Minimise Me - Weight Loss Weekly #4

I'm really 'in the zone' now and I'm actually so proud of what I've achieved already. I'm able to avoid temptation by thinking of how far I've come and picturing myself slim, like I used to be, which helps to keep me on track. I've thought about sticking some pictures of myself a few stone lighter in the fridge in case there are any days when I feel like a binge session though!

I've had the odd treat here and there as I'm not willing to deprive myself completely of my favourite things, but I'm including them within my calories or working harder to burn them off afterwards.

I didn't manage my 2 workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday as I'd mentioned last week but I did walk the dog several miles in the snow to compensate. That is one thing I need to improve; how active I am.

I was surprised to put on a pair of trousers to see that they were slightly baggy on my thighs on Thursday and this made me realise that it won't be ling until my body has changed enough for others to notice my efforts too (I hope). The Mr is great for motivation and he has complimented me no end which I really appreciate. It's lovely that we are doing this together and he has now lost 6lb!

Week 4 =

Minimise Me - Weight Loss Weekly #1

One of my goals for this year, probably the biggest and most important, is to lose weight and eat healthier. I'm increasing my exercise too and I want to get fit. Running a bath is hard enough work these days never mind a marathon, and far too many cheeseburgers and chocolates fall into my face which I really need to change.

So, I'm calorie counting each day, using My Fitness Pal to log my progress and I will be weighing myself each Monday. I've begun and given up so many times before but as the Mr and I have already booked three holidays for the year (woohoo) and I want to feel confident in summer fashion I feel as though I'm in right mindset to do this. I began 5th January.

Motivational and Meal Planning Monday

I've finally lost a stone! 14 whole pounds. I'm feeling quite proud of myself although the journey still continues. I feel a lot fitter already and my confidence has increased which is what I had hoped for.

Zumba and walking more regularly have really helped... and thinking about a bikini body that I long for!

My motivation for the week...

This weeks menu...

Quorn fajitas (with sweet chilli wraps)

Lasagne, salad and garlic ciabatta
Glazed Hoisin Duck with new potatoes and vegetables
Shepherds pie
Buffet night (hot nibbles including pizza, chicken, and chips) followed by fondue

I'm still eating the above despite trying to lose weight. I calorie count to 1300 a day and weigh/measure portions if necessary. 

What is your motivation this week?
What's on your menu?


Have a great week!

Motivational and Meal Planning Monday

I'm not sure where the year has gone so far and as the last day of the school year approaches I'm really looking forward to 6 weeks with the Mini Mes with plenty of days out, baking, crafts and family fun.

I'm also hoping to spend a lot of time outdoors walking, running and playing to burn off some calories so that I continue to lose weight and reach my goal for September.

I lost 1lb this week.
Making -7lb in 3 weeks which I'm really pleased with!

 

My motivation for the week...

 

This weeks menu...

Carbonara and garlic flat bread
Vegetarian fajitas
Chicken and gammon pie with potatoes and veg
Lasagne and salad
Buffet dinner for our #HaveACraftParty party

 

What motivates you to exercise?
What's on your menu?

Have a great week!
 

Weigh in weekly #4

I feel as though I let myself down this week. While out on Wednesday evening we had a takeaway and we had pizza on Friday too - bad move, although at the time it felt like a good move for convenience and a nice treat!

Ever since I've felt so bloated and uncomfortable that I've regretted it, so lesson definitely learnt. 

+1lb this week

I wasn't expecting a good result on the scales this morning after a few other naughty nibbles too including Mini Eggs (how moreish are they!?) and a lack of exercise due to the heavy snow and the Mini Mes being at home. But I need to make time. 

I've found that this week I've started to snack due to boredom and being stuck inside but I need to find my willpower and resist the urge to hit the fridge again although a 1lb gain isn't as bad as I expected thankfully!

I am wiping the slate clean and straight back on to the calorie counting and 5 weekly workouts from this morning. I don't want to feel the way I do about myself and continuing to slip back into old habits will not do me any favours.

If you are attempting to lose weight this year how is it going? 
What keeps you motivated?

Just Dance Disney Party *Review*

Getting fit and having fun is the perfect combination and Just Dance Disney Party provides just that. While the Mini Mes get to dance along to their favourite songs from a variety of Disney shows and movies, I get to burn off some calories (which you can track) having a boogie with Wii remote to hand!

The game is suitable for ages 3 and over so the entire family enjoy it. With 25 songs from movie classics including Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Tangled plus tunes from Disney's latest shows like Hannah Montana and Jessie there is something for both old and young to appreciate.

Beautiful costumes from Rubies

The choreography, which includes all new duets where you can select which character you wish to copy, is easy to follow with next move icons displayed in the bottom corner of the screen. The more correct moves you make the higher your score will be and there are even gold moves for extra points too. 

You can play individually or together as a team and try the different modes for added variety which include Freeze & Shake and Balloon Pop .

The graphics are fantastic and are brought to life with immersive visual effects and the environments from the actual movie or show you are dancing along to. The game is very easy to navigate and we were really impressed!

You can create your own custom playlist or select from the ones available and there is the option to put on Non-Stop Shuffle for a dance timing of your choice; 15, 30, 60, 120 minutes. There are options to have certain songs play in alternative languages and with the lyrics scrolling at the bottom you can sing along and learn the words as you dance too.

