Wake me up when September ends!!!

Ok so it is all but over and there is a more autumn like feel all around now. The mornings are getting darker which makes it very hard to get up in the mornings.

I set out in September to complete my Summer seasons challenge target of 28lbs which I did and more as I lost 35.5lbs, to get my 150lb certificate which I also did and to lose as much weight as possible which I managed 14lbs due to a combination of not having sugar cravings and changing my exercise routines ever so slightly.

In September I decided to try some different exercise classes and I tried circuits, total workout and g cycle. I enjoyed all of them and will be going to them all on a regular basis now. I believe it is important to change routines and give your body a shock from time to time and doing this has certainly helped. This was brought about mainly because I was getting bored of the gym and was finding aqua aerobics is getting a little bit easy now. I've didn't go to an aqua class last week and I won't be able to this week because of "lady reasons" so I'll probably give it a miss for a few weeks / months now and see how I get on.

I also decided that I need to learn to cook and so I invested in the new Simply Autumn cookbook last week. So far I have only done spinach and cheese lasagne from it which was very nice and today I am doing the soothing chicken soup. I also baked some cookies for my WW meeting from an online recipe and the chicken and sweetcorn pie from the fast and fab cookbook.

My ongoing New Year resolutions and goals for 2007 of giving up smoking, getting fit and losing as much weight as possible are all going very well and I've now been a non smoker for 4 days short of 9 months which I am very happy with.

For October, as well as start the Christmas shopping, not that there is much point as it is my turn to work all day Christmas day - I'm not complaining, had the last 3 off) I am going to first of all get to 14 stone 3 (I am currently 14 6.5) which will take me to weighing less than 200lbs and then I am going to get to 13 stone 13, hopefully by my WW anniversary on 19th October. I will also carry on trying different fitness classes , learning to cook and generally changing my life for the better.

Enjoy October and try not to think about Christmas too much.

Vicky xxx

WI result 24th September 2007

This week I managed to lose 4.5lbs. I am so happy with this because I have been good and I was very good last week and lost 1lb. It now means I have lost 154.5lbs in total which in real terms is 11 stone and 1/2lb. I would also like to add that to get to a goal of 9 stone 7 which I might settle for as my ultimate goal I now have less than 5 stone to lose.

Tonight I've just had a treat after dinner and on Wednesday I am out for dinner after work so I'm being good the rest of the week. I'll be happy with any loss this week.

Anyway that's it from me for this evening. I keep promising I'll write a tracker to post on here and I will try and do that next week. It certainly won't be this week though as I forgot to get one at meeting so I'll use my journal and hope for the best.

Vicky xx

Skinny Jeans

I thought I'd post these two pictures as today I wore a pair of size 18 bootleg jeans. Two very big NSV's involved here. Last Saturday they were too small for me and today they fit so hopefully a good WI result is coming my way on Monday. Also they make my legs look almost skinny! I had to get pictures taken and post them for you all to see. Get this as well, the jeans are straight waist and the size 20 part elasticated ones that I brought 4 weeks ago are falling down on me! It all helps make us feel good doesn't it?

14 weeks til Christmas

How scary is that thought! I guess it's time to think about presents and getting organised soon. Still, at least if anyone asks what I want this year I can just say clothes. I think I'll be needing them.

If someone had said to me this time last year that I'd be trying to get into the 12s for Christmas 2007 I'd have suggested they get help!!!! However, I've decided that is exactly what I am aiming for, 12 stone 7 to be exact, 32lbs!!!! I'm not sure if it is possible but I'm certainly going to give it a good try.

On my shopping trip on Saturday I brought a top in Evans for £5. I had the top in a size 26 before (I am wearing it in the picture) and I paid £32 for it. The problem is it is a size 16 and I can barely barely get it over my boobs! However, our works Christmas do is 20th December so I am really going to try and get into it by then.

My WI Result (17th September 2007)

Well I did it. I lost 1lb this week which means I have now lost 150lbs in total and weigh 14 stone 11lbs. It was hard work this week but it was worth it in the end to get the certificate for having lost 150lbs. Onwards and downwards I go and my next certificate will come at 200lbs, 50lbs to go then (11 stone 3).

However I am not going to think about that for now. I am going to concentrate on getting the 4lbs off that I need to get 11 stone gone, then the 4lbs I need after that to get 3/4s of the way to a healthy BMI and to weigh under 200lbs.

