End of Week 8 and... 2.6kgs lost!! A massive one! I now weigh 100.3kgs. I am SO close to my first big goal of 20kgs lost and being in double digits. I have been salivating over this moment for so long and it is now so close. Barring anything unforeseeable, I should hit my goal next week! And then I get to treat myself with a lovely manicure as reward!
This week went far better than expected. I had planned to stay on intensive through Christmas and succeeded! It was not easy, mind you. I did decide on Christmas day to take two small lean pieces of turkey on my plate with my salad. And it was delicious. I guess it's technically a 'cheat' but I knew that being protein it wouldn't affect my ketosis or weight loss too much.
I haven't cheated at any of the functions we've been to and didn't really want to. Christmas day was probably the hardest since there was so much sitting around the table looking at food. But what was great was the support from my family. They were all really interested in the diet and kept remarking on how well it was obviously working. So, nobody was trying to get me to eat anything I couldn't. The only thing that was tough was that it sometimes made people feel uncomfortable to be eating those things in front of me. Hopefully they get used to it!
After that day, I felt so many cravings. I guess it was just all the ideas of food and sweets that it had put in my head. The day before I'd made 5 chocolate houses and a cheesecake to bring for presents and dessert and hadn't licked a single spoon or finger! But I think after the day was done I was just so overwhelmed with sugary/fatty food images that it was playing on my mind a bit.
I was nice to myself and let myself have free reign on all my leftover salads and veggie sticks. And my new soda stream was a bit of a saviour too. Gosh I love that machine! I did go a bit nuts on some sugarfree gummybears over those two days too. They are not exactly low in carbs and being chewy I just seem to be able to hoe through them, not like the boiled sweets. So, any kind of jelly sugarfree lollies are now not allowed for me anymore.
A few days on now and I have gotten stuck in to some painting and cleaning in preparation for my sister's week-long visit tomorrow. I feel great and that I am past those nasty cravings.
This week's loss is a wonderful motivator and reminder that I AM strong enough to do this. And those days, even though they seem hard, do pass eventually.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! All the best for the New Year!
WIL: 2.6kgs; control over how many sugarfree gummy bears I can eat.
WIG: SO many compliments; a stronger willpower after resisting a billion temptations.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Week 7
It's actually nearly the end of Week 8 by the time I write this! I have gotten so swept up in the end of work for the year and Christmas preparations that I forgot to post!
But, everything is still going well. After Week 7 I had lost another 1.1kgs! I will be posting my Week 8 loss soon!
WIL: 1.1kgs
WIG: Some time off thinking about the diet!
But, everything is still going well. After Week 7 I had lost another 1.1kgs! I will be posting my Week 8 loss soon!
WIL: 1.1kgs
WIG: Some time off thinking about the diet!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Week 6
End of Week 6 and have lost another 2kgs! That brings me to a total loss of 16kgs. I weigh 104kgs now. Wow... Closing in on those double digits. I want them SO bad!
I am feeling great today. Especially because I'm sure I resisted the equivalent of about 2kgs of treats and junk food over the weekend with work Christmas parties! At one point a few people commented that I had no meat on my plate, but I explained that I was on a diet and they were satisfied with that. It seems I am lucky that most people understand or have family members on diets or are themselves on diets.
One lady was very persistent to all those around her (not just me) that we should all indulge in dessert (and seconds of dessert) from the awesome spread that was put on. It did look lovely. But, I wasn't that interested. I know it wouldn't have been that bite of cake that ruined things - it would be the several pieces of cake that would follow.
The only thing that kind of sucked was when my boss wanted everyone to have a small glass of port and toast to our year together. He seemed mildly offended when I declined, but I said that I wasn't drinking tonight, which I think was ok. Lots of people were driving, so I think it was understandable.
Yesterday I made up a soup with all the remaining veggies I had in my fridge. It was basically cauliflower, celery, zucchini and a bit of kale and a handful spinach leaves. Oh, and an onion from the cupboard of course. Felt great to be able to make something yummy with everything that was going to go bad in the next few days. Cauliflower is so great for thickening soups. Still my fave veg!
My reward for 20kgs lost will be a manicure. I have NEVER had a manicure before because I have bitten my nails my entire life. For some reason since starting this diet I have been able to grow them, so hopefully in the month or so it takes me to lose the next 4 kgs they will be long enough to manicure (they're pretty close now).
WIL: 2kgs, the habit of biting my nails.
WIG: More confidence in the kitchen.
