Wobbles Wednesday

I've had a very mixed week. The end of last week and the weekend was full of depression and suicidal ideation. Daddy took Kiki out on Saturday to the farm, they had fun and I got a break. As my home town was hosting Le Grand Depart I laid on the sofa and watched it. I had a million and one things to do, but none of it mattered. I had a day of doing nothing. Exactly what I needed, it really did help.

I also started meditating daily again. My experiences of mindfulness before starting this new therapy group were fairly negative, but I'm using Andrew Johnson's apps again. I'm learning new skills and ways of being mindful but I still find his guided stuff really helps focus me. I think it's the vocals, I find it difficult to be mindful if it's quiet and I'm doing nothing, so it's helpful to have his voice to return my thoughts and attention to.

I also accepted two compliments this week, not by my usual embarrassed, fumbling, self depreciating manner, I just said thank you. Progress, I guess.

Food wise this week has been fairly rubbish. I've tried to make good choices but given how I was feeling that didn't always work. And I drank too much...

I tell myself next week will be better, but I suspect it won't. 

I have walked a bit this week, but nothing compared to the exercise I should be getting.

Over to you, did you have a good week?

What did you do to look after you mental and physical health?

Wobbles Wednesday

Hooray! I'm on time, although didn't post on time...

Although I don't have much to report.

I have had a few rubbish days, which made me not even want to think about my health. 

I had a good day Saturday, went to a charity plant sale and a local deli market, followed by some  walking, although ate and drank too much.

Oh and I was bought some chocolates! But I haven't finished them in one go, which I guess is better than usual! 

I have done lots of thinking about the future this week, some good, some bad; still no real plans but a few ideas up in the air.

Over to you, did you have a good week?

What did you do to look after you mental and physical health?

Wobbles Wednesday

As usual, for Wobbles Wednesday, I'm not on time. One day I will surprise you and post on a Wednesday! Well, maybe...

This week I haven't done much to improve either my mental or physical health, I've thought about it and tried a little.

Plus points, I'm thinking of re-joining Fat Club or maybe trying Lighter Life, if my budget stretches that far. Actually, think they'd give me a few months free to blog?!

Will blog for weight loss?

Seem reasonable to me ;)

I've also been looking to see if there's any gyms with crèche's close by, there isn't. But I did download the Couch to 10K app and have looked at it, it seems doable, so that's next week's goal to try.

I have tried to get out for a walk on the day's I've been up to it, every little helps as Mr T would say.

I'm trying to be a bit better about eating, but it's all very emotionally linked for me, so is difficult. Plus it is nearly the end of the month which means eating whatever is in.

I'm very concious about what I give my daughter though. She eats well most of the time, with plenty of fruit and vegetables. I was stressed whilst we were on holiday that she didn't eat much and what she did was crap, so much so my friend actually said 'you're acting like you feed her crack cocaine!'. Apparently, I am that bad! Oops.

A challenge for myself

It's been a while since I last posted for Wobbles Wednesday, actually since I did any weight loss.

I realised that I'm actually useless at eating less, food is a major comfort to me, and I like exercise but find it a chore.

I used to enjoy running, but haven't done any in so long, I'm too unfit to run for a bus these days!

So what's a girl to do?

Well, what any serious sadist would do, set myself a goal that will measure and test my fitness, a 10K run! 

I am realistic and have set myself a year to do it, that's get the fitness up, not the actual run ;-)

Oh and I roped a mate in too.

So over the coming months, expect some proud of myself posts (hopefully) and some rants! 

Wish me luck x

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

1. My exam (and therefore my course) is over! I'm glad to see the back of it. I really struggled with it as there was a lot of information to take in and remember, not good when Anti D's and mental health problems mess with my motivation, concentration, and memory! 
2. My new course started last Saturday, I'm yet to start properly as I need to just let my head stop feeling like it is going to explode, but it's creative writing, so something I enjoy.
3. After the really stressful day on Tuesday my exam (I'm confident with one question! :-0 but its worth 30%), Little Lady gave me a proud mummy moment and walked all the way across the room. She has been standing and taking 2 or 3 steps for a few weeks so it has been coming for a while, but it was like she new I needed it! Aren't kiddos amazing?
4. I had a break from the revision to link up with Wendy at Handmade Harbour for her Midweek Papercraft Party, I did a very basic Halloween card / invite, but it was a great distraction from the stress. I'm hoping to join up with this week's theme of Men and boys. 
5. Speaking of Halloween, have you seen the Alex and Alexa Blogger competition? I have blogged details here. 
6. Because of my exam and revision, Daddy had booked a week off. I like to say we had some lovely family time, but we didn't really, I was too busy. Little Lady has enjoyed spending lots of time with him though. Hopefully, we will do something as a family, or even just as a couple, soon.
7. I am planning a few Christmas posts at the moment, mainly crafty and gift inspired.
8. I put on a LOT of weight this week. I know that isn't a reason to be cheerful and I certainly wasn't. I expected a bit of a gain due to Daddy cooking and me snacking on sandwiches etc. due to lack of time. But it did mean I had a bottle of Rioja and some chocolate! lol Onwards and upwards, I'm back to eating normally again.

