Warm fuzzies on a cold day!

Why am I feeling so warm and fuzzy on this snowy, cold day? I had a great girlie's night last night, hence my lack of a post yesterday! I sought comfort and solice in two of my very good friends and had a fantastic night, I did consume alcohol (one glass of wine) and indulge on food that wasn't on the plan, but I'm really trying to listen to my body, and I felt that I needed a night of fun, indulgence and laughter and all three were met to my delight. But today I am back on track with the food and the workouts and feel much better for my night off, so to say.

It really is amazing the range of emotions we go through when you're going through a break up! I'm not crying anymore and I still believe 100% that it was the right decision but my mind, heart and body still need to go through the process and I'm determined to feel every emotion because I have in the past not want to feel it and then it rears it's ugly head much later. So, feel it now or feel it later? I'd rather pull off the band-aid fast instead of slow and even though it hurts like hell, very soon it's a distant pain and the remaining scar heals over until it's gone completely.

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: Ezekiel cereal, 1/2 cup skim Soy milk, 1/4 cup fresh berries, 1tbsp flax seed, 1tbsp bee-pollen, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: Ezekiel wholegrain wrap, sliced boiled egg, spinach, sliced tomato, large glass of water.

Snack: unbuttered popcorn (unbelievably on the eating plan!) skinny Soy latte.

Dinner: Spanagoptia, (Greek dish bought from the health food store, so no bad stuff in it) 1 apple, large glass of water.

Activity: 1 hour jog, 100 walking lunges and sit ups (phew!)

So all in all a good day, even if it's not that nice outside. I stopped whining about the weather a long time ago, it doesn't change whats happening outside, but you can change whats happening in you. Try turning your head to the sky and letting the soft flakes fall on your face and tickle your nose, this always improves my mood!

Keep on Trucking!

Well today was my second lesson at Trucking School and I was allowed to drive amongst other traffic and I did pretty good, I was shifting much better, kept the truck in the correct lane and nobody got hurt, it was a good day at school. Today was weigh in day, the second week on my new eating plan, but I didn't lose anything I wasn't sure what to expect especially as I had such a big loss last week, which brings to mind the T.V show "The biggest loser" with the infamous 2nd week of poor weight loss. But I do feel a lot smaller and lighter, so I think I have lost a lot of inches, once a Month I will measure myself and see where I am at.

In the old days I would of been face down in a box of donuts, if I would of stepped on the scale and saw a big fat 0 staring back at me, thank goodness I don't think like that anymore. I know I had a fantastic loss last week and my body is probably just adjusting and I have faith that it will come off as long as I stick to this plan. I did have one dine out and a little bit of alcohol, so this could have swayed the scale in the wrong direction, but I'm not beating myself up over it and shall follow the plan with just as much gusto.

Down the Hatch:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup low fat soy milk, craisons & raspberries, 1 scoop of protein, 1 tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seed, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: Sushi, small lean portion of beef, large glass of water.

Snack: clean protein bar & fresh strawberries, large glass of water, cup of tea.

Dinner: Mackerel fillet, 1/2 baked sweet potato, green beans, large glass of water.

Activity: 75 mins Hot Yoga.

I was so proud of my driving skills today and for not taking my negative weight loss as a downer that I'm off to meditate on some more positive stuff! Have a good Saturday all.

Fear begone!

Today I didn't have the super early morning Truck lesson so I caught up on a couple hours of extra beauty sleep (badly needed). I had an appointment with the doctor at 11.30, so I had tons of time to chilax and get up nice and un-rushed, always my favourite option. I think that was one of the things that used to dry my ex crazy, I'm sorry but I just don't do morning's buddy. When I spoke yesterday about time healing the heart, mines not totally healed but it's well on the way to getting all better.

I made it my mission to finally get all my health stuff sorted out, I had been abandoning my regular health checks and finally decided to do something about it. As a female these check ups are vitally important, so I booked a bunch of appointments, they did just recently find a lump but nothing life threatening thank goodness, an appointment has been made to sort it out, so it's all good. It's amazing how many things slip by the wayside when were not taking care of ourselves, mentally and physically, my food addiction has almost killed me before and being so entrenched in the food again I almost let it harm me again.

I'm so glad that I decided to give up flour and sugar because what I am finding now is that the physical urge to binge had gone, the addictive craving still rears its ugly head from time to time, but not having to fight both urges makes life a lot easier. I was so scared to take this step and now I've done it I feel so much better, that fear thing is such a waste of time, it holds us back from so many things that we want to achieve in our lives. Make it a mission to overcome at least one of your fears this year, it's so empowering.

