New Year, new resolution, *new* *thread*: healthy living and positive thinking in 2009

[eemie]

Welcome to 2009 everyone.

This is where we try to support each other to eat healthily, take better care of ourselves and think positively.

It used to be called a 'bootcamp' but it's really more forgiving than that, especially if you're poorly or you've just had a baby.

Everyone is welcome (I would put that in capitals but don't want to shout).

Our suggestions:-

Eat healthily;
Exercise regularly;
Drink plenty of water/other clear fluids;
No alcohol during the week;
Use body lotion/hand cream/extract of donkey testicles regularly;
Get enough rest;
Focus on three (well, at least one) positive achievements, however small, every day and try to post it/them here.

Have I missed any?

Happy new thread, everyone

I will keep this thread going, I will keep this thread going..............

Eemie - thanks for sympathy, I know he will get used to things very soon and then there will be no stopping him!
However we are not there yet and had a pretty rough day today as he was obviously in a lot of pain at times and we didn't seem to get the painkillers right - ended up with both him and me crying our hearts out at tea-time Poor little boy is so good and most knocks/falls are forgotten in minutes so this must REALLY hurt for him to be so upset.

There were still positives:

1. The fish pie I made for dinner was very well received by everyone apart from DS who isn't up to eating much (and there is enough left for another meal this week)
2. I managed to go to my tennis course and really feel better for it
3. I have just scoffed home-made apple cake and ice-cream and I don't feel in the slightest bit guilty! It was DELICIOUS

Well done feetheart! Especially on managing to stay positive when ds struggling. Hope he's more comfortable soon.

I've been distracted by other problems - can't look in v. often just now.

I'm actually quite happy to talk to myself, I seem to do it a lot when the children are around (or that's what it feels like )

Eemie - thanks for sympathy. I hope RL problems sort themselves out.

Slightly better day today. DS happiest just laying on sofa looking at books/watching 'Cars' video which is so unlike him I know he is really suffering. We did venture out to library for 'Story Time' before picking DD up but things got too sore and he just sobbed and sobbed
Very worried now as I have to take him out tomorrow as DH doesn't need car and I have some work stuff I HAVE to do. Need to time it to fit in with painkiler doses and be as quick as possible I suppose. Chocolate might help us both too!

Scraping around a bit for positives today but here goes:

1. DH took DD to school so we had one less journey to make
2. The snow didn't settle
3. Made nice burritos for dinner

1. Train was delayed so I
2. Texted colleague to say I'd be a little late for London meeting so he
3. Texted me back to say the meeting's on March 13 not Feb 13 so I
4. Came home and baked instead

Eemie - that sounds lovely, its SO nice to have some unexpected time to do things. What did you bake?

Things are a lot better here atm. Upped DS's painkillers yesterday and he was almost back to himself.
So positives for yesterday:

1. DS getting wriggly on the sofa, up till now he has just laid there
2. Managed to get out and do some jobs though going back to using a pushchair is an 'experience' - had forgotten what a pain it can be!
3. DS singing again

Going to try bathing him today (got a special cast cover thing now) and then a party each this afternoon.
Planning to go girly shopping with DD on Sunday as she has been so helpful this week and is going to have a bit of an odd half-term next week.

A Victoria sponge - not in the Mumsnet Village Show class, but passable. Horrible oven in our rented house, still tweaking all my recipes to compensate. DH and DD remarkably uncritical when it comes to baking, though

Eemie - I do love baking, one of my many healthy eating downfalls

W/E went well inspite of broken leg though a lot more time was spent in front of the TV than usual (and I've a feeling it will continue throughout half-term but needs must!)

Bath with cast-cover was a great success, DS enjoyed the party he went to and was able to slither around on a very shiny floor and DD was at a 'pink party' to end all pink parties so she was DELIGHTED

Stayed in yesterday doing crafty things, making the killer 'chocolate cake in a mug' and watching Monsters Inc.
Bit more active today as have to get DD to trampolining/gym course. Might have to get dressed before midday!!

