I am currently suffering from an acute bout of insomnia and that might explain what I am about to write; bear with me! The lack of sleep comes and goes and is highly frustrating. The brain wants to remain active despite the body's protestations at craving some rest.
I went on another date last night, it went well. He was a really nice bloke and we had a giggle (at my expense) as I teetered around on wet, cobbled streets in my crazy work heels. He must have thought I am a bit of a loony but we finally managed to find a cool little pub with some good food despite walking around for 40 minutes in a gale.
During our conversation we touched upon Buddhism and inner peace. Good first date conversation centre piece? It really was quite enlightening. It put me in mind of a book I read a few months back called 'The Power Of Now' by German author Eckhart Tolle. The upshot of it is that we have no control on what has happened and cannot fully predict the future so the premise is 'live for now.' My own interpretation of the book was that we don't spend enough time just 'being.' Our minds can be our worst enemy and it is too easy to get caught up in the trappings of everyday life, caught up in a sea of complicated emotions and feelings that need to be stripped back once in a while.
I guess it has some tantric elements to it but I did attempt the exercises the author so eloquently outlined. Essentially I would class these as meditation but sitting quietly, clearing your mind of thought and focusing on the living organism that you are really is liberating. It does take some practice and requires an environment with no stimuli so you can fully focus.
There are so many beautiful things that surround us; burning red sunsets, wispy, candy floss like cloud. I feel we ignore these aspects of life as they can get submerged in the quagmire of day to day living. By losing touch with ourselves we have lost the inherent ability to simply exist and be aware of our connection with this planet and all those species we share it with. Whimsical ? Perhaps but it really has hit a nerve with me.
I would not say I am spiritual in the traditional sense but I have a passion for all things natural. Weather, geology and astronomy knit very closely in my world. Paganism has some meaning to me although I remain largely agnostic.
Anyhow I won't get too bogged down with this but I highly recommend allowing yourself some time to relax, clear your head and enjoy just 'being.'
It is liberating, cathartic and we all deserve a break from our minds once in a while. The mind can be the most destructive element to our lives, torture can be borne out of intellect and something so powerful needs to have constraints.
Rainy xxx
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Friday 9 December 2011
The disparity between physical and mental
Hello! The end of another week and we are inching ever closer to that time of year. Get ready to be immersed in the frivolity of it all.
Due to the anaemic phase I am currently going through, I have been feeling rather morose at times. It is part and parcel of the sheer exhaustion I feel day to day at the moment. I still notice that when I feel down and sad, the old body woes haunt me. I see myself in a different, more negative light. Odd right? Not really. It is getting better but the road to recovery is long and winding and I have
not finished the journey just yet. Physically, I look the same as I have the past 4 years but mentally, the mind has some serious ground to make
up.
Off of the back of that, I wanted to pose a question to people reading this. We can get so caught up in the negative that we totally neglect the positive.
Please list your 5 favourite physical features about you. You can answer anonymously if you wish.
I will kick this off. To throw a spin on
it, I am going to cast my mind back
to when I was obese and base my 5 as if I were obese now (I used to play this game with a friend.)
1. Hands
2. Back
3. Skin
4. Long legs
5. Eyes
I pass the floor to you :)
L xx
Due to the anaemic phase I am currently going through, I have been feeling rather morose at times. It is part and parcel of the sheer exhaustion I feel day to day at the moment. I still notice that when I feel down and sad, the old body woes haunt me. I see myself in a different, more negative light. Odd right? Not really. It is getting better but the road to recovery is long and winding and I have
not finished the journey just yet. Physically, I look the same as I have the past 4 years but mentally, the mind has some serious ground to make
up.
Off of the back of that, I wanted to pose a question to people reading this. We can get so caught up in the negative that we totally neglect the positive.
Please list your 5 favourite physical features about you. You can answer anonymously if you wish.
I will kick this off. To throw a spin on
it, I am going to cast my mind back
to when I was obese and base my 5 as if I were obese now (I used to play this game with a friend.)
1. Hands
2. Back
3. Skin
4. Long legs
5. Eyes
I pass the floor to you :)
L xx
Sunday 4 December 2011
My top weight loss tips - EXERCISE
Our bodies are machines. They need to be fuelled, well oiled and maintained to operate efficiently. They are designed to move and be active so it is very important that we use them as they were intended.
From my own experience, exercise has been the main contributing factor which has enabled me to get to where I am today. The nutritional side of it is important but you can only achieve so much with calorie control alone.
