Pink Ribbon Day

Just a timely reminder in Pink Ribbon (October) month to take advantage of this fully government funded service for women.

...if you are over the age of 40 you can book in for a free mammo every two years, no GP referral needed.

Call BreastScreen in your state on 132050 to make your appointment.

Women under 40 need a referral to a diagnostic service as their breast tissue needs more workup and views because it is so dense...and for that you do need a referral...

After age 40 through to old age is the target age for cancer BUT especially between 50-69 the statistics say. Women with implants can also be screened, as well as those with a disability.


Today I went for my first ever mammogram and I survived it.. LOL...

The actual mammogram was a little uncomfortable but only for a few seconds when the pictures were being taken. Then again I am pretty large breasted which could also have something to do with it (an the fact I'm still pretty young i.e. 40 and my breasts could be a bit tender as well).

I actually surprised myself about how calm I was during the 30 mins I was in the room. I don't like how my body looks in clothes let alone naked (you are naked from the waist up) but I found that I didn't focus on it at all during the consultation.

Now I have to wait up to 2 weeks for the results...

Carlton

Health update...

I'm so over this coughing and blowing my nose.

I went to the doctors today, and she has told me that I actually have Acute bronchitis boarding on pneumonia. I have been given some medication and if this doesn't start to work in a couple of days then I have to go and have a chest x-ray and go back to see the doctor.

Once I'm better we are actually going to do some more blood tests to check my pre-diabetes and then put a care plan into place.

Its the first time I've been to this doctor and I came away feeling so much happier with here plan of attack than I ever did with my previous doctor.

Carlton.

I've got the flu

Thanks to Brad my lovely and adorable boyfriend I caught his flu on Thursday last week and have basically been in bed until today. I am so sick and tired of blowing my noise as I've gone though nearly 200 tissues since yesterday morning. Not joking..... I am so sick and tired of blowing my nose.

The are the flowers he brought home on Thursday night when he realised he has given me the flu. I seriously think he felt bad and was trying to score some brownie points. LOL...

I did get out of my sick bed today to go and have coffee with some lovely ladies I have been chatting to on the Weight Watchers Community Room and Chat room.. We all had such a great time and got along as if we had known each other for years. Funny think was that this was the first time I'd met people from online that I wasn't nervous about meeting. It was also so good to get out of the house for a while.

There are a few pictures of our get together on Facebook for those who are my friends there.

I've got an appointment to see the Dr on Monday, so I guess I just have to ride it out till then. I would have gone on Friday but I didn't think I was sick enough until it was too late and no appointments were left. Always the way...

We are also having a Sydney get together tomorrow, which I have to go as I'm picking up a couple of people who couldn't get there any other way. Just hope I don't infect everyone.

On the plus side of all of this, I did lose 600 grams at WI yesterday (I weighed at home instead of going to weight watchers and my scales are exactly the same as there's). I'm pretty happy with that considering I haven't done any exercise since Tuesday and we had Oporto's for dinner on Friday night. Yes I know its the day before WI but that's all I felt like. To be fair I did only have the hot chips and a chocolate mousse, however I did eat 3/4 of a jumbo chips (18 points for a whole jumbo chips) and a chocolate mousse was 8 1/2 points. Oh and its the last time I have this chocolate mousse. It was lovely and did melt in my mouth but was so not worth the points.

This week will be a better week..

Carlton

Measurements for the Month of October

Weight 26/12/07 is 114.8 kilos (Weight Watchers Start Weight is 115.9 kilos)
Arms are 44 Cm's
Hips are 143 Cm's
Chest is 120 Cm's
Thighs are 66 Cm's
Upper Stomach is 137 Cm's
Waist is 103 c.m

Weight as at 11/10/08 is 103.2 kilos
Arms are 36 Cm's (- 8 cm)
Hips are 132 Cm's (- 11 cm)
Chest is 115 Cm's (- 5 cm)
Thighs are 62 Cm's (-4 cm)
Upper Stomach is 120 Cm's (-17 cm)
Waist is 102 cm's (-1 cm)

Wow that's a loss of 46 cm's all over my body. Whilst I have put on a few cm's in a few places, I'm pretty happy with the overall loss.

Carlton

Grrrrr of all days it had to rain today......

