2 Weeks Fizz Free

I have never been a water drinker in fact as a small child my mother had to force it down me and in the end gave up and gave me Ribena ( BIG MISTAKE). So decided to go caffeine and fizz free for two weeks was a BIG deal for me. I have been trying to lose weight all year and while eating healthy and exercising have been going ok I have not really thought about my liquid intake. Sure I don't drink coke I drink coke zero and one bottle lasts me a couple of days it still contains A LOT of sodium. I also wanted to eliminate caffine becuase I only like it with sugary additives like Vanilla Lattes and Mochas.

The first few days were the hardest mostly at meals times when I really wanted something nice to drink. I kept a bottle of chilled water in the fridge and the beauty of it is it really does quench thirst.

I did have 2 slip ups I had KFC for lunch one day I couldn't resist we just had one open on the HBC and I just had to give it a try. Also I was having a bad day one day and had a beer at a friends house. I still say 2 slips ain't bad.

I lost 2 kilos over those too weeks so very happy. Now I have added small amounts of fizz and caffine back in but it is easier to moderate it now I am used to drinking so much water and the V's are gone !!!!!!

Hints and Tips I find useful:

1. Eggs they are so easy to cook so cheap and taste nice. If I need a quick lunch a couple of boiled eggs do the job.

2. Weetbix no it isn't fancy but they are also fast and filling just swap the sugar for some fruit or yoghart.

3. Have a bottle of water with you at dinner time it helps fill you up keeps you hydrating and limits your portion sizes.

4. Don't cut all your treats out LIMIT them. My fav breckfast is peanut butter on toast with a nescafe vanilla Latte sachet. I have this twice a week on days where I know I have alot of errands and it will stop me form picking up a V and sausage roll at the shops.

5. If you have a slip up at one meal make all your other meals super healthy to make up for it.

6. Try to have an early healthy filling dinner and don't eat after 7. If you get hungry have water or a weight watchers hot chocolate.

Hope this helps.

J 

Come Out, Come Out Wherever You ARE !!!!!!

So I quit....... there is something about quitting though that feels so pathetic. I don't think one can ever be proud of quitting. At first there is a sense of relief but in all honesty it doesn't last long. Quitting also isn't in my nature in fact being insanely stubborn is what I am known for and can be one of my less than desirable traits that has also been past down to my youngest daughter.

My epiphany came when I saw a post selling bikini's it jolted me back out of the land of denial that I was happily ( or so I thought) vacationing and rudely awakened me to my reality. That was my goal my whole damn year was supposed to be about being healthy and feeling confident at the beach this Summer. To enjoy some fun in the sun and be able to catch up with my ever energetic children.

I realized then that I have not only let myself down but everyone else and that is NOT on. I have organized care for my kids and while a gym membership is still out of my financial means I am determined to not let that get in my way. I will walk up and down Gulf Harbour Drive until my legs won't move!!!!!!  

I don't think I will be ready for my after shoot for Treasures in December but I want to have the knowledge that I at least tried.

I would also like to apologize to my friend Kirstyn our yummy Inidian movie nights will have to end ( well the Indian parts ) and swapped to something more healthy...... Although I know we will both miss Mr yummy Indian man that serves us. Sacrifices must be made.

So I pledge today I will NOT buy another item of size 18 clothing !!!!!!!!!!!!! Running out of clothes and the potential shame of going out in my pj's will force me to swap the pie for some celary. Time to get real, get with it and get out from under the bed.

 Hurrah !!!!!!!

J xx

Attractive ?????

I think all of us at some point look at magazines and think I wish. We all know about photoshopping but we still hold these flawless goddesses as the pinnacle of beauty.

Well sometimes they take it too far, I came across these images today and actually though ewww I would rather be chubb chubb .

What is with the veins !!!! I was fit once but I think a softer toned look, looks better.....

So Celebs don't always look perfect feel better !!!!!

xxxx J 

Motivational Thoughts for the Day

xxJ

Don't Give Up

I really had packed in the towel... One of the reasons I applied for the Treasures Campaign is that I knew I couldn't do it alone and I needed help. Well that is crap as I have bleated on about before I was totally abandoned. But really in the end you do need to learn to rely on yourself. I mean how hard is it not to put something in your mouth???

Well it is f*&King hard actually... espcially when you are on a budget most eating plans will tell you in order to lose weight you need to eat nothing but lean protein and vege. These people are obviously not feeding a fmaily of 4 on a tight budget.

Not to mention when you can't afford to do much a small bar of chocolate is a cheap way to bring some happiness. It is a quick fix a drug and in all honesty it is only gratifying for a moment.

I have no solutions other than I am sick of looking the way I am and I am sick of doing nthing about it.

So I am going to keep on trying, and trying, I guess what I am trying to say is no one ever achived anything by giving up!!!!!

My daughter has started competitive cheer leading and it is helping me, i go over her routine with her and do all the stretches too.

There is still several months until Summer so keep watching this space !!!!


XX J

ZUMBA

I know over the years there are been  a lot of exercise trends, Windsor Pilates, tai Bo, Ab Circle etc but I am really enjoying this one. When I was in my teens I was fit and ripped but  I always claimed I didn't work out. Bullshit I was an only child and to keep myself occupied I used to dance in my room in front of the mirror (shame) and I would do this sometimes for 6 hours a day!!!! ( on the weekends). I never saw it was working out though as it was what I did for fun.


Zumba is like that it is so much fun and even better if you can do wit with a friend. You don't need to be super coordinated just willing to have a laugh at yourself. You break a sweat within minutes and you really feel it working you out!

