AJ I just wanted your advice. I am shortly finishing foundation and making my decision about where to go next. I have reached my target BMI but feel i could do with shifting another stone. In an ideal world I would go onto development but we just can't afford to do it indefinitely and so I will be going onto managment. I just wondered if it is possible to lose weight on managment like you did or not to worry until after managment and try to shift the weigth then. At which point did you draw the line with what size and weight you wanted to be?
AJs Maintenance Journey Part 1
- Thread starter AmandaJayne
- Start date
AmandaJayne
Trainee Maintainer
Hia Tenney73,
The really great thing about doing management for me was putting in place new eating habits to permanently replace the old ones which had caused me so much grief.
The 12 weeks was in effect a 'foundation building exercise' where I used all the strategies I had learned during foundation.
If you look on it as a new beginning, once you have completed the 12 weeks and are back eating 100%, then there is no reason why you should not be able to slowly lose the final stone just by adapting your food intake a bit.
I mean, one of the things I am finding difficult is learning to switch off the diet mode. It is so ingrained that I am having to consciously work at thinking like a slim person rather than a dieting person.
A slim person regulates their weight by upping the cals a bit here if necessary, or cutting back there if their clothes start getting a bit tight. It is little movement and adjustments that mean eating does not get out of control, and weight fluctuations are kept to a minimum.
I don't really want to have to lose another 100+lbs again. It's just silly.
If I decide I want to lose another stone, I would just make small adjustments and lose the lbs slowly.
It is all about getting the balance right, and getting off/staying off the dieting treadmill/rollercoaster.
Hope this helps a bit.
I had originally chosen 10.13 as an end weight because that took me to just below BMI25. However, I am stabilizing at 10.3 to 5 just now. I am happy to be in that range. My upper limit would be 10.7.
The really great thing about doing management for me was putting in place new eating habits to permanently replace the old ones which had caused me so much grief.
The 12 weeks was in effect a 'foundation building exercise' where I used all the strategies I had learned during foundation.
If you look on it as a new beginning, once you have completed the 12 weeks and are back eating 100%, then there is no reason why you should not be able to slowly lose the final stone just by adapting your food intake a bit.
I mean, one of the things I am finding difficult is learning to switch off the diet mode. It is so ingrained that I am having to consciously work at thinking like a slim person rather than a dieting person.
A slim person regulates their weight by upping the cals a bit here if necessary, or cutting back there if their clothes start getting a bit tight. It is little movement and adjustments that mean eating does not get out of control, and weight fluctuations are kept to a minimum.
I don't really want to have to lose another 100+lbs again. It's just silly.
If I decide I want to lose another stone, I would just make small adjustments and lose the lbs slowly.
It is all about getting the balance right, and getting off/staying off the dieting treadmill/rollercoaster.
Hope this helps a bit.
I had originally chosen 10.13 as an end weight because that took me to just below BMI25. However, I am stabilizing at 10.3 to 5 just now. I am happy to be in that range. My upper limit would be 10.7.
AmandaJayne
Trainee Maintainer
I've been busy too!
I'll post later to tell you all how I got on at meeting tonight...
Three weeks and counting....
I'll post later to tell you all how I got on at meeting tonight...
Three weeks and counting....
Hi AJ and everyone
Sorry for not visiting but it's been so full on. Have struggled the most during the past week. Seem to be back on track again, phew!
AJ - how did you get on last night?
I've got a couple of questions for everyone:
I've posted a new thread (on minimins) about loose skin, particularly on the bust. If anyone reading this thread has any helpful hints, please could you post/answer on that? Feeling a bit despondent about it, to be honest.
Second, the food has started to shout at me. AJ - I remember so vividly the various times you have been tempted beyond belief. That's starting to happen to me.
Any tips on dealing with the food "voices"? I wrote about it on my blog - about how it really is - but obviously want to come to the experts in this thread.
And finally, my weight loss has stalled. I've lost 4lbs in 3 weeks (zero, 1lb and 3lbs) and I have WI tonight. And I am pre-menstrual so it's likely to be higher. Often, I have felt it's (LL) not about the weight loss, it's about my state of mind but when the weight loss isn't happening, it's hard. I haven't been 100% abstinent BUT I ate more in NYC and still lost 3lbs a week.
I wanted to be 11lbs lighter than I am by next Friday - which would have been another stone in another month. But at this rate, I will be lucky to make half a stone. Again, starting to feel slightly despondent about that too. Have started to do more exercise but only cycling up and down a hill. My walking levels are the same.
I would just really appreciate some practical strategies for this current period, which is really testing me.
Sorry to be a bit low today.
Thanks and a big hug to you all. AJ - not long now before the cruise!
Mrs L xxxxxxxxx
Sorry for not visiting but it's been so full on. Have struggled the most during the past week. Seem to be back on track again, phew!
AJ - how did you get on last night?
