FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 22

Apple....
DAY: Twenty, Twenty-one and Twenty-Two Weekend break away
Rather than detailing everything I have eaten this weekend I’ll give you a sample of the highlights!
BREAKFASTS: Porridge, poached egg, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms with one small half slice of wholemeal toast, dried apricots and fresh prunes.
LUNCHES: Peanut Trek bar – on Saturday and Sunday all I needed after a big breakfast!
DINNERS: Goats cheese salad, honey parsnip soup (resisted the bread!), smoked haddock kedgeree, Caerphilly cheese and leek sausages with roasted vegetables.
TREATS AND SNACKS: a piece of coffee walnut cake from a lovely tea shop! Wine tasting session – 5 wines but very small glasses!
EXERCISE: 8 hours walking ...up steep hills, through muddy fields, over numerous stiles!

Wow, what a fun weekend! I LOVE walking and nothing gives me more pleasure than pulling on my walking boots and spending the whole day scaling hills and skipping down dales!
Now reading the samples from my food diary may fill you with horror ...cake and wine??? Yes, I did step off track this weekend at times but it was so hard not to. There was a limited choice of food on the menu at the hotel but I chose wisely where I could. Breakfasts were relatively easy and I was happy with my choices. I honestly didn’t want any more for lunch than my trek bar. It contained enough energy to get me through the rest of the walk and meant I didn’t feel so bad when dinner time came! It was hard to say no to the wine tasting as it was free and part of the weekend package. Also, my husband would have been upset to take part on his own so I decided it was a time when his feelings were more important than mine. Especially as I had already turned down opening the free bottle of champagne we had in our room...we brought that home instead!

Big downside to the weekend though...because of the richer food and wine tasting, I felt really ill through the night on both nights. Bloated and sick. I was determined that it wouldn’t spoil my weekend and after breakfast on both mornings I did feel better but I can’t believe how badly it affected me.

As for the coffee walnut cake today - well...I can’t make any excuses for that other than after two really long and arduous walks I felt I had deserved it! I’m not falling back into the trap of ‘rewarding’ myself with bad food but I don’t go to tea rooms very often and this was a special occasion. Moreover, it was a very lovely tea room and I really wanted that cake today!
So, all in all (apart from feeling sick at night!) a lovely weekend with lovely memories...
I am happy to step back on track now and get back to ‘normal’ which for me now is hopefully healthy food choices and regular exercise sessions. Looking forward to Sue putting us through our paces tomorrow and then a toning class in the evening!

Pear....
BREAKFAST: Porridge
LUNCH: 4 Rice Cakes with houmous and cucumber
DINNER: Fish Pie – assorted fish with onion, carrot, cream, egg, parsley and sliced potato with green veg
SNACKS: handful of nuts
EXERCISE: None

Well what can I say, but YES another good night’s sleep. What a difference it makes.
Spring-cleaned my cupboards and ovens today. Oh dear, not good! I was throwing out ryvitas, weight watchers soups, sauces that had gone out of date! Mind you even if they were in date I wouldn’t be using them now! I can now actually see the back of my cupboards and hopefully now they will stay that way! My ovens are spotless and I must thank my husband for that, he did put in a lot of hard work scrubbing!

Again I did no exercise, but then I haven’t sat down all day and surely all that rubbing down will count for something? Or am I trying to kid myself?

I was so pleased I’d made my fish pie yesterday, it was so nice not having to cook today and just concentrate on cleaning. I must say I did enjoy it (the pie that is) it did feel a bit indulgent having the cream, but I know we’re allowed dairy so it must be ok. I do feel really full; it will be interesting to see how my stomach copes with the richness.

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, yoghurt, berries, seeds
LUNCH: Rice cakes, avocado, houmous
DINNER: Roast pork, roast potatoes, roast mixed vegetables, green beans, and broccoli
SNACKS: banana, brazil nuts, Satsuma, rice pudding (made with coconut milk) and mango
EXERCISE: 60 mins dog walk

What a difference today..I was back to my old symptoms with avengeance and had discomfort all day. Now I really think that the cheese and little bits of wheat I ate yesterday have had a negative effect on me. So, back to the no dairy (but will keep on with the yoghurt as that doesn’t seem to cause problems) and no wheat. I am really not bothered about including sugar and alcohol back in my food choices as I haven’t missed them at all. I know already that alcohol does have an negative effect on me as I have noticed that I tend to have hot flushes and little sleep when I have a couple of glasses of wine. And as for sugar, well it is now thought to be linked to so many health problems that I am not inclined to want to eat it.

I really fancied some rice pudding today, so had a go at making it with coconut milk. I quite like the result and have made some for Apple and Pear to try..Not sure what they will think!!

So wheat and dairy free today I am now looking forward to having a more comfortable day tomorrow…

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 23

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week Four

We are now thinking about the final day of this first stage of FAT-SCRAP and are looking forward to discovering our body composition results which will measure our total body fat percentage and our lean tissue body percentage. We are hoping that these measurements will show a reduction of body fat without a reduction of lean tissue but it is likely that some lean tissue will have also been lost. The exercises we have been doing have been important in helping the body to retain this lean tissue and encouraging it to lose the body fat. We are also hoping to see some changes on the tape measure.

We will be ending this stage on Thursday, which isn’t quite the full 4 weeks (we started on a Sunday) because Pear is going away on holiday on Friday. Luckily for Pear, at the end of week 4, the programme suggests a week of rest….eat, drink, exercise as you wish. It will be interesting to see what choices we all make in this week. But for now, we are starting week four with the choice to include wheat and dairy in our food choices. Keep reading if you want to see how we get on!

Apple….
I can’t believe we are already on week 4!! I’m looking forward to having another good week and hopefully cracking my first mini-goal of being below 13 stone . I am looking forward to learning more about how food effects us physically especially when fluctuating hormones come into play.
Pear…
Looking forward to Week 4 and learning to stay focused and continue to be strong in making the right choices

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 22
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 23
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 24
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 25
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Summary
What Next?

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week Three Summary

Apple….
Starting weight: 13 stone 9 ¾
Current weight: 13 stone 1 ¼
Weight change week one: – 2 ¾ lb
Weight change week two: – 2 ½ lb
Weight change week three: – 3 ¼ lb
Total weight change to date: - 8.5 lb

What have you found easier or enjoyed more this week?
I’m finding it easier to naturally make healthier choices when I am eating at home and shopping in the supermarket.

What have you found more difficult or not enjoyed this week?
I have found it a real challenge this week to fit in the exercise sessions. This has mainly been due to workload and catching up on things before going away this weekend. As a result I have been staying up far too late...only way to get everything done as there are not enough hours in the day!! But I have been exhausted as a result!

What positive effects have you noticed this week?
Great for me to lose more weight according to the scales but more than anything I am THRILLED that my PMT symptoms are much less than normal. I’m not sure exactly what to pin this on but, looking at what I usually crave at this time of the month, my money is on sugar and wheat. So, leaving those out of my diet – or at very least minimising my intake in future will hopefully help me long-term. I cannot tell you what a huge difference this will make to my quality of life.

What negative effects have you noticed this week?
None except I have been worrying about having a weekend away where food choices will be more difficult.

What have you learned this week?
That food can have a HUGE impact on PMT symptoms. I think I suspected that it must do but only by cutting out these major food groups have I been able to prove that one or more of them are culprits!!

Pear…
Starting Weight: 12.5 ½ st
Current Weight: 11.11 ¾ st
Weight change week one: -5 ¾ lbs
Weight change week two: – ¾ lb
Weight change week three – 1 ¼ lb
Total weight change to date: - 7 ¾ lb

What have you found easier or enjoyed more this week?
I’ve definitely found the exercise easier (shouldn’t really say that as Sue will no doubt make them harder if she reads this!!) I actually get quite excited too about what I’m going to have to eat in the evening and trying something new.

What have you found more difficult or not enjoyed this week?
I’ve definitely not enjoyed the sleepless nights, they were really getting me down. I’m hoping that now I’m not aching so much after exercise this may help me at night. I was a bit disappointed in my weight loss (yes I know we shouldn’t look at this but it does give you a bit of an incentive if you’ve lost), however Sue did say that maybe due to the lack of sleep I’m getting, my body isn’t recharging itself at night and this could have an affect on weight loss.

What positive effects have you noticed this week?
On our last session though, after saying the above, Apple did comment that she thought I had lost weight just looking at me. Which was lovely to hear after all our hard work. So thank you Apple. I definitely feel fitter and am not interested in ruining what I have done so far.

What negative effects have you noticed this week?
Obviously lack of sleep yet again.

What have you learned this week?
Its not just the change in our diets but exercise too which is helping us to drop a dress size!

Me….
Starting weight: 8stone 7¾
Current weight: 8 stone 4 ¾
Weight change week one: - 1½ lbs
Weight change week two: - ½ lbs
Weight change week three: - 1 lbs
Total weight change: - 3lbs

What have you found easier or enjoyed more this week?
Because I am feeling stronger I am finding the exercises easier and managing to do more.

What have you found more difficult or not enjoyed this week?
The weigh-ins are still proving to be a source of nervous anticipation.

What positive effects have you noticed this week?
I am feeling stronger, healthier and fitter and enjoying life!

What negative effects have you noticed this week?
Having introduced a small amount of dairy I am noticing some signs of abdominal bloating again.

What have you learned this week?
That making changes requires hard work and sacrifices. Also, that I am probably intolerant to dairy, wheat, sugar and alcohol but having omitted them from my choices now for three weeks, and not really finding it that difficult to do so, will give me the confidence to continue make different choices.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week Four

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 21

Apple....
Sorry, no blog today as I am away on holiday but will catch up with you again on Monday.

