I'm Alive and Well!

It has been quite the month! It's still quite the month. I find myself in a crazy state and I can't quite put my finger on it. I found myself swallowing back tears today, while sitting in a massage chair, studying lesson 19, in my Mandarin Chinese course. Maybe it is all rolled into one:

My mum's visiting. What is about mother-daughter relationships!? Why are they so bizarre?? Time flies, I wish we lived a bit closer. I wish I had more time with her. One day.

The school year has started and I am homeschooling my kids, grade 2 and preschool with a toddler running around my feet. This will be a challenge, but a challenge I am ready to take. It feels a bit overwhelming, but not hopeless. I am hopeful.

I'm missing my friends. Longing for bosom friend(s).

My weight has gone down, but I haven't hit the gym in a month and my eating has not gone to plan due to a tonsillectomy, which I still have not fully recovered from. Depressing.

I was 205 lbs

I am 173 lbs

=

-32 lbs, 

and 28 lbs to go! Yay! 

Excuse the tired eyes.

More on my weight loss here!

My Top 10 Now Are

Here are my top 10 interests, in use! Enjoy
1. Beehive products. Propolis for treating colds and building immunity, beeswax in candles for cleaning the air and in lipbalm, royal jelly for longevity and treating skin problems, pollen for the amino acids and for good health, RAW honey for sweetness etc...

2. PhytoFUEL

Incredible.

3. Nutribullet. This crafty little machine is amazing! It extracts any type of seeds you put in it (even strawberry!) and makes even smoothies in seconds. It's quiet and just so, so convenient!!

4. My correspondent box. I love my little "letter box" I got from Nancy for my birthday. It goes so well with my fountain pen. The paper and envelopes are so "Jane Austen" and it makes letter writing so enjoyable and pretty.

5. Scent and taste free coconut oil. I love the health that coconut oil adds to our lives but I don't always fancy eating coconut flavoured foods.

6. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar. In my drinking water, in my bath water...

7. Dried eucalyptus. I'm growing my own plants and then I'll dry them in my dehydrator. I love the scent that they give. It reminds me of being in a country home, next to pottery and beeswax candles... Soul comforting..

8. Glass containers. Economical, endurable, always shiny, non-toxic...

9. Weight Watchers app. Keeps me on track, always!

10. The gym. My outlet. Just so convenient.

What are your top 10 this summer?

You might enjoy reading about my homemaking, click here!

Don't forget to enter to win a FREE BOOK!

Weight Loss #3 Mid Update

Hi huns!

Okay, I really had to post this out to you guys now. I have been battling frustration for a good week  and I just want to let you know, if you're on the journey of losing weight, that you are NOT alone.

I have been counting points to the dot, and my weight loss is slow. It has a trend, and it is going down, but it's fluctuating downward and when it fluctuates, it's depressing.

I'm in a hurry, my body is doing it right. But while living in a shallow world, sometimes the shallow mindset rubs off on you. I begin to hurry. Then the mindset is all wrong, then I get discouraged and disappointed and shallow. I'm thinking not good enough, not enough, not good enough.

I lost my focus. I lost my more important reason for this weight loss.

Also, I took 3 days off. Yes, you read this right... it just happened. One morning I postponed tracking my points on my app and before I knew it, I was munching away for 3 days. I could've stopped and picked up from where I left, but I kept postponing that too. No worries though, at least this is how I feel like because, I was munching on nuts, seeds, fruit, kashi bars and so on. So, anyhow, back on track! Like I said, this diet, won't last forever. I just badly need to get back to a healthy size and become fit, build stamina, help my heart!

Next week I will update on my weight, hopefully it'll be more dramatic:) Stay tuned!!!!

Read more about my weight loss process HERE

Weight Loss- Recipes, My Favourite!

 Quinoa Salad

Makes 4 Servings

Points 4 per serving

• 2C cooked quinoa, chilled
• 1/3C pecan halves chopped
• 4T orange juice
• pinch of fresh thyme
• seasoning
• 1/2C dried cranberries, or to taste

 

 Serving suggestion

Quinoa Salad and Chicken Thigh (but please omit the skin).