I've got a couple of questions for everyone:
I've posted a new thread (on minimins) about loose skin, particularly on the bust. If anyone reading this thread has any helpful hints, please could you post/answer on that? Feeling a bit despondent about it, to be honest.
Second, the food has started to shout at me. AJ - I remember so vividly the various times you have been tempted beyond belief. That's starting to happen to me.
Any tips on dealing with the food "voices"? I wrote about it on my blog - about how it really is - but obviously want to come to the experts in this thread.
And finally, my weight loss has stalled. I've lost 4lbs in 3 weeks (zero, 1lb and 3lbs) and I have WI tonight. And I am pre-menstrual so it's likely to be higher. Often, I have felt it's (LL) not about the weight loss, it's about my state of mind but when the weight loss isn't happening, it's hard. I haven't been 100% abstinent BUT I ate more in NYC and still lost 3lbs a week.
I wanted to be 11lbs lighter than I am by next Friday - which would have been another stone in another month. But at this rate, I will be lucky to make half a stone. Again, starting to feel slightly despondent about that too. Have started to do more exercise but only cycling up and down a hill. My walking levels are the same.
I would just really appreciate some practical strategies for this current period, which is really testing me.
Sorry to be a bit low today.
Thanks and a big hug to you all. AJ - not long now before the cruise!
Mrs L xxxxxxxxx
AmandaJayne
Trainee Maintainer
Mornin' Mrs L!
I haven't been posting either, I am full on into research on other sites about the ports we are visiting in LESS THAN THREE WEEKS! Printing off all sorts of information which will help us to make the most of every day.
I have been on a great site called Cruise Critic and found a group of other people who are going on the same cruise. We are meeting at a Cruise Critic 'Meet and Mingle' do on the second day of the cruise.
Back to your questions... I stayed the same! I am so pleased Mrs L because maybe this is me stabilizing at last.
I do sympathise with your feelings about 'not losing enough' by a certain date. One of the things I am trying to do is to get out of the diet mentality which could get in the way of me developing a good, long-term healthy attitude to food and the eating experience.
I have been a serial dieter (I suspect you have too) for sooo long that this has been a struggle.
One thing that may help would be to think in the long term and get off the dieting merry-go-round. I want to lose the excess weight and keep it off for life.
The new eating habits and strategies I have developed over the past nine months (good heavens, has it really been NINE months since I began LL?!?) will carry on into the future.
"...I wanted to be 11lbs lighter than I am by next Friday - which would have been another stone in another month. But at this rate, I will be lucky to make half a stone. Again, starting to feel slightly despondent about that too..."
Be careful here. This is precisely where crooked thinking can get out of hand. You are focusing on a few lbs and missing the bigger picture. This is what a lot of dieters do, and start to panic, exercise more, become more strict with food, and eventually throw in the towel because it is not sustainable. I know this, because I did it often enough myself.
Is it possible that you can focus on eating good healthy food, lots of fresh fruit and veg, quality proteins and carbs and think about how they are nourishing your whole body - and take away the focus from the scales completely. Even to the extent of putting the scales away and not standing on them every day to check, then having a 'good' day or a 'bad' day depending on the reading!
The exercise thing. I have used exercise to maintain my weight loss in the past - it is not sustainable and merely made me miserable as I struggled to keep up and my eating slowly spiraled out of control...
I have learned my lesson well, and now don't habitually 'do' exercise. I keep active at home and work, keeping the activity 'invisible' where possible.
I have to get ready for work Mrs L, I hope this helps a bit.
In a nutshell RELAX, and see your weightloss in the long term. I.e. by Christmas you will be comfortably at goal. Take the pressure off a bit, or you will become despondent and be more likely to start putting on again....
I haven't been posting either, I am full on into research on other sites about the ports we are visiting in LESS THAN THREE WEEKS! Printing off all sorts of information which will help us to make the most of every day.
I have been on a great site called Cruise Critic and found a group of other people who are going on the same cruise. We are meeting at a Cruise Critic 'Meet and Mingle' do on the second day of the cruise.
Back to your questions... I stayed the same! I am so pleased Mrs L because maybe this is me stabilizing at last.
I do sympathise with your feelings about 'not losing enough' by a certain date. One of the things I am trying to do is to get out of the diet mentality which could get in the way of me developing a good, long-term healthy attitude to food and the eating experience.
I have been a serial dieter (I suspect you have too) for sooo long that this has been a struggle.
One thing that may help would be to think in the long term and get off the dieting merry-go-round. I want to lose the excess weight and keep it off for life.
The new eating habits and strategies I have developed over the past nine months (good heavens, has it really been NINE months since I began LL?!?) will carry on into the future.
"...I wanted to be 11lbs lighter than I am by next Friday - which would have been another stone in another month. But at this rate, I will be lucky to make half a stone. Again, starting to feel slightly despondent about that too..."
