Monday 21 December 2015

2015 in Review.....

Christmas week already, this year has flown by!!!  And there has been so much happening with me that unfortunately Blogging and lets be honest loosing weight have taken a back seat!




I went back to my yo-yo dieting ways and kinda fell into a really bad habit of being “good” Mon – Thurs, going off the rails Fri – Sun and repeating this over and over and over.




I’ve decided to do a little review of my year on the scales to see if I’ll break even for the year or end the year with a gain!!  Given the strain on my black work pants today I’m guessing I’m on the up.
And although I’m very much aware of it, sometimes I think I’m ok as I am, and that maybe this is how I am and how I will be and I should just accept this.. buy my clothes and just live with it…




But what I want for myself and what I see when I look in the mirror don’t match and if I’m being really honest, how I look affects how I feel, which then in turn affects every aspect of my life!
Which makes me not want to go outside the door, which makes me want to eat all the rubbish in an effort to eat/ hide my feelings… which does not help my situation one bit.. it’s a very vicious circle…
one which I’m very aware of for the last few years but have yet to break long term…..






So here are the numbers…….

Month
Gain/Loss
Reasons/ Excuses
Jan
-5
Jan motivation
Feb
Up 6
Birthday/ Got Engaged
Mar
-1
Celebrating engagement
April
up 3.5
Easter / Viewing wedding venues
May
-1.5
Barcelona
June
-2
Wedding Booked
July
?
No Slimming World Weigh in's
August
?
No Slimming World Weigh in's
Sep
-7.5
Back to Slimming World 
Oct
Up 4.5
Nan passed away / House move
Nov
-1.5
Getting settled in new house
Dec
up 4.5
Christmas Fun


I’ve basically spent the whole year loosing and gaining the same 10lbs… 


So what we learn is that I’m consistent in talking the talking but not at loosing the weight….

This has all been said before by me, I’m sure yer all thinking would I change the record….. I’m down but I’m not out… The last few months have been tough and stressful for me and yes I’ve been over indulging ((but when I cook & bring my lunches to work, its all healthy..))
So it’s the weekends and snacking that is my biggest problem and will be my big issue going forward…. I don’t want this post to be negative or whingey.. but I do want it to be truthful.




I wont be making new years resolutions but I do hope to find a new routine for myself that involves healthy eating and exercise… these for me go hand in hand….

I will also be making a come back on the blog.. I’m thinking that if I go back to weekly blogging I’ll be more accountable

AND my group is getting a new leader in the New Year, so I’ll have a 100% clean slate after the drama’s of last summer, which I feel I need






Thank you to those that have hung on in there with me these last few years, I hope you have a happy and healthy Christmas and we’ll get the results that we are craving in 2016


You can find me on the following:


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Just discovered Snapchat, how much fun is it :)   @happybubblegal



***Photos from Google Images***

Friday 18 September 2015

3rd Blogiversary



The photos says it all, but yes my blog is 3 years old today (how did that happen)

I want to thank all of my readers for sticking with me and I yo-yo my wayto being comfortable in my own skin.. Also a BIG thanks to all you lovely people on instagram & twitter for all your help and motivation this past year


Blogiversary




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Friday 4 September 2015

BACK ON THE SPINNING BIKE......10 class gym pass




I bought a 10 class gym pass in an attempt to kick my ass back into fitness, get me out in the evening, get a hobby and help with the weight loss.
I got a great deal on Groupon, 10 classes for €19, and I purposely picked a place I’d never heard of/ been too before (fresh start and all that jazz!)

I decided that I would keep tabs bout my experience after each class,(incase I forget/ blank it out by the end)

The plan being to go to 2 classes per week to get my metabolism, motivation and fitness all working again and also to get into the next stone bracket (I’ve been sitting  more or less in the same spot for over 10 months now)

WEEK 1
First class this year (it’s the 8th July) Wednesday Night, Circuits @6pm….
Just about kept up doing the warm up!! Jumping jacks are tough! We were then talked through the 7 different stations that we would visit for 1 minute at a time. After the 3rd station I could see why the others had decided to bring their water bottles along with them!!! Managed all 7 stations, got back to my water, but was ready to be done at that stage!! I got 3 stations into the next round (45 seconds per station) with my legs burning and couldn’t catch my breath.. started to feel faint and dizzy.. next station was Burpees and it was the one that “broke” me.. I felt like I was going to vomit, I had to apologies to the trainer, who told me to take a drink and go at my own pace…. I tried this for the next 2 stations, but I knew I couldn’t carry on…. I was mortified admitting defeat but it was probably better to leave than to collapse in front of all my brand new gym friends / vomit on said new gym friends!!! I sat in my car for 15 min before I felt well enough to drive home!!  Not surprised that I no longer have any kind of fitness level, but its been years since I felt like that doing exercise!!! Went home feeling hopeless!!