Positives:

1. DS MUCH more comfortable though not keen on being mobile yet
2. Made and scoffed 'choc cake in a cup' with children though they liked it so much I didn't get much of a look in, maybe a good thing!
3. Managed to sort out quotes for new boiler in rental property I manage for a friend and get them to her. Did have to sacrifice early night for it though.

So glad this thread is still going!

Feetheart - your poor poor ds, but he sounds like he is coping admirably. At least it happened when it is still too cold to worry about playing outside all the time.

Eemie - hope your other 'worries' recede soon.

No-one else here?

Well, I want to continue because, although i have not cracked some aspects of bootcamp (ie the losing weight which is really really bugging me now) this camp is working!

1. My hairdresser says that my hair has definitely become thicker.
2. It may be just a freak of hormones, but my acne has subsided for several weeks now. Although my skin will never be that great without some major sanding/light therapy (I have scars) it is definitely better - clearer & softer.
3. I am slowly back into my gym routine and shall try to stick to a minimum of 3 times a week plus trying to fit in more walking and general activeness.

Now, I need to lose about 18 pounds to fit into my dress in May for my big event for work and really need to focus [Derren Brown/Paul McKenna hypnotic voice emoticon].
However, I too love to bake and am feeling a strong half-term urge to pop that oven on and fill it with some carby sugary concoction (I'm not focusing yet am I?)

Welcome back moonshine, glad things are easing up feetheart

My weight still drifting slowly down despite the odd chocolate lapse, mainly thanks to being alcohol-free and walking the dog.

Kitchen shop was selling off display items today & I got a really good juicer for an excellent price. Should revitalise my smoothie-making. Carrot, apple and melon delicious this evening

Morning Moonshine and Eemie (and any lurkers out there!)
Think today might be a struggle as my very tired DS managed to wake up 4 times last night . Only once because his leg was sore, the other times he seemed to just want to tell me his dreams!! Nasty feeling he is now used to having someone come running when he calls, must knock that on the head as soon as possible!

Moonshine - more info on big event and dress required please.
I am going to need a lot of help inspiration on what to wear to Afternoon Tea at a 5 hotel at the beginning of April. Belated 40th birthday celebration for one of the Mums I've known since DD was tiny. Just hoping 5 doesn't mean very elegant but tiny portions

Think I need to get back on track with all of bootcamp now rather than just concentrate on positives so here goes for yesterday (it may not be good!)

Eat healthily - made big chocolate cake with DS so much 'tasting' going on! Am also back to snacking on sweet things - definitely tiredness and stress related but NOT GOOD
Exercise regularly - only left the house once yesterday and that was by car
Drink plenty of clear fluids - not enough
No alcohol during the week - that's the easy one!!
Lotions and potions - face cream and a bit of handcream but not much else
Get enough rest - no!
Positives:

1. Had lovely time cooking and playing with DS in afternoon whilst DD was out at cinema - I do love Playmobil! Lovely to see him happy to be on the floor playing rather than collapsed on the sofa not wanting to move because it hurts.
2. Made HUGE lasagne that will last 2 nights so that's dinner for Friday sorted as well
3. Printed out the 'Couch Potato to 5k' running thing. DH nearly passed out when he saw it, he knows my complete aversion to running but I feel I need to do something.

Feetheart - Im with you on the bootcamp seriousness. Can we reassess our aims (apart from wanting to looking years' younger and waft around in a veil of untold loveliness, health and positivity, but baby steps eh)?

I want/need to:

1. Lose 1.5 stones. Not to be thin (I still wouldn't be) but to fit into my favourite clothes and jog run more easily without probably wrecking my joints with the heavy load. And just to feel less shite about myself.

1. Get fitter, especially build more lean muscle and tone up legs (I've given up on the rest and have got used to its squidginess). And to really improve my running stamina.

1. To continue to improve eating habits which is hopefully helping my skin look fresher and clearer, and hair thicker and shinier.

And hopefully loads of other nice things will follow as a consequence.