Be careful here. This is precisely where crooked thinking can get out of hand. You are focusing on a few lbs and missing the bigger picture. This is what a lot of dieters do, and start to panic, exercise more, become more strict with food, and eventually throw in the towel because it is not sustainable. I know this, because I did it often enough myself.
Is it possible that you can focus on eating good healthy food, lots of fresh fruit and veg, quality proteins and carbs and think about how they are nourishing your whole body - and take away the focus from the scales completely. Even to the extent of putting the scales away and not standing on them every day to check, then having a 'good' day or a 'bad' day depending on the reading!
The exercise thing. I have used exercise to maintain my weight loss in the past - it is not sustainable and merely made me miserable as I struggled to keep up and my eating slowly spiraled out of control...
I have learned my lesson well, and now don't habitually 'do' exercise. I keep active at home and work, keeping the activity 'invisible' where possible.
I have to get ready for work Mrs L, I hope this helps a bit.
In a nutshell RELAX, and see your weightloss in the long term. I.e. by Christmas you will be comfortably at goal. Take the pressure off a bit, or you will become despondent and be more likely to start putting on again....
Goombagirl
Full Member
You're so right about thinking long term AJ. I've started to relax the discipline of writing down what I eat and trusting myself more. Funnily enough this seems to have coincided with the complete restoration of my glycogen as I am starting to lose again! A few potatoes should sort that out...
The trouble with abstinence is that you do really have to be in the diet mentality to some extent. When I was where you are Mrs L, I was focussed on following LL to the letter. I drank my water, had my packs at the same sort of times every day, made sure I had plenty of sleep... but I didn't have the sort of schedule you have and my living conditions were stable - no moving/massive house projects/work issues. As you said in your blog, making yourself a priority is important. I wanted to be on abstinence for as short a time as I could so followed the plan a bit obsessively. I don't know how I'd have coped with the challenges you've faced, but you sound like a stronger person than I am! Keep looking way ahead to the rest of your life as AJ says and take time for yourself if it's at all possible. Good luck
. We're all cheering you on!
The trouble with abstinence is that you do really have to be in the diet mentality to some extent. When I was where you are Mrs L, I was focussed on following LL to the letter. I drank my water, had my packs at the same sort of times every day, made sure I had plenty of sleep... but I didn't have the sort of schedule you have and my living conditions were stable - no moving/massive house projects/work issues. As you said in your blog, making yourself a priority is important. I wanted to be on abstinence for as short a time as I could so followed the plan a bit obsessively. I don't know how I'd have coped with the challenges you've faced, but you sound like a stronger person than I am! Keep looking way ahead to the rest of your life as AJ says and take time for yourself if it's at all possible. Good luck
. We're all cheering you on!
AmandaJayne
Trainee Maintainer
Hia Tenney,
I joined the freecycle network which my dad had recommended. It was set up for people to get rid of stuff they didn't want, and get stuff they did want, for free.
I found my local network on the internet and registered. The first item I got was a portable TV for the conservatory. It is great - and didn't cost a penny!
I also put on the site the large collection of wood (for burning). Luckily, my neighbour wanted it, and took the lot.
The reason I mention this Tenney, is that if you register with your local freecycle network, you can put up an ad asking in anyone has a LTT that they want to get rid of.
I get sent all the e-mails of all the 'offered' and 'wanted' ads and if there are any I am interested in, I reply.
Alternatively, look in the local free papers or put a card in local shops. I understand that the Tesco Direct website has a variety of fitness stuff including a type of LTT, which is very reasonably priced. I got mine on Ebay - that's another option.
My LTT sits under the table in the living room when not used. It is great for just doing 5 minute bursts of activity, but also for longer periods when listening to funky music very loud. I am careful not to overdo it though! My kids like to use it too, but their taste in music is not mine...
Another great activity to get fit - clean the windows vigorously, again, loud music helps, but you may get funny looks from passers by when you sing along...
I joined the freecycle network which my dad had recommended. It was set up for people to get rid of stuff they didn't want, and get stuff they did want, for free.
I found my local network on the internet and registered. The first item I got was a portable TV for the conservatory. It is great - and didn't cost a penny!
I also put on the site the large collection of wood (for burning). Luckily, my neighbour wanted it, and took the lot.
The reason I mention this Tenney, is that if you register with your local freecycle network, you can put up an ad asking in anyone has a LTT that they want to get rid of.
I get sent all the e-mails of all the 'offered' and 'wanted' ads and if there are any I am interested in, I reply.
Alternatively, look in the local free papers or put a card in local shops. I understand that the Tesco Direct website has a variety of fitness stuff including a type of LTT, which is very reasonably priced. I got mine on Ebay - that's another option.
My LTT sits under the table in the living room when not used. It is great for just doing 5 minute bursts of activity, but also for longer periods when listening to funky music very loud. I am careful not to overdo it though! My kids like to use it too, but their taste in music is not mine...
