syns per segment
Jaffa Cake - 2.5 syns
Oreo - 2.5 syns
Pink & White wafer - 2.5 syns
Snack A Jack Jumbo 3%Fat Caramel 2.5 syns

Chocolate Snack A Jacks - 3 syns
Mars bar - fun size - 4 syns
Skinny Cow ice cream lollies - 4.5 syns
Sainsbury's Be Good To Yourself Toffee Popcorn - 4.5syns
Toffee Crisp - 5 syns
Snack A Jack Popcorn Butter Toffee 23g 5syns
Curly Wurly - 6.5 syns
Walnut Whip - 8.5 syns

Low syn snacks - savoury
French Fries All Varieties 19g 4syns

French Fries All Varieties 22g 4½ Syns
Walkers Baked Crisps All Varieties 25g. 5 syns
Quavers All Varieties 17g 4½ syns

Walkers Light Mutipack 24g 5½ syns
Wotsits All Varieties 21g 5½ Syns
Squares Mutipack All Varieties 22g 5syns
Potato Heads All Varieties 23g 5½ Syns
Monster Munch All Varieties 25g 6syns
Salt N Shake 24g. 6½ Syns
Walkers Crisps All Varieties 25g 6½ Syns
Walkers Crisps All Varieties 34.5g 9syns
Walkers Baked Crisps 70% Less Fat All Varieties 35g 7½ syns
Doritos Dipping Chips Lightly Salted 28g 7syns
Salt N Shake 30g 8syns

Doritos Dipping Chips Lighty Salted 175g 43syns

Your dog, your personal trainer

2011-09-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

Studies show dog owners are more likely to exercise.

Even when I'm feeling lacklustre and bed feels like the only place in the world that makes sense for me to be, a glimpse of my dog is enough to get my arse out the door and pounding the pavement. He really is my best exercising buddy: no moaning, keeps me on my toes and has a bit of a laugh with it all.

What's more, according to experts, studies have identified that as a dog owner, I'm more likely to walk more, walk faster and enjoy an active lifestyle with my pooch in my life.

"I'm fascinated by what a great motivator dogs can be," said Dr Sandra McCune, co-editor of the book, The Health Benefits of Dog Walking for People and Pets.

According to McCune, an animal behaviorist based in Leicestershire, England, studies indicate that if you're a dog walker, you are more likely to meet the guidelines for daily activities.

Dogs are the reason behind 66 per cent, of the walks their owners take each week, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 adults commissioned by pet food company Mars Petcare.

Experts estimate that 25 per cent of people with children and pets regularly visit parks and other outdoor spaces because of their dog.

"Personally, I have a Labrador," McCune said. "When it's dark, when it's raining, the dog needs a walk, every day."

She said dog walking also strengthens social and communal ties. "If people go out with a dog, they're more likely to have a conversation," she explained.

According to the poll some 44 per cent of dog owners aged 65 and older exercise on a weekly basis because of their dog.

"Dogs are strong drivers of social capital," said McCune, explaining that social capital is a sociological term which she defined as the value of all relationships.

"Dog ownership benefits the entire community," she said.

As workout partners, canines can offer energy, enthusiasm, and the social support so crucial to sticking with an exercise program, according to Shirley Archer, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise.

"Dogs can provide that companionship," said Archer, a Florida-based fitness instructor. "Frisbee tossing, ball throwing, agility competitions, dog and human boot camps, are great opportunities to be active," she said. "But obedience training is a must."

She cautions that as living creatures dogs need to be taken care of. "If they ride with you on a bicycle, they need to be trained to stay close," she said. "Keep them hydrated. Check their paws. Don't let them run right after they eat."

Laura Cartwright Hardy, a grandmother and full-time graduate student living in Little Rock, Arkansas, has two huge German Shepherds. "I've had big dogs since I was 20 and that's definitely been part of the reason I've always been fit," said Hardy, who started lifting weights in her 30s so she could carry 40-pound (18.14-kg) bags of dog food with ease.

"They certainly keep you honest about walking," she said. "Those big brown eyes make it impossible to say no." She added that every human walking partner she has had, except her sister and her husband, quit because she went too fast.

Anatomy of a fad diet

2011-09-29T05:09:00.000-07:00

Could the South Pole diet work for Jared Leto, too?

As a veteran of virtually every diet under the sun - from the Atkins Plan to the Mars Bar Diet to the Cabbage Soup diet - I sometimes feel like I could write and profit from my own specially devised diet plan.

Editor of Healthy Food Guide Magazine Niki Bezzant has done just that with a scientific sounding diet which restricts foods over a certain temperature... inspired by the Raw Food Diet, perhaps?

Benefit of exercising #182

2011-09-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

... it makes you smarter! Check out this study in the New York Times.

Weigh in - Week 15 - 10 per cent less of me :)

2011-09-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

This week's weigh in was a mixed bag of dieting mayhem. While a 2 lb loss is 1lb more than I set out aiming for on this diet, I craved it... This loss would have seen me achieving my Club 10 (10 per cent weight loss) and a two stone certificate at my Slimming World meeting.

Losing 1.5lbs is a good achievement, considering my swaying from plan, but it meant I only got the club 10. So I'm just 1/2 lb away from my 2 stone award. So, this week's goal is another 1.5lbs to bring me to 17 s 6 1/2lbs. That will work for me!

Good luck to anyone out there weighing this week. Let's hope the Gods of dieting are on our sides!

Dance, dance, dance your way to weight loss

2011-09-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

So I've booked myself in for a 10 week Middle Eastern dancing course at the local college. I'm aiming to shimmy away the calories with a spot of bellydancing.

If the effects of dancing were ever to be seen, you can always trust the Dancing With the Stars contestants. The latest pics from Kirstie Alley make good viewing! While she credits Organic Liaison with this great result, diet can't sculpt, nip and tuck!

Weigh in - success!

2011-09-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

Three months in and I've now lost more than 25 lbs and 25 inches! At weigh in I reported a weight loss of 2.5lbs.

Things feel like they're moving again with my weight loss... I'm really hoping that this is the start of a purple patch where the weight loss, diet and exercise really start falling into place.

In the short-term, I'm looking for a weight loss of at least 2lbs next week. This will gain me my club 10 (10% body weight loss) and my 2 stone certificate. In the longer term I am shooting for a weight of no more than 16 s 7lbs by 28 November. That gives me 9 weeks to shed 1 stone 2.5lbs and along the way that will see me pass the 2 stone, 2 1/2 stone and 3 stone marks. This weight loss goal will also ensure that I am at (or below) my pre-giving-up-smoking weight on 2nd December. That will mark 3 years off the cigarrettes.

Weigh in - Week 13 - Highs and lows...

2011-09-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

So it's been a whopping six weeks since I last properly checked in. During this time we've had highs and lows but for the most part I think my weight's changed very little. And even that is an overstatement! I think I've only shifted 6.5lbs in the past few weeks. Next weigh in is tomorrow and I'm hoping to increase my 1 stone 10lb weight loss that little bit further:

Start weight :  19s 7.5 lb
Weight now :  17s 12.0lb

I've had a good week these past few days, so I'm really hopeful that this week will see me get a little bit closer to the 2 stone mark (4.5lbs away) and my Club 10 goal (4lbs away).

The exercise has really been upped the last few weeks and I'm starting to feel myself being able to get more active as a result of the increased fitness. As well as my daily walks with the dog and laser tag I'm doing a Zumba session each week and an extra laser tag. During this past week I've reintroduced swimming and I've also started transforming every other dog walk into a dog run of 2 miles. Next week I'll aim to increase the dog walk to 2.5 miles of intervals (25m run, 25m walk).

This exercise has had a significant impact on my body's shape. Last week I took in my new measurements:

Bust            50                45              -5
Waist          51                45              -6
Hips           55                50              -5
Neck           16.5            15               -1.5
Left thigh    31.5            27.5            -4
Right thigh  31.5            28               -3.5

I'm still tracking my wrist and calf measurements but there haven't been any noticeable changes there!

That said, that's a loss of 25 inches in just three months of following Slimming World and focusing on my activity levels! I'm particularly impressed by the reduction in my thighs... incredible, isn't it?!?

Perhaps at the end of six months I'll post a before/after. I'm taking my time this time with the weight loss as I'm trying not to rush it and risk regaining, so I'm thinking that holding back is the best way to go!

Off to play some squash - will write more tomorrow after the weigh in!

17 Day Diet... Does it work?

2011-09-18T04:58:00.000-07:00

Another diet, another gimmick... And guess what, this fad diet doesn't even pretend to live up to its name. Forget 17 days, this one needs a 51 day commitment!

Like most diet plans, the 17 day diet is about eating less, moving more... packaged up nicely and marketed by its USP - the 17-day cycles. Why, oh why, do they keep putting this stuff out. And - more importantly - why oh why do the public keep lapping it up???

Fear laced with confusion is my best bet! We all know - far too well - thanks to government health campaigns and the drugs companies - why need to keep trim: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, etc (I could go on for days!). But when it comes to slimming down and finding the right path the marketeers are having a field day - if you pay them enough attention!

Sadly there isn't a glamorous way out of being overweight, obese or even morbidly obese (as am I!). There are just two golden rules to losing weight: understand what foods contain in terms of nutrition (calories, sugars, fats) and keep your intake in check. The old adage of eat less, move more isn't quite so. Yes, eating less bad foods is a good thing, but surely you need to eat more good. And that old adage of moving more has been disproved by medical research at playing a key role in helping people lose weight. Of course, exercise helps keep weight gain at bay while delivering fitness benefits ( and cosmetic ones to boot)!

With so much confusion out there between good foods and bad foods, is it any wonder that we're facing an obesity epidemic while millions in the world starve?

Slimming World Success Stories

2011-07-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Look up Slimming World Success Stories on Google and you'll quickly be reminded of what kind of changes you can expect to see in your life by simply sticking with the programme.

Unlike a lot of other diet plans it feels like Slimming World is more about the long term rewards rather than short terms (losses and gains!).

Here are a few I've found this week:

Welsh mum's slimdown from 18 s 5 to 11 s 10 (a 7 st 5lb loss!)

Pensioner loses 8 stone.

Yummy Mummy loses 3 st 13lbs.

Military wife drops 8 dress sizes and 5 1/2 stone!

Weigh in - Week 6 - Success!

2011-07-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

This week's Slimming World weigh in went much better than expected! Another 1.5lbs has left me FOREVER... officially bringing me to 18 st. 4.5 lbs. There are a lot of big goals in the next few weeks which will help keep me focused:

Hitting 1 1/2 stone - just 4lbs away
Hitting next stone - just 5lbs away
Club 10 - within 7 lbs

To help me on my way, I've purchased a set of scales and a measuring cup. I'm getting a bit lazy about weighing and measuring... I really think that getting into the habit of checking my measurements could help me hit these goals in the next 2, 3 and 5 weeks (respectively). That said, I'm going to go all out on the speed foods this week and see if I can make those goals a reality that little bit sooner!

Weigh in - Week 5 - Success!

2011-07-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

Thinking about my week 6 post - weighing in later on today - I realised that I forgot to post last week's results: 3.5lbs down! This brings my total weight loss in 5 weeks to 15.5lbs (3.1lbs a week). Plus, I got my 1 stone award!

Not quite sure how the scales will favour me later. I feel thinner - but my homescales aren't showing massive losses. I've been 95% good this past week, so I'm hoping for a 1lb weight loss tonight. Not sure why - possibly just allowing myself to get hungry - but I maxed out my syns nearly every day! And then there's Saturday where I added about 5 syns extra to that count!

I just feel so bloated... which leads me to a yucky issue. So, sensitive readers please look away! Not sure whether it's dehydration or a lack of fibre, but I'm afflicted by the Slimming World constipation issue. I'm hoping to avoid the dreaded ScanBran, but not quite sure how. Let's face it, I eat a tonne of fruit and veggies each day - surely that helps keep things, erm, moving. Yesterday I had blueberries, strawberries, bananas, carrots, broccoli, green salad with cucumber and tomato. I might start looking at new Hex Bs. Perhaps adding dried fruits to the diet might help! That or some more water-based fruit and veg (apples, lettuce, celery, etc). Plus I'm looking to up my water levels and perhaps reduce the white flour in my syns! It means bye bye biscuits, but hello weight loss!

So let's see whether I'm in the scale's favour today... And, whatever the case may be I know that once this downstairs issue is cleared up I'll probably have lost another stone! haha!

Does the Lighter Life diet work?

2011-07-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

In a nutshell, yes, Lighter Life does work. Anything that low in calories is bound to shed pounds... even without exercise. Of course you didn't ask for how long it works...

One can't help but be impressed by the recent before and after pictures of actress Pauline Quirk. She's lost a whopping 6 stone (84lbs) in just 6 months by following the strict liquid diet regime. How long she keeps this svelte silhouette will depend on how much Lighter Life has taught her about healthy eating, moderation and fitness.

A few years back I must confess that I did get in touch with LL representative to find out more. After all, when you want rid of something - particularly weight - you want it done quickly...at all costs. For me, the costs were prohibitive as I was knowingly aware that I'd most likely have to keep repeating the plan over and over for long term success.

While I congratulate Pauline on her hard work and weight loss success story and wish her the best at sustaining her new figure, I can't help but think we'll see a much curvier Pauline reappearing in the next year or two.

Over the past week I've been thinking about my weight loss so far, particularly my 1.5 lb loss over the past week. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't want all the weight gone now or if I thought it was all going so much slower than it went on Atkins Diet, the Cabbage Soup Diet, Weight Watchers or any of the other diets I have tried over the years.

But that's my emotions going into overdrive. Removing them from the equation, I can see that each pound I'm losing is one which I am weighing bye-bye to forever. I don't ever want to creep into the 19 stones again just as I am sure that - in a few weeks - I'm never going to want to creep into the 18 stones again. While I'm here though, I'll enjoy the ride and the slow descent into health.

Yes, I'm eating less but I'm also not living in denial (I had cookies today!!) and I'm actually enjoying exercise. I never thought I could say that when I was trying to lose weight.