At the moment I am only doing it around once a week but I am trying to increase it as it seriously works.

Give it a try and have some fun!!!

J 

Still Alive!!!!

Yes I am still alive I guess I have just been extremely frustrated of late. I NEVER hear from my trainer anymore even though he was apparently supposed to call me every night and keep on track. I have also been finding a lack of money and cold weather to be inhibiting.

I have also plateaued...... Weight loss is nigh!!!!!

I know I have no one to blame but myself, I can blame it on Jeremy not being there etc but at the end of the day I really need to motivate myself. The plan I was on was not possible for a mother of 3 on limited funds though. There are not many families out there that can afford 5 meals of lean protein a day. I cannot afford weight watchers as yet so I am taking a everything in moderation plan.

This is what I am going to do starting this week.

Breakfast

Special K

Lunch

Salad or eggs

Dinner

Lean meat and vege

Snacks

nuts, fruit celery with cheese.

Exercise will involve doing Zumba 1 - 2 nights a week with a friend and walking with the toddlers 2 times a week for an hour.
 
I think the most depressing thing has been seeing friends have children AFTER me and melting back to their former glory.

The thing is you control what you do I just need to regain it.

XX J

Celebrity Bumps

When you are pregnant you always look to celebs who are also pregnant at the same time. With my first pregnancy I was pregnant at the same time as Angelina Joile and Katie Holms. To me these two seemed like mythical pregnancy unicorns, sticks with bumps, glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Me I was a mess, I gained 29 kilos had BAD skin that only glowed since I was throwing up EVERYTHING I ate ( so goodness knows why I gained so much weight) and drooping greasy hair.

I recently saw pictures of a VERY large pregnant Jessica Simpson and I thought thank goodness their are celebs  that look normal pregnant. I remember Kate Hudson got massive with Ryder but then melted back to a size 2 within 3 months the joys of having a night nanny, trainer and chef!!!!


Jessica Simpson has signed a contract with Weight Watchers so I look forward to seeing her slow healthy progress and will use her as an inspiration. She also just gave birth to a 9lb 13 baby girl called Maxwell!!! My first daughter Angel was the same size!

enjoys the pics

XX J

Zen

They say stress causes weight gain. Yet when you have children it is very hard not to stress, there are the financial burdens, the wondering about their well being, there is also the worries about your own inadequacies or possible inadequacies as a parent. Yet amongst all this angst you need to remain calm.

If anything this quest to make my outer beauty match my inner beauty is the importance in taking time out for myself f. I am proud of the fact that when the kids go to bed and the basic jobs are done I do NOTHING!!!!. I relax read a book, watch whatever appeals on the box, chat with friends.  When my trainer was originally trying to get me to use this time to exercise I was like well alright. But no I disagree with the trying to make exercise "me" time. I do not enjoy trying to Zumba when the kids go to bed in fact it made me resent my precious free time. I much prefer to spend my exercise time in the morning outside with the kids and my night time being a proud vegetable sloth.

So it is important to make things work for you find some chill time and locate your inner zen.

XX J

Plan B

The problem with my plan is that it is not very life with 3 kids friendly nor does it allow much flexibility. I miss bread, I miss eating a normal family dinner etc. I don't think it has long term potential....

So me thinks I am going to follow Weight Watchers I like the idea that no food is taboo and you can earn points for exercise. I think the carb free, totally good plan works for those gym bunnies with no kids and a single persons life but a poor mum of 3 cannot afford to have 5 meals of lean protein a day it has been sending me broker.

Good news I have lost another kilo which brings my totally weight loss down to around 9 kilos so not bad. I really, really, want to look good in the December issue of Little Treasures and I am determined to get into a bikini this Summer so I think I  will sign up for the Weight Watchers online program next week. Why not this week you say, well thank the rego on my car for expiring :S


As for my trainer well I am now lucky to get a text every 2 weeks kinda bullshit from someone who said they would contact me everyday :S

My new Favorite work out has to be the hot dog dance from the Micky Mouse Club House, try the Goofy Version for some extra comedy! 

The Free Gym!!!!

During my walks with the kids I often stop at my daughter's school or a park so they can have play. I remember flying around the bars like a circus freak having sooooo much fun. The other day I was watching my eldest daughter attempt the monkey bars but she couldn't get past the first one. As a former monkey bar pro I offered to show her how it was done!

Umm EMBARRASSING I can no longer hold my own weight and promptly fell on my ass with Angel scoffing " oh yeah mum you sure showed me" and the two babies rolling around laughing at their mum on the ground. It then hit me what a great work out the playground is. So my new work out regime involves building my upper body strength on the monkey bars, but to avoid looking like a total fool I need to plan my sessions when no one else is around, I think my children laughing at me is enough:)

xxJ

In a rut

I had a good weight loss while I was sick but now that I have gotten back into things nothing......

I swear weight loss gets harder as you get older you get used to your creature comforts like a nice glass or two of wine wine when the kiddies go to bed. What I find maddening and frustrating is when I got to mother's groups or see friends of mine who have had children after me just bounce back and here I am still stuck being obese. When I used to picture myself as an adult it was never as overweight I always just thought of an older version of my gorgeous teenage self just more glamorous.

So far the hardest things for me at the moment is time to exercise esp now the weather is packing in and severely rationing my carbs!!!!

 Hopefully I have more to report next week.

Wish me luck folks

xx J

New recipe !

Yes it uses mince again but it is another great cheap one that feeds the whole family.

