New Mums: Pre-diet we had pride, now we want new bodies!

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

Here we go again!

Ok it's the magic thread where we find inspiration, motivation and actually see the results we want and manage to hold on to them once we get them.

No more excuses (unless they are hilarious or necessary).

Welcome all!

[BeyondTheSea]

Me too rachey have quite a few Irish friends, we used to go to leicester square oneills or waxy's. ... 10 stone 11 is still great. It's hard not to pick, I hate waste too.
Hope you had a great chilled out day Sol Your hair sounds great. Did you manage to pick up a couple of tops?
Did you get your hair cut Green ? Hows the fasting going?

I'm still bit hormonal :( I work with someone quite toxic, normally I don't let her get to me (don't see her loads) but yesterday I felt she was deliberately trying to niggle me and I ended up walking out of a meeting (because was on verge of tears) so now look like an hormonal nutter. Which is obviously marvellous. Finding work really draining and seriously considering quitting.

2nd fast day of the week today, went for a run Wednesday. Have a party tomorrow, will try not to overindulge....

[Greenrabbit]

She sounds like a real bitch Beyond. I hope you are feeling slightly better now. Sounds like you really need your holiday. It's a hard decision to make about work. Maybe some time away will help you to reflect.
I'm still trying to figure out what I actually want to do. I know how you feel about it, it could get very toxic and negative in my old job too.
Well done on the running and fasting though. Enjoy your party too.

I also think 10 stone 11 is great Rachey. You've had a busy week and managed to get to the gym. When you're back into the routine you might start finding it easier?
I snack on DC leftovers too. I'm trying to cook more vegetables and just eat those instead. It is very difficult.

Glad you had a nice day Sol. Hope you enjoy your time off.

I've just dyed my hair. I'm going to just rough dry it soon. Ive also painted my toe nails. I'm resisting the urge to buy all the products the hairdresser used, plus the very expensive GHD curl wand!

I was going to exercise yesterday (really I was). But I fell over and I've hurt my knee(the non creaking one). So I'm very stiff and I don't think I'll be doing much for the next few days.
I didn't do a fast day. I'm just going to try to actually stick to my WW points. I think I've lost perspective and I just need to start eating normally. The fasting seems to make me more obsessed with food. I had loads of food yesterday and still had points left. I've planned all my meals and I'm not going to let DH or the voices in my head) get a takeaway!

[Greenrabbit]

I think I like my hair, it's shorter than I'd originally planned. But still just below my collar bone.

I was mainly pleased with parents evening as DD is suddenly more confident (The school is obsessed with confidence) so now they are more aware of her capabilities. (She's not particularly advanced or anything, but now they don't think she's behind and doomed to fail)

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

Sorry to hear you work with such a cowbag Beyond, would you think of talking to HR if she is being an unprofessional bitch? Bullying makes my blood boil, especially when the bullies are old enough to know better. We should all meet up and give her the death stare. Enjoy your party tomorrow and well done on your fast day.

That's great that you are seeing such definition Rachey, would you consider getting in touch with your diet program support and see if they can recommend any specific exercises, the plank is supposed to be great (although I am crap at it). I eat the kids leftovers too, it's such a bad habit isn't it.

What colour did you dye your hair Green? I hope your knee is ok, I sympathise with knee problems. I know what you mean about losing perspective, I rarely cook a meal nowadays and seem to graze constantly. Glad to hear your daughter is doing well in school, you must be pleased about that.

I have been working my way through all of the shit food in my house in preparation for the delivery of my Exante order. I will do it every day until I lose 10lbs and then do it for 2 days and then have 1 day off. I am so bloody sick of being so fat but I have to do something extreme diet-wise to curb my bad habits. I have a second basket of Exante ready to purchase as soon as I get paid.

[Racheyg]

beyond can you transfer to a different department or something to get away from this cow? if not would it be easy to find another job? Life is too short to worry about toxic people like that.

Well done for 2 fast days and a run. Your doing so well before your holiday.

green Glad you like your hair, do you feel rejuvenated? can you use your GHD's as a wand instead?