Tomorrow is weigh in and I'm really quite keenly pursuing that 1 stone award. It would really mean a lot to get that now. But if I don't, that's ok as I know I tried and - more importantly - I won't have gained - rebound weight or otherwise.

Weigh in: Week 4 - Success!

2011-07-12T05:20:00.000-07:00

Not sure about you, but I have a serious case of scale-watcher-itis... and it really got me good last night. You see, I've been stepping onto the bathroom scales every morning for the past month. And yesterday it showed that I had lost 3lbs over the past week. Of course, looks can be quite deceiving! Calibration is a real issue that I hadn't considered. So, you can imagine my concerns when I hopped on the scales at meeting last night and found out I'd lost just 1.5lbs.

So, it's been a successful week... just not as successful as I'd hoped for. Went back to rock climbing last night after a few days off (tendonitis of the pinky) and planning on some spinning tonight. I'm aiming to do some swimming tomorrow, so really pulling out the stops to get myself to that 1 stone award this week. Bring it on!

Slimming World shopping list for this week

2011-07-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways I find to keep on track with Slimming World is to create a meal plan and shopping list each week. Here's my Slimming World meal plan for the week ahead:

Monday

Breakfast               Raspberries, strawberries and banana with Mullerlight Vanilla
Lunch                    Spicy sweet and sour mugshot
Dinner                   Turkey chili beef with black eyed peas and kidney beans
Snacks                  Apples and grapes,
                             carrot with spring onion dip (Total Greek yoghurt w/ spring onion)
Tuesday

Breakfast              Mushrooms on wholemeal toast with grilled tomato
Lunch                   Jacket potato with diced ham, pineapple and low fat grated cheddar
Dinner                  Spaghetti bolognese
Snacks                  Sugar snap peas, orange segments

Wednesday

Breakfast            Omlette with mushroom, spring onions and peppers and cheese
Lunch                 Couscous, Mediterranean vegetables and side salad
Dinner                Cottage pie with swede and carrot mash topping
Snacks                Apples and grapes

Thursday
Breakfast           Quorn sausage, mushrooms, beans, poached egg and grilled tomato
Lunch                 Jacket potato with vegetarian chilli
Dinner                Sweet and sour chicken, noodles and stirfry vegetables
Snacks                Mugshot, peaches, pineapple
Friday
Breakfast           Oat so simple sachet with grated apple and cinnamon; orange and grapefruit segments
Lunch                Barley and butternut squash hot pot
Dinner               Gammon steak, pineapple rings, sweet potato chips and peas
Snacks               Strawberries, raspberries

Saturday
Breakfast          Bacon, tomato, mushroom and egg on toast
Lunch               Baked tortilla salad basket (4.5 syns)
Dinner              Tuna Pasta Bake

Sunday
Breakfast         Eggs Benedict (3 syns)
Lunch              Ham, cheese and lettuce rollups
Dinner             Seafood Paella (2.5 syns)

Dukan Diet: What's the verdict?

2011-07-05T04:59:00.000-07:00

The British Nutrition Foundation has given its verdict on the famous Dukan diet. Dr Elisabeth Weichselbaum of the British Nutrition Foundation suggests that cutting out a whole food group from your diet - in this case, starch and carbohydrates - is never a good idea.

She explains: "If you restrict yourself for a week, you may not really risk your health, but for a longer period of time you will miss out on important nutrients."

Instead, she suggests that the best way of losing weight is through continued eating of a balanced diet... sensibly!

She adds that high-protein diets do lead to weight loss. She advises that cutting out carbohydrates for a short period to kick-start a diet is acceptable.

"But in the long term, if you have anything that's too restrictive you will risk your health."

Diets that are higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein are "generally associated with lower risk", Dr Weichselbaum says. "High-protein" can mean "high-fat", she points out, if people eat fatty meats.

And if "high-protein" means "low-fibre", constipation is very likely to be the result. Check out the four case histories to see what other types of side effects of Dukan you can expect.

Weigh in: Week 3 - Success!

2011-07-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

Last night's weigh in went really well as I dropped a further 2.5 lbs. So my grand total in three weeks of following Slimming World is 10.5lbs. My goal for next week is 2lbs realistically, but how chuffed would I be if I managed to get my 1 stone? I'd be freakin' ecstatic.

So this week my main focus is continuing to stick with the programme... which isn't too difficult. Luckily my social life is almost exclusively activity-based which really helps!

One difficulty has cropped up. While gardening on Sunday I've damaged my pinky. I'm heading to minor injuries this afternoon to get it checked out - but I have a feeling it will mean no climbing tonight. I'm not 100 per cent sure how much I use my pinkie in climbing, so I might just have to give it a try while Sam's on the walls. I'll be there anyway, so I ought to make the most of it.

Whatever the case may be I'm sticking with my 30 minute dog walks each morning and two sessions of laser tag this week. If I can't climb tonight I'll try and squeeze in a 30 min. swim tomorrow night to make up for it and/or take the dog on an evening walk tonight.

Weight loss saves woman's life

2011-07-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

Can losing weight save your life? For one mum losing 6 stone helped her spot 3 cancerous tumours in her breast. Read more about this story here.

Shame leads 27 stone granny to lose 10 stone in one year

2011-07-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

Making that break with food often begins with a disastrous weight-inspired event. For one British grandmother, breaking the sofa inspired her to get fitted with a gastric sleeve. And in just a year the woman, who weighed 27 stone, lost more than 10 stone!

While I haven't been involved in any breakages in recent years, I can safely say that I've noticed seats becoming tighter and more uncomfortable. On my last plane journey, for example, the seat belt was extended to its maximum. It's going to be a little while until I take my next flight, so I'm aiming to have at least a few inches spare on my next trip.

Closer to home, I've noticed that my white plastic garden chairs are such a tight fit that I have to sit on the edge. With this in mind my short-term goal is to be able to sit properly in one by the end of the summer!

Tonight is my third weigh-in with Slimming World. I'm not sure if I should feel relieved or worried, but I had no nightmares about gaining/overeating last night. I've been sticking to the plan and eating my syns - nothing more, nothing less. I'm also feeling more comfortable with making food choices. I have a few breakfasts, lunches and dinners to choose from... and I'm always on the prowl for more.

Can liposcution help you lose weight?

2011-07-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

According to some people, seeing the fat removed from your body can be the kickstart to a healthy eating regime. I must admit, however, that this taking things a step too far! I have my own issues with bariatric surgery, but I'm aware that it can deliver quick and relatively safe results for the individuals involved. But relying on liposuction to help you lose weight is just insane! It's like relying on Botox to keep you wrinkle-free! One woman even started speaking to her doctor on the subject while still pregnant with her second child!! Call me old fashioned, but your body is holding those baby fat reserves for a reason - let your baby use them!

Stubborn belly fat? Give up the pop!

2011-06-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Forget situps, crunches and planks if you're struggling to flatten your tummy. Seems that diet fizzy addiction could be linked to high levels of abdominal fat. What's more, drinking too much diet soda raises your risk of stroke and heart attack.

While nicotine, booze and chocolates top many people's vice lists, Pepsi Max truly tops mine. So the goal this week must be kerb my habit to just one 8 oz glass a day by increasing my water intake. I've done it in the past - quite successfully I might add - but it's my one indulgence in a sea of low fatty, low sugary - ness.

You (don't) want fries with that?

2011-06-30T05:26:00.000-07:00

When it comes to weight gain, it could be the type of food your eating rather than the number of calories in it whch determines whether you will gain weight, according to new research announced today.

Natural weight loss vs weight loss surgery

2011-06-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

A one-year weight loss program based on lifestyle changes can help obese people shed almost as many pounds as surgery, according to the latest research from Germany.

In a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, they found women who stuck with the program lost 43 pounds, while men shed 57 pounds.

Before the year was up, however, more than 40 percent quit! Even among the completers, 75% of the weight loss was re-gained after just three years.

"Weight regain remains the Achilles' heel of all weight loss therapies," said Thomas Wadden, who runs the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and was not involved in the new work.

Excess weight is one of the world's greatest health problems. It is tied to a host of chronic diseases, extra health care spending and early death. In the US, approximately a third of adults are obese.

While weight loss surgery effectively helps people slim down, complications and cost make the procedure less than ideal.

In the new study, Stephan Bischoff of the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart and colleagues used a number of lifestyle changes, including a low-calorie diet, behavioral therapy, group meetings, nutritional counseling and exercise -- a weight loss program franchised by Nestle as OPTIFAST52. There is also an OPTIFAST program in the US, but it is only half as long as the German program.

The researchers, all of whom work for OPTIFAST centers, signed up more than 8,000 obese participants at dozens of centers across the country.

At the start of the program, women weighed 247 pounds on average and men weighed 301 pounds. Combining all participants regardless of whether or not they finished the program, women lost an average of 33 pounds, with men shedding about 10 pounds more.

Six in 10 participants completed the programme - losing 53% of their excess weight on average. This is very close to the average weight loss achieved by surgery in the same timeframe (60%).

Completers also saw a number of other positive effects, such as lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and an improved quality of life.

However researchers tracking a sample of 300 participants three years after completion found that they had regained most of their weight. This is less likely to happen after surgery, according to experts.

Still, Bischoff said, 20% of participants successfully kept their new weight without further assistance.

Potential side effects from the program were rare, with the most common ones -- hair loss and constipation -- reported by less than one percent of the participants.

Whether those problems are a real consequence of the Nestle program is still uncertain, because the study didn't include a control group. By the same token, it's hard to be sure exactly what benefits came from the program itself, as opposed to just being part of a scientific study.

And there are other problems with the program, said Stanley Heshka, a nutrition researcher at Columbia University in New York.

Although OPTIFAST52 appears to work in the short term, he told Reuters Health by email, it is not a practical solution to America's obesity problem. Obese Americans tend to be poor, while intensive programs like Nestle's tend to be "very costly."

University of Pennsylvania's Wadden does see promise in weight loss programs, but said they need to do a better job of helping participants keep the pounds off.

"For every month that you spend losing weight, you should spend another month learning how to keep the weight off," he said.

Taking a leaf from the smokers...

2011-06-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

A pilot study has just been completed which has shown the positive effects of motivational texts while giving up smoking. I wonder whether anyone has done this for those who are trying to cutback on their food intake!

I could do with a few today reminding me that just one Nice biscuit is enough. They may only be 1 syn... but it doesn't mean that having 5 is ok!

Can the internet help you lose weight?

2011-06-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

According to the lastest study from Japan, it can. As someone who has engaged in solely real world and entirely virtual programmes, I agree with the study's findings that the best weight losses can be had from a combination of face-to-face and virtual interactions.

At Slimming World, for example, I know I have a wealth of online information to refer to which reinforces or sheds more light on what's been discussed in a meeting. The recipes you can find online are so varied that it sometimes feels like you have an entire cookery library at your fingertips.

Studies, such as this one, highlight the real world need for face-to-face support during the struggle to lose weight. For me, this makes my weight loss more of a social event, than a duty or something on the 'to-do' list. It makes that commitment far more personal. You aren't just attending for you, you're attending for your leader, your weight loss comrades, etc.

It also makes your weight loss experience much richer with deep insights into dieting creativity. There are also 'tips' which may be useful or stories which 'touch a chord' with your own personal journey.

Exercise of the month: Spinning

2011-06-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

I made a promise to myself that - like it or not - I would try out a new exercise/activity once a month. May's rock climbing test and June's laser tag are still going strong. But I can't just stop there!

Our local gym runs a specially discounted spinning class for Slimming World members. A fellow slimmer runs it and it is aimed at beginners and those just starting out with exercise.

I'm not sure whether it would have stopped me from going, but I must confess that I didn't know anything about spinning until I arrived at the class last night.

Designed to strengthen muscles in the leg, as well as the heart, Spinning is a real calorie burner. According to the Glamour calculator, I burned 993 calories during the 45 minute session if I count it as moderate or a whopping 1183 calories if it's considered intense. Anyone know the difference?

Either way I truly felt like I was dying for quite a while there! In fact, I must confess that those last seconds of the work out left me in absolute ecstasy as I knew I could get off the very uncomfortable seat.

Spinning is best summed up by two words: saddle and sore. Apparently this goes with time and can be expected with any type of cycling. There are gel seat covers and even specialist cycling shorts with gel bum pads, but I'm told it can help keep you moving to feel that discomfort.

Suprisingly, I'm not in as much pain as I thought I might have been this morning. I had visions of crawling down the steps, hobbling, etc. Oddly the only bit where I'm aching is my shoulders as my instructor did some upper body work during the session.

So, what's the verdict? I'm perplexed as to why, but I think I will do this again. Anything which makes me feel like that really must be doing me a world of good. Not only in terms of shedding calories, either. Part of this endeavour is getting my heart fit, too, you know! It's only going to be a once every other week kind of thing, but I think it will make a nice addition to my exercising choices.

Weigh in - Week 2 - Success!

2011-06-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Despite really doing my best to stick to the plan, I am plagued by weigh in nightmares... quite literally! Maybe it's nerves, or even the feeling like I'm not on a diet, but my weekend dreamings are filled with thoughts of weight gains.

Luckily, my fears weren't well founded. This week I registered a 2lb loss, earning me my first 1/2 stone lost certificate and entry into the next stone bracket. So I'm in the 19stones no more - officially :) Since joining SW two weeks ago I've lost 8lbs - which is much better than I first thought.

My consultant suggested measuring myself and I must admit that I poo pooed that idea initially. Until I did it! I've shrunk by a whopping 10 inches:

Neck is .5 inch smaller
Bust is 2.5 inches smaller
Waist is 2 inches smaller
Hips are 3 inches smaller
Thighs are 1 inch smaller - each!

I must admit that even I - the total skeptic - am impressed. With changes like that it isn't just water weight and - more importantly - this is a reminder that every pound really counts!

Have you measured yourself today? You just might be surprised!

Does Organic Liaison work?

2011-06-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Well, if you believe all that's been written about Kirstie Alley in recent weeks, then it does. A whopping 90lb weight loss (that's 6st 6lbs to you and me) has taken her to a size 6 (US) and Kirstie has said she couldn't have done Dancing With the Stars without it.