Thursday Night – Spinning @7pm……..
Silly me booking 2 classes for 2 nights in a row! I was very tempted to cancel it, but decided I’d go and try, at worst I’d leave again if I didn’t feel up to it. I got chatting to the girl at reception and told her what had happened last night; She called over the trainer that was taking the spinning class I was about to attend and he had a chat with me, it was a real boost, he told me to take my time… I went into Spinning not knowing what to expect, yes it was tough and I sweated buckets, but it reignited something in me, I’d forgotten how much I used to enjoy going to spinning classes.. the class was tough but in a really good kind of way, I know I’ll enjoy it more when my fitness improves.. I think for the time being I’ll stick to 2 spinning classes a week.. but spaced out to avoid the all over body ache I suffered this week.


WEEK 2 – Monday Night – Spinning @7pm
Wasn’t sure what to expect tonight! I was late arriving and was on a bike up the front!! Eeek.. trainer Siobhan was really good.. 3 songs in and we were all working our asses off and sweating buckets!! I had a fringe of sweat hitting off my forehead (I don’t actually have a fringe, so that a bit mad!)
I wore the wrong tracksuit pants (had no strings to pull) So I spent the hour trying to pull up my pants every time everyone else was drinking water!!! It was a really good/tough hour on the bike… and I left feeling like I’d actually done something J


 Thursday Night – Spinning @7pm……..
Fab class, I just put the head down and got on with it.. found that 45mins flew, music was good.. the squats before cool down were a killer tho!!

WEEK 3 – Monday Night – Spinning @7pm
Siobhan took this class and there’s no other way to describe the hour other than a slooooow burn, the sweat was everywhere by the end, it didn’t help that it was 21 degrees outside…. Really enjoyed the class and the other of “me time” I could defo get used to it

Wednesday Night – Spinning @7pm
I found the class tough, I was tired going in, which didn’t help, but I stuck with it and was delighted I had gone afterwards.. Last class before my time off, so I skipped outta there J

WEEK 4 – Took a break from work / training and eating well!!




WEEK 5 - Thursday Night – Spinning @7pm Back to work on Tuesday after a 10 day break, so it was time to get back to exercise… I’m not gonna lie, it was tough, I gave it my all but still could not keep up or get going! It was like it was my first class ever all over again!! I left feeling dizzy & pukey!! That means I tried tho doesn’t it!!! Dreading next Monday already!! I. CAN. DO. THIS….


WEEK 6 - Monday Night – Spinning @7pm, Is it weird that I feel less motivated when the trainer isn’t on a bike with us? I know they’re still calling out the instructions, but I like when they’re doing it too, it allows me to match their pace and have my hands in the right place but it also makes me feel like they know exactly how we’re all feeling too (could just be me being weird) But anyway! Our instructor was not on a bike and it was a full house, it was also 30 degrees according to my car temp!! I found the class really Intense, could have been the heat, could have been that every song we were expected to “give it our all” it could have been that 2 turns on my bike and I was climbing a very steep hill.. the fact that I’m really unfit may have crossed my mind too. I struggled through the class.. It was like spinning in a sauna so it was extra sweaty and gross. .It was a relief to be done after 45mins…. I’m on the waiting list for Wednesday, so not sure if I’ll get a second spin in this week…….

Wednesday Night  – Had to cancel my space on the waiting list, I seem to have hurt my back after Mondays class L


 WEEK 7 - Monday Night – Spinning @7pm -  Really enjoyed spinning tonight, I was in a good mood, the music was great, and I was able to keep up with the push up’s (bonus) I wouldn’t go as far as to say the class was easy, but I felt like I was able for it and I didn’t clock watch for the 45 minutes, I just got on with it.. over all an enjoyable work out

WEEK 8 - Monday Night – Spinning @7pm – Cancelled – bad cough, sent home for work today to recover!


WEEK 9 - Monday Night – Spinning @7pm Almost back to a healthy me so decided to chance spinning…. Since it was my last “free one” Siobhan was leading the way, it was a really good/ tough class…. I went through all the emotions tonight from coughing fits/ sneezing / tissue hunting/ sweating/ laughing / singing / adjusting my trousers / dropping my bottle / not keeping up with jumps / crazy random thoughts (why do I do this? / Do I really enjoy this? Really??….) So over all a fab work out and hours escape from being me J


This post is not sponsored. I was not asked to review anything or write this post, I’m glad I kept tabs as I went tho because I definitely would not have remembered all of these classes individually.
Isn’t it amazing how your own frame of mind affects how your training goes!! I know that’s not rocket science, but it really clicked for me while writing this…



I have not given up on exercise since doing this. I have classes booked for next week and I plan to buy a new 10 class pass when I get paid at the end of the month.  