I am feeling great today. Especially because I'm sure I resisted the equivalent of about 2kgs of treats and junk food over the weekend with work Christmas parties! At one point a few people commented that I had no meat on my plate, but I explained that I was on a diet and they were satisfied with that. It seems I am lucky that most people understand or have family members on diets or are themselves on diets.
One lady was very persistent to all those around her (not just me) that we should all indulge in dessert (and seconds of dessert) from the awesome spread that was put on. It did look lovely. But, I wasn't that interested. I know it wouldn't have been that bite of cake that ruined things - it would be the several pieces of cake that would follow.
The only thing that kind of sucked was when my boss wanted everyone to have a small glass of port and toast to our year together. He seemed mildly offended when I declined, but I said that I wasn't drinking tonight, which I think was ok. Lots of people were driving, so I think it was understandable.
Yesterday I made up a soup with all the remaining veggies I had in my fridge. It was basically cauliflower, celery, zucchini and a bit of kale and a handful spinach leaves. Oh, and an onion from the cupboard of course. Felt great to be able to make something yummy with everything that was going to go bad in the next few days. Cauliflower is so great for thickening soups. Still my fave veg!
My reward for 20kgs lost will be a manicure. I have NEVER had a manicure before because I have bitten my nails my entire life. For some reason since starting this diet I have been able to grow them, so hopefully in the month or so it takes me to lose the next 4 kgs they will be long enough to manicure (they're pretty close now).
WIL: 2kgs, the habit of biting my nails.
WIG: More confidence in the kitchen.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Week 5
Week 5 Weigh-In today and have lost another 1.9kgs. Total loss of 14 kilos! I'm pretty happy with that! Just going to keep on doing what I'm doing!
I don't seem to be losing many cms from my waist just yet, but I'm not measuring anywhere else so it must be coming from elsewhere! I know my pants are fitting a lot better lately. Some are even getting a bit loose! But, I have lots of those stretchy pants, so they're mostly fine.
I'm pretty sure this is the longest I've ever stuck at any diet. And definitely the longest I've been this disciplined for. My diets usually see little bits of everything creeping in. At first it's "moderation". But then it's just every day. And then I stop losing. And then I give up. Not this time, though!
Sooooo looking forward to 20kgs lost. And 20.1kgs lost as that will see me under 100kgs for the first time in a few years! 20kgs will be my manicure reward! 6 kgs to go for that. I'm hoping to reach that goal sometime in January.
WIL: 1.9kgs
WIG: Renewed respect for myself and my ability to stick to this! A new goal to work towards (20kgs/manicure).
I don't seem to be losing many cms from my waist just yet, but I'm not measuring anywhere else so it must be coming from elsewhere! I know my pants are fitting a lot better lately. Some are even getting a bit loose! But, I have lots of those stretchy pants, so they're mostly fine.
I'm pretty sure this is the longest I've ever stuck at any diet. And definitely the longest I've been this disciplined for. My diets usually see little bits of everything creeping in. At first it's "moderation". But then it's just every day. And then I stop losing. And then I give up. Not this time, though!
Sooooo looking forward to 20kgs lost. And 20.1kgs lost as that will see me under 100kgs for the first time in a few years! 20kgs will be my manicure reward! 6 kgs to go for that. I'm hoping to reach that goal sometime in January.
WIL: 1.9kgs
WIG: Renewed respect for myself and my ability to stick to this! A new goal to work towards (20kgs/manicure).
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Mushroom Soup
I tried the mushroom soup from the Optifast website this week and boy is it delicious! I think I have a new staple!
The recipe below is adapted from the Optifast Intensive phase Mushroom Soup.
Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of oil
- 8 cloves of crushed garlic
- 1 brown onion, roughly chopped
- 2 medium leeks, roughly chopped
- 1kg of mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 6 cups of chicken stock- 1 large cauliflower, cut into floreats
- Pepper to taste
Method
Add oil, garlic, onion, leeks and mushrooms to a large saucepan. Cook and stir until softened.
Add stock and cauliflower and bring to boil, then simmered for about 25-30mins.
Remove from heat and use a stick blender to puree smooth.
Add pepper to serve!
With the addition of the cauliflower, it's so creamy and delicious!! I'm absolutely going to make again. I'm sure the salt in the chicken stock made it extra delicious, but I will try to buy the pre-made salt-reduced stuff next time.
It makes 8 serves (or more) depending on the size of your veggies. I find that a small serve is enough to fill me up!
The recipe below is adapted from the Optifast Intensive phase Mushroom Soup.
Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of oil
- 8 cloves of crushed garlic
- 1 brown onion, roughly chopped
- 2 medium leeks, roughly chopped
- 1kg of mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 6 cups of chicken stock- 1 large cauliflower, cut into floreats
- Pepper to taste
Method
Add oil, garlic, onion, leeks and mushrooms to a large saucepan. Cook and stir until softened.