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: Ezekiel cereal, raisins, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup low fat Soy milk, 1 scoop protein powder, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1 tbsp flax seed, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: Fresh sushi (made with brown rice), smoked Mackerel fillet, handful of snap peas, large glass of water.

Snack: chopped veggies, 2 tsps humus, large glass of water, cup of coffee.

Dinner: Tilapea fillet, 1/2 baked sweet potato, carrots, 1 apple, large glass of water & cup of tea.

Activity: 40 mins elliptical trainer & 30 mins circuit weight training.

I'm off to watch "The Vampire Diaries" I love that show! Take care all till tomorrow.

What a difference a week makes!

Well, it was a week ago my boyfriend and I broke up, distance makes the heart grow fonder and time heals it. I was kinda tired today and I must admit I had cravings for some naughty things, but I didn't give in and felt a lot better for it. I had my "Professional Driving Course" at the Trucking school today, it was all classroom stuff but very interesting, some stuff I knew already and some stuff I didn't, I got 93 % on my test, not too shabby. It was a really fun group and the teacher made it as entertaining as he could.

I listened to my body today and didn't give in to my cravings and I also didn't have the energy to go and workout, I realized I wasn't giving myself enough recovery days and my body was constantly aching, not fun, right? So I'm aiming for 5 workout's a week that should be plenty, especially combined with my new eating plan.

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup Ezekiel cereal, 1/2 banana, 1 kiwi, 1/2 cup low fat soy milk, 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 tbsp bee-pollen, 1 tbsp flax seed, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: Ezekiel wrap with flaked Tilapea, spinach, spring onion, hand full of split peas, scant handful of dry fruit and nuts, glass of water.

Snack: 2 brown rice cakes, 2 tbsp humus, 1 apple, large glass of water & coffee.

Dinner: Lean cut 5 oz Steak, fresh tossed salad, grilled zucchini & mushrooms, large glass of water, tiny glass of red wine (steak and wine is allowed on this plan, just in moderation, today felt like a moderation day!)

Activity: none, rest day.

I missed my meditation yesterday, so I think I shall give myself an extra long session tonight, I'm lighting up the incense, candles and getting comfy in my cross legged pose, Take it easy out there and I'll yack at ya'll tomorrow.

I am bushed!

Well, as I expected I didn't sleep at all last night and had my first day of Class 1 training and boy was I tired, thank goodness it was only for 4 hours. It was a lot to take in the first day, I had to learn everything about the truck before you take it out, there are some similarity's from a bus, but boy, was there a lot of information! Very interesting though, I love driving (anything) so the more you know about what your operating the better, especially an 18 wheeler! I drove it around the block a couple of times far away from people and small children, I didn't do too bad, I found the shifting a little confusing because of the split, but after a couple of goes and practicing going from 4th to 5th it got a lot easier. A s for the size of vehicle it wasn't too bad since I'm used to the bus, but turning is a lot more detailed and a lot wider!

So, I did come home and have a nap as I was beyond pooped! I am going to miss my Overeater's Anonymous meeting tonight, but I shall call a fellow member to keep in touch and make sure I don't derail, as I find missing a meeting can have a backsliding effect. Food wise was good, I had to drag my sorry ass around the grocery store this afternoon, to top up my fresh new grub, I wanted so badly to nap in the soft produce section!

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup granola, 1/2 cup berries, 1/2 cup low fat natural yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1 tbsp flax seed, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: Ezekiel wholegrain wrap, spinach, spring onion and humus, hand full of dry nuts and fruit, large glass of water.

Dinner: Mackerel fillet, brown rice and steamed broccoli, large glass of water & cup of tea.

Snack: 1/2 cup natural yogurt, 1/2 banana.

Activity: None too pooped!

So tomorrow I am back at Truck Training School for a professional driving course, it's all classroom and no driving, which is a shame because I'm kinda eager to get back behind the wheel of that big old thing!
Take care all, I hope you have a fantastic day tomorrow.

My butt looks smaller!

I was trying on jackets today because I need a jacket I don't mind getting dirty, as I am starting my Class 1 training tomorrow, yes I am pursuing becoming a Trucker, the open road calls my name. So, anyway I was trying on this jacket and thought how much smaller it made my butt look when I realized it wasn't the jacket, my butt is actually smaller! That's usually the last place it goes, I shall say it again this plan of eating is amazing!