Another great activity to get fit - clean the windows vigorously, again, loud music helps, but you may get funny looks from passers by when you sing along...
Hello Everyone
Tenney73 - can definitely recommend freecycle. Have just given away loads of stuff, including a washer/dryer from our house building activities.
AJ and GG - thank you SO much for your great replies. You were both right! And the insight was really helpful.
Basically, I started to panic about my mini goal because I've got the pressure of IVF, even though we don't know if we can go ahead. If this were not on the horizon, I would definitely be thinking long term only. Sadly, the infertility rollercoaster takes no prisoners, particularly once you are over a CERTAIN age. It's all doom and gloom and every month counts (that's what they tell you) so it's hard to separate yourself from the pressure.
After my third Development session, I really have recognised that I was beginning to underestimate the impact of going off track (through tiredness and circumstances) and this may well be why my weight has slowed right down. Our old friend, crooked thinking is in the frame!
Just really wanted to say thank you both for the support. Really appreciate it.
Mrs L xxxxxxxxxx
Tenney73 - can definitely recommend freecycle. Have just given away loads of stuff, including a washer/dryer from our house building activities.
AJ and GG - thank you SO much for your great replies. You were both right! And the insight was really helpful.
Basically, I started to panic about my mini goal because I've got the pressure of IVF, even though we don't know if we can go ahead. If this were not on the horizon, I would definitely be thinking long term only. Sadly, the infertility rollercoaster takes no prisoners, particularly once you are over a CERTAIN age. It's all doom and gloom and every month counts (that's what they tell you) so it's hard to separate yourself from the pressure.
After my third Development session, I really have recognised that I was beginning to underestimate the impact of going off track (through tiredness and circumstances) and this may well be why my weight has slowed right down. Our old friend, crooked thinking is in the frame!
Just really wanted to say thank you both for the support. Really appreciate it.
Mrs L xxxxxxxxxx
AmandaJayne
Trainee Maintainer
"...I've got the pressure of IVF, even though we don't know if we can go ahead. If this were not on the horizon, I would definitely be thinking long term only. Sadly, the infertility rollercoaster takes no prisoners, particularly once you are over a CERTAIN age..."
No wonder you are stressed Mrs L, with all the going on in your mind. We are all rooting for you and hope you can get your IVF as soon as possible.
I am still maintaining at the moment. Testing and checking what I can eat or want to eat or don't want to eat. I am trying to think like a slim person and so far seem to be doing ok. I think I mentioned that at my last meeting I had stayed the same. I hope that this happens again next Monday. The following Monday will be my last meeting for about three weeks, so when I next attend it will be just after a two week cruise. It will be interesting to see what the scales show then! I hope that I do not lose the plot and literally 'go overboard' if I put on 'too much' weight.
The fact is that this time I should be able to draw a line under the experience and adjust my eating for a short while to lose it. I certainly hope so because in the past my attitude has been 'of stuff it, I may as well just give up'.
I mean, that's what we all want to achieve isn't it? To be able to regulate small increases/decreases in an achieveable way, and not allow them to become big increases which eventually have to be dealt with over many months.
On Sunday I am doing 'Race for Life' at Callendar Park. I will be joining a group of girls from work who are walking the course rather than running it. One of them has recently returned to work after being (successfully) treated for breast cancer, so it will be a very special occasion for her, and everyone else. I am looking forward to walking the race for a change, as in the past I have run it (very slowly). The weather report is depressing, but that won't stop us having a good time, oh no!
I have to mention another matter.
My daughter started her periods this week. Thankfully, so far she has had no pain or discomfort. This is a far cry from my miserable experiences as an 11 year old.
However, she brought the costume home that she will be wearing for her dance show next week. She is playing the male role for a change and has to wear a tunic and trousers. She was in tears because she said her thighs were 'to big' and the trousers were too tight on them. "I hate my legs, I hate myself, I hate everything" she wailed and stomped off upstairs. What can I say? Nothing I did say made any difference. I think she has lovely legs (I'd kill for 'em), but she never listens to me anyway...
Advice from someone objective would be much appreciated...
No wonder you are stressed Mrs L, with all the going on in your mind. We are all rooting for you and hope you can get your IVF as soon as possible.
I am still maintaining at the moment. Testing and checking what I can eat or want to eat or don't want to eat. I am trying to think like a slim person and so far seem to be doing ok. I think I mentioned that at my last meeting I had stayed the same. I hope that this happens again next Monday. The following Monday will be my last meeting for about three weeks, so when I next attend it will be just after a two week cruise. It will be interesting to see what the scales show then! I hope that I do not lose the plot and literally 'go overboard' if I put on 'too much' weight.