My big event, without wanting to say too much, is a huge annual black tie works thing I work on. Through doing the Cambridge Diet last year for a few weeks, I slimmed into a slinky long gown (unforgiving but that's what spanx is for ) and got loads of compliments. I have since put on more than a stone (most of that from April to July!), hence needing to focus. What shall I do? Do I need to follow an actual plan like WW or SW?? I just can't bear the thought but maybe tis the only way....

5 tea will I imagine be small portions but lots of it on offer. But then I have never been for a 5 meal so I am probably way off. But it sounds as if it calls for a lovely floaty frock of chiffon or one of the gorgeous print shift dresses that are appearing.

Must go anyway as am meant to be taking dcs to a museum! Will try and pop back later.

Hello everyone!

Could have sworn I'd posted on this thread, but obviously not .

Doing ok bootcampwise, although half-term has thrown me off kilter. Have lost Christmas weight-gain, and began to lose again. I'm now lighter than I've been in years (certainly pre-children). And I apparently have "some" muscle definition in my thighs!!! (that's a novelty, lol).

Food - yeeees well.... the theory is fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch, family tea and a snack/more fruit. Works most of the time.

Exercise - wii-fit/exercise bike going well. Managed a couple of walks this week too.

As for the rest...soso. Bedtime lax because it's half-term, feet need some intensive therapy.

I've got a blood test in 3 1/2 weeks, and then our holiday is in seven weeks and I have set myself a target of losing a stone by then (hahahaha) but something to aim for, as I have at least two dresses that I have bought that will look better if I lose a few more pounds. I have lost weight all over, but seem to have lost more off my bust/bum (which was always smaller anyway) so my tum still feels mahoosive.

unknownrebelbang - glad I'm not the only one who thinks they have posted when all I've done is talk to myself (though I've done that a bit on here too!)
Nice to see you back though and sounds like you've been doing well.
I haven't lost the Christmas poundage and its annoying me, actually what's REALLY annoying me is that I've never had to bother about my weight but it looks like age may be having other ideas now . So my aims are:

1. Get back to 11 1/2 stone - my comfortable weight. I seem to fluctuate around 12st at the moment, some clothes feel a bit stretched and I don't feel good

1. Get fitter - I walk when school/pre-school is on and started a tennis course after Christmas which I loved (bit of a debate as to whether DH or I go to the next course so I may have to wait until Easter for my 'turn') I have looked at the 'Couch potato to 5k' stuff and might give it a go though I have always hated running with a passion but I need to do something that fits in with small children

1. Stop eating so much sweet stuff - it will always be around but I have to learn NOT to demolish it at every turn

1. Learn about make-up - I'm 46 and have never really worn it but think I probably should now

Moonshine - not sure I'm a floaty dress person in reality (though the wafting around in a veil of untold loveliness, health and positivity is the image I want for myself )

So today:

Exercise regularly - still only went out in the car though did have to clamber around a soft-play place rescuing DS whenever he got stuck, which was often!
Drink plenty of clear fluids - better but not great
No alcohol during the week - that's the easy one!!
Lotions and potions - ok
Get enough rest - better as DS slept through last night
Positives:

1. DS was very active both during the 1.5 hr wait for our appointment ( )at the fracture clinic and at the softplay/pub we went to afterwards.
2. Dinner was already made - rest of lasagne from the other day
3. DD and I spent ages after dinner making a huge chocolate cake for her birthday on Sunday. We don't often get the chance to cook together now and it was nice to have the time to do it.

Enjoy your weekends everyone. Ours will be busy and involve much birthday related stuff as DD is 6 on Sunday and DH is a lot older on Monday

Sorry for the epic

Hello all,

Managed to get to the Natural History Museum on Friday but someone forgot to remind me that it is the 7th circle of hell in the holidays.

Happy birthday to both dd and dh in the Feetheart household . You reminded my how much I love lasagne actually but I cannot cook it as I can never control my portion eating with it around.

Unknown - 1 stone in 7 weeks is perfectly sensible and manageable (for a 'normal' person, obviously but not for me ).

