Grrrrrr and arrrrrgggggg

So after having a very successful first week of the Diet Diary 2.0, things didn;t go according to plan last week...in fact, they went terribly bad!!!

In the end, not only did I put on weight, but more than when I started...how is that possible?? Well as weekend of guests, pizza, chinese and other junk food will do that for ya :P

But not going to let it get to me, I enjoyed it, it happened, now time to move on.

Diet for last week included:
Cornflakes (a lot of :P)
Pizza
Chinese
Pasta
Lasagne
toast and cheese
Fruit
Pancakes

One thing I have noticed this week is my desire to eat food at a late hour. This is a big no no in my books, but something that is appealing to me more and more lately for some reason or other. I will try to knock that on it's head and stick to the planned regime. Also, I noticed that I am feeling more tired this week for no obvious reason, but I am wondering if it has to do with all the starchy foods I have eaten lately. Could be, but only one way to find out for sure and that it is cut them down.

here's being hopeful :)

Diet Diary 2.0 (eating my own fingers.....)

So first week down, and I am pleased to say that I have lost 4lb...woohooo and yaaaay me :) I am working hard to get back on track with what I had successfully adopted in 2012, but it sure isn't easy. thinking about it, I can only assume it is because my body has become bored of it...

when I started the diet last year, it was a new concept, I was excited by it (how sad is that, getting excited about starving myself :P). But as crazy as it sounds, it helped to drive me on and keep me focused on the goal. I was experimenting with new foods, new ways to eat and enjoy myself without running the risk of putting on the pounds. But then in 2013 I fell from the waggon and was loath to go back. Yeah I know, I said it here many times, how I had to get back into it, how I was determined to do it, but I was kidding myself really. Deep down I was content with where I was, I just didn't realise it.

But no more...ripping those jeans was definitely a sign, and one that cannot be ignored anymore...

So what I have been eating this week? Well, some things may surprise you, but my diet this week consisted of:

Breakfast - scones, cereal, toast with a little cheese
Lunch - soup, cereal, sandwiches
Dinner - baked potatoes, shepherds pie, pizza, McDonalds and Chinese (all in small amounts ofc :P)
Supper - Tea/coffee, a little toast maybe

LOL, eating junk food and still losing weight? well for now it all comes down to the amount I am eating...I can't eat as much as before, wasting my time, but the fundamental basic of my diet was always, I eat what I enjoy, but not to the extremes as I did before...I can't go cold turkey...a little of everything is what is required...a happy balance :)

As for "eating my own fingers"...this has nothing to do with being hungry. Actually is it funny...I was shopping at the weekend and I bought some new hand soap for the bathroom...and it is this that makes me want to eat my own fingers...cause it is chocolate orange scented...my goodness...it smells so much like a Terry's Chocolate Orange (other chocolate orange products are available :D) if you closed your eyes and smelt your hands you would swear they were covered in chocolate orange and want to take a bite....talk about being cruel to yourself...still...if I get hungry, I might just lick a finger or two....LOL...kidding ofc :D

Ignorance is not bliss

So....not sure what to write here anymore....what started of as a great challenge, a nice way to share with readers how to lose weight and still enjoy eating....turned into something completely different after Christmas....

but it's make or break time...something happened yesterday that has caused me to take notice of how things have changed....I split my jeans.....ROFL....yeah I know it's funny....but....nah, no butts (pun intended :P) just facts...it's time to do something before I get back to where I was which was not a very nice place....

So starting form Monday, The Diet Diary enters a new chapter...with more frequent updates, I plan to get moving, eating and losing to push myself back in the right direction and beyond...here goes nothing....

9/03/2013 - update

Nothing much to report this week as I remain in the same place as I was last week. But saying that, I do feel better about the task ahead. for whatever reason, it's harder to get started this time than it was last time, but I'm getting there, and I think this week I will see a real difference.