While I've given up on the get thin quick schemes, I'm particularly fascinated by this diet. The organic liaison diet is said to have been designed specifically around Kirstie's needs. Call me skeptical, but how exactly can she vouch for its long-term success when she's only just a year or so into the process (if that)? And who is to say that we all have the same needs as Kirstie?

What's more, it's supposed to be affordable. At $139 for a 'starter' pack? I think not.

I'm perhaps most shocked by the fact that a woman who has battled with weight loss demons for so many years (and bear in mind that she's 60!) would turn the tables on dieters by launching her own get thin quick scheme. While I'm sure this isn't what Kirstie intended, it feels like a site designed to part you with pounds... from your wallet, that is.

P.S. There are questions marks regarding the diet's links to Scientology - in terms of finances, design, ethos and more.

This video is from 2009 after the Jenny Craig fiasco! So... if she lost 20lbs in five weeks in 2009, why did it take so long for her to get to a 60lb loss in time for DWTS?

Is low fat making you fat? The problem with fat replacements

2011-06-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

Researchers at Purdue University recommend that people who want to lose weight might also want to lose the fat substitutes - like Olestra - from their diets

In the study, rats were given either regular full fat crisps or a fat-free version made with Olestra - a calorie-free synthetic fat.

Surprisingly, the rats who ate fat-free were in a for a surprise on weigh-in day. "They actually ended up gaining more weight,” said the head of the study, Purdue Professor of Psychological Sciences Susan Swithers.

She suggests that weight gain happens because these substitutes confuse the body... and its ability to estimate how many calories are taken in. This directly impacts your body's notion of appetite and its ability to regulate intakes.
She explains:"After an experience with Olestra, that cue no longer predicts a lot of calories all the time so we might over eat the next time we get fat that has calories."

Rather than choose low fat, she suggests that "reducing portion sizes and paying attention to how many calories we're consuming is a better way to go.”

Weigh in - Week 1 - Success!

2011-06-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

After Twinkie-filled nightmares on Sunday night, I approached my 6:30pm weigh in with considerable trepidation. Let's face it - I wasn't really hungry all week, didn't really feel like I was on a diet and even had a slice of lemon cake! I couldn't have lost, could I?

The scales disagreed, registering a 6 lb loss! Secretly I hoped that I'd get results like this, but I never really believed I could. I know it's early days but this is a great outcome and gets me off to an excellent start.

I'm going into this week focused and aiming for the 1/2 stone mark next Monday. That's a 1 lb loss. Any more is a bonus.

To help me on my way, I'm thinking about trying out this syn-free lemon curd recipe this week:

Syn-free lemon curd

3 tbsp powdered sweetener (I prefer Splenda)
1 lemon, juiced with its rind grated
2 large eggs
2oz extra low fat fromage frais

Whisk together your lemon juice and eggs in a medium-sized bowl..
Mix in rind and sweetener.
Place bowl over saucepan of simmering water and stir until thickened.
Remove from heat.
Whisk in fromage frais until smooth.

Store this in the fridge in a jar to keep fresh. Since it has eggs in it, I'd recommend using within 3 days.

This also makes a great base for a cheesecake filling. When cooled, just add a whole tub of Quark and mix well.

Could a fat whisperer help you lose weight?

2011-06-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

Words can't contain my amusement at this article from the Daily Mail about the fat whisperer who is said to have helped Kym Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Kate Hudson trim down.

She uses a combination of detoxifying masks, teas and wraps, heated inflatable suits and an ultrasound machine that pelts stubborn zones with sonic waves – which all work their magic while Saulnier orders the clients’ recalcitrant fatty bits to leave the body.

‘I command you to get out!’, she is said to whisper to the fat cells in an effort to banish them. Miracles? Mary Ascension Saulnier has been dubbed The Fat Whisperer by her satisfied clients

Saulnier, who studied at Santa Fe Academy of Natural Healing, claims her technique allows her to get to the emotional heart of the client’s overeating or drinking issues.

'I listen to what emotion is in the cell membrane, then I talk to it,' Saulnier tells Elle magazine.'I tell the cell which way to move out of the body.'

Now I think I've heard just about everything!

Dukan Diet: How does it work?

2011-06-18T03:58:00.000-07:00

With Slimming World, we have our Extra Easy, Green and Red days. While I’m sticking with Extra Easy for as long as it works for me, I have a feeling that I’ll need to include some green and red days at some point. Red days would be similar to my Atkins past... but with all of that fat and my high cholesterol, I’m not too sure whether I want to go back to this. So, the question is – what are the benefits of the Dukan diet and will it help my health... or hinder it?

Celebs linked to the Dukan diet

Are there any who aren’t? The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo), supermodel Gisele Bundchen and opera singer Katherine Jenkins are all said to have shed the pounds following the Dukan method.

What’s Dukan all about?

Well, it’s apparently not a diet. It’s a lifestyle (read: diet). Essentially, its devotees don’t have to count calories through the regime’s four phases.

The Attack Phase 1 lasts between 2 and 7 days and these are perhaps the toughest. It’s no carb and non-fat, so you’re eating is limited (to say the least). So, what can you eat during Attack Phase? You may only eat lean meats, fish, eggs and non-fat dairy products (are there any??). Water plays a really important role in this stage and participants are told to eat a tablespoon of oat bran to keep hunger (and constipation!) at bay.

During the Cruise Phase 2 you can introduce unlimited vegetables (albeit a limited list of them) every other day. Dukan outline what you can eat during the Cruise Phase on their website, but the list of 28 new foods includes avocados, lentils, potatoes, etc. This phase continues until you reach your goal weight.

After this you are in the Consolidation Phase 3. Dukan allow you to eat much more. You can slowly re-introduce some of the high carb foods (e.g. breads and pastas), butter and oils. Alcohol is allowed every now and again. You’re expected to stay in this phase for 5 days for every pound of weight you lost in the attack and cruise stages. So – if you lost 100lbs (as I need to – and then some) – you’d need to remain in consolidation for roughly 18 months!

The final stage is neverending... the Stabilisation phase. You’re allowed to eat anything you want... for 6 days a week. On the 7th day you’re expected to go back to protein only. It is this protein day which is credited with staving off any future weight gains.

Pros and Cons of Dukan

It has to be that rapid weight loss. While that’s significant, it’s also a real con! Ask any doctor what they recommend and they’ll say your weight loss should be no more than 2lbs per week for a sustainable loss. Rapid losses often result in rapid gains or – worst still – bags of loose skin. Tightening up loose skin after weight loss is nigh on impossible without a surgical procedure. While there are steps you can take to tighten up loose skin naturally, it’s better to prevent it from happening at the beginning.

The protein-only nature of the Dukan diet can lead to constipation and bad breath... Talk about how to lose friends and alienate people. Stinky breath and bloated flatulence is never a good look!

There’s a real lack of vegetables and nutrients. While this wouldn’t be such a problem in those achieving short-term weight losses, I reckon it would take me at least 12 months to complete the Attack and Cruise phases.

Conclusion?

For now I'm going to stick to Extra Easy where the diet is easy going, my outlook's positive and my diet is varied. As someone who suffered kidney infections as a result of Atkins, I'm not 100% certain that I want (or need) to go back to a diet like Dukan.

Does magical thinking help people lose weight?

2011-06-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

Finding it difficult to cope with the stress and strain of being overweight and dieting? According to Canadian researchers you might just benefit from "magical thinking".

This is the belief that something out there is on your side, rooting for you and aiding you in your weight loss. It's that hope and faith that could just inspire you to reach that seemingly impossible goal.

Through interviews, memoirs and weight loss blogs, HEC Montreal marketing professor Yannik St James undertook a study which analysed how dieters used this magical thinking in their slimming efforts.

So, can you? Well, you just might be already. I know I am! Food does indeed 'seduce' me and my body 'works against me' all the time! And through it all I remain not only hopeful, but confident that I WILL get there... and so will YOU.

Start the day off right: Slimming World breakfast ideas

2011-06-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Are you stuck for Slimming World breakfast ideas? It's easy to fall into a same old, same old routine at the start of the day... and it's uninspiring to say the least. Sticking to a 'diet' is hard enough, but combatting boredom could be the thing which pushes you off the proverbial wagon!

So... start as you mean to go on and try some of these ideas:

A syn-free bacon sandwich

I love bacon sandwiches on a lazy Saturday morning. So I've swapped mine for a syn-free twist on it! I roast off 2 beefsteak tomatoes with frylight, balsamic vinegar and italian herbs. I serve this on a large slice of wholemeal toast (HeB) with 2 rashers of turkey bacon on the top. When I'm feeling really decadent I add grated low fat cheese (HeA) and/or a poached egg. Yum!

Luxury banana yoghurt
Chop up some bananas and mix with Total 0% fat Greek Yoghurt. Add a dash of cinnamon. Options: honey, flaked almonds (3.5 syns), granola (HeB)

Cheese-y scrambled eggs on toast
Scramble some eggs in the microwave. Add in a low fat cheese triangle (HeA) and serve on toast.

Apple cinnamon porridge
1 Oats so simple original packet (HeB) with grated apples and cinnamon

Syn-free Frittata
Morning's can be really hectio in my house. So it helps to be able to just grab something quick from the freezer and microwave it. Frittatas are perfrect for this... and you can put whatever you want in it, too! This week mine had: 8 eggs, boiled potatoes (sliced), 50 g low fat cheese, sliced mushrooms, onions, peas, cherry tomatoes and spring onions. After cooking I cut it into 6 wedges and froze them. Now all I need to do is take one out of the freezer the night before and microwave for two minutes in the morning.

Sitting on a big problem - Reason to lose weight #241

2011-06-16T01:44:00.000-07:00

As someone who gave up smoking to reduce my cancer risk, I found this article really hit home. While we can't really prevent hereditary dispositions to cancer, we can reduce the risk of cancers caused by the environment.

So, think about it:

You're sitting in a freshly drywalled house, drinking coffee from a Styrofoam cup and talking on a cellphone. Which of these is most likely to be a cancer risk? It might be the sitting, especially if you do that a lot.

Despite all the recent news coverage about cancer links to mobiles, coffee, styrofoam and formaldehyde-based building materials, our biggest risks - according to health experts - are inactivity and obesity.

This article ends with a great quote that goes beyond cancer, beyond weight loss... just beyond everything. It's a mantra to live by:

You can't live in fear. You have to live life.

Day 2: Slimming World Extra Easy

2011-06-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well day two is rounding to a close and while I think it's going well so far, I must admit that I started to feel a bit challenged earlier when I started getting stressed. While I have an 11-year-old son who's fairly easy going, I also have my neighbours' kids around... A LOT. Let's just say I realised how much kids grow between 7 and 11 in the space of about 5 minutes. I do adore the two boys (4 and 7) and the fulfil an odd gap in my life, I am quite happy to send them on their way at the end of the night! I think I've become a grandmother before my time.

Anyway - felt a bit stressed and did have thoughts of 'what sweet things can I fill my face with?' I've not eaten a great deal today and I've had so much fruit, so opted for a MullerLight.

And the burning question - what did I eat?

Breakfast

Mushrooms sauteed in Bertolli Light spread (1 syn)
Quorn sausage (1 syn)
wholemeal toast (my slices are just 47g, so used my 10g spare as breadcrumbs with dinner)
Tomato drizzled with balsamic and roasted
Apple

Snacks (I don't tend to eat lunch on Wednesdays)
2 x banana
8 x strawberry
1 x apple

Dinner
1/2 fillet cod, in nuggets crumbed
1/2 fillet haddock, in nuggets crumbed
1 portion Slimming World chips in frylight
Mullerlight yoghurt

Supper
Mullerlight yoghurt
Melon chunks
Spaghetti rings in tomato sauce

My only comment would be that I think I need to really aim for more vegetables. Tomorrow I'm going to try to work in a salad with dinner which should fill that gap.

Become an Atkins Superstar!

2011-06-14T23:49:00.000-07:00

Successful Atkins dieters with compelling weight loss stories are being sought by the nutrition company as they search for a new face to front an ad campaign.

The Denver-based company is accepting submissions for the contest, which also includes a $5,000 shopping spree as one of the prizes. The contest is being promoted via a dedicated website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

This is Atkins' first contest and the first time an ordinary person has been featured in an ad, according to Atkins Nutritionals Brand Manager Lisa Wells. She told Marketing Daily: "We are consistently coming across inspiring Atkins weight loss success stories, and want to positively acknowledge those who have transformed their lives by losing weight on the Atkins diet."
But hurry!! You can only submit your Atkins diet success stories during round one (now through June 30) or during round two, which runs Sept. 1-30. One winner from each round will receive a $5,000 shopping spree at the retailer of their choice and will be entered to win the grand prize.

The grand prize includes round-trip airfare for the winner and guest to Los Angeles, two nights lodging at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel, professional makeup and hair for a photo shoot on set with Atkins spokesperson actress Courtney Thorne-Smith and a low-carb dinner for two at Spago Beverly Hills.

The entry process includes submitting a before and after photo and writing a weight loss success story in 300 words or less. Contestants are asked to share their Atkins journey, how they achieved their weight loss goals, what they enjoy about Atkins and what motivates them.

The round one winner will be contacted by July 15 and the round two and grand prize winner will be announced by Oct. 15.

Atkins is a leading player in the $2.4 billion weight control nutrition category. The Atkins Diet focuses a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars, foods and shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet. The products are available in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Day 1: Slimming World (aka Can you eat too much free stuff?)

2011-06-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Finally managed to get signed up to Slimming World last night and all is much, much clearer. The Extra Easy system is quite straightforward and I'm hopeful that it works for me. Must admit that I have a secret fear that I've just eaten too much. The quantities of veg and fruit post-lunch left me feeling a bit overstuffed, so I think I need to slow down a bit sooner.

Today's menu:

Breakfast
1 apple (superfree)
1 portion of Mango (superfree)
2 eggs (free)
57g wholemeal bread (HExB)

Snack
Banana

Lunch
Baked potato (free)
71g Kerry Low Low Grated (HExA plus 4 syns)
4 slices ham (free)

Snack
Bag of sugarsnap peas (superfree)

Dinner
1/2 tbsp veg oil (3 syns)
1/2 tbsp sesame oil (3 syns)
Beef (free)
Egg noodles (free)
Stirfry veg (superfree)
Mullerlight vanilla yoghurt (free)

Does Dukan work? Expert says: Dukan diet "not a sustainable option"

2011-06-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

Fancing giving your diet the royal treatment? Well, sources are reporting that Kate Middleton's rail thin wedding day appearance was down to following the French diet plan. The Dukan Diet's been big in celebrity circles for some time with celebs like Jennifer Lopez rumoured to be following the high protein, low-fat plan.