I loathe Eamonn Holmes but hearing how he has lost 20 lbs this year on the radio this morning has spurred my on for some reason .

So my new plan is: to use up the CD packs I have had for nearly a year to give me a kick up the bum. Hopefully I will lose half a stone in a week with it (and yes I know it's mostly water/glycogen store but I'm hoping it will push me back into my groove), then have my usual yoghurt and banana or similar for breakfast, bring in a healthy salad or soup to work for lunch and chicken/fish dishes for dinner (which,together with coming home from work and stuffing my face wildly is my downfall. Must learn to snack more sensibly).

Dh and I never did manage to give up the alcohol but we are going to try again from tomorrow.

I will also try and sort my nails out on both hands and feet this weekend. (Must add better grooming to my list).

Eemie - hope you're ok out there.

Now must try and motivate myself to go the gym to 'earn' my last glass or 2 of alcohol tonight.

Hello all (waves at self),

Day 1 of my Deadline Fit and Fabulous regime (DEFF). Couldn't make the gym as ds woke me up a few times in the night and am knackered. But I have been dancing madly around the living room to some fast tunes to help make up for it.

My session at the gym on Saturday was the least tortuous of the year so far (not difficult to accomplish) and has reignited my desire to get properly fit. Porridge for breakfast (can't face a CD pack yet), nails filed ready for polish tonight, legs and underarms defuzzed, face scrubbed with some stuff from Soap and Glory. Even my feet have been pummelled.

Eeh, you can be right indulgent on this thread when there's no-one else around (swings arms around wildly).

Anyone joining me for a 'no messing around now, it's serious' bootcamp?

Moonshine - you sound very chipper
OK, I'm in (hastily hides sweetie alphabet letters that I've been scoffing feeding to DS) We also have A LOT of chocolate birthday cake in the house AND I am taking DH out for his birthday tonight so I may not be too good to start with

However, on the plus side, I went for a RUN on Saturday morning. This is HUGE for me as I have always hated running with a passion but with all that has been going on recently (mainly DS and his broken leg) I needed to find something energetic to do to provide a few endorphins and preserve my sanity. It was a beautiful morning and I was about to burst (and scream at people) so I told them I was going for a walk. I did the first session of 'Couch Potato to 5k' - more walking than running - and came home feeling human again. Not sure I enjoyed it but I liked the effects and that might propel me out the door again!

So for the w/e:

Exercise regularly - a RUN and some walking
Drink plenty of clear fluids - bit better
No alcohol during the week - that's the easy one!!
Lotions and potions - ok
Get enough rest - slept badly on Sat night due to over-indulging whilst making and icing DD's cake - too much sugary stuff is NOT good for me. Better last night

Positives:

1. Went for a run for the first time since school (and might do it again!)

1. Made and iced a chocolate dog birthday cake that DD asked for

1. Had FANTASTIC time yesterday as we went to see The Lion King. DC knew we were going to London but not what we were going to do. We were all blown away by it.

DD said as she was settling into bed last night that she had had the 'best birthday ever'

Feetheart - yes you must go again. I am too cowardly to run outside but enjoy running at the gym. Well not enjoy exactly, I always hate the first ten minutes on the treadmill, dislike the next whatever I can push my body to do but do end up feeling great for a good few hours afterwards.

I think we can allow you another day of indulgence and then it's showtime [evil Jack Nicholson grin].

I've just finished my period so that probably explains my optimism atm . And it's not freezing cold. And I have reminded myself that I do not give 2 hoots about my job or company except as a money-earning vessel so, although I think things are looking a bit shaky atm and I do think they will try to change my job (if it still exists in a few months' time), I will not let them get me down (although not earning money will be a bugger as would have to go back to absolute basic no-money lifestyle).

Gah, am feeling very verbose atm so will stop now.

Right, it's showtime I'm ready for serious bootcamping now though will be using most of my will-power to resist chocolate cake for a while yet! Might restrict myself to a slice in the evening.