Lettuce Tacos:

500grms lean mince
Iceburg lettuce
jar of Bertolli's Vegetable Pasta Sauce
Tablespoon of Olive Oil
Small grated cheese

Other ingrediants that can be included : Capsicum,red onion, cherry tomato, avocado.

Brown mince with oil. Drain excess fat and juices, return to head and add sauce.
Simmer for around 15 min.

Peel lettuce and add Mince mixture to leaves to form a taco! top with more salad and a sprinkle of cheese.

This is so tasty and the kids love it !!! If you have really fussy eaters you can boil a pot of quick cook spaghetti and serve the mince mixture as a bolognase.

Happy eating

xx J

Illness and Weight Loss

Well just as I thought I was falling off the weight loss bandwagon I was cursed with acute tonsillitis. This came as a huge surprise since I had the damn things removed when I was 8!!!!

I was so sick I had to call my poor mother at 5.16 am to come all the way over ( she lived 45 min away) so she could rescue my babies from bed. I was so I couldn't move.

She then cleaned my house since I was so immobilized finished my unpacking while wrangling my little critters. I have to say mums are fantastic! I really hope everyone has one as good as mine.

Then Ray came up from Hamilton to take over. He is great with the kids but no so much with the house work I am glad my mother isn't here to see the chaos that has erupted :S

The bonus though is thanks to tonsillitis and the inability to eat I have lost another kilo!!! wahoo.

Well I am back off to my sick bed for another day see ya later

xxx J

Hiding in Shame

Well kinda... I moved house over the weekend and have been several days without Internet or phone access ( I can't believe I survived.

I have been a bit annoyed at myself falling off the food and exercise wagon while moving. I know I couldn't be perfect during this time but I think I got a little too carried away with it. It didn't help that the most delicious gourmet/ takeaway shop just opened 3 min from my house.

I was also depressed that my trainer has been neglecting me. In the beginning he promised to call everyday to keep me on track, now I am lucky to get a text a week. It has taught me that I can't rely on others I have to do this myself. But at the same time one of the reasons I signed on for this program was knowing I was going to be supported.

So instead of my trainer I am going to be depending on you guys I am going to be more active on my Facebook page, as well as on here.

I know with your help and support I can get back on track.

Thanks,

J xxx

CURVYLICIOUS !!!!

Now we all know Victoria's Secret models look good and we all know the world drools over the Angelina Joile and Megan Fox types. But it is so darned refreshing to see some different types of hot bodies. I have always been curvy even at a size 8 and 55 kilos I have always had a dd boobs and wide hips. I wish there were more models out there that had reflected my own body type, I would have had a lot less issues.

My new favorite model is London Andrews she is a NZ size 18 and is simply stunning.

WARNING: googling her at work or around small children is not recommended as she does a lot of nude (artistic ) and topless modeling.

It would be nice if there were more types like her presented to the world. I hope my girls grow up with a more diverse range of beauty.


xx J

 You can also comment on these photos and view more via my face book page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/YummyMummy-xoxo/328078010572350

When life just gets in the way!!!

Well it has been one of those weeks, we have battled the flu!!! Trying to pack up a four bedroom two story house with 3 midgets, bad weather you name it. Alas I have fallen off the wagon a bit this week. My food has been average not bad but definitely not as good as it should have been. My exercise has consisted of house packing as time is sparse for anything else.

It always amazed me when watching those transformations shows how people get slack. But really it is not about slackness it is about not having enough time.

Well enough excuses tomorrow is a new day and a new week time to get back on that weight loss horse!!!

xxx J

KONY 2012

The main reason I became a Social Sciences teacher is to show people the world that is often invisible to us. Teenagers are often self focused and so are us adults and it can be hard to see what is happening beyond our own homes. I also wanted to prove that one person can make a difference. Please spare some time in your busy lives to watch this clip, and help save the invisible children!!!!!

XX J

Recipe of the week: Healthy Shepard's Pie

I think everyone trying to lose weight struggles with finding recipes to satisfy the whole family.

This is my favorite. I combined the tradition Edmond's Shepard's Pie Recipe with the healthy Paelo one to create this yummy as dish that both you and the fussy little critters will enjoy.

Jess's Shepard's Pie 


500 grms prime beef mince

1 onion
1 cup (250 mils) beef stock
2 tblps flour
2 tblsp tomato sauce
1 tbsp relish ( optional)
2tblsp olive oil
small grating of cheese
paprika
1 small head or half a big head of cauliflower

pre heat oven to 180 - 200 deg

Boil or steam cauliflower

brown onion in olive oil, add mince and cook through.
add 3/4's of the beef stock reserving 1/4, add flour, sauce and relish.
simmer for 15 min.

Add mince mixture to pie dish

drain cauliflower and mash with the remaining beef stock.

place cauliflower over mince mixture and sprinkle with paprika and cheese.

Bake for 20 min or until golden.

This is so delicious and does not taste healthy!!! Great way to get veges into little ones.

Enjoy

xx J

FAA ( FOOD ADDICTS ANONYMOUS)

There are groups out there that can help you lose weight etc, Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. The problem with them is that they cost money. If you are alone with kids etc spending 16 - 20.00 a week on a meeting or whatever is next to impossible. You don't charge and alcoholic to  go to AA meetings.

Unfortunately weight gain is seen as a form of greed etc but some people have eating problems and turn to food for comfort actually I think we all have, food can be your form of poison instead of the bottle, drugs or smoking. Everyone has a vice. The problem being food addiction is not acknowledged in NZ, it has been given more attention in the state thanks to the likes of Oprah.

