MiniMe's Diary

[Peter 14.7]

Hey Minime

Whilst as I stated in my post about deviations ( see community post today), deviations are not helpful but the salad you mentioned was the best available choice.

If you consider your past issue with metabolic shock due to random eating I feel this deviation was better for you than waiting longer or nothing at all.

Provided you don't shock you body with too many carbs you will keep going down from my experience.

Wishing you well, Peter 14.7

[minime]

I tried my best. Under normal circumstances - I wouldn't have eaten.

And I had to really hunt down that salad... At first I wasn't going to get anything and the salad looked really sad and like it had been sitting there for months- but after scouring around the only other options were to get a McDonalds salad (no chance in hell) or ask a sandwich bar to make me a sandwich without the sandwich..!! It was a really tough choice - the food court really catered crap.

And as it was a work outing and not a social one - and with colleagues that I'm not really close to, I didn't want the hassle of having to explain my food. As it was, they (both men) commented on my choice of having a salad (I'm a chick - of course I'm going to have salad??) and the fact that I left the red capsicum and black olives.

Had I been given the choice of being stuck out at lunch - I wouldn't gone with them. Didn't get that choice though. Had I had the option to go elsewhere to eat - I wouldn't have picked the food court. I would've tried for more of a cafe/restaurant where they served better quality stuff with a chef that I could've spoken with about ingredients etc.

As it was I did the best I could. I really have no desire to deviate.

I know that you and most others are in the situation of overseas and interstate work commitments. My hat is off to you that you can manage to maintain as best you can the Cohen's specs. The thought of losing my comfort base of my own kitchen - I shudder at the thought.

As it stands, my non balanced salad hasn't had any side effects (that I can tell anyway) I weighed this morning and another 0.5kg has come off, so that's 1.5kg since Monday. If anything I've lost more...??

Cheers
MiniMe

[baloo]

minime, you've done all you can. well done. It is tough when you're out and about but I think the lesson I learnt recently is to try and stick to the cohen approved foods as much as possible. Don't sweat the weights too much nor whether there is some dressing, or cooked in a non-approved way. You really only can do so much before you lose the will to stick to Cohens.

Once you're back, get straight back on the wagon.

[Peter 14.7]

Hey Minime

Who gives %@## what these guys think?

Who are you losing weight for? them or you? Will they be at your wedding? At the birth of the first child? Will they even be at work in six months time?

They will eat bad all thier life and have a heart attack at 55. You can dance on their hospital beds then.

When I was away I told everyone I was on a diet. How much I lost and all were suportive. Jealous even. :twisted:

People will try to talk you down. Why? because WHEN (not if) you do it , then they cannot hide behind the fact they are slack ar##ses.

They are too gutless to lose thier gut. And even if they are slim being slim does not mean healthy.

McD salad I have not tried but it is better than nothing especially the chicken version.

Simple, dont eat out at unhealthy options. Tell them we are going healthy or not at all.

Peter 14.7

[minime]

Hey Peter,

You're right....I am doing this for ME. They won't be at my wedding (if that ever happens ) and I REALLY REALLY pray they won't be at the birth of my child and I sincerely doubt they will still be at work in 6 months (high staff turnover)

I'm sure though that they would've understood.. I just don't want to go there with telling everbody I'm on a diet. As said in previous posts I have a VERY strange relationship with food and eating in public!!!!

I also like to be a bit of a stealth bomber at work. Go in, stay under the radar, do my job and slip out again I've never gotten into the whole work/socialising thing. Which is particularly hard in my current postion as the company is very socially driven... But that's just me... A bit unsocial you could say when it comes to work functions. I see these people everyday - doesn't mean I want to spend my weekends and after hours with them as well

Besides I have the support of everyone here in this forum and that's what's more important. All of you understand what it's really like. And of course the support of family and friends and that's all that matters.

So no I couldn't give a flying #@%* what the people at work think (or really anyone else for that matter!!)

Cheers
Minime

[minime]

Still going strong. Apart from my lunch out whilst at work have stuck rigourously to the program. It's become second nature now and when I think about what I'm going to eat the thoughts range from 'hmmm egg or yoghurt for breakfast - usually yoghurt cause it's like my 'fast food' then I think 'ok if I've got beef for dinner then my choices for lunch are chicken, cheese or tuna? Mostly tuna as again it's less preparation therefore another 'fast food'.