The fact is that this time I should be able to draw a line under the experience and adjust my eating for a short while to lose it. I certainly hope so because in the past my attitude has been 'of stuff it, I may as well just give up'.
I mean, that's what we all want to achieve isn't it? To be able to regulate small increases/decreases in an achieveable way, and not allow them to become big increases which eventually have to be dealt with over many months.
On Sunday I am doing 'Race for Life' at Callendar Park. I will be joining a group of girls from work who are walking the course rather than running it. One of them has recently returned to work after being (successfully) treated for breast cancer, so it will be a very special occasion for her, and everyone else. I am looking forward to walking the race for a change, as in the past I have run it (very slowly). The weather report is depressing, but that won't stop us having a good time, oh no!
I have to mention another matter.
My daughter started her periods this week. Thankfully, so far she has had no pain or discomfort. This is a far cry from my miserable experiences as an 11 year old.
However, she brought the costume home that she will be wearing for her dance show next week. She is playing the male role for a change and has to wear a tunic and trousers. She was in tears because she said her thighs were 'to big' and the trousers were too tight on them. "I hate my legs, I hate myself, I hate everything" she wailed and stomped off upstairs. What can I say? Nothing I did say made any difference. I think she has lovely legs (I'd kill for 'em), but she never listens to me anyway...
Advice from someone objective would be much appreciated...
Hi AJ
Thanks for your lovely message.
Sadly, I can't offer any advice for your daughter and her thighs BUT one of my closest friends works at a girls' school (secondary) and is very clued up on handling such matters as body issues. I will ask her.
Re: your cruise and your whole LL journey...
I mean, that's what we all want to achieve isn't it? To be able to regulate small increases/decreases in an achieveable way, and not allow them to become big increases which eventually have to be dealt with over many months.
Totally agree with you; I think the cruise will definitely be a watershed moment for you (no puns intended). This is where you get to test the theory - out of your comfort zone and routine (but in a good way), surrounded by SO much food and being relaxed, on holiday.
It will be very interesting to see how you cope; I think you will be tested but strong. AJ, you have worked so incredibly hard and got amazing results - mentally and physically. I guess you've got to see this cruise as the holiday of a lifetime but with many more meanings to that phrase. You're still you but you'll be bringing the smaller version of you on holiday...try to be as intuitive as you can.
Not long now!!!
Mrs Lxxxxxxxx
Thanks for your lovely message.
Sadly, I can't offer any advice for your daughter and her thighs BUT one of my closest friends works at a girls' school (secondary) and is very clued up on handling such matters as body issues. I will ask her.
Re: your cruise and your whole LL journey...
I mean, that's what we all want to achieve isn't it? To be able to regulate small increases/decreases in an achieveable way, and not allow them to become big increases which eventually have to be dealt with over many months.
Totally agree with you; I think the cruise will definitely be a watershed moment for you (no puns intended). This is where you get to test the theory - out of your comfort zone and routine (but in a good way), surrounded by SO much food and being relaxed, on holiday.
It will be very interesting to see how you cope; I think you will be tested but strong. AJ, you have worked so incredibly hard and got amazing results - mentally and physically. I guess you've got to see this cruise as the holiday of a lifetime but with many more meanings to that phrase. You're still you but you'll be bringing the smaller version of you on holiday...try to be as intuitive as you can.
Not long now!!!
Mrs Lxxxxxxxx
AmandaJayne
Trainee Maintainer
Thanks for your comments Mrs L. I hope this awful weather isn't impacting too much on you, or everyone else.
I cannot believe that it is June??? Up here in Falkirk I have been shivering in my winter coat with GLOVES, in the playground at school. It is just plain wrong.
I really feel for everyone affected by the torrential rain in Wales and England. At least up here we just have freezing wind!
It is Grangemouth's Gala Day today, a huge occasion where all the local schools spend weeks preparing for a big crowning ceremony including holding huge processions which merge together and end at the local park. There are many stalls, events and a fair and people have parties and other events during the weekend. I am looking out of the window and watching the rain pouring down outside. It has been raining all night too. All the decorations on the schools which parents and staff have been making, and on the floats too, will be wilted and damaged by the rain...
One of the things I love about Scotland is also one of the things I hate. The uncertainty about the weather. When I was a child, we lived abroad in the Bahamas. The weather was boringly predictable and I missed the 'weather' in Britain. It makes me appreciate a nice day. I just wish that sometimes we could 'make arrangements' for a nice day every so often. There has been so much work involved in setting up the Gala Days, and having them spoiled by the weather is just so disappointing.
Ah well, that's my moan for the day. I still would not live anywhere else!
To go back to talking about my daughter. I have noticed that she has a couple of stretch marks on the inside/front of both thighs. This obviously means that her skin has stretched at that point, and that maybe she has a point about complaining about them. It is strange though because her legs look lovely and in proportion with everywhere else. I am wondering whether to get a 'strech mark' cream for her to use on her legs to prevent any more marks, but I don't want to make an issue of it. The thing about stretch marks (as I know only too well) is that they are there for life, no matter what any beauty company tells you. It is better to prevent them appearing in the first place.
