Tag: Weight Loss

New Year’s Resolutions

For those who read my last post, I’m pleased to share that the prosecco I consumed NYE has now left my system and I’m ready (11 days later) to get back to business (a.k.a. my usual routine alongside blogging about weight loss things). However, this year I’d like to share more of the heathy weight loss tips, advice, theories and recipes I come across and just a touch less about my personal ups and downs on the scales. Reasons being?

1.I’d like my blog to reflect the efforts i’m making in being more body positive and leading a healthy lifestyle, when it comes to food and exercise – not just that number on the scales.

2. I’m also conscious that multiple posts just about my weekly weigh ins might be a little bit of a boring to read (do let me know if you disagree) and let’s face it, I can go on a bit revealing clear signs of verbal diarrhoea, or blogger diarrhoea. Is that a phrase? You know what I mean – I’m doing it right now! I’m also guilty of bragging about any weight loss I have, and because I have a major sweet tooth, gains our not uncommon when i’ve been a bit ‘bingey’! It hurts so much to reveal when I’ve gained – it’s all very emotional you know! I am actually laughing as I write this, but it can feel pretty pants to share details of a gain, even though it’s a normal part of any weight loss journey. It’s not that I won’t share those details ever, just in moderation! 

So, hopefully I can do all of those things throughout 2018 and provide an interesting read to anyone who stumbles across these pages.

Thanks for reading and see you soon,
Chloe x

Why you’ve not seen how much I’ve lost lately

I’ve been a little quiet lately when it comes to sharing my weight loss stats and that’s because i’ve been slowly gaining weight (well losing and then gaining what I lost) – since I got to my weight loss goal in March. Whilst I feel slimmer in some ways and definitely fitter, that pesky number on the scales has been rising and we all know I’m a little bit obsessed with the scales. So, here’s what i’m struggling with and how I hope to turn it around. Plus, should I hide my scales?

My trouble zones

Evening snacking: When it’s dark and my daughter is in bed I seem to snack like there’s no tomorrow. It feels like it’s a bit of me time and for whatever reason, my hands and mouth seem to constantly want food in them! But, i’ve got a couple of strategies…

I used to snack on frozen grapes. Because they’re frozen they take longer to eat and being grapes you get that satisfaction of going back for more. Does that make any sense? I kind of got out of the habit of eating them, especially when it’s a little colder, but i’m bringing grapes back! Also, when colouring with my daughter the other day I found it surprising therapeutic and kept my snacking hands busy, so I may actually get some of those adult colouring books and pencils which I used to think were a bit gimmicky – you win, i’m buying you!

Events: I’m guilty of admitting defeat before an event has begun. “Oh I’ve got a party and I know i’m going to be terrible so i’m going to be a massive piggy”. Instead of creating a game plan and making healthy choices during said event, I don’t track (and I usually track everything I eat and drink) and get carried away with the old prosecco, which eventually leads to drunken munchies. My strategy for this one is…

I must plan ahead and track what I’m eating and drinking during the moment. So that I feel better about those occasions where I will eat and drink more (but could do it more sensibly), I could go for a buggy run before the event to hopefully balance out any extra indulgences.

Tiredness:
Like many people, I tend to eat more when I’m tired, I just need to go to bed earlier!

To weigh or not to weigh: that is the question
While all of this has been going on, I’ve had more compliments lately on looking slimmer (people probably just being nice, but I’m taken those compliments vey seriously haha) and my stomach does feel flatter. Being able to complete a 10k run in a decent time I hope is evidence too that my fitness levels are ok, so why do I care about the number on the scales? I don’t know. It’s been my marker of good health for so long, I guess it’s tricky to abandon them.

Sometimes I think ‘should I just hide the scales’, as they can really get me down if I put on weight on when I feel like I should of lost a few pounds. Plus, I do love my Weight Watchers group, so perhaps I should bin my home scales so that I only weigh once a week at my meeting (as opposed to several times a week). That said I’d really like some Fitbit scales for Christmas!

