Skinny Chic - Soon2BSlim's Diary

[Soon2BSlim]

Thanks for the visits and comments in my diary. They provide a great source of encouragement to keep at this

The movie date was good! I remember way back when I was doing Cohen's for the first time, taking my meal into the cinema to be sure I kept with the 5 hour rule. I laugh when I think about it now but it shows how determined I was to get to goal. I don't think I have quite the same determination this time but I wish I did. Maybe it's because I know how quickly one can lose weight on this eating plan so I don't feel a sense of urgency to "get it done" - there's plenty of time ... lol NOT ... but I also think deep down that although I felt fantastic when I got to goal last time I didn't really like what I saw in the mirror. Facing facts, I just see myself getting old and that being skinny isn't going to change that. I won't turn into my pretty young self again and yes. I will have old dry wrinkly skin when I am at goal.

I've wasted too many years being fat and unfortunately I can't turn back the clock :P

Needless to say, I went and had my hair done (bye bye greys for another couple of weeks) and still aim to be the best me I can at this stage of life.

This post sounds rather morbid but it's not meant to be. It's just part of my self discovery process

The good news is that I survived my epic shift yesterday and had my meals on time and stuck to my plan by taking my meal with me. It's all in the planning

I still have a nasty bully boss and still hate going to work for her every day but at least I am in control of what I eat

Onward and downward!

Louise

[Heidimama]

Oh, Louise, I can really relate to nasty superiors at work and the satisfaction that comes with eating right regardless. Yay for managing things so well on that long shift.

I can also see that I am getting older (some mornings, good grief!) and I want to be as healthy as possible as I age. My heart just cannot take the extra weight. I lost an older friend last year whose obesity made her final years physically very uncomfortable. As you say, we can't turn back the clock, but we can try to do what we can to be the best we can...

Onward and downward, indeed!

[Soon2BSlim]

Thanks for your words Michelle and sharing about the loss of your friend. That must have been very sad. I worry about my brother, he's morbidly obese and while I love him dearly I just can't seem to motivate him to lose weight. We don't live in the same country any more which makes it harder but I hate to see him struggle with daily tasks and know what pressure his heart must be under.

What you wrote about your friend and her discomfort in her later years really spoke to me - even if I don't like the older me in the mirror once I have lost the weight I should at least be aiming to be more comfortable and I know that will happen if I stick to the plan. I keep reminding myself how good I felt to be skinny and how much better I felt in smaller clothes.

The sad fact is that people treat us differently when we are thinner too. I think there are worse things than being overweight, like a wife beater or paedophile etc. but because these things aren't always visible on the outside they don't get treated differently. I reckon that a little more compassion for the overweight would probably help them/us to be thinner and healthier because we wouldn't struggle with the emotions that cause many of us to overindulge.

Doing some deep thinking, ha ha.

Till next time.

Louise

[Heidimama]

Thank you for the kind reply, Louise. I do miss my friend - she was my biggest cheerleader and had a beautiful figure until she hit 60 or so. She had always been able to eat whatever she wanted, all the while maintaining that figure, so my advising her to cut the carbs for her health was met with outrage. Life - you never know.

I agree that people make all kinds of thoughtless assumptions about us as we gain weight. It is so silly, really. I wouldn't want to be friends with those kinds of people at any weight. But life is often easier/smoother when we are thinner. When I was thin, I am sorry to admit that I was sometimes not compassionate to the really obese. I remember I was once seated next to a really large teenager (who was obviously thoroughly embarrassed by her size) on a 5-hour flight and I had to cross my legs so I could cede half my seat to her body. I was nineteen and selfish, so all I could think about was my own discomfort. I could have given her a smile, but I didn't. I let her know with my body language that I was annoyed. I like to think I would behave more kindly today.

Life.

[Soon2BSlim]

My weight doesn't seem to have moved much in the last little while but I'm definitely losing centimetres Instead of having a big round stomach for instance, I am gaining some "hollows" on the sides and I can definitely feel a waist emerging I've also noticed a difference in my upper arms.

It's been a bit of a bumpy ride getting to this stage but I am moving in the right direction at least

It was a very short weekend for me as I only had one day off, having worked Saturday evening, but at least next weekend will be a long one as I make up for it with 3 days off! I love my long weekends

Anyway, trying to catch up on laundry and dishes before I head back to work today..

I hope everyone has had a good weekend.

Louise

[Heidimama]

Now you are in shrinking mode! It is kinda nice because we can fit into more of our old clothes even if the weight stays the same. And I feel like it is giving the skin a chance to tighten up, even though I have no idea if that is true.

Having a waist makes all the difference to how our clothes sit/lie, don't you think? And the upper arms are also a big thing with me (no pun intended). The fat there just makes me look a lot more "sturdy" than I like.

Oh, the long weekend will be something to look forward to. I hope the week flies by.

I am so glad you are here with me on this journey, I really am.

[Soon2BSlim]

Thank God it's Friday and I have 1 more shift before the weekend! It's been a difficult week with bully boss out in full force and a few extra long days to make me feel ready for my 3 day weekend!! Needless to say, my eating plan has taken a hit too and while I haven't been "bad" I haven't eaten my balanced and weighed portions every day either and I'm sure it will show on the scales.