Pear....
BREAKFAST: Porridge
LUNCH: 3 Rice Cakes with houmous
DINNER: A Greek Feast! Houmous, tziki, taramasalata, falafel, Greek salad with feta cheese, feta cheese & spinach parcels, chicken and lamb kebabs and rice
SNACKS: Banana and ½ vegetable juice bar
EXERCISE: None

Hooray…a lovely nights sleep and don’t I feel better for it!! It makes such a difference; I’ve had lots of energy today this has made the day so much easier and enjoyable! Had so much running around to do which was great as hardly stopped and didn’t need to!

Sue wrote a message on my blog yesterday about needing some carbs, sorry I forgot to add in my salad I did have 4 new potatoes in with it!! So hopefully that’s good enough. I did feel hungry by the time I had my lunch because I didn’t take any snacks with me to eat about 11am. I must remember to put a box of nuts in my bag for emergencies!

Went out in the evening to a Greek Restaurant for my mum’s birthday. I wasn’t driving so thought I would probably have a glass of wine, but I surprised myself and didn’t and actually wasn’t really that fussed about it! Is this another hurdle I’ve crossed?? We had a great time, a bit cheesy, but the best thing is I know I won’t be waking up with a fuzzy head!

It’s really funny, we were allowed to introduce dairy back into our diet this week, but I think I’ve only had a couple of cups of tea with milk in and that’s about it. Just goes to show you can make do without. Mind you to save time tomorrow I have made a fish pie with double cream and mashed potato. I really didn’t want to make myself a separate one so have had the cream in it but put sliced potato on one half instead of the mash with cream and butter in it….that’s ok isn’t it???

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, yoghurt, berries, seeds
LUNCH: bacon, egg, sausage (little wheat), spinach, tomatoes, orange juice. grapes
DINNER: houmous, salad, chicken casserole, rice, fruit, yoghurt
SNACKS: banana, walnuts, cottage cheese with pineapple and rice cake
EXERCISE: 60 mins dog walk

We decided on a delicious brunch today to keep us feeling fuller for longer as we knew we wouldn’t be eating to much later than normal this evening...and it worked a treat! This is why it is so important to choose protein foods as they are satiating, which is one of the reasons why diets some people like the high protein Atkins diet.

I did notice that last night I felt a bit bloated again, something I have not had since starting this programme, and I am wondering if it is a side effect of eating the cottage cheese yesterday. I tried just a little bit today to see how I feel tonight and I have to say that I am noticing a bit of discomfort again, but not a s much as last night. I will not have any dairy tomorrow (except for the yoghurt) and see what happens then.

The FAT-SCRAP TRAILS Week Three Summary

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 20

Apple....
Sorry, no blog today as I am away on holiday but will catch up with you again on Monday.

Pear....
BREAKFAST: Greek Yoghurt with blueberries and seeds
LUNCH: 3 Rice Cakes – 1 with mashed avocado and tuna
DINNER: Nicoise Salad – salad leaves, pepper, tomatoes, green beans, anchovies and a tuna steak
SNACKS: Banana and half a vegetable juice bar
EXERCISE: 30 mins cardiovascular training session with Sue and Apple

I’ve had a really good day today (despite the lack of sleep). We had an early session with Sue this morning, which was great to get the day started. We only had time for half an hours exercise today, but that didn’t stop Sue from working us hard. We only used the step and rowing machines and did 20 second spurts of as fast as we could go with a 10 second rest. Repeated this 4 times, rotated machines and did the same we then repeated the circuit 4 times. It was hard work but felt like I had really worked hard. It just goes to show even if you only have ½ hour free in your day, you can still fit in a good work out!

I must say I did have loads of energy for the rest of the day, but by 8pm I was ready for my bed. That didn’t happen though as was picking up my son at 11pm. I’m just hoping now that because I’m so tired and going to bed later than normal, I WILL sleep well!

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, yoghurt, berries, seeds
LUNCH: cottage cheese and pineapple, rice cakes, orange
DINNER: Thai green curry with fish, sugar snaps, bean sprouts, green beans, rice
SNACKS: banana, walnuts, oats with milk and sultanas, pistachio nuts
EXERCISE: 60 mins dog walk

I woke up feeling ravenous, must have been all the exercise yesterday and the fact that I hadn’t had any starchy carbohydrates with my dinner. I know that following a low carb diet would leave me feeling very tired and hungry but I do now believe that wheat is not a great source of carbohydrates for me. So, I tucked into my breakfast at 7am….then my snack of fruit and nuts at 11am..my lunch at 2pm…another snack at 3pm…another snack at 4pm and dinner at 5.30pm…at which point I felt as if I had filled myself up again!! This brings me to another good point about weight loss….

It is important that food is eaten regularly so that the metabolism is kept burning and the body doesn’t go into starvation mode. You need to show your body that it can use your stored body fat as a fuel rather than use valuable muscle. Through exercising and eating regularly you will be burning body fat and feeding your muscles.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 21

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 19

Apple....
BREAKFAST: porridge with skimmed milk, brazil nuts and apricots
LUNCH: Smoothie (raspberry, yoghurt, peach) and small Nakd banana bread bar
DINNER: Vegetable stir fry with Thai red curry sauce, handful of cashews, couple of tablespoons of basmati rice
SNACKS: Banana, small packet of Japanese rice crackers, 2 plain rice cakes, an avocado, 2 satsumas.
EXERCISE: 2½ hours yoga

Another mad day rushing around! As you can see my eating was quite erratic today. Lunch doesn’t sound very exciting but I was between two classes and it’s not advisable to eat a lot before tying yourself in knots!! I did snack quite a bit today and felt like I ate more than normal. This is partly due to the sort of day I’ve had and also down to PMT.

I have to say that quite amazingly this month for ...honestly...the first time in as long as I can remember; my PMT symptoms are greatly reduced!! I have still felt that I wanted to eat much more than normal but I’ve managed to stick to healthy food this time which is very unusual. I normally eat anything and everything that isn’t nailed down and usually very high sugar and carbohydrate content foods...biscuits, cakes, chocolate etc... I also have so much more energy this month, usually just before my period I am totally exhausted. So, I am absolutely thrilled!! I wonder why though?? Could it be the wheat or the sugar? Or maybe both??

Also, even better news....I am not nearly as emotional and down as usual this month. Normally in these few PMT days I can get down to the point of depression. I don’t want to leave the house, don’t want to see anyone, can’t call anyone, find it very hard to work. I find these few days really, really difficult. But....hey!! I feel fine. Maybe, just maybe it hasn’t kicked in fully yet but maybe I’ve actually cracked it and my symptoms are influenced by the food I eat. I’ll let you know in the coming days what happens....

I’m looking forward to a short break away this weekend. Hope to relax but to be active too! We have an outdoor training session with Sue tomorrow first and our weigh in.... I will be interested to see how I have done this week. Usually at PMT time I can put on up to half a stone so let’s see if that is reflected on the scales tomorrow!

As I’m away I won’t be writing my blog again until Monday but hopefully will have some stories then of the challenges I’ve faced and how I have managed them.

Pear….
BREAKFAST: Porridge with blueberries
LUNCH: 2 poached eggs with 2 slices wheatfree bread
DINNER: Thai Green Chicken Curry with coconut rice
SNACKS: 4 lge prawns, ½ nakd bar
EXERCISE: 20 min dog walk

Had a really good day today (even though blowing my nose every 5 mins!). I had an appointment in town today, so met a friend for a coffee before my meeting. The first time I’ve been into a coffee shop with all its temptations. But I was so good, skinny decaf cappuccino and without the chocolate sprinkled on top! I am so pleased with myself making the right choices and I can say it’s becoming easier and easier!

I was going to grab another packet of Sushi for my lunch but didn’t have the time after my appointment to get it (I knew I should’ve bought it first!). So when I got home I wasn’t very prepared and looked in the cupboards for a bit of inspiration. I was struggling a bit as it’s that time of the week I need to shop so supplies getting low. Luckily I had 2 eggs left so had them poached on toast. I must say I do enjoy that and its filling.

As the dog was bandaged up, I managed only a 20 min stroll around the pavements, which wasn’t good. I then felt really tired (this lack of sleep is really getting me down), so I had a 15 min sleep on the sofa before going out to my daughters school for parents evening.

Oh I forgot to say….gosh did my buttock muscles hurt today from yesterday’s exercises!!! Amazing as they were done in the house and at the time they felt fairly easy, just goes to show they’re obviously muscles I hardly use!

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, yoghurt, apple, sultanas, cinnamon, seeds
LUNCH: goats cheese, red cabbage, banana, walnuts, almonds, satsuma
DINNER: salmon, roasted Mediterranean vegetables
SNACKS: ½ Nakd bar, oatcakes
EXERCISE: 30 mins dog walk, 30 mins ball class, 45 mins yoga, 20 mins workout, 45 mins dancing

Another busy day with lots of activity..So nice to be getting back to normal again after the snow stopped play! Got back to my weekly dancing session with my husband this evening, although I think we laugh more than we dance..Laughing must count as exercise as it uses lots of muscles!! We were learning the Samba today, which requires lots of bouncing about, so my legs really got a final hammering after all the work they had done already. It’s amazing how just doing a different form of exercise can use different muscles. I would also like to add here the importance of enjoying exercise.

