Thanks all - I am really surprised, TBH, I felt so heavy and cumbersome - but that's the weather I guess.
Tippy - I guess there's a few things I can identify that have helped me. Remember that I've been trying - actively trying - to lose weight for years...and I tried SW once before and didn't get on with it so well. Sometimes it just has to be the right time.
1. I gave up alcohol - but I don't know how I did it. I woke up with a terrible hangover after NYE and thought "Enough", but I've been there plenty of times before (as a binge drinker) and didn't keep off the vino for long. this time something has just twigged in my brain or something, and every time I think of having a drink, I feel a bit queasy. I also wanted to give SW the best go that I could, and booze knocks any diet out the window. The longer it goes, the less I even think about drinking. Strange, but I'm happy to be a teetotaller if it means losing weight.
2. I've really upped my leafy green veg intake - spinach, broccoli, cabbage - and have one of them with every meal. I'm also trying to reduce portion sizes and only use small bowls and a side plate for meals. Plus my brain is ever so slowly getting that it's better to snack on carrots and other free food than it is to use syns up - doesn't always work, there are times when I inhale loads of HiFi bars, but I'm getting better at it. Also restrict when I eat bread and pasta - early in the week, and not much of either. And let's not forget the horror that was ChipGate - I'm finding that my appetite for fatty or bready foods (pizza and chips) is fading, probably because it gives me horrible IBS-type pain! I used to eat a croissant regardless of whether it was fresh or not, delicious or not - but now I'm finding more or more that I do think "Do I want to spend the syns on this, when it doesn't taste fabulous?". But it's not happened overnight - changing your taste buds is a long, slow process!
3. Focus - it's SO easy to lose it - I don't know how you guys cater for family and then try to eat healthily yourselves. I only have myself to worry about but I've fallen off the wagon plenty of times. Last night, in fact (although that was official Treat Night lol). The difference this time is that every time I do, I get straight back on plan. And of course it will be a lot easier when I don't have to worry about the work fridge!
4. Going to group - I absolutely know that the class is helping me. I've only missed one since Jan and that was because of a holiday. It really inspires me to do better, I pick up tips and they make me laugh so much - so, well worth it.
5. Magic! LOL. I don't know what's happened in my brain but I actually feel like I can get to target this time. I'm now 1/3 of the way there, so a long journey yet - but I'm not exactly suffering on SW, which is what I love about it.
So there we go girls, that's my tips for what I think is working for me. Hope it's of help
TODAY - heavy on syns today, will go light tomorrow
B - had three pork, apple and beetroot sossies with spinach - 4 syns each ouch = 12
L - two cod fishcakes with spinach, 6 each = 12 - and pear/plum in Muller Light if I want it
D - kale and pear smoothie, cauli rice with peppers and cabbage
7 Speed - yes / 7 water - yes / 7 syns - no