She has been saying "I want to do that diet you did, Mum", and I have suggested that that isn't appropriate for her, and that she isn't overweight. What is it with daughers not listening to their Mums? I know I never did, serves me right!
I am just looking at the weather report, and do you know when you are looking at the map of Britain, you try and pinpoint where you are on it, well I am trying to see that actually the rain cloud is not over the top of us! But it is. Aaargh! But at least there are no thunder storms here, and just think, maybe there won't be a hosepipe ban this year?
There seems to be a lot of fuss over the smoking ban coming into effect in England on 1st July. Here is Scotland we have had the ban for over a year now and it is lovely! What a difference to go out for the evening and not come back smelling like an ashtray. How pleasent to eat out not worrying that someone nearby will smoke and spoil it. It really has made socialising so much more enjoyable. The pubs we go to have developed 'beer gardens' and this means that friends who smoke can pop out and have a fag when they need to. I remember many years ago sharing an office with a colleague who smoked all day, we did not have an outside window and the smoke would just drift around, it was awful but I put up with it because the climate at that time was to accept that people smoked where they wanted, whether this was unpleasent to anyone or not. Thank heavens that this attitude has changed.
I really noticed the difference when travelling in England and eating out before Christmas. I had become so used to 'smoke free' pubs that suddenly going to pubs which were not was a shock.
I cannot believe that it is June??? Up here in Falkirk I have been shivering in my winter coat with GLOVES, in the playground at school. It is just plain wrong.
I really feel for everyone affected by the torrential rain in Wales and England. At least up here we just have freezing wind!
It is Grangemouth's Gala Day today, a huge occasion where all the local schools spend weeks preparing for a big crowning ceremony including holding huge processions which merge together and end at the local park. There are many stalls, events and a fair and people have parties and other events during the weekend. I am looking out of the window and watching the rain pouring down outside. It has been raining all night too. All the decorations on the schools which parents and staff have been making, and on the floats too, will be wilted and damaged by the rain...
One of the things I love about Scotland is also one of the things I hate. The uncertainty about the weather. When I was a child, we lived abroad in the Bahamas. The weather was boringly predictable and I missed the 'weather' in Britain. It makes me appreciate a nice day. I just wish that sometimes we could 'make arrangements' for a nice day every so often. There has been so much work involved in setting up the Gala Days, and having them spoiled by the weather is just so disappointing.
Ah well, that's my moan for the day. I still would not live anywhere else!
To go back to talking about my daughter. I have noticed that she has a couple of stretch marks on the inside/front of both thighs. This obviously means that her skin has stretched at that point, and that maybe she has a point about complaining about them. It is strange though because her legs look lovely and in proportion with everywhere else. I am wondering whether to get a 'strech mark' cream for her to use on her legs to prevent any more marks, but I don't want to make an issue of it. The thing about stretch marks (as I know only too well) is that they are there for life, no matter what any beauty company tells you. It is better to prevent them appearing in the first place.
She has been saying "I want to do that diet you did, Mum", and I have suggested that that isn't appropriate for her, and that she isn't overweight. What is it with daughers not listening to their Mums? I know I never did, serves me right!
I am just looking at the weather report, and do you know when you are looking at the map of Britain, you try and pinpoint where you are on it, well I am trying to see that actually the rain cloud is not over the top of us! But it is. Aaargh! But at least there are no thunder storms here, and just think, maybe there won't be a hosepipe ban this year?
There seems to be a lot of fuss over the smoking ban coming into effect in England on 1st July. Here is Scotland we have had the ban for over a year now and it is lovely! What a difference to go out for the evening and not come back smelling like an ashtray. How pleasent to eat out not worrying that someone nearby will smoke and spoil it. It really has made socialising so much more enjoyable. The pubs we go to have developed 'beer gardens' and this means that friends who smoke can pop out and have a fag when they need to. I remember many years ago sharing an office with a colleague who smoked all day, we did not have an outside window and the smoke would just drift around, it was awful but I put up with it because the climate at that time was to accept that people smoked where they wanted, whether this was unpleasent to anyone or not. Thank heavens that this attitude has changed.
I really noticed the difference when travelling in England and eating out before Christmas. I had become so used to 'smoke free' pubs that suddenly going to pubs which were not was a shock.
Sez
has started again!!
Hello AJ et al! WOW! That cruise is coming up fast isnt it? I am sure you will cope well, as you seem to have the right mindset to deal with those issues which may well arise, over food etc. However, if you do lapse a little, it is very important that you threat it a learned experience and not "beat yourself up" over it. After all, if you do come back a few pounds heavier, you know you have access to the facility to lose those again , very fast and also to be able to address the reasons behind the gain. Your attitude to being slim, and thinking & behaving as a slim person is so positive that I feel certain you will have a great trip, with no real worries!