I really must say once you get into the swing of things and it doesn't become such a mind boggling task to prepare each meal, I can really see how it can become a plan of eating for the rest of your life, it really does become easier day to day. I haven't really mentioned much of my past career's I have had many though. The past two years I have been driving a bus, first with Transit and then with Greyhound, but the dog and me parted ways on not very good terms, let's just say they were a very, very bad boy!

So tomorrow I have to get up super early which I am so not used to, I seem to have the body clock of a teenager and can sleep quite easily until noon! But, it's only for 4 hours tomorrow, I don't know how much of that is driving, but we'll probably scoot around their parking lot until I figure out the gears and there are many on of them!

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup skim soy milk, 1/2 cup mixed berries, 1 scoop protein powder, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seed, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: wholegrain wrap with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, scant handful of mixed nuts & dried fruit, large glass of water.

Snack: clean protein bar, glass of water & cup of coffee.

Dinner: Tilapea (fish) with grilled tomatoes, green beans, sweet potato salad, large glass of water & cup of tea.

Activity: 1 hour Kick-Boxing Class.

I'm just gonna sit down for a quick mediation and then it's off to bed, hopefully I can sleep, usually when I have to be up so early, I worry about missing my alarm clock and can't sleep at all, worse case scenario I can come home for an afternoon nap! Goodnight all, have a good one tomorrow.

Lazy Sunday afternoon.

I wasn't in a rush to exit my warm comfy bed this morning, so I had a nice long lie in and crawled out from the covers closer to noon than morning. I had a great time with my friend last night, we went for dinner to "Moxies" I like that restaurant because it doesn't serve gigantic portions and I love the decor, it's super trendy. So, for dinner I had a small steak, with salad and a small slice of garlic bread, I did treat myself to a Bellini, I had to have at least one break up drink right? Afterwards went to the cheapie theatre and saw "Law Abiding Citizen" with Jamie Fox and Gerard Butler, there is a seen when he's totally buck naked and I must say he is fine specimen of a man, super yummy! It was a really good film, not what I was expecting, but really good two thumbs way up (especially the nudey scene!).

I did indulge in a few theatre snacks but I shared it with my friend, calories shared are calories halved! So I made sure because of my little munchies moment last night that today I was back to "Eating-Clean" again, Tosca Reno does talk about indulging once a week or once in a while, but you really have to stick to it being a small part of your new eating plan. I have had difficulty with this in the past so I have to tread very carefully in these waters.

I went to an afternoon hot yoga session, just to make sure I sweat ed out any extra calories from last night and of course just to feel amazing after the super charged workout, we don't just sit in a lotus position for 75 minutes!

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: 4 egg whites omelet, handful of dry cereal, raisins, 1/2 cup mixed berries, dash low fat soy milk, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seed, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: chopped tofu, mixed green salad, handful of nuts and dry fruit, large glass of water.

Snack: 2 kiwi fruit, low fat natural yogurt, large glass of water & skinny soy latte.

Dinner: Lean ground turkey burger, grilled tomatoes, green beans, sweet potato salad, large glass of water.

Activity: 75 mins hot yoga.

I'm off to meditate, my best to all of you.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

The first thing I lay my eyes on this morning was the big fluffy flakes falling ubiquitously from the darkened sky. My first thought was to turn around and go back to bed, but I didn't I stumbled into my workout clothes and munched on my healthy breakfast, brushed off the car and went to my kick-boxing class. I don't know about you lot, but snow to me is a total sedative, I had to drag my sorry ass through the class and through the rest of the day, actually I had to admit after my meditation session I did have a nap on the couch :)

I don't despise the snow like I used to when I first moved to Calgary, but I must say it does have an immediate downing effect on me, which I am aware of and take the necessary steps to undo the SAD by doing something HAPPY even if my body doesn't like it! I keep saying that I'm going to take skiing lessons, but I have terrible balance and I'm always thinking about the possibility of breaking a hip or two! But that is a fear emotion, which I don't like to entertain too much these days, before skiing I have to learn how swim.

Swimming has been my biggest fear ever since I was a child, I don't know why I love to be by the Ocean, On the Ocean, looking at the Ocean, but not never inside the Ocean. My sister in-law in California teaches scardy cat's like myself and the last couple of visit she has got me floating and even swimming, just holding onto her hand lightly in the water. Which is still mind boggling to me, I wasn't aware that I could float or swim, unbeknown to me my butt is a fantastic flotation device! I just have to take the next step and purchase a few private lessons and I'll be well on my way, then I can work on the skiing.