The simple fact is though it is proven that you are more likely to lose weight if you have support and are held accountable for your actions. This is one of the reasons I did the article and started this blog since I was doing this ina  public way I would be held accountable for what I do. I also have extra support.

I want my new face book page to be like that for everyone. Post when you want to eat some chocolate etc post when you feel like you are caving in or not getting the support that you need. Everyone needs to come together and help each other out.

Let my success story be yours also!!!


https://www.facebook.com/pages/YummyMummy-xoxo/328078010572350


xxx J

All types of beautiful xxx

I think my last post was so popular because people like seeing how bodies can all be different and look good. It is also gross how the fashion industry seems to sell the same type to us all the time. Here are some photos of plus sized models that are trying to break the mold. I am not saying naturally thin girls are ugly etc I think they are very beautiful I just want to show there are different types of beauty. I have also posted 2 very high paid models who I think are scary thin and that it is disgusting that the industry encourages this look.

I will post these photos to my facebook page here :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/YummyMummy-xoxo/328078010572350

So people can comment on individual photos.

On a positive note I have lost 1.4 kilos this week Wahoo

xxx J

Self Esteem Booster

Super models without photo shop. The hilarious thing is the middle one is considered a plus sized model. I don't know about you but I think the skinniest one looks the worst. Too big is not good for your health but you have to wonder what you are doing to your body when you are that thin.

Brooklyn has a lovely shape but it just goes to show how deceiving photo shopping can be.

Remember to join my Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/YummyMummy-xoxo/328078010572350

Follow Me On Facebook!!!

I have now added a Facebook page so you can join, comment and get updates on the blog :)

Facebook Page

SO basically anything that tastes good is BAD!!

Otago University just compiled a list of nutritionally deficient food that is causing us to be fat.


Here it is be prepared to be depressed there are a couple of surprises on there!

The NEEDNT, or non-essential, energy dense, nutritionally deficient, list:

1.Alcoholic drinks
2.Biscuits
3.Butter, lard, dripping or similar fat (used as a spread or in baking/cooking etc.)
4.Cakes
5.Chocolate
6.Coconut cream
7.Condensed milk
8.Cordial
9.Corn chips
10.Cream (including creme fraiche)
11.Crisps (including vegetable crisps)
12.Desserts/puddings
13.Doughnuts
14.Drinking Chocolate, Milo etc.
15.Energy drinks
16.Flavoured milk/milkshakes
17.Fruit tinned in syrup
18.Fried food
19.Frozen yoghurt
20.Fruit juice (except tomato juice and unsweetened blackcurrant juice)
21.Glucose
22.High fat crackers
23.Honey
24.Hot chips
25.Ice cream
26.Jam
27.Marmalade
28.Mayonnaise
29.Muesli bars
30 Muffins
31.Nuts roasted in fat or oil
32.Pastries
33.Pies
34.Popcorn with butter or oil
35.Quiches
36.Reduced cream
37.Regular luncheon sausage
38.Regular powdered drinks
39.Regular salami
40.Regular sausages
41.Regular soft drinks
42.Fruit rollups
43.Sour cream
44.Sugar (added to anything including drinks, baking, cooking etc.)
45.Sweets/lollies
46.Syrups such as golden syrup, treacle, maple syrup
47.Toasted muesli and any other breakfast cereal with more than 15g sugar per 100g cereal
48.Whole milk
49.Yoghurt type products with more than 10g sugar per 100g yoghurt

NZN

x J

Tricks and Tips ( That actually work)

During the last week after having my new scales I have picked up a few tricks so here they are:

1. If you can avoid it don't have your biggest meal at dinner. I have swapped my lunch and dinner around and it is really, really helping. For my treat meals I like to add pumpkin and kumara to my meal but I find at dinner it is too heavy. I also get really hungry in between 3 and 5 and I tend to eat too much at dinner which was affecting my loss. Now with having a bigger meal at lunch I have time to burn it off also I don't get very hungry between  3 and 5 and can easily deal with having a lighter meal.

2. If you need to snack and it is late brush your teeth. Nothing kills your tastebuds more than toothpaste!!! This has been working wonders for me!!!! Also if you brush your teeth instead of snacking not only do you lose weight you have insanely shiny teeth.

3. Don't deprive yourself make sure that if you are a chocolate addict you have some chocolate just make sure it is a small amount and no more than a couple of times a week. Also if you make your treat earlier in the day you can burn it off.

My eating today will be:

Breakfast:
vogals and ww hot chocolate


Morning tea


Banana


Lunch
 Pork Chop with vege added pumpkin and kumara for my treat.

Afternoon tea


Plum


Dinner


something light I will either have a salad or some eggs either poached or boiled with some spinach. 


Hope this helps


xx J

Divine Intervention !!!

Today was baking HOT!!!! I did my morning exercise but all day I kept thinking about the chocolate trumpet I had yesterday for my birthday. I could literally taste the cool chocolate ice cream sliding down my throat, thinking how wonderful it would be to have another one.

After picking Angel up from school and Willow up from preschool I decided F@#k it I am getting I trumpet and I will get my girls an ice cream too. Then by good fortune half way there I realized I hadn't brought my wallet along.

We went home and had ice and fruit. At the end of the day it was still sweet and did the same thing.

At the end of the day it is the pleasure principal that is hard to resist. If our taste buds were numb we wouldn't care what we ate and there would be no obesity.

In  Freud terms you need to repress your Id and use your Ego and Super Ego to control your urges. When you wants something go zen.

There is more pleasure in being healthy and happy with your body then having a quick fix!

Yes, Yes YES!!!!

