Monthly Weigh in and Food diary - May

I'm really not having a very good run with my weight loss recently. Everything has taken a bit of a back burner and I've had such a hectic schedule this month. Not only have I worked every weekend, I have volunteered nearly 100 hours on top of my usual working week so I've not really had the time to prepare foods. I'm going to keep tracking everything though, please bare with me!

Week 17 - +1.5lbs

I have no one to blame but myself for this gain. My meals are pretty much spot on with a healthy mix of protein, vegetables and carbs its just the snacking in between which lets me down.

 Week 18 -1lb

I had a similar week this week to last but somehow lost weight. I think I'm sort of hovering around the same mark. I'm a bit of a yo-yoer! I made creme egg cookies this week, they were delicious. I better make some more if they've caused me to lose weight!

Week 19 +0.5lbs

Well this was a really bad week! A lot of my meals were provided and there was a cake sale at work. Cakes for charity are calorie free aren't they?! I've been home alone for 2 weeks so my meals have been less healthy and more convenient to say the least.

Week 20 - +1.5lbs

The last week in what has been a pretty bad month. I would love to say 'next month will be better' and I really hope it will be, but I have a lot on my plate with my birthday coming up and a trip to Centreparcs. I can only try!

Total weight loss this month: +2.5lbs

To see my entire food intake, you can visit my Instagram.

It works! - Ultimate Body Wraps*

If you're a big Instagrammer then you will have no doubt seen these wraps from 'It works!'. I'll be honest, when I first heard about these I was a bit skeptical, I thought - How can they possibly work? When my friend Emily offered me the chance to try one out, I couldn't say no. I wanted to see what they were like for myself and provide you with an honest review. 

 

 These wraps are so versatile. Not only can you use them on your stomach, you can cut then several ways to make leg wraps, arm wraps and even chin wraps to tighten a wide range of areas.

First thing's first, take your before photos and measurements. I decided to wrap my stomach, so I took a few measurements of my waist and around the center and the bottom of my stomach. Photo's are also important. Ensure you take them from the same distance and same pose each time. I'll be honest, this was the hardest part! In the end I had to use my phone because my DSLR was washing all the colour out and I wanted to be able to see every detail in my results!

Before popping on the wrap, it is advised you take a hot shower to open up the pores. Do not use any lotions. I then read the simple to understand instructions on the wrap packet and wrapped myself up! It was very easy to do. The wrap actually smelt really nice, like Aloe Vera! I was expecting it to be made of clingfilm in all honesty, but it's actually a polyethylene cloth covered in a lotion which is comfortable and pleasant to wear. I left the wrap for 45 minutes to ensure I got my results.

During the 45 minutes it is vital to stay hydrated and keep drinking water. If you're going to be moving about then it is best if you wrap yourself in clingfilm to stop the wrap from moving. If you start to sweat, remove the clingfilm! The wrap felt nice. It was cooling and made my stomach tingle. I actually liked the sensation, it reminds of that feeling when you put nice cold after-sun onto sunburn.

After you take the wrap off, you smooth the extra lotion on and retake your measurements and take your after photo. 

These wraps continue to work their magic for up to 72 hours so it's important to keep hydrated and drink plenty of water in the upcoming days. I didn't shower until the next day to ensure the lotion really got a chance to soak into my skin.

These are my results! My measurements went down and I felt great! I felt toned despite not doing ANYTHING. I told Emily I would give an honest review, and I'm not just saying this because she's a friend, but I seriously am impressed with the results.

Here is my before and after photo. Bearing in mind this is just after one wrap! Think of what results I could see if I purchased more than this. And after only 45 minutes, I am over the moon, I can definitely see a change. Everything feels tighter and flatter.