My Pre-Workout Snack

Serving(s) 1

Points   6

• 1C fat free Greek yogurt with 
• 1T hemp hearts, 
• 1T chia seeds, 
• 1T ground golden flax seeds, 
• 6 pecan halves, 
• 1t xylitol
• berries and cinnamon.

Weight Loss #3 Part 7

Okay, before I tell you about how much I've lost so far, I want to share with you my two top lunches that I love, and about my new -old -thing, which I have taken more seriously than ever! Keep reading...

Here are my top two favorite lunches. 

Recipe one

Serving(s) 1

Weight Watchers points 7

1/2 C quinoa, cooked and chilled

1/2 cucumber, deseeded and cut in chunks

1 tomato, deseeded and diced

1 T fat free Ranch dressing

100g extra lean ground beef, fried and seasoned.

Mix -ENJOY!

Recipe two

Serving(s) 1

Weight Watchers points 9

1 whole wheat tortilla

1 slice of cheddar cheese (wrap)

100g extra lean ground beef, fried and seasoned (preferably with taco spice)

handful of shredded lettuce

1t death sauce, or any other spicy hot sauce (speed up that metabolism!!!)

1T salsa, hot

And now, the updates.

Last week I pulled my back for the second time in a few months. This is not good. Obviously, I have been so focused on weight loss and exersice that I have lost focus on well-being within, meaning the core. Well-being for me, is STOTT Pilates. I, as an instructor, should know that it's the best way to heal the body, especially the core. Not only does the body get stronger and leaner, it actually sculpts the body as well. No other exercise has been as fast as STOTT in losing inches around the waist. It's incredible. I suffered years of back ache, neck ache and so on, had to quit my job as a hairdresser 2005 because of it. Ever since I started doing STOTT Pilates in 2009, the pain and aches went away.  Hence the reason I became an instructor.

Back to the story, so yes, I pulled my back for the second time! This is because since giving birth to our 3rd, I haven't done any STOTT whatsoever. Why? I don't know how to answer that, I don't know why. I guess the people or places you associate with weekly rub off, a certain way of thinking, especially when it comes to health and fitness. No, I'm not putting the blame on them, I am keeping the blame on myself, myself only. I had attended group ex body pump and so on without strengthening the core at the same time. This is a big mistake. I won't even blame the group ex pump for my bad back. The pump did amazing stuff for the rest of my body, but focusing on the superficial muscles, made my problems worsen. Since I pulled my back, after my back felt a bit better, I've been on the mat again and after one session of STOTT Pilates, the difference is amazing. I feel way better and feel like I'm on the road to recovery and well-being. I won't quit lifting weights, however, it's not my priority. It's high up there on my priority list, but STOTT Pilates is for sure #1 at this moment.

Then for some picture updates... tam-tam-taa! 

was 205 lbs

I found that top which I am wearing in the top picture, to show you the difference in how it fits me today. On top, it's tight. Below, not so much!

Yes, I'm being silly.

Now I am  185 lbs!!! Yay!

This means, I have lost -20 lbs!

I have give or take 40 lbs to go!!!

Here is my Diastasis Recti -Seperation of the abs. I am doing STOTT Pilates to help my body to bring it closer together and give my lower spine the support it deserves! I'll keep posting updates on that side of things as well.

Read more on my weight loss #3 here, where it all began

Read more on STOTT Pilates here, where you should begin

Read about my Diastasis Recti here

Weight Loss #3 Part 6

-16 lbs!

I started at 205 lbs, and now I weigh 189 lbs. Getting there! But actually, after Lucy's birth I did weigh 2011. However, at the start of WW, I weighed 205. So technically, I've lost 22 lbs! 

Today, I nearly tripped over a temptation. Chocolate chip cookies. Oh yah. I'm glad that I found the strength to walk away, after I had offered everyone else one -with a smile-, and then forget about them. I realized that it takes a couple of minutes to overcome the strong urge to devour a whole box... I'm so happy, I stayed away. Really. Because NOW, I am at that "so NOT worth it!" mind set again.

