Because I'm Worth It

(also known as Operation Bunker Bay)

I am so proud of myself this week! I have done 1 aeirobics class and 4 x 1hour gym workouts this week!!

I am hating the exercising, one of those gym sessions I had to really drag myself down, force myself on the machines and plays lots of happy music on my iPod to get me going. But I made it!

I haven't got an exercise scheldule. I've come to the conclusion I may not be able to scheldule in gym sessions with any consistancy. But that is ok, as long as I'm going, it doesn't matter so much if I don't do it at a certain time on particular days.

This weeks exercise goals are

*head to the gym 5 times

*push myself a little harder in the cardio bit. At the moment I do roughly 5min x-trainer/15min treadmill/5 min bike. I would like to increase the x-trainer because I think it gives me a better workout.

Food wise is going good. It helps that money is so tight at the moment! I’m eating more fruit and vegetables and also made an effort to decrease my meat consumption. This is a financial/ethical consideration as well, but will have positive health implications as well.

My food goals this week are

*Increase water

*Make an effort to snack between midday and 3pm. I find 4pm hits and I’m so lethargic and bleh as well as ravenous.

Looking Good Feeling Good.

I’ve been having a bit of fun with Pinterest this week, pinning all sorts of pics for inspiration. Several of those pins have been hair tutorials, of which I’ve been practicing on myself and also on my daughters.

I’ve also pinned some pics of outfits I want to copy.

My Pinterest profile name is lelacass if you want to join in the fun

Operation Bunker Bay

My husband and his colleagues have made the target of something or another at his work. This is great and really important I'm sure (eyes were glazed over when he was telling me the details). As a reward, the company has booked two nights away for all the supervisors (that's what he is) and their partners, including dinner on the friday and a tour of the wineries on the saturday.

When I first heard, I thought this was great, I had vaguely heard of Bunker Bay. Then I looked it up online.

Oh my. It's a 5 star get away. I'm not a 5 star getaway type person. I don't dress for 5 star getaways. I don't even dress for winery tours.

I'm worried. I have 8 weeks to get it together. Which brings me to my blog title, Operation Bunker Bay. I'm going to do an 8 week overhaul with the goal of looking and feeling confident about myself, confident enough to fit in among the other WAGS.

So if that is my overarching goal, my more specific goals are:

*Have 3 different hairstyles that I can do myself over this weekend.

*Have a make up 'look' that I can confidently apply.

*Have several different outfits that are suitable for each outing.

*Make sure my eyebrows are neat, eyelashes sparkle and maybe are fingernails gleaming.

*Restart my exercise and eating regime and loose 6 kgs in 8 weeks. This is perhaps a little ambitious, if I don't reach this, but I'm following healthy eating/exercising, I'll be happy.

After 8 weeks I don't want to stop. Because 4 weeks later, my sister is hoping on getting married and I'm one of her bridesmaids (although I have a feeling she might reschedule), then 4 weeks after that, it is my birthday and I would love to buy myself a great dress and look hot, then 4 weeks later is christmas and again, I wouldn't mind looking hot over the christmas festivities. ;)

So this is my plan of action:

*Youtube. Lots of great people have posted hair and makeup tutorials, my plan is to have a play and experiment with different looks. In 4 weeks I would like to book in for a hair cut (long overdue, my last cut was about 18months ago)

*Collect ideas from fashion blogs and from watching Offspring (tragic, but I love Nina's style). Disect the outfits then recreate out of things I own/can get hold of. Some pieces I can make too.

*I'm already booked in for a beauty treatment because I bought a cheap voucher from scoupon. That is next month. When I'm there I'll book in for another session about a week or so before THE weekend.

*Exercise program has started. I've started Burlesque dance classes (this is more of a reward, they are so much fun, if I grit my teeth and just attend the gym, then my reward is Burlesque classes).

I want to restart the 'Because I'm Worth It' weekly posting, because although my first deadline is Bunker Bay, I want this to be longer term. So stay tuned!

Because I'm Worth It Update

While my lap top has been slowing me down, I didn't abandoned my challenge.