There are plenty of rules to ensure that these work and you will need to follow them all. I haven't detailed all of them in this post but you should know when done correctly, these wraps work for 98% of people, so I would urge you to try them out. You have to be realistic, you're not going to drop a stone overnight, these wraps aren't for weight loss. I think they are ideal if you have a special event coming up, a holiday or even a wedding. These wraps tighten and tone in a way that I can't explain!

To find out more about these wraps and try some for yourself, you can contact Emily on Facebook. Why not book yourself a 'wrap party' and have the girls round for en evening? You'll then be able to try one out and make an evening out of it.

*Emily provided me this wrap in exchange for an honest review. I was not influence in any way and all opinions are my own.

Monthly Weigh in and Food diary - April

Here's this month's food and weigh in diary. I was so disappointed with last month's result. I need to remember how it made me feel to help me to get back on track. Summer will be here before we know it and I want to feel confident about myself and in wearing summer clothes!

Week 12 -0.5lbs

I was pretty disappointed with my gain last week so I was determined to try harder this week. I had an evening out where I stuck to diet drinks but I did let myself have a pulled pork roll. I also went to the gym 3 times so hoped to burn some extra calories this week. I was so happy to have lost this week, but expected more if I'm honest.

 Week 13 -0.5lbs

Easter. Chocolate. The 2 things that could have seriously de-railed my progress this week. Have you ever weighed out chocolate into like, 200 calorie bags. It's sad. I could easily eat 5 of those bags. I am trying to hard to be good though, must stay on track. I want to catch up on last week's loss.

Week 14 +1lbs

I knew this was going to be a tricky week as I had a weekend away where my food was catered for, and I didn't have any choice in what I had. I tried my best to be good either side of the weekend but then the alcohol came in. I lost count of how many ciders I had. I expected a much larger gain. It could catch up with me next week though.

Week 15 -1lb

I STILL have Easter eggs left, can you believe it?! Until they are gone my weight loss is at risk every week. I feel like eating them all in one go but I know that's not the answer. Happy to lose this week, but compared with the last I deserved to!

Week 16 +1lbs

This week was full of meals out and alcohol. I started a Bootea Teatox which I will be blogging about. I haven't actually lost weight this month but I have been crazy busy and had lots of meals out so I'm thankful I have been able to maintain my weight. I still need a few more lbs off though before summer!

Total weight loss this month: 0lbs

To see my entire food intake, you can visit my Instagram.

Monthly Weigh in and Food diary - March

March's monthly food diaries if anyone is interested! I love logging everything for the month it's much easier than the weekly's. I've had a terrible month and I contemplated not even posting this but I'm gonna be real with you guys.

Week 8 +1lb

 Probably the busiest week of my life hah. Not only did I have a roast dinner, I had a Burger King (a HUGE one), a Fry Up and all manner of naughty foods. It's out of my system now. I have a nice clear week, I think... I've drawn a line under my weight gain and will be trying extra hard this week.

 Week 9 -1lb

I aimed to try harder this week, it was a tough start but alongside walking a lot more than usual I powered through with the healthy eating. Me and my boyfriend also went on a bike ride which was lovely. I tried the Slimming World chicken tikka masala too which I thought was really good. I also made a healthy vegan banana loaf which appeared a lot in my food diary this week!

Week 10 +0.5lbs

A reasonably clear week ahead of me, I thought this could go either way. I'd be lucky to lose weight but who knows. Apart from a couple of days where I didn't really stick to being 100% healthy, I pulled it around after the weekend. I've been doing Yoga this week too! Just beginners videos but I am feeling a difference in my core already.

Week 11 +3.5lbs

Well this week was my boyfriend's birthday and I hate to make excuses but I ordered him a massive cake and took him for dinner and breakfast too, chips at the seaside and more cake so I have admittedly indulged! But I enjoyed every bite. This has been a rubbish weight loss month! But I can continue to keep trying.

Total weight loss this month: +3.5.
Pounds to target: 15.

To see my entire food intake, you can visit my Instagram.