When you are exercising I believe you should be relaxed and enjoying it, perhaps because it is fun or you like the feeling it has on your body or because it is sociable, but whatever your reason, it needs to be a positive experience for you in someway. If not, it becomes stressful and then the positive benefits it may be giving you are lost in the stress you are feeling and this is when it becomes so easy to give up. So, finding exercise you enjoy will motivate you to continue, making it part of your regular routine and also release those “feel good” endorphins!

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 20

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 18

Apple....
BREAKFAST: porridge with skimmed milk and mixed berries
LUNCH:Oatcakes with light cottage cheese
DINNER: Sue’s quinoa curry! two tablespoons of rice, mini poppadoms
SNACKS: Handful of brazil nuts and dried apricots
EXERCISE: ½ hour power walk, 45 minutes circuit training

Another busy day for me...I seem to be chasing my tail a bit at the moment! Had to drop my car at the garage for repairs so took that opportunity to have a brisk power walk home, lovely to be out in the fresh air.

As I didn’t have my car today I thought I would have to cancel my session with Sue and Pear. But, I called Sue and she suggested they come to me instead! I was thrilled as I really hadn’t wanted to miss our session. We did just as good a workout at my house as Sue carefully adapted the circuit to the space we had available.

In the afternoon, after getting my car back, I went to watch my son play rugby. After the game there was the usual match tea and accompanying goodies!!! I was offered a large tray of cakes (politely refused)..followed by a large tray of sandwiches (firmly refused)..followed by a large tray of mini Danish pastries (even more firmly refused but inside I was shouting ‘come any closer with those and I’ll throw the whole b#*@%y tray across the room’). But..I got through it!! Another mum did look at me rather strangely, like I was ill or something and I found myself having to make numerous excuses as to why I had shunned the legendary match tea treats! Felt so much better as I walked to the car, even if I could have gnawed the plastic coating off the aerial by the time I got there!

Hunger/craving pangs passed though and I managed the rest of the day fine.
So, still fine on this eating plan. It’s not nearly as hard as I first anticipated, just needs determination and focus to stick to it. I’m so proud of myself that I’ve stuck with it – and it’s such an incredibly empowering feeling.

And I’m loving the exercise!! Working out with Pear and Sue is so much fun. Even though it is a challenge to fit it in when I am busy, I wouldn’t miss our sessions for the world!!

Pear….
BREAKFAST: Porridge with blueberries
LUNCH: 2 poached eggs with 2 slices wheatfree bread
DINNER: Quinoa Curry – made by Sue
SNACKS: ½ Nakd bar, banana
EXERCISE: 60 min gym session with Sue and 75 min dog walk

Well I would like to say I had a good nights sleep, but oh no I didn’t, but I’m not going to hark on about it today as its boring, I think I’ll just celebrate when I do get a good nights sleep!
Head cold a little better today, so that has helped. Had a fitness session with Apple and Sue today at Apple’s house which was great as it could show us the types of exercise we could do on our own in our homes, without all the weights and exercise machines. It’s amazing what you can do so definitely learned a lot today, just got to remember them!

After our session I was meeting with a friend for a dog walk, which again was great as its so much more fun walking with someone, makes the time go so much quicker. We did a long walk, which was beneficial for both the dog and me, however when we got home I noticed his paw was bleeding. I left it for a while but later it was seeping blood quite badly so whisked him down the vets, where luckily it didn’t need stitches but a bandage on for 5 days.
By the time I got home it was 6.45pm and I was starving. I was so grateful for the delicious (and quite spicy) curry Sue had made Apple and me. All I had to do was warm it up and crikey was it filling. I even had to leave some I was so full

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, yoghurt, raspberries, seeds
LUNCH: houmous, celery, red pepper, orange
DINNER: quinoa curry with tomatoes, spinach, potato and peas
SNACKS: Banana, walnuts, ½ Nakd bar
EXERCISE: 45 mins dog walk, 45 mins workout, 1 ½ hours yoga, 45 mins hooping

I excelled at being mega organised today and even managed to cook the curry for my dinner while I was making breakfast, empting the dishwasher, sorting out washing etc, etc, etc!! This meant I had lots of time to work and fit in some of my own things I enjoy like yoga and hula hooping. I noticed that my body felt a lot stronger today when I was working out, and I was surprised that I still had the stamina to keep going through the other exercise sessions. Mind you, come 9.30 I was flaking and now I know I will be out like a light when my head hits the pillow.

If you are wondering what quinoa is, you cook it like a grain although botanically it is actually a seed. Like grains, it is a good source of complex carbohydrates. However, it has a greater protein content than most grains, and unlike other grains, contains all the amino acids needed for health. It also contains useful amounts of manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorous as well as B vitamins and small amounts of the essential fats. The fibre in quinoa makes it useful for cleansing the intestines and preventing cardiovascular disease.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 19

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 17

Apple....
BREAKFAST: porridge with soya milk and mixed berries
LUNCH: Oatcakes with tomato puree and avocado, dried apricots, dates
DINNER: Prawn and vegetable sir fry with rice noodles and soy sauce.
SNACKS: Food doctor ‘...And go’ bar, handful of brazil nuts
EXERCISE: 1 hour yoga fitness class

Another day which seemed to go by in a whirlwind for me. Sometimes I feel I pack too much in which doesn’t help at all with my eating patterns and food choices.

Breakfast was fine but I was really hungry mid morning...haven’t felt like that so far on this plan but I do find my appetite fluctuates at certain times of the month and I’m coming up to that time now. Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to have a snack as I was working and the job I do does not allow for snack breaks.

My morning’s work over ran a little meaning that I was faced with a choice...it was quarter to one and the class I really enjoy at the gym started at 1pm. So, just enough time to get changed quickly and race down there or...eat some lunch. The sensible me said I should slow down and eat, the not so sensible me said, if you hurry you can make it, eat later!! So I went with the second option. I ate my Food Doctor bar in the car on the way to the gym...I know, I know, that’s terrible!! Straight after my class I had arranged to meet a chum at the pub next door for a coffee. There were plenty of food choices available and she asked if I was going to have something. I said no automatically as I didn’t want anything unhealthy and there weren’t any healthy options on offer. But I have to say by this time my tummy was really grumbling!

On the way back home I stopped at the shop to pick up a couple of things. Now I have to say that usually, bearing in mind how hungry I was, I would have picked up a chocolate bar, packet of crisps, biscuits..at best a sugary cereal bar, but – I didn’t. I did buy an avocado to have with my lunch but that was all! I was truly very proud of myself.

I popped home and eventually had my lunch at 3.40pm, standing up, crammed into 5 minutes before I went out the door again to do the school run. I felt quite sad that I hadn’t found time to sit down today and have a proper lunch. Dinner was similar. A rushed stir fry before again rushing out the door to go to a meeting. I didn’t enjoy my dinner at all tonight in fact I thought the combination tasted horrible! It would have been so much better with some fresh garlic and chilli that I had in the fridge but I just didn’t have the time, nor the inclination, to make more of an effort today.

I am sure that when Sue reads this she will be disappointed in me but I know that it’s how I feel myself about it that matters more. I guess that overall I could have made bad choices but I didn’t. Better preparation and more time would have meant I would have enjoyed my food today. But...never mind!!! Tomorrow is another day and what’s more....I really enjoyed my class so making that was definitely worth it!!!

Pear....
BREAKFAST: Porridge with blueberries
LUNCH: 3 Rice Cakes – 1 with mashed avocado and sliced beetroot, 2 with mackerel pate and sliced beetroot
DINNER: 3 egg (1 yolk 3 white) omelette with onion, pepper, sweetcorn, tomatoes, mushrooms and jacket potato
SNACKS: Banana and nuts, small bowl natural yoghurt
EXERCISE: 60 min dog walk

So much for getting a good nights sleep. Went to sleep so well last night but woke at 12.30am full of cold! Tried to get back to sleep but couldn’t. (Sorry all I seem to be doing is moaning!) I should be full of energy and in fine spirits, but no not today!

Had no energy whatsoever today, just full of a head cold and wished I could’ve gone back to bed. Still plodded on all day as had lots of work to do. I did manage to walk the dog and I was going to try and get on the treadmill, but instead had a nap for 20 mins. I did feel a little better after this and managed to make everyone their tea and a nice omelette for me.

I’m now off to have a head steam and an early night and hope I’ll be feeling better in the morning. I’ve got to be, we’ve got another session with Sue.

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, yoghurt, raspberries, seeds
LUNCH: houmous, celery, beetroot, oat cakes, orange
DINNER: jacket potato, goats’ cheese, red cabbage with apple
SNACKS: Banana, almonds, sultanas
EXERCISE: 60 mins dog walk

I noticed the after effects of my active day yesterday by feeling hungry and tired today but I wasn’t sure if I was hungry because I was tired or tired because I was hungry! Anyway, ate sensibly, made sure I didn’t to anything to strenuous and going to bed early, so all being well, my body will recover nicely from all the exercise yesterday and tomorrow I will have a stronger and fitter body than I had before.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 18

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 16

Apple....
BREAKFAST: Porridge with soya milk and mixed berries
LUNCH: Sushi and an orange
DINNER:Oatcakes with mackerel pate, lettuce and radish. Dried apricots.
SNACKS: Juice Bar, handful of Watermelon seeds, piece of coffee and walnut cake!!
EXERCISE: 45 minutes circuit training with Sue and Pear, toning class 1 hour

Had a fabulous day!! Woke at 5.45am to my 10 year old giving me the first clue to a round the house treasure hunt for my birthday presents...boy he made me work hard for them! After taking the boys to school and meeting two chums for a coffee I headed to Sue’s for circuit training with Pear. Great session today, felt loads of adrenalin pumping....not sure if that was the exercise or the excitement of my birthday! Yes, I’ll admit it, I’m 42 and I STILL get very excited about my birthday!