Glad your staying strong. Hope your knee feels better tomorrow.

I have just eaten a turkish takeaway again and I was good today. Worked real hard at the gym ate all the right foods........until tonight. Now im feeling very bloated.

I need to find that focus again.

beyond enjoy the party. green and sol hope you have a great weekend.

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

Oooooh what did you have in the takeaway Rachey. I really want one but I think it's on the cards for tomorrow night when DH is not working.

[Racheyg]

A chicken shish with salad and rice (I also ate the turkish bread :() which was delish.

heading off to hobby craft tomorrow, have to make easter bonnets for ds's as they are having a parade on Wednesday.

Back on the diet tomorrow :)

[Greenrabbit]

I'm also really interested in the Turkish takeaway.

My hair is now some sort of chocolate brown Sol. It looks no different, just shinier! Although when I use a dark brown, it always goes just a bit too dark, so I suppose it's a good match.

I'm tempted to do Exante after Easter, bit I'm hoping to prove to myself that I can get back on track with cooking and following the plan properly.
I really like your idea of losing 10lb. It's just slightly different to saying 'I'll,do it for a week'. I'm trying something similar with WW points. I've figured out what I can have with the weekly points rather than just using them as I go. (If that makes sense)

Rachey I have so many hair 'tools'. I dried my hair tonight and used a curling wand that I already have. It looks quite good. I need to practice, but I don't think I need the GHD wand! I can never get the curl to look that good with the GHDs.

You'll find your focus again soon. At least you went to the gym.

My knee has a massive bruise on it. I feel like I'm 5 again. I'm not as stiff now, so I'm hoping it will be much better after the weekend.

[Greenrabbit]

Rachey, this is the exercise program I have (that I've still not started). mutusystem.com

It's more for improving your core than drastic weight loss and toning. They discount it in July and at Thanksgiving. It's designed to help after pregnancy.

[BeyondTheSea]

Cowbag is very manipulative and self aware and sucks up to the seniors. I would say she is a bully but stays just on the side of the line where theres nothing concrete to report. I know others feel the same about her, but she does seem to have a particular problem with me.

I am hoping the holiday will help me decide if I can handle the stress of the job better (Which is a separate issue to cowbag), if I decide to stay, I need to find ways of not reacting to her snide little comments. I hate her and feel I'll now be thinking about work even more while away as I'm so disappointed I gave her the satisfaction of a reaction. I work in such a specialised area, it's either stay or do something different (probably with less pay). Also, my work days and hours suit me at the mo, so I do feel a bit stuck.

It doesn't help being so hormonal, maybe I should get my bloods checked in case I am peri menopausal (joy)

Glad you like you hair Green The GHD curl wand sounds interesting. Sorry to hear about your knee, good to have positive feedback at the parents evening.

When are you starting exante Sol ? I might do a few days when I get back from holiday (I think i've 4-5 days left). What are your weekend plans?

Your dinner sounded delicious Rachey You sound very creative with your easter baskets. I intended to make biscuits with DC this afternoon, but we watched a dvd instead

[BeyondTheSea]

Green could you have the wand for a treat? Is your birthday soon ish?

[BeyondTheSea]

Are you thinking of doing something totally different Green ?

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

God that sounds lovely Rachey. There is no Turkish takeaway near here, if there was I would be on the phone to them ordering dinner right now.

Have you tried repeating her comments back to her Beyond, I did this with a cowbag I worked with - she was the bosses sister and was never going to be fired - "Oh you think I'm making a mess of this do you Maureen?" "You think I should keep my opinions to myself as no ones interested do you Maureen?". Or would that make her worse? Would a non-commital "If that's how you feel Maureen" be any better?

I use chocolate brown hair colour too Green, or iced coffee if it's available. I found a few grey hairs last week, I was horrified. I yoinked them out. The ghd wands are very expensive but I use a Babylis curling iron and I find that great.

My Exante will take 10 days to get here but as soon as it does I will be starting it. Dh is away over Easter so there will be no eggs here except the kids ones and I'm not really going to eat them. I have the an order of 60 meals for 60 quid ready to go as soon as my wages hit my account. I know it's a quick fix and all that, but it works.