Monthly Weigh in and Food diary - February

Another food/weigh in update for you! Slow and steady is how I like to do it. I find the slower it comes off, the slower it goes back on, I'm not one for a 'quick fix' or a fad diet. This is a lifestyle change. A dripping tap still fills a bucket..

I found it quite hard to keep on top of my weekly food updates and I was kicking myself for forgetting to take photos of my food so I thought I would do a monthly summary with some of my favourite foods of the week. I started the month at 11 stone 7, where will it end...?

This month hasn't been very good but I want to post it anyway. Journey's aren't always in a straight line. See my last post for the first week of February here.

Week 4 -2.5lbs

I went into more detail about this week in my last post but I had a pretty good week and a great loss!

 Week 5 -2.5lbs

This week went really well despite me thinking I had eaten too much! 5lbs in 2 weeks is unheard of for me, I imagine I will gain next week. I was lucky enough to get some ‘body magic’ awards at Slimming world so I was chuffed. I batch cooked some quorn bolognaise which I ate a LOT of, but it was super yum. I have a feeling next week won’t go so well.. 9lbs to target.

Week 6  + 3.5lbs

Valentines week. I didn't have high expectations given the 3 course meal I prepared for me and my boyfriend but I tried to make up with it by going to the gym more this week. My boyfriend bought me a food processor so I have been making healthy snack balls (recipe here), falafel, hummus, cauliflower pizza, sweet potato brownies and all-sorts.

Week 7 -1.5lbs

I can't believe how bad I did last week! This week didn't start well either, with a meal out on the night of weigh in and cake the day after. I also don't have a car at the moment so I am struggling to get to the gym but I am walking a lot more. Favourite meal this week has to be the veggie fajitas! I also made a really nice chilli.

Total weight loss this month: -3lbs
Pounds to target: 11.

Weekly Weigh in and Food diary - Week 4

I really must try and be good this week after being bad.I am determined to get to my target for the summer so I can feel confident and I have 1 stone left to lose!

Wednesday

B - Banana before the gym, then I had a wholemeal ham and cucumber roll with an Apple.
L -  Stir fry noodles, veg and oyster sauce.
D - Spaghetti and meatballs with a homemade tomato sauce, topped with cheese!
S -  I snacked on some toasted pine nuts and pumpkin seeds.
E - Gym... I did a 45 minute walk/run on the treadmill, Leg press 10 reps x 4 sets 80lbs, Hip Adduction 10 reps x 4 sets 55lb and 10 x 4 70lbs and Ab Crunches 10 x 4 55lb. I also walked around at lunch.

Thursday

B - Bacon sandwich and an apple.
L -  More stir fry noodles and veg, this time I had them with quorn nuggets which are my new love!
D - I had work late so I just had a quick dinner of Jacket potato with cheese and beans.
S -  Banana cake and a cup of tea which I got from Graze.
E - Walked about during work for approx 5 hours. In the freezing cold.. brrrrr...

Friday

B - Marmite on toast! The best!
L -  I had stir fry again, it was my last portion though so it should change things up a bit for you guys..
D - Lasagne and garlic bread.. Mmmm.
S -  I had some roses chocolates at work.
E - Walked around at lunch, did about 2-3 miles.

Saturday

B -For breakfast I had a banana.
L - My lunch was a homemade afternoon tea which I prepared for me and my boyfriend. Sandwiches, scones, crisps and some little treats on top!
D - For dinner I had  a prawn thai green curry and rice with chopped tomatoes and spring onions.
S -  A couple of biscuits and a kitkat.
E - Didn't do a lot of movement all day hah.

Sunday

B - I slept through breakfast, Lazy Sunday's at their finest!
L -  I had quorn nuggets, home cooked chips, beans and a fried egg.
D - Roast dinner! Yum.
S -  I had some smarties in the evening.
E - Did even less movement than Saturday.