Tonight my lovely friend Darlene is taking me out for a "cheering me up dinner", but I do already fel so much better as the days go by, it was a little harder today with my SAD kicking in, but I'm looking forward to tonight and having some fun, were going for dinner and a movie. For dinner I am going to try and stick to the rules Tosca Reno talks about in her "Clean-Eating " book, but I know eating out can be a bit of challenge and alcohol is not a big thing for me, desert is my downfall!

Down the hatch so far today:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup wholegrain granola, 1/2 cup natural fat free yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 tbsp flax seed, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1/2 cup mixed berries & large glass of water.

Lunch: Ezeqiel wholegrain wrap with chopped tofu, lettuce, spinach, spring onion, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Snack: 2 brown rice cakes, 2 tbsp humus & 1 apple, large glass of water (I know I've had this snack three days in a row, but I love it!) & cup of tea.

Dinner: to be determined!

I shall fill you in tomorrow on how the evening went and what I chose food wise, but I really am looking to be good and sticking to this plan, especially as it's working so well. Ta ta for now.

I lost 5 lbs! Woo Hoo!

As I stepped on the scale this morning I wasn't sure what to expect I had followed the "Eating Clean" rules close and was feeling pretty good, towards the end of the week anyway! But the number that stared back at me was a lovely surprise! I was down a whole 5lbs, that is tough to do with only 10 more to go, the closer to your goal weight the harder it gets, add in age and it's like pulling teeth trying to lose weight. So I am very happy and proud of myself for sticking to my new Clean Eating guns and it paid off, no matter how tough my week was I still had amazing results.

So, after the first weeks eating plan you can choose to go to the "maintenance-weight loss" plan, which I think I shall venture onto, as it includes a lot more foods, all still flour, sugar, gluten and all that stuff free. It adds a lot more variety and includes wraps and breads, a certain kind of bread product called "Ezekiel" and it's found in the frozen section of your local health store. I had a wrap today and it had a totally different taste, a lot more filling, nuttier in taste, but doesn't give you that yucky bloated feeling after eating regular bread, so it got two thumbs up from me!

I'm feeling a lot better by the day, physically, no flagging energy levels and my emotional state is vastly improved, which is a good thing, I'm feeling light, happy, calm and care free!

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: Ezekiel cold cereal, 1/2 cup low fat rice milk, 1tbs bee-pollen, 1 tbsp flax seed, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup mixed berries, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: Ezekiel wholegrain wrap with lettuce, spinach, spring onions & tofu cooked and lightly rolled in sesame seeds, all wrapped together in a supper yummy power lunch! Large glass of water.

Snack: 2 brown rice cakes, 2 tbls humus & 1 apple, large glass of water, cup coffee.

Dinner: Lean ground turkey burger, chopped tomatoes with onions, garlic, herbs, spices, 1/2 zucchini & sweet potato roasted with a light dressing and a few sultana's, super duper yummy! Large glass of water and cup of tea.

Activity: 35 mins on elliptical trainer and 30 mins weight training circuit.

So I am signing off healthier, happier and a whole lot lighter, this eating plan totally rocks! Good night to all, I wish you all a long happy healthy future.

A much better day :)

When I woke up today, my eyes were still puffy from crying yesterday, but as soon as I gulped down a coffee and my wonderfully healthy breakfast I began to feel a lot better! As the day went on I went to a doctor's appointment, signed up for a course, went shopping for more healthy grub, my mood began to increase for the better. What I realized I was feeling for the first time in a long long time was a total calm that washed right over me, now I'm not a hyper kind of person, not at all and to say I'm laid back is an understatement! But I haven't felt this kind of peaceful, carefree calm for many years, which lead me to believe what happened yesterday was absolutely the right thing to do.

It's so difficult to see the truth for what it is when your in a relationship and the signs that pop up on regular occasions that we some times choose to ignore. Throughout our 4 year relationship these warning signs were there for me and him to see, but we chose to follow the wrong path. I think we both did it out of hope that it would work due to sincere affection for each other, but there were major signs earlier on that made it clear that we where both two very different pea's unable to fit into any shaped pod! I'm not saying this was an abusive relationship, none whatsoever, but if we both would have listened to our inner voices I'm pretty sure we would have heard "Turn around and walk away now, NOW!"

So, if I walk away with anything it will be with hope for a future friendship with my ex and to listen with ears wide open to my inner guidance, the only trouble is the heart's voice always speaks a lot louder! My friends have been calling me for support which is great, I'm so lucky to have the close group of people I have the luxury of calling friends. A girlie's night out has been planned for the near future, play on Cyndi Lauper's "Girls just wanna have fun"!