AS an early birthday present ( my birthday is tomorrow!) Ray brought me some digital scales.

I have lost 5 kilos in the past 4 weeks. After weeks of nothing happening I am beyond excited. It is coming off slowly, but it is coming off.

Hurrah, hurrah !!!!!!

Now I am off to enjoy my birthday pizza :S

xx J

Guilt

As a mother being guilty is nothing new. Did I not breastfeed long enough? did I put my baby in daycare to soon? OMG I can't believe I accidentally caught my baby's foot in the car door :S

As a mother being hard on ones self seems to be second nature. This is doubly so when it comes to our weight. I really think this surmounts by the celebrated and dreaded first birthday. When Angel (6) turned one I was 5 kilos off my pre baby weight no easy feat since I had gained around 29 kilos, I felt proud. When Willow (2) turned one I was 8 months pregnant with Lincoln so no one expected me to be the image of svelteness. Then Lincoln turned one and some how I weighed the same as I did in my final trimester with him......

So you feel guilty about your weight then you punish yourself with negative thoughts. This also happens when we veer off our diet. I can remember the first week when I seemed to gain instead of loose, this made me want to eat everything insight. But really why would I punish myself for something that wasn't my fault. Also by falling of the bandwagon and then punishing myself even more what is achieved by that?

If you child has an accident you reassure them that everything is ok and accidents happen. When your child makes mistakes you tell them off but you don't go on and on and berate them down to nothing. When a friend in need calls you, you make them feel better. Yet when we do something we seem to react. There is the saying you are your own worst enemy. How about trying to be your own biggest fan. Focus on your achievements and not your shortcomings.

Look at your children and think well you gained weight from giving life and you are doing your best to get it off. It takes time and there are always bad days just remember tomorrow is a day free of mistakes xxxxx





.

BIrthday Indulgence

It is my birthday on Sunday.... and I have been given the day to eat what I want and not exercise.

Even though I love my new healthy plan I can't WAIT to indulge. Though I know I am going to wish I hadn't afterwards.

I am planning to lunch at Fatimas in Takapuna if you don't know it you should it is the yummiest Mediterranean place around!!! It is like the Burgerfuel of kebabs etc. I am also planning on a Hells Pizza yum yum yum.

To help burn off my efforts I am exercising like a crazy person this week with a walk in the morning and Zumba at night.

Next Friday is my big weigh in and measure so wish me luck people!!!

I am 27 this birthday and I am determined to be slim by my 28th so I can enter my 30's with confidence!!!

Food Baby

I really wish I had someone to take a photo of my tummy right now, I look like I am 6 month pregnant!!!
After having next to no refined carbs in 6 weeks tonight I had a little bit of mac and cheese not very much but I am on a strict budget this week ( well even stricter than usual) thanks to unexpected bills and decided to make one of my treat meals one of the kids.

I had a small saucer fill and I am so bloated and uncomfortable. I think this is my body having a bad reaction to so much gluten and refined carbs after having not been exposed to them for a long time.

I really feel like I can easily give up pasta now and it really shows how harmful too much sugar, flour etc can be to your digestive systems.

Food baby go away !!!

GREAT DEAL!!!! SHOES FOR YOU!!!!!

While exercising I get a massive pain up the front of my shin. It turns out I have rolling ankles which means I can't do high intensity cardio without A LOT of pain.

Thanks to Shoe Science I can get a shoe that eliminates this!!! They are awesome they video you walking, analyze it then find you a show that fits your needs.

The kind people at the ALBANY Shoe Science store have offered 30.00!!! off any full price shoes if you mention me ( Jessica Lane), the Yummy Mummy Blog or the Little Treasures Article. You foot assessment is free and they spend a good amount of time finding the perfect shoe for you.

They also stock high quality school shoes designed for your child's individual needs and you can use the discount for them instead of you if you want :)

Take advantage of this deal as IT WILL NOT LAST!!!!

Feel free to browse their web page so you can see what type of shoes they stock :)

Shoe Science
http://www.shoescience.co.nz/experience.php

The Innocence of the Morning

I woke this morning to the sun streaming through my bedroom window, no babies crying and the promise of a glorious day.

I roll over and glance at my phone 7.45!!!! I have 45 min to get 1 kid and 2 toddlers out the door and why is it they are so quiet?. Angel and Willow had sneaked down stairs and were relishing in extra cartoons quite happy to forgo their breakfast for some extra entertainment behind mum's back. Lincoln was enjoying a happy lie in with his stuffed animals.

Well it all went down hill from there I managed to stuff up two boiled eggs so left with no food for me. Babies that would rather crawl and run away from me to get their bums changed.

I finally make it out the house drop Angel at the gate ( no time for happy lingering goodbyes at her classroom this morning!!!)

Next it is off to apply for a job 30 min away with kids in tow... Everyone was very lovely then walking out the school I drop my super expensive andriod phone and it BREAKS. 99 dollars later on my credit card I have a new phone that I can't afford a messy house and somehow I have to exercise.

Why not do it later? Well in the short time my children have to nap I have to sort out the madness that my house has become, bake muffins so there is some afternoon tea for them. Organize snacks as I have to get Angel from school whisk her half an hour away for cheer leading practice and entertain 2 toddlers while she trains for an hour and a half. Leave for home bang on 5 and somehow get them dinner, washed to bed by 7 and again clean the bomb that my house will be in by that time.

Heehe and people wonder what at home mums do all day !!!!!!

National Humiliation

I just got my copy of Little Treasures Mag and while I love the article I hate my picture.

