Pre empting a post holiday health kick

[yogima]

Hi everyone
I am off work for a bit, start back next Wednesday. A part of my job is fairly active.
I lost 2 and a half stone last year (calorie counting/ no booze mixed with the stress of starting a new business) but I have fallen back into bad habits and put at least a stone back on.

After a few of life's challenges lately (overworked with said business, a few illnesses and a bereavement) I plan on enjoying my bad habits for the rest of my holiday but getting back in the zone next week.

Anyone in the same boat or like to join me?
I thought if i write it down here I'm more likely to stick to it when the time comes.

I'm still doing some things when i fancy it , like i fancied a green juice for breakfast yesterday (and fancied Bakewell slice(s) for today's!!) and am enjoying walking so got my 10k steps in but may have a lazier day today just because I can.
Anyway. Next Wednesday. Back on track!!

Yes 🙋🏼‍♀️I’ll join you, really need to get back into it too as have a holiday abroad in September and want to lose 2 stone. Could do with the support and having to check in with how I’ve done would really help x

Yes! I’m in. I’m not worrying about it over the weekend, but I’m going for it on Tuesday.

Like you, I’ve gained a little weight recently, due to stopping breastfeeding and being a sahm where access to my fridge is too easy during the day 😬!

I’m planning on doing the No S diet. I don’t expect, (and don’t even want), massive or speedy weight loss on it, but I want to make some changes I can really stick to. I also want to be a better role model for my dcs and think this makes sense.

On the exercise front I have pretty good lately, by my standards . I recently started doing some weight based classes at the gym and I also do yoga twice a week. I am also trying to do two 30 min cardio workouts, (run / walking on treadmill; a bit like my own version of C25K), a week.

I’m doing a class tomorrow and another on Saturday, but then have dinner out booked on Saturday and then Easter. So a bit of a mixed bag...

@Rspu1384 I'm thinking I'd be happy with 2 stone too. I'm going trekking in Nepal in September so need to get in training and I found walking easier when I was that bit lighter. 2 stone would take me back down the stone I've put back on and the last stone I was hoping to lose when i was at my lightest last year.

@CupOhTea You are doing so well with your exercise. I was inspired after reading and went upstairs and did a bit on my exercise bike. Even though I'm not going to feel guilty about eating treats before Wednesday I may as well balance that a little with some exercise.

I Iack extra exercise when I'm not working (I'm a yoga teacher so as well as my own practice when I'm teaching I'm obviously a lot more active, especially the kid's classes).

Other than yoga I only really walk as exercise. I'm lucky to live rurally so I can stomp up a hill anytime which i enjoy.

I'm also looking to change habits and not lose too quickly. If i can lose that first stone and settle there for a bit I'll be happy to let the next stone come off slowly and naturally.

I know this goes against what im being like at the moment but i kind of need to get away from the feast and famine way of eating. That's why my weight fluctuates so much

Ooooooh I’m excited to ‘meet’ a yoga teacher on here! I absolutely love it. I bet you’re in great shape, even if you’re aiming to get a bit lighter. What sort of yoga do you teach, if you don’t mind me asking?

I feel so much better for upping the exercise, but annoyingly my skin seems to be suffering (rosacea) with the running, so I’m taking it fairly easy. Also, some of my classes I won’t be able to do every week due to dh work and dcs’ swim classes. But doing what I can. I think it’s making me hungrier too though .

As well as No S, I’m planning to cut down on caffeine, alcohol and to have more vegan days. I’m meal planning for next week as we speak and quite enjoying it .

@CupOhTea 😊😊

I'm a Hatha Yoga teacher, I've done it a long time but opened a yoga centre last year which is my pride and joy. I love it. Its so amazing to make people feel good through meditation and yoga. And my 'workplace' is the calmest place to spend my day. I turn up for a long day of teaching and walk in and go "aaaahhh" 😊😊
Yoga is a lifestyle for me and I can't imagine life without it.

But...it does mean I'm surrounded by lots of super slim yoga teacher friends so i feel pressure to fit into that. Having said that I do really focus on how my practice makes me feel rather than how it makes me look. I found at my lightest last year though that I had more energy and lots of postures were easier. So that's my driving force.