I used to sit and think hmmm what should I have for lunch today and range through all the options starting from McDs, KFC etc to salads of some description. Would rarely opt for junk but the thoughts still had to filter through. It's funny how changing your thinking can make such a huge impact on things. Thoughts of McD's and the like rarely even get the chance to formulate.... I'm amazed at how the thought of chocolate rarely even rates a mention anymore!!

I'm so into this program. I just love it. Was reading Asy's post about hitting 100kg. That's unbelievable having lost 66kgs. How proud of herself she must be feeling. How good is that?

I know how she feels about her weight barriers. Mine's hitting 75 kgs. Could never get to that. Throughout my teenage years I ranged from 78-88 and bounced mainly around 80. So I've set my biggest challenge goal at 70kgs. Then my Cohens finish weight is 57-60 so I'm aiming to get in the 50's. Still can't fathom myself at that weight - but I can't wait to get there.

MiniMe

[minime]

Forgot to mention as well that I met up with a friend last night at the Coffee Club. She's just come back from being OS for a year. We were meeting at 7 o'clock, so that gave me enough time to quickly make myself some dinner before I left.

The whole trip over there I was thinking to myself 'am I going to be able to resist the cake? Am I going to be able to resist the cake?' I have enjoyed from time to time the CC New York Cheesecake and their Jaffa Slice.... Yum! I'm a sucker for orange chocolate....

I had a fairly strong debate raging on in my head. And I ended up saying to myself that IF I REALLY HAD TO have something then I would, and just go straight back onto Cohens for the next meal. And also that I would only allow myself to eat half of it. (See the mind games that I play with myself).

I am happy to report that I did NOT succumbe to any temptation. I stood and looked in the cake cabinet and NOT ONE THING tempted me. NOTHING, NICKS, ZIP, ZILCH, ZERO!!!

doo doo doop dee do doo doo doop dee do (that's me doing a victory dance)

Had a great catch up with my friend - heard all about her wonderful travels through Europe and sipped Diet Coke (not caffeine free though ) and water.

I am winning the war with my inner devil :twisted: and letting my outer heavenly body shine!!

Aspire Desire Inspire

MiniMe

[minime]

This new format is taking a bit of getting used to. Like the new look though.... Nice job!!

Work isn't as hectic and my social life is fairly uneventful so not a lot to write about. The program is still going well. I'm struggling a bit with the concept of not having any easter eggs this year but I'll get over it. (have considered buying a few to have later in the year when the programs finished - but that would just be torture having them in the cupboard and not being able to eat them. - and just weird!! Thankfully my family is past the point of celebrating Easter. We make a token effort to get together but that's about it, so I haven't even had to torture myself buying them for anyone else.

I went to wear my favourite pair of black work pants this morning and they actually fell down when I went looking for a belt. I'm a bit sad cause they were my favourite pants. They are just too big for me now. Even my belts are too big. I'm on the smallest notch of each of them. Also can't wear my favourite comfy jeans anymore. They look like are hand me downs and that I need to grow into them. (not going back there though). Thank god I've been a yo yoer for so long and l have so many different sizes in my wardrobe that I won't have to go shopping yet.

I think over these few days break I'm going to purge my cupboard of all things too big. That will keep me busy and my mind of chocolate eggs.

As for my weight loss. Things are going fairly slowly. I've lost about 2.5kgs in 2 weeks (so when I look at it like that it's not too bad- always hoping for more though) I keep trying not to weigh myself each day but the temptation is just too great. And is a years old habit that I can't break. They are either dropping by 0.2kg or staying steady. Is a bit frustrating cause I am sticking religously to the plan. I have increased my water intake so maybe it's just taking longer to flush through my system. I know at some point that I will jump on and there will be a bigger drop, but I'm just so impatient. I know I'm losing by my measurements - but that isn't as satisfying as seeing the numbers drop on the scales. Just a psychological thing I guess.

MiniMe

[minime]

I have to confess that I had a bad run on the weekend I ate chocolate and a heap of potato chips. I don't know why I did it.

I must admit that I did enjoy the chocolate but could've gone without the chips. After eating both I had the WORST pain in my stomach - so I felt much better about not wanting to do it again. My punishment for deviating.

I drank extra water in the hope of flushing it through my system more quickly. I weighed on Monday (Sunday was the bad day) and I had put on 0.4kg. I think that was the first time since starting the program that I went up instead of down. Was expecting it though and I'm kicking myself for giving in.