Monday

B - Baked oats with raspberries and a muller light yoghurt.
L - Made a big batch of quorn chilli and rice so expect to see this for the rest of the week! Delicious.
D - Vegetable chilli. My butt is gonna be on fire tonight.
S -  I made cookies so had one of those.
E - Walking around on my lunch break. I was meant to go to the gym but I slept really badly last night.

Tuesday

B - Nak'd bar, an apple, a banana and coffee.
L - Quorn chilli again, I love it!
D - Omelette with lots of salad and some chips.
S -  Some bonbons! Naughty. Oh and lots of green tea, I love the stuff.
E - Walking about at lunch.

Total weight loss this week: 2.5lbs! Woop!
Only 11.5lbs to go until target!

Weekly Weigh in and Food diary - Week 3

Another week where I feel like I haven't done very well. I can't get my head in the game lately and everything I eat seems to bloat me. Also, after the gym I always come out really bloated - does anyone else get this?! It's annoying and makes me feel like it's not worth it. Anyway onto the food...

Wednesday

B - Weetabix muffins with nutella, an apple and a skinny latte from Starbucks.
L - Sweet potato curry and rice and veg. The curry sauce was blended mushy peas, chopped tomatoes and curry powder and some chilli (it tastes good trust me!).
D - I had "fake kfc" basically chicken thighs rubbed in spices and breadcrumbs with home cooked chips and salad.
S -  I snacked on a banana and some buttercream whilst making a cake haha.
E - Gym today, I did a 45 minute walk/run on the treadmill, Leg press 10 reps x 4 sets 75lbs, Hip Adduction 10 reps x 4 sets 55lb. 

Thursday

B - Raisin Bran and semi skimmed milk with an apple.
L -  A cheese scone and flora.
D - Dad's birthday tea! We had prawn cocktail for starters, then chicken chasseur, then banana split for tea.
S -  It was someone's birthday at work again so I had some cake.. oops! And my dad's birthday so more cake. Oh dear. 
E - Just general walking about at work and on my lunch.

Friday

B - Chewy bar.
L -  Out for lunch with my boyfriend today. I had a delicious spicy bean burger, sweet potato fries, vegan mayo and homemade lemonade. It was lovely. I think I should re-name Friday's to sweet potato fry-days.
D - I have been too full for dinner today so I just had late night cheese and ham on toast.
S -  Some chocolate! Yum.
E - Walked around for a bit at lunch.

Saturday

B -For breakfast I had a banana. I didn't take a photo though!
L - My lunch was provided today and I had a BLT sandwich, crisps, a fruit cake, chocolate and an apple.
D - For dinner I had quorn spaghetti bolognaise made by my boyfriend's mum and it was yum!
S -  A few ferrero rochers!
E - Did a long shift walking about for most of the day so I am pretty tired, I think I did about 7 miles!

Sunday

B - Bacon (no fat) and scrambled eggs on toast made by my boyfriend. He knows when I'm hungry I'm grumpy so did well to keep me fed!
L -  Again, my boyfriend made lunch and we had pasta with spring onions, tomatoes, cheese and a bit of mayo.
D - Veggie burger and lots of salad.
S -  I didn't really snack today as I was fed and watered on time haha.
E - Did some shopping and walked about but nothing strenuous.

Monday

B - Banana before the gym and a chewy bar, a nak'd bar, an apple and a coffee afterwards.
L - Mushy Pea sweet potato curry and rice - yum!
D - Burger in a bowl with home cooked wedges. Basically mince, onions, salad and burger sauce.
S -  A couple of rice crispie chocolate bites.
E - Gym Session. I did 45 minutes walk/run on the treadmill, Chest Press 30lb x 3 sets of 10, Lat Pull 40lb x 4 sets of 10. Walking around on my lunch break.

Tuesday

B - Marmite on toast in the car, I was in a rush!
L - Stir fry veg with noodles and an oyster sauce. I've batch cooked this so expect to see it a lot next week!
D - Jacket potato with cheese and 'pizza topped chicken'.
S -  An apple, some dark chocolate buttons and some walnuts.. and Starburst.
E - Walked around at lunch.

