Exante WILL help me lose 3 stone
- Thread starter Queen Bizzle
- Start date
Queen Bizzle
Silver Member
Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. I look forwrad to catching up with you guys every day 
Woke up feeling in a much better mood today. Off to vote with my housemate - at 28 we still haven't!! and my boyfriend studies politics so he's given me the low down to make a more informed choice than I would have done previously. Taking an interest in your country is so important, but i've always been bewildered by it until he came along and explained what the hell they are going on about
Hoping for some news on my amazing cath. Apparently she won't be allowed home for quite some time as she's being referred to a specialist unit but her brother is there now and parents are sorting passports to fly over there asap. That girl means the world to me, we call each other dad, I can't even remember why but we have done for years and it always confuses people when we first meet haha. Me and her are shouting daddy at each other. I have a **** relationship, well a none existing one with my real dad, and my family is so small so my friends are like my family. I just want her back to her ridiculous self. When I went away a few years ago for a week she wrote me a journal while I was gone, when I got it it had games in there and all sorts. She'd paper machéd the front to look like a tree and called it the bog log. She's so weird and wonderful. I hope she's just the same in a few months. I think I might start doing something for her for when she gets back. xxx
Woke up feeling in a much better mood today. Off to vote with my housemate - at 28 we still haven't!! and my boyfriend studies politics so he's given me the low down to make a more informed choice than I would have done previously. Taking an interest in your country is so important, but i've always been bewildered by it until he came along and explained what the hell they are going on about
Hoping for some news on my amazing cath. Apparently she won't be allowed home for quite some time as she's being referred to a specialist unit but her brother is there now and parents are sorting passports to fly over there asap. That girl means the world to me, we call each other dad, I can't even remember why but we have done for years and it always confuses people when we first meet haha. Me and her are shouting daddy at each other. I have a **** relationship, well a none existing one with my real dad, and my family is so small so my friends are like my family. I just want her back to her ridiculous self. When I went away a few years ago for a week she wrote me a journal while I was gone, when I got it it had games in there and all sorts. She'd paper machéd the front to look like a tree and called it the bog log. She's so weird and wonderful. I hope she's just the same in a few months. I think I might start doing something for her for when she gets back. xxx
Queen Bizzle
Silver Member
FOOD REVIEWS
I've decided to make an ongoing list of the foods I've tried with reviews and tips for making them nicer.
Green = Yummy
Orange = OK
Red = Blurgh
Shakes
Strawberry and banana - Much more to my taste but still not my fave. Always make shakes with a blender, or a shaker at least, stirring isn't enough!
Lemon and Raspberry - Creamy, filling, but I don't like flavours this sharp.
Mint choc chip - Only tried in my coffee so far but didn't need any syrup so it's nice and sweet
Vanilla shake – great with coffee or on it’s own, it’s a staple for this diet as you can’t fault it.
Cherries and Berries smoothie - not my fave. Just not a fan of the manufactured fruity tastes!
Blueberry shake - YUK. I did not like this. For me it tasted like parma violets which I hate.
Bars
My boyfriend ate a lot of my bars and promised to buy me more – but hasn’t yet
Lemon and Yoghurt Bar - Not keen at all. Texture was fine, yoghurt was a welcome addition but far, far too lemony for my mouth.
Soups
Mushroom - Made it up with 200ml of water and in the blender. It was soooo creamy and yummy. Added onion flavour, salt and pepper. The salt was what made this for me otherwise maybe a bit too sickly with the creaminess.
Tomato - not a fan, don't hate it either. Tastes quite manufactured if you know what I mean. Kinda like spaghetti hoops.
Thai chicken – this was really creamy and really yummy, but just chicken soup to me, couldn't taste anything that i’d say made it Thai.
Meals
Sweet and Sour Noodles - I'm not sure if this is my favourite, it could well be, it was so delicious. I added some 5 spice as others recommended - I think it tasted like peanut satay rather than sweet and sour. Loved it.
Shepherds pie - again LOVE! I think I just love the meals more than other people do. This is a good one for a sunday, feels like a wholesome sunday lunch added salt and pepper.