I've been eating breakfast everyday as a habit, which is great. The water consumption has been maintained. I haven't been so good with the Lite Iced coffees....However I have started a $10 000 in 2010 challenge over at the Down to Earth Forums . This is a interesting challenge of living frugally and putting what you save onto your mortgage (or savings account), with the goal of getting ahead by $10000 by the end of 2010. Instead of buying an ice coffee, I've been putting the $3 straight on my mortgage. The satisfaction I get from doing that at the end of the day has been really motivating!

Exercise wise, I've been ok. Not great, but ok. I've walked the dog and played the Wii Fit, but not everyday. My biggest barrier is family demands and at the moment I'm finding it hard to find the time. Add that to the crap Perth summer heat, and motivation goes out the window.

So my goals for this week:
*Keep a food diary.
*Exercise EVERYDAY!
*Keep putting in $3 into my mortgage in lieu of an Iced Coffee.

See you next week!

Because I'm Worth It

Well I'm back from Girl Guide Camp, and phew, I'm glad to be back! No place like home, especially a my nice comfortable bed.

I generally ate well on camp, but as food was catered, choices were limited. I could have eaten more fruit, but I drunk plenty of water and didn't have any iced coffees. The closest toilets were about 200m away and the showers were 1km away (I'm not joking). The dining tent was about 850m away.

I'll let you do the maths, but put it this way, I did a hell of a lot of walking!

Despite the several litres a day of water I drunk, I think I'm still dehydrated. I got sunburn on my legs and arms on Wednesday, and in general I developed a tan several shades darker than my normal skin tone (I know this, because I wear over-sized sunglasses, and I'm now sporting a very attractive over sized 'panda eyes' tan line). My skin feels dry and leathery and I seem to have an unquenchable thirst at the moment.

On the up side, I jumped on the Wii and I have lost 900g. I was kind of disappointed, I was expecting more. But it has only been a week, and realistically, 900g is good weight loss for one week.

So, my goals for next week.

*continue to drink water

*walk the dog for 30min x2

*30min of exercise on the Wii fit everyday

*try one new recipe, that is healthy, and share on this blog.

Hope you are having a lovely week. :)

Because I'm Worth It

Well it has been a while hasn't it...... I kind of fell off the wagon and all the great lifestyle changes went out the window and the weight has crept back on. Whilst on my 'diet' I got down to 87 kg and I was feeling great. Now I'm up at 94 kg and not feeling so good.

So what happened.....I guess family stress got in the way, along with uni and a busy lifestyle. It was too easy to feel unmotivated and to comfort eat. It was also easy to slip into the thought mode that "hey I'm losing weight, I can afford to have a treat".

Well enough of that! It's time to get back on the wagon. We bought a Wii along with a Wii Fit for christmas for the family and I was disgraced to find I'm in the obese category with a BMI of 36. According to wikipedia , I fall into the severely obese range. This is sad.

So it is time to do something about it, and being the end of the year and the traditional time to set goals and make life changes, I am starting my "Because I'm Worth It" Challenge.

(I'm going away on Sunday for a week, so this post applies for the next two weeks.)

Goals for the Fortnight

• Drink 2 bottles of water (min) per day.
• Eat breakfast everyday
• Eat at least one piece of fruit per day
• NO Iced Coffees or Coke or any beverage that has to be bought (water being the exception).
• from today through to Saturday, do one 45 min session on the Wii Fit.

I think that will do for now. :)

Now being part of a team can really work wonders in getting you over the finish line, so in the spirit of team work, I've set up a Mr Linky. If you want to share you health goals and/progress, please do! I would love to read them.

Because I'm Worth It Update

Food
Not a bad week, I've been snacking on fruit, making nice dinners and drinking water. I had to buy lunch two days in a row but I chose a healthy option. I'm finding the tea drinking is up, probably because the cool weather has finally arrived, but I'm continuing the sugar ban, so I'm not to concerned.