So over to you, what are your reasons to be cheerful?

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

1. My exam is on Tuesday and I'm really struggling, so will be glad to see the back of it!
2. Although I would have preferred a break, my new course starts today, it's advanced writing and I'm glad to get back to something I'm good at!
3. I lost another 2lbs this week at Slimming World. Expecting a bad week this week as I am using every spare minute to revise, so cooking and having breaks isn't really on the agenda...
4. I had a fabulous night with my best friend on Wednesday, even if it did mean wandering the streets in the rain and contemplating a break in! lol
5. Little Lady is doing well, although I suspect she's having a growth spurt or coming down with something as she's really tired, she not giving in though which is making her (and mummy) cranky.
6. I've found some crafty things I want to make for Christmas presents. One involves using Kiki's old clothes I haven't got around to ebaying, so watch out for some crafty posts (when I find the time).
7. I entered the weight loss tracker I made for myself and friend into Handmade Harbour's paper craft party, and won! Check out my shiny winner's badge on the right side bar :-)
8. I continued with my group and felt a bit more comfortable this week, it really helps me that other are going through the same thing if you know what I mean, obviously I'd rather nobody ever suffered mental health difficulties.

So over to you, what have you been up to this week? 

What are your reasons to be cheerful? Do let me know.

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

1. Little Lady is settling in well with the childminder. I really like the childminder too, instantly made me feel at ease.
2. I have made a start on revision for my OU exam, which is good as I only have 11 days left!
3. I lost another 3lb at Slimming World. So I have now lost my first stone, well actually 16lbs so far :) Only another 8lbs to my 10% loss goal.
4. On Friday, I attended a Introduction to Group work meeting at Leeds Mind. I was so anxious the night before and felt so sick, and did my usual trick of babbling away ******** to cover my nerves! But I survived. I think it helps that everyone understands and shares mental health issues. I started the group meetings on Tuesday, and again fought through the anxiety to get there, but felt it helped once there.
5. Both me and Kiki have had cold this week; for Little Lady this meant she struggled to sleep as she couldn't breathe well; for me, I just feel shocking, tired, aching, etc. I have ended up with painful ribs too, I suspect through coughing. I fought through the urge to just stuff my face with chocolate. I did mention I'm a comfort eater, right? So I'm feeling proud of myself for that.
6. Even with my cold crappiness, I have managed to keep exercising. Not as much, I have had two days off though.
7. I gave my friend her weight loss tracker to keep her motivated at Slimming World and she loved it. 
8. I'm still trying to organise my crafty corner, and have started scanning all my patterns and 'how to's'.

 So over to you, what have you been up to this week? What are your reasons to be cheerful? Do let me know.

Cheap Weight Loss Tracker Craft

Whilst browsing on eBay recently, I came across Weight Loss Journey mini chalkboards.

 Now I liked the idea by handmadebyzoe2012 but at £8.50 including postage, it seemed a little expensive. So I did what any crafter does in these situations, I look to see how much it would be to buy the component pieces and made my own.

 Firstly,  I bought 2 MDF plaques with 3 hearts each, for a total of £4.95, figured I'd make one for my friend who is currently joining me a Slimming World. I bought mine pre-cut from agilisltd on eBay.

Agilis crafts & Personalised Gifts do various shapes and sizes, check them out here.

I also bought some chalkboard paint, again from eBay. I chose spray paint as I figured it would be easier to get a smoother surface.

I purchased this from gr8value2you. I actually bought two because I have an idea for the other... 

It was £5.10 including postage.  

 Both sellers dispatched orders next day, so I received with a few days, very happy and will use both again.

I decided to spray the plaques as well as the heart, I thought I could add an inspirational message maybe. Or just write the heart details, This Week, Total, To target.

*hint* lay it on greaseproof paper when spraying, it's easier to clean and doesn't stick.

 I applied 3 coats of chalkboard paint, letting each layer dry for about 30 minutes.

Once dried, I didn't spray the back as they are to be hung up, but you could, I choose some ribbon to attach the hearts. After playing around with lengths, I cut and tied it.

I wrote lbs on to the 6 hearts, 3 for each.

I decided to add cupcakes as the design. I used a free digi stamp from Wendy at Handmade Harbour's shop. Available here.

  

I cropped the stamp to just the cupcake, and then in photoshop edited the banner.

 I coloured the cupcakes in.

I cut out the cupcake, wrote on the banners, This Week..., So Far..., ...'til Target, and applied to a holographic purple card background. I then added several layers of Mod Podge matt to seal it.
As this dulled the holographics, I added a couple of layers of Mod Podge sparkle.

I glued the card in to place, and done!

What do you think?

Wobbles Wednesday

I'm dreading my Slimming World weigh in tonight, according to my scales, I have put 4lbs on. Oops!

However, I did have a great girlie weekend though. I have been good apart from the weekend, so hopefully my scales are wrong....

I will update and let you know when I've been judged, oops, I mean weighed :)

Uh Oh! I've put on 1.5lbs!

Reasons to be Cheerful

Hey guys, guess what? My first reason to be cheerful this week is? 

I am on time! Woo hoo!

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

OK so on to this week's reasons to be cheerful:

1.  I have an appointment with a childminder this evening, filled with trepidation,questions, and guilt, but that's because I am a good mother, right?!
2. I'm excited to be involved in something new, Give Mums a Break, a new venture for mums, started by the lovely Kate. Check it out here: Give Mums A Break 
3. I posted on there about childcare and was given lots of advice and support. Nice people, check it out.
4. The lovely Kate also helped me this week with some PR information. I love that the blogging community is always willing to help out.
5. I actually managed to do some crafting this week. I made my friend's birthday card, I think it's cute. What do you think? 
   
   
   
   
6.  I don't get involved with Wobbles Wednesday, #WobbleWednesday  but thinking I should perhaps as my actual Slimming World weigh in is a Wednesday! lol So this marks my first foray in to Wobbliness, although I've been wobbly for many years :)
7. And obviously following that reason to be cheerful, I should tell you my major reason this week... At my Slimming World weigh in, I have lost 6lbs this week! Woo hoo! That's 11lbs in 2 weeks. I was also Slimmer of the Week. I know it's still early days, and I am exercising too, but I know the weight loss will slow and I won't get such great results each week, and there is obviously a long way to go, but go me! I'm proud of myself. And that, my friends, doesn't happen often! 
   
   
   
   

So over to you, what do you have to smile about this week.
Oh incidentally on smile, Wendy at Handmade Harbour is now running weekly papercraft link party and giveaways, this week's theme is smile.
 

How Much?

(This was originally published 18 months ago)

The NHS South West Essex and Basildon council are due to start piloting a project paying severely overweight patients to lose weight from September. The scheme, Pound-for-Pound, is using Asda shopping vouchers as an incentive to lose weight.

One hundred volunteers will be selected from both sexes to participate in the trails. If it is proven to  be successful, the NHS hope to use it in the rest of the UK and save money in the long term.

Although there is no definitive weight requirements or set targets, the body mass index (BMI) of patients must indicate they are severely overweight. The BMI is calculated from their height, weight and gender. A BMI measurement of over 30 is considered obese. Nearly two thirds of adults within the UK are overweight or clinically obese and significantly more children are becoming classified as obese.

There are also no set targets, so the patients must agree to set their own goals. They will be educated about healthy long term weight loss through wholesome eating and exercise. The volunteers must agree to a weigh in after three months, when a photograph will also be taken to compare to their original.

Experts, such as Jo Grayley of Weight Watchers, have warned it is irresponsible  to reward weight loss financially and could encourage crash dieting. 'Without support over a three-month period, there will be weeks where motivation levels will drop. You would also get people who might do  silly things to lose a lot of weight for the reward. It can be dangerous to lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time. Losing weight should be its own incentive. I don't think attaching a monetary  reward to it is necessarily a good idea'.

It has certainly got many people debating the benefits of healthy long term eating. Katie Bolton of LeedsGrub (an on-line Leeds based food review blog) advised 'We need to eat to survive, but why not enjoy something we have to do by necessity.  I get far more pleasure from eating nice food than I do from looking  thin'.
Although she also stated, 'Healthy food is perceived as expensive, so giving people money to spend on better food could help them'.
She believes 'it is much more important to re-educate people in nutrition, budgeting for shopping and how to cook proper meals, this will help people to eat tasty enjoyable, nutritionally sound meals on a budget'.

Many of the commercially available diet plans (Weight Watchers, Slimfast, Jenny Craig) have websites where you can get hints and tips from professionals and forums where you can get support from other dieters. There are a number of diets available on the market, so is the reward of good health no longer enough?

Last year a government report recommended using a series of measures, including compulsory cooking lessons in schools and possible financial incentives. Although there were no proposals at the time, Department of Health sources indicated healthy eating vouchers were an idea.

The project, funded by Basildon Council who have set aside £1,000 for the scheme, believe it provides better value for money than previous schemes it has introduced, notably a £75 per month gym memberships scheme, which was rarely used.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: 'We don't want to encourage people to excessive weight  loss. It's a small push in the right direction.'

Obesity causes a host of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, infertility and some cancers. It is already costing the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds each year.

Although there are no targets for patients as yet, it remains to be seen whether the NHS will set targets for the doctors and nurses involved in the trial.

Questions have being raised around how the vouchers can be spent, Asda has confirmed it will only allow the vouchers to be  spent on healthy foods, such  as fruit and vegetables.