Any Louise Parker Lean for Life fans?

[Katrinawaves]

I’ve just dug out my old Lean for Life books and decided time to get back on the wagon. I followed her plan 2 years ago and lost about 3 stone very quickly and managed to keep it off without too much difficulty until a change in lifestyle (lots more travel for work) combined with a really stressful and shitty year has led to me abandoning her principles and putting on 2 stone.

But I know I feel good using her ways of eating and exercising more, I know it works relatively quickly for me and I enjoy her recipes. I also need badly to conquer the stressors and regain fitness levels so am going to start again. 2 weeks before Christmas may sound insane but as she says there is never a good time to start so why wait. Also I’m off work for 3 weeks from Tuesday of next week so have plenty of time to get some good habits imbedded before I need to get back to long commutes and frequent overseas travel.

So anyone else in - either to do the plan or just to read my posts and give me some encouragement along the way?

Today was more of a prep day as I didn’t really eat any of her meals though I wasn’t too far off her plan.

Brunch of scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast with bacon and a cup of tea

Snack americano coffee with milk

Dinner sausage casserole with beans

Lots of mineral water

I also ran (very slowly) for 2 miles this morning.

Hi all, I've not really managed to keep steps up or exercise this week but didn't do too badly with dinner until...Thursday, we had a leaving do at work, lots of red wine laughter and dancing outside the circle, meant that even Friday was a bit of a write off. Back in today, and food shopping later to get back on top of prep. I hope you're all having a great Saturday.
Breakfast: Sourdough toast with a poached egg and a slice of lean ham.

Morning all! Sounds like everyone has been doing brilliantly. I’ve really enjoyed the first week. I’ve stuck to the food part of the plan 100% but have fallen short on steps and exercise so need to sort that next week. Have a day out with friends tomorrow so need to choose something close to the plan from the restaurant menu and not be tempted by something way outside the circle!

I’m 4lb down this morning after 6 days on the plan. Very silly I know but I’m a little disappointed! But if I lose that every week it will be a good result within 6 weeks.

Wow 4lbs in 6 days is rapid! I'm the opposite in that I easily exceed the steps and exercise but am struggling with the lack of carbs (might be linked). I've lost 1lb since Wednesday so at least things are going in the right direction. Enjoy your Sunday!

Morning all! How was your weekend? I found it hard not having a drink on Fri and Sat. I’m hoping I get used to it and it’s not as hard next weekend. Stuck to the plan though and just paid my daily rent so feeling good at the start of my week 2.

I’ve made a goats cheese frittata for my lunches at work this week which looks yummy. I’m really impressed with the food on the plan (even if prep is a little time consuming!)

@Yummymummyinthemaking that rent has been paid VERY early! I’m seriously impressed. And saddened by the realisation over the past week that if I’m going to get the exercise in there’s no avoiding having to get up earlier than I’m doing! I didn’t avoid the wine over the weekend which was a bit foolish but I’ve had a think about why and I think I’m making progress. I did ok food wise and I do like the food but again I need more time to get myself organised. A work in progress!

Well done @Target10 and don’t beat yourself up about the wine. A glass of wine is just a glass of wine, as Louise would say!

Yes 5.30 is the only time I can fit in exercise thanks to demands of work & kids the rest of the time! Once I’m up I actually do enjoy it.

Hi everyone, how are you all doing?

My diary for today:
Cherry Bircher
Apple & 2 slices ham for snack
Goats cheese frittata for lunch
Cherry smoothie as snack
Mr P’s tuna burgers for dinner

Was starving after picking the kids up from school so had to have some ham and cheese- hopefully won’t have caused too much damage as no carbs!

@Katrinawaves how are the webinars going? I was tempted to sign up but then it was sold out!

The first one was very good - and they come with access to an app where you can chat with the others in your group but also ask the dietician for advice which is really helpful.

I’m actually away on holiday at the moment so not fantastic circumstances to diet but have had a couple of good on plan days

Today I had
B omelette and cup of strawberries
S - almonds and dried apricots
L - tuna Nicoise salad

Am just about to go out for dinner but planning to have fish and salad and maybe a bread roll as I haven’t had my carbs today. Also logged 2 hours exercise on my Apple Watch and 8000 steps so far

That sounds great @Katrinawaves. Hope you’re having a lovely holiday.

I’m starting to feel hungry quite often and resolve is waning- I think the initial novelty of this has worn off! I’m hoping my weigh in at the weekend will motivate me again!

I’ve had a couple of days solidly in the inner circle and can see the weight coming off again.

Yesterday I went for a run as my daily exercise and also to a yoga class. Food wise I had

B - spinach and feta cheese omelette
S - apple and pistachio nuts
L - mackerel salad
S - oatcakes with peanut butter and pumpkin seeds
D - 2 poached eggs on wholemeal toast, fruit salad

I need to focus on drinking more water now and eliminating a sticky Diet Coke habit

Hi all- hope you’re all still doing well? @Katrinawaves well done on your days in the circle and exercise- sounds like you’re doing brilliantly.

I’m at the start of week 4 and just weighed myself. Only 1lb off this week making a total of 6lb in 3 weeks. Seems slow given I’ve been 100% in the circle and increased my exercise but I guess this is how to lose weight sustainably rather than on a crash diet.

Anyway I’m still loving the food and feel like the habits are starting to stick. I really look forward to the meals and am feeling much better for giving up alcohol.

Happy Sunday everyone!

I’ve dropped into the next stone band today which I’m happy about. Still have about 20lb to lose to get to goal but another 8 or so would get me into the normal BMI range.

We had the sunshine stew for dinner tonight which was unexpectedly spicy but really nice. I’m finding with all the anxiety about CV at the moment, it really helps me to focus on eating really healthily and keeping my activity levels up. Feels like I’m giving my immune system the best possible chance. Also easier to stick to plan when working from home.