Mirror Mirror on the wall...

Mirrors in the bathroom that capture you naked before you get in the shower should be banned across the world.

I could just end the post there, because really, enough said...

Unless of course you:

a) Look like a goddess or someone who is constantly photoshopped perfection
b) Don't care about the rolls, the cellulite, the way that your bottom has extra rolls on it and looks like you're shaped like a duck
c) Are blind

The worst part is, it's like looking at an accident, you just can't turn away...I tried last night to just look away, but found myself looking in disgust and moving my rolls around to "pretend" they weren't there.

Motivation to get back on the diet? I HOPE SO!!!

Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

I've managed to gain 1kg this last week!

It's been really hard getting back on track after the festivities of my birthday. Food is just so good! I've found it hard to resist pasta, chocolate, wine and oh my gosh...cheese!

Add the fact that I'm getting my "monthly friend" soon AND the fact that I've been working late (and therefore couldn't be bothered to cook something healthy)...and wa-lah! BLOW OUT LIKE A WHALE!!!!!!!!!!!

Why can't dieting be easy? Why can't I just think diet and the weight just drops off?

Or perhaps I should research this 1930's tapeworm diet?

 

How to lose kgs in a day!

This is not a crazy diet fad, this is a tip that will instantly look like you've shed some kilos!

The answer: Apply a sunless tan.

Yes! It works. I have no idea why this makes you look like you've lost a few kgs, but it does!

If you are tanned naturally, well, lucky you...

For me, I am naturally fluro white and going in the sun let's me explore the different shades of red, so I must rely on self tanning.

I have had some shocking experiences tanning and to be honest, you just have to get out there and try the products and learn how to apply them. Just make sure you don't try before a big event!

Self-Tanning tips:
1. Find a brand that really suits your skin colour. I use Ella Bache tanning products which I find gives the best natural tan. You can get these at either Ella Bache itself or in David Jones.
2. Use powder free disposable gloves to apply the tan over your body and face. You will find this the best tip of all! It means that you can really smooth it out and cover all areas freely without worrying about tanning your palms.

3. Have a damp face cloth ready to quickly wipe over knuckles, knees, dry spots and your toe knuckles (sorry but my mind does not hold the correct name for this part of my body).
4. Remember to exfoliate before you start. I have recently found out that this means scrubbing with a loofah and not just using a body scrub!

Those Special Occasions...

Hmmm...I'll have a little bit of this, oh and a lot of that...and oh why not? It's my birthday???

What's my real opinion on splurging on special occasions?

Well, I think you need to make sure that you don't have "special occasions" every weekend...and I also believe that you need to be prepared that you will have to expect the scales will go up instead of down at your next weigh in.

I do unfortunately believe that you still need to show some restraint and pick your calories that you want to spend. I know, even as I write this I am pausing because restraint and splurge don't really go together.

If you can save calories on either side of the "occasion", then great, if not...remember...tomorrow is another day!

Temptation

The "just say no" campaign can work with any diet.

Make sure you are aware of those things that you need to steer clear of. One of these would be hot chips.

Now I know I may have lost some of you right now, as you think of the hot, delicious, salty flavour on your lips as the carbs absorb in your body...

WAIT! TEMPTATION RIGHT THERE! Just stop right there. Don't allow yourself to dream about the tastes, don't smell it, don't dream it, just DON'T.

Even more importantly, don't just have "just one". Hot chips are evil, there is no such thing as "just one" because it gives you a craving for more, it sucks you in, it makes you want more.

Know your weakness...stay away completely.

Healthy Snacks

One thing you have to prepare for when starting any diet is the case of the munchies.



Know how your body functions and when your "I need something to eat" cravings will kick in.



For me it's essentially from 2pm-4pm every afternoon on a work day. Mornings is filled with breakfast, meetings and more meetings, then comes lunch and by 2pm I'm either ready for siesta or I'm searching for something to munch on.



Now, apparently this is a sign that your body does need something to eat, but the questions is WHAT and HOW MUCH. From what I've studied in terms of successful weight loss plans (i.e. Lite n Easy and Weight Watchers) it's about having smaller meals throughout the day to speed up your metabolism and avoid the peaks and falls in your metabolic rate (?)...or something to that effect. Ok, if you really do want more scientific and fact based answer, please do your own research.



The key I think is plan your meals and plan to have snacks. Just redefine what "snack" means.



For Christmas my parents bought me a bag of healthy snack foods, and Ajita's Vege chips was one of them.



It opened my eyes to a world of healthy snack items that can fill the space when you really need something a little more than a celery stick (and definitely more exciting!). The flavours are amazing and you can forget that they are 40% less fat than regular chips.

"Mummy! It's a balloon!"

Ok, so I'm changing my 2 year old daughter's nappy whilst on vacation in Port Douglas, QLD a few weeks ago and she exclaims "Mummy! It's a balloon!".

I am perplexed and there are no balloons in the vicinity, so I probe further to find out what has captured her eye.

"Darling, what are you looking at, where is the balloon?"

To which she points towards me and repeats "Balloon, mummy, Balloon!"

To my horror I follow her pointer finger directly pointing to my tummy which is highlighted in a pair of a boardshorts - that are never kind to a "pear shaped" figure as my own.

"Oh darling, that's not a balloon! That's mummy's tummy...and shall we never speak of this again?"

As you can imagine, it wasn't a highlight of my vacation but rather a confirmation that 2010 must be a weight loss year (again!).

I could say that it's weight gain due to having a baby, but some would call that "lying". I could say that I have big bones, but standing at 5"1 (ok, fine 5" 1/2)...I don't think anyone would believe that I have big bones!

No, the reality is, I set my metabolism to "slow" a LONG time ago and I lack commitment to be truly successful at living at a healthy weight.

So, why do I think that 2010 is going to be anything different to every other year that I've committed to weight loss? Well, here's a list:

1. I don't feel healthy. Just forget walking anywhere! I feel like I've run a marathon if I walk around the block!
2. I hate clothing shopping. I know, can you imagine? I really do hate getting hot and sweaty in the change room trying to squeeze into a pair of pants, or trying on a top that likes to highlight my "extra layers", or only shopping for black!!!
3. If I do want to have another baby, I have to lose at least 20 kgs, medical fact I reckon. This is especially true because I had high blood pressure during my pregnancy.
4. I have diabetes in the family. Enough said.
5. I have family who is also losing weight, so I have my support network.
6. I'm just going to do it!

I think it's important not to be discouraged by failed attempts at weight loss. You just need to push past it and focus on the future and all the benefits!

Every day of healthy eating gives you renewed strength and I'm sure builds healthy cells and does wonders for your body, so take each day at a time!