Of all the days this week it has to rain today. I realise we need the rain but I so hate it, its annoying. I also hate walking in the rain and I've planned 1 maybe 2 hour walks today (the 2nd one depends on when my car is ready - today or tomorrow).

I've already been for an hours walk today. I had to drop my car off to the mechanic's to get the brakes done. Whilst I was there he talked me into getting my car serviced as well (its been a long time since its been serviced). Hope it doesn't cost me too much... Seeing there are doing the service as well fingers crossed it is ready this afternoon. If so I will go for another hour's walk to pick it up.

My mechanic did offer to give me a lift home but I declined. After all I need the exercise and had factored it into day... Also Brad could drive me back to the mechanic's to pick the car up but I need the exercise..

Sorry I haven't posted the past few days, haven't really had anything to share. Well best go and do some more work....

Edit 6 p.m.:- My car is all fixed and sounding a lot like it should. Cost me $950 but then again I was expecting it to cost a little more than that. Oh I also got a good talking to by my mechanic on how I should get it serviced a little more often... I know he is right, my car is only 4 years old and I don't want anything serious to go wrong with it.

On the good side is that I walked to and from the mechanic's today, so I got in 2 hours of walking. I was so happy when the sun appeared this afternoon and I could walk in the sunshine. I am within my points today so feeling happy with myself..


Carlton

I felt very much in control yesterday with my eating program.

We tried a new Chinese take away place last night (well I hadn't had anything from this place since the night of my mum's funeral). In the end I suck with my plan and ordered the Combination Chow Mein (and had 1/3 of the container and it had more veggies than meat in it), 1/3 of a container of Stir Fry Mixed Veggies, 3 heaped dessert spoons of Satay Chicken and 1 heaped dessert spoon of Fried Rice. Originally I wasn't going to have any rice but I thought I tbsp wasn't going to hurt.

I did manage to say within my points. Very happy with that. Brad is having left overs for lunch today and I had the mixed veggies with some tuna and 3/4 cup of rice.

The scales haven't started moving yet but I'm OK with it. I know that they will start to move again shortly, I just have to keep staying focused and eating well.

Carlton

8 Ways Not to Cheat on a Diet....

I got this from the Weight Watchers Website. It was the feature article yesterday. I thought I was so great that I had to copy it and post it here.

Are you 'cheating' on your weight-loss plan? Learn some tips to help keep you on the straight and narrow.

'Stop!' screams your conscience as you swipe a handful of lollies from the office lolly jar. If no one actually sees you take them then the kilojoules don't really count, right? Some call it 'cheating'. But one of the reasons dieters 'cheat' is that they're often so strict with themselves that they end up feeling deprived.

Remember that healthy eating includes lots of wise choices with a few treats as well. Devising some strategies to help you enjoy treats rather than 'cheat' will help keep you on the straight and narrow. Here are some suggestions to try:

1. Plan for treats.
Making sure you get to enjoy your favourite treats every once in a while will help you from feeling deprived. Pick a night each week when you can indulge in something decadent like a piece of chocolate cake. Give yourself permission to truly enjoy your dessert! Taking time to savour a treat is always more satisfying than gobbling it down with feelings of guilt.

2. Put your kitchen cupboards on a diet.
If most of the foods in your house are healthy, then you're already halfway there. If you must have tempting foods around for a special occasion, store them out of sight or buy them at the last minute. On the big day, enjoy your favourite foods and send any leftovers home with your guests.

3. Choose your friends wisely.
Beware of any 'friend' who continually tries to coerce you into 'just a cappuccino' which you know really means a cappuccino and a slice of carrot cake with icing an inch thick. Put these friends on hold until you're feeling strong enough to say no. Or suggest a different kind of get-together such as a walk in the park or an afternoon at the movies.

4. Count the cost as well as the kilojoules.
Allocate so many dollars per 5 kilos you plan to lose and save the money in a separate account or piggy bank. Or 'pay' yourself so much every day you stick to your weight-loss plan. Then treat yourself to something fabulous like a new outfit or a day at a beauty spa.

5. Picture yourself.
Find some not-so-flattering photos of yourself and place them strategically at prime temptation spots - the fridge, the biscuit jar, or in your desk drawer. That way you will be reminded of the positive changes you're trying to make to your life whenever you're tempted to overindulge.

