Week One: Why?

"What? Do I really look like that? How utterly embarrassing?"

These were the thoughts running through my mind when I looked back at the photos from my recent trip back home to Australia. There was one photo in particular that shocked me the most and I will attach it here. I wouldn't normally publish such an embarrassing photo but I really want to face the reality that is the incredible weight I have put on.

I've decided to ask myself a series of questions every week (or probably every couple of days just to keep myself motivated!)

Week One: 
Current Weight - 65kgs
Goal Weight - 58kgs (size 10)
Weight Loss to Date - 0kgs

My top 5 goals:
1. Lose 6kgs/return to a size 10
2. Go to the shops/cafe without feeling like I need to buy something sweet
3. See photos/myself in the mirror and not feel 'frumpy' or 'bulging'
4. Feel energised and positive
5. Understand how to change my lifestyle so this isn't just a craze


What I look forward to:
At the moment I look in the mirror and I see my stomach bulging over my jeans. I am embarrassed to take my cardigan off because you can see where my fat is desperately trying to escape from all areas possible. I can't wait to put on my jeans and not feel like they are pinching me at the sides. I want to be able to wear clothes this summer and not feel too big to wear them.


What makes me nervous:
I think other people might react negatively to this drastic change of diet. Some might make me feel like its a con or a joke. Others might try and tempt me to give up. I don't look forward to the cravings and possible lack-of-sugar-headaches. I'm nervous about going out for coffee with friends and being tempted when I see them eat cake.


What I am finding difficult:
Understanding what has sugar and what doesn't. Do I cut out fruit? All of it? Is that healthy? Do I really understand what I am meant to be doing?


What I enjoyed:
I loved the Avocado and Goats Cheese Toastie today. It was so yummy! I also added some left over roasted sweet potato and it was fabulous! Another fabulous recipe I discovered was Sweet Potato and Chickpea tortillas (photo below). The food is so good you forget it's a diet!

Week One: Gym

Protein Shakes. Lycra. Sweat.

Walking in to the gym for the first time since Alex felt like walking into a club for cool people and I had a giant, neon sign screaming "LOSER".

I hate that first moment when you return to the gym. All the men are built like Mr. Strong and the women look gorgeous in their tights, amazing make-up and gorgeous hair. I swiped my card and walked in to the main workout area and it had all changed since I'd been there last. I immediately just wanted to fit in but it seemed that all the machines I knew how to use were taken. I lingered around the water cooler until a bike was free then hurried over trying to look like I do this all the time.

This. won't. stop. me! Bring it.

Week One: Smashed it!

Week One: 
Current Weight - 62.6kg
Goal Weight - 58kgs (size 10)
Weight Loss to Date - 2.4kg


What I am finding difficult:
Not much really. This week was so much easier than I imagined it would be! It's crazy to think we've been a whole week without sugar. We haven't completely cut out fruit yet but I've only had 2 apples and haven't really craved anything or feel I'm missing out. The small things are the hardest. So, ordering a cup of coffee and they serve it with a small biscuit or wafer. It's just sitting there screaming "EAT ME!!". That's where I struggle. Or, a friend of mine was talking about Hagen Daas Ice-Cream, ice-cream is my kryptonite. 


What I enjoyed:
I made the world's most amazing hash for lunch yesterday. I blew myself away. 

Most Amazing Hash:
Steamed broccoli
Raw beans
Roasted chickpeas and sweet potato tossed in cajun spice and garlic
Pepitas
Feta
Pan-fried strips of beef
Squeeze of lemon

Chuck it in a bowl and mix together.

Week One: Getting Equipped

Chia seeds. Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah). Coconut oil. Flaxseeds. Green Powder. Amaranth. Buckwheat groats. Stevia.

WHAAAAT?

Simply getting ready for this crazy 8-week challenge has been a huge learning curve. I had no idea these seeds/foods even existed! I flipped through Sarah Wilson's book, "I Quit Sugar", with pen and paper at the ready and wrote down all the ingredients I have never heard of. I came up with a pretty extensive list.

Today I walked in to town with my little boy Alex ready to find all these weird and exciting ingredients. I eagerly walked in to the local health food shop with my huge list in my hand. The whole shop was filled with ingredients, potions and lotions I have never seen or heard of before. This is a new world to me. I quickly found quinoa, flaxseeds and a few nuts. I walked around pretending that I do this all the time but I think the cashier quickly found me out when I struggled to pronounce "Amaranth".

This challenge is still in the "excitement" stage. I am ready and buzzing to get started. I wonder how long this feeling will last?

I came home and quickly whipped up my first no-sugar brekkie ready for our big launch on Saturday. Cashewy Chia Puddings.

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Chia Seeds (White is best but I used black, I hope that's ok?)
375ml Almond Milk or Cashew Milk or regular milk
25g frozen berries (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla powder (I couldn't find powder so I have ground vanilla pods)
granulated stevia, to taste
pinch of salt

Method:
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Place in 2 serving bowls and chill to serve.

Note: I have made mine ready for Saturday and placed it in a glass jar in the fridge. It will keep for a few days in the fridge. Serves 2.

Bring it on Saturday.

Week One: Start to Cut Back

I am addicted to sugar. There you go, I said it. Now to face it. 

It is so easy to blame being flabby on having recently given birth to a little baby. I did. To be honest, having a baby does take your body through a crazy amount of change. But too many people use it as a huge excuse to remain overweight. I would easily sit down with a packet of mini eggs or even a jar of Nutella and consume the lot. "Oh but you burn 500 calories a day Breastfeeding!" I definitely justified my crazy habits but really it is just a deep, set, addiction to sugar. Enough is enough. 

My close friend, Nat, suggested I go on an 8 week detox to rid sugar from running my life. She said she has never felt so energised and happy. I'm about to embark on an 8 week challenge to see whether all this fuss is worth it.