I really never saw that when I looked in the mirror!!! It makes me never want to eat again :(

Well at least looking so bad in such a public forum really does make you want to work that little bit harder.

I think I am going to copy the pic, stick it on the fridge and my baking tin: BEWARE OF THE COOKIES!!!!!!

J xox

Psychology of Weight Loss Tips.

Last night in bed I was reading a back issue of the Woman's Day and I came across these tips.

I must credit psychologist Timothy Sharpe for these.

1.Time your hunger.
Emotional eating is usually a result of sudden hunger brought on by strong emotion. " True hunger is more gradual". Say Dr Sharpe. " Ask yourself if you are truly hungry, and see if you can wait 30 minutes before eating",

2.Think like a slim woman. 
Distract food from your thoughts. Stay busy so you are not constantly thinking about food.

3. Don't deny yourself
The odd cupcake or biscuit is fine as a treat- complete self denial will only set you up for failure. Just remember to eat at the table, measure the treat out and eat only two or 3 treats a week, not 10 -20.


4. Try to be positive
Don't go down the negative route and grumble, " Well, I guess another packet of chips won't matter.... I'm already FAT!" be positive. turn your thought around to, " I ate oe hour ago and this craving will pass".



Also when we are stressed our bodies release something called neuropeptide Y which stimulates fat cells to grow. Also anxiety causes change in our metabolism.

No food stress busters: Exercise, Sex , meditation, playig music, dancing, reading to your kids, some time with your friends, deep breathing, and positive self talk.

Thank you Woman's Day for some useful info!

At the moment I am trying to find some things to diversify my diet I am very, very sick of eggs and tuna!!!

IT"S COMING OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Horaah at long last the scales are dropping and at a rapid pace it looks like in the past couple of weeks I have lost around 5 kilos or so. This is a miracle after such a slow start.

I guess it goes to show that it can take awhile for your metabolism to kick in. I had in-visioned losing 5 kilos in my first couple of weeks so was so stumped when the scale dial NEVER seemed to move. Now it seems to be motoring!!. Such a nice feeling to jump into my clothes and have them feel loose.

It is also great that this new regime does NOT feel like torture anymore.

I thought I would right down what I typically eat in a day. I have covered my nutrition plan but it doesn't list specifics.

Yesterday I ate:

Breakfast

2 slices of vogels and a cup of weight watched hot chocolate.

Mid Morning

Banana

Lunch
Smoked chicken salad with capsicum, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion a tiny sprinkle of grated cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. 


Afternoon


Kiwi Fruit and I will admit a couple of my daughters twisties ( whoops)


Dinner


Lamb chop, peas with weight watchers gravy and a roasted carrot.


Evening


Weight Watchers hot chocolate.


Exercise wise I did a 50 min power walk, ran up some stairs and did my 20 min strength training.

Today's exercise may not happen as both my toddlers go immunized today and I have a house inspection tomorrow. So I am up to my ears in cleaning and screaming infants :S

However, my trainer told me not to worry about days like these as you can always make it up later, it is more important that would keep a positive mind set.

xxx J

Tigeress!!!

I LOVE this image... So true!

21 Days...

This is how long it takes to form a habit. After being on this lifestyle plan for well over that time I would have to agree.

The first 21 days are the hardest you have to deal with cravings, as well as, feeling sore from exercise you are not used too. Now the cravings are all but gone in fact I don't think I could ever go back to eating so many carbs again!!!! I have totally fallen in love with Vogel's bread and I love a nice crunchy slice for breakfast.

Also I am now so alert and awake!!! Before my eating plan I was on iron pills to help my energy levels but with all this fresh food and exercise I feel vitalized and refreshed. IN fact when I don't exercise I go stir CRAZY and have a need to burn energy :)

As far as exercising goes I am all for a good walk, it is low impact and the best thing of all you can't quit if you find pushing your kids up a hill hard you can't give up because lets face it you need to get home at some
point!!!

If you have a child that is too big for a pram invest in a scooter my 6 year old loves going for a scoot while I push the babies :) We also stop at  a park about 3/4's of the way through which breaks it up nicely for them.

So go put your walking shoes on ( I recommend shape ups!)

xx J

THE PLAGUE

The plague of weight-loss is upon my family. SICKNESS. I have had such a healthy family the past few months that it was bound to happen.

Angel turned 6 on Thursday and on the same day her little brother threw a 39 degree temp. As you can imagine my workout plan has come to a halt in favor of 24/ 7 mothering.

Today his fever broke and tomorrow everything will be back on track * fingers crossed.

The good news is the scales are dropping I have finally lost a couple of kilos hopefully this exercise slump does not slow things down.

Also I would like to thank Weight Watchers products for making like so much easier I am in love with their drinking chocolate, gravy and the zero point jelly!

Mirror, Mirror, why do you LIE!!!

When I look in the mirror what I see is different to what everyone else does, sure I see someone overweight but not shockingly so. However, when I see a photo of myself I almost pass out cold from sheer shock.

I think it must take awhile for the brain to register a reflection, as the weight gain is so slow it takes awhile for the mind to catch up. Either that or if I saw the truth I would be a blubbering nervous wreck that would not be able to function properly.

My husband came up for the weekend for our son's first birthday since he is only up every couple of weeks he suggested he take a photo every two weeks so I can see myself change slowly. I thought this was a fab idea. Hmmm that was until I saw the photo, again I plummeted into misery, why had no one said anything?