Now for something nice :) During the week a friend of mine shared with me a little cooking tip when making omelettes, and I have to say I have never heard of this before, but I thought I would give it a go. I have heard of different ways of making omelettes, some people make them by just beating the eggs together, some just use the yolks, others whisk the whites and then fold in the yolks before cooking and so on, but my friend's tip was to add some flour to the egg mix, (self raising flour). The idea is to add a tablespoon of flour for every 2 eggs you use (largish eggs) and it helps to give your omelette body, and it does. When you try it, watch how it thickens :)

Anyways, I served mine with some ham and cheese and I have to say, although unusual, it was very nice. The texture was completely different, almost taking on the life of a pancake!! Actually, I was tempted to add some ketchup to it, only to later discover my friend sometimes does the same thing and eats it like a pizza :P

So give it a try next time you make an omelette, and come back next week to see how things have gone...as well as I think they will, or not :P

Have a nice week everyone :)

New beginnings

Well now, time to eat a large slice of humble pie :D

I have come to the conclusion that I was kidding myself when I thought it would be easy to get back to dieting again after christmas. I think I thought to myself, if I did it once, I can do it again, and yeah I guess I can, but that's not what makes the difference, I forgot all that I had been through and how tough it was to say no among other things. I have to find that place again...that mindset I was in for so long and did so well in...no expectations to begin with....no goals...just determination :)

So lets take this slowly. Oddly enough, it was around this time last year that I started on my weight loss plan, perhaps it is a spring thing? :P

2 February 2013 - Getting back to it

Ok, I know it has been a while....a really really long while....a lot longer than I had anticipated, but never fear, I am back to my blog, and that means I am back to my diet programme. LOL, I call it a programme, but it's not really, it's just sensible eating I guess...

So it's a new year, and many people will have already started a new year's resolution of being healthier and doing more exercise and after taking several weeks off, I think it is time for me to join them once more.

All lot has happened since I was last here, most notably the addition of a few extra pounds :P hey, come on, it was the festive period, everyone over eats during that right??? I just overeated enough for 2 :) moving on.......

It was around this time last year that I started to diet, so it is very fitting that I start again now....I am 48 lbs (22 kilos) lighter than I was this time last year (I told you a was eating for two :P) so lets see what this year can hold for me...could I actually get down to that ideal weight?? who knows, but let's see eh?

So good luck to all those who are starting life changing diet plans, those who just want to get fitter or those who are just looking to lose a couple pounds after Christmas...you know it will be worth it, so keep it going :)

Be sure to come back next week and see how things have gone...shall I make a prediction??? Oh alright then you twisted my arm.....I'll lose 5 pounds this week....any advances on 5???

Merry Christmas

well I know it's been a while since I last updated the diary....things have been hectic leading up to the holiday period, and so I though I would take a little break from the diary and let things settle until the new year.

Now, this time of the year will be a real test for me, so much food....so much....but I plan to enjoy myself and have a nice time....not to extremes of course...but enough to have a nice time.

so to that end, I expect to gain a pound or two *winks* but come the new year it's all back to the plan and the downwards sprial to my ideal weight again.

So happy Christmas everyone, have a fantastic time, and don't panic about eating that 4th mince pie....well come back in the new year and deal with it together....

Seasons Greetings :))))

I December 2012 - Update

HAPPY DECEMBER EVERYBODY!!!!!

To all my work colleagues who read this blog, don't worry, I will put my christmas decorations back up on Monday...it is the christmas period now, not a week ago :P

So it's been 2 weeks since my last update, and sorry about that, but last saturday I found myself redecorating my daughters bedroom, so I didn't get a chance. That being said, it was a good workout, and given I did not eat from 9am until 6:30 pm it was probably good for my diet as well, at least until I had a Chinese for dinner that night :P

I did however weigh myself last week, I just didn't post it here, and I was very pleased, very pleased indeed :))) I had lost another 4lbs :)))) this week, I am happy also, but that's only because I have not gained anymore weight, I am still the same as last week.....

there are many reasons for this, a rather larger KFC meal for dinner and supper one night....an amazing Madisons (local sandwich parlor) sandwich containing chicken tikka and bacon (seriously, it's good) to name but a few...have to be better this week....I mean christmas is coming, and we wll know what that means??? EAT EAT EAT!!!!

Ok, I'll leave you with a little challenge.....I am sure we have all tried and tasted a ham and cheese toasted sandwich, but have you ever tried it with ketchup?? NO??? well then, get toasting and get tasting, it's yuuummmmmmmmmm :D

17 November 2012 - Update

wow, has it been 2 weeks since my last update? I guess it has..

It's been an interesting 2 weeks really, in fact it's been an interesting month....at my best, I had lost 67lbs (just over 30 kilos) but then things went wrong....I gained 6 lbs over a couple of weeks. I felt as though I was experimenting with myself to see have far I could push myself, but I guess I went too far, but it was worth it, cause you learn boundaries.

Anyway, 2 weeks ago I got back on track and lost 2 lbs, and this week I am pleased to say I have lost another 2 lbs, so I am back to a total of 65lbs lost (just under 30 kilos).