I am soldiering on from day to day, battling those post-100 day demons! There a good days, and thereare some bloomin awful days, but the overall outlook is bright, as the feeling I get from "normal clothes" and positive strokes is so good that I can (just about) keep going! I am very hormonal tho, and totm does seem to cause me a few problems now. I was always prone to pms, but now it appears somehow magnified?
I am visiting my GP on Monday, to ask for advice re contraception. (feels odd at 43, but have never taken anything, since my teens as far too fat). I also want to stop my period on our holiday if I can, as they are still regular, (as in every 28 days) but erratic. Start, stop, start again, then OMG!! How heavy!!!!!! I really dont want that whilst we are away, but I am not sure if I am still too big for the pill or whatever!!
I will post again soon, but today I am off to school shortly, to decorate our Carnival float, then take part in the procession! Our theme is The Four Seasons, I have the "Summer" outfit for myself! It was to be a very pink Hawaiian Shirt, a lei and white trousers. But... my shirt was so huge that it cannot be worn,, even as fancy dress, so I pinched my hubby's, which is much smaller & not so loud!! (You can guess we did a Caribbean cruise a few years ago cant you LOL!)
Take care, and hope your daughter is ok now. Mine is only 8, so we have a few years before that stage, although she does fuss over her body image even now. I just try to reinforce the fact that she is beautiful & we are all different etc. It works at the mo, but will it with hormones involved too, I wonder??
I am soldiering on from day to day, battling those post-100 day demons! There a good days, and thereare some bloomin awful days, but the overall outlook is bright, as the feeling I get from "normal clothes" and positive strokes is so good that I can (just about) keep going! I am very hormonal tho, and totm does seem to cause me a few problems now. I was always prone to pms, but now it appears somehow magnified?
I am visiting my GP on Monday, to ask for advice re contraception. (feels odd at 43, but have never taken anything, since my teens as far too fat). I also want to stop my period on our holiday if I can, as they are still regular, (as in every 28 days) but erratic. Start, stop, start again, then OMG!! How heavy!!!!!! I really dont want that whilst we are away, but I am not sure if I am still too big for the pill or whatever!!
I will post again soon, but today I am off to school shortly, to decorate our Carnival float, then take part in the procession! Our theme is The Four Seasons, I have the "Summer" outfit for myself! It was to be a very pink Hawaiian Shirt, a lei and white trousers. But... my shirt was so huge that it cannot be worn,, even as fancy dress, so I pinched my hubby's, which is much smaller & not so loud!! (You can guess we did a Caribbean cruise a few years ago cant you LOL!)
Take care, and hope your daughter is ok now. Mine is only 8, so we have a few years before that stage, although she does fuss over her body image even now. I just try to reinforce the fact that she is beautiful & we are all different etc. It works at the mo, but will it with hormones involved too, I wonder??
Hi,
Hope you are are having a good weekend AJ.
I can't believe that you are so close to the cruise now, you must be so excited. I hope you have been out buying some sexy clothes to wear! (I didn't just mean in the bedroom) Have you been madly busy getting organised?
How is your back by the way, have you had any more news?
I don't know what to suggest with regards to your daughter. I suppose if it were me, I would hate my Mum to have noticed that I had stretchmarks because as you have said once they are there, they are there. You know her better than anyone so I am sure that you know what the right thing to do/say is.
Catch you around soon xx
Hope you are are having a good weekend AJ.
I can't believe that you are so close to the cruise now, you must be so excited. I hope you have been out buying some sexy clothes to wear! (I didn't just mean in the bedroom) Have you been madly busy getting organised?
How is your back by the way, have you had any more news?
I don't know what to suggest with regards to your daughter. I suppose if it were me, I would hate my Mum to have noticed that I had stretchmarks because as you have said once they are there, they are there. You know her better than anyone so I am sure that you know what the right thing to do/say is.
Catch you around soon xx
Helen
Full Member
Hi AJ
Just a quickie as got to go out again in a minute - re stretchmarks. I know loads and loads of people who have never have a weight problem who developed stretchmarks during puberty, its just one of those things. How you stop her worrying about them of course is another matter entirely.
Just a quickie as got to go out again in a minute - re stretchmarks. I know loads and loads of people who have never have a weight problem who developed stretchmarks during puberty, its just one of those things. How you stop her worrying about them of course is another matter entirely.