When I committed to losing the weight, I knew that I had to commit to exercise too. Little did I know just how much I would grow to love it and how it would play such an important and enjoyable role in my everyday routine.
EXERCISE
Lay the foundations first - when you start, don't push it too hard. If your body is not accustomed to exercise, give it a gentle introduction and make sure you ease yourself in gradually. If you make things hard for yourself too soon, you are more likely to not enjoy it and give up. You are also more prone to injury, especially if you are carrying lots of extra weight as this puts pressure on your ligaments and joints. Your muscles, cardiorespiratory system and mind set need to adjust permanently, give them a chance. I started by gentle gym work, cycling and walking.
Walking: the most natural thing a bipedal does - walking is highly underrated. I lost around 130 pounds of my main bulk by walking. It is free to do, easier on your body, it builds fitness gradually and is fantastic for conditioning. Incorporate hills into your routine. Hill walking is excellent for strengthening your legs and pushing you into the cardio fat burning zone.
Core exercising - As I have mentioned in previous posts, a strong core is integral to not only improving posture but aiding your work out sessions. The core incorporates all muscle groups around the trunk of your body so your tummy, sides and lower back. Doing sets of crunches whilst watching TV gets you off the sofa, burns calories and will pay dividends eventually.
Variety is the spice of life - keep things varied and interesting, don't stick with one type of training but vary your activities. By varying what you do, you
keep things interesting and you are less likely to tire or bore of your regime. Badminton, tennis and squash are all sports I played at least once a week, alongside my other activities.
Patience is a virtue - Rome was not built in a day. It took a few months before I saw a real difference in my shape but, when the changes do start happening, they happen fast. Remember that those muscles nestled under and excess fat are being worked and will respond. You will see the benefits, you need to stick with it and bide your time.
The day or rest - you must take at least one day off a week (ideally more to begin with) to allow your body some rest and healing time. Rest is important for muscle repair. If you over train, you will burn out or injury yourself.
Never exercise within one hour of eating - if you eat a meal and then train within an hour of that meal, indigestion and stitch will become you constant companions. Let your food digest before you start training.
Eating protein after a work out session will aid in muscle repair so get those cans of tuna at the ready!
Stay hydrated - Our bodies lose a lot of water whilst we are training. Dehydration leads to poor performance and electrolyte depletion during exercise so keep a bottle of water handy at all times. Energy drinks do contain some of the electrolytes we need so it is ok to have one of these after a session.
Monitor your heart rate - one of the most useful gadgets I use is a heart rate monitor. There are many on the market now that are affordable and it is important to know which training zone your heart is in.
To read more about cardio training zones, see below:-
http://www.heart.com/heart-rate-chart.html
Resistance work - weight training is crucial to overall conditioning and strength. Weight training can sound like a daunting prospect but, for the purposes of weight loss, low weighted dumbbells and high repetitions are the way to go. Please see my November post entitled 'weight circuit training plan' for more information.
Set yourself a challenge - fitness serves as a benefit in all our lives but setting yourself a goal enables you to stay focused and stick with it. Whether it be a timed walking challenged, a long distance bike ride, 5k running race or mountain climb, goals provide something tangible to work towards.
Schedule your workouts into your day - we lead busy lives and it is not always easy to find time. Pre plan what you are going to do through the week, have your kit to hand before work so you haven excuses not to go out and do a session when you get home.
I hope these tips have been useful. I hope that anyone reading this realises just how beneficial regular exercise is not only for body, but mind too.
R xx
From my own experience, exercise has been the main contributing factor which has enabled me to get to where I am today. The nutritional side of it is important but you can only achieve so much with calorie control alone.
When I committed to losing the weight, I knew that I had to commit to exercise too. Little did I know just how much I would grow to love it and how it would play such an important and enjoyable role in my everyday routine.
EXERCISE
Lay the foundations first - when you start, don't push it too hard. If your body is not accustomed to exercise, give it a gentle introduction and make sure you ease yourself in gradually. If you make things hard for yourself too soon, you are more likely to not enjoy it and give up. You are also more prone to injury, especially if you are carrying lots of extra weight as this puts pressure on your ligaments and joints. Your muscles, cardiorespiratory system and mind set need to adjust permanently, give them a chance. I started by gentle gym work, cycling and walking.
Walking: the most natural thing a bipedal does - walking is highly underrated. I lost around 130 pounds of my main bulk by walking. It is free to do, easier on your body, it builds fitness gradually and is fantastic for conditioning. Incorporate hills into your routine. Hill walking is excellent for strengthening your legs and pushing you into the cardio fat burning zone.