Exercise
I wasn't able to do the fitness class this week, due to some volunteer work that took up all of last week. But that (the volunteer work) was quite full on and I was on my feet almost all day, so I'm sure I burnt up some calories that way.

Thoughts and Actions
The volunteer work I did was organise the school bookfair. So each day, I dressed the part and I also put make up on. And I felt really good about myself. I looked professional and felt professional. I did a really good job, and I received many compliments for the job that I did, so this was a huge self-esteem boost. I didn't get to spend my bra voucher or get my nails done, but that's ok, hopefully next week.

Goals
*Go to 2 fitness classes this week
*Spend my vouchers!
*Weigh myself and see how I'm going weight wise.

Because I'm Worth It Update

I have been majorly majorly slack. I haven't abandoned my "Because I'm worth it Challenge", I'm still progressing really well. I just haven't been inspired to blog it lately. :)

Food

Food has been doing well. I'm now down to no suger in my tea! I've gone from 3 cups back up to 4 or 5 cups a day, but thats ok. I'm comfortable with this. I now can not stand drinking full cream milk, and it only gets bought if we run out and my DH has to get it (he hates HiLo). Take-aways are fortnightly for the kids, sometimes I get some, sometimes I don't. If I do get it I try to select healthier options or at least find out what the nutritional panel says and try and opt for a meal that has 10g fat per 100g or better. I have been looking at nutritional panels a lot lately.

Exercise

Ok get ready for it.......I HAVE BEEN EXERCISING!!!!

At the moment it is just jogging around the backyard and walking the kids to and from school, but today I started a fitness training class. It works out to be a real bargain. A parent (fully trained in fitness stuff) has started classes down at my kids school for only $8. The classes are small, and she gives heaps of one on one help, a bit like having your own personal trainer.

Thoughts and Actions

I have broken through the 90kg barrier, which I am super please about! So far I have been losing weight but it has been slow and steady. I know that's what health professionals recommend but....well I guess it just takes a long time. I am now about a size 16/18 and this is even more exciting than the weight loss! This week I'm off to spend my Mothers Day gifts ($100 voucher to bra shop and $50 voucher to get my nails prettied up). I'm really excited about the bra's as I've been wearing my maternity bra's....they aren't very supportive and they are really quite ugly.

Goals

* Keep a tally of the 5 veg and 2 fruit. Make sure I get the 5 serves of veg.

*Continue with the workout class and aim to participate twice a week.

Because I'm Worth It Update

Ok this time I'm really back into it!

Food
Hmm progress so so. I'm not being strict enough with the breakfast, however water intake is good. I haven't had an iced coffee for 9 days!! So that's really good, but then I've had extra tea (craving caffeine/sugar maybe?).

Exercise
I'm still walking to and from school when I can. And I'm starting to think about going for walks again with the dog.....

Thoughts and Actions
I've started at Tafe, so every Thursday I make a special effort to dress up nice and look like I'm off to work. It makes me look forward to Thursday. I realise I could do this everyday, but why bother, I mean, dressing up to hang out the washing is not really to appealing. I've also started (externally) at uni. It feels great to be doing something for me, something that is challenging my mind and to be doing something to develop my post-SAHM goals.
I had a friend comment to me this week that I look good (she commented on a Thursday though) and this felt nice.

Goals
*get back into morning breakfast.
*go for two walks besides school drop off/pick up

Because I'm Worth It Update

I'm getting back into this challenge after being on hiatus due to illness. I lost 2kg whilst being ill, not really good, but hey I'm not complaining. Not being able to eat for 4 days and throwing up will do that to you ;)

Food
I've been getting back into the 'eat something, anything for breakfast' routine. If I don't have cereal, then I try to have toast and a cup of milk. Apparently studies have shown that a cup of milk with breakfast will help curb the 'i'm hungry' feeling you get mid-morning. I'm still going strong with the water.

Exercise
I'm happy to report that I have been out walking! Well to and from school anyway. And as the kids want to ride their bikes, I've been trying to set a brisk pace and keep up with them. It's not enough, but it's a improvement on what I have(n't) been doing.