Went into town and, after reading Pear’s blog from the other day, treated myself to some Sushi from the Sushi Bar for my lunch...absolutely delicious! I’d forgotten how much I love Sushi.

This afternoon I headed to the garden centre with my oldest son and indulged in my favourite piece of cake...coffee and walnut. Hmmm, it was wonderful. I savoured every mouthful, much more than normal. Ate it really slowly because I didn’t want it to end and practically licked the pattern off the plate!!! Seriously though, I really enjoyed it. I think in the past I have eaten things like that mindlessly, not even remembering often what I have eaten, just stuffing it in. This time I loved every moment. Very special, for a special occasion, and something I know now I am not going to choose every day anymore. That made it all the better!

Some of you may think I am mad to then exercise again in the evening but...that’s me! I love the class I go to, such a feel good class with great friends who I wanted to spend time with on my birthday, so what better way than sharing healthy moments together! Also, I want to keep up as much exercise as possible this week as I’m looking forward to a weekend away this weekend. I’d like to do lots of walking, weather permitting, but want to kick back and just relax too.

So, at the end of a happy and enjoyable day...time to reflect...and say that I feel SO grateful today to have such special and lovely friends and family who have made my birthday so much fun. Here’s to happy and healthy year ahead for everyone!

Pear....
BREAKFAST: Bowl porridge with chopped pear
LUNCH: 3 Rice Cakes with mashed avocado and sliced beetroot
DINNER: Thai Green Prawn Curry with green beans, mange tout, green pepper, onion, garlic and ginger with brown basmati rice
SNACKS: Handful of nuts and 2 oatcakes with homemade mackerel pate
EXERCISE: 45 mins gym session with Sue and Apple and 60 min dog walk

For some reason after all my hard work yesterday I had a bad nights sleep so woke really sluggish this morning. Still once up I felt fine and raring to go.
We had an early morning session with Sue today which was great, and a really good way to get you going. I must admit I do come out of there an hour later ready for the day with lots more energy, so maybe this exercise lark isn’t too bad after all.

After my lunch and a dog walk, I did start to feel hungry and for the first time in a while I fancied something sweet! I made a coffee with soya milk (which tastes sweeter than ordinary milk) and felt better after that. I also made some of the mackerel pate Sue had made us the other day to try and had a couple of oatcakes with that on top. Once again this has confirmed to me that you really do have to be organised and have plenty of the right food choices in the cupboards to curb your hunger as I’m sure there would be less biscuits in the tin now!!

Me….
BREAKFAST: Porridge, apricots, yoghurt, seeds
LUNCH: houmous, celery, cold beef, tomato, apple
DINNER: chorizo, potato, red pepper, mushroom, spinach, and tomato omelette
SNACKS: veggie juice bar, walnuts, banana, yoghurt
EXERCISE: loads!!

A buzzing day both physically and mentally so I was extremely grateful for the larger sized portion of porridge I had for breakfast! I had very little time to eat so made sure I grazed healthily and regularly, topping up my energy supplies. My family decided that they wanted to eat Pizza for dinner, which smelt wonderful as it came out of the oven, and which had my addition of mushrooms and peppers, and served up with a side salad. Of course, I chose not to have any pizza as it contains wheat but I fancied something similar, so threw together a pizza style omelette which satisfied my taste buds as well as my body!!

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 17

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week Three

So, here we are starting week three with the choice to introduce some more dairy foods into our food choices. For the last two weeks the only dairy we have been eating has been natural yogurt. Restricting the dairy choices has led to us all having to think of alternative options instead of reaching into the fridge and grabbing the easy option of cheese. The other reason we omitted the dairy was to see if not having it made any difference to our general health and well being or if this is one of the foods that may be keeping us holding on to our body fat.

It is interesting to notice that we are all talking about only choosing to introduce a little dairy at this stage, mainly because we have had such good results so far. It is important however, that we ensure we do consume adequate supplies of foods containing calcium in other forms.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 16
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 17
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 18
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 19
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 20
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 21
The FAT-SCRAP TRAILS Week Three Summary



The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 22

THE FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week Two Summary

Apple….
Starting weight: 13 stone 9 ¾
Current weight: 13 stone 4 ½
Weight change week one: – 2 ¾ lb
Weight change week two: – 2 ½ lb
Total weight change to date: - 5 ¼ lb

What have you found easier or enjoyed more this week?
My muscles are definitely getting used to the circuit training and I feel much more toned as a result. Loving the regular workouts and enjoying trying some different food combinations. That doesn’t feel so daunting now!

What have you found more difficult or not enjoyed this week?
I was really upset not to have fitted in any exercise this weekend due to being on a course. It was impossible to fit it in and I know I have to accept that but I definitely haven’t enjoyed it.

What positive effects have you noticed this week?
More toned physically and I have SO much more energy.

What negative effects have you noticed this week?
Er, I honestly can’t think of any....

What have you learned this week?
How to handle challenges and that hey, I can meet temptation head on and not only resist but confidently make alternative and better food choices!

What do you still want to learn?
I feel this is a huge learning curve for me, cooking new things, working out in new ways, dealing with challenges...and I just want to carry on learning more about everything!

Pear…
Starting Weight: 12.5 ½ st
Current Weight: 11.13 st
Weight change week one: -5 ¾ lbs
Weight change week two: – ¾ lb
Total weight change to date: - 6 ½ lb

What have you found easier or enjoyed more this week?
I’ve definitely found the exercising easier this week. Well I cant say its been easy but I’m not struggling as much as I did in the first week. I also like the fact that I am not aching a lot compared to the first week and even though I have worked hard, it does not hurt to walk or sit down or keep me awake. Talking of sleep, this last week I’ve slept so much better and not been tired during the day.

What have you found more difficult or not enjoyed this week?
I’ve found it difficult to fit in exercise this week, due to work and home life commitments.Luckily having prebooked the time for the sessions with Sue and Apple in my diary has made me commit to those. I think if I was doing it on my own, I could have talked myself into doing no exercise at all!

What positive effects have you noticed this week?
Definitely sleeping better. I’ve also had my period this week, and I didn’t crave a thing, which is great as usually, a few days before, I’m craving anything and everything. I cant say I’ve even looked at a chocolate bar or a packet of crisps.

What negative effects have you noticed this week?
I was slightly upset with only losing ¾ pound this week, but then again I did have a great loss the previous week and over the 2 weeks it’s a great result.

What have you learned this week?
The most important thing I have learned is that this is a journey and its ok to step off that journey for a special occasion if I choose to but I know that I can get back on the right track the next day and not think that I have spoilt the diet and just have another binge!

What do you still want to learn?
I still want to learn to love exercise. At the moment I feel its necessary but truthfully, if I wasn’t going to see Sue, I wouldn’t bother. I want that feeling of waking up in the morning and thinking I’m going for a power walk yippee!!!

Me….
Starting weight: 8 stone 7¾
Current weight: 8 stone 5 ¾
Weight change week one: - 1½ lbs
Weight change week two: - ½ lbs
Total weight change: - 2lbs

What have you found easier or enjoyed more this week?
I have enjoyed the higher levels of energy I have in the afternoons and having a clear mind. Also I have enjoyed creating quick healthy meals that all of the family can enjoy.

What have you found more difficult or not enjoyed this week?
Washing up!!

What positive effects have you noticed this week?
The symptoms of the colitis type condition that I usually have are reduced, especially the abdominal heaviness and bloating. Also, positive for me is that I did not lose too much weight..I am doing this to help strengthen my immune system rather than for weight loss. (Thank you to everyone who is concerned that I might lose too much weight x x )

What negative effects have you noticed this week?
None

What have you learned this week?
That I used sugary foods and bread to combat feelings of tiredness, when infact these foods could be contributing to making me feel tired.

What do you still want to learn?
If this programme is going to continue giving me positive benefits.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week Three

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 15

Apple....
BREAKFAST: porridge with soya milk and mixed berries
LUNCH: Oatcakes with peanut butter and banana. Pear.
DINNER:Jacket potato with homemade mackerel pate as a topping, large salad made with mixed leaves, cucumber, spring onion and cherry tomatoes. Orange.
SNACKS: Food doctor ‘Get set’ bar
EXERCISE: Urghh!!! Still none!...not a happy bunny!!

Yay!!!! I did it!! My course weekend is over and I’ve been biscuit-free!!! The weirdest thing for me today was that (would you believe this??) I didn’t even notice them! Honestly.
Mid morning I had my first cup of coffee with milk, I have to say it tasted fabulous! However, they only had semi-skimmed milk so I just had a little but even that tasted too creamy for me now. How funny! Maybe my taste buds have changed already? I have bought skimmed milk for at home and only plan to have it in tea and coffee and maybe on my porridge, so I reckon that will taste better now.

When I got home I amazed myself by making some homemade mackerel pate whilst I cooked a pasta dinner for the family. Amazed because normally after a course and a long drive all I want to do is flop and eat rubbish but today I felt so full of energy! I added a little too much lemon to the pate which I thought was fine but my son preferred it less lemony. It made a great topping for my jacket potato and also meant I didn’t need a dressing for my salad. Lovely!!

Again my concentration levels were great throughout the day and I definitely didn’t feel hungry at all.

My only big frustration today was having to sacrifice my exercise again. But, a good sacrifice when you consider all I have learnt...and my brain certainly got a workout! I can’t wait till our training session in the morning though, I’m chomping at the bit!!

