I'm a healthy Mummy...

Okay, so I know that I KNOW what to do both food and exercise wise, but I just need it to be something I don't have to overthink and so I joined up to give THE HEALTHY MUMMY program a try.

I decided to give it a go mostly because the recipes shared on their facebook page looked like stuff the kids would actually like, and as I don't want to be doing something for them and something for us, I thought its a good way to do it together.

On Sunday night I worked out the meal plan for the week, got shopping ordered ready for pick up in the morning and psyched myself up ready for a kick arse week...remembering that in a previous blog I said that I am content where I am and mostly only doing this to lose weight so I can have the prophylactic masectomy operation and be able to bounce back quickly!

Day 1 - Week 1 started on Monday the 4th of Feb...

I got the weigh in, measurements and fitness test done and dusted first thing that morning!

As I didn't start work until 11.00am, we also got time to do our first workout video.

Again...I know that I KNOW what to do training wise, afterall I did do my PT qualifications and have done plenty of sessions with awesome trainers in the past BUT I don't want to have to overthink it...okay, I don't want to become obsessed with it and there is a very fine line that I could easily cross that I don't want to cross!

Day 1 went off awesomely and I managed to get in and keep down most of the food for the day!

Day 2...Tuesday 5th Feb

As it was my day off, and as such my sleep in day, we didn't have breakfast until almost lunch time which meant I didn't get in any snacks, AND I chucked most of lunch.  Dinner was delish though although Ace wasn't too much of a fan (hmmm, Mr. Fussy strikes again, he did enjoy the salad though - ofcourse he did MANGO)!

Exercise wise since linedancing hadn't (still hasn't) started back we went on a family bike ride.

I did have all intentions of heading down to do the Avenue track, but considering it was my first bike ride in a very long time (so happy my cycling gear still fits albeit a little snug), Mark and I worked out in the morning (did the same video as the day before because silly me made a booboo) plus danced around like idiots for a little while (hahaha we have joined the zftuesday bandwagon) AND I needed to be able to move the next day so I can work (not a good look when the massager can't move without winching)...I figured it was best to ease into it!

Apart from the boys cutting me off a few times (helllloooo trying to stay on here), it was really enjoyable and I didn't fall off or get off to walk once - WINNING!

Day 3...Wednesday 6th Feb

Food was good...dinner didn't stay down though AND I made a booboo on the amount of noddles eeekkk, Ace thought it was good so thats a bonus!

Decided to do something a little different on the exercise front and just dance around like idiots to some Fitness Marshall Clips on YouTube...omg so freaking funny, but it helped with my cranky "technology sucks" mood - kids and their freaking xbox dramas OMG!

Day 4...Thursday 7th Feb

Struggled with the food today and only kept down 3 meat, rice and veggie balls.

Exercise wise, the boys escorted me (Mr. Grandpa Ace, didn't like the idea of me riding on my own...sooo sweet) to Aqua on our bikes.  Bloody hell!  Their short cut IS NOT SHORT LOL!  Also, it was the toughest but also the best session of Aqua yet!  It was like a normal PT session just in the water; shuttle runs, weights, walking lunges...it got my heart rate up and I loved it!  Then, the boys picked me up and we rode home.  Eeekkk that bridge is a bit sketch to ride over, but I did it!

Day 5...Friday 8th Feb

Started the day with a bloody horrible green smoothie eeeewww!

Was going to exercise in the evening but didn't, instead we dropped the boys at their Dads then climbed into bed and watched a movie...yes, with microwave popcorn - No guilt though, I'm still gonna splurge here and there BUT for the most part I want to be ontrack towards getting 'op ready'.

Progression NOT Perfection!

Day 6...Saturday 9th Feb

Food today was very little, I even spewed the pizza!

Exercise wise was more about movement, and boy did I move!  I cleaned my pantry and then the entire kitchen and then took stuff out to the shed for the upcoming (been upcoming for over a year) garage sale!

I also worked out the menu for Week 2 and ordered the shopping ready to collect tomorrow!

Day 7...Sunday 10th Feb

Today was a better food day than yesterday.

Whilst I again didn't do any proper movement, I did go the psychic expo (I spoilt myself with crystals) with a good friend and walked about the market AND up and down the steps to get in LOL...okay, so clutching at straws there *giggle worthy though*

I also did a little food prep, which was good.

Oh and did I mention that I've been drinking 2 litres of water (sometimes more) a day!  That for me is huge...and a big goal of mine!  Oh did I also mention that I've been getting up umteen times during the night to pee...that part really does pee me off a bit LOL!