So in celebration of getting back on track, I thought I would share a little recipe with you that I tried out on myself and loved...I call it Texan Hobo Pie....

Boil a medium sized potato (or 2 smaller ones) and then mash with the skins still on. Because of the skin, the mash almost looks dirty (like a Hobo). Take some corn beef and mush it in a bowl with some Texan BBQ sauce (until it becomes soft and squidgy). Place it in the bottom of a decent sized ramekin until it is over half full. Add a layer of grated mature cheese. Put the mash potato on top until the ramekin is full and then cover with another layer of cheese. Place in the oven (190 degrees) and allow to cook for 15-20mins or until golden brown and properly warmed through.

there you go...if you decide to give it a go, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Come back next week for another update, lets see if I can get back to where I was before things went all "pete tong"....

Have a great week people

3 November 2012 - Update

Happy November everybody :)

New months are all about new starts....and this month is no different. I have finished October on a low note....last week there was no update, and why?? Well cause I was a bad boy :P My wife was away for a night, and I decided to let me hair down and have a little party for one....roll on the KFC, Pringles and chocolate....I knew I would gain weight, after all, the weigh-in was the very next moring, and eating until 4am isn't advised...but I had it in my head I will lose it again during the next week....how wrong was I???

This last week has been worse than ever...so many parties...so many reasons to eat and try new foods including a lovely sweet chilli pasta dish which I will test myself and then post a recipe here :)

It's funny, but I am hoping that by posting an update here today, I will make the change and be more determined to lose not only the 2lbs 2 weeks ago, but the 4 I added this week :((((

Onwards and downwards is the motto for this week....looking foward to a happier report next Saturday :))

Cheers guys

20 October 2012 - Update

After last week's incredible ordeal, it seems this week was not meant to be a good one....

Unfortunately I got sick and found myself comfort eating a lot :(( so I won't dwell on this update, I was sick and I ate...what more do you need to hear? :D :D :D

that being said, I am still the same weight today as I was last week, so still happy-ish.

Onwards and onwards it seems.....

Never lose hope of gaining loss

Firstly, let me apologise to all you readers who were expecting an update last week. I did not have a chance to do it as I was singing/attending the Global Leadership Summit among other things, and when I did get chance to update you, I decided that I would just leave it and give you a double helping this week :))

Sooooo, cast your minds back two weeks, I was depressed cause I had gained 4 lbs and made a pledge that I would get myself back on track and lose those 4 pounds. I explained how late night snacking had taken over my diet, and that if I could get over the weekend, I knew I would be fine for the rest of the week.

Well, things didn't get off to a good start, and by Monday I had put on another 2 lbs.....yeah I weighed myself again, but I felt I had too after a lunch at Wolfes Diner on Sunday. Anyway, that meant I had gained 6 lbs in total....nice huh?? But that's when the determination set in again and for the rest of the week, I did good...I did very good....I lost the 6 lbs.....yes you read right, not only did I lose the 2 lbs I had put on since the start of the week, but also the 4 lbs that I had gained the previous week. Now, I know what you are thinking, HOW?? did I starve myself?? NOPE!!! I love my food too much for that. The truth of the matter is a little too crude for detailed explanation....but lets just say, what goes in, eventually has to come out....and apparently the average human carries 6-9 lbs of food in their stomach and intestines. So I was back on track, and feeling great....

That gave me the boost I needed this week. Things were awesome, perfect in fact, no more late night snacking :)))) But then it happened....my nephews birthday party, and the most delicious southern fried chicken goujons I have eaten....and I did eat....about 12 of them!!! BLEUGH....well not literally, but I couldn't face food for the rest of the night, in fact not until 10am next day :P

So I had low hopes of this week being a good week after that, buuuuut, I was wrong, and today I am pleased to report that I have lost another 4 lbs :))) I am thinking that this has a lot to do with the long walk my daughter and I went on yesterday and my lunch time walks during work as well...but now that I have lost 66 lbs in total (30 kilos) I think the time is coming when I need to up my exercise regime. I will give it some consideration over the next 2 weeks and then report back what I have decided to do, but until then keep the faith people, never lose hope of gaining loss, and continue to take little steps to on your way to better health.

29 September 2012 - Update

Hmmmm, not good this week, not good at all......