So this week I’m looking forward to having a little dairy back into our eating plan. Thank goodness!! I am really looking forward to having a cup of tea tomorrow! And I’m one of these funny people who actually like cottage cheese so I’m keen to try that on my oatcakes for a change.

Sue has really helped me to deal with the next food hurdle I’m facing....my birthday and I am feeling much more confident and happy about it since speaking to Sue. I feel so lucky and grateful that Pear and I have Sue to support us, she really is the most amazing person and I know that we will all face our challenges together. So, I am really looking forward to a piece of cake to celebrate my birthday tomorrow and I now know that is going to be a momentary step off the plan. I am getting more and more confident that I will continue to make healthy choices after that so watch this space to check up on me!!

Pear....
Breakfast: Porridge with chopped pear
Lunch: 3 rice cakes with houmous
Supper: Roast Pork with lots of vegetables, roast potatoes
Exercise: Eeek…none again!

I thought Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest!!! I haven’t stopped! As you can tell from the above I haven’t even had time to eat, just grabbed my lunch, which I know I should’ve had some vegetables but honestly didn’t have a minute to chop up a carrot! Oh well back on track tomorrow when I will be more organised.

I was under pressure with finishing some paperwork for a client, which I thought I would finish within an hour…..4 hours later and it was finally done! Luckily my lovely neighbour had invited us for Sunday Dinner, which was great, as I didn’t have to worry about feeding the family. She cooked a great roast and I was so hungry that I stacked my plate full of sprouts, broccoli, mashed swede and turnip, beans, sugar snap peas and a couple of roast potatoes. I did skip the cauliflower cheese, even though we are now allowed to introduce dairy into our diets. I even had a second helping of veg as I knew there was a steamed chocolate pudding with fudge sauce to follow….mmm heaven! I was so full that I said no to the pudding, however I did have a tiny mouthful just to see how good it was, and even though it tasted good, wasn’t tempted at all.

Unfortunately I’ve had no time for exercise today (and I know I should make time) but it really didn’t happen today or yesterday come to think of it! We do have 3 sessions next week with Sue and on the days we’re not getting together I will try and get on the treadmill for at least half an hour! So watch this space….!

Me….
BREAKFAST: Porridge, berries, yoghurt, seeds
LUNCH: houmous, celery, oatcakes, tomato, orange
DINNER: roast beef, roast potatoes, roast parsnips and sweet potato, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, gravy, yoghurt and berries
SNACKS: ½ Veggie juice bar, banana
EXERCISE: 15 mins of squats and lunges, 2 x 30 mins fast dog walking

I sacrificed a Sunday morning lie-in to fit in an early morning brisk walk with my dog as I knew I had a busy day and might not get out with her again, but as it happened, I had to pop out to the shop later so I took the opportunity to walk instead of driving and kill two or three birds with one stone!

We were joined for dinner by my wonderful parents, who I have to thank for my love of food, especially vegetables. My family were in the greengrocery business, so it was unheard for us to have a meal without any vegetables, and my mother, who also had her own business, always managed to find time to cook us a proper meal using real food - two of the most important factors to eating a healthy diet, I believe. Anyway, as you can see, the vegetables were there in abundance and my plate was covered in so many delicious delights that I wasn’t even bothered by the homemade Yorkshire puddings! When it came to desert I knew that the others would enjoy a piece of apple pie, which is one of my favourites and something I would usually bake… and eat…so to avoid temptation I bought a small one from the supermarket, knowing that it would be incredibly sweet and not to my taste, and so it would be easy not to have any. If I had had the time, I would have cooked some apple with cinnamon and raisins for myself so that I could still enjoy the apple flavour but instead I had some of my yummy berries and yoghurt and felt very satisfied afterwards.

The FAT-SCRAP TRAILS Week Two Summary

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 14

Apple....
BREAKFAST: porridge with soya milk and mixed berries
LUNCH: Oatcakes with hummus and cucumber, salt and vinegar snack a jacks, Satsuma
DINNER: Mixed vegetable stir-fry – with green beans, mushrooms, red pepper, spring onion, spinach, cashews and left over rice mixed in, soy sauce
SNACKS: Handful of walnuts and brazils, Nakd bar – mixed berries (eaten half in morning and half in afternoon)
EXERCISE: Urghh!!! None!

I was on a course all day which meant and early start and late finish hence no time for any exercise, which I hate!! Really couldn’t have fitted any in today, nor will I be able to tomorrow so I’m just going to accept that and do more next week to make up for it. Sometimes in life you just have to go with the flow I think and I have to focus on my course this weekend and my family when I get home. I’m not going to feel beat myself up about that!

I was really chuffed with my food choices. I stuck to the plan even with all the temptations that came my way....first the biscuits..There were jaffa cakes, bourbons, chocolate digestives, ginger nuts, hobnobs and fig rolls and guess what?? I didn’t have any of them. What’s more I didn’t really want any of them either. Well, ok, maybe I did but I chose not to have them. I took a Nakd bar with me so I had something to snack on and didn’t feel left out. Second challenge...I walked to the shop at lunchtime for some fresh air and one of my course mates bought some chips!!! I have to say that I’m not a huge fan of chip shop chips so maybe it wasn’t such a challenge but I was pleased nevertheless that I didn’t mind at all eating my healthy lunch alongside her. So day one over...still got the same temptations to face tomorrow but I am confident I can handle them!

I was absolutely amazed that I could concentrate all day long on my course. I always have an afternoon slump in the ‘graveyard shift’ after lunch but not today!! I felt great all day, was listening more and felt I learnt much more than usual. I’m convinced this is down to avoiding wheat at lunchtime and I’m definitely going to continue with this, even when we can introduce it back into our diets.

I am looking forward to having some milk in my coffee and tea tomorrow, hooray!!! I’m going to choose skimmed milk though instead of the semi skimmed I’ve had in the past.
I’m not planning to introduce much more dairy into my diet. I always tended to reach for the easy option in the past of a chunk of full fat cheddar cheese for lunch but I’ve discovered much more exciting, nutritious and filling things to eat now that I don’t want that boring cheese any more!!

Pear....
BREAKFAST: Porridge with chopped Pear
LUNCH: 5 pieces of Sushi
DINNER: Rice Pasta, onions, garlic, chilli, baby tomatoes, chopped mushrooms and fresh prawns
SNACKS: 2 Rice Cakes with mackerel pate, handful of nuts
EXERCISE: None

I’ve had a really good day today, haven’t felt like any temptations whatsoever.
Started the day cleaning the house and resisted the ‘greasy spoon’ that my husband and the kids went off to for their breakfast as I had already eaten my healthy one. At lunch time I tried some sushi from the Sushi Bar in town which was so much tastier than the ones you get in the Supermarket.

When I was shopping I found it so easy to buy this weeks groceries. I bought lots of prawns, salmon, mackerel and tuna (looks like it’s going to be a ‘fishy’ week for me), of course loads of fruit and vegetables and a very large bag of porridge oats!!!

Tonight started as a bit of a disaster, which then turned out fun. After deciding to go for a meal and to the cinema and then finding every restaurant we tried was either full or had a long queue, we headed home! I cooked a delicious meal, and actually was pleased with myself that I didn’t choose to nibble whilst preparing it, and then popped to a neighbour where they were all drinking. I stuck to my statutory glass or 2 of tonic water! I must say even though they were all getting slightly merry, I could still join in and the bonus is in the morning I won’t be the one waking up with a fuzzy head!!!

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, berries, yoghurt, seeds
LUNCH: mackerel pate, tomatoes, rice cakes, Satsuma
DINNER: avocado dip, hummus, red pepper and feta cheese dip, olives veggie sticks and tortilla crisps, vegetable juice
SNACKS: banana, walnuts, ½ veggie juice bar
EXERCISE: 90 mins dog walk

I was stuck with a choice today..do I reintroduce some dairy back into my food choices or carry on omitting it as I am feeling so well and don’t want to “upset the apple cart”? In the end I decided to reintroduce feta cheese as it is made from goats’ milk rather than cows’ milk and is less likely to aggravate my symptoms. Also, this is the whole point of the exercise, to notice if adding a food back into our food choices has any positive or negative effects. So, I thoroughly enjoyed tucking into a feta cheese based dip. Also, I love goats’ cheese so I am crossing my fingers that this won’t change how I am feeling.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 15

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS DAY 13

Apple....
BREAKFAST: porridge with soya milk and dates and dried apricots
LUNCH: Sue’s homemade Mackerel pate and oatcakes, orange
DINNER: Vegetable soup and rice cakes, pear
SNACKS: Handful of walnuts and brazils
EXERCISE: 1 hour yoga, 30 minutes circuit training

A really busy day for me today but in a good way. I was busy working mainly, squeezing in a circuit training session at lunchtime. This did put paid to me sitting down and having a proper lunch as a client arrived just as I was going to tuck in to my mackerel pate!! But...I did eat it in the end at 4.30pm ....I know, not the best time for ‘lunch’ but sometimes you just can’t help these things. And boy was it worth waiting for!!! It was AMAZING! Every bit as tasty, in fact more so because it was more lemony which I loved, but so good for you without all the added cream that is in shop bought ones. I really loved it Sue, thank you so much, and I can’t wait to make my own!

I was proud of myself this evening because, although I did end up eating my soup really late I was not tempted to reach for an unhealthy food option instead. Dare I admit that in the past I’ve often just scoffed a couple of packets of crisps, some biscuits and cake and maybe a sandwich after I get in from my class – really horrendous when I think of it now so I do think my brain is definitely tuning in to choosing healthier options more automatically. Exactly what I wanted to achieve!

