Happy Thursday, so glad this week is nearly done.
This week has been a real challenge in terms of my weight loss and as with all challenges there’s been good, bad and lots of learning.
As you may recall last week I decided to give the ‘new’ Slimming World Extra Easy SP plan a go. High density, low energy (S or speed) food paired with Protein. The social media world has been aflame with people trying it and getting marvellous results and as I had such an abysmal gain over Christmas, I felt it had to be worth a look. Trouble was I decided to do it after doing a weeks shop and so found myself to be ill prepared, having bought food I ‘couldn’t’ eat and not enough of what I could. So first lesson learnt, don’t go into this without preparation. The first few days were a real eye opener I’ll give it that. As a long time member it’s been a while since I looked at my books, but suddenly I needed to check things all the time. It was a reeducation of sorts and in that respect it was great. It really got me thinking more positively about my choices.
Anyway, I managed to stick to it for entire week, writing a full food diary, something I’ve not done for God knows how long. That got me back in the habit of counting my syns religiously again and I found I was having things I really wanted and enjoyed (Daim Bar anyone?) but using less syns than I would normally. Writing it down made me more conscious of everything I was eating. I also discovered dried split yellow peas. I had them in casseroles and curries and they’re gorgeous! I can’t believe I’d never had them before. They’re so good for you and delicious. I’ll certainly continue to use them in place of other thickening agents and/or side orders of carbs occasionally.
After being so strict with myself all week I was indeed hoping for a good result last night. I lost 7lb. At first I wasn’t that pleased – I’d heard of people losing 9 or 10lb in a week, why hadn’t I? Also it still wasn’t the full 11lb I needed to loose to get back to where I was before Christmas. Cue grumpy face. But after a while it began to sink in that I’d just lost half a stone in a week and I should stop my nonsense and be pleased. Which I am.
However, I would like to make it clear just how much I wouldn’t recommend SP as a plan, particularly for any people new to Slimming World. SP is a handy weapon to have in your arsenal, to be used occasionally. Maybe if you’ve hit a wall in your weight loss journey or need to get back on track as I did. It is not a long term solution AT ALL. Firstly it made me incredibly irritable. I was missing my carbs and was constantly hungry to begin with. It took me a good few days to get into the swing of bulking up with beans and pulses. Secondly I’m not good at being dictated to. For the first time ever since starting Slimming World I actually felt like I was on a diet, a feeling I disliked in the extreme. I was one grumpy mare. Just ask Ben! I would hate any new starters to think this is how Slimming World is and be discouraged. It really isn’t. Making informed choices and using a bit of savvy with my food has enabled me to lose over 6 and a half stone. Being barked at (eat this, don’t eat that) has not and would not. I’m disappointed such a deal has been made about it in groups (not just ours, you should see my Twitter feed) and I hope once the dust settles people will realise it it’s there as a tool. And nothing more.
Point made.
So 7lbs off this week takes me back to 6 stone 5.5lb lost. It also takes me over half way to my mini target of losing 12lb by Valentines Day leaving me with 5lb to lose in four weeks. As I discussed last week any goal needs to be far enough away to be realistic but close enough to be a stretch. Now I’ve lost such a chunk in the first week the stretch part is missing somewhat. So, do I bring my target date forward or increase the amount? Hmmm, I think I’ll leave the date where it is and increase the amount. To 8.5lb in four weigh ins. That brings back the stretch element (2 or 2.5lb a week). It will also take me to 7 stone lost! Boom!
And stretching myself is something I’ve been doing in more ways than one this week. My beloved Fit for Life Mums core stability (which I highly recommend btw) has moved to a Wednesday class only now. As I’m busy at SW on a Wednesday, my neighbour Jane and I decided to search out an alternative and found a local Monday session at Haslemere Pilates. I was expecting to be a bit rusty after the Christmas break, and while the class was quite different to what we were used to we both really enjoyed it and will be going again. If the pain in my ribs ever subsides. Jeez louise! It didn’t kick in until Wednesday, but it’s still hurting now! But I’m glad to be back doing something. I’ve really missed it.
Hope you all have a great week
Xxxxx