I do try to use the philosophies of yoga to help me with my eating but it's always been an issue for me. I tend to fall into the comfort eating habits I've had my whole life. Especially when faced with challenges.

That's a shame to hear about running aggravating your skin, is there a balance of running that you can enjoy but doesnt trigger it?

I've just posted on a no sugar thread elsewhere. Its something i need to get on top of. My sugar intake is out of control the older i get. I have such a sweet tooth now.

What are your meal plans? I was thinking of having a day or two of juicing as i find that resets me a little on the sugar thing. And should be easier now that its warmer.

Im vegetarian and dip into dairy free now and again. I'm gluten intolerant too and have been wheat free for about 13 years or so.
And I gave up alcohol for a year and a half!! But I missed a glass or three of red wine. Maybe another shorter detox wouldn't go amiss.

Ah well done on the new yoga centre! What an achievement . I love yoga and it has absolutely changed my life. Costs me a small fortune as I’m addicted to classes 😂. I cut down to two, as I did three for a while and then realised how much I was spending . A gym membership is actually a lot cheaper, but I won’t give up my two yoga classes as well.

So, today I’ve just had a vegan protein shake thing (vegan slim fast) with berries and banana for breakfast. I went to my class at the gym, (was really hard today - I don’t know why), and then had an apple with peanut butter when I got home. Planning another shake / smoothie at lunch and then a lentil based non vegan stew thing for dinner with family. Quite happy with that today.

What is your juicing plan? I don’t have a juicer but am a big fan of smoothies.

I'd like to join too :)

Got to target with Slimming World in October losing 7st but had to give up group in January as I had a lot going on and things have slipped so I'm now 1.5st back on 😳

Hi billing .

Well done on that 7 stone weight loss! That’s incredible.

How is everyone doing? Have you decided on a juicing ‘menu’ for next week op? I’m intrigued as I have heard good things about it.

So, in the end dh kindly offered to cook dinner this evening and made vegan quorn burgers with crispy new potatoes & salad. He made me his sort of portion (2 x quorn burgers & 2 x rolls plus a mountain of potatoes ). I actually really didn’t fancy all of it and usually I’m really greedy, but I made a point of stopping eating when I was full, so after one burger and a few potatoes. I think even dh is admitting defeat tbh - it was a mammoth portion, even by his standards!

He’s skinny as a rake btw and never has to worry about his weight ! It makes no sense.

I’m going to enjoy a nice glass of wine in front of great British menu this evening, as we haven’t formally started . I will be super angelic from Tuesday. It’ll be easier then tbh, as dh wont be cooking as he’ll be at work.

Welcome Billing . That's an amazing amount to lose. Well done.

CupOhTea you are ahead of the game with your thinking. 😁
Im going to take the 5th amendment on my food intake since we haven't officially started but it is already making me think.
When i was at the shops yesterday we were trying to think of other snacks other than crisps for our friday night. I had some of these half baked tomatoes that i like. And i also stopped earlier than i would have normally.

I did a couple of smaller walks yesterday but it was lovely to get out into the woods and the fields.
And did a 20 minute session on the bike.

The juicing I do is a plan from Super Juice Me. I have the plan on my fridge.

Its a 30 day plan but I've never managed that long. Ive managed a week then i am desperate for something hot or to chew. Juicing and soup is a good compromise.

I got a decent juicer and you would be really surprised what is good in juice...broccoli parsnip beetroot kale. You get a treat one at the weekend with almond milk, peanut butter, banana and raw cacoa with honey or maple syrup to sweeten. It is delicious. I often have it for breakfast.

I'll post the veggie one i like the best later.
But mostly i do a mixture of...
Apple pineapple spinach kale carrot ginger lime .
Celery is nice too.
There is a ginger shot which is just apple and loads of ginger and its like a hit of coffee in the morning. Im not a huge coffee drinker but my husband is and he says the ginger shot is the equivalent. (Still has his 3 coffees after though 😣)

I hear you on the portion sizes as well. When i was younger i would have had 2 veggie burgers in 2 rolls with chips or wedges easily. Then I moved to 2 burgers in one roll. Now i can only manage 1 burger 1 roll.
Im 48 and in permimenopausal stage and although my appetite isn't quite what it used to be i need soooo much less to maintain my weight. Which is hard for a greedy so and so like me.
Snacks are my downfall these days.