Mousakka - This wasn't half bad
added a load of salt n pepper, maybe a bit less pepper next time - similar to the pie in a way, just a big bowl of brown yummyness haha
Diet Pizza - I really enjoyed this, it was my first meal back to exante after 3 years so it was a welcome change from the old soups, shakes, bars plan. I definitely made the base too thick as it was kind of soggy in the middle. I even turned half way to try and cook it a bit better and it was still not right. In future I want to make it nice and thin and hopefully it will crisp up a bit better. The grease-proof paper worked a dream and it slid right off the tray.
Carbonara - Carbs by name, but not by nature this time, can't believe they have my on of my all time fave foods on Exante! Made it with cold water by accident so heated on the stove, took quite a while to get it creamy but worth the wait. Flavoured with garlic granules. YUM!
Ham and Pasta pack - yummy like the carbonara, creamy white sauces are my favourite kind
Breakfast eggs - I only tried these with extras (ham, bacon, mushroom) Judging by the smell, I'd not like them alone, they seem quite dull. I will keep these day days when I'm adding a bit of food but give them a thumbs up as they make a nice omelet.
The exante burger in a bun - by far the best thing I've eaten on exante. More info & recipe here
Spag bol - I think this was kind of similar to the mousaka - still quite yummy, added garlic granules and a cheeky bit of parmesan (naughty)
(This list is updated as I go and re-posted later in the diary)
I've decided to make an ongoing list of the foods I've tried with reviews and tips for making them nicer.
Green = Yummy
Orange = OK
Red = Blurgh
Shakes
Strawberry and banana - Much more to my taste but still not my fave. Always make shakes with a blender, or a shaker at least, stirring isn't enough!
Lemon and Raspberry - Creamy, filling, but I don't like flavours this sharp.
Mint choc chip - Only tried in my coffee so far but didn't need any syrup so it's nice and sweet
Vanilla shake – great with coffee or on it’s own, it’s a staple for this diet as you can’t fault it.
Cherries and Berries smoothie - not my fave. Just not a fan of the manufactured fruity tastes!
Blueberry shake - YUK. I did not like this. For me it tasted like parma violets which I hate.
Bars
My boyfriend ate a lot of my bars and promised to buy me more – but hasn’t yet
Lemon and Yoghurt Bar - Not keen at all. Texture was fine, yoghurt was a welcome addition but far, far too lemony for my mouth.
Soups
Mushroom - Made it up with 200ml of water and in the blender. It was soooo creamy and yummy. Added onion flavour, salt and pepper. The salt was what made this for me otherwise maybe a bit too sickly with the creaminess.
Tomato - not a fan, don't hate it either. Tastes quite manufactured if you know what I mean. Kinda like spaghetti hoops.
Thai chicken – this was really creamy and really yummy, but just chicken soup to me, couldn't taste anything that i’d say made it Thai.
Meals
Sweet and Sour Noodles - I'm not sure if this is my favourite, it could well be, it was so delicious. I added some 5 spice as others recommended - I think it tasted like peanut satay rather than sweet and sour. Loved it.
Shepherds pie - again LOVE! I think I just love the meals more than other people do. This is a good one for a sunday, feels like a wholesome sunday lunch
added salt and pepper.Mousakka - This wasn't half bad
Diet Pizza - I really enjoyed this, it was my first meal back to exante after 3 years so it was a welcome change from the old soups, shakes, bars plan. I definitely made the base too thick as it was kind of soggy in the middle. I even turned half way to try and cook it a bit better and it was still not right. In future I want to make it nice and thin and hopefully it will crisp up a bit better. The grease-proof paper worked a dream and it slid right off the tray.
Carbonara - Carbs by name, but not by nature this time, can't believe they have my on of my all time fave foods on Exante! Made it with cold water by accident so heated on the stove, took quite a while to get it creamy but worth the wait. Flavoured with garlic granules. YUM!
Ham and Pasta pack - yummy like the carbonara, creamy white sauces are my favourite kind
Breakfast eggs - I only tried these with extras (ham, bacon, mushroom) Judging by the smell, I'd not like them alone, they seem quite dull. I will keep these day days when I'm adding a bit of food but give them a thumbs up as they make a nice omelet.
The exante burger in a bun - by far the best thing I've eaten on exante. More info & recipe here
Spag bol - I think this was kind of similar to the mousaka - still quite yummy, added garlic granules and a cheeky bit of parmesan (naughty)
(This list is updated as I go and re-posted later in the diary)
Last edited:
cherrybomb-xo
Full Member
See, I CAN fault the vanilla shake I think it tastes really whey protein-y, it has an odd aftertaste and even adding coffee didn't make it bearable for me. I have strange taste buds!