For anyone that is in Cork, I would highly recommend the Cork Studio Fitness.   They have been friendly, welcoming and very helpful so far

I’m really happy to have found my happy place again…. Even if it turns out that its on a spinning bike… haha



You can find me on the following:


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***Photos from Google Images***

Wednesday 8 July 2015

Update.. I'm still here

I’ve been blog dodging for far too long and I think that by getting this all out there, it will be a step in the right direction.

Its nothing that you haven’t heard me say before, but it helps to just let it all out I think.. so here we go




I’ve a lot going on at the moment….. this is true, BUT I’ve been hiding behind it and coasting for way too long this year!

  • I went on holidays in May and the lazy ass in me came home from holidays and moved in
  • We booked our Wedding -  Church and Hotel are booked for  Oct 2017
  • Loads of houses have gone up for sale in our area and we’ve been going to a LOT of viewings
  • I got to season 4 of The West Wing and then my one episode a night rule went out the window ( I’m half way thought season 6 at the moment…)
  • Bank Holidays and good weather = ice cream and lounging… don’t they?
  • I bought a Fit Bit to motivate me.. I have yet to hit 10,000 steps in any given day!!



Something needs to change and that change has to come from me, being asked to take a break from Slimming World has certainly helped to put things into perspective this week!!
I have made no progress in the last 12 months and still weigh the same, so my consultant took me aside and suggested I take a break from the scales for the couple of weeks, I’m welcome to attend the meetings but not to weigh in, I will also no longer be a member of the social team and will revert back to being a regular member.





However, this happening to me just as I feel like I’m gaining control and doing better (even if the scales don’t agree)  is not going to derail me and make me eat all the crap and blame it on being fired taking a break from Slimming World (it could be) But I’ve decided that this is my time to step up and put on my big girl pants and take responsibility for my well being, my health, my weight and my hand to mouth movements…

So I’ve made a plan, after some lovely kind words from super supportive friends I’ve decided that I can do this, I need to do this for myself and I WANT to do this for myself.
I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT.
I want to feel better in myself
I want to be happy with how I look in the mirror
I want my clothes to fit again (And in time be too big)
I want to stop making excuses for myself
I want to start getting results
I want to be happy in my own skin
I want to gain some confidence in myself
I want all this things for myself, no one else





Like I said at the start, nothing new in any of the above, but I feel the better for getting it out there..
Plan for this month:

  • I’m still following the Slimming World Extra Easy food Plan (similar to H&F on WW)
  • I’ve bought a 10 class gym pass (groupon bargain) that has to be used within 6 weeks of starting. I’m starting this today with the intentions of doing 2 classes a week
  • I’m not going to binge eat come the weekend
  • I will get my fitbit to over 10,000 steps per day







So there you have it, my excuses and my plan of action.. I hope this doesn’t come across as whingey.. I am feeling pretty positive and also determined.

We all fall down, its getting back up and trying again that’s important… isn’t it?






Is anyone else struggling or is it just me? I'm considering a daily diary to keep me on track, would that be of interest to anyone other than me?



You can find me on the following:

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***Photos from Google Images***

Tuesday 28 April 2015

Slimming World Lunch Options


Hey All,

After the success of my breakfast post, I decided that I will do a little series of what I like to eat.
Those of you that follow me on Instagram & Facebook will be familiar with my meals as I do post them everyday, but its nice to see them all in one place too. Oddly enough it is my lunch that people comment on the most! Looking at the photos I can see that they do tend to be my most colorful meal of the day...

So I've picked a few different lunches that I pack and bring to work with me regularly, at work we have a kettle, microwave, toaster, fridge and small George foreman grill.... so that definitely helps/ makes a difference for me as to what I can and can't bring to work with me, but as with all things Slimming World planning is key...


This post is mostly photos of lunches I've been eating.. no recipes or anything but if there is anything that you'd like more information about, leave me a comment....

The majority are syn free but some are low syns



Ham Salad with Mugshot




SW mini quiches with Salad




Ham Salad Sandwich



Beans on Toast with Salad
Spaghetti Hoops on Toast





Baked potato with beans & salad


Passata with Pasta & ham salad


SW Soup with Ham, tomato, beetroot on ryvita


Tuna pasta with side salad

Chicken Salad




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Monday 23 March 2015

Slimming World breakfast options




When I first joined Slimming World, I wanted someone to sit down with me and tell me what I could eat and what I should eat. now I know that this varies for everyone with lifestyle, personal likes and habits, but all I wanted people to do with me at the start was to tell me exactly what they were eating.