Oh and thanks @CupOhTea (how do you get names highlighted without doing the @ sign?) for keeping us on track in advance. Its really helping

Oh and Cup..just before I go do my practice I meant to suggest to you that you might enjoy a home yoga practice. I know it can get expensive to pay for classes and hard to fit in with family commitments. But the next stage is to do it at home.
Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just roll out a mat or blanket and do something, anything that you enjoy doing in class. Doesnt matter if its completely right or in order. Just get on a mat and move. You will usually find your body remembers more than you think. So don't over think it. 😊

Ah thank you so much for the yoga advice! I really appreciate it as I know you’re a pro! I will definitely start doing some home practice. I can remember a good bit from when I did Ashtanga, so can do that and splice in some of what I do in class.

I’ve been to my gym class this morning, but nothing more booked in now till next Wednesday. I may try and go on my own on Monday, but I’m a bit rubbish in the actual gym, rather than classes iyswim. I just faff about on the treadmill and do about five mins weights, which I don’t think is useful. Though I have noticed a big improvement in how long I can run, (ok, fast jog), for.

I’m booking in with a trainer next week and he’s going to show me a proper program.

Ugh I’ve just tasted my breakfast smoothie and it’s horrid 😂. I had to use up a whole bag of rocket as Dh accidentally opened the new one last night. It is bit-ter 😂.

I might make the peanut butter cacao one for breakfast some day soon! Sounds amazing.

We’re out for dinner this evening and we don’t often get the chance to go out together, so I’m not going to be strict with myself. Think I’ll have the (bitter, rocket-y) smoothie now and maybe just an apple or some nuts this afternoon to keep me going before meal out 🥳!

I’ve been on a thread on Aibu; the slightly controversially titled “how middle class mums stay skinny” or whatever it is.

Realising that I eat so much more than other people . No wonder I’m gaining weight!

I think I was pregnant and bfing for so long that I gained a massive appetite. Now I am neither one of those things, I still seem to have the habit of overeating and it’s 100% catching up with me now... I’m 36 and I think it’s just going to get harder to eat like that* as time goes on.

*Without gaining a tonne of weight that is! I actually find it all too easy to eat like that .

Ha!! I'm not sure I'm brave enough for a rocket smoothie 😁😁

The juicing definitely helps with veggies more than a smoothie maker. And I mix the more green ones or bitter ones with sweeter veggies. Carrot and ginger is one of my favourite basic juices. Carrot and parsnips are quite good for sweetening.

Enjoy your meal out.

I had a gluten free pastry this morning for breakfast but instead of having both in the packet (they're awfy wee 😂) I had one on a plate with blueberries,raspberries and strawberries. Thats my compromise since we are still in holiday mode .

We have my adult children coming down this afternoon so were having a barbecue. And i went and stocked up on veggies. Portobello mushrooms, aubergine, and corn.

I'm making a mango salsa to go with it and a rocket salad.

A veggie burger and pitta and that'll feel like a treat day but a healthier version.

Totally get the pregnancy eating....I have 4 children with huge gaps between them and between them but I just cant justify using that as an excuse any more since the youngest is 7!!

I think now I truly feel over that stage that I am finding it easier to focus on me and what i need.

Yours must still be quite young. 😊

Hi all!

Your bbq sounds amazing op. Hope it went well.

We had a lovely meal out, possibly a little too much wine... but it was lovely. We don’t get out much, so it was a treat.

Starting today with low carb chia pudding (diet doctor recipe). Trying to keep an eye on carbs today. Not Atkins or anything , but just not my usual carb fest .

I might go to the gym too, but not really decided. Monday is usually the night for my longer yoga class, but obviously it isn’t on today. If I don’t make it to the gym I might suggest a walk in the woods with Dcs and try a bit of home practice!

Right! Today is The Day.