This morning I had to get up early and with just 4 hours of sleep had to take my daughter to the airport so I had a coffee to get me through...yes, with milk because I can't drink it black! I decided not to have my yoghurt for breakfast because of the milky coffee (swap milk for yoghurt ideas going through my head) and waited for lunch to have chicken and salad Not too bad, considering, but not exactly Cohen's rules either. Anyway, my week has been that kind of eating but hopefully next week won't be as hectic and with Monday off I should be able to complete this week and start the next week correctly.

Oh! For anyone reading my diary ... I would like comments on eating diet jelly. I know it's not in the plan and is therefore not allowed but does anyone know why not or have any other comments? There aren't many calories in a serving of diet jelly so theoretically it shouldn't have a huge impact on weight loss or maintaining but I'm curious so comments are welcome

<Sigh> So not looking forward to work .... it would be nice to win lotto and not have to

Bring on the weekend!!

Louise

[Heidimama]

Hi Louise. I am sorry to hear about the bully boss. I can empathize, as I face a similarly unpleasant situation. Ugh. May the Universe find us both a wonderful solution. Maybe our bullies will disappear?

When you have a super busy week with lots of commitments, it's natural for something to take it a hit. And it is great that you didn't go wild. (Can't say I would have shown such restraint.) I think you might be pleasantly surprised by the scales.

I don't know anything about diet jelly, unfortunately. I hope someone knowledgeable weighs in with an informed opinion.

Best wishes for the last shift before your break. I do hope it passes quickly. Enjoy your weekend!

[Soon2BSlim]

Thanks for your visit Michelle My weekend was pretty quiet which is exactly what I needed I felt quite refreshed when I woke up this morning and didn't have to drag myself around the house doing chores like cleaning and laundry. I was also able to take advantage of the good weather and sit outside with a book for a while - it was so relaxing.

Hopefully this next fortnight won't be as hectic as last fortnight as I only have 1 day off in the next two weeks :P I think I will just have to plan my meals properly and take it one day at a time.

I hope everyone has a great week.

Louise

[Soleil]

Hi Louise!!

One day at a time is a good way to do this I think Just read your diary very quickly, you are making the best choices you can and doing very well! My thoughts on the diet jelly, why not, have it! It's not Cohen no, but when not doing a new plan I can't see why it would matter. Entirely different when actually following the plan 100%, doing the bloods etc. What ever works and what ever keeps you on the right track I say.

Love,
Soleil xx

[Heidimama]

Good to read about your very relaxing weekend, Louise. So good to wake up refreshed. Fingers crossed for a good couple of weeks. I hope you can get meals organized.

One day at a time, indeed. See you soon.

[Soon2BSlim]

Thanks for all the visits and comments about the jelly. I appreciate all the support and even more so when the going is tough <3

I haven't posted for a while and haven't been weighing myself, just trying to listen to my body. I think I will have to go back to weighing myself though, for more accountability and to keep me on track. I am finding weekends are so hard at the moment - our grown kids come around for lunch on a Sunday so of course I want to make something nice - their favourite meals etc. and have even taken to making dessert but I think this has to stop! I will make Cohen type meals from now on (of course the kids don't have a weight problem) and maybe jelly if I am going to even do a dessert.

The last few weeks have been stressful at work, which doesn't help, but my daughter who lives in the UK was going to be coming home at the beginning of December for a few weeks. It's all up in the air now because her FIL has interfered with plans (visa related) and now it looks like she may only come in the new year and for a much shorter time. She doesn't want to spend another Christmas at the inlaws and was looking forward to being here with her family - we'd all planned stuff to do with her (she left 2 years ago) - and instead of a quiet Christmas, when we heard she was coming we planned a family get together. Now it looks like it's not going to happen and then this week I found out that I will be required to work on Christmas Eve till 9 or 10pm :P

So, I'm just feeling bleh at the moment. The good news is that while I haven't been 100% Cohen friendly with my eating, I have noticed a definite shift in my thinking about food. I have also been able to resist a number of temptations and have no desire to eat the wrong stuff.

Anyway, it's back to weighing food and body for now and I'll see how things go from there.

Louise

[Heidimama]

Hi Louise. . Sorry to read about your daughter's disappointing news and the unexpected work schedule. I can see why that would make you feel "bleh".

I am glad you are still coming around and writing even while following a looser plan. It is so tempting to just avoid everything to do with the plan and go wild, and that is exactly what I did for most of the year. It is good to stay close and make better choices. It is great that you are experiencing that shift in your thinking. That is exactly what we need. I saw a documentary called From Fat to Finish Line today that features a group of former fat runners. They really inspired me to keep going when they explained how they worked to get thin, and it all started in the brain.

Yep, it is a good time to go back to the scales, before the holidays begin. Take good care of yourself.

[Soleil]

Hello there!