Total weight loss this week: +1lb.
But I'm still posting this!

Weekly Weigh in and Food diary - Week 2

I've had a crazy busy week this week with 3 meals out! I am pretty sure I picked the wrong month to start a diet haha. I expect next week will be slightly better as I am a lot less busy on the social front. For those interested, here is a breakdown of my weekly food! Enjoy.

Wednesday

B - I had bran flakes with semi-skimmed milk and an apple for a snack.
L - Leftover Tuna Pasta Bake.
D - I had sausages, egg, beans, mushrooms, home cooked wedges and bacon with the fat removed.
S -  I snacked on a banana and some chocolate.
E - I walked around at lunch, I was due to go to the gym but I changed my days about.

Thursday

B - Porridge Oats, semi-skimmed milk, an apple, and a pinch of chia seeds.
L -  We went out for lunch at work today and I went for Sausage and Mash with gravy and peas.
D - Chicken Fajitas without the wraps with home cooked wedges, rice, kidney beans, peppers and a salad.
S -  I had some starburst and a few biscuits as it was someone's birthday at work and I would hate to deprive myself!
E - Walking around at work.

Friday

B - Chewy bar, an apple and a coffee. Also a banana before the gym.
L -  Out for lunch again today! what a busy week. We went to Ed's Diner and lets be honest who wants to go to an American themed diner and have just a salad? Not me! I went for a skinny burger (no bread) which was topped with cheese, salsa and sour cream with a side salad and some sweet potato fries.
D - We got a Chinese takeaway tonight, I decided to go for boiled rice and Chicken in Oyster sauce and chips, I've eaten a bit too much today I think!
S -  No room for snacks!
E - Gym! 20 minutes walk/run on the treadmill, 20 minutes cross trainer, Leg press 10 reps x 4 sets 75lbs, Hip Adduction and Abduction 10 reps x 8 sets 55lb. 20 minute walk at lunch.

Saturday

B -For breakfast I had baked beans, egg, tomatoes and lean bacon.
L - My breakfast was actually at 12pm so I didn't have a lunch! The joys of waking up late.
D - For dinner I made home-made burgers with a babybel in the middle. They were LOVELY. I made these with home cooked chips and salad!
S -  A few ferrero rochers!
E - None...!

Sunday

B - Beans and cheese on toast with scrambled egg, bacon (no fat) and rocket.
L -  Again, I had a late breakfast so I didn't have a specified lunch.
D - Roast chicken dinner.
S -  Sweets! Sweet Sunday?! Haha.
E - Went to the allotment today and did a bit of gardening.

Monday

B - Banana before the gym and some Weetabix Muffins with Nutella and an apple.
L - Mushy Pea chicken curry and rice. It tastes better than it sounds.. honest!
D - Mince meatballs with pasta and a sauce made from onions mushrooms and tomatoes.
S -  A couple of rice crispie chocolate bites.
E - Gym Session. I did 20 minutes walk/run on the treadmill, 10 minutes cross trainer, 20 minutes spinning (10km) Chest Press 30lb x 3 sets of 10, Lat Pull 40lb x 3 sets of 10 and Ab Crunches 45lbs x 3 sets of 10. Walking around on my lunch break.

Tuesday

B - A Cheese roll (not pictured), a cup of coffee, an apple and a gingerbread nak'd bar.
L -  Mushy pea chicken curry again. I love this. 
D - Quorn Sausages, Mash and vegetables.
S -  Some chocolate bites.
E - None. 

Total weight loss this week: +0.5lbs

Again, I know I eat a lot but I like to have a small treat every day. I never deprive myself if I fancy something, and I don't usually go out for 3 meals in one week so I've had a bit of a crazy week so didn't expect to lose anything!

Here's to a better week :).