Core exercising - As I have mentioned in previous posts, a strong core is integral to not only improving posture but aiding your work out sessions. The core incorporates all muscle groups around the trunk of your body so your tummy, sides and lower back. Doing sets of crunches whilst watching TV gets you off the sofa, burns calories and will pay dividends eventually.
Variety is the spice of life - keep things varied and interesting, don't stick with one type of training but vary your activities. By varying what you do, you
keep things interesting and you are less likely to tire or bore of your regime. Badminton, tennis and squash are all sports I played at least once a week, alongside my other activities.
Patience is a virtue - Rome was not built in a day. It took a few months before I saw a real difference in my shape but, when the changes do start happening, they happen fast. Remember that those muscles nestled under and excess fat are being worked and will respond. You will see the benefits, you need to stick with it and bide your time.
The day or rest - you must take at least one day off a week (ideally more to begin with) to allow your body some rest and healing time. Rest is important for muscle repair. If you over train, you will burn out or injury yourself.
Never exercise within one hour of eating - if you eat a meal and then train within an hour of that meal, indigestion and stitch will become you constant companions. Let your food digest before you start training.
Eating protein after a work out session will aid in muscle repair so get those cans of tuna at the ready!
Stay hydrated - Our bodies lose a lot of water whilst we are training. Dehydration leads to poor performance and electrolyte depletion during exercise so keep a bottle of water handy at all times. Energy drinks do contain some of the electrolytes we need so it is ok to have one of these after a session.
Monitor your heart rate - one of the most useful gadgets I use is a heart rate monitor. There are many on the market now that are affordable and it is important to know which training zone your heart is in.
To read more about cardio training zones, see below:-
http://www.heart.com/heart-rate-chart.html
Resistance work - weight training is crucial to overall conditioning and strength. Weight training can sound like a daunting prospect but, for the purposes of weight loss, low weighted dumbbells and high repetitions are the way to go. Please see my November post entitled 'weight circuit training plan' for more information.
Set yourself a challenge - fitness serves as a benefit in all our lives but setting yourself a goal enables you to stay focused and stick with it. Whether it be a timed walking challenged, a long distance bike ride, 5k running race or mountain climb, goals provide something tangible to work towards.
Schedule your workouts into your day - we lead busy lives and it is not always easy to find time. Pre plan what you are going to do through the week, have your kit to hand before work so you haven excuses not to go out and do a session when you get home.
I hope these tips have been useful. I hope that anyone reading this realises just how beneficial regular exercise is not only for body, but mind too.
R xx
Saturday 3 December 2011
My top weight loss tips - FOOD
Having tried and tested many things myself, I wanted to offer up some of my top weight loss tips. We are all different, such is the variety of life and what might work for one might not work for another. There has been a lot of trial and error for me but I think these tips really have worked and, more importantly, have remained a consistent part of my lifestyle to this day.
So with no further ado...
Food
NEVER under eat - There are many negatives as a result of constricting your calories too severely. You are more likely to end up bingeing, your blood sugar levels will be unstable, your body will generally not respond well long term. We have all heard about starvation mode. Restricted calories can induce a state of shock and subsequent defence of your body to preserve it's fat/energy reserves. Another negative element to this is you won't have the energy to exercise; a vital component to successful and long term weightloss.
Under eating WILL catch up with you eventually.
Crazy diets - the word 'diet' can be construed in many ways. To me, diet has negative connotations as I tend to associate it with unnatural forms of food choice. The Atkins diet, the cabbage soup diet, slim fast, celebrity slimmer, they are all doomed to fail. Long term eating habit changes require a sensible, moderated view on what you are putting in your mouth. Our bodies need carbs, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins to remain healthy. By cutting out any of these elements from your consumption, you are playing a potentially dangerous game with your health.
Try to eat little and often - By dividing your 3 main meals up into smaller, more frequent meals you keep your blood sugar levels more stable, thus minimising the risk of snacking on the unhealthy options. This will also negate the risk of you piling your plate high with food and over eating when you do have a meal.
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day - This is so true, by eating breakfast you are fuelling your body far more efficiently. Breakfast kick starts the metabolism and you are less likely to snack later on.
Increase those complex carbohydrates - complex carbs provide a slow releasing energy source that your body finds far easier to manage. Brown rice, brown pasta, root vegetables and wholegrain are all complex. Simple carbohydrates (biscuits, sweets, refined sugar) serves a purpose but should not form your main intake of carbs as they can disrupt your blood sugar levels, making them more unstable. This can lead to energy depletion and proneness to snacking.