Oh another thing, I've been meeting curfew of 11pm for bed (so not tonight as I'm typing this, but every other one)!

Anywho...that is week 1 done and dusted, I've signed up for 4 weeks as a starter and will see how we go.  Slow and steady will win this race...I've got a whole year and a bit to get there, and I WILL get there, I just refuse to cross that fine line!

Read more "I'm a healthy Mummy..."

Feb 2014...

NON SCALE GOAL...

The sizes on these labels are irrelevant to me as the jeans themselves are my old faithfuls and to once again be able to wear them comfortable will be amazing.

I have to say that for the first time in ages I am very nervous about posting these photos but I do so in the hopes that whilst motivating me to work towards the achievement it also helps to inspire you.

FEB FAST...

No processed foods (no sugar, no breads, no lactose, none of the crap).

The first week I experienced a bit of lethargy in the mid afternoon but this was gone by the end of the second week. I noticed that I woke up feeling more refreshed however this could have had something to do with going to sleep earlier. My skin got clearer, my movements more regular (more information than you required haha), I didn't have as many cravings as I thought and the scales moved by 4.2kg in 4 weeks.

I'm still a long way off where I want to be but not where I was and I am proud of myself for giving it my all and not giving in to temptation.

I wasn't going to post these photos due to being embarrassed that I let myself get back to the point of being uncomfortable in my skin (despite contributing factors other than just poor nutrition) and also because I have been having a few self doubt issues about training others when I 'look' the way I do; but as I have said before there is no one that can be more critical than I am of myself and there is always some one out there that wishes they were where you are and so I decided to be brave and openly share my journey in its entirety. This is me...yes I am proud of the changes I made over the past month but no I am still not comfortable in my own skin BUT I am determined to get to a point where I am. 

I have had people say to me that they can't do it and my reply is that you need to get a point where staying the same is no longer an option then you will find the drive needed to move forward one step at a time to change. 

Looking in the mirror everyday and not liking what you see is far harder than eliminating processed foods and training hard for an hour a day - YOU CAN DO IT, you just need to REALLY WANT TO.

Read more "Feb 2014..."

12WBT Task 7 & 8

In order to know how far you've come, you've got to know where you started. 

PRE-SEASON TASK 7 - Fitness Test

1 km Time Trial - This is a measurement of your cardiovascular fitness. The fitter you are, the healthier your heart. 

Push UpTest - This is a measurement of your upper body strenth and endurance. How many push-ups can you do in 1 minute? 

Wall Sit - This test measures your lower body strength.

Sit & Reach - This test measures flexibility

Crunch - 5 stage abdominal test to determine your abdominal strength

• Stage 1: Wrists to kneecaps 
• Stage 2: Arms folded across your chest. Full sit up, Elbows to thighs 
• Stage 3: Hands linked behind head. Full sit up. Elbows must stay wide 
• Stage 4: Arms crossed behind your head. Hands on opposite shoulders. Full sit up. 
• Stage 5: Arms fully extended crossed behind head. Full Sit up. 

PRE-SEASON TASK 8 - Measure Up and take some statistics

Weigh, Measure and Take a 'BEFORE' Photo

SOME TIPS:

Weight - Choose your weigh in day and make sure you weigh in on the same day and time each week. Mornings are the best - straight after your first pee and in the nude.

Measurements - Make sure that you are wearing the same clothes (including bra for girls) and measure exactly the same way each time, and at the same time of the day.

• Chest: on the nipple line. 
• Waist: on the belly button and measure around that point. 
• Hips: at the widest part (not on the hip bones). 
• Thighs: With feet apart and arms by your side point thumb downwards - this is your measurement point. 
• Arms: 4 fingers above elbow crease, arm relaxed down by your side as you measure.

So if you pay attention you might have noticed that I have shrunk by 2cm....old age or the wrong initial measurement hmmm.

I am currently a tight Size 14 which means my jeans are uncomfortable.

I have to say that I am totally disgusted in my body fat percentage.  In Feb 2012 it was 33% and in 4 months it has increased by a shocking 17.9% - hence the reason I am looking like a saggy baggy elephant girl.

Unfortunately my loose skin on the inner thighs and arms and my upper tummy will require surgery but in the meantime I plan to just tone up the underlying muscle as much as possible.  I will consider surgery if when I reach my goal I am still not happy with how it looks.

Well, that's the end of the Pre-Season Tasks...now to get on with the challenge.  No luck needed as I am one determined and stubborn woman!