Even though I only broke up with my boyfriend yesterday, I still had no urge to binge eat, which still boggles my mind, but it's a good kind of boggling!! In the past I would have used any excuse to "use", as food is my drug, but thanks to my Higher Power I am able to go through life's mishaps without shovelling mounds off food down my gullet. I know this is a 24 hour thing, so today I am thankful that these 24 hours have been sane.

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seed, 1 scoop of protein powder, 1/2 cup mixed berries, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: water packed tuna, salad of lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, splash lemon juice and mixed herbs, handful of dried fruit and a few nuts, large glass of water & herbal tea.

Snack: 2 brown rice cakes with humus spread on top and 1 apple, large glass of water.

Dinner: Lean ground turkey, 1/2 cup canned no sodium tomato's, 1/2 zucchini, handful of fresh spinach,garlic, herbs, all cooked together in skillet, super yummy! Large glass of water and a cup of tea.

Activity: None it was a rest day!

So folks I shall sign off feeling much better, mentally and physically, remember to follow your inner guide, it never let's you down! Take care until tomorrow, have a good one.

My boyfriend broke up with me today!

Well, today my boyfriend of 4 years broke up with me, I can't say I was totally shocked, he had been distancing himself from me for the past little while, but I don't think you're ever really prepared to deal with it when it arrives. We had a very in depth discussion and I guess we both came to the conclusion that were waaay too different to really see a future together. I think he came to this realization long before I did so I took it pretty hard, he did seem genuinely hurt about the outcome, but we both had to agree that it wasn't possible to carry on the way things were between us. I love him very much, he told me that he loved me, but wasn't in love with me, which made a lot of things clear to me, he said that he really did want this to work but, we just never seemed to get to where a truly loving couple needed to be.

So, today was kinda tough on me, did I fall face down into a big plate of cake? No. Did I give up on my workout? No. Did I fall off my new found eating plan? No. So, I must say I hung in there pretty good, considering, I know it's gonna be a little tough going, but I've been through this before, so I'm pretty sure I will survive, just like the song!

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, 1 tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seed, 1/2 cup mixed berries, 1 scoop protein powder, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: grilled chicken breast, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, large glass of water & cup of tea.

Snack: 4 egg white omelet, 1 apple, large glass of water.

Dinner: Tuna loin grilled, 1 tomato, green beans, large glass of water, cup of coffee.

Activity: 1 hr 15 min hot yoga class.

Signing off for today.

I won something!!

I couldn't believe it, but I entered a radio competition and I won!!! Now, I have to inform you that I never win ANYTHING but I won Calgary's xl103 New Years resolution competition, I won a gift certificate to Fitness Depot, how fabulous is that? This will come in great because there's freezing cold, blizzarding days when you just don't won't to leave the house and I don't have to now, mind you I don't know how much it's for, but whatever it is will be wonderful and helpful as I'm not working right now. Thanks so much Xl103!

I took advantage of the lovely weather again today and went for a brisk hour long walk and stuck to the "Eating Clean" plan again without too much problem. I also went for an hour long weigh training class at my local gym, which is great because they work all the body parts and I like the whole class atmosphere it keeps you motivated.

Tonight I attended my weekly Overeater's Anonymous group, which is such an important part of my life, my well-being, my sanity, my healthy eating lifestyle, my spirituality. It's a vital part of my mental health, because once I'm out of control with the food, everything else in my life is out of control. I have been a member for five years and without a doubt it has changed my life, I know my life isn't perfect, but that's not what we strive for, my life has definitely changed for the better, the compulsion with the food becomes less and less. I'm thinking my final decision to cut out sugar and flour too should help my cause enormously. I have made wonderful friends in the programme and learnt an unbelievable amount of stuff about myself and I'm still learning!

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast:- 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 scoop protein powder, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seed, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: 1 grilled chicken breast, lettuce, cucumbers, radishes, large glass of water.

Snack: 1 scoop protein powder, orange juice, blueberries, all blended into a yummy smoothie & cup coffee.

Dinner: Tuna steak (so yummy!) & 1/2 roasted sweet potato.

Activity: 1 hour long walk & 1 hour weight training class.

I'm feeling better each day on this programme, I'm so glad I took the leap and wasn't afraid, I didn't believe in a million years that I could ever live without sugar and flour and processed packaged foods. I'm loving the actual natural taste of all the foods I'm trying and haven't disliked one thing yet. I might have to switch out the oatmeal soon, I can have different thing's I've just been sticking with it out of convenience, but I don't want to get fed up of it, I love oatmeal.