We still have visitors over, so the amount of temptations are through the roof. Everyday, throughout the day, someone is tasting this or that, finger lickin' good food, and I feel like I am fighting against a giant. I find it hard, honestly. But, I know it's going to be so worth it and I know, that this is NOT forever. Time is going to go by, whether or not I am on a diet. So, I choose to be a little (lot) lighter at the end of this season. 

The scale went something like this...

205

203

199

197

197.5

198

194

193.5

190.5

189 ...

It's slow, but it motivates me. It WILL motivate you when you see those numbers drop! My problem has been that I weigh in every morning. You really should weigh in only once a week.

 Picture update!

BEFORE

RECENT

My favourite sis-in-law and I.

My brother and his family have been visiting us from Cambodia. Him and his wife, are both very active and it's been lots of fun gymming it together. She and I enjoy the same group exercises, STEP and BODY PUMP and we also all have running in common. My husband and my brothers' wife are the "marathoners" though, as for my brother and I... we aren't that "ambitious"... yet.

Weight Loss #3 Part 5

..."You do not have to taste everything everyone else has. You do NOT have to taste everything that is on the table. Have you forgotten what chocolate cake tastes like? Is it worth losing your points? "Think skinny".... "think skinny!"... My typical convos with myself during bbq parties or any other get togethers, which involve tons of good food, mouth drooling flavours etc... sigh

THINK ABOUT IT. Not too long and you'll be where you want to be. Don't give up.

Today I enjoyed everything, well almost everything, that was on the hamburger table. I swapped my buns for lettuce and skipped the brownies altogether. I ate so many cherries that I felt full and enjoyed just hanging out with the people visiting.

My picture last week..the week before?

Not the most flattering picture, but still. I am wearing the same trousers and I find them to be a lot looser around the waist today than I did last week.













                                       My picture TODAY

I am excited! Results always give the boost and motivation to keep going. Yay!

Here is a FAB recipe for y'all to try, TEXAS style! 

BBQ Hamburgers in Lettuce

Ingredients

• 500g minced meat
• 1/4 C BBQ sauce, your choice
• iceberg lettuce
• onions, fried
• condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish etc)
• cheddar cheese (singles)
• mushrooms, fried

Mix minced meat and BBQ sauce together, form patties and let it sit in the fridge for 30minutes. Grill them thoroughly. Wrap in lettuce and garnish with ALL, YUMMY!

Senere Chaos and Other Updates

Well hello! It has been a very busy week with family visiting. How does one stay focused on blogging and a rhythm when so much extra and new buzzes are happening around you? I guess you just don't.

Anyway, my past week in weight loss has hit a plateau. I think I know what the reason may be and it will be fixed asap. NOT enough water! T'is true. I think?

I will put it to the test and let you know.

One thing I have learned this week, is that you DON'T have to taste everything everyone else is having. The second thing I have learned is that menu planning is still crucial and that there has to be a plan B, on what to eat, when you find yourself out and about and need to eat out. Be mentally prepared! I haven't been...

This week my weight has been the same but my clothes still keep getting looser, so, I think that it's just water retention.

You may like to read more on my weight loss #3 journey here:

part 1

part 2

part 3

part 4

Also, coming up I will share with all of you homeschoolers and fun mums about the coolest science/physics experiment, ever! Well, at least for this week!

Weight Loss #3 Part 4

Weekly weigh in

Was 205 lbs...  and am now 191,5 lbs....

-13,5 lbs!!!

I looked like

I look like

I am feeling impatient. People around me can see my weight loss, but I feel like I can't. I know it's happening, I just wish it would happen faster. I am losing weight the healthy way, but as silly humans that we are, that I am, I am tired of carrying this weight around and I want it gone. Gone, gone, gone.

It just doesn't and shouldn't come off that way. I know, I know! Besides, I am still nursing my 10 month old and I am not in a hurry to quit. So, radical, hardcore diets wouldn't be the answer for me right now, or actually, ever.

My advice for you this week would be, to keep on top of planning, prepping and meditating. I can definitely see how important it is to plan, prep and meditate during weight loss. It's so easy to get side tracked by minor things, which are followed by heart ache. Keep strong, keep going, the weight is coming off.