This week it looks like I am going to a circuits class on Sunday with two of the others from my meeting if there are spaces left that is. That will make up for aqua which I have to miss on Wednesday evening. I'm going to be really really good this week and see if I can lose a couple of lbs towards my mini goals. Wish me luck.

Vicky xxx

14 stone 3...

Is my next mini goal. Before tonight's WI I have 9lbs to go so I am going to try my hardest to do this by my WI on 8th October. This means I have 4 WI's including tonight to do it.

The reason this is a big milestone for me is not only because will I weigh less than 200lbs for the first time since 1996 but I will also have lost 3/4s of the weight I needed to lose to get to a healthy BMI.

I'll have another mini goal at 14 stone as this will mean I have 50lbs to go to a healthy BMI, after that I'll be aiming for the 13s and then I'll work out some more mini goals to keep me going up to Christmas, which is only 14 weeks away you will be horrified to hear!!! Scary!!!!

62lbs until I get to a healthy BMI!!!

It might sound so much to you but trust me, to me it sounds so little.

When I started Weightwatchers I needed to lose 211lbs to get to a healthy BMI. I've currently lost 149lbs although with Weigh In tonight, I'm confident I can get my 150lb loss up tonight and hence have 61lbs to lose.

I know I'm still "fat" and with a BMI of 36 I am still classed as obese but just recently I have been able to look at myself in the mirror again and admit I have lost a lot of weight and that is really showing and yes, I look so much better for it. I can even look at pictures now of myself without hating them and from behind I look almost "normal!"

I think there are two or three major things that are making me feel good about things at the moment. One of these is that I am no longer the biggest person I know. I know there are lots of people who weigh more than me but I was 8 stone more than mum at one stage and in pictures taken of us together last year I look massive next to her. On holiday in June I look the same size but in pictures taken the other night I can see that I look smaller than her and I could not remember the last time I can say that. I've added the pictures here for you all to see.

Another thing that is making me feel good is clothes size. I'm now buying trousers in an 18, again something I could only dream about this time last year. It is such a big step to not to have to buy a 20 something top and it feels great, especially considering that size 32s were too tight for me when I joined Weightwatchers.

What makes me the happiest most of all though is knowing I can do this and I WILL DO IT!!! For so long I have battled my weight and lost the fight. Not this time though, the finishing line may not yet me in sight but it is not all that far away and the day that I cross it will be a great day in so many ways.

Vicky xxx

Last night!!

Last night I went out to my parents local social club with them and some friends to watch a 70s glamrock band called The Look. They were brilliant. If you want to read more about them go to www.lookglam.com

Anyway, I went out especially to buy a top to wear as I had nothing to wear. I'm buying tops for evenings out as I need them as I don't see the point in buying clothes just for the sake of it that will only fit me for a few weeks at the most. I also took my camera to get some photos of people making fools of themselves as I was driving and was sober enough to do you.

You know how it is on some evenings out when you are sober, totally boring and sometimes you just "don't get it!" Well not last night. It was great and I had a brilliant time and as you can see from the pictures, got into the spirit of things.

My friend called just now to say thanks for a great evening. Unfortunately he is in trouble with his girlfriend for getting very drunk and he apparently banged his head which he does not remember doing. A good time had by all I am sure you will agree.

Enjoy the pictures.

Vicky xxx

My WI Result (10th September 2007)

Another 2lb loss this week so I've now lost 149lbs in total and am 5lbs away from 11 stone lost in total to date.

However a major thing has dawned on me this evening...

"I WEIGH 14 STONE SOMETHING!!!"

That sounds so much less to me than 15 stone something, stupid I know but I am so happy.

This is a short entry as I am off to bed but just wanted to share my result with you all. Next week it is all out for 150lb certificate. Wish me luck and hope all your WIs went/go well.

Vicky xxxx

New Pictures and comparisions

Below are some pictures of me. please can you give your opinions on them.

The ones with me in the England shirt were all taken yesterday.

The one where I am in the white trousers was taken when I was at my heaviest, approx 3 months before I joined Weightwatchers. Of course I know there is a BIG difference from these two pictures.
The other two are taken 1 stone apart and it would be interesting to see how many of you think there is a difference. I think there is a slight difference but what do you think?

Thanks in advance for the comments.