My yoga class was great, really calming and there was a fantastic visualisation at the end which is very topical for me right now....it ended with an affirmation which went something like this...
‘I am my thoughts, I am my feelings, I am my actions, I am my mind. I am.’
I really feel that is where I am getting to now, I am becoming more mindful about being healthy, I am feeling more so every day and I am in control. Wonderful stuff!!!

I was thrilled today to have lost another 2 ½ lbs! If I can maintain this slow and steady weight loss then think what I will achieve after a month...and two months? I don’t mind if I don’t lose so much next time, the main thing is...the scales are going in the right direction and each week closer to where I want to be.

I can’t believe how great I have been feeling in the afternoons. Another day today without all the tiredness and sluggishness I so often suffer from. I’m almost certain it’s omitting wheat from my diet that’s making the difference. When we can bring it back in I think I will only have it at tea time if at all.

Looking forward to another challenging day tomorrow. I’m on a course this weekend complete with compulsory biscuits. I’m well known for being the first to tuck in so it will be quite a change for me. Wish me luck, though I’m determined to get through it and I know I am going to feel wonderful when I can say that I have gone the whole day resisting temptation!

Pear….
BREAKFAST: 2 slices bacon, 1 egg in a sandwich with wheatfree bread
LUNCH: 4 rice cakes with Sue’s Mackeral Pate
DINNER: Steak, Jacket Potato and salad
SNACKS: Banana
EXERCISE: 30 circuit training, 60 min dog walk

I’ve had a really good day today, got up bright and breezy, had breakfast and set off to work for 3 hours before popping to Sue’s for our Gym Session. Not only did she put us through our paces, luckily for only 30 mins this time, but she sat down with both Apple and I and talked through our feelings and where we see ourselves in the future. It was quite compelling and what I did learn most importantly that we are on a journey that is going to take us into our future and at certain stages there are going to be challenges and situations where we come off this journey, i.e. Birthdays, Celebrations, Holidays etc, but that we get back on track and continue into our future, my future being slim, healthy and happy. I think that getting back on track is the most important thing to me as in the past when I’ve been on a diet, if I have a bad day, then I think oh well, may as well have another binge as its not going to make any difference now and never get ‘back on track’! I know now that if I choose to indulge myself with a piece of cake or a glass of wine, that the next day I can be focused and positive and continue with my healthy eating. I hope this makes sense to you all?

Sue also said that if we prepare ourselves for occasions, say going out for a meal, we make the right choices, which is so true, both Apple and I when going out with friends had already decided what choices we were going to make in our heads, and therefore made it so easy. I chose to drive as well so there wasn’t the temptation to have a glass of wine.

I had a challenge tonight when I was talking to a friend, I was saying I was cooking steak with Jacket Pot and salad and she said funny she was too, so why didn’t we bring our steaks over and join them. Great, as we love their company, so steak and salad in hand we went over to their house and had a great evening. I was so proud of myself, as wine is flowing there and funnily enough your glass never seems to be empty! But when asked what would I like to drink, I said ‘tonic water please’!! They also had peppercorn sauce and sour cream which I turned down. At the end of the meal she got the chocolate box down and got out a chocolate orange, which they all ploughed through and I didn’t touch one slice!

I never thought when starting this eating plan I would have so much will power, or is it just that now I choose not to have it?

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, berries, yoghurt, seeds
LUNCH: homemade smoked mackerel pate, rice cakes, avocado tomato
DINNER: Chunky Chicken, vegetable and rice soup with chilli and coriander
SNACKS: banana, grapes, ½ juce master bar
EXERCISE: 45 mins walk, 30 mins workout.

Some healthy snack bars arrived today that I ordered from Juicemaster.com arrived today. One box was the Nakd bars that Apple recommended a couple of days ago in her blog. The other box was “Juice in a bar- Veggie”. These are the healthiest bar I have ever seen, containing a wide range of ingredients including dates, almond butter, barley grass, wheatgrass, nettleleaf, shavegrass, alfalfa juice…and the list goes on …infact it lists 31 health boosting ingredients! Of course, the important question you are all asking is…..does it taste good? Well, like everything it’s a matter of opinion, and in my opinion the answer is yes but ask my 16 year old daughter and I bet you can guess her answer!!! If you want to try either of these bars, leave me a message and I’ll get back to you. My idea is to sell these bars making a small profit to give to the Breast Cancer Care (see link) charity I have chosen to support through my business.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 14

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 12

Apple....
BREAKFAST: porridge with soya milk and handful of mixed berrieS
LUNCH: Hoummus and crudités (cucumber, carrots, celery, red pepper) and two rice cakes
DINNER:Vegetable thai red curry with green beans, red pepper, mushrooms, spinach, carrots, cashews, coconut milk and thai red curry paste with small portion of wild & basmati rice. Natural yoghurt with mixed berries.
SNACKS: Handful of walnuts and brazils, banana
EXERCISE: 2 ½ hours yoga

Lovely day today....well it is a Thursday and they are my favourite days of the week!! I get to spend all day immersed in yoga which I just love! So not much of a cardio workout today but felt very centred, calm, flexible and strong after my two classes. Thrilled that my legs felt fine after yesterday’s circuit training, my muscles are definitely responding positively to the extra work I’m asking them to do!
My food choices were ok today. I felt very organised as when I chopped my vegetables for lunch I also prepared what I needed for teatime. So, when it came to cook my curry everything was to hand! Very unlike me to be that organised....must be the yoga calming and focusing my mind!!!

Tea was a bit of a disaster though.....I didn’t know how much curry paste to add in so I put a bit too much. The taste was ok while I was eating it but really burnt my mouth afterwards!! I drank lots of water but it didn’t make any difference so I resorted to yoghurt with berries to put out the fire.. I felt much better after that! I would use the paste again but only a little next time!

Weigh in tomorrow....and another circuit training session to follow. I do hope I have lost a couple more pounds. I know its not all about what the scales say and who knows..maybe as I build muscle that will distort any weight loss as they say muscle weighs more than fat. I’m trying to focus more on dropping a dress size and I definitely feel a bit slimmer already! Funny though how much we all hang on what the scales say and how it can be such a huge motivation. Hope they are kind to me this week!!

Pear....
Breakfast: 2 slices of wheat free bread with 2 poached eggs and half a pink grapefruit
Lunch: 3 rice cakes with hummus and slick of chicken
Supper: Left over mince, potatoes and vegetables from previous day
Snacks: Handful of nuts
Exercise: 60 min dog walk

Oh did I have a rubbish nights sleep!!! Went off ok but woke about 1am, I think when I was trying to turn over but my legs ached so much from the exercise that I couldn’t get back to sleep, so I kept stretching my legs until eventually I did. Surprisingly when I woke in the morning and got up, my legs actually felt fine….how weird! I really thought I would be hobbling around as I did after the first session with Sue! Obviously her comment about it not hurting so much after a weeks exercising is definitely true. Still ,made myself a lovely breakfast and set off to work for the day.

I had a few moments during the day when I did feel hungry, but busied myself in paperwork, plus I only brought a few nuts, so had nothing to kep picking at, which was good. In the evening I had a meeting at my daughter’s school and a pile of ironing when I got back, so I didn’t even have time to think about food again. I would point out that both my husband and daughter did comment that I was in a bad mood and short with them. I didn’t notice myself, I thought I was just being a bit quiet or maybe tired, and then I thought maybe its PMT, which I know I will be due on shortly. Still we can’t be the life and soul every day now can we!

I was reading Apple’s Blog today and could relate quite a bit to her feelings towards food, and I would like to say that I think I over ate when I was cold, bored and stressed and would reach for a bar of chocolate or a glass of wine! I was surprised that even Sue had cravings and would grab a biscuit or cake and am a little worried that when this programme is finished and we are introducing all food types back into our diet that those temptations will be there again!
On a last note, my husband has just commented that tomorrow is ‘Fat Friday’, where everyone quits their diets!!....I can assure you I won’t be one of them!!

Me….
BREAKFAST: Porridge, berries, yoghurt, seeds
LUNCH: avocado rice cakes, banana, almonds
DINNER: salad leaves, tomatoes, olives, mixed beans
SNACKS: Apple, walnuts
EXERCISE: 45 mins ball class, 30 mins dog walk, 45 mins yoga

I had lots of energy today and had a lovely balance of time for me, time for work and time for friends and family.

I started back at yoga today which felt wonderful for my body and mind. I go to the Equilibrium Centre (see link on left under “my recommended websites” based local to Basingstoke which gives a warm and relaxing environment for yoga practice and the alternative therapies it offers. Mark, my yoga instructor (see link) seemed to know just what I needed today and the exercises and the meditation we performed were perfect!

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 13

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 11

Apple....
BREAKFAST: porridge with soya milk and handful of mixed berries
LUNCH: Oatcakes with hummus and avocado, orange, banana
DINNER: Vegetable stir fry with green beans, red pepper, mushrooms, spinach, cabbage, water chestnuts, cashews, rice noodles and soy sauce
SNACKS: Handful of grapes, handful of edamame beans, mixed berry trek bar
EXERCISE: 30 minutes early morning yoga stretch, 45 minutes circuit training.

I got up half an hour earlier today and did some gentle yoga. It’s so energising to feel my spine gradually stretching out and after my session I felt really calm and focused, ready to start the day!
Well the snow came and ...went! I was disappointed to see the flurries this morning as I was hoping to fit in a short power walk but as it happened I was too busy anyway.