Add stock and cauliflower and bring to boil, then simmered for about 25-30mins.
Remove from heat and use a stick blender to puree smooth.
Add pepper to serve!
With the addition of the cauliflower, it's so creamy and delicious!! I'm absolutely going to make again. I'm sure the salt in the chicken stock made it extra delicious, but I will try to buy the pre-made salt-reduced stuff next time.
It makes 8 serves (or more) depending on the size of your veggies. I find that a small serve is enough to fill me up!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Thoughts on Ketosis
I seriously love ketosis. And I'm 100% certain that's the most important thing about the Optifast diet.
I haven't come out of ketosis since I started and I'm not planning to! The couple of times I went over 800 cals was only with extra veggies and protein. I don't know what it's like to cheat with carbs and have to go through getting into ketosis again. My first few days were really hard, so I've vowed not to put myself through that again. I think the best thing you can do on this diet is try not to cheat with carbs and come out of ketosis. Because then you will be hungry and want to cheat even more.
If I was one of those people that can just have 'A' piece of chocolate or 'ONE' biscuit, then I wouldn't be in this mess. I don't care what anyone else says to me about it being "Christmas!" or "It's just one day a year", it isn't like that for me. I am a food addict. Food can't be fun for me, anymore. It just needs to be fuel.
I've decided to stay on Intensive through Christmas. I've been to several social occasions now and just brought salad. People understand. And, I've decided that even if they don't understand, I don't care! It's not their body I'm looking after!
Even after just 4 weeks, I am happier now than I ever was when I was stuffing my face with junk. That pleasure was fleeting, and almost always followed by regret and self-loathing.
I'm going to succeed because I'm doing this for good. Sure, I'm going to slowly increase my calories over the stages, but this is what I eat now - the nutrients I need to live.
I haven't come out of ketosis since I started and I'm not planning to! The couple of times I went over 800 cals was only with extra veggies and protein. I don't know what it's like to cheat with carbs and have to go through getting into ketosis again. My first few days were really hard, so I've vowed not to put myself through that again. I think the best thing you can do on this diet is try not to cheat with carbs and come out of ketosis. Because then you will be hungry and want to cheat even more.
If I was one of those people that can just have 'A' piece of chocolate or 'ONE' biscuit, then I wouldn't be in this mess. I don't care what anyone else says to me about it being "Christmas!" or "It's just one day a year", it isn't like that for me. I am a food addict. Food can't be fun for me, anymore. It just needs to be fuel.
I've decided to stay on Intensive through Christmas. I've been to several social occasions now and just brought salad. People understand. And, I've decided that even if they don't understand, I don't care! It's not their body I'm looking after!
Even after just 4 weeks, I am happier now than I ever was when I was stuffing my face with junk. That pleasure was fleeting, and almost always followed by regret and self-loathing.
I'm going to succeed because I'm doing this for good. Sure, I'm going to slowly increase my calories over the stages, but this is what I eat now - the nutrients I need to live.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Week 4
Week 4 sees a nice 1.9kg loss! Yay! It was TTOM for me this week, but it looks like I might be lucky and it doesn't affect my weight loss too much. I guess we will see if I'm consistent in future!
I feel fantastic today. I am wearing a work shirt that I thought was going to be relegated to the "unwearable" pile for good. But now it's back on and it's not so tight around my arms I can't move them (like it was before!).
Another real win for this week was when I went out twice on the weekend and got dressed so easily. I picked up clothes and put them on and they fit me. Not like in the past where it was always a hit or miss if something was going to fit me that day since my weight was just out of control. Those days were so difficult - such a hit to the self esteem. And then, nothing I put on would ever look good, since I felt so down about myself. I don't ever want to not go to another event/gathering, just because I can't feel good about how I look. I plan on making sure those days are behind me for good!
My boyfriend notices the difference too. I'm WAY less snappy and grumpy. I'm just a nicer person to be around. Also, he said he could see that my face was thinner and that I just looked "smaller". Loving that!
Oh and my new discovery of the week was Cauliflower Hummus (1/2 cauliflower steamed, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tsp of sesame oil, 2 tsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp of paprika - all blended in the food processor). Made such a great dip for my veggie sticks! AND my friends seemed to like it too! Cauliflower is the best!
Today I'm walking around like a skinny girl. Even though I'm not. I just feel so good about myself and the changes I'm making. Hope you're all doing well and feeling good. :)
WIL: 1.9kgs and a bit of the old grump in me.