So I'm hitting the sack now, what a lovely fun filled day! I wish you all one too.

I feel bloody great!!!

Well, it took a few tough days to get through but, boy am I feeling fantastic! The weak, woosey, foggy feeling has completely gone, headache is gone and I went to my 1 hour kick-boxing class and felt bloody brilliant! I have tons of energy and am thinking I might be able to pull this thing off, I wasn't so sure the last couple of days!

The body is an amazing thing, it pretty much adapts to whatever life throws at it. I've been pretty bad to my body over the years, with my eating disorder starting at age nine. But I've always sought answers and I don't give up easily, what I finally have come to know for sure is that I cannot have sugar of flour in my eating plan, once I have a sliver of either one I binge completely out of control and hate myself afterward. I think I've known for a long time that I need to give it up completely, it's a total drug to me, I have no control over it. The only way to gain control, or a life of some kind of normalcy is to give it up completely. I know it's not going to be easy, what in life is?

So, with my wonderful new found energy I went for a nice long walk in our unseasonably warm weather (I'm loving it) attended my favourite kick-boxing class, you burn some major calories in the hour, it's totally amazing and fun too. Had another wonderful day of eating clean, it's getting less and less scary and a lot less complicated!

Down the hatch:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup slow cooked oatmeal, 1 tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seed, 1 scoop protein powder, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch:- 1 palm sized serv lean grilled turkey, steamed spinach, 1/2 baked sweet potato, large glass water.

Snack:- 2 scoops protein powder, 1 cup mixed frozen fruit, 1 cup ice-cubes, 1/2 cup water, all blended up into a yummy smoothie.

Dinner:- 1 palm sized serv lean baked turkey, baked zucchini, 1/2 baked Sweet potato, large glass water & cup of tea.

Activity: long walk and 1 hour kick-boxing class.

And now onto my daily ritual of meditation, I start with the guided meditation CD and then I practice a 15-20 minute meditation of all the things I want to bring into my life and then I thank God and the universe for all the wonderful things that are present in my life now, gratitude is the best way to bring more wonder into your life.

Thanks for listening, I hope you all find what your seeking.

Feeling a little light-headed but hanging in there!!

Hi y'all today was a tough one, I tossed and turned all night, my head pounded, I just couldn't seem to get to sleep, I think I eventually got about 2 hours, thank goodness I had nothing pressing today! I guess my body is reacting quite pissed off at me for no longer pouring junk down my throat and it is letting me know it big time! It did warn me in the book once you start eating clean and all the preservatives and sugar and all the highly processed foods your body's used to it's going to rebel. Boy, is mine rebelling with a vengeance.

So, I drank more water to get all the toxins moving quicker and I went to one of my favourite hot yoga glasses "Moksha" it's just like Bikram, where the room is heated to 105 degrees (AHHH it's just like being in Mexico, minus the Margaritas!) This form of yoga detoxifies, strengthens, tones, improves flexibility and relaxes you body and mind, plus a whole bunch of other things. I felt a lot better after the class, I expelled a few buckets of sweat (toxins) in the 90 minute class and was well on the road to feeling a lot better. I'm just getting back into the whole yoga thing, so my flexibility isn't that great, there were some positions I had no hope in hell of getting into, but it's amazing if you keep it up how much stronger and flexible you become. Instead of just collapsing in a sweaty heap onto your mat, you end up twisting and floating like a well trained ninja, I was the collapsed sweaty one, but I strive to become the graceful ninja.

I am quite surprised at how much I enjoy cooking! I always thought I sucked at it big time, but what I am finding is that you have to be inventive with all the spices and no fat rubs, I usually just use lemon juice and mixed spices with no sodium. Everything I make is actually edible, I know I'm no Gordon Ramsey, I don't swear that much!!! But I think I'm doing pretty darn well for a novice who was terrified to boil water!

Okay, here's what I shoved down the hatch today:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup slow cooked oatmeal, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seed, 1 scoop protein powder, large glass water and cup of coffee.

Lunch: 1 palm sized serv of canned Tuna in water, 2 cupped hand fulls of lettuce, tomato and large glass of water.

Snack: palm sized grilled chicken breast, 1/2 apple and chopped veggies & large glass of water and cup of coffee.

Dinner: Talipea (white sweet fish, very yummy!) 1/2 baked sweet potato, fresh spinach & large glass of water & cup of tea.