Read more "12WBT Task 7 & 8"

Day 1, Week 1 of AIM TO CHANGE Challenge!!

Today I joined a 12 week challenge on Facebook called 'AIM TO CHANGE'.  Put simply its an online weight loss group with the focus being on helping to inspire and motivate each other to work towards achieving our individual goals. 

Although I know that I said 'No more challenges', I feel that this one is different in the sense that it isn't a competition against any one else, no fees were paid and no prizes will be won other than reaching my goals.  I am also feeling stronger and am determined not to fall back into negative patterns of self abuse.

One thing that has been playing on my mind though is that its yet ANOTHER challenge and as we all know my track record hasn't exactly been one that has seen me completeing 'all' of them BUT 'No one really fails if they are willing to try again' and so try again I shall!

MY GOALS for the next 12 weeks:

Lose .5 to 1 kg per week (6 - 12kg)

Follow a Healthy Nutrition Plan

Drink at least 1 litre of water per day

Do 5 X Gym/Training Sessions per week 

Get adequate rest (lights out by 11.30pm)

Update Calorie King everyday

Blog Regulary (at least twice a week)

Allow myself a Free Meal each week

Allow myself to enjoy life within reason

No under eating, No overtraining, No binging, No purging.

Celebrate and congratulate myself on the 'wins' (big and small)

Here are the starting stats.  I am so embarrassed to share these and I promise myself that this will be the last time that I ever look this hideous.

You can view my Food Intake HERE. 

Today's Exercise was a 45minute group boxing class which I really struggled with as I am still really sore from Commando Training; but I pushed through and even did squats!!

Read more "Day 1, Week 1 of AIM TO CHANGE Challenge!!"

Let the 'Genesis' Challenge begin...

As you can tell by the title I have decided to take on another challenge.  Whilst it is a Genesis challenge, I am not 'officially' part of it ($$$) but will still be going through the motions in order to get myself back on track and to also support Marianne who is an official participant (and who is going to whoop everyones butt because Kerriann and I are going to help by whooping hers Bahahahahahaha).

The past week has been absolute hell for me as being sick has meant my training suffered and me being an emotional eater turned to food.  Why do I continue to do it when I know it only makes me feel worse?  I really am my own worst enemy and it is such a vicious cycle.  I eat because I want comfort because I feel crap, then I feel crap because I eat crap, then I eat more crap because I feel crap that I ate crap GRRR!!  As a result of abusing my body with 'crap' food my stomach as been so bloated and sore (because of no crap - too much information I know but I was on a roll LOL) that last night I resorted to taking some laxatives which thankfully have helped a little - ahhhhh! 

I am so unhappy in my own skin at the moment and even though I am uncertain that I will ever get to a place where I am 100% happy with myself, I at least want to regain some of the feelings that I had only a few months ago - when I was feeling 'lean and tall' rather than 'fat and frumpy'.

I was looking back over some of my photos last night and found one of me in July 2009.  I can remember how totally disgusting I felt back then to the point that I was abusing my body by either not eating or eating and purging or, the list of abuse goes on and on.  Now I look at it and although I know that I was 'skinny fat (no muscle tone) and not healthy' I 'like' the shape and size of my body and have decided that it is what I want to aim for. I figure that I have been there before and so I CAN DO IT again, although this time I want to achieve it the HEALTHY way and enjoy it when I get there.

WHERE I WANT TO BE

Weight = 73.5kg, Bust = 94cm, Waist = 89cm, Hips = 108cm  

WHERE I AM

Weight = 83.5, Bust = 101cm, Waist = 99cm, Hips = 118.5cm

So tomorrow it all begins and whilst I am still feeling pretty ordinary (Throat and Lung Infection) I am determined to get back on track and turn things around and so in true Tash style I decided to jump straight into the deep end and book in my first PT with Steve - nervous much!!



MY LONG TERM GOALS:

Ultimately I would like to be 69kg which would give me a BMI of 22, this is the middle of my healthy range of 64kg - 74kg.  In order to achieve this I will lose 14.5kg.  My aim is to lose 1/2 to 1kg per week. 

BF% within 25% - 30% - I will lose 12 - 17% of body fat.

SM% within 35 - 40% - I will increase my skeletal muscle by 10 - 15%.

In order to achieve the same sort of figure that I had in July 2009 I need to reduce my Bust, Waist and Hip measurements by approximately 10cm each.  I will reduce my measures and be a comfortable Size 12.