More information can be found below
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/nutrition/facts/lifestylemanagement/carbohydrates.htm
Fizzy mineral water - Fizzy, sugar laden drinks such as Coke are loaded with calories. At one point I was getting through 2 litres of Coke a day when I was obese. If you want to wean yourself off these drinks, replace with a flavoured, fizzy mineral water. Despite them still being carbonated, they are low in calories but give you that fizzy fix.
Healthy takeaway options - total deprivation whilst dieting is more likely to lead to bingeing. Some studies suggest that over 90% of dieters will regain weight within 5 years.
Don't deprive yourself completely.
When I was half way through my weight loss, I treated myself to a takeaway every Friday. There are healthier options on the menu and it is up to you to make that healthy choice.
Lets use Chinese as an example. Instead of egg fried rice, get boiled rice. Instead of dishes where the meat is fried in batter, select one where the meat comes as is such as lemon chicken (one of my favourites!) Kebabs - instead of a greasy doner, why not have a shish where the meat is grilled.
Healthy snacks - I know better than anybody how addictive sugar is. I worked my way through so much candy, I am surprised I have any teeth left. When you are losing weight, there are going to be those inevitable times where you crave chocolate, biscuits and sweets. Grapes, raisins and dried fruit provide enough fructose to satisfy your sugary cravings.
Dreaded desserts - thankfully I am not that big on dessert and never have been but there are healthier options. Why not replace ice cream with sorbet? Sorbet does contain a fair bit of sugar but, in moderation, it is a suitable replacement should you feel the desire to cleanse that pallette!
Eat when you are hungry - Something many people do not do is listen to is their body. I feel, as an overall society, that we are totally out of touch with what is most organic; our physical selves. I have learnt to identify when I am hungry. it has taken many years to recognise the feeling but it is distinctive when you learn how to listen.
Make sure your are drinking enough liquid. Hunger can often be confused with thirst. Many people are dehydrated and do not even know it. Caffeine acts as a diarrhetic and so if your are a regular coffee or tea drinker especially, make sure you are getting enough water.
I hope some of these tips have been useful, many are well known and are so for a reason - they work.
Next time I will provide my top tips for exercising - a crucial elements to successful and sustained weight loss.
R xx
So with no further ado...
Food
NEVER under eat - There are many negatives as a result of constricting your calories too severely. You are more likely to end up bingeing, your blood sugar levels will be unstable, your body will generally not respond well long term. We have all heard about starvation mode. Restricted calories can induce a state of shock and subsequent defence of your body to preserve it's fat/energy reserves. Another negative element to this is you won't have the energy to exercise; a vital component to successful and long term weightloss.
Under eating WILL catch up with you eventually.
Crazy diets - the word 'diet' can be construed in many ways. To me, diet has negative connotations as I tend to associate it with unnatural forms of food choice. The Atkins diet, the cabbage soup diet, slim fast, celebrity slimmer, they are all doomed to fail. Long term eating habit changes require a sensible, moderated view on what you are putting in your mouth. Our bodies need carbs, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins to remain healthy. By cutting out any of these elements from your consumption, you are playing a potentially dangerous game with your health.
Try to eat little and often - By dividing your 3 main meals up into smaller, more frequent meals you keep your blood sugar levels more stable, thus minimising the risk of snacking on the unhealthy options. This will also negate the risk of you piling your plate high with food and over eating when you do have a meal.
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day - This is so true, by eating breakfast you are fuelling your body far more efficiently. Breakfast kick starts the metabolism and you are less likely to snack later on.
Increase those complex carbohydrates - complex carbs provide a slow releasing energy source that your body finds far easier to manage. Brown rice, brown pasta, root vegetables and wholegrain are all complex. Simple carbohydrates (biscuits, sweets, refined sugar) serves a purpose but should not form your main intake of carbs as they can disrupt your blood sugar levels, making them more unstable. This can lead to energy depletion and proneness to snacking.
More information can be found below
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/nutrition/facts/lifestylemanagement/carbohydrates.htm
Fizzy mineral water - Fizzy, sugar laden drinks such as Coke are loaded with calories. At one point I was getting through 2 litres of Coke a day when I was obese. If you want to wean yourself off these drinks, replace with a flavoured, fizzy mineral water. Despite them still being carbonated, they are low in calories but give you that fizzy fix.
Healthy takeaway options - total deprivation whilst dieting is more likely to lead to bingeing. Some studies suggest that over 90% of dieters will regain weight within 5 years.