But should you?
"The Dukan Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet and is not a sustainable option in the long term," says accredited practising dietitian Jemma O'Hanlon.

"Whenever I hear of someone going on a diet, I always ask them whether they think they will be able to stick to this diet for the rest of their life. If the answer is no, then I ask them why they would choose to commence a restrictive diet that they can't maintain.

"The Dukan diet is an example of one of these. It may not appear as restrictive as other diets, such as the Atkins or the lemon detox diet, as over time it allows you to have more choice about what you can eat. But in the end the outcome is likely to be the same.

"The Dukan diet starts you off on a very restrictive eating plan. The first phase, the Attack Phase, requires you to consume only lean meats, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy.

"Basically this sends your body into a state called ketosis, where your body starts breaking down its lean muscle mass to use as energy. This is because it is starved of carbohydrates that would usually supply the body this fuel. You are guaranteed to see immediate weight loss because your body is forced to break down muscle. Fluid losses also result in order to flush the ketones out of your system, and these losses will also show a reduction on the scales.

"I would not recommend the Dukan diet. Going on any diet means changing your normal eating habits to something that is unfamiliar and unnatural."

Those last few words are those to live by!! As soon as I hear the words 'you can't have...', you should really think twice about whether this eating regime is in your body's best interests.

And if you're still tempted by the lure of Dukan - consider this:

A survey of nearly 5000 ''Dukanians'', as they have been nicknamed, found that 80 per cent regained the weight they lost within three years, and experts who analysed the results of the survey claimed it was a ''public health risk''.

Slimming World Chili Risotto Recipe

2011-06-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

This chili risotto recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make - perfect for a quick dinner after work.

Ingredients:

Fry Light

1 onion, chopped
4oz mushrooms, sliced
2tsp dried paprika
3 tsp chilli powder
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
4oz chopped tomatoes
4oz frozen peas
14oz sweetcorn, drained
14oz kidney beans, drained
2tsp artificial sweetener
1/2pt stock
1 packet Batchelors Savoury Rice
Salt & pepper to taste.

Spray pan with fry light and cook onions and mushrooms for two to three minutes.
Stir in remaining ingredients.
Bring to boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until liquid has absorbed.
Season to taste.

Syn-free curry sauce recipe

2011-06-12T03:13:00.000-07:00

The key to losing weight on Slimming World is your intake of superfoods. Recipes like this syn-free curry sauce are one way of keeping your diet varied and focused on these filling foods which have zero syns.

Ingredients:
Fry Light
1 Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, crushed
1 tsp finely grated ginger
1 tbsp hot or med curry powder
400g tin chopped tomatoes
57ml veg stock
2 tbsp sweetener
57g natural yoghurt or fromage frais

Spray frying pan with fry light and place on medium heat.
Saute onion, garlic, and ginger for 1-2 mins.
Stir in curry powder and cook for two more minutes.
Add tomatoes, sweetener and stock and bring to the boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
Blitz mixture with hand blender and return to heat.
Remove from heat.
Stir in yoghurt or fromage frais.
Can be frozen for future use.

Couscous burger recipe

2011-06-12T03:06:00.000-07:00

Couscous burgers or fritters (serves 4)

These yummy burgers are easy to make and can be eaten hot or cold. They contain a fair bit of cheese, so you could have 1 serving and allow it to count as your HExA option. Using a lower fat cheese could reduce sins if you wanted to eat a bit more at one sitting.
150g couscous
200ml vegetable stock (hot)
2 eggs, well beaten
1 bunch spring onions, shredded
100g cheddar cheese, grated
Fry Light sunflower oil

Place couscous in bowl and pour over hot stock. Cover with plate and stand for 15 minutes until fluffy.

Use fork to fluff up grains.

Stir in onions, cheese and eggs.

Shape into 8 cakes.

Spray non-stick frying pan with FryLight and put onto medium heat.

Cook burgers for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Remove and drain on kitchen towel.
Serve with a crisp salad.

Low syn snackng that is just heavenly!

2011-06-12T02:56:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows I love that feeling of eating well while losing weight.

Restricting your eating or dining like you are dieting is the first step to downfall for me... every time!

There's plenty of wiggle room within Slimming World syn system for a bit of fun, too. You have between 5 and 15 syns available a day to you. So don't waste them - enjoy them!

Mikado chocolate covered pretzel sticks - .5 syn per stick
Mini meringues - .5 syn each
Soft Mints - .5 syn each
Rowntree's low sugar jelly - .5 syn (all flavours)
Sugar-free Chupa Chup lolly - 1.5 syns
Full sugar Chupa Chup lolly - 2.0 syns
Options Belgian Hot Chocolate drink - 2.0 syns
Coconut ring (biscuit) - 2.0 syns
Mini Milk - 2.0 syns
Mini Twister - 2.5 syns
Alpen Chocolate Fudge cereal bar - 3.5 syns (or 2 as Hex B)
Cadbury Chocolate Mousse - 3.5 syns
GoAhead yoghurt breaks - 3.5 syns (all flavours)
Milky Way (fun size) - 3.5 syns
Oaty bar - 3.5 syns
Cheese curls - 3.5 syns
BGTY sweet chilli cassaca snacks - 3.5 syns
Kings Velvet Crunch - 4.0 syns per bag
SlimFast Chocolate Caramel bar - 4.5 syns
Galaxy Ripple (17g) - 4.5 syns
Skinny Cow ice lolly - 4.5 syns
Blue riband bar - 5.0 syns
Walkers crisps - 5.0 syns
Solero bar - 5.0 syns
Freddo bar - 5.0 syns
Salt & Vinegar Snack-a-Jacks - 5.5 syns
Kellogg's Fibre Plus bar - 5.5 syns
Dairy Milk Little Stars bar - 5.5 syns
Maltesers (treat size) - 5.5 syns
Curly Wurly - 6 syns
McCoys crisps - 8 syns
Crunchie bar - 8.5 syns
Galaxy Bubbles - 8.5 syns
Galaxy Ripple (33g) - 9 syns
Malteasers bag (full size) - 9 syns
Twirl (from multi-pack) - 9 syns
Twirl (full size) - 11 syns

Preparing a Slimming World shopping list

2011-06-12T01:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my first Slimming World meeting and weigh-in, so I'll be kicking off my SW adventure on Tuesday morning. My only issue today (apart from getting excited) is that I need to prepare a shopping list! I'd like to have everything in order so there isn't too much rushing about on day 1. I think preparation is key!

The Extra Easy plan will be explained to me tomorrow, but I've been having a sneak peek at some recipes today. Two have caught my eye as potential lunch and dinner for Tuesday.

Lunch:

Jacket Potato with Coronation Chicken and crispy salad

Slimming World Coronation Chicken (1 syn) - Serves 1

1 chicken breast, grilled and cooled
1 Muller Light yogurt - Apricot
2 tbsp Hellmans Extra Light Mayonnaise
Curry powder to taste
Optional extras:

71g semi-dried apricots (Hex B)
28 g sultanas (4 syns)
1 tbsp flaked almonds (4.5 syns)

Mix yoghurt with mayonnaise until creamy.
Add curry powder to taste.
Add in optional extras.
Cube chicken and stir into mix until well coated.

Dinner:

New Yorker Chicken - Serves 2

Fry light
2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp syn-free bbq sauce (recipe below)
4 medallions of smoked bacon
Low fat grated cheddar

Preheat oven to 180.
Bake two chicken breasts for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven (but keep oven on!)
Spoon a tablespoon of syn-free bbq sauce over the top of each chicken breast.
Place 2 medallions of bacon on top of the chicken breast.
Sprinkle cheese over the top.
Bake for a further 10 minutes.

Zero syn BBQ sauce - Serves 4

Fry light
1 roughly chopped onion
1 tsp mild chili powder
227ml passata
3 tbsp Splenda
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp mustard powder
salt/pepper

Spray a pan with fry light and saute the onion and chili powder - over a low heat - until soft (approx. 5 minutes).

Stir in the remaining ingredients, bring to the boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve hot or cold.

Can be frozen.

Can laser tag help you lose weight?

2011-06-11T02:42:00.000-07:00

Well if last night is anything to go by, then the answer is a resounding "YES!".

Last night my son and I went to a parent and child session at the local laser tag centre. Over the course of an hour we played three 15 minute games and I can't remember the last time I felt so good (or so sweaty!). And judging by today's aches and pains, I can safely say that we definitely got a good work out.

So how many calories do you burn playing laser tag? That, I'm not sure of - but I'm guessing it's similar to a fast paced game of basketball - more than 700 calories for someone who is 14 stone. At 19 stone, I'm guessing it must be about 900 - 1000 calories.

While it isn't a traditional exercise regime, it's fun. I think the worst thing about the exercises we 'should' do is that they might not necesarily appeal to us. So doing them only sets you up for failure in the long term. Instead, explore a range of activities and find the ones you like!

I'm turning my back on fitness classes for now with regular sessions scheduled for laser tag (Fridays), indoor rock climbing (Saturdays), swimming (when I can) and walking (daily). There may be some more additions, but that will do for now. With just the laser tag (900 plus calories) and the rock climbing (approx 900 calories for me) and the walking (approx 2000 per week), that's a one pound loss per week.

How are you tackling the exercise aspect of losing weight? Any new or unusual activities? Let me know!

Weight Watchers - Vent - The end?

2011-06-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

It took time, but I eventually received a response to my concerns over the lack of Weight Watchers leaders and support available to those following the ProPoints programme. Let's just say it wasn't really the response I'd hoped for, but I'll give them their dues: at least they responded. That's more than I can say for any of their leaders! This whole episode has been so tense and stressful as I really started out my week feeling in the zone for getting myself slimmer. I'm just glad to have it behind me, really.

Where do we go from here? It could be quite easy to simply keep myself on the slow and steady route. After all, losing 4 kg every six weeks (as I have done) could generate a weight loss of more than 50lbs this year alone. But then again there's every chance that it could not... and that's what this decision to join a programme is all about.

So last night I started looking into Slimming World - from talking to those who have been successful and those who haven't. I've decided on a meeting that is close enough for me to walk to and from and have had a quick chat with the leader who seems professional, supportive and knowledgable of the issues facing her members.

As I close the door on Weight Watchers, I'm seeing a new opportunity to succeed open. I know that the next few weeks will be a steep learning curve as I learn new habits, develop new skills and dream up new recipes which will aid my weight loss. It's terrifying, yet exciting.

In the meantime, I'm carrying on my mainly healthy eating (although I did succumb to custard creams earlier) and exercising. My walking has been going well - since Monday I've done 3.5 hours and am hoping to do at least another 3.5 between tomorrow and Sunday. Seven hours a week sounds perfect to me. Tonight I'll be heading back for some more rock climbing and this weekend I'm hoping to try out Zumba, go swimming and take in some canoeing. I've also been looking into joining a boxing club for circuit training/anger management. [NB: After a week like this one, I really need it!]

Weight Watchers - VENT (Part II!!!!)

2011-06-07T23:45:00.000-07:00

So last night I made my second attempt at getting started with ProPoints. In a series of events straight out of fiction, I went to two more classes... and STILL DID NOT SEE A LEADER!

From broken legs to leaders quitting, I think I've just about had it with Weight Watchers. While the customer service line was incredibly apologetic for this series of unfortunate events, I can't help but wonder if this is typical? After all, when you sign up for a meeting you want to make sure that it isn't a one-off. Plus, at one venue the helpers even told me there was a 'shortage of leaders' in the area. Does that mean that this model just isn't producing gold members who are worthy of being leaders?

So... I'm in two worlds. Weight Watchers or Slimming World. I should be getting a phone call from the Weight Watchers people today. If they don't ring, then my choice will be made for me. But I am really feeling tempted to try Slimming World and the 'sins' system of red and green days. Over the years I've met a few women who have had real success with Slimming World, so I might just give it a go. The nurse at my GPs surgery even hinted that Slimming World could offer better results as it's been developed with lifestyle change in mind.

As they say - watch this space. Tomorrow I might just be a Slimming World member...

Weight Watchers - VENT!

2011-06-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Knowing I was heading for my first Weight Watchers group meeting today filled me with both excitement and trepidation. As a mum-of-one, I had to plan in advance for the meeting after work. So when I got home tonight at 5:45, I knew that I had approximately 25 minutes to make and eat dinner for the two of us, before sorting out the babysitter and hitting the road in the car.

Arriving at the meeting place, my local Tesco, I was quietly happy to see plenty of faces waiting in the restaurant as I walked past - at least I knew I was in the right place. I ran through the zillion questions in my head. This ProPoints thing is new to me, so I want to make sure I actually get it right. Hopefully the leader would be there and might be available for a quick chat beforehand or - at worst - after.

Sadly, there was no Weight Watchers leader.... or even a set of scales! Just a gaggle of women who hadn't eaten and were desperate to get weighed super quickly. as you can imagine, tempers were fraying and even I was shocked when one of the ladies just grabbed a set of WW scales off the shelf and started weighing everyone who felt the need. Odder still were those who actually owned a set of WW scales at home - yet insisted being weighed just so their day was marked.

I couldn't help but wonder if this was some kind of omen. "Of course not," I thought as I dialled the customer services number from my car...

Until, that is, my call was mysteriously cut off as I was trying to explain that obstacles aren't really helpful to anyone trying to lose weight... After all, it's an easy escape route, isn't it? And what a terrible place to offer dieters an easy escape route! Less than 25 m from the cake aisle! Who chose this place, anyway? Or is it part of the marketing plan for Weight Watchers?

Luckily I think my willpower isn't quite so weak. And, anyway, I think I'm strong enough to avoid cheating. My reason for heading to weight watchers is about portion control - rather than nibbling on choccies. The chocolate aversion therapy sorted that out weeks ago.