The recipes for this week are 1 and 2 point power smoothies! These smoothies keep me full when I feel like "munching" and I am happy that I could incorporate the seeds and nuts - which I so missed - into my diet somehow.

1 point Smoothie

Ingredients

• a handful of baby spinach
• 1 banana, either fresh or frozen
• 1C of frozen berries
• 1-2t of soaked chia seeds
• 1t of ground flax seeds
• 2 chewable vitamin C tablets (500mg-1000mg)
• water as needed for consistancy  

Blend well, enjoy!

2 point Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1C almond milk, unsweetened
• 1T peanut butter, sugar free
• handful of spinach
• 1C frozen strawberries
• half a banana

Blend well, enjoy!

Weight Loss #3 Part 3

Here is an update on how things are going with my WW path. No, I'm not talking about "World Wars" but I'm talking about 'Weight Watchers' with a á la Cathy "twist". Here are my previous posts on 1) the sudden drop of weight in 2 weeks HERE and why this is my 3rd weight loss in 6 years HERE.

No major weight loss change has taken place, but the pounds are dropping for sure, slowly but surely. My clothes definitely feel a lot looser and I can see it in my face that my weight is shifting. On top is another not so good photo of me. I'll update a better one later.

How am I feeling? Very hopeful indeed. I am well impressed with my food choices and I've well, been eating sushi a bit too often, I think? Some may say, you can NEVER O.D on sushi, ermmm... I'm on the fine line of, you just might.

I would like to plan some recipes which have more nuts and seeds in them, but they are a real "points killer" in WW, and I guess, they can wait or be reduced, until I'm off this diet. With my second weight loss, my "diet" was that I basically switched to 75% raw and live foods, and the meals were based on seeds and nuts. I dropped a lot of weight too. I suppose every diet is chemistry in it's own way. I just want to find BALANCE and be healthy, that's my main goal.

I'm still very excited about the weight loss, however sometimes when I weigh in, the scale doesn't "please" me. This is why it is so very important to weigh in max once a week. I have to remind myself that the scale might not always show what the real deal is (taking in consideration salty meals, dehydration etc) and that loose fitting clothes and mirror images show the true result of the week's hard work. Easier said than done, I know.

Theme of the week (don't remember who told me this but it's stuck with me ever since):

..."Don't listen to your heart, but rather talk to your heart"...

I could go into depth more, but if you get it, you GET it. 

The other thing that I feel like I am going through, is the way I self observe. After having three kids, my stomach obviously is not as "tight" as it used to be. For so long, I didn't get it. In my pitiful head, I always sought after my pre pregnancy belly, spending copious amounts of thought and planning on how I can get it back just the way it used to be. How I could reduce the scarring with, for example, Derma Rolling, what exercises and creams would tone it up, what "belly fat" blast diet could I use to shed the last stubborn pounds etc. On top of that, thinking that after we were "done" having kids, I would celebrate it by getting the tummy tuck finale. Just writing about it sounds so depressing, embarrassing- but true! I KNOW that I am not the only one. 

Well, just a few months ago, I feel that God showed me more. It's not rocket science really, I mean look at a mother dog or a cat with their "sagging pouches". Most mothers have a pouch. A lot mothers have open abs and won't close, regardless of how skinny they are. That's OK. It's a lot of work AWAY from LIFE to go after flat bellies. I am okay with my belly pouch. I'm not kidding! I won't be flashing my body to anyone else but my husband ;) and I really don't care what people think of my marks and stretched belly. It has been stretched 3 times with our babes (from 10lbs -11 lbs), so what do you expect? Babies, MY body was part of baby making, which MY body grew and carried, which MY body delivered, and which MY body is nursing - MY baby. NOW, That's AMAZING! Not what your belly ought to look like according to the most superficial shallow western world.

Who is my belly for anyway? Who am I comparing to, and why? What will I lose if I go after the perfect belly? Why does my belly have my attention? What will I gain if I go after a flat belly? Where have I got the urge from? What are my motives? These are important questions. List these answers and just weigh them up.

I say, eat well, exercise well and ENJOY life. Spend the time well and focus on what matters most and what is eternal.