Vicky xxx

New to Weightwatchers? Here are my hints and tips.

There have been a lot of new people reading my blog lately and posting on the Weightwatchers forum. I imagine this is due to the monthly pass which allows you to find the forums. Welcome to you and thank you to EVERYONE for reading my blog.

A lot of new people regularly ask for hints and tips on the forums and a lot of people (old and new) ask how I have so far managed to lose 10 and a half stone. For that reason I have decided to write an entry on here with all my hints and tips on. If anyone reading this thinks it might help someone else in the future, please do not be afraid to pass on the link or my email address (vicky_radford@hotmail.co.uk). OK, here goes...

1. It is not easy - So many times in the past I've thought that signing up to Weightwatchers is enough to make it happen. It is not, you have to work at it and it takes time.
2. Take time to read the information available to you - Whether it is in the form of booklets from your meeting or electronically take time to familiarise yourself with it and learn the programme.
3. If there is anything you are not sure about do not hesitate to ask - Whether it is at your meeting, through your leader or other members, Weightwatcher customer service or on the forums do ask any questions. They may seem silly to you but someone else may benefit too and there is always someone who knows the answer.
4. If you can, make the most of the Weightwatcher forums -I find so much support, inspiration, encouragement, hints & tips not mention friendship from everyone on the forums, especially on 5+.
5. Take the advice from the programme - i.e. cut down and/or limit sugary snacks or food. I have an anti sugar thing going on at the moment but I do find if I eat too much sugar that I lose less weight that week. This does include too much fruit so do try to have veg as the majority of your 5 a day.
6. Drink plenty of water - I make sure I drink 2 litres of water a day on top of tea, coffee and other drinks. Not only does this aid weight loss but it flushes out the toxins in your body and my skin has felt so much better since I have been drinking it.
7. Get moving - It does not have to be a lot but every little helps. It may be walking the kids to school instead of taking the car or going swimming. I have taken it a bit to the extreme because I love exercise but you do not have to do that. Do the amount that is right for you and try to gradually build it up over time.
8. If you are worried about excess skin there is lots you can do to fight it. Every one's skin texture is different so what works for one may not work for another but I've lost 10 and a half stone to date and apart from a little on my arms and tops of my legs, I do not have much, although there is still time for this to happen. I am terrified that one day I'll need surgery to remove the skin so I think I'd rather have a bit of excess skin than be "fat", In the meantime though there are things we can all do to help the skin shrink. These include exercise, drinking water, using a body brush, using a firming lotion and eating a healthy balanced diet. Finally on the subject of excess skin I would say don't panic. It can take up to 2 years for skin to realise it needs to catch up so be prepared to give it time.
9. Be wary of veg - Not a major thing but although veg is free food, it does have some calories in it. A friend of mine stayed the same recently and when she worked out the points of all her veg that week she was having 3.5points extra a day. Just something to be aware of.
10. If you have a bad day/week/month/whatever learn to draw a line under it and move on ________________________________________________________________ There, it's easy really. If you go over points what is the point in giving up? I find it helps me to physically draw the line and learn from what has happened. Then put it down to experience and move on. What is the point in beating yourself up over it?
11. Finally remember this - If you give up this time, in 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year or whenever you will only want/have to lose weight again. The longer you leave it, the more weight you will have put on and have to lose again. Is there any point? Surely it is better to have a bad day, draw that line and get back into things? Last time I "gave up" I put on over 5 stone, as per the before. In fact, I can't remember how many times I've lost and gained that 5 stone. Why? Because I wanted something nice to eat or because I could not be bothered. We all owe ourselves more respect from that. BY CHEATING THE ONLY PERSON WE ARE CHEATING IS OURSELVES!!!

I really do hope this helps you, whether you are first timers or old handers to my blog. Of course not everything works for everyone but these are just somethings that have helped me and that I thought I would share with you.

If we stop making excuses and follow the programme we can achieve our goals and think how proud we'll all be of ourselves and each other when we get there.

Good luck with your journey. Please let me know how you are doing and whether this helps you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Vicky xxx

My WI Result (3rd September 2007)

Another week , another meeting. The Bursledon meeting is lovely and I'm looking forward to Tasha, my partner in crime being back next week.

Anyway after TOTM and my STS last week I'm very pleased to report an excellent 6.5lb loss this week. That takes me to 147lbs lost in total so far, just 3lb away from my 150lb certificate and I weigh exactly 15 stone, WOW!!!