I think the main reason was that the food was there. I had people staying with me and they bought it with them. How weak of an excuse is that??? Normally because it's not there I don't even think about it.

But apart from eating the extras that I shouldn't have I did stick to Cohens for all my meals. I weighed again this morning and I am back down to what I was. So the deviation has cost me an extra day of weight loss and it just wasn't worth it.

My advice to everyone - if you feel like giving in and deviating is DON'T!

Another thing I noticed is that on the Monday night, I was in a really bad mood and was really snappy and irritated. I'm not sure if that was more of a mental reaction ie GUILT or more of a chemical reaction. Has anyone who has deviated noticed any mood swings afterwards??

With head hung in shame,
MiniMe

[minime]

Am feeling really disappointed with myself for my deviation on Sunday. But I am putting it behind me and moving forward. I won't dwell on it. It happened. It's done and I can only now decide for the future to not do it again.

I am still finding the program to be incredible. As of this morning I have lost 18.25kgs. I have been on the program for 11 weeks. (If I didn't deviate I reckon I would be down 20kg now!!) That is just insane

Everyday is a good day. Every morning when I get dressed I am finding my clothes are getting looser and looser. I now have a huge pile that no longer fit me. Too big instead of too small as they had become.

Gotta love it. I am fascinated by how everyday my weight just keeps decreasing. The dreaded scales have now become my friend!! :mrgreen: Never ever thought that would happen

[SOS]

18 kgs in 11 weeks is awesome. Great weight loss. Well done and keep up the good work. You are doing really great.

[Kristine..]

Originally Posted by minime

So what has got me to the point of being so overweight? I have no idea. Slow metabolism from years of not eating properly? My clinic told me when I first started that somewhere along the line my body has gone into metabollic shock. I'd have to agree. Somewhere things just aren't working how they should be.

Hi minime

When I had the shop was when my metabolism first started malfunctioning. This was because I had breakfast everyday, then nothing - no water, no food - between 10am when I opened the shop and 5.30pm or later when I closed the shop.

It took twelve years to put on 24 kilos, so my weight gain was not overnight, but it stacked on steadily and unremittingly. Prior to the shop, I weighed about 63 kilos all my adult life despite three large babies and breastfeeding all of them. I was either pregnant or lactating for eleven years!

By the time I discovered Cohen's I weighed 85 kilos, more than at any time including being pregnant, and when I then put on two kilos in two weeks I knew something had to give.

Since completing the program 24th June, 2006 at 60 kilos I have stayed at 60 - 61 kilos (today is 15th April, 2007) and although I can't say that I either deprive myself or gorge myself, I don't really watch (deprive myself) what I eat but I am care-full of what I eat. In other words, I make sure I have protein at regular intervals, limit the bread type foods and have a couple of pieces of fruit each day. And plenty of water.

An unwritten part of Cohen's is the soul searching which goes on. We are all on the journey of self discovery. It is not just about losing weight, it is almost as if the outer blubber hid the inner treasure. We can only explore and reveal our true selves when we are ready to do so. My obesity embarrassed me dreadfully. My slimness delights me. Life is different for slim people.

Keep on keeping on, and it is lovely to read your thoughts as you go.

Cheers

Kristine

[minime]

Thanks Kristine, you are a gem!!

"It is not just about losing weight, it is almost as if the outer blubber hid the inner treasure. We can only explore and reveal our true selves when we are ready to do so. My obesity embarrassed me dreadfully. My slimness delights me. Life is different for slim people."


That is so true. With all my years of weight gain and loss, I have come to discover many things about myself. Most importantly is the fact that I don't like being overweight and for all my efforts I just couldn't seem to get to the point of where I want to be. It comes off, it goes back on, it comes off, goes on etc etc.

I get given the back handed compliment all the time of 'you're really prettty for a big girl'. Thanks and all but I can't wait for the day that people lose the "for a big girl" part of it. Not that i want people telling me that I'm pretty either - I'm certainly not vain in that respect but why do people think it's necessary to reinforce that I'm a big girl. I do own a mirror thanks for noticing!!! I don't tell skinny people that they are pretty "for a skinny girl".....

I have had friends (and boyfriends) over the years compliment me on my body confidence and ability to always look good. I could never understand them because inside I am/was always self conscious and hated everything that I ever put on!! I also have/had a fairly strong stand offish attitude towards people as well. Never let them in. No one gets hurt. It's easy to shrug comments off - good and bad!