I was just saying to a work colleague yesterday that I felt I might have put some weight on this week, and I was right...I have put on 4lb :((((

So where did it all go wrong?? Simple...late night snacks!!! Can anyone please tell me why it is that food tastes nicer later at night??? I mean to say, melted cheese on toast tastes nice during the day, but at night it is amazing!! So I fell victim to the night snacks this week, oh, and a chinese which I haven't had in over a month!!

Now, am I worried about this weight? No, not really...I am more worried about breaking the habit of the snacking, but even then it won't take too long too break. Actually if I can get through the weekend, then I think I'll be back on track. See that's the thing about my dieting, I know there will be times when I won't lose weight, or times like this week when I will gain weight. But when I look back to the week that led to this point, I don't regret it, I enjoyed it...lol - including a gorgeous toasted bagel with smoked bacon and cheese....

Anyways, here's to another week and getting back on track...I wonder can I lose that 4lb that I have gained?? Is that a challenge I hear?? alrighty...game on

22 September 2012 - Update

Well this week was a little tough. It was my eldest daughters 8th birthday and as a result, I had a party filled with cakes, sweets, buns and biscuits...x 2. hehe

Also, I was at a quiz night on Monday where they served amazing food and even though I had already had my dinner, it was just too good (and of course rude) not to have some. Hey, it was for charity :P

But I didn't mind really, they were special occasions after all. And I have to admit, during the rest of the week I was pretty good, even when my work colleagues tempted me with a cheeky fish supper for lunch one day (you know who you are!!!).

I did enjoy a lovely baked potato with tuna and cheese the other night, have not had one of those in a long time. Let me tell you, if you have never tried Albert Bartlett Rooster potatoes, try them, they are de-li-cious, whatever way you serve them :))

So, down to business....lost another 2lbs this week for a total of 63lbs or 28 kilos (that's 28 bags of sugar :P). Onwards and downards :)))

15 Spetember 2012 - Update

Another week gone....

My eating habits were pretty good actually, although  appear to be addicted to ice-pops!!! Can't be much wrong with that can there??

Anyways, after an amazing week last week of losing 5lbs, I was happy to see my body relaxing again and losing smaller amounts, this week 2lbs. However, I am very excited by this 2lb loss as it finally means that I have broken the 60lb mark!! what a milestone to reach...quite happy and proud of myself :))

Many people have asked me..."what's your target?" and up until now, my target has always been to get to 13st (182lbs or 82 kilo's) but I was doing some research this week into the ideal weight for my height and my BMI (Body Mass Index), and it seems that even at 13st, I am still on the boundaries of being considered overweight!!! So I may have to re-evaluate my target, maybe take it down a few more pounds. *shrugs* I don't really know at this stage. I guess when I get closer to that target, I will know better.

Anyways, plenty of time between now and then, so not panicking about it just yet. Remember people, sometimes we go through periods were no matter what we do, nothing works, it feels like we are banging our heads against a brick wall and wonder, what's the point? Well, the point is that very soon you will come through that period and see that you had the strength in you all along to accomplish great things with your body. 22 weeks ago I was 261lbs (123 kilos) and now I am 200lbs (91 kilos), if I can do it, so can you :))

8 September 2012 - Update

lol - so happy right now, not going to waste any time with a build up this week, not gonna complain about this and that and how bad I have been, cause quite frankly I have been GOOOOOOD (with a little bad on the side :P)

After going through 4 weeks, yes 4 weeks, of uncertainty I am finally back on track with my plan and am pleased (very pleased) to annouce that this week I have lost 5lbs :D Sooo, that makes a total of 59lbs (or 27ish kilos).

So what did I eat this week? Well, in no particular order, I enjoyed scones, pancakes, sausage rolls, sauages wrapped in bacon, chicken stuffed with cheese and bacon, spicey potatoes, a Mcdonalds meal (I know right??), grapes, water melon, apples and a loooooot of ice pops (well c'mon it was pretty hot in the office at work).

Saying that, it is my youngest daughter's 3rd birthday today....I feel the need....the need for cake!! Not too much...just a little eh?? After all, I think I deserve it, and it would be soo rude not too *winks*

1 September 2012 - Long overdue update

Ok, so I know I missed last week's update, but to be honest I was a little fed up having had a bad week in the eating department. I was struggling, I really was. I found out that food seems to taste even nicer during the evenings. No matter what it was, healthy or otherwise. So I was eating more foods at a later hours, which as everyone knows, is the worst time of the day to be eating.