AmandaJayne
Trainee Maintainer
Hia Betty and Helen,
Thanks for your comments, its interesting that you mention 'sexy clothes' Betty, because I am just deciding which sexy stuff from the bottom drawer (!) I shall be taking, for when we can get a bit of time alone. Although it is difficult when sharing a four berth cabin, where there is a will, there's a way. Last year though we nearly got caught out. It was about 8.30 p.m. and the kids were busy at the kids club (so we thought). We were 'busy' on the floor (more room than a single bed) and the door started rattling. "Oh my God" I squeaked breathlessly. "That was quick" he replied. "No, no the blooming door!" Well, we have never moved so fast, he into one bed and me into the other. When the kids finally opened the door, we were lying there looking nonchalont. "We were a bit tired so came for a lie down", was our excuse. Apparently my son was looking to 'borrow' his sisters' clothes for a boys' beauty contest. He'd brought loads of pals with him so they could borrow stuff too. Luckily Jayne knew about it and was happy for them to use her stuff. Can you imagine if they had opened the door before we could prise ourselves apart. Dear Lord, it doesn't bear thinking about.
As far as the sore back is concerned, the x-ray highlighted scoliosis on the left side. This explains why I 'lean' to the left when its bad, and can't stand straight. It cannot be cured, but just managed when it flares up.
Helen, I never realised that about stretchmarks. Do you think I should get some special cream for her legs, or will that just make it more of a 'problem'?
I went to the meeting tonight to find that I have put on two pounds. I probably have eaten more this week, but I have also been more active. We had a great meeting and talked about secret eating, when, where we do it, what triggers it, how we feel before, during and after, and what is really going on.
I spoke about staying at a friends' house for tea yesterday. When I had already eaten enough, we were talking about bread and toast, the next thing there was a large piece of lovely hot toast on my plate. My friends husband had made it for me. Well, I felt obliged to eat it with some home made raspberry jam, didn't I. It was weird, I couldn't say "I don't want it", because he had taken the time to make it for me as a surprise. I followed it on with a piece of home made banana/fruit loaf...
Ok it wasn't secret eating, but it was me being 'adaptive child', and something I didn't really think about at the time.
Thanks for your comments, its interesting that you mention 'sexy clothes' Betty, because I am just deciding which sexy stuff from the bottom drawer (!) I shall be taking, for when we can get a bit of time alone. Although it is difficult when sharing a four berth cabin, where there is a will, there's a way. Last year though we nearly got caught out. It was about 8.30 p.m. and the kids were busy at the kids club (so we thought). We were 'busy' on the floor (more room than a single bed) and the door started rattling. "Oh my God" I squeaked breathlessly. "That was quick" he replied. "No, no the blooming door!" Well, we have never moved so fast, he into one bed and me into the other. When the kids finally opened the door, we were lying there looking nonchalont. "We were a bit tired so came for a lie down", was our excuse. Apparently my son was looking to 'borrow' his sisters' clothes for a boys' beauty contest. He'd brought loads of pals with him so they could borrow stuff too. Luckily Jayne knew about it and was happy for them to use her stuff. Can you imagine if they had opened the door before we could prise ourselves apart. Dear Lord, it doesn't bear thinking about.
As far as the sore back is concerned, the x-ray highlighted scoliosis on the left side. This explains why I 'lean' to the left when its bad, and can't stand straight. It cannot be cured, but just managed when it flares up.
Helen, I never realised that about stretchmarks. Do you think I should get some special cream for her legs, or will that just make it more of a 'problem'?
I went to the meeting tonight to find that I have put on two pounds. I probably have eaten more this week, but I have also been more active. We had a great meeting and talked about secret eating, when, where we do it, what triggers it, how we feel before, during and after, and what is really going on.
I spoke about staying at a friends' house for tea yesterday. When I had already eaten enough, we were talking about bread and toast, the next thing there was a large piece of lovely hot toast on my plate. My friends husband had made it for me. Well, I felt obliged to eat it with some home made raspberry jam, didn't I. It was weird, I couldn't say "I don't want it", because he had taken the time to make it for me as a surprise. I followed it on with a piece of home made banana/fruit loaf...
Ok it wasn't secret eating, but it was me being 'adaptive child', and something I didn't really think about at the time.
Hi Amanda Jayne just wondered if you could help me. Just started managment and have been reading your managment journal and noticed you ate alot of something like raita (?). Well I wondered if you could let me have the recipe cos would love to give it a go. I have been given a recipe book for weeks 1 to 4 and it wasn't in there so presumed it was something you made yourself.
AmandaJayne
Trainee Maintainer
Hia Tenney!
The raita is 0% greek yoghurt, fresh chopped mint, and cucumber. Salt and pepper to taste. Cool and creamy.
The recipe mentioned in the week 1-4 booklet is for tsatziki (sp.) which is yoghurt, garlic, cucumber and spring onion.
Both are tasty.
The raita is 0% greek yoghurt, fresh chopped mint, and cucumber. Salt and pepper to taste. Cool and creamy.
The recipe mentioned in the week 1-4 booklet is for tsatziki (sp.) which is yoghurt, garlic, cucumber and spring onion.
Both are tasty.
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