Read more "Let the 'Genesis' Challenge begin..."

It's BODY BLITZ Challenge time!!

Happy New Year!! 

In staying true to my 'resolution' (for lack of being able to find a better word) of living each and every moment in the 'now', I have decided NOT to reflect upon the previous year as it has all just led me here to 'this moment'.  With that said, I have kicked things off in true Tash style, which is of course jumping straight into the deep end and have joined the Body Blitz 12 week challenge which started TODAY - Monday 3rd Jan 2011.

Whilst I do have 'specific & measurable' goals (Healthy Weight Range, Reduce Body Fat, Increase Muscle Percentage, Reduce Measurements) my main focus is to MAINTAIN A BALANCED AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE which I believe will ultimately help me to achieve the results that I would like to see.

Todays FOOD:  Total Calories 1443

Breakfast
2 level scoops of Musashi: Protein Powder, Hybrid 92 Vanilla
40 g of Uncle Tobys: Oats, Traditional

Snack
2 scoops of Musashi Protein Powder, Hybrid 92, Chocolate
1 small Banana
(Blended into shake)

Lunch
6 Thin, Sundried Tomato & Basil Rice Cakes
1/2 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
1/4 bag (50g) of Gourmet Salad
15ml (one serving) of Balsamic Vinegar Dressing

Snack
15 almonds

Dinner
Apricot Chicken

'RECIPE' (Serves 4)
500g Chicken Breast (no skin, no bones)
Sachet Continental French Onion Salt- Reduced Soup
825g can of Coles Apricot Havles
2 Servings of Green Beans

Mix soup mix into the Apricot Juice and then pour over the top of other ingredients - Cook in oven and serve with Rice (if you are having carbs).

Snack
3 scoops of Musashi: Protein Powder, SLM, Fat Metabolising, Chocolate
1 serving of Jarrah: Chai Latte, Vanilla Spice
1 tub (62g) of Nestle: Dairy Desserts: Diet, Chocolate Mousse

Today's EXERCISE

45 mins of Impact Fitness and Wellbeing - Boxing Circuit Training

Well that's it for today, tomorrow I have a Tummy, Hips and Thighs PT session so I need to get my rest.  I have a feeling I will be saying OUCH alot by Wednesday/Thursday LOL!!

Read more "It's BODY BLITZ Challenge time!!"

The Challenge - Final Weigh In Results

Here are the final results of the 8 week challenge. 

I am feeling really proud of what I have achieved, it hasn't been easy but it has sure been rewarding.

My Goals for the 8 Weeks...

To loose .5kg - 1kg per week.

*I lost .65kg per week

For my Size 12 Jeans (pictured in before photo) to fit comfortably.

*Whilst they are more comfortable I would like them to be a little looser.

To be able to run 4km continuously in under 30minutes.

*Knee has prevented me from running but my fitness level has improved.

To get adequate rest (bed before midnight).

*Had maybe one night a week that I went over curfew and then it was only by an hour at the most.

Follow Exercise and Nutrition Plans.

*I am so happy with my dedication to this, even when I did come off the rails I was able to get back on again which is a huge accomplishment as in the past I would of just given up.

Hyrdrate my body by drinking 2Lt of Water per day.

*I didn't get my 2Lt everyday but I have been drinking more than I used to - I would like to improve on this.

Increase Skeletal Muscle % and Decrease Body Fat %

*Achieved - Whoo Hoo!!

Read more "The Challenge - Final Weigh In Results"

The Challenge - Weigh In #7, Day 1 Week 8

I got the Trifecta again which I am very happy about, so happy infact that I even did a little victory dance in the Gym this morning LOL!! 

So far in 7 weeks I have lost a total of 5.5kg Weight, 3.3% Body Fat and Gained 1.4% Muscle.

I now have less than 10kg and less than 6% BF to loose until I am at my goal.  Although I know that its still a little while away I at least know that I can (and will) do it!  Gotta say that the thought of reaching it is a little scary and leaves me thinking..."what happens then?" but; as the saying goes I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

I am sooooo tired tonight, I even had to push myself to go to Boxing and normally I can't wait to get there.  It goes to show that relying on motivation alone is not the key, you need to do it regardless of whether you are motivated or not!!

In saying that I have a big week ahead of me as I want to end the challenge on a high!

Lastly I wanted to share my newest Before and After picture. 

Before 2000 and After July 2010.