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

DS2 has me up bright and early this morning after a sleepless night with DS1, oh the joys.

During the night I had a really good think about my weight and dieting and all that stuff. I was wondering if I should invest in some sort of book about the psychology of over-eating/binge-starve cycle. I know I have triggers and I know when I am more likely to give up on an eating plan - I'd just like to understand the reasons behind it. Has anyone got any book suggestions? I might have a trawl through Amazon later if no one does. Maybe I should write my own, I'll call it "Step away from the crisps you self-sabotaging twit!".

Apparently my Exante order will be here by Monday, I am eager to get started. I need the instant results on the scales to focus my mind. I'm hoping to go back to work after the Easter holidays at least 7lbs lighter. I tried on a pair of size 16 jeans I haven't worn in ages - they had fallen down the back at the back of my wardrobe (the wardrobe is a weird built-in cave thing) - and I couldn't close them. They were really tight across my stomach and dug in horribly. I have a horrible feeling my jeans that I wear regularly have all stretched as I've gotten bigger.

Hope everyone has a great Saturday!

[Greenrabbit]

Mmm, that does sound lovely Rachey. I'm going to try to find a WW type recipe for that. I'm determined not to get a takeaway till at least next weekend. (Although I've be very disappointed if I ordered that around here!) Good luck with your bonnet making too.

I have a Babyliss wand Sol. I could put the GHD on my Birthday list, but the Babyliss is good and I never use it much anyway.

I might try iced coffee colour next time, I keep looking at it. I have a couple of grey hairs too. I've stopped pulling them out because they stick up when they grow back and look more obvious. I don't think I'm doing badly for my age as many people are really grey. I'm glad I can get away with a semi permanent for the time being.

I'm not sure what I want to do Beyond. I don't think I'd go back to teaching but I wouldn't rule out an education job. I don't fancy going back to University and everything else I like the idea of is NHS so no better than were I was anyway.

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

Had a very food based day yesterday. I made Easter buns with the kids and then made lemon crumble cupcakes with DS1 - they were a bit more hassle to be doing with DS2. The peace and quiet I got while they were eating the leftover chocolate rice krispies out of the bowl was worth the mess they made. Then me and DH had nachos with guac and salsa for dinner (he also had sour cream but I can't stand it). I love baking and the kids really enjoyed it.

I have still not ordered my second batch of Exante, I really want to but something is stopping me. Probably the cost if I'm honest. Although I had a look through some clothes that I had vac bagged under my bed and I think if I did get down to a size 14 I wouldn't have to buy many new things as I have tons stored away. Lots of really pretty Summer tops and dresses for when we go away on our holidays.

Ugh! Someone give me a kick up the arse and tell me to get my shit together!

[Racheyg]

Evening all,
It's been a crazy day. I haven't sat down all day till now. Contemplating heading to bed in a mo

sol wow that baking is making me hungry. Sounds like you guys had fun. Is exante expensive? Did you have an early night last night as ds1 got up so early?

I would love to know why I have no will power and can't stick to a diet. I did a hell of a lot of yoyo dieting in my 20's till I got pregnant at 29. It would be interesting to know, as we could then treat it easier.

green what did you teach? Would doing a job like that work around the children?

I have a few grey hairs since I had dc's hence the lighter colour I feel to young for grey......even though dsis has loads and is nearly 3 years younger (with no dcs)

beyond how are you feeling today? Not long till your holiday and I'm sure once you come back you can have a good think about your future there. Please don't let it spoil your holiday.

The Easter bonnet went ok, I still have one more to do but I've run out of pva glue so will do it Tuesday (as im gyming tomorrow night)

I weighed myself today and I'm 10st 9lbs. But I feel very bloated an my inches have gone up

I haven't eaten to badly either as we went round dbil and they got out cakes ect, which I declined but are a bag of crisps when got home. Oh well

Last night was strange..... Love rugby and normally make a big thing about it but I was watching it alone with a tuna salad and glass of water. (Oh how different to pre dc's)

Hope you all have a good evening

[Racheyg]

The Easter bonnet. (It's a chick) ( my sis thought it was a snowman )

[BeyondTheSea]

Evening all.