In the main menu there is a Parents section where you can track game stats, progress, medals and read health tips - I found this really useful to see what calories I had burnt and to check how long the Mini Mes had been playing.

The game was fun, with a nice variety of songs including the Mini Mes favourites (and mine) and there were dances of different pace and difficulty to suit every ability. The calorie tracker was greatly appreciated by me trying to lose weight! I would recommend this for Disney fans and also for parents trying to get fit as it doesn't feel like exercise but helps to shred unwanted weight. It could do with some songs from Toy Story for Jamster but he still loved the game and dressing up to play regardless of that.

You can buy your own copy from Amazon

 

The beautiful costumes that we received were from Rubies. They were great quality and a comfortable fit - the Mini Mes have worn these many times since receiving them already.
You can purchase the costumes here: http://www.rubiesuk.com

*We were sent Just Dance Disney Party and 2 costumes for the purpose of this review. The opinions given are honest and our own*

Weigh in #2

After a week of long walks with the dog, aerobics in my lounge and calorie counting I was looking forward to getting on the scales this morning. I felt positive for the first time in what felt like forever that when I stepped on the Wii fit board to see the damage it wouldn't say 'one at a time please' to me in horror. 

I have lost 3lb this week and I am very pleased with that.

I still had the odd treat like a few mini eggs and a can of coke here and there as I find if I deprive myself completely I will have a massive binge eating session and raid the fridge like Pac-man! I've found it's all about moderation and the odd slice of cake is acceptable if I have put the effort in 95% of the time and burnt some calories off too exercising.

How have you done this week?

What motivates you?

Our week that was - Outdoor fun, detoxing and Lush

Sunday the Mr and I had a browse around the shops before heading out for a long walk with the dog. I sliced up all of my caramel and chocolate torte I had made to give to family and saved one slice for the Mr to enjoy. The temptation was too much so I had to give it away before I ate it all!

Monday with the routine of school returning I had a workout before work and spent the evening visiting family with the Mini Mes

Tuesday I received a surprise delivery in the post of some Toffifee and a book so I had a read and a few treats before popping the rest in the fridge to share (I will be slim).

Wednesday Minxy received some books in the post that she won from her magazine so she snuggled up for a read before heading off to her dad's for the evening with Jamster. The Mr and I stayed in as unfortunately he had his wallet stolen at work so he spent the evening cancelling bank cards and speaking to the police.

Thursday was my cousin's 16th birthday so after work and school we visited her with some lovely Lush goodies as her gift.

Friday I went to see Les Miserables so we walked the poochie a little earlier than usual. Jamster found a small hill and pretended to be a ninja on it... I don't know where he gets it from!

 Today we headed to some nearby woods that we hadn't taken the Mini Mes to before and we enjoyed stomping about in really thick mud and exploring. The trees looked a little spooky as the sun began to set.

I'm linking this with...

My week that was... 1st-7th July

Sunday
After a lovely lay in I collected the kids from their dad's house and we went to see Ice Age 4, what a fab movie! Afterwards we met up with my parents in town for some lunch and we enjoyed a lovely homemade ham and chicken pie for dinner.


Monday and Tuesday
Not alot happend today really! The usual school and work routine and an evening indoors due to the rain.


Wednesday
I was feeling rather bleughh today, as were the kids when they got up for school, so we ended up having a duvet day with some movies. There seem to be a few bugs about at the moment so I didn't want to risk them being poorly at school. Plus with it being art week it wasn't as though they were missing out on anything particularly educating today. Well that's what I thought anyway. Better safe than sorry!

Thursday
The weather today made a bit of a turnaround and there was actually some sunshine to be seen yay! In the morning before work I enjoyed a lovely panini and cake with my aunt in a local cafe called The Hideout and after school the Mini Mes and I popped to Co-op for ice creams. The Mini Mes had induction day at school and were pleased with their new teachers. Jamster has the same lovely one from year one and Minxy has a pleasant male teacher. After dinner we all went out for an hour walk with Spartan in the fields.

Friday
Some friends of the family got married today and we were invited to the evening party to celebrate. However we ended up staying in and having an early night as both of the Mini Mes were feeling a bit rough again. Boo hoo!

Saturday
The Mini Mes headed off to see their dad at 10am so the Mr and I made the most of some child free time. We ended up going to see Spiderman at the cinema and having a curry in the evening at a lovely restaurant.

What did you do over the past week? To link up your own post or to see what others have been up to you can head over to the lovely Mummy, Daddy and Me Makes Three

Bank Holiday Bike Riding

I would much rather stick on my wellies and get wet and muddy outside than be stuck indoors with a TV. Thankfully the sun did make an appearance this bank holiday weekend so we headed out on the bikes for some fresh air and exercise without the need for waterproofs.

Both of the Mini Mes learnt to ride quite a while ago now although Jamster is in desperate need of a new bike (that's on my endless 'to buy' list ready for the summer holidays). He will still happily use it though for now so we headed off to the fields with the poochie in tow too.

Here are some of our pics....

We are lucky to be in such a rural town with a lot of fields. These are literally only a few minutes away and are great for dog walking, kite flying and other sports too.

What did you get up to over the Jubilee bank holiday?
Can your children ride bikes and do they enjoy it too?