Read more "The Challenge - Weigh In #7, Day 1 Week 8"

The Challenge - Day 7, Week 7

Last night Glenn and I went to an engagement party and so we decided to make the most of a kid free night and get all glammed up.  I brought my dress at Femme (Caroline Morgan) which is one of the little Asian Shops and its a Size L (12).  I must admitt that I felt pretty good being able to see that my hard work is paying off, and I am so proud of myself as there were '2' chocolate fountains and I managed to avoid temptation.  I did have 1 party pie and 3 lollie snakes but I burnt those off by shaking my groove thang LOL!  Oh and stuck to good ole H20 all night too - no hangover for me!!

Today's plan is to be good food wise and to chill out spending quality time with my precious family!!

Read more "The Challenge - Day 7, Week 7"

8 Week 'Biggest Winner' Challenge Begins!!

Monday is fast approaching and with it the start of the 8 Week 'Biggest Winner' Challenge and I am beginning to wonder exactly what I have gotten myself into and whether or not I have bitten off more than I can chew.  Not only does it involve an intense workout schedule (6 days per week - Resistance and Cardio), it also involves dramatically changing my diet which is the part that is making me the most nervous.  But, I signed up for it and that means I stick to my word and give it 110% because there's no point doing a half arsed job and besides that I have every faith in the fact that I will finally see the results that I have been looking for by doing this.

My Goals for the 8 Weeks:

To loose .5kg - 1kg per week.

For my Size 12 Jeans (pictured in before photo) to fit comfortably.

To be able to run 4km continuously in under 30minutes.

To get adequate rest (bed before midnight).

Follow Exercise and Nutrition Plans.

Hyrdrate my body by drinking 2Lt of Water per day.

Increase Skeletal Muscle % and Decrease Body Fat %

My Ultimate Goals:

To loose 10kg - 15kg.

Reach goal weight of 69kg - 74kg = Healthy BMI

To drop body fat percentage to between 21% - 33%

To be a comfortable Size 12

To drop Viceral Fat to 5 (currently 7)

To be fit and healthy enough to become a Personal Trainer

Note:  Weight, Measurements and Photo's were taken on Thursday 20th 2010.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you.  Thank you so much for your continuing support and encouragement it helps to inspire and motivate me further.

I am hoping to be able to post daily blogs which will include details of my diet and exercise and also my general wellbeing for the day.  Stay tuned for more and wish me luck as I commence this amazing new journey.

Love, Light and Peace Always!!

Read more "8 Week 'Biggest Winner' Challenge Begins!!"

April 2010 Weigh In & Measure Results

Ok, so I'm 19 days late but as the saying goes - it's better late than never!

TOTAL LOSS (3 months) = 3.6kg / 24cm / 9"

Read more "April 2010 Weigh In & Measure Results"

Day 1, Week 3 - An Update!

WEIGHT & MEASUREMENTS:

This is how I started my day......

Weight has gone UP and Measurements have come DOWN - totally frustrating and ridiculous - I just can't grasp the theory of it......arrrhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! PISSED OFF!!!

In total I have Gained 1.4kg / 3lbs and Lost a total of 10cm / 4"

I can only see a slight difference.

FOOD:

For Brunch (Breakfast & Lunch in one) I had a Chocolate SlimRight Shake made with Lite Milk = 230 Calories.

For Dinner I made Bangers and Mash with Tomatoe and Brown Onion Gravy and although I ate half of it....the amount that I actually kept in was ZERO!!

I had 6 Coffees each with Lite Milk and 2 Sugars Each = 330 Calories.

Total Calories = 560

EXERCISE:

*5 mins Cycle (92cal)

*10mins Elliptical Trainer (103cal)

*8 mins Jogging on Treadmill @8 kph (94cal)
*14 mins Walking on Treadmill @ 6.2 kph (205cal)
*8 mins Walking on Treadmill @ 5.5 kph (106cal)

Total Exercise Calories = 600

My Daily Calorie Total = <40>


REASSESSMENT RESULTS:

My initial Assessment was on December 3, 2009 (2 months ago).  In that time my weight has increased by 3.6kg(8lbs) and my measurements have increased by 14.5cm(5.75") which of course means an increase in my BMI.

However,  my Skeletal Muscle Mass has changed from 25% to 26.4% and my % of Body Fat has changed from 42.3% to 40.6% and my Viceral Fat is unchanged at 7.

The other thing that was calculated was my RMR (Resting Metabolic HeartRate).  This is that amount of Calories that are burned while the body is at rest. These calories are needed just to maintain life.  My RMR Total = 1648 cals.

Read more "Day 1, Week 3 - An Update!"