6. Surround yourself with witnesses.
Tell everyone you are changing your eating habits. Give them permission to remind you of your dedication to better health if they catch you falling off the wagon. Make sure you have chosen friends who will support and encourage you. The last thing you need is someone who will try to trip you up.

7. Check up on yourself.
Write down every single thing that passes your lips each day. If you often eat when you're upset or stressed, try to record this too. If you gobbled up a chocolate bar after arguing with your partner, you probably need to find alternative ways of coping with your moods. Next time try phoning a friend or going for a stress-relieving walk.

8. Keep a sense of proportion.
We all slip up from time to time. We all forget our best resolutions and bend the rules. The worst thing you can do is give in and say 'Well, I blew it. Let's forget it. I'm never going to succeed.' But it's not the end of the world - just get back on track and keep going for your goal.

Carlton

I'm feeling pretty good about today's choices.....

Not sure what the weather is doing today in Sydney. Once moment it's sunny then next it's not.

I'm really on a role at the moment with the pre-planning of my food. As I do the majority of the cooking at home, I also tend to do the planning and don't always tell Brad what's for dinner until I serve it up.

For dinner tonight I was going to make the meat loaf out of STGTBT cookbooks and baked veggies, however Brad has decided that he wants to go shopping tonight and have dinner out. I don't really want to eat out, so as compromise I agreed to take away Chinese food. Now I have to change my food plan and really plan my food for the rest of the day, as I make sure I don't go over in points. The good news is that he will have left overs for lunch tomorrow... Looks like we will have the meat loaf tomorrow night as I have the mince defrosted in the fridge and it has to be used.

Below is a copy of my daily menu plan (from the weight watchers online tracker). I am on 22 points a day and have so far used 18.5 points, this will leave me 3.5 points, so I can have some of what ever Chinese dish Brad chooses. I had a pretty late breakfast today, so this is why I can go without snacks during the day... Advantages from working from home I guess...

I'm feeling pretty good about my choices today (hey might change my title from Today to this statement).....

Carlton

POINTS^® Tracker entries

Thursday, 09 October 2008

Breakfast
1 serving Thick & Creamy Light - Country Fruit Salad	1.5
2 slice multigrain bread	2
1 cup Baked Beans	1.5
2 glass natural mineral water	0
Subtotal	5
Lunch
2 slice multigrain bread	2
1 small apple	0.5
1 serving Thick & Creamy Light - Country Fruit Salad	1.5
1 Cauliflower, Potato and Bacon Soup	2
Subtotal	6
Dinner
1/2 cup cooked steamed rice	2
2 serve Chinese Mix Veggies	1
1/2 serve Chicken Chow mein	3.5
Subtotal	6.5
Snacks
2 glass natural mineral water	0
2 glass Diet Coke	0
1 medium orange	1
Subtotal	1
Food POINTS values used	18.5
Food POINTS values remaining	3.5

A Break Through.........

This picture of the 3 pigs - pigging out over lunch, is how I have been feeling lately. Especially when I see photos of me. Most of my posts have reflected this and my poor attitude... I realise this blog is about my journey including the good and the bad, but it seems that I only come here to whinge about the bad stuff and don't really celebrate the good stuff. From now on I will try and change this.

Cheers to me, even if I do say so myself. Now after our discussions, I've made a break through with Brad regarding his weight. He has put on 10 kilos since he moved in and with him being short it is really noticeable.

He has decided to give WW another go but he doesn't want to go to meetings (fine by me, as long as he sticks to the program). So today we went out and bought him the Weight Watches @ Home Men's kit, lucky we have the Weight Watchers Myers shop 3 kms from home. He has started re-reading the kit information tonight and will officially start the program on Saturday. It is so going to make my life so much easier. We can again support each other and there will be no junk food in the house.... I'm so happy.... On a serious note, I will also be able to stop stressing over his weight and health.... Just need to get my act together now.... Its happening but need to keep taking it one day at a time....

I've been using the STGTBT (Symply Too Good to Be True - Low Fat) cookbooks this week and Brad loves the food. We have had the Butter Chicken, Chinese Beef and Sweet and Sour Pork so far. From memory none of the main meals have been higher than 5 points. I think I might use them for a little while longer....

Today has been an OK day for me. Lots and Lots of stuff has been done. Work, washing, nails, shopping and a wonder around the shopping centre.


