'I went on holiday and still lost 4lbs!'
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Working mum-of-two from Northumberland
Height: 5ft 8
Start weight: 14st 7lbs
Current weight: 13st 9.5lbs
Weight loss this week: 4lbs
Well, I have done it!! I have spent the most amazing week in Tenerife with my wonderful parents and two daughters (my husband stayed at home!) and I have lost weight!! This is a first. I usually ‘start my holiday’ from the minute I board the flight in the form of a Greggs picnic on the plane but this year I was determined to be different!! When I began the plan four weeks ago my fear was that something would be spoiled during this week in Tenerife, either my holiday or my diet, but I can honestly say neither was!
My parents were fully aware of my intention to be sensible and, as always, were 100% supportive. I made a conscious effort to plan and take some items with me salad bits and fruit but when we ate out, I made sensible choices and had some amazing fish and salad meals, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I read the options of meals on the closerdiets.com website so that I had a good idea of the type of meals I should select and generally went for ‘grilled’ meat/fish with salad rather than chips. I also decided not to eat dessert as I was always full by the time I’d enjoyed my starters/main courses anyway (not that this had stopped me in the past!)
I did enjoy a glass of rosé wine most nights but justified this by not overeating during the day. In the past we’ve started every day with fresh bread, cheese and salami, however we all agreed to have a healthier alternative like poached eggs and continued throughout the day. I did not compromise the enjoyment of eating out during the holiday and we all had some fabulous and healthy meals.
Amazingly, I took my trainers with me and five mornings out of seven went out for a jog – I have really got the bug!! I managed to double my distance while i was there by running an extra lampost each day! I was really proud of myself as in the past I’ve always secretly mocked those I see out running on their holidays.
Without the ease of the car on the drive, we walked everywhere and while my dad is very gentlemanly and always offers to push the buggy or carry the children I took pleasure taking on the hills, thinking of the benefits to my body! Even spending time in the baby pool with my young daughter I moved my legs under the water rather than just sitting still!
Having said all of the above, I must also admit that I spend a good period of time lying enjoying the sun and was fortunate enough that my parents gave me this break to relax and reflect! Reality had hit when I struggled with my 22kg suitcase on the way and thought about the excess weight I’m currently carrying. The case was so difficult to lift and move when it came to checking in and is actually equivalent of 3st 6lbs which is almost what I still have to lose – this was a very visible tool and encouraged me to continue. The prospect of shedding that luggage once and for all is wonderful and I really feel I’m on my way!
Finally, when we returned home I did get quite a laugh at the airport, while discussing the best way to deal with our ‘overweight’ luggage in terms of checking in an additional bag or spreading it out and putting it into my daughter’s hand luggage. She asked me if this extra baggage charge was because I was overweight as she would tell the check-in staff about my diet in the magazine – she is obviously aware of the positive changes which can only be a good thing (wouldn’t really like to weigh myself in public prior to boarding a flight though!!)
This week sees me back to reality and normality but I’m intending to go to a gym for the first time in my life and even arrange a session with a personal trainer. If I can have a fab foreign holiday and lose weight I can do anything!! Wish me luck!!
READ WEEK FIVE HERE!
READ LAST WEEK'S BLOG HERE!