Funny thing was, I was still being good during the day, perhaps maybe I had convinced myself in some level that I would be balancing it out, how silly of me. Late night cheese and toast is not good at all, it just sits in your tummy all night long and in the morning you feel bloated, still yummy though :P

So last Saturday I was half expecting my weight to have gone up radically, but I was wrong, I actually lost a little, not much, but enough for my mind to say, "hang on a minute, maybe I am balancing out", again, how silly of me....

This week however, I made a determined start, time to get rid of the late night cheese and toast and for the better part of it I did. However, it was not perfect, I did slip from time to time, less than before of course, but this week I also had an evening out with my wife for a lovely meal.

As it was coming to the weekend, the day when my diet week starts, I decided the time had come start again. I threw caution to the wind and enjoyed the rest of the week with the determination that this weekend would be the beginning of the end.

So the bottom line is this...it matters not how much I gained or lost over the last two weeks, what matters is that I am moving on, lifting myself out from the hole I landed in and taking matters back into my own hands. I am currently 54lbs lighter than I was when I started, a staggering 24kilos, that's 24 bags of sugar, literally!!

So here's to brighter days and happier times. Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support over the weeks, it has been much appreciated.

18 August 2012 - update & a little meal idea :)

Well, what a week....I have to be honest, I was pretty bad this week. Not as bad as last week while I was on vacation, but I did find myself having late night snacks, and I did kind of over indulge myself at my nephews birthday party...

Yeah I found it pretty hard this week. Not sure whether it was because I allowed myself so much leverage last week while I was away and then found it hard to let go this week, or maybe I was just a little fed up? *shrugs* I think it may be the former, as I still had the right mindset to be good, just found myself not doing it.

Anyways, I was not looking forward to weighing myself this morning, sort of had it in my head that I may have put even more on this week. So imagine my surprise when I found I had lost 4 lbs!!!! It was just the lift I needed. So not only did I lose the 3 lbs I put on last week, I some how managed to lose a bonus one :)) Well happy...so to celebrate, here is a little "meal for one" for you to give a go, I had it tonight, and it was delicious....

Marinated Turkey with spicy garlic potatoes.

Take a turkey breast and marinate it in soy sauce and ground pepper.

Take a medium sized potato and cut it into decent sized pieces. Place the pieces into an oven dish and add a large knob of butter, garlic, chilli powder and herbs. Baked in the oven at 190 for 45mins (or until the potatoes are crispy and browned and fluffy inside.

With 5 mins of the potatoes remaining, take your turkey breast and place it in a pre heated grill (I use a George Foreman grill) and cook for 5 mins.

And that's it...simple and lovely. Of course you can serve it with what ever else you want...salad, or other vegetables, but I just had the potatoes and turkey, in fact, I still have some potatoes left over for tomorrows dinner, hehe :))

11 August 2012 - post vacation update

Well the moment arrived and I finally weighed myself this morning following our vacation to the caravan, and I have to say I was slightly surprised, I thought it would have been a lot worse than it actually was.

Last week I reported that I had allowed myself a little break from the diet as I was sort of on vacation. But this week as we really were on vacation, I decided to let my hair down a little more, well a lot really, and enjoy eating foods I would normally try to avoid, and enjoy more quantities of them :))) I did have some sensible food, I was not a complete pig (:P), and had some yogurts, strawberries and half a watermellon :D That being said...when you counteract that good with the bad...well, it does add up. But it matters not, it was only a few days of Chinese, McDonalds, Burger King, a BBQ, chocolate, sweets, cake, ice cream, crisps, fizzy drinks and a lot of toast :))) Ok, reading it back again does sound like I was really bad, and I guess in a sense I was, but this morning I am back to being determined to continue losing weight. I was ok with my fall from the wagon, and with the right frame of mind, I hope to report next week that I have lost some weight again.

Until then, I have to report that this week I have gained 3lbs making my weight loss at 51lbs. I am not at all bothered by this as I enjoyed each and every part of that 3lb gain. But back to normality again, back to dropping the pounds, back to eating sensibly :))

4 August 2012 - update

Well week 16 has gone and I am surprised to say that I have lost another 1lb. The reason I am surprised by this is that during this week I have taken somewhat of a holiday from my diet, as I am on holiday myself. I haven't gone overboard, but I have enjoyed letting go a little bit. Saying that, I am still focused on my goal, and I won't allow myself to fall completely.

Now, next week I am on holiday again, and I shall be travelling to the camp site to stay for some time. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be able to update the diary as there is no internet connection. But rest assured, I will be back with week 17 update, fingers crossed for some more loss :)