At my first daughter's first birthday I was so excited to be 5 kilos off my pre pregnancy weight, having gained 29 kilos during that pregnancy it was a great effort. At my second daughters first birthday I was 8 months pregnant with my son so everyone expected me to be a whale. This year I weigh more than when I was in my last trimester with my son. How the hell did I let that happen.

My trainer told me that if you have around 3 treats a week ( this could be something as small as a few pieces of chocolate) on top of an average diet with little exercise you can gain around a kilo a month. No one notices a kilo a month but after 12 months that is 12 kilos and two years later that is 24 KILOS!!! No wonder many of us are over weight.

I wish someone had told me how big I was getting as friends can tell the truth but those mirrors LIE!

Motivation

I got to meet with my trainer today and have my first weigh in. After the mid week weigh myself debacle I was really scared. It was not the happy news I thought it would be in fact I was 4.5 kilos heavier than I had last weighed myself several months earlier. I will point out that I never weighed myself when I first started the program in fact the last time I was weighed was at the Dr's in early October. So I probably had gained weight since that visit.

I feel better and lighter so I am going to check in again in another 3 weeks. That way I will honestly be able to know if I am changing and if not I can seek medical help. I should also noet that I am on pills for PND ( post natal depression) so these can effect weight loss.

Now my official start weight is 99.5 kilos. I cried as someone who normally sits between 55 - 60 kilos being so close to the big 100 is a fear come true. My mission is now to make that number shrink and to NEVER hit triple figures.

I don't like to reveal my weight but I think it is important for me to acknowledge that number and to get it off my chest hehe literally!!

My work out intensity has been increased to make sure I am definitely burning what I need to.!!!

I will keep you posted.

WTF

Seriously I am livid at my body, after following my strict as diet and exercising an hour every day except Sunday I have gained 2 kilos :S

I felt like crying onto my new scales that were supposed to bring me good news it was my first time weighing myself in months. All I can think of is that since it had been a couple of months since I had weighed myself before the program started, I may have gained some weight between then and the start.

All I know is after all the hard work it really bites!!!!!

Curves are sexy!!!

I will never understand how curvy used to be sexy now it is more sexy to look like a boy :S I know who I would rather look like.

CAUGHT OUT

Of course cross trainers are fun when you haven't yet turned one and you are NOT supposed to be on it!

Hooray for Small Victories

The last few weeks have  been really frustrating I have been following everything I am supposed to be doing but other than feeling healthier I have not felt any lighter. Then yesterday while chasing my son up the stairs my PJ pants fell to my ankles and I mooned the front door. I have never been so happy to lose my pants!!!!

As I mentioned in my food plan I am allowed 3 treat meals a week so long as they are no bigger in size than my regular meals. Last night I took my kids for a Happy Meal as they were dying for a chipmunk toy. I decided to treat myself to a chicken burger as one of my treat meals. OMG I felt both mentally and physically ill afterwards. It is AMAZING how different your bodies feels after having healthy food pumped into it to having a small amount of "junk food".

Healthy body really does mean healthy mind after you eat a nice healthy meal not only does your digestive systems feel good but your mind is intrinsically rewarded to. You feel no guilt and you  feel nourished, and well looked after. I will still confess I miss adding condiments like mayo to my salad and my other treat meals have consisted of kumara and pumpkin as I miss those.I definitely feel better both mentally, as well as, physically better at the moment....

xox J

Exercise Plan

Otherwise known as the thing that can make a grown woman cry louder than when giving birth!!!!


Monday:

Strength training:
30 Squats 3 x set of ten
30 stair climbs missing a step and that is 30 per leg so 60.
30 push ups
Modified plank 3 x 45 second
90 Prone Mountain climbers
60 Supine alt leg drops ( by far the worst of them all)

followed by 20 min of cardio!!!

Tuesday:

60 Min cardio

Wednesday:


Strength same as above.
20 min cardio

Thursday:
60 min Cardio

Friday:

Strength training same as above

20 min cardio

Saturday:

60 min cardio

Sunday 

REST MY LAZY ASS ON THE COUCH!!!! ( yeah right like my kids would let me do that lol )

Of course with 3 kids this is not always possible and sometimes it has to be broken up during the day. The more you get used to it the easier it is to squeeze it in. This does take an intense commitment though and some days it just BLOWS.


kia kaha  it will be worth it in the end.

Fairytale

Once upon a time in a metro land called Auckland there lived one hip, hot princess with a rocking bod. Then along came Prince Charming. Prince Charming came from a less than charming kingdom called Hamilton. But Prince Charming was hot and had a nice car so the adventurous 19 year old princess decided to take a ride.

A couple of of months later the princess found out she was expecting her own little unplanned princess and moved down to the kingdom ( if one could call it that) of Hamilton. These were dark times for the princess, as she could not drive and was completely isolated from friends and family, the prince wasn't so charming with suddenly having a hormonal and house bound princess in his care and they bickered endlessly.

Then on one HOT January day the princess went into labor,  4 days later  and every pain relief imaginable a little Angel was born, who was named,  well Angel.

Having had a seriously  fab pre pregnancy bod it was a bit disconcerting carrying extra weight but the princess wasn't too bothered at first, then as the Summer approached she starved and walked then starved some more until she was just shy of her pre pregnancy fabness.

All was well for awhile the princess still yearned for her previous cosmopolitan city but busied herself with gaining her higher education so she could one day be in the position to help other people. Before to long there was a royal wedding and another princess was born, little Willow. The princess set forth to the working world  and became a secondary teacher but before her first month was up,  found out that she was expecting yet another royal. By the time the new baby was born the princess had fled from her prince after one to many rows and a mother in law that had it in for her, and returned to her homeland.