Cohens and this forum in particular has been a great help in me being able to put emotions and ideas out into cyberspace. I am certainly opening up to giving and receiving advice, encouragement, support and most importantly success!

I must admit that it has taken me to this point in my life (turning 30) as the first time to actually be able to ask for help. I am firecely independant and have always been determined to do everything for myself. But I finally realised that my weight has been something that I can't properly manage.

Cohens has been a god send to me. To find a program that is actually making my body work for itself is just incredible. I like the idea of having science behind it. I like the idea that it works on balancing hormones correctly. I just like that it works !!

I can't wait for the day that I too can say that my slimness delights me.

And thanks SOS, I am stunned that I have lost 18kg in 11 weeks. Blows my mind!! Everyday just keeps getting better and better!!

Cheers
MiniMe

[SOS]

[color=purple]Just keep doing what you are doing and keep thinking positively and you will get there. I like how you say there is science behind the program and making the body work for itself. We are all here to help and support each other to get to our goals.

That delighted slim and pretty girl is not far away waiting for you to welcome into your life./color]

[minime]

Thanks SOS, the support network here is such a great thing!! I really appreciate the fact that I can log on at anytime and there is always someone to inspire and motivate me to keep going.

I had dinner over with my brother last night. Took my scales and made sure that I had the right proportions of everything. He had for himself his usual meal. He could not believe how little food I had to eat. I couldn't believe how MUCH he had!! I had to laugh at how funny the two meals looked side by side. I'm not used to seeing 'regular' food anymore.

MiniMe

[minime]

I have (according to my new digital scales!) as of this morning lost a total of 20.25kgs.

Am coming up to the end of week 12. I have my blood test to get done in the morning - but I have been so busy at work that I haven't gotten around to scheduling an appointment with my clinic for the offical Coehens weigh in! Will have to remember to do that tomorrow.

I am bloody ecstastic! 20kg in 12 weeks. I am still astonished everyday when I see the weightloss on the scales and put on clothes that are just way too BIG for me. Clothes that 3 months ago I couldn't wear because they were getting too tight!! If I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes - I wouldn't believe it

Oh Happy days!

I will be a skinny mini me before I know it!! he he he he

Cheers
MiniMe

[Jo]

That's incredible!

I have been on the programme the same amount of time as you and I've only lost 14! I was hoping to have lost 20 and be finished by now....

[minime]

Hey Jo!

That could be that you weigh a lot less than I do?

I don't know but it could have something to do with it???

But 14kgs in 12 weeks is still fantastic.

And as the boys say it takes longer than 12 weeks to go on so you shouldn't be disheartened if it takes a bit longer to come off. Cause fact is - it IS coming off!!

I was hoping to have lost more as well!! At this current rate it's going to take me about 8 months total to get to goal. My program has allowed for 6 but I'm just not losing enough to get there in that time. I really hope that I can though.

I've still got 33 to go.......

Cheers
MiniMe

[minime]

Thought it was about time that I posted some stats.

Start date: 26/01/07
Start weight: 113.75kg

Measurements:
Bust: 120cm
Waist: 102cm
Hips: 114cm
Thigh: 73cm
Arm: 40cm

Date: 22/04/07
Current weight: 92.8kg

Measurements:
Bust: 104cm -16cm
Waist: 87.5cm -14.5cm
Hips: 100cm -14cm
Thigh: 62.5 -10.5cm
Arm: 35cm -5cm

I started Cohens wearing dress size 18 (and getting too tight ! ) I'm now sitting comfortably in size 16 (and getting to loose ! )
I think I still have a few size 14 things floating around - but it won't be long now before I HAVE to go shopping for some smaller sizes

I'm getting close to the weight I was just after I left school and moved out of home for the first time ( circa. 1995) and lived on a diet of mostly cigarettes, alcohol and McDonalds!! After about a year of living dangerously!! - I moved back to mum and dads and put myself on a strict diet and exercise routine.

And then followed many years of yo-yo weight gain and loss (as previously mentioned) and thus bringing myself to here!!

I am still amazed everyday with this program.


Cheers
MiniMe

ps Was going to post some photos this morning but my scanner isn't working and I don't have the right software for my digital camera to download. Will sort something out though.

[Lonniecee]

Minime congratulations on the loss so far, you are doing great and I love your attitude towards the program. Keep those positive thoughts happening and the 14s will be a thing of the past.
Lauren