So I've put together a few posts of what I eat for Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Those of you that follow me on Instagram will be more than familiar with what I eat on a daily basis, but I kind of like seeing it all together like this and this was the type of post that  I was looking for when I first joined Slimming World.


On work days, I go for the quickest breakfast possible as I leave getting up/ getting ready to the last possible second, so breakfast is ALWAYS a rush job. So I have 3 brekkies that I alternate between


Number 1. Old reliable Weetabix. 
You can have 2 x Weetabix's as you Healthy Extra B (HEB) choice, I only ever eat 1.5 and its enough for me, I still count it as my HEB... I also only eat these hot from the microwave...
350ml Milk (skimmed) is my Healthy Extra A (HEA) every day, as I could not live without milk in my tea. 

Weetabix



Number 2. Bran Flakes
35g Brans Flakes (always weighed) (HEB) & skimmed Milk (HEB)
SIMPLES...

Always weigh your HEA & HEB


35g Bran Flakes & skimmed milk




Number 3. Overnight Oats
These feel like a treat breakfast to me and are my favorite because I make them the night before, so in the morning time all I need is my spoon at the ready to eat. If you want to know how to make these, click here to find my "how to" post.
30g Oats = HEB
Mullerlight Vanilla with chocolate sprinkles = Free
Frozen Raspberries = Speed
Blueberries = Speed


Overnight Oats

Overnight Oats




Weekends however are a different story, I have time to think about what I'd like to eat and time to make it also... So at the weekends I do like to have a hot breakfast, as it tends to be brunch rather than breakfast (cause I do like to sleep in.....)



Boiled Eggs
Eggs = Protein
Milk in tea =  Healthy Extra A
2 syns for butter on eggs



Bacon Toastie
Brennans Be Good Wholemeal Bread = Healthy Extra B
Bacon Medallions = Protein
Milk in tea =  Healthy Extra A
2 syns for butter & 2 syns for ketchup



Beans & eggs on Toast with Speed
 Brennans Be Good Wholemeal Bread = Healthy Extra B
Bacon Medallions & eggs & beans = Protein
Tomatos & Mushrooms = Speed
Milk in tea =  Healthy Extra A




SW Fry


 Brennans Be Good Wholemeal Bread = Healthy Extra B
2 syns for butter
Bacon Medallions & eggs & beans = Protein
Mallons Gluten Free Sausages = Free
Tomato's & mushrooms = Speed
Milk in tea =  Healthy Extra A


Whats your favorite breakfast? I'd love to hear what you like to eat and get some new suggestions..


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Monday 9 March 2015

February Update




February.. February... February has been a great month for me personally but a crap month for weight loss I'm sorry to say!! Following on from last months performance report/ confession, things didn't improve for me... I had a good week food wise after my last post and even went on the Operation Transformation Walk with my mother, we walked it in 51 mins and really enjoyed it, it was great to see so many people out supporting the leaders



OT 5k

Then something life changing happened to me.. my boyfriend proposed.. it was a total surprise to me, but needless to say I said yes and we are thrilled, I'm still on cloud 9..... and he done it on cupcakes.... I KNOW.. he knows me so well :-) 


The proposal

So all things slimming world and food related went out the window as we shared our good news with family and friends all weekend long... I went to work on Monday and they surprised me with cake (can you see a theme here..lol) so we had this gorgeous fresh chocolate cream sponge at work to celebrate and I took the rest home for the mister :) 


Work celebrations




Last Wednesday night we went to Dublin to see Noel Gallagher and at check in the hotel upgraded us to the BRIDAL SUITE, it was a total conscience that we were upgraded, (I smiled and flashed the ring AFTER the fact.. lol) So it was a lovely break away that involved car snacks, eating out and vodka, for two days..



Noel Gallagher


I didn't make it to weigh last Thursday night, but I'm pretty sure I would have seen a gain of happy pounds/cake pounds... 




Two things are helping me get back on plan..

1. A proper food shop that included visits to Iceland, Dealz, Aldi & Tescos... €80 later....I'm ready to eat clean and proper

Slimming World Friendly buys from Iceland



2. This weight loss magnet that I bought from ebay here... (I emailed Leanne about the postage & paid €12.67 total for mine) I bought the magnet version, and its stuck on the fridge as a reminder of what I WILL ACHIEVE.. How cute is it :) 





Weight Loss Magnet


So I'm definitely living in a happy bubble for the last 2 weeks and will be for a while yet, but its time for me also to start eating better and get those scales moving....



Weight lost to date: 0lbs
Onwards and Downwards, the Slimming World way :)



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***Photos from Google Images & My Own***