I managed to eat a much better lunch today and felt so much better for it. No slump of energy mid afternoon, in fact I was buzzing by early evening and really looking forward to our circuit training. I had a trek bar before the session and I felt very energised and raring to go!! Very hard lower body workout tonight with lots of repetitions but I’m enjoying the way my body feels after it. My muscles have worked hard and it will be interesting to know how my legs feel tomorrow after all the squats and lunges!! I’m going to treat myself to a long warm bath now before having an early night. I’ve got a ton of things I should be catching up on but I know I will be more productive and brighter tomorrow after a good night’s sleep.

I felt I made better food choices today though too much fruit again...sorry Sue, I do listen to you really!! But I could eat a mountain of it!! I did ensure I had more protein today at least. Tomorrow I am going to chop up some carrots, celery and cucumber to snack on instead of fruit; maybe I could have it with some of the low fat lemon and coriander hummus I have in the fridge....mmm, delicious!!

I’ve been putting some thought to the emotional attachment I have to food and I’ve realised that this probably began when I was about 7 years old. I can clearly remember sitting in front of the TV after school eating my way through a whole family bag of Marks and Spencer crisps to ‘make myself feel better’. I think it is interesting that somehow I learnt early in life to equate being happy with being full. When I think about it now I guess that I’ve never liked feeling hungry – that horrible empty feeling you get in your tummy. And to me that empty hungry feeling is the same feeling I get when I feel sad, lonely, frightened... So I suppose I have always used food to squash down any of these feelings, and to stop any ‘emptiness’ creeping in. Understanding this relationship I have had with food in the past will hopefully help me to change it to a much more positive one in the future.

Hmm.... I do feel this is the start of a long journey for me, after all you can’t hope to repair 35 years worth of damage overnight, but at least now I feel I’m clearer about where I’ve been, where I’m headed and.. I’m finally on the right track.

Pear....
BREAKFAST: Bowl of porridge with soya milk and chopped pear
LUNCH: Bowl of Chicken and Vegetable Soup
DINNER: Mince with onions and turnips, potatoes, peas and carrots
EXERCISE: 45 min dog walk, 45 min Gym Session with Sue and Apple

Phew!! That’s all I can say!! From the moment I awoke to just now I haven’t stopped. Been so busy today with work and then dropping kids off at clubs and off to Sue’s for a Gym Session that I haven’t even thought about food as you can see from the above, its all been easy. Which was great, as when I’ve normally been so busy I wouldn’t be so organised and would therefore reach for the ‘naughty…but nice!’ treats in the cupboard whilst trying to decide what to have for tea!!

It helped so much making a big pot of chicken soup from Sunday’s Roast which I’m still ploughing through, and then this morning before going off to work for the day, I had some mince in the fridge which I cooked with chopped onion and garlic, and then threw in chopped turnips and potatoes….a meal in itself!

The session with Sue and Apple was HARD WORK!! Sue had a great big smile on her face whilst telling us our circuit; I think she’s enjoying this far too much!! But we went for it, wasn’t that impressed with all the lunges and squats she had us doing, but boy do my legs feel good tonight….shame I’m probably going to pay for it tomorrow though!

Now normally after a hectic day like this, I would now settle in front of the TV with a glass of wine to relax me, but as that’s out of the question, I’m giving myself and nice bath and an herbal tea!

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge, berries, yogurt, seeds
LUNCH: left over prawn and rice, sweet potato soup with spinach, Satsuma
DINNER: Spaghetti bolognaise with corn pasta, beetroot salad
SNACKS: grapes, yogurt, banana, almonds
EXERCISE: 60 mins dog walk, 45 mins workout

I found myself waking very early today, but not ready to get up. Due to this I became quite tired in the afternoon and noticed that, for the first time, I wanted a quick sugar fix. This confirmed to me that tiredness=sugar cravings for me.

Normally, this would be the time that I would give in to my “healthy eating” routine and go for a biscuit or cake..and then probably, because I still feel tired, would then start on raiding the cupboards trying to find something to satisfy my tiredness. Today, I busied myself doing something I enjoy to take my mind off the feeling, which worked fantastically. I completely forgot about food and feeling tired!

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 12

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 10

Apple:
BREAKFAST: porridge with Soya milk and handful of dates
LUNCH: Smoothie (forest fruits, banana, apple juice and natural yoghurt) and a Trek peanut and oats snack bar
DINNER Root vegetable curry (Swede, carrot, parsnip, spinach, onion, coconut cream, natural yoghurt & coriander) with basmati and wild rice, poppadoms
SNACKS: Handful of grapes
EXERCISE: 45 minutes circuit training

What a day! Started with a trip to Sainsburys after the school run. I took time to plan my meals for the week and only bought what I needed. Loved the look of my trolley full of colourful fruit and vegetables! Was starving when I got home and by the time I’d unpacked I was ready for my lunch. It was only 11am but I was worried when I was going to have lunch as I had circuit training with Sue and Pear at lunchtime then straight back to do some work. I knew I wouldn’t have time to eat later but it didn’t seem right to eat properly then. So, I made my smoothie and then when I returned after training I ate a snack bar whilst I was getting ready for work. Not ideal at all but I just didn’t have time to sit down.

I regretted it later as I was really hungry by teatime. I had a few grapes whilst I cooked the boys’ tea and then made my curry. It took quite a while to prepare and I found myself getting really irritable. I wouldn’t say I was craving anything in particular, I was just very hungry! As a result I had a slightly larger portion of dinner than maybe I should have plus a couple of poppadoms. (I did check the ingredients for the poppadoms and was thrilled to see they fit within the eating plan!!) After dinner I felt very full and slightly regretted having a large portion but...I shall make up for it tomorrow and Thursday by exercising harder.

I’m pleased I stuck to the eating plan today but I was surprised how irritable I got when I was hungry. It’s shown me how important it is to eat proper meals, especially at lunchtime. Often in the past I have been guilty of skipping lunch altogether and then by the time I come home from the school run I’ve raided the cupboards for any sugary snacks I can lay my hands on!!

I am pleased though that I made time for my exercise today although I wish I had had time for more!! I would have liked to have gone for a walk today too but just not enough hours in the day!

I do feel like I need a really good sleep tonight as I’m very tired. I think that too is a contributing factor to my feeling irritable earlier. I’ve got out of the habit of my early morning yoga too so tomorrow I shall endeavour to get up at 6.15am to do that before starting my day. You may be thinking...why doesn’t she just have a lie-in?? But I find a half hour routine so energising first thing in the morning, it really sets me up for the rest of the day!

Pear....
BREAKFAST: Porridge made with soya milk, pear and seeds
LUNCH: Bowl of homemade chicken and veggie soup with 2 rice cakes
DINNER: Jacket Potato with prawns and a salad of salad leaves, pepper, tomatoes and beetroot
SNACKS: Banana and handful of nuts
EXERCISE: 45min Gym session with Sue and Apple

Today has been a very busy day, not a minute to stop which is how I like it as it takes my mind off of food. Had a really good, and dare I say it…fun session with Sue and Apple. Sue worked us hard but we were doing the exercises as a team and spurring each other on. This was great as they both encouraged me through the last 2 or 3 press ups when I really wanted to give up. I know I’m going to ache tomorrow morning, but I know it’ll be worth the pain as I can feel my body starting to tighten and I’m just longing for that morning when I put on a pair of jeans and there’s no muffin top hanging over the edge!!! (mmmm what a lovely vision!!!)

When I was making the kids their tea and looked in the fridge I really didn’t know what I fancied…which is the first time this has happened! I wonder why that is…because I’ve definitely got enough of the right foods in. I knew I had to use the prawns up but other than having the same dinner as last night or in a salad, wasn’t sure what else to have. I don’t think my mind was working, because as I type this I can now think of a few things. Still I had some jacket potatoes in the cupboard, so had one and a large prawn salad and it was lovely, so wasn’t disappointed after all. (I know Sue will say why didn’t you have the same as the kids…but sshhh don’t tell her but I made 3 different meals tonight!!)

Well off to bed soon, just thought, hope I don’t ache too much tomorrow as we’ve another Gym Session tomorrow night…EEK!

Me….
BREAKFAST: Porridge, berries, yoghurt, seeds
LUNCH: Sweet potato soup with spinach, Satsuma
DINNER: Beef casserole cooked with added sweet potatoes, celery, parsnips, onions and lentils with potatoes, green beans and broccoli
SNACKS: apple, grapes
EXERCISE: 45 mins workout with Fat-scrappers (hard) 90 mins. dog walk (easy)

I noticed today that I am feeling very satisfied from the food choices I am making and not nearly as hungry as I usually am. I do tend to be a grazer, eating little and often, but perhaps a little more often than is really necessary (even too much healthy food can make you gain body fat!). I also usually find this time of year very difficult and want to hibernate but at the moment I don’t feel like this. Whether this is due to the excitement of trialing this Programme and the focus I am giving it, or whether it is due to the change in diet or the change of the intensity of exercise, I don’t know…..but I do know I want it to stay this way!!

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 11

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 9

Apple....

BREAKFAST: porridge with soya milk and handful of dates
LUNCH: Oatcakes with peanut butter and a banana
DINNER: Jacket potato with tuna and large salad made with lettuce, cucumber and beetroot.
SNACKS: Orange
EXERCISE: Toning class – 1 hour, power walk ½ hour.


What a busy day!! I started by taking my car for a service...a great opportunity to do some extra exercise and power walk the couple of miles home. I had my Ipod on with some of my favourite music and I was amazed how quickly the time went. I’m not sure if passers-by appreciated my singing but I was having a great time!!