I am preparing to do my daily 30 minute meditation, which I have come to absolutely adore, I follow a guided meditation CD as I still find my mind wonders....Squirrel!!!! So if you're just starting to get into this I would definitely recommend a guided form, it keeps your wondering brain from wondering too much!

I am ending today feeling a lot better, the fogginess is subsiding, my head is no longer pounding, my energy is returning and I'm pretty sure I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight.

Take care all, bye-bye for now.

Feeling a little crappy!

There was a warning in the book about feeling foggy a couple days into the meal plan and I must say I am feeling a little crappy, I went to my kick-boxing class this morning and it was like kicking and punching under water and I've had a killer of a headache all day, but I've had worse hangovers in my past so I guess I'll survive! At least I can still drink coffee on this plan, if that was a no no I would be in whole lot more pain today!

I'm still enjoying the food and apart from the hazy feeling today I don't feel too shabby. I am actually enjoying the whole cooking experience, I count the amount of times I've cooked in my life and they are very few and far between, I have encountered several fires and ruined cooking instruments and once I even ignited a kettle, brewing it for a cup of tea!!!!

So I went out and bought a few utensils that I didn't have due to my lack of cooking history, So I purchased a good sharp knife, a chopping board and a cooking pan that looks like a grill. This afternoon I sat in Starbucks and wrote for a couple of hours, I'm working on a new fictional story, it's going pretty good, the coffee helped my poor aching head!!!

Breakfast: 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1 tbsp flax seed, 1 scoop of protein powder, large glass of water and cup of coffee.

Lunch: 1 palm sized serv lean turkey, 2 cupped handfuls of fresh spinach, 1/2 sweet potato, large glass water.

Snack: 4 egg whites omelet with 2 grilled tomatoes, 1/2 apple, large glass water.

Dinner: 1 palm sized grilled chicken breast, 2 cupped hand fulls of green beans, 1/2 sweet potato, large glass water & a cup of tea.

Activity: 1 hour kick-boxing class (even if I did drag my ass!)

Okay I am going to meditate for 30 mins, which I absolutely adore, if you haven't tried it yet, I strongly recommend it, it helps center you, lower your stress levels, connect to your spiritual side and help visualize your hopes and dreams. It might even make my headache go away!

Goodnight all, well yak tomorrow.

Let's do this!

Hi there, I weighed myself and measured myself today, not very pleased with the results but, hence the title I am ready to do this. Here are my stats:-

Age: 44
Height: 5'4
Weight: 158lbs
Bust: 36"
waist 32"
Hips42"

I would like to get back to my goal weight which was 143lbs, I find I look pretty good at that weight and when I'm taking care of myself it's quite easy to maintain. I'm not sure how many inches I can lose, the more the better, that's all I can say, let's shrink this large pear shape to a much smaller pear!

So, today I had the shopping list from the "Eating Clean Diet" in my mitt as I entered areas of the grocery store I normally avoid, like all the outside areas where all the fresh good stuff hides, it was like a strange unfamiliar adventure (do I lead a boring life or what!) Okay I'm not that pathetic, but I had to ask for so many strange unheard of foods that I was totally unaware of. Boy have I been living on frozen prepackaged meals for waaaay too long. The Grocery shopping became quite the extensive, confusing experience, but I'm sure it will get better.

When I got home and stacked my fridge full of all the fresh good for you stuff, I must say my fridge has never looked so colorful, no beige stuff! I like beige stuff too much and too much beige stuff makes you pudgy, so colorful food not beige food is the answer. I was expecting to feel pretty crappy on my first day of this whole new "Eating Clean" gig but I actually felt really good, I had lot's of energy, I wasn't hungry at all (go figure!) and I absolutely enjoyed everything I ate, so every day I shall list what my activities are and what food I ate:-

Breakfast: 1/2 cup slow cooked oatmeal, 1tbsp bee-pollen, 1tbsp flax seeds, 1 scoop protein powder, large glass of water & cup of coffee.

Lunch: 1 palm size serving of tuna in water, 2 cupped handfuls of lettuce and cucumber and fresh squeezed lemon & 1 apple, large glass water.

Snack: 3 boiled eggs, just the egg whites, no yolk and 2 cupped handfuls of chopped tomatoes, large glass of water.

Dinner: Lean grilled Turkey, green beans and 1/2 sweet potato, large glass of water and a cup of tea.

I have missed out one snack because I think that Tosca Reno the lovely lady writer of this eating plan gets up a lot earlier than I do, I'm a bit of a night-time Nellie, so I had no room in the day for that extra meal, but I followed the strict guidelines of eating every 2-3 hours and all the meals should be the same size, hence the palm sized protein, 2 cupped handfuls of complex carbohydrates and 1 cupped hand from whole grains. I am following the first plan which is a little stricter and omits certain things, but I felt pretty good today we'll see as things go along.