Can we have a go at creating a 'sensible snacking' list as that's my downfall? I'm going to try and stick with fruit and carrots to start with though may need a few dried apricots for the sugar content.
Someone somewhere did suggest having a drink everytime you feel like snacking as your body can confuse hunger and thirst, must try that again too.

Will report back later.

Survived first day and didn't do too badly until this evening when I did have a slice of cake and a lot few pancakes . Had a few wobbles throughout the day but the thought of having to report here made me reach for the grapes and not the cake tin!!
Had wanted to go for a run but DH was back too late so will attempt to run with DS in pushchair tomorrow

Exercise regularly - back to walking to and from school but not much else so under 7,000 steps
Drink plenty of clear fluids - much better
No alcohol during the week - that's the easy one!! Need to change this to something to do with snacking!
Lotions and potions - yes
Get enough rest - woken before 6am by DH leaving then DS woke at 6.15 so need to go to bed now!
Positives:

1. Went into school to read in DD's class whilst another Mum used my son in his pushchair to chase her son around the park
2. DS managed to use his walking frame to get from the living room to his pancake on the kitchen table (and back again) - he was VERY pleased with himself
3. Made lots of boring but necessary phonecalls re GP's appointments, smear test, etc

Oh yes pancake day has not come at a good time but my kids were so greedy keen that I only managed to get one which I guess was a blessing.

Snacking is one of my downfall(s). But I'm quite good when working. Apart from the usual crudites-type things, which don't always hit the spot, I eat fruit that is either tedious to eat (apple/orange) or one that I can pick at (grapes/cherries). I also often make up a little bag of dry cereal (Quakers oat crisps which are very tasty actually and very low in calories) and mix in some dried fruit and nuts. I also like wholemeal crackerbread with some salmon pate (which is also surprisingly low in cals compared to other spreads and pates cos I guess it has no mayo and it is delicious) or peanut butter. Sadly crisps do feature sometimes but at least I always have a multipack one which is smaller.

Managed to go to the gym before work and ran 3 miles but only managed 5 mins on the stepper! And have done some weights after work.

If only I could bottle this determination and enthusiasm and use it to dose myself when the first few days are over.

Is it just you and me then Feetheart who are going to be wafting around smugly this summer, looking fitter and younger and bootcamped [hopeful emoticon]?

Could be just the two of us Moonshine though there are lurkers out there I'm sure. MUCH rather be 'a select group' than talking to myself as I was a week or two back

Good bootcamp day for the most part. Managed to go for a run with DS in his pushchair and it worked! He was a good distraction though did have a tendency to yell 'Run Mummy' when I was supposed to be walking and 'Stop running again' when I was running This Couch potato running thing involves more walking than running to start with so I'm rather impressed with your 3 miles.

Exercise regularly - just over 7,000 steps and a 20 minute walk/run
Drink plenty of clear fluids - much better
Sensible snacking - mostly though a slice of cake and a few leftover Valentines Day chocolates crept in too
Lotions and potions - face, body and feet done
Get enough rest - up sorting out DD at 2.30am then DS decided that 5.50am was morning time (it was not!!)
Positives:

1. Run felt bit easier than last time and after-effects are good (I do like endorphins)

1. DS getting much more mobile, even managed to get himself upstairs because he knew he could go and annoy his sister

1. Managed to find a dance class for DD who is desparate to dance but who has a mother who has 'serious reservations' about ballet (I was the clod-hopper, tomboy girl!)

How old is your dd Feetheart? My dd did ballet for about 2 years from the age of 4-5 but gave it up. I was secretly glad as I hated all the commitment and effort we had to make for the yearly show and other activities she had to be involved in [bad mother emoticon]. Some of those kids (and parents!) took it a little too seriously.

I have always been envious and slightly puzzled by running with a buggy - how the hell do you not end up falling over or not getting tangled up with it?

I broke my rule today and bought a dress that is a bit too small, but I am obsessed with having dresses with sleeves, specially in summer when I don't always want to wear a shrug, and so 'had' to get it (cheap wrap from H&M). I shall use it as another motivator!

