Earth Angel Andie - 2015 Diary

[Andie27]

Originally Posted by Soleil

I LOVE IT!!!!!

These are spot on and superbly put together!!! Thank you!!!!!!
In fact I got a bright idea that I will write these down and modifying some to fit me, and then read them to myself every morning and night!

Thank you for taking the time to write this list, just awesome!!!!

Soleil xx

My absolute pleasure Soleil - please, by all means, feel free to adopt them and change them to suit yourself. In fact, I love your bright idea about reading them every morning and night, I think I will do the same - you're a treasure! Thanks for visiting my diary
Andie

[Andie27]

Originally Posted by Tes

Andie this mornings post was such a great laugh thank you!!

Cheers Tes - glad you had a giggle My PT is determined to bring out in me what she calls my 'Huka' face - you know the war dance that the New Zealand football players do prior to kick off? Yeah well apparently, that's what she wants me to look like when I'm working out! I'm so not down with that. My Granny would be devastated if she saw me working out - cos 'Ladies do not make faces in public'- bless her Thanks for visiting my diary.
Andie

[Andie27]

Originally Posted by jessy

oh so very true, keep this mantra it will see you through ..

Thanks Jessy - you're an amazing supporter of mine and I'm glad you visit my diary.
Hugs
Andie

[Andie27]

Originally Posted by Not2Much

There she is! Thank you for another humorous and very descriptive diary entry Andie!

Yes - we imagine that gyms are packed full of people showing off the latest outfits and looking that they do NEED to gym, so it's great that you found one that you're comfortable with! I love weight training, and it is something that I would like to get back to (I've been saying that for about 3 years now).

Good luck with it - it's normally not advised to start such a strict program, but you seem to be thriving and I do not see the point to stop. Besides, you are rewarding yourself in a non-food manner, so it's got to be a keeper!

Oh...and WELL DONE with such an incredible loss!

Hi Not2Much - I'm glad you enjoyed reading about my gym exploits - I'm starting to get used to all the contraptions now so not so 'gym-phobic' anymore! I must admit it is very distracting when the local rugby team comes in for their session

[Tes]

I find the most rewarding thing about my gym is that all the machines I like overlook the swimming pools. Oh man there are some great things to see from there!

[Andie27]

Originally Posted by Tes

I find the most rewarding thing about my gym is that all the machines I like overlook the swimming pools. Oh man there are some great things to see from there!

LOL! I bet there are some interesting things for you to look at! Lucky Girl

[Tes]

Hi Andie

How are things - did you have a good Easter? Hope you are managing with the craziness and temptations and not overdoing the gym. I spoke with my trainer who has a wife who did Cohens he suggests toning using the big bosu ball and some yoga (which Im not really a fan of) and or pilates but avoid too much cardio. I noticed now over the easter weekend that we did a lot of walking - hour long beach walks and nature reserve walks. I think I had my hungriest days to date on Cohens so it definately impacts your hunger levels. Skulling a glass of soda water helps with the immediate problem but be careful. I also struggle with stress and I used to get a lot of panick attacks but a lot of these were linked to my bad health and worrying about this. I have not had problems for 7 weeks and i believe that this programme really helps - even if it is just that once your weight starts to drop your mind becomes more positive - it all alleviates stress and eases the depression. I hope all is good with you. Have a great week.

[trishieness]

Wow Andie! You are such an inspiration! You are very strong willed! Thanks for sharing every challenges, success and lessons learn you gain from this program. I have a conclusion that aside from losing weight, we are able to improve our perspectives in life with Cohen program. We become more positive, brave and patient. I love it! Such a good read though Andie. Way to go!

Now I'm thinking of going back to gym or at least swimming once a week!

[Andie27]

Monthly Blurb: Andie's Easter Survival Guide!
I'm back from being away for an extra-long Easter break with friends and family and I have to say from the 'get go' that this was one of my biggest challenges ever! And I mean toughest challenge ever - both mentally and physically. I feel like I need a break from my break! LOL!

My Survival Tips
I noticed that everyone in my family has this unbelievable desire to drink and eat to excess when they're on holiday. I always knew I came from a long line of party animals but wow man, this was extraordinary! Then it dawned on me - the fact that I wasn't partaking in the drinks and eats was when I started noticed just how much of it my family does with reckless abandon and that I used to be a part of it!

Survival Tip #1: Repeat to self "I'm not going to judge anyone or try to 'enforce my Plan' on anyone but me!"
I found it to be a very fun and interesting exercise to sit back and observe my loved ones eating and drinking habits whilst quietly making mental notes and realizing - this used to be me too! Give myself a pat on the back!

Survival Tip #2: Move away from the temptation!
I discovered something incredible about myself, I rediscovered my fun side - alcohol free! My nieces got a kick out of having my undivided attention, we walked everyday (I even jogged!), we played on the swings, we walked to the park, played with the dogs, enjoyed art and craft, had bubble baths and more importantly - I STUCK TO THE PROGRAM!!! Can I get a 'WOOP WOOP'!! By the end of the first day/night, I had everyone asking me what I can and can't have and actually being loving and supportive - I mean, what else did I expect from my loved ones! Give family pats on the back!