My plan of attack
So that’s where i’m struggling and this is my successful weight loss plan in a nutshell…

  • Eat frozen grapes during evening snack attack
  • Get my adult colouring on to distract my hands during evening snack attack
  • Plan and track what I’m eating during special occasions to prevent massive binge on booze or food
  • Go for a buggy run the day before or morning of a special event as a damage limitation strategy
  • Go to bed earlier when possible
  • Weigh only once a week at my Weight Watchers meeting
  • Start taking my measurements to see if I am losing inches
  • Ask for some Fitbit scales for Christmas

Thanks for reading this brain dump, I really appreciate it.
Chloe x

5 reasons to feel motivated this Monday

Hello Monday! It’s October and as the days feel colder and the nights draw in closer, i’m determined to keep motivated with my healthy eating and exercise, so that I can feel my best in time for Christmas. After a pep talk with myself, I’ve come up with a few reasons to feel motivated this Monday and I would like to share them with you.

1. Christmas is just 10 weeks away. If you were to lose a healthy 2lbs a week, that could mean a weight loss of 20lbs (that’s over 1 stone) in time for Christmas!

2. Beyonce wasn’t built in a day 😉

3. I’ve loved running with my buggy and I don’t want the colder days to stop us from enjoying a good jog outside. So, i’ve dug out extra warm layers for us both, our running buggy rain cover (just in case we get caught out), and our gloves… winter fit kit complete!

4. I’ve already spotted a load of cool Christmas jumpers I’d like to stock up on, but this year I’d love to purchase one and not feel like the incredible hulk when I wear it – anyone know what I mean by this?

5, I’m guilty of overthinking this whole weight loss thing, I often have to remind myself to simply “trust the process and the results will follow”.

About the photo
This picture makes me laugh so much! I was maybe a bit dramatic crossing the finishing line of the 10k run I completed a few weeks back, but it really did mean the world to me. If you missed my post about it, here’s a little link to how I trained with my running buggy and run 10k.

10k complete! 

This weekend I ran 10k and it’s the best i’ve felt running in a very long time. I completed the hilly route in 59 minutes and 49 seconds! I never thought I would be able to run 10k after having my little one, let alone do it in under an hour; and I still can’t believe I was able to train for it with my toddler thanks to my running buggy. Today, I am very very happy!

Close friends of mine will know that I struggled (like many mums) to jog for quite some time after having my daughter – I needed to regain my strength and it wasn’t always possible to go running due to a childcare. So completing the 10k this weekend is a huge achievement for me.

As you know I trained for the 10k with my running buggy and I honestly can’t recommend running buggies enough, for the sense of freedom and to simply have a reliable buggy that you can do so much with. From strolls, to errands, to 10k runs. I love my phil&teds Sport running buggy and wish I had invested in one from when my daughter was tiny. I’ve had several buggies since being a parent, but there’s no way i’m rehoming this one!

Thank you to everyone who gave me a cheer on the way round the 10k route – it really made all the difference!

Chloe x

4 things I’ve learnt from training with my running buggy

At the start of Summer I decided to sign up to a 10k run, after many successful jogs with my phil&teds Sport running buggy. Although I was confident that i’d be able to get out and jog with my little one, I hadn’t been on many long distance runs, and I would need to if I wanted to feel my best in time for my 10k event. As that 10k approaches i’m delighted to share that we’ve done it! Training has gone so well and here’s a little of what i’ve learnt from the last few months buggy running with the aim to clock up those miles.

1. Make the most of nap times
Some of my best runs have been while my daughter sleeps or just after she’s had a good run around herself. It feels so satisfying to be able to use those times to train and to see my little one look comfy and content while I run; and not feel trapped by the nap!

2. Buggy running makes for a great day out
I feel lucky to have a running buggy that is easy to pop in the car and travel with, it also makes for a great everyday buggy too. The front wheel can be unlocked from running mode, making it super easy to push while walking and exploring. All of this means i’ve been able to incorporate visits to new parks and destinations, with a long run too. We’ll the pack the car with everything we need, have a good play and scout out a new running route before embarking on it. By the time we’ve explored a new area and had some lunch, my daughter is usually ready to climb into the buggy and rest her little legs; and that’s when I can start my run. It’s perfect!