Thoughts and Actions
Well I had to cancel the beautician appointment for my hairy legs due to illness, but I'm going to re-book it soon. I've bought some moisturiser with a SPF15+ in it and I've been trying to remember to apply that each day. I've also started weaning my son off the breast. When he's all finished I'm going to go and be fitted for some decent bra's.

Goals
*Get back to eating a healthy lunch each day.
*Continue to walk kids to and from school.
*Re-book that appointment.

How has your week gone?

Because I'm Worth It Update

Possibly to much information, but no graphics. Promise.

Food
Breakfast is still going good. Lunch, hmm so so. I haven't had as much salad in my sandwiches as I would have liked. I guess the biggest reason is that I haven't had salad foods pre-prepared, ready to go in the fridge. I must get on to this. Water intake is going well. I'm drinking 1.5-2L a day and it is a comfortable amount. Snacks...not bad but could be better. I've tried cut fruit, popcorn and muffins. I like the muffins, the popcorn just makes me hungry but the fruit is good too.
Exercise
Oh man do I hate formal exercise. So I thought "hmmmm what can I do that could count as exercise". Which leads me to the 'to much information' bit. Did you know for 1/2 hour of sex you burn 13o calories. Not much but about the same as a half hour walk. And I know which one gets my heart racing more ;) Hehehe. So anyway, hubby is liking this new health fad I'm on and I can say I 'exercised' several times this week.
On a more serious note, I have been trying to make an effort this week and although it's still not 'work up a sweat' exercise, it's better than nothing.
Thoughts and Actions
This week I got my eyebrows waxed and I've booked an appointment for my legs to be done too. It's funny how I baulk at spending $10 on an eyebrow wax, yet don't think anything on a $30 splurge at Spotlight..... But as I've said before, this challenge isn't about loosing weight. It's about feeling good about myself. Tomorrow I'm going to the city with a friend to shop for something to wear on Sunday for church. The kids are being massed baptised and I want to look nice up there in front of everybody.
I've cut out several 'projects'. But haven't been able to finish anything yet (see other update post). Will post pics of creations when I've completed them.

Goals for this Week
*Continue moving. Try and get in 2 walks with the kids.
*Get my legs waxed.
*Continue with healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinking water.
*Eat 1 super healthy dinner.

Because I'm Worth It Update

Week Two! been and gone. Wow that went quick, here's my check in:

Food
Again, a couple of slip ups but some progress too. Breakfast is going well and I'm eating a healthy lunch too. I've added more fruit to my diet and my water intake is up to 1.25 (a water bottle size) per day. In fact my body is craving that water. Yesterday I went out and left my water bottle at home, so from 9am till 2pm I didn't drink any water, and had such a terrible head ache by last night.
I've cut my tea and sugar (in the tea) right down. In fact, I'm consuming around 3 tsps of sugar now instead of 6-8 tsps. If I continue this for a whole year I will be cutting out 5kg of sugar from my diet. Pretty cool hey.
I'm not doing so well in the snack department. As soon as 3-4pm hits I'm ravenous, so this week I'm investigating healthy snacks. I also need to be better prepared for when I go out. I need to remember to take my drink bottle with me and I need to remember to take healthy snack/lunch alternatives, so I'm not forced/tempted to buy unhealthy food.

Exercise
Arrgghhhh. I hate exercising. It's set to hit 40 degrees today. Only crazy people seek out exercise in that sort of weather. I bounced on the trampoline a few times, and walked to the deli for milk instead of driving. But again nothing to be proud of.

Thoughts and Actions
I've started on a multi-vitamin supplement this week. Just a general all rounder. I've also been cutting out sewing patterns and getting a list of projects happening. I don't generally sew clothes for myself, I never look like the chick on the pattern envelope. So I've banished the self-hate talk this week and I'm determined to make stuff for me. One item of clothing that is a must is a hat. The essence of this challenge for me looking after myself as a whole. I could loose all the weight in the world, but it wouldn't really matter if I'm looking old and crusty because I don't wear a hat or apply sunscreen.