WIG: The ability to get dressed and leave the house without drama; Cauliflower Hummus; a wee bit of that thing they call confidence!
I feel fantastic today. I am wearing a work shirt that I thought was going to be relegated to the "unwearable" pile for good. But now it's back on and it's not so tight around my arms I can't move them (like it was before!).
Another real win for this week was when I went out twice on the weekend and got dressed so easily. I picked up clothes and put them on and they fit me. Not like in the past where it was always a hit or miss if something was going to fit me that day since my weight was just out of control. Those days were so difficult - such a hit to the self esteem. And then, nothing I put on would ever look good, since I felt so down about myself. I don't ever want to not go to another event/gathering, just because I can't feel good about how I look. I plan on making sure those days are behind me for good!
My boyfriend notices the difference too. I'm WAY less snappy and grumpy. I'm just a nicer person to be around. Also, he said he could see that my face was thinner and that I just looked "smaller". Loving that!
Oh and my new discovery of the week was Cauliflower Hummus (1/2 cauliflower steamed, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tsp of sesame oil, 2 tsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp of paprika - all blended in the food processor). Made such a great dip for my veggie sticks! AND my friends seemed to like it too! Cauliflower is the best!
Today I'm walking around like a skinny girl. Even though I'm not. I just feel so good about myself and the changes I'm making. Hope you're all doing well and feeling good. :)
WIL: 1.9kgs and a bit of the old grump in me.
WIG: The ability to get dressed and leave the house without drama; Cauliflower Hummus; a wee bit of that thing they call confidence!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Week 3
Week 3 down and a massive loss of 2.2kgs! That brings me to 10.2kgs lost overall! I am SO HAPPY! It's also my first mini goal of 10kgs achieved! 1/5th of the way to my goal! So excited!
The next goal on the horizon is 20kgs, which will be shortly followed by my descent into double digits! I would just LOVE to be under 100kgs again.
Other little benefits I've noticed is that I'm generally feeling better. I have struggles with depression and since being on this diet, I've noticed that my general mood is so improved. I'm far less irritable and can seem to take stress a lot better. In Week 2 I had a few teary moments when I felt very hungry and deprived, but Week 3 has been a very strong one, and my best yet in terms of the lack of hunger.
I went to a party on Saturday night and this was the first time I've had to pass on so much yummy food being sent around. The cake did look amazing, but I am committed to this journey and the healthier, happier me to come!
I owe a lot to the support I have been given. From my amazing partner, supportive friends, and all the people in the Optifast forums and Facebook Group! Through reading about all these inspirational losses and recipe ideas I have found a lot of inspiration and motivation. I doubt I would be going this strong without that!
I am really enjoying the challenge of cooking with veggies alone and discovering all these wonderful new recipe ideas. Next ones I want to try are a Mushroom soup (with Cauliflower to make it creamier), vegetable Shepherd's pie (with Cauli mash!) and a vegetarian San Choy Bow.
WIL: 2.2kgs and 1/5th of my starting weight!
WIG: Knowledge that I can go to a party without having to eat and drink like Hedonism-bot!
The next goal on the horizon is 20kgs, which will be shortly followed by my descent into double digits! I would just LOVE to be under 100kgs again.
Other little benefits I've noticed is that I'm generally feeling better. I have struggles with depression and since being on this diet, I've noticed that my general mood is so improved. I'm far less irritable and can seem to take stress a lot better. In Week 2 I had a few teary moments when I felt very hungry and deprived, but Week 3 has been a very strong one, and my best yet in terms of the lack of hunger.
I went to a party on Saturday night and this was the first time I've had to pass on so much yummy food being sent around. The cake did look amazing, but I am committed to this journey and the healthier, happier me to come!
I owe a lot to the support I have been given. From my amazing partner, supportive friends, and all the people in the Optifast forums and Facebook Group! Through reading about all these inspirational losses and recipe ideas I have found a lot of inspiration and motivation. I doubt I would be going this strong without that!
I am really enjoying the challenge of cooking with veggies alone and discovering all these wonderful new recipe ideas. Next ones I want to try are a Mushroom soup (with Cauliflower to make it creamier), vegetable Shepherd's pie (with Cauli mash!) and a vegetarian San Choy Bow.
WIL: 2.2kgs and 1/5th of my starting weight!
WIG: Knowledge that I can go to a party without having to eat and drink like Hedonism-bot!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Week 2
Second week down and 1.3kg lost!! So happy! I was really frightened that my body would punish me for the big loss in the first week! And up until yesterday it was looking like it would! I was weighing myself every day and not seeing a drop at all. Then, this morning - BAM! Way to bring it home for weigh-in day!