Gym tomorrow morning for me, but have not really managed much activity today. But I did make my own lunch for work (chicken salad) and resisted the cakes at work.

Moisturiser - check
Suncream - check
Invitation to go for some drinks tomorrow - refused

Now if I could only get ds to stop waking me up in the night so that I can catch up on some sleep...

DD is just 6. A few of her friends have tried a bit of ballet but got bored. DD might love it but I don't think I could cope with the seriousness of it all, particularly from the others mums (and I'd never be able to do those tight bun things) I'll join you in the Bad Mothers Club

I've never tried running with a buggy before (unless legging it to pick up DD late from pre-school counts?) but ours is a sturdy 3-wheeler with plenty of 'leg-room', and I was used to pushing it with a buggy board on for ages so probably have a weird stance anyway! Having a 3 year old in it for ballast probably helps as well!

Well done on resisting cake and drinks, very noble.

Exercise regularly - nearly 12,000 steps (about 10km!!) because I walked to school and pre-school
Clear fluids - much better
Sensible snacking - did better though have had a homemade hot cross bun this evening.
Lotions and potions - face, body and feet done
Get enough rest - snap on waking DSs, an unbroken night would be good.

Positives:

1. DS went back to pre-school and loved it. I was the proudest Mum in the world when he walked all the way out at home-time using his walking frame

1. DD enjoyed reading 'Magic Ballet Shoes' book to me after school. MUCH more interesting than tedious school book

1. The right man won Masterchef

Ah bless your little ds walking with his frame - must be good to see.

Now buggyboard - I had forgotten that we had ones of those for a while and my back and shoulders were knackered for months after (shudder, except I couldn't without pain).

I realised that I do sound a bit saintly atm and am most definitely not! I still struggle a lot as I think about food far too much and weaken at the sight of things like creme eggs and their sticky sickliness. Also re: dress, what I meant to say was that I could have gone someone else to get a bigger size but I refuse to buy a size 16 as I am aiming to be a size 12/14 (anything else is unrealistic with my greedy nature and big frame).

Anyway, gym session was good this morning although I did have an almighty mental struggle to do my 3 miles but did feel smug after. Unfortunately had to go to work today (my company has been sold and in a total state of flux atm so don't know if I still will be there come the summer) but finished early enough to dump car and walk to school and back for school-run.

And it's the weekend...but no wine allowed, sob. Fingers crossed that this has paid off as my Cambridge Diet sachets are sitting on the counter in readiness but I just cannot, and do not want to,face having to resort to them.

Positives

1. Weather was very spring-like today so dcs and I were in a much better mood.
2. My new running shirt finally arrived.
3. It's the weekend .

And I think you and I Feetheart deserve a little pat on the back for doing pretty good bootcamping for nearly 5 days now.

We are a dying breed, you know, but must keep it going - all you who have fallen by the wayside will be sorry (evil cackle).

We definitely deserve a pat on the back Moonshine, 5 days is good going. Here's to the next 5 days (joins in evil cackling)

Didn't think you were sounding too saintly at all, took it for positive thinking

Have slipped a bit over the w/e but that's what its for isn't it?
Made DH a late birthday cake yesterday (as his birthday is the day after DD's we decided to spread it out a bit though that did mean LOTS of cake 2 weekends in a row) He had decided on a chocolate, orange mousse and cream confection that seemed to take ages to make, slumped impressively on serving and tasted devine. The rest of it is currently lurking in the fridge threatening to ooze over everything else - it may have to be devoured tonight

I did go for a run on Saturday morning but that was about it.

Other than that we had 2 parties to get children to - a swimming one on Saturday and a gymnastics-type one on Sunday. DS joined in fully with both, had a wonderful time AND he slept well both nights as a result. I, of course, was awake at 6am each morning

So far today:
Exercise regularly - have done 8,500 steps already and still have to pick DD up from school
Clear fluids - doing well
Sensible snacking - ok so far though chocolate is calling me
Lotions and potions - face, body and feet done
Get enough rest - slept through but awake early again