Tweet
I think that I have things pretty easy, MrsC when it comes to being in charge of what I am, because I only have myself to focus on.
I am fortunate in being able to have a beach holiday every 6 months (for which I have a non-negotiable holiday wardrobe) - and there is only so much potential for turning into a whale in between times.
It means that I am not so much a yo-yo dieter, as an undulating one. The cycle is such that I am heavy (10 1/4 to 10 1/2 stone) in Jan, gradually lose the blubber to be 9 1/2st at the end of April. Heavy again come the end of July, so lose about a stone to be bikini ready at 9 1/2 stone at the end of September. Etcetera.
It helps that I am outrageously tight in the wallet dept - there is no money for a 'thin' and 'fat' wardrobe, or for masses of tempting stuff in the house (crisps/choc/carbonated drinks/processed crap), or have unwarranted leftovers (which your household with children is likely to generate) which you'd feel obliged to eat, or feel guilty about wasting.
I also discover that I have an iron will - there is no 'falling off the wagon' - it simply is not an option in my world.
I don't do 'austere', though - within the parameters of 'cutting down', I do enjoy a homemade biscuit, or cake, and will always have one or the other on the go - but don't have a problem of having ONE. Even though they are heaven themself to eat. And I love my homemade wine, and going out for a beer or two, but I build the calories in to the daily total.
Also, ramping up the exercise is making a difference to me. I am the world's most sour-faced reluctant runner, but I understand that running = wine, and that's a pretty good incentive. I recently won a place on an 8wk virtual running course which gets you to a 10k race at the end of it. It's a challenge, to be sure, but combined with sticking to 1200 or so calories a day, I am feeling fit and taut.
I see many mums on the way to drop the nippers off at the nursery/infant school at the end of my road who are in your boat - the spare half a stone or so which they would prefer not to be lugging around.
I know there is a lot going on in their lives, which they wouldn't change for anything, but losing the padding would give them so much more energy to enjoy their kids - I couldn't think of a better incentive.
All in all, if you want to change things enough, you will - and although it's a bit daunting that no-one can do it for you, and it's JUST YOU - actually, you aren't alone. There are loads of food logging sites/resources/support to help you, should be need it.
I am fortunate in being able to have a beach holiday every 6 months (for which I have a non-negotiable holiday wardrobe) - and there is only so much potential for turning into a whale in between times.
It means that I am not so much a yo-yo dieter, as an undulating one. The cycle is such that I am heavy (10 1/4 to 10 1/2 stone) in Jan, gradually lose the blubber to be 9 1/2st at the end of April. Heavy again come the end of July, so lose about a stone to be bikini ready at 9 1/2 stone at the end of September. Etcetera.
It helps that I am outrageously tight in the wallet dept - there is no money for a 'thin' and 'fat' wardrobe, or for masses of tempting stuff in the house (crisps/choc/carbonated drinks/processed crap), or have unwarranted leftovers (which your household with children is likely to generate) which you'd feel obliged to eat, or feel guilty about wasting.
I also discover that I have an iron will - there is no 'falling off the wagon' - it simply is not an option in my world.
I don't do 'austere', though - within the parameters of 'cutting down', I do enjoy a homemade biscuit, or cake, and will always have one or the other on the go - but don't have a problem of having ONE. Even though they are heaven themself to eat. And I love my homemade wine, and going out for a beer or two, but I build the calories in to the daily total.
Also, ramping up the exercise is making a difference to me. I am the world's most sour-faced reluctant runner, but I understand that running = wine, and that's a pretty good incentive. I recently won a place on an 8wk virtual running course which gets you to a 10k race at the end of it. It's a challenge, to be sure, but combined with sticking to 1200 or so calories a day, I am feeling fit and taut.
I see many mums on the way to drop the nippers off at the nursery/infant school at the end of my road who are in your boat - the spare half a stone or so which they would prefer not to be lugging around.
I know there is a lot going on in their lives, which they wouldn't change for anything, but losing the padding would give them so much more energy to enjoy their kids - I couldn't think of a better incentive.
All in all, if you want to change things enough, you will - and although it's a bit daunting that no-one can do it for you, and it's JUST YOU - actually, you aren't alone. There are loads of food logging sites/resources/support to help you, should be need it.
). Everything in moderation, a little bit of what you fancy does you good, balance is all etc etc.
Comment