So, onwards and upwards. Looks like tomorrow night I'm heading back to Weight Watchers for round 2. Fingers crossed this leader actually turns up or I reckon the crowds might be out for blood!

A new beginning

2011-06-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

The months/years of hemming and hawing since I gave up smoking (nearly 3 years ago!) are over, I hope. After a really good chat with my practice's weight loss nurse, I've decided to go back to Weight Watchers - for good. While I've made decent swaps and am exercising more, I think that is what's needed to maintain a weight loss - rather than make a significant change quickly. My appreciation of portion control can be a bit lax...

That said, she did tell me that I was 9lbs lighter than I was 6 weeks ago - prior to going away and packing on a few pounds. So I'm happy but - more importantly - I'm feeling in the zone.

These past couple of years have made me realise that I leaned on one addiction (smoking) to cope with the weight. You know how they say smoking makes you thin? It did, I guess, but its draw (pun intended) was never strong enough to beat out food. At least I did away with one of the demons and I've managed to keep my weight from topping 20 stone... Thank god I get aches and puffed out! Without these physical signs, I just might have kept eating my way through to much, much more.

Whatever happens tomorrow, today I feel like everything has come together and I have to admit that I'm having more days like this than I'm not.

Scales differ from place to place, so will be interesting to register and log my weight. I've not done ProPoints, so it should be a fresh, new start for me. From what I understand you get a zillion or so...

Dukan diet: Does it work?

2011-06-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

The founder of the high-protein and oatbran Dukan diet is in the French courts, suing a rival who claims that the low-carb diet is dangerous.

As an Atkins diet grad, I'm interested to see how this pans out. As tempting as the Dukan diet is, I've resisted anything which follows that low carb/high protein approach. If a diet limits your fruit or your veg I tend to get concerned!

After all, I have seen - first hand - what a high protein diet can do to your body... Yes, it left me a whopping 8 stone lighter in a space of just 10 months, but it also caused my kidneys to start shutting down.

Need more reasons? The most relevant one nowadays must be the cost of it all. Keeping myself in protein (steaks, chicken, bacon, etc) cost a fortune! Yes, there are eggs and cheese - but their cost at that quantity - is too high for many incomes to bear.

So... does it work? In short yes. Any diet - if you follow it - will work. But does it keep the weight off in the long term? Dukan claims that following Dukan for just one day a week, following a walking regime and consistently choosing stairs over elevators or escalators will sustain your weight loss... no matter what you eat on the other 6 days of the week. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? Well, some haven't found this to be the case.

Question: Does NLP help you lose weight?

2011-05-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

Answer: We'll see very soon.

Now, if you'd asked me this question years ago I think my answer would be a firm 'no'. Of course I knew nothing of it - bar creepy men placing unwitting victims in embarrassing chicken-like trances. Let's just call me an unwavering and proud skeptic.

Even when I read about the astonishing weight loss hypnotherapy success of Lily Allen, I dismissed it as poppycock. Now was that because I really did think that? Or is it because I wanted to?!?

But over the years I've realised just what a powerful tool the human brain can be. I'd bought hypnotherapy CDs and MP3s of the year, including the famous Paul McKenna "Make Yourself Thin", but I have to say it never really stuck...

Yet I perservered with the idea and decided that only face-to-face weight loss hypnotherapy would do. My biggest hurdle (after the cost) was navigating the idea that someone could plant any suggestion in my head...

Let's just say that it wasn't anything like that for me. My NLP practitioner is 100% professional and a genuinely nice person who set me at ease almost instantly. When you're in a trance-like state, you're always in control. After all, you're the creator of the solution. Your therapist just helps facilitate that. Crucially, you are always awake... but very relaxed!

Over the past few weeks I've learned a number of NLP techniques over a course of five sessions which has (and will continue to) helped me address much more than my weight issues. After all - whether I like to admit it or not - my weight is a symptom, rather than the problem itself. I can kid myself that fat people are jolly and all, but if they are I certainly haven't shared that experience.

It's a life-long journey and it's still early days, but we're certainly off to a very promising and exciting start!

May the weight loss be with you

2011-05-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

Carrie Fisher is the latest celeb to credit Jenny Craig for her weight loss.

Despite my own bad experiences on the programme some 20 years ago, I have to say it looks and sounds like it's done her a world of good. In just 18 weeks she's slimmed her 5'1" frame from 180lbs to 150lbs... and that's just a start.

It's no wonder why. She revealed: "I used to feel like I had to apologize for the way I looked whenever I stepped out of the house...I spent so much energy coming up with reasons why I was overweight.

"Now, whenever someone compliments me, I smile and say, ‘well, thank you.' It's a great feeling to feel like myself again, and that I am truly worthy of those compliments.

"I no longer want to hide in the house," she adds.

I've had a taste of that freedom in the past and it's one that should be savoured, cherished and - most importantly - protected.

But, it's easy to take these feelings for granted and allow temptations to get in the way of weeks, months and years of hard work.

It's still early days for me, but I think it's worth thinking about. My first milestone, I'm sure, will bring with it the first wave of freedom - and it's only 19lbs away.

On the 344 pounds blog there are lots of great ideas to inspire and sustain weight loss (and maintenance!) momentum. His is a truly inspiring story and he's done it without fads or gimmicks. I've only started looking through the entries, but I like the idea of regularly posting pre-weight loss pics and reminding yourself of the real benefits of losing weight.

Stars go goo goo over the baby food diet

2011-05-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Chery Cole is the latest celeb being linked to the baby food diet plan. Developed by trainer to the stars, Tracy Anderson, this detox plan is rumoured to have helped Jennifer Aniston shed 7lbs in just one week. Jen, however, has denied turning to baby foods in the past, saying that the last time she ate the stuff was when she was "one".

The plan consists of 14 portions of puree a day, followed by an adult, healthy meal in the evenings. Its creator told Hollyscoop.com: "I developed a cleanse where you can still eat and it's a lot of puree foods. I was very careful about the foods I chose to put in it.

"When you do these liquid cleanses I felt a responsibility to come up with something. Liquid cleanses do help you lose weight but you will gain more the next week. I wanted something where you can eliminate toxicity, break bad habits but still have your digestive system going. That is when the baby food cleanse was born."

While there's no doubting that this diet is a short-term solution, there could be lessons to be learned here. It's a reminder of the importance of two things: portion control and the power of wholesome fruit and veg. Keeping your food servings small and your ingredients healthy are key to losing weight and - importantly - sustaining it!

Get fit? Get a dog!

2011-05-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

Among the random stats in my head is one which crops up everytime I take my pet Nabrador out for a walk:

Dog owners walk - on average - 7 hours more than those who choose a canine-free life

So why are 55% of dogs obese? [Ed - And cat lovers, don't think that lets you off the hook. Some 53% of moggies are clinically obese!] And - on a selfish note - why am I still. Seven hours of walking alone with my dog would burn off a couple pounds a week! Of course - the answer lies in my lacksadaisical approach to dog walking... I wish it weren' true, but it is.

While I can't promise that I'm going to fit in one hour every day, I am going to make a concerted effort to get us out and about more often. Not only does it get us fit, but it gives old Barney a chance to catch up with friends, check out the ladies and give that tennis ball a good run for its money!

Thinking of getting fit with your dog? Check out Alison Sweeney's tips on taking positive steps! And, for the more daring, look into some human-dog sporting activities - like canine cross country!

Want to know more about the health benefits of walking the dog? Check this out:

Raw food diet: does it work?

2011-05-28T03:32:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been enjoying Nakd raw bars - they're absolutely yummy - so it only makes sense to consider the benefits of the raw food diet. Before making any decision it's worth studying the research available... as well as people's personal experiences.

Steve Pavlina challenged himself to 30-days on the raw food diet. His blog records every meal he ate during this time, as well as blood sugar readings. It's really interesting stuff. While there are many benefits to this raw vegan lifestyle, there are some drawbacks, such as dry skin. That said, I'd rather have dry skin than a heart attack!

There are a few rules to this alkaline diet. All you need to remember is FWGW:

no Faces - eat nothing that has come from a being with a face (e.g. no fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, yoghurt, butter)

no Whites - just say no to refined white flours, sugars, etc.

Greens - eat lots of greens, even as a juice.

Wholefoods - aim to eat fresh plants and avoid pre-packaged foods.

GreenSmoothie suggests that eighty per cent of your diet should be raw to be considered a raw food enthusiast. More info on raw food choices.

Less weight... more vitamin D

2011-05-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Stuck for a good reason to lose weight?

Well, another benefit of weight loss is enhanced protection against osteoporosis! Losing just 5 per cent of your body weight increases vitamin D levels in the obese, according to research released by the Fred Hutchinson Research Centre.

So what does this mean?

Vitamin D - which isn't technically a vitamin - is used by the body to help improve muscle strength, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, increase absorption of calcium and monitor calcium and phosphate levels in the bloodstream. The latter helps to protect against rickets and osteoporosis as it maintains bone strength and density.

Some studies have linked Vitamin D with reduced risk of cancer, but according to the the National Cancer Institute, the findings of some of these studies have been inconsistent.

Strawberry, banana and vanilla smoothie

2011-05-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

When it comes to my favourite food smells vanilla tops my list every time. This smoothie recipe will give you two hearty servings which are 4 ProPoints each.

150 g frozen strawberries
1 ripe med. banana
1 tsp vanilla extract
150 g low-fat, plain yoghurt
500 ml skimmed milk

Blend until smooth in a blender or with a hand-held electric whisk.

Smoothie of the day: Banana & Raspberry smoothie

2011-05-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Perfect for breakfast or even a sunny afternoon's treat, this banana and raspberry smoothie is yummy and totally guilt-free. It's only 2 ProPoints.

200 g frozen raspberries (or strawberries if the mood takes)
1 banana (you may find that a frozen banana gives a nicer texture)
150 ml fat-free yoghurt

Blend together and enjoy!

Could a vacation from food work for you (and me)?

2011-05-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

Liquid diets have long been effective - at least in the short-term - at reducing the pounds. But they've had a bad rap in recent years over malnutrition. In some cases dieters have died following a stint on a liquid-only regime.

But is there anything we can learn from them?

For one dieter, sticking to a liquid diet for 12 weeks gave her weight loss the jump start it needed. In six months she has lost 80 lbs! Of course this has been backed by teaching herself about healthy eating and making real lifelong changes.

Motivation is hard to come by at times for dieters with more than 3 stone to lose. Like the girl who just needs to lose a stone, we want results quickly... even if we know that it will take at least 18 months to reach our weight loss goal at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs per week. Perhaps a quick loss over a fixed period backed by a sustainable eating plan is the way to go forward.

Last week my GP offered to put me on Weight Watchers - it isn't Lighter Life but it's a fixed regime that can get my weight going in the right direction with support. Strongly considering it!!

Biggest Loser's Bob Harper takes the hard line on weight loss

2011-05-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

Forget unicorns and fairies, kids. There's no such thing as plateaus, either. According to the Biggest Loser's Bob Harper - speaking at a corporate event - it's a sign that you're not quite completely committed to making the changes needed.

He suggests kickstarting the metabolism every day by drinking a full glass of water upon waking - followed by breakfast within a half-hour. Your metabolism slows down over the course of the day, so a mid-afternoon workout can boost this. And when you get home? Make sure its protein and veggies only.

Confidence is important. He explains: "Weight loss is about a lifestyle change, he said. But you have to believe in yourself and trust the process."

“You’re gonna mess up. We all do,” he said. “But you get to start over.”

Get thin? Get pregnant (hormones)!

2011-05-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

What is it about pregnant women that makes them so. well. magical? I remember - years ago - reading about how wealthy celebrities were bathing in pregnant women's urine in the hopes of finding the fountain of youth. In the 'now I've heard everything' section of the blog, I give you the HCG Diet.

Participants apparently suppress their hunger with daily injections of hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. They can exist on as little as 500 calories a day while undergoing treatment. While hCG hasn't been approved by the FDA for this use, people are queuing up to pay for this more unusual treatment.

Personally I think I'll forgo imbibing urine. Call me old fashioned, but it just doesn't seem right, effective or - most importantly - safe.

Three weeks to change!

2011-05-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

I am now halfway through week 2 and I can feel myself wavering. Call it impatience, call it irrationality. Whatever you call it, I'm having to garner all of my energies to stay positive and keep focused on the goal.

It's all about making habits and those take time -as much as three weeks. And when you think about it, that's not a very big timeframe. Any pain involved is constricted to that initial 21 day period. This should not be news to me as over the past few years I have already set a few good ones in place which I can't see myself changing, such as:

Swapped semi-skimmed milk for 0% fat varieties
Swapping refined flours for unrefined varieties
Removing excess salt and sugars from my general diet
Eliminated sugary drinks

Of course, there's always room for change in my life - particularly where my diet is concerned. This week I've begun introducing activities into my schedule after a winterlong break. My log so far (including plans for the rest of the week) is:

Saturday
90 min walk

Sunday
90 min gardening

Monday
30 min walk

Tuesday
30 min walk
30 min swim

Wednesday (TBC)
30 min walk
30 min swim

Thursday
30 min walk
30 min rock climb

Friday
30 min walk

It's only week one, but the goal is to walk at least 30 minutes per day and enjoy a range of activities that will help me lose and eventually keep the weight at bay.

Sleep is the slimmer's friend

2011-05-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

Missing just one night of sleep can slow your metabolism's performance the next day by 5 per cent according to a European study.

Looking at the sleeping habits of 14 young men, researchers found that missing a single night's sleep reduced the number of calories spent on basic functions, such as digesting and breathing by 5 per cent when compared with the morning after a good eight hour sleep.

The Swedish researchers suggest that sleeping for eight hours each of sleep per night might even prevent weight gain.

Christian Benedict writes: "Our findings show that one night of sleep deprivation acutely reduces energy expenditure in healthy men, which suggests sleep contributes to the acute regulation of daytime energy expenditure in humans."

While this isn't news to me, it's something that's quite easy to forget - especially when you've been missing some sleep! Let's just say it's an early night for me today.

P.S. Another interesting sleep/weight loss study can be found on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's Sleep Education blog.