My activity today was 50 minutes on the elliptical trainer and 20 minutes of weight training, I had lot's of energy and felt great! That's all for today folks, I'll be chatting to you tomorrow. Take Care, Bye Bye for now.

Un-Supersize Me!

Well, okay I'm not that big, just the extra 15lbs that crept back onto me from the land of lost fat, that's why I hate saying that I lost it because it always seems to find it's way back! The reason for the "Supersize Me" comment is because what I am embarking on is kind of a reverse "Supersize Me" unlike the plan where the dude put on weight (I loved that documentary, if you haven't seen it yet I suggest you do it's a real eye opener!) I shall be making all efforts to lo... let's just say shed it! I have recently come across a book titled "The Eat-Clean Diet", now I don't like the term diet because it implies that this is only temporary, but the book is written by this incredibly hot fitness model, aged 50 her name is Tosca Reno, strange name, but incredibly buff beautiful lady. What I am going to be embarking on is following her guidelines to eating clean.

What does eating clean mean? You've probably heard this term in the gym or in fitness magazines, it's basically cutting all the junk out of your eating plan and eating just good, unprocessed food as it comes from nature. Now I'm not going to give myself a time limit because that would definitely come under the guidelines of a diet and I've done enough of them. From what I can ascertain from Tosca'a book is that you can, once you get used to it, eat like this for the rest of your life, so this is no get slim quick plan and then pile the pounds back on, I'm sure many of you know how that feels, I sure do!

Now, yesterday I mentioned that I am really keen on giving up sugar in my eating plan because it is absolutely a binge food for me, some things that I cannot control are:- chocolate, cakes (of any kind) candies, cookies, baked goods, yup I guess that would all under the sugar category! I know a lot of people that struggle with a certain binge food and it seems the people that have really had long term success are the people willing to cut it out of their life completely.

I have thought of this on so many occasions but it scares me! Why? For me sugar has been in my life since I was a little girl, I enjoy the taste of it the feeling it gives me, but the joyful moments are usually fleeting, the following moments of guilt, shame and nausea last a lot longer, because I can't just stop at one chunk of chocolate I have to eat the whole thing, which leads to many other things that end in absolute misery for me. So, I guess giving up sugar shouldn't be that scary for me, if I can avoid all those awful self destructive behaviours that always seem to accompany it.

I will be starting the "Eating -Clean" plan tomorrow as it does need a vast amount of good groceries of which I have none in my house right now, but today I going to eat three healthy meals and two small snacks. Tomorrow I will post my weight and measurements and a daily log of activity and every single morsal that I will be consuming on a daily basis. I would love for any one to join me on this journey, there are strength in numbers! Just remember before embarking on any change in diet or exercise routine please consult your doctor or health care professional to make sure you're good to go.

So, farewell for today I shall rejoin you tomorrow and we can get started on this whole "Eating-Clean" gig.

Bye for now and please say an extra prayer tonight for the people effected by the awful earthquake, they shall be in mine.

My first blog EVER!

Hi there, this feels a little strange to me, I've never blogged before so please bear with me! I'm wanting to start a new chapter in my life, I have made many changes in my life, regarding my work, marriages, travels and especially my weight. But I have found old habit's creeping up (totaling 15lbs!!) and I came to a very strong realization that I am totally addicted to sugar and even though I have been told that this is a problem with me before, I guess I was too scared to admit it.

Ever since I was a little girl food has played a big role in my life and I have let it completely ruin me, my relationships, my family connections and many many other things. I think I have to completely rule sugar out of my life, but that also terrifies me, this is where you come in! I am wanting to log all my daily accomplishment's. I think if I am committed to filling in you guys on a daily basis, in return I think that will help keep me on the straight and narrow and hopefully help anyone else struggling with this very common problem.

I am an absolute food addict, food and especially sugar is just as much a deadly lure to me as alcohol is to an alcoholic. I belong to a twelve step programme that is a wonderful support system for me, I pray for guidance and meditate daily. I am not an overly religious person, but I definitely consider myself a spiritual seeker. Although lately I have been struggling and almost lost my way again, I didn't want to put back on the 50lbs I've kept off the last six years, it's just too easy for the weight to pile back on again, I think that's what truly scared me straight!

Tomorrow will be my first day without sugar, everybody stay out of my way!!!!

Good night and take care all.

Alexandria