The carbonara is surprisingly good, I always add loads of black pepper and a bit of mustard powder xo
I think it tastes really whey protein-y, it has an odd aftertaste and even adding coffee didn't make it bearable for me. I have strange taste buds!The carbonara is surprisingly good, I always add loads of black pepper and a bit of mustard powder xo
ExanteLesley
Full Member
Hi QB
Doing something for your friend for when she gets back is a really good idea - the positive vibes along will help (sorry for sound a bit hippy dippy!)
Glad you're in a better mood, we've all done things in the past that we regret, but it's the past so try not to dwell
Have a great day!
x
Doing something for your friend for when she gets back is a really good idea - the positive vibes along will help (sorry for sound a bit hippy dippy!)
Glad you're in a better mood, we've all done things in the past that we regret, but it's the past so try not to dwell
Have a great day!
x
Queen Bizzle
Silver Member
Yeah I really want to experiment more this week now I'm TSing it more will see what I can come up with. Trying to get as late as possible before I ate. Coffee for breakfast, water for lunch xx
will see what I can come up with. Trying to get as late as possible before I ate. Coffee for breakfast, water for lunch xx
Queen Bizzle
Silver Member
I completely forgot to review that one!!! I've had it it tastes like either weak nutella or that hazelnut milk you get I really like it! I wanna try half and half with choc to see if I get ferrero roche
Still on only one pack today! wanna save them as late as poss!
Weighed in today but STS cause of my boozey weekend xx
it tastes like either weak nutella or that hazelnut milk you get I really like it! I wanna try half and half with choc to see if I get ferrero roche Still on only one pack today! wanna save them as late as poss!
Weighed in today but STS cause of my boozey weekend
xxExanteLesley
Full Member
Well done on the STS and here's to a great loss next week!
Scanbran
Stupid Member
I completely forgot to review that one!!! I've had it
funnily enough I was going to say I thought it was a bit like Ferrero Roche, and wanted it to be more like Nutella!
Angel72
Gold Member
Levels your review list QB. Some great tips there. It's odd how different our tastes are but I'm 100% with you on the blueberry smoothie. I Love the double chocolate bar if you get some.
STS is a maintenance achievement after alcohol! I put on tons of fluid if I drink. You had fun and losses will rack up again very soon.
STS is a maintenance achievement after alcohol! I put on tons of fluid if I drink. You had fun and losses will rack up again very soon.
Queen Bizzle
Silver Member
Having a sad day today. In bed already.
It's a mixture of things and in no particular order:
My friend Cath's stroke
The diet
Taking on too much work
Juggling interning & pub work & uni work
Failing my last module
Having to make 3 bridesmaids dresses
Missing my boyfriend
Missing my friends
Missing my family
I've been thinking about my friend Cath a lot and struggling to get anything else done. Looking through old pictures, no doubt torturing myself but I just don't know what else to do. I desperately just want her back to full health.
I'm in the middle of making bridesmaids dresses for my boyfriends brothers wedding. I'm a designer & maker but by no means a bridesmaids dressmaker, and have never made one before. The whole thing is taking much longer than I thought, now they need amendments and the dresses are beginning to look like a lost cause. I've told the bride to be about Cath and she's asked if I want her to look elsewhere. I haven't replied. I don't want to let them down, but I worry I'll spend more time on them and still not get them finished or get them right. I thought it would be a lot more simple than it is and I didn't know I'd have all these other commitments and bad news. I only ever make ready to wear garments and these require a more bespoke approach. With the news about Cath and having to redo old work for uni, I just don't know if I have the time.
I feel like a failure. I'm meant to be living my life to the fullest. It's Cath who is suffering not me. I feel like I'm just letting everybody down
It's a mixture of things and in no particular order:
My friend Cath's stroke
The diet
Taking on too much work
Juggling interning & pub work & uni work
Failing my last module
Having to make 3 bridesmaids dresses
Missing my boyfriend
Missing my friends
Missing my family
I've been thinking about my friend Cath a lot and struggling to get anything else done. Looking through old pictures, no doubt torturing myself but I just don't know what else to do. I desperately just want her back to full health.