Don't deprive yourself completely.
When I was half way through my weight loss, I treated myself to a takeaway every Friday. There are healthier options on the menu and it is up to you to make that healthy choice.
Lets use Chinese as an example. Instead of egg fried rice, get boiled rice. Instead of dishes where the meat is fried in batter, select one where the meat comes as is such as lemon chicken (one of my favourites!) Kebabs - instead of a greasy doner, why not have a shish where the meat is grilled.
Healthy snacks - I know better than anybody how addictive sugar is. I worked my way through so much candy, I am surprised I have any teeth left. When you are losing weight, there are going to be those inevitable times where you crave chocolate, biscuits and sweets. Grapes, raisins and dried fruit provide enough fructose to satisfy your sugary cravings.
Dreaded desserts - thankfully I am not that big on dessert and never have been but there are healthier options. Why not replace ice cream with sorbet? Sorbet does contain a fair bit of sugar but, in moderation, it is a suitable replacement should you feel the desire to cleanse that pallette!
Eat when you are hungry - Something many people do not do is listen to is their body. I feel, as an overall society, that we are totally out of touch with what is most organic; our physical selves. I have learnt to identify when I am hungry. it has taken many years to recognise the feeling but it is distinctive when you learn how to listen.
Make sure your are drinking enough liquid. Hunger can often be confused with thirst. Many people are dehydrated and do not even know it. Caffeine acts as a diarrhetic and so if your are a regular coffee or tea drinker especially, make sure you are getting enough water.
I hope some of these tips have been useful, many are well known and are so for a reason - they work.
Next time I will provide my top tips for exercising - a crucial elements to successful and sustained weight loss.
R xx
Oxygen deficiency
I have been thinking today about how my life has changed over the past 7 years. I say 7 because that incorporates the time when I was at my biggest and most unhappy.
Existing took effort back then, now I can move around, go up and downstairs and not even notice it but I could not do that before. I had to build up the motivation to go to the kitchen, go take a bath, go fix dinner. Everything took a huge amount of effort.
Unfortunately I have started to experience those unmotivational feelings again but, this time, there is a different reason. Since I lost the weight, I have developed iron deficient anaemia. My doctor is not too certain what is causing it but my energy levels have been non existent over the past 6 weeks. My ferrous levels fluctuate, sometimes I can go for several months with no ill effect but others, I am wiped out. The doctor has questioned whether it could be diet related but, overall, my diet is ok.
I had a blood test 2 weeks ago and it came back confirming that my anaemia is as bad as it has ever been. I sleep at any given opportunity and could quite happily stay in bed all day. My head is fuzzy, my attention span compromised frequently and I have a tendency to get quite low. I am still exercising but the sessions are fraught with frustration as my muscles ache quickly and my overall performance is a shadow of it's former glory. These symptoms are all part and parcel of the condition. I can't help but question whether I have been anaemic for longer than I realise. I demand a lot from my body physically. As a result, I think the lack lustre tiredness is more acute. Before, I put my constant tiredness down to my weight.
Anaemia is a horrible condition, essentially your oxygen carrying red blood cells are unable to transport the oxygen needed to keep you fully alert and energised. I am on high dose iron tablets for 3 months and have adopted a wheat free diet as wheat can inhibit the bodies ability to absorb nutrients.
All in all, I am shattered at the moment. I think this highlights how important it is to look after yourself. Weight loss is not just about dropping fat, it is about improving your overall health. A balanced, nutrient rich diet can work wonders.
R xx
Existing took effort back then, now I can move around, go up and downstairs and not even notice it but I could not do that before. I had to build up the motivation to go to the kitchen, go take a bath, go fix dinner. Everything took a huge amount of effort.
Unfortunately I have started to experience those unmotivational feelings again but, this time, there is a different reason. Since I lost the weight, I have developed iron deficient anaemia. My doctor is not too certain what is causing it but my energy levels have been non existent over the past 6 weeks. My ferrous levels fluctuate, sometimes I can go for several months with no ill effect but others, I am wiped out. The doctor has questioned whether it could be diet related but, overall, my diet is ok.
I had a blood test 2 weeks ago and it came back confirming that my anaemia is as bad as it has ever been. I sleep at any given opportunity and could quite happily stay in bed all day. My head is fuzzy, my attention span compromised frequently and I have a tendency to get quite low. I am still exercising but the sessions are fraught with frustration as my muscles ache quickly and my overall performance is a shadow of it's former glory. These symptoms are all part and parcel of the condition. I can't help but question whether I have been anaemic for longer than I realise. I demand a lot from my body physically. As a result, I think the lack lustre tiredness is more acute. Before, I put my constant tiredness down to my weight.