I went over my points slightly today thanks to the Skinny Cow Sundae's. I saw them advertised in the Health and Slimming Mag (I think it was) and just had to go and find them in the supermarkets. They are a lot like the WW ones but only 2 points instead of 2 1/2 points. They were yummy but I have to call them evil at the same time. They come in packs of 4 and surprise surprise there is now only 1 left in the box and I'm the only one who ate them. So have to put them in the bottom of the freezer where I can't see them.

I haven't tried the Ice Cream Sticks yet just the Sundae Cups. I might wait until I have a little more control over ice cream before I give the Ice Cream Sticks a go....


Overall I am pretty happy with how the past few days have gone... At least I'm putting one step in front of the other and going forward again...

Carlton

What a great day in Sydney

What a brilliantly sunny day in Sydney today.

I'm also feeling a little better day.

Last night I planned out all my food for today and so far I have kept on track. I have also been for a 90 minute walk. The local club reckoned it was 24 degrees when I was out at lunch time but it didn't feel that hot.

Its one day at a time for me right now.

Brad has once again decided that he needs to lose weight and wants to go back on Weight Watchers (but not go to the meetings). I don't have a problem with this but I will believe it when I see it, as he has said this numerous times but hasn't lasted one day. He has put on a lot of weight during the past few months but until this morning he wouldn't admit it. Funny what getting on the scales will do to you. Even my brother has commented to me how much weight he has put on. I can only hope that he does mean it this time and we can support each other. I was going to talk to him about this last night, after I'd made my last post but he was busy doing other stuff. Maybe we can chat about it tonight.


Carlton
One day at a time.....

2 months 2 weeks and 5 days till......

Yes you guessed it... Christmas Day. Its scary how quickly this year has gone.

At the beginning of this year my goal was to lose 30 kilos this year (whilst I do have more than that to lose.) I thought 30 kilos in 52 weeks, that will be easy. Well I can honestly say that it hasn't been easy and I've only lost half my goal weight so far. Half is better than none but I am disappointed with my overall results...

I'd love to be under 90 kilos for Christmas but I'm finding things a real struggle at the moment. I've been home for just under 1 week so far and really struggling to get back into my routine. I keep eating crap and I haven't done any planned exercise since I've been home. Now I don't want to put too much pressure on myself but if I'm to get close to my Christmas goal then I have to pull my finger out and start tracking and exercising again.

Tomorrow is a new day and as I type this I am planning on going back to the gym.. I have also planned my meals out for the day. This is a good start....

Below is a recent picture of me taken in Thailand in front of James Bond Island...

I'm not happy with how I look, especially with the spare tyre around the middle...
I am also not happy with how I feel about myself. I realise that I am the only one who can change my habits and my feels towards myself and I am working on them. Just need to vent some of my frustrations at the moment.

During the past few days all I have been doing is stuffing my face with junk food/crap and not worrying about it, but its not making me feel horrible and unhappy with myself. Today was a better food day but still not a great one. The good thing is that we don't have a lot of crap in the house and I've been taking to Brad about not buying any more crap. We both really need to lose weight.

So I am going to use this photo to motivate me as I never want to look like this again. Next time I go overseas I will be a lot thinner and happier with myself...


Carlton

Weigh in Day

Hi everyone and hope you all have a great day.

WI day for me today and it wasn't all that good. Well I do only have myself to blame, too many cocktails, ice cream and hot chips whilst I was away... Well it was a fun trip anyway.

I'm also not going to admit how much weight I put on, whilst its not huge in the skeem of things, it still a bit. Maybe next week I'll post my weight and weight loss....

Today is a new day and I'm starting my journey again. I will also track all of my food and go back to the gym this week.

Carlton

I'm home safely.....

Just thought I'd pop in and let you all know that I'm home safely.

I had a great time, despite the humidity of both Phuket and Singapore. Whilst we walked heaps (over 70 hours according to my heart rate monitor) I did eat a bit too much and drank too much. Not looking forward to weighing in on Saturday.

I'm still on holidays until next Tuesday and today I've so far spent it washing (5 loads), cleaning and cleaning out the pantry & fridge. All the fun things in life....

Hope everyone is going well with their weight loss journey. Its time for me to start again with my journey and lose this weight.

Carlton