A couple of very social weeks...

It seems like ages since I have written in my blog, however, lots of things get put to one side when you are busy. Next week starts the 12 week countdown to christmas, where we all start to think about what weight we may have put on over the summer, and how we are going to shift it in time for christmas celebrations. The past two weeks have been challenging. My daughter was 16 and hubby, 40. We had celebrations which obviously included food and lots of things that would take me way over my daily points allowance. Then came Venice the following week. All of the events were great and I managed to keep an eye on exactly what I was eating, and although I ate too much, I pulled back some points by adding activity and looking at how I could bring in filling foods to help me stretch my daily points allowance further.
So, what has been happening in the world of being a leader over the past couple of weeks? We went back to basics and looked at the importance of re reading our plans from time to time to give us new motivations. This really helped a lot of my members as some had found out that they should be on a different amount of points than they thought. With peoples lives changing constantly, we are reminded that we need to check our points quiz at least once a month so we can stay in control. Satisfaction is important in our programme and therefore the trap that some fall into is eating for the sake of it and not actually eating when we are hungry...take daily treats for example...how many of us have the odd bar or two because thats what we always do? Why do we need it? Does it stop us from bingeing? Are the points that we use on treats worth it? Listening to our body's signals can lead to greater weight loss success as we actually only eat when we need to. Taking the trip in Venice really helped me in that way as I found that where I was wandering about and busy, I didn't really think about food until my tummy started grumbling. This proves to me that I do eat through boredom when I am at home. This week I am going to concentrate on sticking to 3 meals a day and really filling up at those meal times, this enabling me to not pick in between. If we used our points allowance correctly, we wouldn't need to pick. We would enjoy our meals more, particularly if we planned ahead and tried new recipes. With the weather changing, I feel drawn to the new winter warmers cookbook, which has so many recipes that I can use my slow cooker for. This will save me time in the evening when I get in from work, hungry and prone to just cooking something quick and easy. If we put the ground work in now, we can lose a clothes size for christmas without too much effort. Walking is so important for our plan as it increases our heart rate, gives us a sense of well-being, and can be done for as long as we want, with as much or as little effort as we want...and its free. Walking changes all of the time as the scenery changes with the seasons. You can walk as a group and add fun to the equation. I am trekking in Iceland next year for the bhf and can't wait to start training for what will be a challenging trek over volcanic areas in the country. It is a sponsored event and anyone wishing to sponsor me online can go to www.justgiving.com/karenbird
Have a good week...patience and believing in yourself are your keys to success...xx

MOTIVATION M.O.T. Thats what we need!!!

Ok, So this week has been a challenging one...my own meetings, plus a couple of others including a 70 mile round trip for 23 members. Lovely group though and I'll do anything to help.
The thing is with our plan, we need to make time for it and ourselves to keep us motivated. I gained a pound this week...not surprising as I took my eye off the ball. Focussed on kids going back to school, getting ready for september campaign and forgot to plan my meals in advance. I went to a bbq on Saturday and didn't do too bad, but must have gone above my points. Just felt a bit disappointed with myself.
So, how to get re-motivated then...I'm not one to stay de-motivated if I have a bad week, just need a plan to get back on track...
I have myself a new track book and have gone on line to the mp website and looked up motivation. It took me to the habits quiz...great if you are looking to make some changes but are not sure which ones to focus on first. Mine was to look after myself. I have created a timetable balancing my work, family and "me" time. I thrive on being organised and I think it bodes well to be the same within our plan. Hopefully, I will get some more exercise now the kids are back at school. (don't like doing dvds in front of them!) The key to staying motivated is to give yourself direction and organisation. Reward yourself as well...and i'm not talking food! A nice relaxing cd or going to see a film, a new item of clothing to show off inch loss, that kind of thing. I have two weeks until I go to Venice for the weekend, my target is 3lb.
To my members reading this...get the right support...I'm here waiting to help and full of revitalised motivation!!! Time for a kick up the bum!!! I'll be waiting with my size 5s! ... just turn around and show me the booty!!! (lol) What changes do you want to make? Our lifestyles are throwing challenges all of the time so be prepared. That way, it won't knock you off balance.

Have a good week and next week, i'll be going back to basics...mmm..zero point soup!!!

Kaz xx