Sensational peanut butter and banana smoothies!

2011-05-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

One of my short-term goals is to keep my tastebuds happy with foods that I've always regarded as a bit indulgent or comforting. That's why I treated myself to a peanut butter and banana breakfast smoothie... for dinner!
After all, one can't live on salad alone!

As a milkshake afficianado, I have to say it was hard to resist putting ice cream in (or a Snickers!), but it sure was out of this world!

Ingredients

1 large, ripe (or even overripe) banana (NB: using a frozen banana gives a nice texture to the smoothy)
2 tbsp. peanut butter (smooth)
1 tbsp. honey
8 oz skimmed/0% fat milk

I'm on the lookout for other winning smoothie combos. If you have a good recipe, please post it here! I'm particularly looking for a gingerbread one :)

Can chocolate be healthy?

2011-05-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

As part of the NLP, I underwent chocolate aversion therapy. It put an immediate end to my naughty cravings for chocolate bars, chocolate chip cookies... and well, anything chocolate that is unhealthy. It's worked a treat, but I do have a longing for little healthy treats which I can have every now and again.
Nakd bars are one way I've managed this. These raw food treats are out of this world and come in flavours like ginger bread, pecan pie and cocoa delight. They are quite dear, however, so I've been looking for a way to cook (or not in this case) something similar up at home.

And I discovered the most amazing blog - Chocolate-covered Katie. She's a goddess of healthy goodness :) Some of the ingredients are hard to find on the high street in the UK - but luckily ingredients like Artisana coconut butter can be sourced easily via Amazon for just over £10.

Why gastric band surgery isn't right for me... right now.

2011-05-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

I would be a liar if I said I'd never considered gastric band surgery... but when I read stories of gastric band complications which result in fatalities, I'm reminded of how some 'get thin quick' plans can come at a high cost.

Don't get me wrong, I've heard plenty of success stories of how gastric bands and bypasses change lives, but I hear far too many where it hasn't quite gone as plan.

In most of these cases, the problems have arisen as a result of poor eating habits and a lack of exercise. I've even heard a case of someone who managed to gain weight on a band! If I were to go down this route in the future, I'd want to be well-prepared and in the right mindset. Take post-bariatric diets, for example. Would you know what types of food you could or couldn't eat? And what about vitamins?

For now I will stick to the eat less and move more plan. Ok, so it's not exciting and it certainly won't lose you all of your excess weight in a matter of weeks - but it comes with no strings attached. And, guess what? I will be able to enjoy normal foods (in moderately sized portions, of course), engage in normal activities and I'll know that it's my blood, sweat and tears that helped me get to the final goal.

Weigh in day: week 1

2011-05-14T00:39:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a week one weigh in as, for me, it's normally an exciting whopper loss. True to form it was as the scales registered 19 s 0.5lbs (266lbs). While it's something I have come to expect, I'm aware that anticipating a huge weight loss is both unrealistic and sure to doom my efforts.

Take last night for example. I'm a scale watcher - checking them daily (if not more). Yesterday morning I was pleased when I woke up and it said 19s 1.75lbs. After all, it's nice to see that eating healthily with plenty of veg is paying off.

So why did I re-check the scales at 6pm that night... just after dinner! Scales read 19s 5lbs! While rational me attempted to draw conclusions (e.g. drinking a lot of water, the size of the meal, etc), irrational me went into overdrive (e.g. What's the point, anyway? You're always going to be fat...). Thankfully, it was only for a minute or two and before I could do any real damage by raiding the fridge.

In the past I have allowed situations like this to bring about the end of my diet. One technique I picked up from my hypnotherapy for weight loss is questioning what is true before these bad thoughts are the undoing of you. For example:

Negative thought: I am always going to be fat.
Question: Is that true?
Answer: Not really, not if I try.
Question: Is that really true?
Answer: Definitely no.
Question: What person would I be without that negative thought?
Answer: I'd be more confident in my ability to lose weight and I'd be happy because I wouldn't have anyone nagging me.

Just as I'm carrying lots of extra weight, I carry plenty of negative thoughts about myself, my life and my body. These have been addressed within the hypnotherapy/NLP sessions to some extent but it's down to me to keep them in check. One thing I can say for certain is that my weight loss is nothing compared to the weighty negative thoughts I've lost over the past few weeks.

So 9lbs lost this week - but that's not my only accomplishment. I've been challenging my taste buds over the past few weeks and last night tried tuna steaks (Asian style with stirfry and noodles) for the first time. Wow! Delicious and incredibly healthy!

My goal next week? I'd like to lose at least 1lb. Anything more is a bonus. Oh - and I want to try salmon and rhubarb. Not together, of course! They're two foods which I've really disliked in the past - so I'm going to see if my taste buds enjoy them now. If I find any good recipes, I'll post them on here!

How d'ya like them apples?

2011-05-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

When you're overweight there's no hell quite like going to the doctor. So you can imagine how I felt when I heard that the doctor wanted to speak to me about my blood test results as my cholesterol was running high.

But sometimes it isn't like that, for one reason or another. It could be that the doctor preferred gentle encouragement, or maybe my new proactive approach to my weight meant that I dealt with the situation more confidently. Whatever the case may be, I left the doctors office aware of the situation and confident that I could get this problem under control.

The biggest ways of reducing cholesterol levels naturally are through changes to your diet and exercise. And dropping just 10% of your body weight can make a real difference. For me that means dropping 2 stone (28lbs) or reaching 17 s 9 (247lbs). Although I know it's a rough road ahead, I'm feeling certain I can navigate it.

One interesting tidbit I found while looking for ways to reduce cholesterol was the power of eating apples. It seems the old adage "an apple a day" really carries some weight to it... and damned well beats eating prunes every day. While prunes aren't awful, they aren't as lovely and socially acceptable as a nice, crunchy apple.

If you're looking for snacking inspiration, why not check this out?

Question: Does NLP help you lose weight?

2011-05-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Answer: We'll see very soon.

Now, if you'd asked me this question years ago I think my answer would be a firm 'no'. Of course I knew nothing of it - bar creepy men placing unwitting victims in embarrassing chicken-like trances. Let's just call me an unwavering and proud skeptic.

Even when I read about the astonishing weight loss hypnotherapy success of Lily Allen, I dismissed it as poppycock. Now was that because I really did think that? Or is it because I wanted to?!?

But over the years I've realised just what a powerful tool the human brain can be. I'd bought hypnotherapy CDs and MP3s of the year, including the famous Paul McKenna "I can make your thin", but I have to say it never really stuck...

Yet I perservered with the idea and decided that only face-to-face weight loss hypnotherapy would do. My biggest hurdle (after the cost) was navigating the idea that someone could plant any suggestion in my head...

Let's just say that it wasn't anything like that for me. My NLP practitioner is 100% professional and a genuinely nice person who set me at ease almost instantly. When you're in a trance-like state, you're always in control. After all, you're the creator of the solution. Your therapist just helps facilitate that. Crucially, you are always awake... but very relaxed!

Over the past few weeks I've learned a number of NLP techniques over a course of five sessions which has (and will continue to) helped me address much more than my weight issues. After all - whether I like to admit it or not - my weight is a symptom, rather than the problem itself. I can kid myself that fat people are jolly and all, but if they are I certainly haven't shared that experience.

It's a life-long journey and it's still early days, but we're certainly off to a very promising and exciting start!

Get fit? Get a dog!

2011-05-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Among the random stats in my head is one which crops up everytime I take my pet Nabrador out for a walk:

Dog owners walk - on average - 7 hours more than those who choose a canine-free life

Thinking of getting fit with your dog? Check out Alison Sweeney's tips on taking positive steps! And, for the more daring, look into some human-dog sporting activities - like canine cross country!

Want to know more about the health benefits of walking the dog? Check this out:

Jenny Craig tops Consumer Reports diet plan review

2011-05-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Wondering which diet to sign up for? Weight Watchers? Slim-Fast?

Well, according to Consumer Reports pre-packaged diet plan Jenny Craig might be a good bet. The latest research indicates that - after 2 years - 92% of those following Jenny Craig diets are still following the programme.

With food plans priced at approximately $200 per week it must be good... Of course the same study found that participants - on average - were just 8% lighter after two years. That means that every 1% loss equates to a whopping $2600!!

While maintaining any loss is better than a gain, I long for a diet plan that sees you losing (and keeping off) the pounds - not your wallet!

How to drop a dress size in 5 days

2011-05-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when we diet, all senses of reality go out the window? Maybe it's the instant gratification culture we live in or food colours inducing ADHD, but we just can't seem to wrap our head around long-term, slow paced healthy options which deliver lifelong rewards?!?

But who I am to comment - my first thoughts when I saw this article were: "Really?!? You mean with one diet I can drop a whole dress size in just five days?"

Of course, the real world set in as I started reading. It's like navigating a sea of caveats, such as:

What are the drawbacks?

It's a quick fix not a long-term solution so you could put back on any weight you lose after the plan.

When we switch into desperation mode it's so difficult to switch off the idea of a crash diet... They offer a short-term fix and the promise that you'll look that bit slimmer, feel more confident, etc on your big night!

But isn't that why - on the eighth day - God invented Spanx?

There's a ton of research out there which identifies the pitfalls of 'get thin quick' crash diets - but I don't need a lab coat to tell you that just as you didn't gain a dress size in five days, you most likely won't lose one in such a short time.

Of course there are those who will prove me wrong. To them, I give a salute. You've made the ultimate sacrifice to the dieting Gods, succeeding where most of us fail...

But, I have to ask, is it really worth it for a night or two?

60 minutes of daily exercise keeps weight gain at bay

2011-05-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Spending just an hour a day participating in moderate exercise could be enough to stave off weight gain, according to the latest study findings from America.

What is moderate exercise?

According to Dr I-Min Lee, the lead author of the study - which is reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association - "'Moderate intensity' means brisk walking, casual bicycling, ballroom dancing, playing with the grandchildren."

This type of exercise can be introduced easily and cheaply into one's day. The NHS, for example, suggest taking little steps. Try walking uphill, enjoy long strolls and walk to and from the shops. And that last one could save you pounds while you lose them, too. That makes good sense to me!

Gastric bypasses linked with increased risk of alcoholism

2011-05-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Fancy trading in your eating addiction? According to the latest diet research from Sweden, bariatric surgery candidates who opt for a gastric bypass over a lapband could be running the risk of alcoholism.

While researchers have long been aware of the higher risk of alcohol absorption which follows a stomach staple, the new findings - announced in Chicago earlier this week - are the first to suggest a link with alcohol abuse.

The study examined records or 12,277 patients who underwent bariatric surgery over a 26 year period. Comparing them with 122,770 control subjects, researchers found that - before surgery - the obese patients demonstrated a much higher risk of depression, attempted suicide and alcoholism. And - despite surgery - these risks remained high.

Shining the spotlight on alcoholism, researchers discovered that gastric bypass patients were 230% more likely to suffer from alcoholism than their counterparts who underwent lapband surgery.

Quench your thirst

2010-08-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

Forget cramming in your eight a day, diet researchers have found that drinking two glasses of water before each meal time could really pay off at the scales.

A study has revealed how participants in a 12-week calorie-controlled study who drank two cups of water before each meal lost - on average - 5 pounds more than those who followed the identical diet without the water.

While diet experts have asked us to drink more water as part of our diet plans, this is the first time it's been clinically proven to increase weight loss.
I have to confess that I drink very little water - preferring cups of tea and pepsi max. With these results in mind, I'm going to try to change introduce 2 glasses of water at breakfast time this week and roll it out slowly over the next month.

Weigh in tomorrow, so it makes sense to begin my own personal 'study' then.

PS: The Volumetrics diet draws on the importance of water in weight loss. Want to know more? Check out the book below!

Humiliation: The key to weight loss?

2010-08-14T23:51:00.000-07:00

Put down the cereal bowl, ladies. That two bowls a day is so last month. Tweet What You Eat is the net's latest diet craze. Forget maple syrup, low GI and baby food, this Twitter-based food and weight diary is the must-have this year for any discerning diet junkie.

Rather than restrict your food with insane rules, the diet programme is said to encourage healthy eating and exercise with the threat of humiliation - albeit self-humiliation.

For many of us our weight is a personal and often emotional issue. So, is humiliation the answer? And, if so, should it come from ourselves? Weight and health awareness is crucial, but I'm not sure that this is the perfect way forward.

A scan of sample diets on the site isn't great reading.... Dunkin Donuts... McDonalds... cookies and milk. And that's the bulk of some people's diets. The focus is on the calorie count, rather than the fat and sugar levels. From this angle, it seems like a quick fix and a diet that definitely hasn't been designed by anyone with a long-term weight issue.

The idea of self-humiliation is enough to send me reaching for the Krispy Kremes. There's every likelihood that this could prolong the vicious cycle of gains and losses for participants. After all, low self esteem is often the best way to work up an appetite.

While I do post my weight on a regular(ish) basis on this blog, I'm doing so to illustrate my journey rather than just try to force myself to lose weight by putting it out in the public forum. If posting your weight was enough to force you to lose weight, all of us weight loss bloggers would be writing our happily ever afters by now.

Want to get started? Check out this book...

What do your waist size hold in store for you?

2010-08-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

According to BBC News, it could be a premature death. This article is really harsh reading for me as my waist - while on the retreat - currently measures 43 inches. Hopefully I won't be in the danger zone for much longer, though! I have to shrink my waist by about 4 more inches.

So, how am I going to do this? I'm totally addicted to the show Bulging Brides and love the results that Tommy Europe generates. It is about time that I work that core as it will make the greatest impact on my shape. I've been sticking to the cardio since getting on this journey, albeit at a less-shredding pace.

With this in mind, I'm going to set a WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE to shrink myself by 3 inches on the bust, 3 on the waist and 3 on the hips by 23/09/10. My new measurements - should I choose to accept them - will be:

Bust: 44
Waist: 39
Hips: 47

I'm hoping this will generate some big weight losses in that time, but I'm realistically hoping for a stone (14lbs). My new weight will be 17 stone 5 lbs (243lbs).