I was working today and noticed that I didn’t get as hungry mid morning as I usually do. I wonder if that is down to having porridge for breakfast? I think it has really made a difference to my usual 11am pangs. What’s more I am enjoying having porridge, especially in this chilly weather.

I found my lunch very filling and it took me ages to eat as peanut butter is so chewy! I really didn’t feel I needed anything else after it.

Again this week I decided to have an early tea and exercise after. I felt much more energised for it and now I am home, really don’t feel the need to eat anything at all. I loved my class tonight...great workout with lovely friends and I left afterwards on a real high. This is why I enjoy group exercise so much. It’s such a good way to spend time with your friends getting fit and healthy together and fitting in a chat and a giggle into the bargain! Great stuff!!

Looking forward to seeing Pear and getting together for our workout with Sue tomorrow...wonder what challenges she has in store for us??

Pear....

BREAKFAST: Bowl of porridge with chopped pear and sprinkle of seeds
LUNCH: Prawn salad with salad leaves, tomato, pepper, carrot and vinegar
DINNER: Tomato and Prawn Rice Pasta with onion, garlic, chilli, mushrooms, baby plum tomatoes and prawns with a touch of tomato puree
SNACKS: 2 rice cakes with humous and nuts and banana
EXERCISE: Walk dog for 30 mins

Thank goodness, another good night’s sleep….I think I’m cracking this sleeping lark! Got up fairly early today as working most of it and wanted to be organised making my lunch and the rest of the usual things us ladies do in the morning…put washing on, empty dishwasher, make beds, open curtains and the list goes on…. I was doing really well and just about to grab keys to car only to realise I’d forgotten to have breakfast!! Now normally I would’ve thought…oh well I’ll grab something when the sandwich guy comes round, or wait until lunchtime, but no, cant do that today, so stopped in my tracks and made myself a bowl of porridge which was really good with a chopped pear in it.

At work all I seemed to be doing was eating and drinking! (I’d also made myself a flask of coffee with soya milk), I had my snacks and then my lunch and surprisingly felt full all day.
Tonight’s meal was a ‘bung it all together’ job. I’d never had rice pasta before and didn’t think it would be that nice, but actually it wasn’t a lot different from the usual white I would normally have and can say it was delicious and very filling. That’s another meal I can add to my list and so easy!

Me….
BREAKFAST: porridge with berries, yoghurt, seeds
LUNCH: red curry sweet potato soup with spinach, orange
DINNER: Prawn and chicken tomato rice with peas, beans and red pepper
SNACKS: satsuma
EXERCISE: dog walk 90 mins, ball class 30 mins

I had a longer dog walk today to make up for shorter one yesterday, and I was walking with a very dear friend so it was lovely to be able to spend the time chatting to her….Walking is such a fantastic way to meet up with friends, have a good chat, and still get some exercise! I also love exercising on my own as it allows me time to catch up with myself and I find that most of my inspirations come to me when I am exercising, so I consider myself very lucky that I can make the time to go walking every day and I thank my gorgeous dog for helping me to make that commitment! My other exercise today consisted of teaching my regular fitball class. I love using the fitball as it adds another dimention to exercise. I can work on improving my strength, stability, stamina and flexibility while having a bit of fun challenging myself in the many different positions on the ball…but although it was a 60 minute class, I probably only actually exercised for about half of it as it is more important for me to check that everyone else is getting the best out of the exercises and performing them correctly!

For lunch I fancied something warm and spicy so threw together a delicious soup....recipe to come! Dinner was easy; an “all in one pot” dish, which I love as it means there is little washing up!

All in all I’m feeling very light and happy!!

FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 10

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week two

As we start Week 2 I thought it would be good to hear what we are thinking and feeling about the week ahead. I know that I am excited by the prospect of helping these two very special ladies stay focused, positive and motivated and I am looking forward hearing any comments and answering any questions (as best as I can ) from the readers of these blogs.
Here are Apple and Pear's thoughts and feelings:

Pear...
As I’ve had a really good week, I can only feel this next week is going to be just as good, if not better! I’m hoping my headaches will go for good and my sleep will be solid which in turn should give me a lot more energy to maybe do some more exercise. I know I’ve got the right foods in my cupboards, so should have absolutely no reason to reach for any ‘bad foods’. I feel Apple and I had a great first week so here’s to week 2….BRING IT ON!!!

Apple....
I’m really loving doing this. The time is right for me now, I can change my life for the better and I will.
I’m looking forward to a busy week this coming week with no doubt lots of challenges ahead but...to use Pear’s well chosen words...BRING IT ON!!!!

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 9
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 10
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 11
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 12
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 13
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 14
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Day 15
The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week Two Summary

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week one summary

Apple….
Starting weight: 13 stone 9 ¾ (192lb)
Current weight: 13 stone 7 (189lb)
Total weight change week one: – 2 ¾ lb

What have you found easy or enjoyed?
The eating plan was MUCH easier than I first anticipated and I have enjoyed a variety of fruit and vegetables which I wouldn’t have eaten often before. I’ve really enjoyed the exercise sessions with Pear and Sue though can’t say they have been easy!!

What have you found difficult or not enjoyed?
I’ve felt awkward about eating out and I panicked that I hadn’t made the right choices. It did take a little of the enjoyment away but I hope this will change as time goes on and I relax more into the new eating plan.

What positive effects has it had on you?
Apart from one day when I felt quite low, I have felt full of energy! I’ve loved not feeling bloated and I think because of this have enjoyed my regular exercise even more than normal. There’s nothing worse than trying to do a yoga class whilst desperately holding your bloated tummy in! Also I feel so much better about myself already just knowing I am investing effort into my own health and well-being. I love ‘me’ more this week!!

What negative effects has it had on you?
I have had moments when I’ve worried about what I have eaten – was it too much, was it the right choice etc. and I don’t want to be a worrier. I’m sure this will stop as the choices become more natural to me.

What have you learned from it?
I DO have the power within me to make the right choices and lead a healthier lifestyle!

What do you still want to learn from it?
More, more, more please!! More food suggestions, more exercise ideas.

Pear…
Starting Weight: 12.5 ½ st
Current Weight: 11.13 ¾ st
Weight change week one: -5 ¾ lbs

What have you found easy or enjoyed?
I’ve actually found the healthy eating really easy to follow, I think because its not a calorie count diet its a lot easier, and also because we’ve cut out dairy, wheat, sugar and alcohol it gives you a challenge to make something interesting….which I must say hasn’t been difficult. I do find it weird that I can have fat yoghurt, coconut milk, crisps (Sue told us today…but in small quantities), roast potatoes .. the list goes on! I’ve enjoyed having Apple and Sue with me to support, encourage and swap recipe ideas and to discipline me in my exercise regime because I know if I was left to do it at home, I probably wouldn’t! Apart from one day, I’ve found it easy to give up the biscuits, cakes, bread and chocolate! (cant believe I’m saying that!)

What have you found difficult or not enjoyed?
Well the first thing that comes to mind is of course exercising!!! I really wish I could like it, but I don’t, but I do know that it’s necessary for me and basically as everyone says one of the most important things to stay healthy, so I reckon sooner or later I’m going to have to start enjoying it, coz its with me for life in some way or form. I do miss having a glass of wine with my Sunday roast, and when visiting friends or going out, but I would say it hasn’t been as difficult as I would have first thought.

What positive effects has it had on you?
I know I can do it!!! I know we shouldn’t focus on weight loss, but it does help to spur you on and all I’m thinking about now is getting into size 12 clothes and starting to feel good about myself again. I’m cooking fresh meals for the whole family, so hopefully they’re benefiting from the goodness of the food instead of ready meals, which I would fall to once or twice a week!

What negative effects has it had on you?
This is a difficult one to answer because I can’t really say I’ve had any. I must say the sleepless nights, tiredness and headaches have made me feel a bit low, but that’s just energy I guess, which I know is going to improve over the next few days.

What have you learned from it?
Well definitely, that you don’t need all the junk food to fill you up and make you happy. It’s so easy to grab some nuts and a piece of fruit and be just as satisfied. Also cutting out the 4 groups of food hasn’t been daunting or difficult at all as there are so many other choices in the supermarket you just have to be organised and make sure you do have a stocked fridge and cupboard!

What do you still want to learn from it?
Well of course more about how to stay healthy and more exercise tips but anytime we are struggling, it’s easy to pick up the phone/email Sue who is more than happy to put us in the right direction.

Me….
Starting weight: 8stone 7¾
Current weight: 8 stone 6¼
Weight change week one: - 1½ lbs

What have you found easy or enjoyed?
Eating healthily has been easy as I pretty much do so already, but there is always room for improvement. Not having alcohol is easy as I don't have a lot usually anyway. I have enjoyed the workouts as they are making me work a bit harder than I usually do (even though I do a regular amount of exercise, I can easily slip into training at a comfort zone level!)

What have you found difficult or not enjoyed?
The weigh in was difficult as I do not believe that the scales give a true indicatation of improvements in health and fitness and so I was apprehensive of the possible results.

What positive effects has it had on you?
Symptoms (ibs like) of the collagenous colitis condition greatly improved. Reduced bloating, reduced tiredness, more alert.

What negative effects has it had on you?
None

What have you learned from it?
That although I thought I ate healthily, I now realise how much I turned to bread (wholegrain of course) as a quick filler upper!

What do you still want to learn from it?
I am surprised to see that I lost weight this week and so I am now interested to learn if I will continue to lose weight but more importantly, if my body composition changes. My aim is to gain some muscle and lower my body fat.

The FAT-SCRAP TRIALS Week two