Not much else I can say really is there? I knew I'd been good but I never expected that. I'm still smiling so much!!!

Vicky xxx

10 reasons....

For losing weight:

1. To look and feel good.
2. To improve my health and fitness.
3. To regain my confidence.
4. To be able to buy clothes anywhere.
5. For sense of achievement.
6. To stop people staring at me.
7. To not feel embarrassed when going out.
8. To be able to sit in seats comfortably again (ie garden seats, airplane seats etc).
9. To be happy.
10. To enjoy life.

I need help

I've always had a weight problem and as you will will have read (if you have been following my blog throughout) I've "dieted" many times before with various degrees of success. Although I've weighed less in the past, this has been the most I have ever lost in one go before. It has also been the most successful I have ever been.

However, this is the crucial time for me because I'm having a bit of a wobble. I know many of you reading this will be saying "Vic, what are you on about, you've done so well!" but I've not been feeling mentally strong just lately for various reasons (that I won't go into at the moment). I think this, combined with TOTM led to my STS last week which for me is a bad result because I really needed a loss as I was feeling a bit down in the dumps.

Anyhow, in the past I would have carried on being down in the dumps after WI and this in turn would have led to me letting things spiral and to eventually giving up. It sounds a bit over the top I know but that is the way I am. I knew I had to do something to stop this happening because I really want to do this this time.

Straight after the meeting last Wednesday evening I could have gone home and wallowed in my own self pity but when I got into the car I had a little word with myself and decided not to become a failure but to become a success story. I pointed the car in the direction of the Leisure Centre and went to aqua aerobics , showing anyone who wanted to see them my before pictures whilst we were getting ready.

It's been a strange week because as I mentioned before my meetings are changing to a Monday from today so I've effectively only had 5 days to turn things around and banking points has been a bit weird. However, I have banked points which I will scrap straight after WI in a little while. I've also earned lots of bonus points through exercise and, if the scales at the gym and at home are to be believed, I should be in a good result so I am keeping everything crossed.

I titled this entry I need help because I do. I am petrified at being 25 stone 7lbs again. I'm terrified of even weighing more than I weigh now again. I get a lot of help from myself by purely looking at pictures at what I used to look like and remembering what I used to look like and from my family who understand that I need to do this now. Marie, my leader also gives me a lot of help and support by believing in me and allowing me to be a helper at her meetings. It has enabled me to meet lots of great people and make some good friends. Without knowing it Wendy, my aqua aerobics instructor, Hazel, Vera and lots of others from my aqua classes have helped me too by asking me how I get on and congratulations me each week. Everyone who reads this blogs and leaves comments helps me because it is nice to know others are in the same situation as me and the lovely people off the Weightwatcher forums help me with all the friendship, support, motivation and encouragement that is around. The 5+ forum is a major factor in why I have done so well .

So if you see me about on the boards a lot at the moment, it's because I need "help". So say hello and stop for a chat. I don't get lots and lots of spare time but I do try and post whenever i can. You can also add me to msn. Just email me your address to vicky@weightlosschallenges.co.uk and I will add you to my msn account and if I can help anyone in anyway, please do not be afraid to ask.

Vicky xxx

The Summer is over, another month gone

Ok I was being generous when I said the summer is over. Did it ever start? Next year I am definitely going somewhere hot and sunny on holiday as I really feel like I need some sun for a week or so, I'll probably go and visit my dad in Benidorm!

8 months of the year down already. Where does the time go? Not much has changed in August really, I'm still a non smoker, I'm still enjoying the gym and I'm still losing weight.

I did set out to get my 10 stone lost in August which I did. However, I also set out to go to a Pilate's class but I did not get there as I decided that I would give it a miss for a bit. I also changed meetings which I have spoken about in other posts on this blog. However, from next week I am changing again to a Monday as my leader cannot do the Wednesday evening class anymore and I don't want to change leaders really at the moment. Marie picked me up off the floor after the "horrible leader incident" (read December 2006 and January 2007 for more details) and I'd love to repay her by getting to goal with her.

For September my goals will be to get my 150lb certificate, to complete my Summer seasons target (hopefully this week) and to generally lose as much as I can towards my Weightwatching anniversary target of the 13s by October 19th. Wish me luck, I'll give it a go.

Vicky xxx