Kathy Vanish's Journal, 30 September 2014

A pound is nothing and you have been sick, don't be too hard on yourself. Maybe it's just bowel content.  

Your reply is in your food journal, make substitutions and eat some interesting vegs with your protein, you don't need protein bars or protein shakes..you are not lifting heavy weights like 30 kilos something....try and aim for 1000 cals....you can do it! If you need a cheat day then make that at 1600 cals but make it sparse...you will get used to it otherwise... your body will tell you. Move more, pretend jump rope while waiting for the last spin on laundry machine, squat in front of the oven, stay in plank for 25 counts, and swim if you can, it's a great toner and reduces stress on joints...try and go to a swim class once a week. I know you can swim but being in a class you go harder and you will learn new strokes to make you more water efficient. Small things and a big dose of patience. don't expect results tomorrow morning... your body needs to work against your old habits... you will see results in 6 weeks time, so start keeping a calendar today! 

Your right I won't see results tomorrow, but after 2 years I am starting to think it isn't worth it. I only eat the protein bars when I am on the road and don't want to stop at fast food. I have tried limiting myself to 1000 calories but I get bitchy, I get a headache, and I am too tired to keep up with my daughter. I move all day long, I just don't record it. I stand at my desk instead of sitting, I run up and down the stairs constantly as the bathroom is upstairs. 

Kathy, 80% of successful results happen in the mind...how do you run a marathon? you make up your mind to do it, enlist yourself and then train for it. Same thing when you ran your 5k races. You made up your mind to do it and you did! So enough resigning yourself to being what you are now...post a photo of yourself of how you were pre pregnancy (somewhere where you can keep private and would like to visit at times like these) and think what you ate then and your lifestyle then. It's a mind game. See yourself in the photo you like and identify yourself with that shape. You have to change your mindset. Do you own a pedometer or a fitbit or something that monitors your steps? it's a good investment and you will be able to monitor your moving without having to log every movement. I own the Nike Fuelband from Waterfi, it's waterproof cos i monitor also my swims. I do different exercise and it converts everything to fuel. You set your targets as you go along. It will be your exercise monitor cos you know if you don't hit at least 10,000 steps you're not burning anything (pedometer will do, if on a budget, mine fell down the toilet :)!) I just gave you some ideas how to move...choose what is comfortable for you. It's okay if you get headache or you're bitchy with 1000 cals...just advise everyone around you not to take notice of your outbursts cos you're being tested for allergies on doctor's advice...it will only last for a couple of days, everyone will understand. Your daughter surely keeps you moving and your dogs too! I don't think you lack exercise, you need to address your food intake. Cut out processed food and dairy, pasta > you can enjoy steak, measure your portion and go for leaner meats like turkey breast. try fruit for b'fast and when travelling, try and roast veggies like carrots and zucchini the night before. They keep very well and the carrots are awesome, just peel them and place in a dish when roasting meat at 325 degrees (160 fan oven). make small changes but planning is essential....c'mon if you want to do this you can...just look at the before and after photos of TX Snowman or Draglist, they're my buddies...if they did it, you can do it too! it's easier for men but women can do it too! show them girl, show them! 

Kathy, Jenfar is correct 80% of this is mental all you have to do is want to get it done and force yourself to do it.