Goals
*Cut my sugar content in my cups of tea to 1/2tsp.
*Find some healthy snack alternatives
*Be prepared when I leave the house. Make taking a water bottle just as important as taking my purse.
*Include 3 x 30min exercise sessions in my week
*Apply sunscreen and wear a hat if I go out in the sun.

How did your week go?

Because I'm Worth It Update

From Family

Before Shot! Please don't mind the 'around the house clothes' or the toys or the baby.

Week One
Well week one has been good, several positive changes but also a few slip ups. But overall I'm happy. I think I need to set my goals out though, so they are more measurable. At the moment I'm feel what I'm hoping to achieve is a little vague. So here is a update;
Food
I've eaten breakfast each morning for 6 out 7 days. I feel much better by mid morning and I'm not getting a 'oh my I'm going to pass out if I don't get a sugar fix' feeling by lunch time. I've tried to have a healthy lunch, but I still need to work on this. I've cut down how much tea (and therefore sugar in my tea) down to 3 cups a day (3 tsps sugar). I'm also getting in the 6 glasses + of water too. I have slipped up a few times though. I have had take-aways twice and I've had 5 x 500ml iced coffees this week. So thats something I need to work on.
Exercise
Hmmm does it count as an excuse that we have been having 35 degree + days and thats why I couldn't formally exercise this week? Ok, probably a crap excuse. It has been hot, so instead of sitting on the beach during swimming lessons, I have made an effort to get in the water for a splash. I really need to work on this area.
Actions and Thoughts
I've been reading up on tips and ideas on dieting and healthy living and I have started to implement some of them. I've switched to low fat milk, I've started having a glass of milk with breakky (it helps fill you up), I've made an effort to have pre-prepared salad foods in the fridge (sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, grated carrot, all in containers) so I'm more inclined to make a healthy sandwich and I'm trying to get in the habit of carrying a water bottle with me.
Week 2 Goals
*Continue with breakfast, healthy lunch and drinking water
*Cut out the Masters Iced Coffees
*No excuses, exercise for 30 min x 3. Minimum.

Because I'm Worth It

Me and 3 of my children on Christmas morning


Earlier I blogged about ditching the 'I want to lose weight' new years resolution and I decided to replace it with the 'I'm going to love myself' goal. Well I've decided to take it one step further and make it a challenge! I have been following Belinda's Back to Basics Challenge and I have found it incredibly motivating.
So I'm doing the "Because I'm Worth It" Challenge. Each week, on Friday I'm going to update my progress on how I am respecting myself, how I'm treating my body and spirit with kindness. All sounds wishy washy I know, but hell, the "I want to lose weight' yearly statement/goal is just not working!

So I've decided to break it up into categories (bit like the Back to basics Challenge):
Food
What I eat, what I want to eat, new foods, new recipe's.
Exercise
Similar to food, and total minutes exercised
Actions and Thoughts
Changing my thought process, how I'm changing my attitude, what little things am I doing to show self-respect.

If I think of more, I'll add them!

So here goes....
Food.
I need to eat breakfast everyday. This is a bad habit for me...the breakfast skipping. This morning I had porridge with a little maple syrup and banana. Also I'm aiming for 1L of water per day.

Exercise
This week the aim is to do 3 x 30 min of exercise per week. My concrete blocks stopping me doing this is the heat. We are in a heat wave of 37 degree days at the moment and I hate exercising when it is hot. However, kids are doing swimming lessons down the beach, I could pop the two year old in the big floaty doughnut thing and just walk up and down the beach. The kids lesson goes for 45 min so I can probably get a couple of 30 min sessions in.

Actions and Thoughts
In my earlier post I said I wasn't going to hide myself when I go to the beach anymore. Well I did it! Twice! I swam in just bathers, I played chasey with the kids, I built sand castles and generally splashed about. With no boardshorts to 'hide' me and without venturing out to the deeper water to 'hide' my body. It was very liberating!

Check out Lizards Tips and Tracy's Journey .