I'm in the middle of making bridesmaids dresses for my boyfriends brothers wedding. I'm a designer & maker but by no means a bridesmaids dressmaker, and have never made one before. The whole thing is taking much longer than I thought, now they need amendments and the dresses are beginning to look like a lost cause. I've told the bride to be about Cath and she's asked if I want her to look elsewhere. I haven't replied. I don't want to let them down, but I worry I'll spend more time on them and still not get them finished or get them right. I thought it would be a lot more simple than it is and I didn't know I'd have all these other commitments and bad news. I only ever make ready to wear garments and these require a more bespoke approach. With the news about Cath and having to redo old work for uni, I just don't know if I have the time.
I feel like a failure. I'm meant to be living my life to the fullest. It's Cath who is suffering not me. I feel like I'm just letting everybody down
Angel72
Gold Member
Oh Biz. Sending you a huge hug :bighug:
you are in no way a failure. No one could possibly cope with all that pressure. even someone as bubbly and lovely as you are. If the Bride is happy to look elsewhere then why not let her. It would lighten your load considerably and you could spend more time with your friend. BHS have some gorgeous bridesmaid outfits. It's not that you've failed, you had a go but it's not worked out and life circumstances and priorities have changed. Be gentle with yourself. I think you're marvellous.
Sending healing thoughts your way and your friends :vibes:
you are in no way a failure. No one could possibly cope with all that pressure. even someone as bubbly and lovely as you are. If the Bride is happy to look elsewhere then why not let her. It would lighten your load considerably and you could spend more time with your friend. BHS have some gorgeous bridesmaid outfits. It's not that you've failed, you had a go but it's not worked out and life circumstances and priorities have changed. Be gentle with yourself. I think you're marvellous.
Sending healing thoughts your way and your friends :vibes:
Blondcat
Gold Member
EXACTLY what she said xx
Queen Bizzle
Silver Member
Thank you for your kind words. That's so sweet. I think you're right but it's just a hard thing to admit, I hate giving up! It's because it's my boyfriends family so I wanted a part in the wedding and wanted to do something lovely for them. But I've been trying to make them for months on and off. Now It's 4 weeks til the wedding and time is running out. I'm gonna speak to my boyfriend properly later when he calls and ask his opinion on it all. I already know he'll say to do what makes me happy. But i need to hear it from him I guess. Ugh. It's all just so awkward as I've told them all along that I have it in hand. It wasn't until I went last week and one of the bridesmaids was being fussy with the fit and the design, which she is entitled to, but I'm not able to make these changes in a moments notice like a proper formal dress maker would!
My friend is stuck in South Africa for at least a few weeks, so there's literally nothing I can do. I'm just gonna keep wishing her better. I'm going home this weekend so seeing my mum will make me feel better I'm sure. And hopefully seeing the other friend who has been with Cath as she's due to return Monday. She needs all the love she can get too, it's been scary and exhausting for her being Cath's voice and guardian! Xx
My friend is stuck in South Africa for at least a few weeks, so there's literally nothing I can do. I'm just gonna keep wishing her better. I'm going home this weekend so seeing my mum will make me feel better I'm sure. And hopefully seeing the other friend who has been with Cath as she's due to return Monday. She needs all the love she can get too, it's been scary and exhausting for her being Cath's voice and guardian! Xx
Bananas
Gold Member
Hiya
Just been looking through your diary, I love your approach and I am a bit similar with the tweaks etc. Love your reviews post too, would be good for you to look back in a few weeks n see if your tastebuds have changed!
I am so sorry to hear about your friend, what a shock, She's young and healthy so will hopefully make a good recovery. I think youd be best leaving the bridesmaids dresses if its really not going as well as you say. Could you maybe make something for the bride to wear on her honeymoon instead? I know its not the same...
Just been looking through your diary, I love your approach and I am a bit similar with the tweaks etc. Love your reviews post too, would be good for you to look back in a few weeks n see if your tastebuds have changed!
I am so sorry to hear about your friend, what a shock
, She's young and healthy so will hopefully make a good recovery. I think youd be best leaving the bridesmaids dresses if its really not going as well as you say. Could you maybe make something for the bride to wear on her honeymoon instead? I know its not the same...