What is your time taker, attention grabber in your own life?

A Yummy Light Lunch Raw or Cooked!

Hello Darlings! Here is a yummy light recipe for you guys! x

 

Ingredients:

2 small zucchinis/courgettes halved

2 tsp pesto

4-6 cherry tomatoes halved

10-20 pearl mozzarella balls

basil for ganish

Brush the pesto onto the zucchini halves. Garnish with tomato, mozzarella and basil. Season. Grill under the broil (HI) untill cheese has melted and looks cooked. Approx. 10-15 minutes. For raw foodists, don't cook and omit the cheese!

YUMMY!

Weight Loss #3 part 2

I found a new picture at my beginning weight. 

I was 205 lbs.

 I am currently 193,5 lbs. 

=11,5lbs weight loss in 2 weeks!!

In my last weight loss post (here) I wrote about how I use my points wisely. ..."Also, I'm doing weight watchers with a clean eating twist. I am not using my points by eating muffins or cake or heavy carb meals. I am using them by eating clean, eating vegetables, lean meat, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, pulses etc"...

Let me rephrase that. ..."I am not using I sometimes but rarely, use my points by eating muffins or cake or heavy carb meals"...

Please forgive me, I do actually happen to have a weak spot, an unhealthy one and it is an iced hazelnut decaf coffee. 2 points which I would like to point out are that 1, generally coffee is bad for you and 2, especially bad for you, the way I enjoy it on my (cheat) treat days. I am not cheating the system of WeightWatchers, I am just being as smart as I can with my flaws, with my points. I am feeding my body the healthy stuff and then once a week, I treat myself to some craved treats which I still keep within my points and within the healthy zone.

I want to encourage you, if you're going through weight loss or are thinking about losing weight, you can still enjoy your favourite treats and comfort foods, but within your points. 

The best advice, this week, I can give you is to PLAN. Everything works well, better and best when planned. I had a few days last week where I kind of just went with the flow without meal planning and I ended up going to bed hungry and grumpy. I had used my calories unwisely and ended up crunching on a few carrots to take the edge off. The best planned days are when, in the evening, the kids have gone to sleep and I realize I have enough unused points left to eat something special :) and enjoy it!

I usually begin my mornings with a 1 egg and 3 egg whites omelet or 1 cup of oatmeal, or... both! I add vegg and berries whenever I can. I add berries in my porridge and spinach in my omelet for example.

At bible study the other day, we had a table full of baked goods to share amongst the other women. This week I walked by and wasn't even tempted. Praise God. After all, it's about the fellowship and not about the muffins! I know that soon enough, I can enjoy them both and I will. But for now, I know what I need to do to get there. Like I said before, I still remember what junk food tastes like... I don't need reminding. At least not today;-)

I'm still meditating on what I want from this weight loss and what I can give. I still look forward to feeling good in my own skin and owning a healthy body, truly. Well as healthy as I can, because ultimately, God has the final say in everything my body does. I have to be careful here that this diet and achievement in waiting doesn't take first prize in my life. Where is my focus? Well, the human mind that I have, often wanders... but I do check in and focus as well, as often as I can. I pray for guidance and focus. Easily, my mind wanders on to the feelings and emotions that come when I am down to a healthy weight. I day dream about loose fitting clothes, seeing my collar bones, wearing heels without worry, running around with my kids and so on. I see myself jogging with ease, no pain...

I have a jogging route I do, it's about 5k long, nothing big but I feel a slight ache in my ankles when I run it. I am looking forward to the flow that comes via weight loss and then picking up my speed and lengthening my distance.

Days shouldn't be revolved around food but around relationships. Relationships with firstly, you and Christ and then the rest follows. It's about quality time with your loved ones, taking the time to be, to see and to hear them. To love them, to teach, to lead and to follow... to share. We were made to live. It's not about stuffing foods down our throat, foods that do not benefit us but rob us from life.

I want to create a new habit and by doing that I need to repeat every healthy move I do. By researching new recipes, by substituting with healthier options, by adding more vegetables and herbs in our daily meals, by opening up Ancient Scripture and dwelling in it, by meditating in prayer, by serving others, by eating less and moving more... and so on.