The princess returned to her home though not in the state she had left, suddenly with 3 babies, 2 under 13 months she was all alone and 35 kilos heavier than she was when she ruled. Alone and overwhelmed a fairy godmother appeared in the form of Little Treasures magazine and blessed the princess with a personal trainer.

How does this fairy tale end?

Well I am hoping with a happily ever after, I will keep you posted ;)

The Fountain of Youth

I have discovered the secret to ultimate youth!! WATER yes little old H20 has magical powers.

When I first heard that I had to drink 2 litres of water a day I cringed. I have never been a huge water drinker my mother said she had to force it down me even as an infant. I do not mind the taste of chilled water so I brought a 2 litre bottle at the supermarket. Every night before I go to bed I refill and chill, I then work my way through it during the day. I have found the more you exercise the easier it is to drink and it really is the ULTIMATE thirst quencher, when drink other fluids you tend to want more but water really does satisfy.

My skin is so very radiant and while I have been blessed with a peaches and cream complexion it really does look outstanding better than any Principle's Secret infomercial. Also what a money saver I used to go through several bottles of Coke Zero a week not to mention a few liters of milk as well, now I have found water has actually eliminated my soda cravings, truly amazing.

I have also heard that our body also mistakes thirst for hunger this is very true as since I have been drinking this miracle fluid I am no longer as hungry and I snack less.

So reach for the water bottles and discover your own fountain of youth.

Guilt Free Mocha

I used to like to start the day with a Nescafe Vanilla Latte sachet. Unfortunately for me this contains A LOT of sugar, I do not like the taste of regular coffee and if I am at a cafe I always enjoy a mocha. Thanks to Jeremy and weight watchers I have now found a new get up and go in the morning and a sweet treat at night.



Low Fat Mocha

1 heaped teaspoon of Weight Watchers drinking chocolate
1 teaspoon of instant coffee
milk and hot water as desired.

At night I find I want something after the kids have gone to be it used to be chips and dip or chocolate, maybe a cookie if we had done some baking etc now I have a Weight Watchers drinking chocolate or some weight watchers jelly. You really have to hand it to Weight Watchers for coming up with some seriously brilliant alternatives that still retain great flavor.

SAY WHAT ?!?!

Guess what people! That food you swipe off your kiddies plate yeah you know what I am talking about, it counts. Yes those sneaky calories on your kids plate count towards your own. I always thought those mummy calories were ok I mean come on why waste food the critters don't eat. Those calories add up so mums, dads stop sneaking the kids food and throw it on the lawn or in the bin asap!

My ultimate temptation was my 2 year olds left over chicken nugget wrap. It was sitting on her plate half eaten all in its battered, carb, mayo, salad with cheese glory!!! I was so tempted but I was strong and threw it out to the seagulls.

I think as a mother we hide behind our children a lot and use it as an excuse of being bigger, " oh I am carrying baby weight" never minding that our so called "baby" is entering their pre school years. With children there comes temptation, it is so easy to finish their food when you take them out for a Happy Meal, not to mention all the baking etc. At the end of the day though we as parents are the ultimate role models for our children so why not model good nutrition :)

Nutrition Plan

They say you learn something everyday. I used to consider myself food savvy I KNOW what I should be eating and what I shouldn't the thing is I just don't do it. I make a conscious effort to only shop the outside of the supermarket eg fruits, vege, meats and dairy but then I add the condiments, mayo, fats, sauces. I always thought since I was relatively active I could burn these off WRONG. What I have learnt from my trainer / nutritionist is that it is 70% food and 30% exercise that accounts for our weight! So even if you are active it really DOES matter what you put in your mouth.


This is my new nutrition plan:


Jessica Nutrition Plan

2/1/12

Meal 1:

1 piece of whole grain toast (vogels or similar) + 2 poached or scrambled eggs. If you scramble the eggs only use a small amount of milk and no butter or fat.

Option: 1 cup of fresh fruit + 1/4 cup of low fat plain unsweetened youghurt.

Meal 2:

Small apple

Option: if you had fruit and youghurt for breakfast, then a this meal you should have a small handful of roasted unsalted almonds and carrot sticks

Meal 3:

Protein and salad or vegetables

Tuna, salmon or chicken 140grams plus unlimited green salad or mixed vegetables. Use sparingly 1 tablespoon of olive oil or balsamic vinegar for your salad dressing and if you like avocado add 1/4 avocado to the salad. If you use balsamic for your dressing you can afford to have a little more than if you use olive oil.

Meal 4:

Low carb protein shake if you have it, or I can recommend a brand that is good. Made with 1/4 milk and 3/4 water. I remembered you said you like drinking milk so this would be a good substitute. If you don't have almonds at meal 2 and have fruit instead then you can have almonds here instead.

Meal 5:

Large lean protein source chicken, fish, beef, steak or lamb and unlimited salad or unlimited mixed vegetables. The same dressings you used in lunch are applicable here. If you are wanting a cheaper option you can make lean beef mince with dolmio sauce and put the beef mixture if lettuce leaf pockets like pita pockets but using lettuce instead. And give your kids the same, or option of tacos or spaghetti.

Meal 6:

Weight watchers hot chocolate if you need something sweet, or weight watchers jelly is also a good option for a sweet treat.

I love the fact it is not egg whites only :) I also love that there are lots of meals. Starvation STUMPS your metabolism people and affects future weight loss!

You are also allowed 3 of your own  meals a week but note the portions have to the the same as your healthy meals. NO BINGING.

So this is week one of my nutrition plan. Wish me luck!