Atkins vs. Low Fat

2010-08-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

Researchers at Temple University have pitted the at-times contraversial Atkins Diet against a standard low-fat diet. And the winner? Each generates the same level of weight loss. While Atkins was praised for its ability to raise HDL cholesterol, researchers pointed out that this benefit came with a number of nasty side effects (e.g. meat breath).

To me, it seem that whatever way you look at it, the dieter wins. Studies like this illustrate the point that restricting your diet in any way will see results on the scale. The challenge, of course, is sticking to it.

In my world of diet, the weight is slowly coming off. I've been successfully avoiding sugary snacks, crisps and generally anything which would have made me go 'mmmm'. I weigh in tomorrow, so I'll post my numbers then.

A (diet) patch on the rest?

2010-08-07T23:16:00.000-07:00

Hollywood's latest diet craze has been reported in The Daily Express. Forget baby food, low carb or even maple syrup, the Slimweight patch is apparently the dieter's equivalent of the nicotine patch. THe patches are the latest celebrity must-have - with the likes of Paris Hilton sporting one on her bottom at a recent LA party.
How they were spotted is a totally different blog, of course.

The list of ingredients in these herbal patches reads like the nutritional information of recent fad diets:

Bladder Wrack
L-Carnitine
Guarana
Zinc Citrate
Lecithin
Flaxsee oil
Yerba Mate
DHEA
Zinc Pyruvate
5 HTP

Interestingly, the diet patch phenomenon is by no means new. I've found evidence of diet patches being sold back in 2004... of course, I've also found evidence that they're no more than often empty promises - medically unfounded. DietFraud.com. lists a number of legal actions taken against other diet patch products in recent years.

The Federal Trade Comission takes the claims made by fad diets seriously. Awareness is key, so if you're looking for further advice visit Who Cares. to see whether there are any health concerns about a diet you're considering.

Weight loss reduces urinary incontinence

2010-08-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

Never has there been a better reason to finally lose weight... British researchers have discovered that even a minimal amount of weight loss can reduce the severity of urinary incontinence. Over half of study participants who lost weight over an 18-month period following a calorie-restricted diet reported a signnificant improvement in the state of their urinary health. What's more, if you've never ever had the experience of urinary incontinence, reducing your weight has been shown to reduce the risk of you suffering from this problem.

Dieting is a numbers game...

2010-07-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

New research reminds us of the importance of calorie counting! And I've just determined that my magic number (at the moment, of course) is 1912!

Who would choose a high sugar diet? Look at any low fat diet before you answer!

2010-07-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the easiest weight losses I've encountered in recent years have been thanks to low-fat, no-nonsense eating plans like Weight Watchers. But then again, I'm 18-plus stone now... What is that telling you?!?

Your modern low-fat commercially produced food isn't just low calorie, it's tasty to boot! Weight Watchers chocolate mousses are my personal favourite. They really hit the spot, fulfil my sweet cravings and they're low fat, too. Their low calorie and saturated fat levels mean they weigh in at just 1.5 points.

But, according to Australian professor Kerin O'Dea, of St Vincent's Institute in Sydney, everything isn't quite as healthy (or non-addictive) as it might seem. In 2008 she cautioned that food manufacturers are using increased amounts of fructose - a cheap, sugary corn syrup - to enhance flavour of 'diet foods'. High levels of fructose can be found in:

Breakfast cereals
Low-fat yoghurts
Cereal bars
Juices
Low-fat peanut butter
Salad dressings

Prof O'Dea warns: "The argument that obesity is driven by high fat intakes has led to a proliferation of low-fat processed foods... but many of the low-fat products, especially the `99 per cent fat free', are loaded with sugars and kilojoules."

Prof. O'Dea explained that reducing the level of a fat in a product has a direct effect on the levels of carbohydrate or protein. These would need to compensate by increasing.

She warns that fructose is most dangerous as it doesen't stimulate insulin secretion or leptin: the two crucial hormones that help make people feel full.

She explains: "You can consume fructose and not feel like you have eaten much. It does not make people feel full and it is getting under the radar... and if you are well nourished and don't need it, then the fructose goes through the liver and is converted into fat. While fructose was added to low-fat products to improve the taste, food manufacturers found the holy grail because people started consuming more of it because they thought it was healthy and they were still hungry."

The professor goes as far as to say: "People would be better off eating a full-fat plain yoghurt than a low-fat yoghurt."

Fructose appears under many names on food labels. These include:

corn syrup
hydrolysed corn starch
sucrose

And if you're still stuck for a reason to ditch the sugar? (Besides the obvious diabetes risk, of course!)

Researchers at Rockefeller University and the University of California at Berkeley found that people on weight maintenance diets which were low-fat but high-sugar had an increased production of saturated fat (1996).

"Our study suggests that low-fat diets designed to maintain - not lose-weight could be a hazard for people who also eat lots of simple carbohydrates, mostly sugars," says Lisa Cooper Hudgins, M.D., assistant professor in the Laboratory of Human Behavior and Metabolism at Rockefeller. "Current public health recommendations suggest that people should reduce fat in their diets and increase their carbohydrates. However, too great a reduction in fats and too much of an increase in simple carbohydrates may prompt the body to make the sugar into saturated fats, which could harm the heart and blood vessels."

More than 3 years since I started...

2010-07-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

And, well, I think I may - finally - be on the right track! After months and months of weight fluctuations, I seem to be on the downward slope to health. Christmas 2009 saw my weight peak at 20 stone. That's a figure that is both shocking and upsetting for me. Firstly it was my highest ever weight to date. Secondly, when you hear stories of extreme obesity, that figure in stones is never in the teens.

Worse still, my son was on the same path. At 10, he weighed 9 stone 4lbs and lived on junk (like me). Luckily for us both, we started a 6-month healthy eating/ healthy living programme called Mend and the results have been phenomenal for him. While he's still got a way to go, he's down tbelow 8 stone and is full of energy and eats healthily.

The changes we've made to our food intake and activity levels have seen my weight drop, too. Starting the year at 20 stone, my weight's now down to 18 stone 9lbs. It's nowhere close to the drops I made previously, but I haven't officially been dieting. This is just from modifying the foods I've eaten while at home. As for exercise, this is only just being reintroduced as I'm recovering from an impinged shoulder which cramped my activity levels a bit.

Every day in this blog I aim to examine one of the changes we've made or are going to make. I also hope to uncover where the fad diets are going wrong for the average Joe (but right for the diet creator).

It's the same journey... just on a new path!

Double chin woes...

2009-11-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Can you have multiple chins? I'm not talking just a double chin... I'm carrying octuplets! And they can't simply be 'hidden' - no matter what makeup websites say!

Over the past few weeks I've been researching how to fix a double chin. While we're not yet tightened (still a bit Alfred Hitchcock like, actually), I am starting to notice a difference.

As you get older, I've found that - contrary to what I thought previously - double chins aren't just weight-related. So simply losing weight won't correct a double chin on its own.

The muscles supporting your chin must be tightened. Luckily, this can be done in a variety of ways: from chewing gum to enjoying a spot of facial yoga.

Low GI glycemic food chart

2009-11-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

Whether you're looking to slim down, prevent disease or improve your general health, a glycemic food chart showing low GI foods can help.

At first glance, using glycemic food charts can be quite daunting.

Fortunately there's a lot of help out there on the internet. Check out this link to find out more.

Peer Pressure

2009-11-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

At work... out at parties... enjoying drinks with friends... Is there nowhere I can go without feeling a bit of peer pressure? To top it all off my safe haven is no longer fatty food free!

My other half has come down to visit for the weekend and - as much as I adore him - I certainly am not enamoured with his eating habits and - more importantly - how they lead me astray.

Now, don't get me wrong. He's by no means a saboteur... more of a foodie who just can't resist sharing his latest discoveries.

So, what's a girl to do?

Not quite sure how but I found the willpower to say yes by saying no. Confused? Well, so was I! I learned that by saying no for 99 per cent of the time, I could say yes every now and again. And, what's more, I managed to convince him to share some of my low fat goodies and modify his choices too!

I guess the moral to the story is: peer pressure goes two ways - for the good and the bad. Rather than be swayed by the bad, why not convert some friends over to the good? The more people on your side the better, I say!

P.S. And my weigh in? This week I registered a loss of 8lbs - dropping from 275 to 267 :)

What's your type?

2009-10-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

Picture your perfect mate... And your dream holiday? We all know our type - right down to the finest details, don't we? Now imagine your ideal diet. A bit fuzzy, isn't it?

This thought came to me while thinking about my recent dieting failures...

There was that time I decided to do low-carb... Forget Atkins' heart attack or the fact that last time I went on it I ended up with kidney infections - I lost a whopping 8 stone on it! My love affair with meat ended quickly as I soon re-discovered the joys of 'meat breath'.

Or when I got in touch with my Independent Woman by joining the Maple Syrup diet brigade. Try that one my friends and you'll never quite look at Aunt Jemima the same way again.

And my self-designed free flow diet where I could eat all I wanted as long as I exercised for an hour a day. Great until you strain a muscle...

The final straw was the public humiliation, I mean weigh-in, at my local weight loss club...

These types of plans might work for some people but I can say with certainty that they don't work for me. When it comes to your health, forget the Princess Diana act. You need to be a bit selfish and realise that not all diets address your individual issues, personality or lifestyle.

And therein lies the problem for me...

I just can't conform. And I guess I'm slightly envious of those who can as it must make life less of a struggle. You know I wish I was able to just go with the flow or be a celeb-type (read anorexic) who couldn't give a damn about eating real food... But I do.

As for exercise, I know that - at least for the first few weeks - I need to get the eating under control before jumping the proverbial - and literal pool.

Basically - I need a plan that can be accurately described as a regime... Not a bread and water dictatorship, per se but certainly one featuring a bit of self-inflicted tough love.

Recipe of the Week

2009-10-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

Like anybody food posessed, I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. But I don't think I'll ever be completely ready to hang up my apron. Which is a good thing as it was not cooking that made me fat... It was cooking the wrong foods (and eating too much of them).

By studying the weight watchers points lists - including the all important zero point foods - I hope to put together some great breakfasts, lunches and dinners which won't break even the tightest points balance.

From time to time I hope to post my successful recipes on here. They might not fall into haute cuisine but they will be low fat, low calorie and low point foods.

Today's recipe, Butternut Squash and Carrot soup is a true winter warmer. What's more, it creates an inexpensive but incredibly healthy and filling lunch or dinner for just 3 points.

The lessor of two evils

2009-10-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

Since giving up smoking last December, my weight has crept up... In the way an elephant creeps, of course. Now don't get me wrong - I was by no means a skinny minny to start with!

Yes, kids... Although smokers are - on the whole - slimmer than non-smokers, we're not all Kate Moss. For me, poor fitness combined with regular, long journeys and visits with non-smokers resulted in me going through withdrawl (and weight gain) several times a year have resulted in gains. And, to be honest, this was what sent me trading in the cigs for lollipops once and for all. What's the point in gaining 15lbs two or three times a year just because I can't smoke for a week or two. Worse still I could barely address it through physical exercise.

So, where am I now? Well, thanks to discovering a crib sheet from my previous weight-related battles, I can answer that quite confidently. And it certainly makes for interesting reading.

Forgetting the records in between (a diet which succeeded and failed thanks to non-smoking episodes), this chart shows just how many inches have been added through gaining 27lbs over the last 22 months. And, it isn't too bad all things considered.

But what the numbers don't show is the true impact all of this weight. At my age, 37, the ups and downs accompanying this yo-yo dieting has had a terrible impact on my state of health:

High blood pressure
Oedema
Lack of energy
Difficulty breathing
Poor mood
Increased anxiety
Depression

And it all goes hand-in-hand. High blood pressure, caused by carrying too much weight and eating an unhealthy diet is leaving me with puffy, swollen ankles and fingers. The strain this is causing on my respiratory system is leaving me breathless and in a poor mood. After all, wouldn't you be anxious and depressed if your body felt tight and your joints felt painful all of the time?

Yeah, you best quickly put aside any notions of those of us carrying extra poundage as 'bubbly' and 'vivacious' (surely they mean voracious)... Being fat doesn't exactly make me jolly!

But I made a promise to myself that when I gave up smoking I wouldn't beat myself up about gaining a pound here or there for the first 6 months. And I haven't...until now. These last ten months have offered the ideal opportunity to understand myself, my cues and the role that my weight has played in my life.

So, what am I going to do about it? As much as I want to adopt diet crazes, fads and pills with religious zeal, I've been around that block a few too many times. And it's taught me that - boring as it sounds - keeping it off for good boils down to two things: healthy eating and regular exercise.

And it needs a lifelong commitment. Despite this, I know I'm goal oriented. I need a goal to strive for... I normally don't do things by half, but I reckon that I need to in this instance. I have set a goal weight of 135lbs or half my current weight.

Along the way I'm hoping to learn and share a trick or two about gaining health - not pounds, so hop on for the ride.

Third time's the charm?

2009-03-09T12:36:00.001-07:00

Today I saw some photos a friend took of me at the weekend and I just lost it. If there's a rock bottom it's where I'm at now. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. For when you hit bottom the only way to go is up.

So, more than two years have passed since I started this journey and where am I? Well, the last year has been filled with changes that have seen the scales climbing higher than they have for more than a decade. Have my weeks of dieting been in vain?

I've been doing a great deal of thinking in recent weeks about the weight issue - mainly as giving up smoking three months ago just pushed my weight up that little bit faster. Now, I've given up giving up smoking in the past due to weight gain. And you know what? It might stop you gaining more, but it certainly doesn't help you shed your added pounds.

So, I've been trying the nonchalant approach to my increased girth. It worked especially well in those pre-xmas weeks but it's wearing thin now. I think (and hope) that I am far enough along with quitting that I can now tackle the weight without undoing those painful early weeks of withdrawl.

Here's what I think about why my weight's on the up... and how I hope to sort it. To help me stick to it, I'm going to think of them as the Golden Rules.

1. If you can walk the distance, do it!

-- Since passing my driving test last April I have found myself lulled into choosing the car for all of my travel needs. Not only is it bad for my waistline, it's bad for my body generally, my son's health and the environment.