3. Having a running buggy takes the guilt out of doing something for yourself
I’ve enjoyed running for a long time but after my daughter was born I suddenly felt guilty for wanting to get out and exercise; plus childcare isn’t always an option for me so I would feel incredible guilty for being so frustrated that I couldn’t exercise in the way that I wanted to. Having a running buggy has completely changed that. I no longer have to worry about when I can exercise, as I can simply do it with my daughter. I also feel like it’s had a really positive effect on her – she loves running, gets excited when she sees me in my running kit and heading towards the buggy and often says to me “run, run, run?”.

4. In hindsight, I wish I had invested in a running buggy sooner
I would highly recommend buggy running and the phil&teds Sport to anyone interested in being active with your little one, and if you want a sturdy, easy-to-use buggy with a big basket (great for shopping!). I’ve had my fair share of buggies and if I knew what I do know, I would 100% invest in a running buggy from the get go. I always thought running buggies were clunky, hard to push and only suitable for older children, but I was wrong on all of that.

Wish me luck for Saturday!
Chloe x

Beach buggy ready

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen some pretty cool beach shots from a few morning runs I took while holidaying in the UK – yes, I did exercise on holiday! Plus, I’ve moved house, so here’s a little update on how I’ve been getting on with my diet and exercise…

Exercising while away actually made me feel very proud, as it’s the first time I’ve used my running trainers away from home. It was such a great way to see the town we were staying in and, as running always does, it gave me such a sense of freedom – and an excuse to eat chips later that day. That might also give you an indication of how my diet is coming along – not so good!

Once home I had to pack up everything we own as we were moving house the same week we returned. So it’s fair to say it’s been a very busy few weeks. But, as I write this post from my new pad – it’s all been worth it and I’m looking forward to exploring the new area we’ve moved too with my running buggy. It’s a little more built up than our last neighbourhood so I’m thankful to the big wheels on the Sport so I can weave in and out of the streets, up and down the pavements, then off road to lap the local park – expect some new views on my Instagram.

Tips for exploring a new area with your running buggy

All of this exploring got me thinking of some tips I can share…

1. Look up potential routes before heading out with your buggy, just so you’re not completely lost if you need to head home quickly for any reason.

2. Walk the routes first to get familiar with the area and check whether the route is suitable for a jog with your buggy.

3. Make sure you have a well charged phone, money, and things to feed and entertain your little one incase they’re not so keen on your new route.

4. Take a friend with you to explore and have fun! #buggybuddy!

I’m running 10k and training with my baby!

I’ve signed up to the Windsor 10k and I actually can’t wait! The last time I attempted a 10k run, I was not prepared at all and felt so unfit running the 6 miles needed. I didn’t even have water with me, so that may give you an indicator of just how unready I really was. This time round I want to train properly and feel my strongest for the event.

#sportsummerchallenge
I’m so in love with my Sport running buggy that I’m confident I’ll be able to do all the necesary training with my daughter in tow. Well, that’s the goal anyway! The run takes place towards the end of September and as a way to make sure I do prepare for the run correctly, I promise to share my training experience and any tips I may pick up.

Buggy running
Plus, if any one is interested in what running with a buggy is really like, I hope to shed some light on that too – while learning all I need to know about running well with a buggy – and a baby (toddler)!

Wish me luck!
Chloe x

10 things you should know about my weight loss right now

So, I thought I’d share a little update about my weight loss journey.

Things you should know…

1. I’m “officially” 3lbs away from goal.
2. I say the above with quotes as I missed my Weight Watchers meeting this week – the scales at home (prior to leaving for the meeting) said I had gained 3lbs. That would make me 6lbs away from goal.
3. The above sent me into a slight rage as I couldn’t understand how that happened, then I got upset with myself. I soon calmed down but missed my meeting as a result.
4. I’m not proud of what happened above but I did stay on track that day; and even went out for a buggy run. So that anger made me quite productive!
5. My daughter likes bringing me the biscuit tin.
6. Today I ate a biscuit and I liked it.
7. Weekends seem to be my downfall these days when it comes to staying on track.
8. I’m hoping to break the above habit this weekend.
9. I really hope I lose some pounds this week coming.
10. Any tips for healthy weight loss are, as always, very welcomed! How do I get to goal?!

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