Anaemia is a horrible condition, essentially your oxygen carrying red blood cells are unable to transport the oxygen needed to keep you fully alert and energised. I am on high dose iron tablets for 3 months and have adopted a wheat free diet as wheat can inhibit the bodies ability to absorb nutrients.
All in all, I am shattered at the moment. I think this highlights how important it is to look after yourself. Weight loss is not just about dropping fat, it is about improving your overall health. A balanced, nutrient rich diet can work wonders.
R xx
Seasonal metabolic affectedness disorder
Just a short one this am.
How is everyone this Saturday morning? I treated myself to some relaxed TV viewing last night and was appalled at how THAT time of year is being rammed down our throats via every medium known to man. It is 3 weeks away still advertisers, sort it out! Of course they won't, the sooner they start advertising, the more wonga they make. If I had my way, I would start thinking about Christmas on Christmas Eve, then forget about it by the 27th. I would sooner hibernate for 2 weeks and come around when it is all over. The true sentiment of Christmas has been lost, swallowed up in excessive drinking, spending, partying and eating.
The financial pressure families must feel at this time of year cannot be nice, especially in these turbulent economic times. I am sure there will be many a frugal Christmas this year; nuts and satsumas in stockings, pieces of coal under the tree!
So the festive season has put me in mind of the gastronomic challenges anyone losing weight faces at this time of year. Gym memberships will inevitably soar post New Years Eve 2011 but any time before that seems to give many people the licence to gorge on food. In all fairness, our discipline IS tested at this time of year. All that tempting food and booze laid out on the supermarket shelves, yearning you to buy it with it's alluring advertising. There is a veritable pressure to eat like a gannet and drink like a fish; friends parties, work Christmas dinners, catching up with friends and family. it's party season right? I think I shall coin a new term 'seasonal metabolic affectedness disorder' (SMAD for a nice acronym.) The definition can be, 'the general publics en masse, seasonal urge to consume copious amounts of calories during a 7 day period.'
The last couple of Christmases, I have relaxed my eating habits a bit. It is nice to enjoy a gut busting Christmas dinner and partake in the yummy desserts and tasty snacks that are shunted around. I think it is all to easy to fall off the weight loss wagon after Christmas, for some it is very hard to clamber back on in the New Year.
Nevertheless it is important to enjoy ourselves, especially if those around us are! We can still be mindful of what we are eating but loosening the reins a little bit won't matter too much
R xx
How is everyone this Saturday morning? I treated myself to some relaxed TV viewing last night and was appalled at how THAT time of year is being rammed down our throats via every medium known to man. It is 3 weeks away still advertisers, sort it out! Of course they won't, the sooner they start advertising, the more wonga they make. If I had my way, I would start thinking about Christmas on Christmas Eve, then forget about it by the 27th. I would sooner hibernate for 2 weeks and come around when it is all over. The true sentiment of Christmas has been lost, swallowed up in excessive drinking, spending, partying and eating.
The financial pressure families must feel at this time of year cannot be nice, especially in these turbulent economic times. I am sure there will be many a frugal Christmas this year; nuts and satsumas in stockings, pieces of coal under the tree!
So the festive season has put me in mind of the gastronomic challenges anyone losing weight faces at this time of year. Gym memberships will inevitably soar post New Years Eve 2011 but any time before that seems to give many people the licence to gorge on food. In all fairness, our discipline IS tested at this time of year. All that tempting food and booze laid out on the supermarket shelves, yearning you to buy it with it's alluring advertising. There is a veritable pressure to eat like a gannet and drink like a fish; friends parties, work Christmas dinners, catching up with friends and family. it's party season right? I think I shall coin a new term 'seasonal metabolic affectedness disorder' (SMAD for a nice acronym.) The definition can be, 'the general publics en masse, seasonal urge to consume copious amounts of calories during a 7 day period.'
The last couple of Christmases, I have relaxed my eating habits a bit. It is nice to enjoy a gut busting Christmas dinner and partake in the yummy desserts and tasty snacks that are shunted around. I think it is all to easy to fall off the weight loss wagon after Christmas, for some it is very hard to clamber back on in the New Year.
Nevertheless it is important to enjoy ourselves, especially if those around us are! We can still be mindful of what we are eating but loosening the reins a little bit won't matter too much
R xx
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