2. If you can't make the effort for yourself, don't let that ruin others' health

--My son and dog both deserve - and need - at least a 30 minute non-stop walk each day. Since starting work in June I have found myself arriving home and vegging out on the sofa each night. When the dog does get a 'walk' it tends to be a short one to the field nearby where I simply throw the ball repeatedly without working my legs at all.

3. Breathe in, breathe out and relax

--Rather than sitting at my desk at lunch time, I will endeavour to have at least a 15 minute walk each day to clear my head and destress.

4. Try something new!

-- There are more ways to exercise than aerobics. My hips and knees are particularly bad at the moment with the weight gain, so low impact alternatives will be given priority. But, each month I will attempt at least one new pursuit.

5. Go slow

--Rather than rely on the cooking delights of others who don't cook for you but for their bank balance, explore with food and enjoy the art of slow cooking. Handpicking all ingredients and growing them myself where possible adds a new dimension to the process while removing unnecessary sodium, preservatives and chemicals.

6. Spot the saboteur within

--Yes, I am my own worst enemy. Identifying the cues that lead to falling off the wagon and understanding their roots should kerb their impact on my waistline. Often my girth is directly related to how I'm feeling about my current relationship, workplace stresses or parenting abilities. The more shaky each of those areas look, the wider I grow. Perhaps I am trying to physically make myself appear stronger and sturdier when I'm feeling quite fragile... Or even trying to punish someone for not loving me in the way I need... A bowlful of food can quickly quiet any negative thoughts in the head. So, whatever those throughts, I think I need to deal with them once and for all and avoid shutting them down with a bite to eat.

7. Nourish yourself

--Choose foods that deal with specific problems within the body.

(NB: This one might require a visit to a nutritionist!)

8. Spoil yourself with kindness

--Chocolate and rich foods might make you feel temporarily good. But before indulging think of other ways to make yourself feel even better. How about a self-indulgent soak accompanied by a good back - or even a trashy magazine - in the bath?

9. Don't bottle up

--I am seen by some as a very patient person who just *doesn't* get angry. That's possibly because I shove chocolate or some other food stuff in my mouth at the first rise of the adrenalin. Rather than quash it with food, keep it in or lash out at anyone unlucky enough to be in the vicinity, I will blog. Writing is, for me, the best release as noone gets hurt and I guess I get to avoid conflicts.

10. You aren't the victim - you are the addict

--No one has forced this food into my mouth. But years of training have allowed me to develop an addictive relationship with food. After a binge I am often sat there in a dulled state - unable to function. It isn't a high - it doesn't feel good. It just doesn't let me feel anything AT ALL. Understanding this negative relationship with food and controlling its impact on your day-to-day life can only help you achieve more in life than ever before.

I used to say that the problem with my addiction was that I had to face food at every corner - whereas with cigarrettes you can give them up and avoid being around them forever. But, my problem isn't with all food... I think it's just the processed, high sugar, high fat offerings. And you know what, I CAN and WILL cut these out because it isn't anywhere as hard as I think it will be.

Other rules will, no doubt, be added in the weeks and months to come. But, there's a real pattern developing here. I think the only way to get on the wagon - and stay on - for good is increasing my activity levels and switching to a natural, homecooked diet. When it comes to food itself, I'm eating a more varied diet than before I started WW and still use low-fat substitutes where possible. I've just added things like chocs and takeaways into the mix...

So, watch this space... I believe it's the start of something fantastic!

Weigh In - Week one (Mark II)

2008-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hopped on the scales feeling slightly nervous this evening. You see, I have had a few hiccups this week...Fortunately the gods of dieting were on my side and I registered a loss of 6lbs. Of course, I am pleased with the results. However, I do know that if I managed several social situations a bit better I would have possibly seen a larger loss.

Take Saturday for example. I went to the cinema with the best of intentions. I saved a few points for a snack and a diet soft drink. Unfortunately I chose a snack that required incredibly strict willpower - of which I had none... I opted for the massive bag of Maltesers which weighed in at a whopping 16 points. I planned to simply eat the equivalent of a small bag's worth which only costs 3.5 points and pass it on to the others. Hearing the reply 'no thanks' to my offer left me perplexed...and reaching into the bag.

The funniest bit of this is that I really didn't even want a sweet snack. I longed for the ultimate movie treat - popcorn. And guess what? I found out yesterday that a small bag of salty goodness is only 3.5 points....

So, I guess this is just one of many lessons that I will learn that fall into the book of 'Point before you eat'!

Back on the wagon again...

2008-06-29T02:03:00.000-07:00

You'll notice a massive gap between that last post and this one...yes, my good intentions fell by the wayside. The last twelve months have been a rollercoaster with studying, family, illness and well, general hedonistic eating. It seems that life got in the way...a little at first. But, I soon used it as an excuse to fall back into a more dangerous eating cycle.

Rather than get back to the point counting that served me so well, I've foolishly toyed with 'lose weight quick' schemes...and seen the weight creep back on. From taking apple cider vinegar (ghastly) to living a low carb life - it seems I have tried it all. With each venture a new half stone seems to have appeared despite losing as much as 8lbs in a week.

However, it hasn't all been bad...My attempt at giving up smoking fell astray after 3 weeks due to weight gain (2 stone!) - but I am still working on freeing myself from it for good. One thing I have rid myself of completely is caffeinated diet soft drinks. Loaded with aspartame, they left me feeling tired and anxious. It has been three weeks now and I feel a million times better for it and it has left me feeling like I can conquer anything. The weight and the cigs being the top of that list.

While I could view my rejoining Weight Watchers as a fresh start, I am opting to frame it as continuing my weight loss journey. After all, this is by no means a short-term plan...as I think I previously envisioned. So, where am I now....

A pilot scheme in Cornwall is underway which has allowed the NHS to join forces with WW. As my BMI meets the criteria, I have been given 12 weeks of free vouchers for meetings. There are several other aspects to this programme, however they have been oversubscribed :(

Last Tuesday I had my first weigh-in. My current weight is 15 stone 2 or 212lbs. Oddly enough, I can still fit into the size 16 clothes which I splashed out on last year when I was some 2 stone lighter. But, I won't lie - they are damned tight! Unfortunately, my measuring tape has gone walkies so I have no idea how many inches I have added onto my frame....and right now I'm not so sure that is a good idea.

Although this break has seen me gain some of my loss, it has helped me recognise that WW is the way forward as well as realise mistakes I have made. One of my biggest hurdles over the past 18 months has been the threat of the scales....they can become all-consuming even for the most disciplined of dieters. For the next few months my scales shall lay dormant. To ensure I don't fall back into this vicious weighing cycle I have hidden them away without the necessary batteries.

It won't be easy - but I will get there. I might have regained but at least I know that I am still 36lbs lighter than I was when this journey began in January 2007.

Wish me luck!

2007-07-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Bit blurry...but all I can say is - what a difference 26 weeks makes. Yes, today marks 6 months of WW. I haven't lost anything this week, but I thought I should celebrate sticking with the plan for so long.

Physically, I feel more comfortable in my own skin, although I have become more critical of my appearance. But the changes in appearance are nothing compared to how my internal workings are running and the health implications I had from carrying the excess weight. My BMI was originally in the morbidly obese category at 42. By losing a third of my 248lb frame, I have cut my risk of Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and all but eliminated my joint and back pains.

Shapewise, my body has transformed and I actually feel like I have a shape...oh and I can SEE my toes for the first time in years! My chest has decreased from 48" to 43". My waist has gone from 43" to 35". My hips have shrunk from 51" to 43". As for my thunderthighs, they have gone from 28" each to 24.5"....so that would be an inch loss of 28".

I know the next 26 weeks will not be anywhere near as easy as the first 26, but I can see the end in sight. My goal, I think, will be 133lbs - just 38lbs away. I am hoping to step up exercising as I'd like what remains of my frame to be toned and to look as fit as it feels. My next major goal will be my 100lb mark at 148lbs. I'm hoping to be there by the end of September - particularly as I'm away on hols in August and I need a real incentive to remain on track while there!

Feeling Posh

2007-06-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Reading that last post, I must confess that my superficial damage sort of set me back for a few weeks there...although I kidded myself a touch that I was letting my weight "stabilise"!

College has finished now until October, so really I have no excuse not to exercise...I have had a sneaky peek on the scales since my last weigh in (178 lbs) and it is looking like I just might get my 30% and 75lb goal on Monday if my weight registers at 173lbs...but really as long as it's no more than 177lbs, I'll be happy.

Despite not losing pounds, I can feel my body changing shape. Since my last measurements in May, I've lost an inch off my waist, an inch of my hips and 1/2 inch off of each of my thighs...so officially, they're only 3" bigger EACH than Posh Spice's waist....yes -even one thigh couldn't fit into a size zero garment...something which I can't be completely disheartened with as I'd rather be a size 16 than a size 0 anyday...but closer to a 12 would be nice :)

Ouch!

2007-05-31T00:18:00.000-07:00

I fell off the wagon a few days ago, but luckily have only suffered some superficial damage...I hopped on the scales quickly on Tuesday morning after my long weekend away and it looks like a 2lb gain. 2lbs in 4 days? I'm really hoping I didn't have the 7,500 calories required to gain that!

I need to look at why I overate and how I can avoid doing it in the future. I suppose one positive thing about my overeating in this instance was (probably for the first time ever) I wasn't stressed out prior to eating and it wasn't a binge so much as overindulgence. Sunday was the worst day- Chinese and we'd overordered food! I'm not a takeaway girl anymore - mainly as I don't live near any shops like that and I don't have a car to get there - so I was a bit lost on points values. So here's what I found:

Chinese vegetables with: Beef 1 cup = 6
Chicken 1 cup = 5
Pork 1 cup = 7
Shrimp or Tofu 1 cup = 4
Egg drop soup 1 cup = 1
Egg rolls: Beef or Pork 1 (4 1/2" long) = 5 chicken or shrimp 1 (4 1/2" long) = 4
Hot and sour soup 1 cup = 2
Lo mein, any type 1 cup = 8
Rice, fried, with beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or plain 1 cup = 8
Stir-fry with garlic or black bean sauce beef or pork 1 cup = 8
chicken or shrimp 1 cup = 7
Sweet and sour: beef or pork 1 cup = 12 chicken or shrimp 1 cup = 10 sweet and sour sauce 1 tbsp = 2

Well, with one portion of egg-fried rice and 1 1/2 pots of other stuff, it would look like I had at least 20 points in one meal! I was uncomfortably full to say the least. I suppose it wouldn't be so bad except that I had another meal on top of that - mashed potatoes, sweet corn and 2 thai fishcakes which were probably another 15 points!

So, enough's enough...have to get back to basics. I was good on Tuesday but Wednesday threw me some obstacles I couldn't work around. I was catching up at work at college and assumed that I would be able to get lunch at the college...All 4 restaurants were shut - leaving me with McDonalds as the only option! Had a quarterpounder with cheese meal with medium fries - 15.5pts and for dinner we ordered pizza delivery. I didn't have any pizza but opted for some chicken strips at 7points - putting me 1.5 pts over for the day :(

So what's the plan today? Me thinks I need to go shopping and get the right foods in the fridge and larder - vegetables, lean meats and low-point options! I'm only 1/2 way to goal and I need to work extra hard to get to the finish post. Let's hope that this weekend gone has given me a taste of how just a few days off the wagon can set me back! Let's hope a few days on the wagon will get me back to where I was!

Feeling bouncy!!

2007-05-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

For the past few days, I've been playing, wobbling and falling off my gym ball. It's really good fun - I mean, what is there you could hate about it? I've been trawling the internet for video clips and exercises that can be done using the ball and I've come up with a few of interest.

Ask Men have some fantastic video clips which feature the only piece of gym equipment which has ever brought a smile to my face!

I have to confess an almost-morbid fixation with YouTube videos featuring the ball. For starters, I'm on the lookout for wobbles and falls...surely it can't just be me that has NO balance whatsoever. However, I must say that I am impressed with the level of fitness that can be gained in using the ball. What girl doesn't smile at the sight of a rippling 6-pack! Also, there's no ladylike way to put it, but like yoga's way of shifting emissions, the ball tends to be a noisy bit of fun - if you catch my drift (not literally, of course). Why I'm looking for wobbles and wind? Not sure - just would love to see someone having as much fun as me using it....Perhaps I'll post my own viddy sometime....then again, perhaps not!!

Pimp my points!

2007-05-20T01:08:00.000-07:00

Nineteen weeks into this adventure, I think I've become a point pimp. Inside my head is a virtual point calculator and I'm constantly tabulating the values of all sorts of foods for myself and for friends who are dieting but just don't understand how to do it without starving! I think each person on WW has a list of great low-point treats that will satisfy the naughty urge. Here's mine.

Sweet

Skinny Cow Ice Lollies - 1.5 pts

Pink'n'Whites - .5 pts each

Miles of Mallow - 1.5 pts

Tesco Chocolate Chip Cereal Bars - 1.5pts

Curly Wurly - 2.5 pts

Cadburys Fudge - 2 pts

Savoury

Walkers Baked Crisps - 1.5pts

Potato Heads - 1.5pts

Walkers French Fries - 2pts

Quavers - 2pts

Most people I meet find it impossible to believe that you can have this sort of stuff and still lose weight...what they forget is that you can have a little bit of this stuff as (hopefully) you're keeping your diet in check with other low-fat and low-cal options. I've even had people tell me that they don't understand why they can't lose weight because all they eat is...and when I point up their diet, I soon understand why.

A great example of this is a friend who feels she is constantly starving yet continues to gain. Her diet involves:

no breakfast (bad move)

a mid-morning baguette with sausage, eggs and bacon (at least 15 points)

scampi chips and peas for lunch (at least 15 points if not more)

for dinner two slices of bread and butter (4.5pts) followed by at least a bottle of wine (8pts or so).

Of course she's starving as she's:

a) not spreading her food throughout the day

b) a fair chunk of her calories feature saturated fat

c) nearly 1/4 of her calories are coming from booze

At the moment, thanks to folks like Jamie Oliver, the government is earmarking cash to be spent by local education authorities on nutritional learning for children. Let's hope this education scheme works as thanks to fear induced by the media children aren't moving as much as possible to burn calories and busy work schedules encourage parents to become part of high cal/high fat ready meal culture.