I find I really need to weigh myself often to keep myself accountable and in the right direction, even if (when) following the plan to a certain extent. I do hope you get to have your daughter home for Christmas!! Sounds like you are under a lot of stress at the moment and some things are beyond your control, but you can control your diet,just like you have been, trying to make the best choices. Always, Always strive to make the best choices

Lots of love,
Soleil xxxx

[Soon2BSlim]

It's Sunday and while I have had a busy day catching up with laundry and shopping and preparing for the week ahead I know it's time to take stock of where I am at in terms of Cohen's. I have been struggling a lot the last few weeks but have managed to maintain my weight for the most part.

Work is #$%^ and continues to be stressful. Jobs are not all secure at the moment and the pressure is on to perform way beyond rostered hours without additional pay. It's not right, we know that, but we are treading a fine line here. Too much detail to go into but it doesn't help with trying to lose weight.

On top of work stress, both my fridge and dryer have kicked the bucket. The dryer isn't essential but we had to replace the fridge. I can't complain - the other one did last us an international move and about 20 years. The dryer can be repaired - it seems to have just been a belt that broke so I have ordered a new one.

I've been feeling quite depressed and miserable in general and feel like the Christmas grinch but am resolved today to make some changes and get back on track with losing weight.

So, starting tomorrow I will be 100% on track and as I have a day off I will go and have my hair done (getting rid of the greys again) which is also symbolic, in a way, of making a fresh start. With only 3 weeks to Christmas I am hoping to be through detox again and into the zone so that I don't have too much trouble navigating all that food.

I have to work Christmas Eve till 9 or 10pm (it's still undecided) but I am hoping that some of my kids will be home by then to help with our Christmas dinner even though it will be a late one.

I have honestly not been very hungry the last few weeks so rather than overeat I have probably been undereating most days. I have also had more coffee than I should have (with milk) which I know is a problem for me with losing weight. I haven't even had fruit mince pies or fruit cake - both of which I love!

Anyway, 100% from tomorrow with daily weighing and hopefully daily posting, depending on work, as well as getting back on the treadmill

Louise

[Heidimama]

Hi Louise! I had been thinking good thoughts for you - so nice to hear from you! How good it is that you have maintained. That is a huge blessing.

Oh God, can I relate to the work nonsense and the sense of insecurity. I have discovered a couple of reasons why I will have to stay for at least another year and at almost the same that the tension between folks is just getting worse. There was a cringe-worthy blow-up last week and there is another to come. Battles of wills. I just try not to think about it when I am not there and hope you can do the same.

I think you are right to try to get yourself feeling good and making a fresh start before the holidays. It will be so relaxing to have that time with your family.

I look forward to your posts.

[Soon2BSlim]

Thanks for your visit Michelle. Your support and encouragement means so much to me. Your understanding about our similar work issues helps a great deal too. Hopefully things will be resolved for both of us before too long and even though we have to stay in that situation, we will find it easier to cope or something will change to make things more bearable.

Well, it's the end of my first day being 100% on track again and all went well. I still have one meal to go but I have managed to drink at least some of my water, had my hair done and basically looked after myself today. It was good to get my hair done because every time I thought about it, it reminded me that this was a fresh start which helped me through the first day temptations.

A good night's sleep should prepare me for being back at work tomorrow and in a good place for day 2

Thanks again for your support Michelle, it means a great deal to me xx

Louise

[Heidimama]

Yay, Louise! A day of self-care is so healing! Glad it has gone well and that you're getting the water down. Looking good does help me to feel good, and more positive about the plan.

I am pulling for you - you have done it before and I know you can do it again.

Sleep well. See you tomorrow.

[Soon2BSlim]

Well, I can't believe that I totally forgot to have meal 3 on Monday! I just wasn't hungry and totally forgot about it. Yesterday was also a bit of a mish mash I had my yoghurt and fruit for breakfast and was feeling hungry before it was time for lunch so I had some crackers and again, didn't feel hungry when it was time for my next meal!! I know that I need to eat the prescribed meals to keep my metabolism going etc. but I just find it incredible that I have not been starving hungry like in the past. Not complaining of course

Anyway, I am down 0.8kg in 2 days as my body gets used to the discipline of the diet. I haven't managed to drink all my water but I'm working on it and not back on the treadmill yet but I will get there.

My youngest son popped around for a visit yesterday and it was good to see him. It's looking like my daughter won't make it home for Christmas but is planning a trip in the new year which is something to look forward to. All in all, I'm not feeling as miserable as I was the other day.

Work still sucks but I have decided to just go in, do my allotted hours and come home. What doesn't get done, doesn't get done. They are refusing to pay for additional time spent there and I refuse to work for nothing

Onward and downward indeed!!

Louise

[Heidimama]

I am with you, Louise: I am much happier when I forget about food than when I am ravenous all day. Enjoy the feeling. And as far as I understand, intermittent fasting is good for the metabolism in many people.

I am in awe of people who can have M1 for brekkie - I am way to hungry in the AM for that.

Congrats on the nice big loss. Won't it be nice to feel lighter and better when you get together with you daughter in the New Year?

You have the right attitude about work. Let's keep our fingers crossed for change.

You are doing really well. Louise.