I mean well, I usually fluctuate but I keep a steady increase and getting healthier and wiser each week. I do fail, I do eat stuff that robs me, I carry guilt, I try better next time. I know I will eat junk again, I kind of want to, for sure, there will be the random craving. This is why it is so very, very important to eat mega healthy during the times you are not putting crap down your throat, because two steps forward and one back is better than a random step forward and the rest back.

I also want to share with you a simple, quick lunch idea:

Ingredients:

100g cooked lean ground beef/chicken/turkey/salmon

1 cup of cooked whole weat pasta or millet in chicken broth (low sodium)

2tbsp salsa (SPICY!)

1 cup of shredded lettuce

½ cup diced cucumber

few slices of  pickles

and any other vegg you like.

mix and serve with salsa on top!

Season it anyway you like. I like it spicy.

Enjoy!

Weight Loss #3 Part 1

Before I begin writing about my weight loss #3, let me fill the new readers in a bit.

I am going through my 3rd major weight loss. I gain 50-70lbs (25-35kg) during my pregnancies. No doctor has ever found out why, even putting me through the same monitoring and tests each time. I don't eat any different, less maybe since I suffer from Hyper Emesis during pregnancies.

After each pregnancy I am faced with the hard work to shed the pounds. I also fall into the "unlucky" category where I don't lose pounds while nursing, quite the opposite, I lose them once I stop.

The best weight loss advice I can give, is to move more and eat less clean. Pretty old school, I know.

This time around I am doing things a bit different. After my 1st pregnancy, I lost my weight from 102kg to 80kg (-22kg!!), by moving more and jogging. My diet didn't change much. So I shall add,

"If you kinda sorta eat right, you kinda sorta get results"

After my second pregnancy, I lost the weight from 106kg to 73 (-33kg!!) by jogging, lifting weights and eating VERY clean. My weight loss compared to the first, worked way better and faster.

This time around, 9months after my baby's birth, my weight has not really shifted, since I am still nursing. I have left some feedings out and given her solids, so I feel comfortable starting a different method. I have actually been on it for a week and a half and have lost 8lbs so far. What is it you may wonder?

Weight Watchers. Now, how old school is that! But, do note, this comes in second.

The number one biggest impact is working out. I know, reading that sucks, everyone wishes that there would be a far easier ways to do it, but there is not. There is not. 

Also, I'm doing weight watchers with a clean eating twist. I am not using my points by eating muffins or cake or heavy carb meals. I am using them by eating clean, eating vegetables, lean meat, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, pulses etc. I still get to enjoy the sweet side of life, but hey, at least I remember what they taste like and I can eat them later... (after my weight loss). Suck it up princess!

Another method I am adding is daily checking and meditating on why I am wanting to shed this weight. That's important. Are my reasons selfless and good? Are they to benefit my health and to improve quality time with my family? If my weight loss makes me more vain and selfish, I pray that my weight stays above my desires. I never want to go back to what I was and how I lived before I met my husband. It only brought heartache and sorrow into my life and the lives of others. I will meditate on how I will feel and what I want to do when I am thin again. The images that come to mind are, playing with my kids, getting down in the mud, rolling around with ease. I don't want to see my clothes imprinting on my skin after I undress. I don't want to feel my back fat rolls stick together. I want to run 10km races with ease again and aim to run a half marathon. I want to feel light in my husbands arms. And also, Lord willing if and when we have more kids and I do put on that weight again, I don't want to add more weight on top of the left over weight.

My starting point last week was 205lbs. Today I am 196,5lbs. My goal is to be 145lbs (my pre pregnancy weight) and that is if I dont get pregnant before it.

Let me finish this with a very vague and corny quote by Kate Moss:

"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"

Time passes, so whether you begin your diet or not, time flies. Better to just do the work and be a little lighter in a few months.

and something to think about : 

 "Most people in the world walk miles to find food. Most Westerners walk miles to digest food"

Let me add that our bodies are holy temples and we are living sacrifices to the Lord. Let us keep good care of our bodies, as best we can. 

Here is the latest picture of (half of) me and what 205lbs looks like.