Had a very foody weekend too. Planning on 2 back to back fast days to try and claw back some weight loss the week. TOM so will delay weigh in anyway.

I'd be interested in a book as well Sol I'm such an emotional eater. On a similar theme, I was reading a review in the Times about a book Ruby Wax has written about mindfulness. It's sounds really interesting and the the focus is alleviating anxiety and stress. I'm going to try and read some more, not terribly keen on Ruby, not sure I'd read her particular book but the concept is definitely interesting and something that I feel could help me and maybe you guys too?

DH has been really supportive listening to me drone on and I am feeling less bad (just wish I could go back and have reacted in a calmer and non nutter way - suspect this is not 'mindfulness' though!)

Sounds like everyone had good weekends. Have you considered NHS Green?
Could lecturing work?

Maybe use this bunch of exante up first Sol and see how you feel. I think you could go back on 5:2? Lemon crumble cupcakes sound delicious. Hope DS let better last night.

Well done on weight loss Rachey We are big rugby fans too. I did have a glass of prosecco or 2 though (and cake).

[BeyondTheSea]

Easter bonnet it great!

[Racheyg]

beyond it sounds like your dh is very supportive. If you read the book let us know how you get on. I didn't think my eating habits were down to stress ect but maybe so used to "dealing with it" that did realise I was stressed and anxious.

Thanks for the thumbs up for the bonnet. While I was crafting away on ds1 bonnet he was painting, had a really good afternoon and he can be such a good boy when he channels his energy ect.

sol I agree maybe finish up and see how you feel and maybe do the 5:2 again? You seemed really positive about it.

green did you have a good Sunday?

I'm feeling quite positive about my diet this week I think seeing a change on the scales has helped. I'm meant to submit my results for cycle two this week but I have only lost an inch around my hips (tummy) so I feel I want to continue.

Been feeling a bit down about my tummy......I can really pull and stretch the excess skin it's awful. But I doubt I will ever get rid of it. Oh has said I could get a tummy tuck but it sounds so extreme. I also don't want to rule out a third dc (although oh not keen)

Sorry for the long post. Hope you all have a good Monday

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

The bonnet is really cute Rachey, I could never make anything like that. Did it take you long? I would love stomach surgery but I hate the scarring from a tummy tuck. I also think they can look pretty crap too unless you are a celebrity and pay massive amounts to get one done.

Your Dh seems really supportive Beyond, my DH has to listen to me drone on about my weight too. Are you all set for your holiday? I'm so jealous, you are going to have a great time. I'm not sure what mindfullness is, what do you have to do?

Well, my Exante arrived this morning and I plan to start tomorrow as I had breakfast and lunch before it came. I also ordered a huge order as I am going to have to stick to it for quite while. I had a good look at myself in the mirror and it was grim. So the plan is Exante for as many days as I can manage and then have a day of normal food, then back to Exante. It's not too expensive Rachey and it gives me the quick results I like.

[Greenrabbit]

I love the bonnet Rachey

I had a pretty good weekend, but now I feel fat and obsessed with food.

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

I have scoffed all of the nice bits of food that were leftover from the weekend, I plan on being pretty good for the next few weeks. My lovely box of Exante sits on the stairs as a reminder that I start tomorrow.

I'll weigh in tomorrow morning and post the results, so that you all feel a bit better about yourselves.

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

Starting weight for Exante is 202.5 lbs.

I am mortified. Hopefully I will be in the 190's territory next week and heading towards 180's. My goal weightloss for this week is 10lbs. I certainly have them to spare.

I had red that chicken soup for breakfast, it needed extra spice to liven it up a bit and it went cold really quickly (which was weird). Tasted nice though so not a bad start. Probably going to weigh myself every day to try and keep on track, might have 4 packs per day if I'm ravenous but I'm hoping to stick to 3 for the first while.

DH is away for a few days this week so I won't have to worry about cooking meals for him and there will be no temptation of evening snacks.

Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday!