Starting over!

Well the damage is worse than I'd hoped.... I've gained 2-3kg back this month. It's no surprise of course as I've practically eaten everything naughty possible, and instead of relieving my cravings it made me feel like crap.

I'm actually looking forward to starting again tomorrow and getting back into eating the Dukan way. What I'm not looking forward to is the sugar headache I'll get for a day or two. I wonder if anyone has had any luck with avoiding this? I'll try fill my body with water in case that helps.

I have a school reunion in April, I'm hoping that will also be some added motivation to get to my goal finally.
And I really want to complete my 'couch to 5k'. There's a few goals for 2012 (4 hours away in New Zealand).

Happy New Year, Dukan Friends, hope we all reach our goals in 2012.

PS. My little girl is well again, but that was a long hard week (yes that photo is my cheeky monkey).

Day 121 ~ sick baby

I was so ready to start back on Dukan seriously today but then on Christmas Eve my little girl started running a fever. She's still unwell and the Dr doesn't know why. I'm a bit of an emotional wreck and food is the last thing I want to think about, so I'm just surviving.

I'll be back when everyone is well.
Hope you are all having a lovely family filled Christmas season.
ZG

Day 117 ~ camping fallout

So while camping I tried to stick to protein but it became really difficult soooo I fell and fell hard. Today I'm attacking and after Christmas I'll start afresh and get serious again. Blogging daily again and sticking firmly to the plan. Also now the weather has fined up again, I must get back into my running.

Hubby is a teacher and is on holiday for the next month (yay) so we'll be doing lots around the house and hopefully camping a few more times.

If I'm not back before Boxing day. Have an AWESOME Christmas everyone and remember the reason for the season!!!
ZG

(photo = my little girl inside our tent)

Day 113 ~ staying still

Well my weight seems to be at a standstill. I haven't been super strict so I can see why. I think I'll just do the best I can til after Christmas then get serious again. It's just too hard at this time of year. So unless I have anything interesting to report I'll see you on Boxing Day when I attack again! Merry Christmas everyone!!!!! Hope Santa is generous ;-)

Day 108 ~ oops

Sorry for not posting in so long. Everything gets so crazy at Christmas time. I want to start posting everyday again, at least til Christmas as I need to stay motivated to stay on Dukan. I seem to be taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back with weight... it's up again. But I figure so long as I keep slowly loosing, I'll get there eventually. I just need to keep at it.

It's been raining for days and days so I haven't been out running. That sounds like a lame reason but since I'm using my iPhone to help me train, I can't afford for it to get wet.... so I stay in bed and listen to the rain patter on the roof instead.

My brother came up to stay in the weekend (he lives at the other end of the country) and he's a hairdresser so cut my hair into a fancy new style. It's amazing how a haircut makes you feel so good!

Off to read some blogs for motivation
ZG

Day 102 ~ exercise!!

Week 3, day 1 ~ couch to 5k done!!
It felt nice to run again this morning. I definitely notice more energy after my carby week though... I'm not really sure what the answer is, as I want to lose weight, Dukan definitely works but my energy levels are low. I guess I'll keep trucking along til I reach my goal then things will get better when I can add some carbs.

Was watching Rachael Ray last night and Jorge Cruise was on, talking about his diet. It sounds similar as it's lots of protein, veg but also a few carbs and no sugar. Not even substitute sugars... I think it's a diet my husband would prefer as he NEEDS a few carbs to get through a day, otherwise he says his brain is too fuzzy and he can't think. He's quite muscular so burns up the carbs pretty quick. Anyway does anyone have any thoughts of Jorge and his diet?

Family dinner tonight. Going to try really hard to stick to protein and veg. Wish me luck. I find this time of the year very hard. Usually at this time of year I put on HEAPS of weight, so I'm doing well even if I just stay the same weight.

See ya later
ZG

Day 101 ~ bad week

My hernia has shrunk a bit and I'm feeling a bit better now. Went to see Dr and he will apply for me to get an operation on the public system in NZ (health system here quite diff to USA). They might reject me though and then I'll either have to pay or work out something else. In the meantime, however, it could be a very long wait (years). Sigh!

I haven't run since last Monday but hope to get back into it tomorrow morning. Food has been a disaster too and I'm too scared to hop on the scales again. Weighed myself in weekend and it had jumped up over half a kg. Not happy :-(

Just went shopping and bought lots of protein so hopefully that will help me climb onto the wagon again. I've definitely been going up and down a bit lately with Dukan, but at least I'm still doing it, not like other diets that I've quit after a certain amount of time. This time I'm in it for life. No more excuses. No more being fat.

Right, off to read everyone else's blogs.
ZG

Day 95 ~ ouchie

I've been suffering from a groin hernia for about 4 years. It comes and goes a bit, but yesterday it was so super painful that I was almost crying. I think I've been lifting too much lately and that often makes it worse. I will get it operated on, but they won't do that til I've had all my children. So today's run didn't happen, well actually there is NO WAY I could run with it hurting like this.

I was only ok with food yesterday as I had a few bowls of muesli instead of protein, as I needed comfort food (for some reason muesli is my comfort food at the moment).

Oh and my favourite food at Christmas is: Lemon Meringue Cheesecake. I could probably make it mostly dukan friendly, if I left out a few ingredients, but sweetened condensed milk will be hard to find an alternative for and it's sooooo delicious.
Hope everyone is well.
ZG

Day 93 ~ four weeks til Christmas

Four weeks til Christmas and I'm already planning to take that day off Dukan. But only for the things I really really love. I'm not wasting my precious tummy space on food I only 'like' ;-)

This is the gorgeous beach I get to run along in the mornings. Well I run along a path next to it. I feel very lucky. I used to have to walk/run along roads with lots of cars, so this is much much nicer! Oh and Week 2, day 3 of 'couch to 5k' done!

Busy week ahead. I think I should probably plan my meals so I stick to the plan. Lots of Christmas events coming too

What are your fave Christmas foods?
ZG

Day 92 ~ Whew

800g loss this week, which brings me down to 57.4kg (126.5 lbs). Very close to my next goal now. . . perhaps next week I'll be able to check that one off!

Thanks Little Miss Contrary for that link on the evils of sugar. It was so interesting and it really got me and hubby thinking! I'm totally flabbergasted that people thought adding sugar to foods where the fat had been removed was a good idea (then marketing it as low-fat) . . . then taking all the fibre out of everything else . . . CRAZY. I think our best bet is to just eat foods that are in their most natural state, without all this tampering. Easier said than done though, as the 'natural state' foods are either unavailable or very very expensive.

I'm sad to report I didn't drag my lazy butt out of bed this morning to run. . . I'm am such a procrastinator I've decided. Tomorrow there will be no excuses. I'll have to instruct hubby to literally kick me out of bed.

I'm going to a movie today, my first in over a year. With being pregnant (having to pee constantly doesn't make going to a 2 hour movie very easy) then having to feed baby 3 hourly, I just haven't found the time, but today, thanks to hubby, I'm going to see the next Twilight. I can hear the groans but I totally am a Twilight fan. Yes that's right, I'm a 30-something twilight fan. I read the books years ago and am a total softy for a good romance, and Twilight totally delivered :-)

Well I better get out of bed (heh heh, gotta love laptops) and feed Miss 7 months.
ZG

Day 91 ~ excuses excuses

I'm so good at making excuses in my head to get out of doing stuff. I was meant to do my next 'run' yesterday or today but it hasn't happened yet. Sure I'm tired and have to fit my baby and preschooler into my day, but if I REALLY wanted to, I could fit it in.

My little girl (7 months) has started saying 'mum mum', it's so cute (although not so cute at 2am).

On the food front, I've been amazing. I haven't cheated and I'm hopeful for a good number on the scales tomorrow. I know Dukan tells us to weigh everyday, but I'm just not the sort of person that it works for. If I see a slight gain or no loss at all, it gets me down and will effect my entire day. Putting weight out of my mind until the weekend is much better for my self esteem and mood. Luckily it doesn't make me cheat. I guess different things work for different people :-)

It was the 3 yearly elections in NZ today so it will be a night of watching the election coverage on TV to see who our new Government will be. Perhaps I should do my run tonight? I wonder how long you should wait after food before running? I usually run on a empty stomach.

See ya later
ZG

Day 88 ~ Fuzzy head

Week 2, day 2 of my couch to 5k - check!

After a week of eating sugar and carbs, starting attack again has given me a fuzzy head and low energy. I know it will pass, but it makes the day go so slowly and I seem to have no energy for anything. . . My husband has joined me on Dukan for a while and he's feeling the same. He keeps ichatting me saying 'SUGAR'... so I have to explain again the evils of the white stuff.

I definitely felt energy-less with my running this morning too. . . plod, plod, plod.

Hoping for a loss again this weekend. Wish me luck. Nothing else to report.
ZG

Day 85 ~ uh oh

I ate a couple of the gingerbread men :-(
Why did I make such yummy looking bikkies? Silly silly me. Anyway that plus a few other indiscretions added up to a gain this week :-( But on the bright side it's enough to make me get serious again, in fact I'm going to do a couple of 'attack' days to get back on track. I've also been reminded by reading newcomer wwangel's blog the importance of water. I keep forgetting to drink lots of water (stops typing to drink a glass of water).

I've completed week 1 of my running programme! I can't believe how excited I get about a tiny little iphone app, but it's really really really helping me get back into running again.

I'm a bit worried about the quick busy slide to Christmas. This is the usually the time of year I stack on the weight. I must be strong and determined this year not to let it happen. And besides, I don't have any fat clothes to wear anymore so I'll have to walk about starkers ;-) not a pretty sight.

Goals this week:
- mini attack (2 days) starting tomorrow
- complete my three running sessions
- blog daily
- if I can't resist one cheat, leave it for the weekend

That's it! Have a great week everyone
ZG

Day 83 ~ Gingerbread men

Mr 3 and I made gingerbread men this morning. I'm pretty impressed that I didn't eat any (yet). Miss 6 months got hold of one and sucked it to pieces, making a lovely mess in the process ;-)

I'm struggling to find time to do all the stuff I want to do. I'm at home all day and still can't find time. . . man kids make life move fast. I really want to get back into doing some weights workouts but between kids, housework (and for some reason there is so much more these days), cooking dinners, washing, sleeping and some part time work I can't find much time. I'm sure that will change in time. Oh and my hubby is a teacher so will be home for the summer holidays in about a month. YAY.

We're in the freefall to Christmas too. . . which means cards, presents, end of year dinners, celebrations etc. All sucking up my time. If only I didn't need to sleep, but I'd have to be a vampire and that doesn't sound very appealing either ;-)

Okay sorry for the rambling. . . I guess I've just wasted a few minutes doing that - heh heh.
See ya later

Day 82 ~ and I'm back in the game...

Oops sorry for the lack of posts. . . I think after a few days of cheating I felt a bit bad, but I'm back into dukaning again now and after the initial first day being quite hard, it's going well again now.

Thanks to Miss Contrary I've starting using the 'couch to 5k' app on my iphone and I LOVE IT. It's making getting into running much easier than my first try (timing running on and off with my watch). This app does all the hard work for you, so basically you just do as your told and listen to music ;-) love it! I've only done 2 sessions so far. . . so I'll keep you posted as I do the remaining sessions. Make sure I'm doing them!!!!

I didn't weigh myself last weekend. I was too scared. But I will this weekend, even if it means I have to admit to a gain, perhaps it will inspire me to work a bit harder.

What do you guys do for fitness?
SYL

Day 77 ~ After the weekend

Thanks girls for all your supportive comments on my chocola-tastrophe ;-) I've given myself a few days 'off' and I get back into Dukaning on Monday. I'm not going crazy, but I am eating a few things I've been craving so I can feel a bit more satisfied when I start again monday. There's no way I'm not getting back onto the diet after all the hard work to get this far. Blogging and having support, helps so much, so thanks everyone!!

I've had a bit of a crazy week with a major deadline on the yearbook I'm designing... it went off to the printers yesterday (yay) so it's almost over. . . but I've been left with a pretty nasty headache, I think I've been pushing myself for weeks now and my body is suddenly fed up.

It's the weekend now, so hubby is home to watch the little ones while I have a bit of a lax on the couch. Still wish little Miss 6 months would sleep through the night already, I'm feeling quite overtired from that too.

SYL

Day 73 ~ I should be honest....

In the last few days I've seriously fallen off the wagon. Introducing dairy into my diet again has opened a whole can of worms. . . or should I say 'chocolate'. . . In fairness to me, I have been under a lot of stress finishing a magazine before the deadline at the end of this week, and in fairness to chocolate: it's just sooooo yummy ;-)

I'm giving myself til the end of the deadline to get myself sorted. Then starting next week I'm back on protein again... I DON'T want to undo all the great work I've done. AND I've chucked my fat clothes so I just can't get bigger.

What have you guys done when you fall off the wagon???

Day 70 ~ I can't believe it

Well even though I had quite a few bad days this week the scales still show a loss. Amazing! I jumped on them this morning, consoling myself that if I had gained, it would be okay. I didn't need my little prep talk ;-)

Now hubby is home and I'm not sick anymore it's time to start my 'learning to run' program again. I might try the 'couch to 5k' app that Little Miss Contrary recommended! Which means I might be running by Christmas. And is that sure sneaking up on us now.

It's feeling so much more summery this week. I love it. Winter is so dreary with rain, rain, rain, where I live. Summer brings some much needed cheer into my life.

Now my baby is 6 months it's time to try adding dairy into my diet again, to see if she's able to tolerate it any better now. What sort of yoghurt (if any) am I allowed? I skipped that stuff in the book as I knew I wasn't allowed it at the time.

I tried on some of my old skinny clothes yesterday and I am fitting more of them now - Excited Eeeeekk - and I've done as Vicky suggested and thrown away (or given away) my fat clothes. I'm never going to wear them again. I'm never going to weigh that much again, that is my pledge to myself and my family.

Well enough rambling from me. Have a great weekend everyone.
See ya later

Day 67 ~ oh dear....

I've been sooooooo so good up til today, without hardly a cheat (apart from a few raisins). . . but tonight I polished off a dairy free, sugar free chocolate bar, and I don't just mean a small one. It was fairly large. I feel a bit yuck now, as expected, and very worried about the effect on the scales. But when you are craving dairy and chocolate so badly and dairy free chocolate ends up in your lap. . . the inevitable happens

Tomorrow I will be doing protein only again (like attack) for a day or two. Hopefully I won't have gained too much if I stop this evil-ness now!

On a brighter note my husband is home from his sailing adventure! It's so great to have him home!! My 3 year old was so excited to see him, it was heart warming!

I like to do crafty things when time, so when I saw some baby headbands someone was selling for $15 I decided to have a go at making them myself. I had fun and it only cost around $2 each. Here is my daughter in one of them.

Well I better head to bed.
See ya later

Day 63 ~ Cruise

I have a confession to make. This week I ate almost an entire packet of candy (natures candy - raisins) . . . it probably contributed to my low weight loss, but at least it was a loss, that's the way I'm deciding to look at it. I guess because I'm getting closer to my goal things slow down a lot, and the fact I haven't exercised since I got sick isn't helping.

Hubby is still in the middle of the ocean somewhere. I haven't heard from him but apparently they are safe and well (they have to radio in occasionally).

What do you guys eat after dinner when you're still hungry?
SYL

Day 60 ~ Cruise PV

Wow I made it to 60 days!!! go me.
Sorry about the lack of posts. . . super busy with work things and hubby away, it's all a bit much. I'll be back on deck more next week.
Catch you all then

Day 57 ~ Cruise PV

Well despite being sick and eating too much, I've still managed to lose a bit of weight, so I'm pretty darn happy :-) I guess even though I ate a lot, I did still eat approved foods (mostly).

Hubby leaves in 2 days . . . sob sob. We've hardly ever been apart since we started 'going out' at school (about 18 years ago). The hard thing about this trip is, he's bringing a boat back from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand, so there is no exact time frame and there is NO CONTACT. . . In this day and age with phone and internet everywhere, I'll find that the hardest. Oh and explaining to Master 3 why daddy is still away.

I eat a lot of eggs, so I was pleased to find a friend who wants my egg shells! She apparently feeds them back to her chickens. . . Is that weird? That chickens eat egg shells?

Oops Miss 6 months wants my attention.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend.
SYL

Day 55 ~ Cruise PV

Thanks to all you lovelies who wished me better. While I'm not very well yet I am feeling happier as the sun is shining and I've managed to reign in my eating! My whole family has this nasty cold/flu thing so we are all under the weather a bit, which sucks as my husband heads off for two weeks on Tuesday. What a way to spend our last few days together :-(

Yesterday I tried quite hard to eat mostly protein, sort of like a mini attack. I managed for most of the day. Exercise has jumped out the window and run away. . . who knows when I'll see it again. So much for my running plan. I will be starting that again when I am well, as I really really want to be able to run. It's my goal for next year. (I know... I am thinking of next year already). So who has thought about Christmas?

Wish I could go back to bed but baby and work calls....
See ya later

Day 53 ~ Cruise PV

I'm sick :-( and being sick makes me hungry so I've been eating EVERYTHING... I'm too scared to even contemplate getting on the scales. I just want to get well and climb back onto the diet.

See you when I'm well

Day 51 ~ Cruise PV

My walk/run went well this morning. It's a 10 week programme so I won't be running fully until nearly Christmas. I like the fact that I can build my fitness up slowly and gradually get into running. Thanks 60 second secret!!

It's raining cats and dogs outside. I'm going to snuggle in bed in a sec and count my blessings that I live in a leak free house ;-)

SYL

Day 50 ~ Cruise PV

It's nice looking over the stats on my blogger page and remembering that 2 months ago I was carrying around all that extra weight that is no longer part of me. I do believe that blogging daily on this journey has been a HUGE help to keeping motivated and on target. Thanks to my loyal few readers who also encourage me any husband who hasn't complained when I eat strange foods and make the kitchen smell like eggs constantly.

In saying all that I'm slightly disappointed at my low loss this week (200g) but I think I know why. I was very good on holiday but I probably let a few things slide. I'll be better this week.

I'm starting my running programme tomorrow. I hope it doesn't rain for my first time out. I'm hoping to get up early and exercise before the kids wake up.

Have a great week everyone. SYL

Day 49 ~ Cruise PV

I'm going to learn to run over the next 10 weeks. I read a cool book put out by Zest Magazine called 'Running made easy'. . . I'll let you know how easy it is - heh heh.

I figure that eventually I'll need to eat a bit more normally and there will be days I will eat carby food so if I can run three times a week that might be an extra help to keeping the weight off and I'd actually really like to challenge myself to run a half marathon next year.

Silly silly me missed a meal today and I was sooooooo hungry tonight. I shouldn't do that as I know that's when I'll eat almost anything in sight. Luckily it was eggs I saw and eggs I ate :-)

Day 48 ~ Cruise PV

Just back from holiday and I'm CRAZY tired. Four nights in the same room as my 3 yr old (who decided 5am is a good wake up time) and my 5 month old (who woke often through the night and is SO loud the only way to keep her quiet is to feed her). Holidays are great, but I need a holiday to recover now!

On the good side, I kept to my diet and I'm so proud. I had one night (my friends birthday) that I ate some dairy free chocolate fondue with a few lollies and a banana. They were soooo good and totally worth it and I don't feel like that one night will have a bad effect on my weight loss. I didn't binge, just had a small amount and it was divine.

I did lots of walking while away. With the pram, with baby on me (in carrier), up and down stairs. . . all good!

Been driving for most of the day and all I want to do is go to bed, but no chance as I'm still on mummy duty. I feel like I'm going to sleep like a log tonight. Tomorrow is the annual festival in my town so I better summons some energy for that.

See ya later

Day 43 ~ Cruise PV

600g loss this week. I think I need to step up the exercise a bit more!

See you in a week... I'm off on holiday :-)

Day 42 ~ Cruise PV

Hubby is eating ice cream. The sound of his spoon scraping out the bowl is very distracting. I miss ice cream but what would be my ultimate cheat if I had the chance? I think it would be 'lemon meringue cheesecake'. . . yummy! I'll make it for Christmas and Dukan or no Dukan, I'll be having a piece. I've already decided to take Christmas day off, it will be like a mini reward. I plan to at least have reached my second goal by then!

We go away on a mini holiday on Monday with our best friends and their kids. Can't wait. I'll report back next weekend on how well I kept to my 'eating' while away! I've pretty much planned all my food out so there isn't really any excuse for cheating.

Weigh in tomorrow.

SYL

Day 41 ~ Cruise PV

Master 3 drove me insane today, I guess it didn't help that I have a splitting headache . . . but man did he push my buttons.

I found myself thinking about food all day today and almost counting down til my next meal. I'm feeling quite run down. Miss 5 months has been waking lots during the night and crying. It's taking so long to get her back to sleep and my husband has been out a lot this week so I feel a bit like a solo parent. Not sure how they do it (solo parents), I don't think I could 24/7, I'd be exhausted (and fat).

It's been what . . . 7 weeks since I've had sugar and I can literally smell it from half a room away now. My son was eating a yoghurt and the smell of sugar was so strong. I bet the first time I have sugar again I'll be bouncing off the walls.

Am so loving fitting my old jeans again. Can't wait to be into my even older jeans, which are probably out of style but who cares if I'm skinny ;-) I've been keeping a pile of clothes from quite a few years back that I really want to fit again, this is my last chance. If I can't get back there this year, I'm giving them away.

Should I be giving away any clothes that are too big for me now? Will that be motivation enough not to be that big again?

hmmmmmmm off to find the weekend.
See ya later!!

Day 39 ~ Cruise PV

I've been reading through a lot of Dukan Blogs lately and I'm starting to get concerned that some people aren't eating enough! I've been reading about food and nutrition for years now and if there's one thing that always sticks out it's 'don't starve yourself'. When you don't eat enough calories your body assumes you're in a famine and starts holding onto fat. I think the beauty of the Dukan diet is, you can eat quite a lot and still lose weight. Your body uses the protein to run your body and to turn protein into useable energy takes a lot more work so it takes more calories. Eat people!!

I've been reading a book about running. I really want to get into running this summer with my ultimate goal be to run a half marathon next October.

Some days I get so hungry all day, and other days not so much. So weird. Time to eat again :-)

SYL

Day 37 ~ Cruise PV

Fresh off my treadmill with still the nice glow of working out :-) I don't know why I don't get on it more often, I think the idea of doing exercise is often harder than actually getting off your butt and doing it. Sure I watched the clock while I worked out but had a dvd on to distract me!

Food today went well, still might have an egg before bed.
I have a school magazine to layout that's due in a month so I better stop procrastinating and do it.

SYL

Day 36 ~ Cruise PV

So happy. Reached first goal, finally under 60kg (132lb) again!! Tummy is starting to look flattish (when standing) which is a miracle after how massive it was with baby 2.

I am starting to get a little tired of eggy breakfasts... I might switch things up a bit this week. Just to keep things interesting.

We spent yesterday morning taking moulds of our kidlets hands and feet for their walls and eventually memory boxes. Their little hands look so cute in plaster.

This past week I was so good with exercise. I did light weight training (or resistant) twice for each body part and got 3 cardio sessions in. Goal this week is to improve on the cardio sessions. Finding time is always hard, so if my body lets me, I will drag it out of bed at 6am (ish) and jump on the treadmill or possibly walk to the beach (if the weather is nice). Wish me luck!

SYL

Day 34 ~ Cruise PV

Ouch major migrain today. Not fun.

Sugar cravings are back... I had to do something today so I made some Coconut Macaroons... (egg white, splenda, coconut). Now I know coconut isn't strictly allowed on Dukan, but I figured it was better than hoeing into a chocolate bar or packet of lollies. And I only ate two.

I've done some light weights training 4x this week. I'm so impressed. I've got my dumbbells in the lounge so I try to do something while I watch tv and it's working. Now if I can just step up the cardio a bit. Only 2 walks this week. If I was getting more sleep with my baby I'd get up early in the mornings, but usually at that time of day I'm totally dead in bed :-(

I'm very happy it's the weekend. Hubby will be home and we can do some family things. Roll on tomorrow.

SYL

Day 33 ~ Cruise PV

Oops it's been a few days since I've posted. I've had a rather busy week! I have managed to stick with the diet though, so am feeling very proud. I even baked a yummy cake on Tuesday that I couldn't eat for a meeting.

Little Miss 5 months has been waking lots in the night and I've been absolutely exhausted, so brain has turned to slush. When I get this tired I have a constant headache and that's no fun. But in spite of that, I've also done some exercise and am feeling happy and like I'm on my way towards being fit again. I can't wait.

I wonder if it's actually possible to tone a flabby baby tummy to be tight again?

Have been reading a lot about Tosca Reno's 'eating clean' lifestyle and it makes a lot of sense and something I'd like to do after I've finished Dukaning. It sounds like a good way to live life and to bring up my family. The last thing I want is for my kids to have a messed up view of eating and dieting. Already Mr 3 is asking why mummy is eating different to him.

Just over a week til we're off on a holiday to my Aunties Bach, with our best friends and their two kidlets. Can't wait! Will be interesting to see how I cope with food there. I will be onto week 7 of this way of eating so hopefully it's engrained enough by now.

House to do ;-)
SYL

Day 29 ~ Cruise PV

Beginning of week 5. I haven't lasted this long on a diet in quite a while. I'm feeling very proud of myself. I've been indulging in quite a bit of dairy this week but my baby is suffering so it's back to no dairy again - very sad about that.

I'm working on toning my arms for summer. I pulled out my weights tonight. Also did some ab work on my swiss ball. Now if I could just get my walking sorted. Actually I would love to be a runner. That will be my goal for next year.

Scary thought... Christmas is 3 months away!

SYL

Day 28 ~ Cruise PV

700g (1.5lbs) lost this week :-)
Slowly the weight is coming off. Not quite at Goal one yet... hoping for next week!

Went to a kids birthday party today and took along carrot sticks and pineapple/frank/cheese on sticks. Although the healthiest, my plate was the most popular there - yay! I munched on carrot sticks and wasn't even tempted by cake.

Really really going to try making exercise a priority this week. Hopefully the weather stays nice. Daylight savings starts tomorrow so our mornings get dark again (hoping the kids will start sleeping in again) and the nights get lighter. Bring on BBQ season.

SYL

Day 27 ~ Cruise PV

Fitting into small clothes again rocks! I know I still have a long way to go, but each time I fit into my smaller clothes, even when I can squeeze into them, it gives me a small buzz and is a huge encouragement.

Typically the next few months (the quick slide to Christmas) are my worst months and I stack on the pounds. And end up being porky over Christmas and Summer (southern hemisphere). But not this year. This year I'm going to somehow jump all those hurdles and proudly show off my new bod this summer. I have a few pairs of summer shorts that I'm itching to be able to fit again. And I'd love to have a pretty summer dress this year.

Christmas day I'll be taking off the diet though. One day or at least one meal in the grand scheme of things isn't going to be the end of the world! Also another thing to look forward to.
Does anyone reward themselves after reaching goals and what do you do?

We went for a dingy row at the beach this afternoon, it was absolutely gorgeous, the water was still and the sun was beating down.... Spring is awesome!

SYL

Day 26 ~ Cruise PV

My parents actually noticed I'd lost some weight today. My bestie and I were talking and both our parents usually say 'you don't need to lose weight' when we mention dieting. . . but recently, neither of our parents argued when we told them of our plans. . . our response "we really must look fat!!" BUT not for much longer!!

Headache today :-( so have been very uninspired with eating, but have stuck to protein, not much veges though. Hopefully feeling better tomorrow, but for now my bed is calling.

SYL

Day 25 ~ Cruise PV

I felt like I ate all my meals before midday today. Was soooo hungry this morning. You definitely have to be organised doing Dukan, if there is no protein out of the freezer you are stuffed (unless you want to live on eggs all day). I'm thinking tomorrow I'll make up a large amount of patties to grab and eat on the run. I'm getting a little tired of cold chicken and boiled eggs.

What do you guys make in advance to eat?

SYL

Day 23 ~ Cruise PV

Another day closer to my goal. Not much to report..... except I was craving chocolate so badly I had an atkins sugar free choc bar. Probably will make my little girl a bit unhappy with the dairy content, but I needed something.

SYL

Day 22 ~ Cruise PV

Aren't my shoes pretty!
The weather isn't looking so great this week - stink! So I'll have to use the treadmill instead of pounding the pavement. I also want to use my dumbells to do a bit of arm work, and while I'm at it, do some ab work to tone up my tummy after baby 2.

Feeling a little hungry again today. Good thing it's shopping day tomorrow, time to stock up on more protein. I'm pleased to report though most of my cravings from a week or so ago have gone. It's just hunger I feel now.

Oh and two exciting things: 1. I can fit my rings again. 2. I fitted into my pre-preggy jeans (they are tight but they are on), now I just need to get into my pre-pre-preggy jeans (before baby 1). That will be a pretty awesome day.

SYL

Day 21 ~ Cruise PV

Weight loss of 800g (1.7 lbs) this week. I'll take it. Anything is better than nothing :-)
I wonder if I try to do lots of exercise this week if I can meet my first goal next week. That would be a dream. Fitting in the exercise will be the challenge with my busy week and 1 sick kiddie :-(

Have pulled out my old fitness magazines to motivate me! Plus I have my new 'shape up' shoes which I LOVE.

Time to plan meals for the week again! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

SYL

Day 20 ~ Cruise PV

I feel I might turn into an egg today.... lost count of how many I've eaten. I'm having a very hungry day. Have a roast beef in the oven and it smells divine! Can't wait to delve into that!

We've had 4 seasons in 1 day today. Hard to know what to wear and whether to put washing out or not. . . Typically spring in New Zealand is quite wet (well especially where I live), so I'm hanging out for summer.

Weigh in day tomorrow. Hoping for another loss.

SYL

Day 19 ~ Cruise PV

This is my motivation for getting myself sorted with food and exercise, before I pass on my warped ideas/habits onto her.

Got to hang out with my bestie today, so much fun. She is my female soul mate, I just wished we lived closer. We had mince patties with coleslaw for lunch - yum. Nice to be cooked for too ~ thanks Bliss!

Better go clean the kitchen, dishes everywhere.

SYL

Day 18 ~ Cruise PV

I thought it was time for a change of background :-) I do this with my house every month too, nothing stays in the same place very long. If I could move the kitchen, I would ;-)

Have to get sorted for tomorrow as going to visit my bestie and want to have my food all sorted. She's not exactly dieting but eating healthily as well, which is really great as we can support each other and understand when we just need to 'cheat'.

My husband gave me a compliment on how I looked in jeans yesterday, that made me feel good! I must be starting to look somewhat decent again. I don't know how many of you have read the 'love languages' book but mine is 'words of affirmation' so any compliments people give me, totally boost my confidence and encourage me with my diet.

I made a protein pizza tonight :-) I know I'm not strictly allowed cheese, but I put a bit on top as a treat. The base is egg and on top is mince, bacon, sausage, onion, tomato. YUM!

Watching biggest loser on tv... another motivator! Amazing how many of the losers gain all their weight back again. They need to do some sort of consolidation after the show!

Happy dukaning everyone!

SYL

Day 17 ~ Cruise PV

I had lots of veges with dinner tonight! Made up for the lack of them the rest of the day. I haven't done any exercise in days though. . . Things are just so busy at home that it hasn't fitted in and to be honest I haven't tried really hard to find another time to do it. Once I get a few things off my 'to do list' and have passed this week, it might be a bit easier again.

That's it from me tonight. Yawn.

SYL

Day 16 ~ Cruise PV

I'm beginning to think I'm not eating enough (although I'm eating all day it seems) as I'm sooooo hungry at night and hunt the cupboard for things to eat, which of course I can't eat anything, so then head to the fridge.

Yesterday I was out and hadn't packed enough food. I indulged in a burger at McD's but didn't eat the buns, I was quite proud of myself. I didn't even order fries!! People gave me funny looks though for pulling out the inside and not eating the carbs. . . heh heh

The thing I'm finding quite hard when I'm worn out and tired from life (children and all) is preparing veges... by the time I've prepared my protein I'm too tired to do veges, so often leave them out. Oops! I know I could prepare them ahead of time, but with doing Mr 3s lunches, dinners for everyone, getting up in the night to Miss 4 months etc, I'm just too tired. And that's not even including house work etc... wish I could afford a house keeper or nanny :-) or even better, a cook!!!

Am hoping for more sleep tonight.

SYL

Day 14 ~ Cruise PV

Hoped on the scales this morning and have lost 1.1kg (2.4lb) this week. Pretty happy with that. If I can keep that up for 2 more weeks I'll reach my first goal.

I ordered a book from the library called 1001 low-carb recipes and it's given me a few more ideas for meals this week! Baking for myself and the family without doing two meals is always a bit tricky and rather boring for my family who probably miss foods like Mac 'n' cheese etc... a lot. I make them pizza once a week and this week I think I'll make myself one by using an egg omlet as my pizza base, lots of protein/vege and a bit of cheese on top (even though I'm not supposed to have dairy... but I need a little this week or I'll go insane).

Doing this diet without dairy is really really hard, but hopefully it will only be for a month or so more.

Had a delicious dinner of scrambled eggs with salmon and parsley - yum!
Goal for next week is to get my walk done daily not just every second day and to add a few more resistant exercises into my day, AND to be prepared and plan all my weekly evening meals before I go shopping Monday!

SYL

Day 13 ~ Cruise PV

Rugby World Cup fever has taken over New Zealand. . . I'm watching the opening game while I update my blog. This morning Miss 4 months woke just before 6am, and it's fairly impossible to get back to sleep if she is crying, so I dragged my butt out of bed and went for a long walk with her in the pram. 50 minutes thank you very much!!!! How do you like that Dr Dukan!

Not too many sugar cravings today but that's probably mental as it's weigh-in day tomorrow. I'm scared already. What will that dreaded piece of machinery show tomorrow and will it send me spinning high or low? My wedding ring (which has been stuck on my finger for months) is still pretty tight but my jeans feel a tad looser. My imagination???

I'm not good at patience with diets. I want to lose weight NOW and quick but it's not a speed race it's a slow steady one. I must remember that.

SYL

Day 12 ~ Cruise PV

Walked my two kiddies in the double pram today and going up the first hill nearly killed me. 15kg son, 6kg daughter and 13kg pram. . . whew. . . I feel better for exercising though!

I did something rather embarrassing today... I was craving sugary food so much that I cut off a bit of lolly cake, chewed it, then spat it out. How lame! But it killed my cravings today.

I'm watching a funny show about the 80's. Interesting thing is, when I see the fashions this spring, it's the 80s all over again. Let's hope the mullet and big hair stay in the past though. Ugh.

A few more days and I'll be at two weeks. Really hoping for some weight loss this week but know from past experience that the second week of a diet for me isn't always successful in that way. Must not let it get me down though.

SYL

Day 11 ~ Cruise PV

Argghhhhhh sugar is taunting me. I'm not even hungry right now but my brain is hovering on the sugary treats of my husbands in the pantry and fridge. Perhaps the only reason I'm not diving into the kitchen right now is they also are full of dairy which I can't eat while breastfeeding my baby. Grrrrrrr this is hard!

I notice some of my fellow Dukaneers are having constipation problems. I had the same thing on Atkins until I discovered psyllium husk. It's a product that is indigestible by humans but also bulks up and holds a lot of water and I've found it brilliant for keeping me regular and not constipated (sorry TMI). I mix 2 teaspoons with a huge glass of water daily (leave it a few minutes to absorb a bit of water and it's much easier to swallow).

I found soy yoghurt the other day - blurkkk, that's pretty foul (sorry). I'll wait til I can have real dairy again. It's only going to be useful to me in baking, but not too much as it's flippin' expensive.

Didn't exercise today :-( too busy with little one and preschooler. Tomorrow will be the same as Mr 3 doesn't go to kindy, which means I have the little terror all day (he's going through a rough naughty patch).

I'm really impressed with people who can do this diet for months on end. I'm finding it restrictive already and I've not even completed 2 weeks. I wonder how many of you cheat from time to time. . .

SYL

Day 10 - Cruise PV

Is it normal to be craving sugar and carbs badly at this stage. . . . I'm really struggling but have managed to obtain from cheating yet. I didn't have any diet coke in the house this week, perhaps that's my mistake?!?!

I keep thinking about how good I'll look when I've lost weight, that's whats keeping me on track right now, although I'll need to curb this sweet craving with something otherwise I'm bound to cheat at some stage. Perhaps I need to stuff my face full of some more protein tonight.

I've pulled out all my oxygen magazines to get me motivated with fitness. Oops better go give my baby some attention.

SYL

Day 9 ~ Cruise PV

Does moving furniture around count as exercise? Didn't get my walk in today, I had soooo much to do in the short time my preschooler was at kindy and once he's home, going off to walk on the treadmill is impossible.

Food is going well. Got a whole lot more protein at the supermarket today. Even found some soy yoghurt which will hopefully mean I can try a few recipes I've found online. I'm keen to try these oatmeal biscuits everyone is making.

Hoping to do some exercise tomorrow, also have to fit in some painting.
Feeling hungry. . . time to raid the fridge.

SYL

Day 8 - Cruise PV

Had two little potato wedges tonight - oops. Grocery shopping day tomorrow and time to stock up on a lot more food. Almost out of meat....

Had a few moments today where I questioned if I could do this diet.... It is my hubby's birthday and I made a lot of food I couldn't even eat. Now that was testing my resolve. Fortunately I passed - whew!

SYL

Day 7 - Cruise PV

Well I couldn't resist and hopped on the scales today, 2kg loss (4.4 lb), Waaaahooo! That will just be the first week loss though I know it will slow down dramatically next week. But it's a good motivating start for me.

I'm a stay at home mum so it's pretty easy for me to access my food all day. Today we're going out so I'll have to be extra prepared and pack food, which will be a bit of a challenge as I cook most of my food. Might just have to be boiled eggs... hmmmmmm

SYL

Day 5 - Cruise PV

First day of Spring over here in New Zealand! YAAAAY. It's probably my imagination but my jeans felt a teeny bit looser today.

I did a few lunges today; I'll probably regret that tomorrow. I enjoyed a walk on my treadmill (means I can watch a movie while I stride). And I made some delicious meatballs for dinner that I had on spinach instead of noodles, and you know, I didn't even miss the noodles.

Feeling great and excited to hop on the scales on Sunday morning.

SYL

Day 4 - Cruise PV

Today I was a lot less shaky in the morning - hooray! I'm feeling almost normal again and not so many 'bad thoughts' about dieting today. I was looking at the scales this morning, very tempted to jump on, but I want to wait until the end of the week. If I haven't lost much I know I'll be gutted and it will rock me.

I jumped on the treadmill for 20 mins this morning. Felt really good to walk fast and sweat! Then I did some weight training for my arms. I LOVE weight training and really want to have the energy to get back into it at some stage. Hopefully starting in little bursts now will gradually work up to more workouts. Having a toned body is my ultimate goal.

I feel like I'm eating little snacks all day rather than big meals, hopefully that is ok. I have no idea really how much I'm eating but I know there is no limit on protein.

Even though I don't know if I've lost any weight yet I'm already feeling a bit better about myself.

SYL

Day 3 - Cruise PV

Felt like crap a lot of today. Woke up with major shakes, had to chow down breakfast and then felt ill afterwards. Thank goodness I could have veges today. About 3pm I finally started to feel a bit better, after my steak, spinach and egg. Stirfry with chicken, onion, brocoli, carrot for dinner - yum! Might have left overs shortly!!

My brain was definitely ticking over my options all day. Stop the diet and go back to cookies and chocolate and bread etc... It was really tough to walk past the pantry and not grab some of those items, but I made it. It worries me that only 3 days in I'm feeling like this already. I just need to keep reminding myself that I need to lose this weight more than I need to eat sweet food. And oatbran with splenda isn't bad, it curbs the sweet tooth for a while.

Because I'm still breast feeding and it's not advisable to do the Dukan diet really, I'll keep doing PV days and not do PP only days unless I stall. I'm keeping a close eye on my baby but in all honesty, I won't like myself if I don't lose some weight and that's very important to me right now. My little girl is thriving and that was with me eating total crap up til now, so I'm sure protein and vege will be even better for her.

Highlight of the day, eating my fave food: green beans!!!

SYL

Day 2 - Attack PP

I've tried a lot of different diets before:
• Weight watchers worked for a while, until I became totally fed up of calculating points.
• Atkins was great but gave it up when I became pregnant.
• Just eating healthy didn't work for me as I'm the kind of person that needs strict rules for my diets otherwise I cheat (being honest here).
I'm sure I've tried others also with similar effects (weight coming back on when I stop them). This time I need to make a change for life. That doesn't mean I can never have cheesecake again or pizza, it means I can't have them every day/week. I really like the idea of celebration meals, can't wait to get there!!!

Woke up feeling quite headachy and shaky this morning, couldn't get breakfast into my stomach quick enough. The dreaded carb/sugar crash. . . . but from experience, I know I'll get through this and feel fantastic in a few days.

Compulsory exercise, thanks Dr Dukan, is great. It makes me get off my rather untoned arse and move. 20 mins on the treadmill while baby slept today, hopefully another day I'll get outdoors with the pram and stride along the beach - bring on summer!!!!

This is crazy but I'm already craving foods I was eating 2 days ago.... it doesn't help that I can't eat dairy at the moment, makes my choices a lot more limiting, which is why I'm adding veges back into my diet tomorrow. 2 days of attack is enough for me.

My stomach is rumbling on and off but I'm not feeling hungry - random! Hopefully this headache will be gone by tomorrow, in saying that it hasn't been too bad with a few panadols. Looking forward to bed tonight.

SYL

Day 1 - Attack PP

I have three goals. On each one I have 5kg (11 pounds) to lose. I think my first goal will probably be relatively easy, the 2nd goal a bit harder and the third... will be a tough journey. A journey I've taken before but never reached the destination.

In NZ at the moment it's the end of winter and it would be so fantastic to reach at least two of my goals by Christmas. It will be a tough road to travel though as typically my life goes into crazy mode in November with family life, hubby away, magazine to layout, deadlines to meet, not to mention Christmas, but this year I need to come first. I need to do this for me!

I'm not planning to weigh myself every day like Dukan suggests, I'll leave it for once a week. I vow to be honest when I cheat and have bad days and continue this blog until I reach my final goal (this may take years but I'm committed to losing weight once and for all and then keeping it off within a few pounds).

So today I ate a lot of ... eggs, chicken, beef, I went for a walk in the sun (rare sunny winters day) to the beach and I've mixed my oatbran with meatballs, might try a out oatbran porridge tomorrow for breakfast. I think I'm only meant to do attack for 2-3 days, which is good as I'm craving veges already. I feel the carb crash headache coming on and am feeling a bit shaky as my body realises I'm changing things (you'd think my brain would have warned my organs days ago).

I'm getting those feelings of doubt darting about... Can I do this? Will I be able to stick with it? YES I CAN! When I was having my baby earlier this year, the same feelings charged into my head but I kept saying out loud 'I can do this', I must remember to do the same thing with my diet.

I've got lots of home made pre-cooked food in the fridge now that I can just grab on the run, I'll stock up on more tomorrow at the supermarket. Off to plan my weeks meals now, I'm sure that will help me stay on track (being organised).

SYL (see ya later)

Dukan Diet Eve

I'm all ready to start and I'm very excited. Bring on the weight loss. I caught sight of myself in a mirror tonight (I've avoided them a lot lately) and the sight was very motivating for my start tomorrow. I have spare tyres and muffins where they were never meant to be.

I've got my oat bran, chicken, mince, eggs all ready to go. Now what shall I eat for my first Dukan breakfast?

The most challenging thing about tomorrow will be fitting in my 20 minutes of walking. See you on the other side!!!

... 2 days to go

2 days to go... and for some insane reason I'm baking and eating far too much sugar. Which will come back to haunt me when I start on Sunday, as my body will go through a sugar craving session which involves a major headache. Not quite sure why I'm doing that to myself.

I'm actually one of those strange people that loves diets with strict rules, if it's too relaxed I'll cheat. Also I've found out by doing past diets with calorie counting or writing down everything that those diets aren't for me either. So Dukan's idea of eating as much as you want within a strict list of foods is exciting. I don't have to feel hungry, that in itself is a huge plus.

I don't actually like the word DIET but I'm using it in this blog as it's quicker to type than 'changing my eating to improve my lifestyle'. I know this 'diet' isn't just a 6 month thing, I've really got to change my eating for life. I'm not saying I'll never eat cake or fish'n'chips again, but they shouldn't be in my daily diet or weekly for that matter. I need to make a change and find a sensible way of eating so I don't inflict these crazy insecurities and ways of eating onto my daughter (4 months old). She is going to be my motivation to get myself sorted.

What I'm probably going to find the hardest over the next few weeks is cooking for my family and myself, two different meals. Once things get a bit more relaxed I'll just be able to eat the meat and green vege portion of the meal and leave the carbs but to start with I'll have to be super strict and careful.

... the countdown is on ~ 3 days

On Sunday, I'll be starting the 'ATTACK' phase of Dukan's diet. Protein, protein and only protein, oh plus a few tablespoons of oat bran (must add to shopping list). No limits on how much I can eat - yay, so long as I stick to the prescribed list of foods.

So chicken, beef, eggs and Fish, here I come!!

Also I must do 20 minutes walking a day (minimum) so will have to squeeze that in somewhere between my infants naps and my preschoolers kindy.

Time to make a shopping list...

... a year later ...

Wow, what a year. After trying for ages my husband and I got pregnant with our second baby and I didn't feel dieting was the right thing to do during pregnancy (or eating low-carb) so needless to say, the weight has piled back on! BUT I'm ready to shed it again. Especially now that I have a daughter who I don't want to pass on my weight insecurities to.

I just read the Dukan Diet and i'm keen to give it a go. It's low carb and seems something that would be enjoyable as there is no counting calories or recording (YAY)... so I'll blog my journey, mostly for myself, but also to help other or be helped if it works out that way :-)

I'm starting Sunday - 4 days to go!!! Now I just need to get organised with all the right foods.