Survival Tip #3: Peer pressure is for high school not adults - get back up!
In the beginning, I felt like I was back at school being 'peer pressured' into doing naughty things. Talk about challenging, but thanks to my Mama Bear, she came to the rescue and put everyone in their place! Love you Ma - mwah! From that moment on, it was smooth sailing and the only person I had to do battle with was ME! Now talk about the inner head voice challenges; firstly, the 'one won't hurt' voice starts, then comes the 'you can get back on your program tomorrow' chimes in, then 'no-one will know' voice tries to kid yourself into believing that you can just turn a blind eye and then there's the little inner child that says 'I'm missing out on all the fun' when in actual fact I'm not. I experienced no hang-overs, no bloating, no mood swings, no tummy aches, no headaches, no self-esteem issues! Now that is what I consider to be success! My brother-in-law actually said he felt like he could actually feel the kg's stacking on - poor thing, I couldn't help but laugh as I tied up my running shoes and headed out the door for my morning jog! LOL!

Survival Tip #4: Repeat Inner Mantra with inside head voice!
I know this sounds weird but it works for me, and surviving Easter Sunday - the day of the easter egg hunt and chocolate overdoses, was super hard.
Oh my goodness - where is the world does one hide to get through this day. I mean 'come on man' the amount of chocolate that is literally lying around is UNBELIEVABLE! The temptation is overwhelming, watching children shovel it in their faces was excruciating. My mouth is watering so much, it would not take much to break me - then comes inner mantra voice - healthy mind, healthy body - repeat this over and over. It actually worked, I found myself reaching for my bottled water and downing it. I drank a lot of water this day, this meant lots of trips to the loo. Whilst in the bathroom washing my hands, I took a long hard look at myself in the mirror and was talking to myself, saying things like, you can do this, be strong, think of the benefits etc. Give self loving hug for being so strong!

Survival Tip #5: Reward myself with non-food related treat.
Thank heaven for foot spa treatments. My darling hubby is getting used to treating me in a non-food related manner, a foot spa is my favourite treat. An hour and a half of absolute bliss and relaxation is just what I needed after having gone through the Easter period DF!!! Loving my pretty pink manicured toes!

So, there you have it - another major challenge done and dusted - feeling really good! Off to the gym to do some light toning exercises - another reward for being good.

[Andie27]

Originally Posted by Tes

Hi Andie

How are things - did you have a good Easter? Hope you are managing with the craziness and temptations and not overdoing the gym. I spoke with my trainer who has a wife who did Cohens he suggests toning using the big bosu ball and some yoga (which Im not really a fan of) and or pilates but avoid too much cardio. I noticed now over the easter weekend that we did a lot of walking - hour long beach walks and nature reserve walks. I think I had my hungriest days to date on Cohens so it definately impacts your hunger levels. Skulling a glass of soda water helps with the immediate problem but be careful. I also struggle with stress and I used to get a lot of panick attacks but a lot of these were linked to my bad health and worrying about this. I have not had problems for 7 weeks and i believe that this programme really helps - even if it is just that once your weight starts to drop your mind becomes more positive - it all alleviates stress and eases the depression. I hope all is good with you. Have a great week.

Hi Tes - how you doing? Thanks for asking about me, I've just updated my diary with the challenges I dealt with and feel super good about my success. Many thanks for your support. Andie

[Andie27]

Originally Posted by trishieness

Wow Andie! You are such an inspiration! You are very strong willed! Thanks for sharing every challenges, success and lessons learn you gain from this program. I have a conclusion that aside from losing weight, we are able to improve our perspectives in life with Cohen program. We become more positive, brave and patient. I love it! Such a good read though Andie. Way to go!

Now I'm thinking of going back to gym or at least swimming once a week!

Thanks Trishieness - you're so right, I have found that if I get my head right first, then my body will follow. This is as much about mental health as it is physical. I have found by eating 'clean', my entire outlook has done a 360 degree turn and I'm feeling fantastic about the future. I take one day at a time, and if things get tough then I take it one hour at a time. I'm glad you checked out my diary, I hope it motivates you

[trishieness]

Wow Andie! Another motivating update you have there. Whenever I feel the toughness of being in this program, I just recall the people like you who inspired me so much and sharing the same journey as I do.

Eversince I've joined this forum, I never felt so alone in this journey. I just feel so blessed!

[Andie27]

Originally Posted by trishieness

Wow Andie! Another motivating update you have there. Whenever I feel the toughness of being in this program, I just recall the people like you who inspired me so much and sharing the same journey as I do.

Eversince I've joined this forum, I never felt so alone in this journey. I just feel so blessed!

Aww thanks What a lovely thing to say - I feel very blessed too

[Andie27]

Andie's Agonizing 'In-Between-Sizes' Stage
This is not quite a diary update - but rather a rant (it's been a while since I had one of those), and I just have to get this out of my head. I'm so frustrated at the moment and here's why.