B: chia pudding (diet dr)
L: chicken & avocado salad with boiled egg
D: either a glass of hazelnut milk or some soup before I go to gym class

Trying not to snack. Wish me luck!

Absolutely good luck Cup. My start day is tomorrow.

I need to check what i have in for juicing tomorrow.

We are having a lovely last lazy day staying out of the sun as I over did it a bit. Me and the kids are having bouts of cleaning the house in between old Dr Who episodes.

Right .... d-day here.
I have juice for breakfast and lunch and will have something substantial when i get home from teaching tonight.

Woohoo! Good luck @yogima.

I am weighing myself daily and have already “lost” 2lbs. I’m sure it’s only water, but it’s nice to see.

Plan today is keeping calories low, sort of intermittent fasting, though I just had a tea with milk in it as dh made it for me! Nothing else till lunchtime, when I’ll have a (fairly substantial, protein-y) smoothie.

Well done @CupOhTea
Thats fantastic! Even if it is water it always feels good to be going in the right direction. It can be galavanising to keep going.

Ive just weighed myself after a looong time of being too scared and it is worse than i thought. EEK!!

But onwards and upwards. Or onwards and downwards.

I know its frowned upon but i am also better if i weigh every day. It keeps me on track. And i accept little fluctuations. As long as im generally going down the way.

Ive actually not been hungry yet so haven't had my juice. I'm going to try the eat when I'm hungry rule as opposed to when i should eat. Generally I'm not hungry first thing.

And trying to have periods of not eating too. Not masses but yes intermittent fasting.

Good luck today 😊

So i juiced yesterday for breakfast and lunch then had a small mushroom omelette after teaching.
And today I'm down 1lb.
I'll take that whatever it is.
I feel generally better and well, just from 1 day of not eating rubbish or over eating.

When I do this I always think how good I would feel if I constantly treated my body better. And wonder why the hell I sabotage this feeling by eating badly.

Anyau, another day ahead to treat myself well and feel good.
Thursdays are my busiest day in the studio - I have 5 classes to teach and a 1-1 with someone who wants to learn how to stand on their head 😁
Getting my juices ready to power me through the day.

How are you doing everyone?

😂 amazing! I want to do a proper vinyasa jump through one day. That is my ultimate yoga goal! I’m not even close. I hope they manage the headstand.

I had my more easy going yoga class last night, which is lovely and only an hour, so not too taxing, unlike my other yoga class which is definitely taxing! I did a gym class on Tuesday, (still feeling the effects of that one - ouch 😂). I have a session with a trainer at the gym this evening, but I don’t know if I’ll actually be doing any exercise or just being told a program to try another time.

I’m starting the day with a hot lemon water and will see if I can last fasting till 1...

I had a bit of a mixed bag yesterday, after a bit of a dramatic morning with dcs, (it’s a bit outing, but it was actually quite funny in hindsight). I had a banana at about 10, then a piece of cake for lunch . I had my smoothie for dinner which was fine, but then came home from yoga yesterday, had a and attacked the leftover curry I’d made earlier in the day 😬. So I think I need to leave breaking my fast a bit later today. A) to compensate as I ate quite late last night and B) because I think it might help me keep calories down today. Also need to steer clear of wine!

Wine is a hard one, it always makes me eat more. But a decent glass of red is a thing of beauty 😂 and it was my downfall after my year and a half of not drinking. I figure it's fine in moderation though. So enjoy your glass of wine i say.

I had a good day yesterday. Juice for breakfast then my husband brought another one in to my work when he was popping in. Then a lovely lentil chilli and rice he had made when i got home. I did have some tortilla chips with it but only a small handful instead of my usual half a bag but I figured after 11 hours of straight teaching my waistline would cope.
I have only one class today plus my own practice then running around with the kids this afternoon, then an event at the studio this evening just as a punter. I'm going to try to fit in a small walk too.
I'm away up to my nearest city at a yoga weekend all Saturday and Sunday so I'll be off the vino this weekend which hopefully will help.
How did your gym visit go with the trainer?
My daughter has been going to the gym now for a couple of years after an initual year with a personal trainer and she looks fab. She is so much stronger and fitter than she used to be. And she says it's great for her mental health.