*happy dance*
I added in some more exercise this week - 10 squats every time I use the bathroom (Thanks Jo-Anne!) and some light weights and ab exercises on the couch in the commercial breaks.
Also - Veggie Twister and Zucchini Pasta you are my new best friends!
Thanks to everyone on the Optifast Forum and the FB group for all your support this week. You really got me through what was a bit of a tough one.
*more happy dance*
Oh, and from now on - I'm only weighing myself on Weigh-In day!
WIL: 1.3kgs
WIG: Some new friends, and a new recipe for Zucchini Pasta!
*happy dance*
I added in some more exercise this week - 10 squats every time I use the bathroom (Thanks Jo-Anne!) and some light weights and ab exercises on the couch in the commercial breaks.
Also - Veggie Twister and Zucchini Pasta you are my new best friends!
Thanks to everyone on the Optifast Forum and the FB group for all your support this week. You really got me through what was a bit of a tough one.
*more happy dance*
Oh, and from now on - I'm only weighing myself on Weigh-In day!
WIL: 1.3kgs
WIG: Some new friends, and a new recipe for Zucchini Pasta!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Week 1
Big 6.7kg loss in my first week, but not getting ahead of myself just yet as everything I've read says that the first week or two of losses contains a lot of water weight. Still, a good start nonetheless! Just hoping that I still get a loss this week.
I feel very confident right now. Not so much from the number, but from the fact that I feel more dedicated than I have ever been on any other diet before. I did not cheat once last week and I got up and went for a 30min walk 5 out of the 7 days - which is a huge achievement for me. Historically, when I try to lose weight, I have thrown myself hard into the gym (2 hours+ a day) and have crashed and burned within a few days (binges etc).
They weren't lying about the first 3 days of Optifast though. They really do suck. But, I'm starting to only feel hungry around meal times now. And I'm starting to show traces of ketosis. Going to try and cut back on the coffee and Pepsi Max this week to see if I can get further into ketosis.
Craving a slice of bread like never before! But, hot tea has been my saviour so far!
Feeling pretty tired, but positive. :)
WIL: 6.7kgs and that awful 3-day-challenger hunger!
WIG: A new, better way to start the day!
I feel very confident right now. Not so much from the number, but from the fact that I feel more dedicated than I have ever been on any other diet before. I did not cheat once last week and I got up and went for a 30min walk 5 out of the 7 days - which is a huge achievement for me. Historically, when I try to lose weight, I have thrown myself hard into the gym (2 hours+ a day) and have crashed and burned within a few days (binges etc).
They weren't lying about the first 3 days of Optifast though. They really do suck. But, I'm starting to only feel hungry around meal times now. And I'm starting to show traces of ketosis. Going to try and cut back on the coffee and Pepsi Max this week to see if I can get further into ketosis.
Craving a slice of bread like never before! But, hot tea has been my saviour so far!
Feeling pretty tired, but positive. :)
WIL: 6.7kgs and that awful 3-day-challenger hunger!
WIG: A new, better way to start the day!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
What I Plan
I started Optifast on the 4th November, 2013.
I have been blogging my journey on the Optifast forums since the beginning. But, as I have read that the site has had some issues in the past and even lost years worth of posts, I thought it would be a good idea to have this blog too so that I never lose what I've written. Being able to look back at how far I've come and what I've been through has been very helpful in keeping me on track.
I also want to use this blog to share some of the other things that go on in my life throughout the course of this weight loss journey. Even if they are not specifically related to a drop on the scales.
For the purpose of continuity and to make sure I have everything in the one place, I have gone and copied in and backdated the posts I initally posted on the Optifast forums.
I hope that this blog helps me to get in touch with other people - whether they be on their own weight loss journeys or not.
What I Lost: The fear of losing my journals.
What I Gained: A wonderful new blog!
I have been blogging my journey on the Optifast forums since the beginning. But, as I have read that the site has had some issues in the past and even lost years worth of posts, I thought it would be a good idea to have this blog too so that I never lose what I've written. Being able to look back at how far I've come and what I've been through has been very helpful in keeping me on track.
I also want to use this blog to share some of the other things that go on in my life throughout the course of this weight loss journey. Even if they are not specifically related to a drop on the scales.
For the purpose of continuity and to make sure I have everything in the one place, I have gone and copied in and backdated the posts I initally posted on the Optifast forums.
I hope that this blog helps me to get in touch with other people - whether they be on their own weight loss journeys or not.
What I Lost: The fear of losing my journals.
What I Gained: A wonderful new blog!
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