I have a closet full of 'beautiful big girl' clothes and they are pretty and womanly blah de blah blah. Trouble is now that I've dropped 19 kgs (yep not a typo - I can't believe it either) - nothing fits properly at all except for a few items and I seem to be wearing them to death. Pretty soon these will not fit properly either - so my issue is that my in-between-size stage is doing my frickin' head in, not to mention trying my patience and as I've mentioned before, patience is not one of my virtues

I know that my goal weight is a while away (I think I have at least another 40kgs to go - I still can't believe that - that's the size of one of my nieces - I'm trying to lose a whole person! AARRGH!) I'm so not going down that road!

Anyway, back to the matter at hand - I have some gorgeous clothes packed in suitcases just waiting for me to fit into them again and guess what - these are the post round 1 success clothes - Oh I so want my body back. I dream about these outfits and the way they made me feel, it hits me like the 'one that got away' kind of feeling. Remorse is definitely raising it's ugly head, a deep sadness for my healthy, sexy, confidant self washes over me. This happens almost every time I put something on that doesn't fit properly.

I get so overwhelmed with looking too far forward and to be honest even looking back hurts. Sometimes, it feels like I'm not getting anywhere - you know when you're dreaming that your running away from something, only to find that your not actually going anywhere and that you're running in the same spot - well that's how I'm feeling every time I go to my wardrobe to figure out what I'm going to wear for the day.

I swear trying to find something to wear everyday takes up way too much energy and brainpower. Not to mention the deflation, frustration and anxiety I feel when I look at myself in the mirror and see a nice dress turned into a potato sack on me - nothing seems to sit properly.

The last thing I want to do is get out my round 1 success clothes and try them on and nothing fits, that would break me completely. I'm thinking I might have to Op Shopping to get some 'in-between-size' stage clothes.

Hmmm.....tis a tough one to be sure

[Nomoreexcuses]

congrats for getting through easter tough time…yu sound unstoppable good on you and congrats on the 20kg loss!

[Tes]

Wow Earth Angel Andie

Seems like you have it all under control I loved your posts and your observations and super congrats on the 19 kilo's you must be feeling amazing - that is my 7 year old you have lost. It reminded me of something a recovered alcoholic once told me. He said braai's werent as much fun now that he is sober because the guys just get super trolleyed and talk a load of codswallop which he used to find funny when he was drinking but now he just gets bored by it all. Being the observer to behaviours we were once partook in is a very different experience. You probably find that most people don't even realise how much they are eating in these social settings - I think that is why staying off the booze for the first part of maintenance is so important because you can lose your inhibitions and your ability to not pick. Well that's just my experience probably not all. I sympathise on the clothes situation - I also posted a photo of my lovely clothes I had to turf - I have slim pickings left now and actually it makes getting dressed so much simpler but eventually there will be nothing much left. I can also relate to the impatience of moving forward - i am in a situation now - first proper plateau where I haven't lost a thing for the week and I am about to move into a weight that i traditionally have struggled to move into so my body is resisting moving into the 70's. I getting fed up but this week I am away all week so I wont be able to weigh at all - so that will help curb the irritation of the stall but bloody hell that scale had better move come Sunday or it might land up in the trash can! Good luck for the week.

[Andie27]

Thanks Tes & Nomoreexcuses for your support - I'm getting there and I must admit, I had a giggle about losing a small child in weight - how unreal is that, I have another 32 kgs to go - that makes up a person in weight - that is just like eewww I could spiral into negativity but I won't because at least I'm doing something about it right?
Tes, girlfriend you make me laugh and always brighten my day, I feel sorry for the scales if you haven't lost

[cumulus.inc]

Hi Andie

Your diary so far is really inspiring to read and full of helpful hints, thanks!

Firstly, let's staighten out your "trouble" of losing 19kg and not fitting into clothes- you have had a wonderful health change is causing a little difficulty in clothing (let's think positive )

Maybe pick a couple of pieces from your wonderful big girl clothes that you absolutely adore and get them taken in to your current measurements, it shouldn't be too expensive for a few pieces and then you can feel more positive about the in-between stage Perhaps even donate your old clothes that don't fit anymore as a symbol of how far you've come?

Totally agree with you- temporary op shopping is a great idea for the in between, and you might even find something you want to keep

Can't wait to read your next chapter!

[Andie27]

Oh hey there Cumulus - cheers for the suggestion. Why don't I ever come up with these ideas? Hmmm...anyways, glad you visit my diary and left me a message. I really enjoy the responses I get to my entries. They keep me sane for a while! Next chapter in my journey is on it's way soon.

[trishieness]

Oh Andie, Danny is right. You can donate it anyway, and if you find it expensive to buy "in-between" clothes, you may go for cheaper clothes, for temporary use. And give it away later to the people who need it.

Leave behind for now the clothes packed in your suitcase. It is really depressing to wear clothes that doesn't fit you the way it is before. But that is really OK. You're getting closer to reach your goal. Few more months. Just think of how much you've lost, 19kgs!! That's a lot dear! For now, enjoy how "in-between" clothes make you feel fabulous! Go for it! We can do this!