My 40 KG Weight Loss and Reward!

The beginning and now, the changes are huge!

 It still blows my mind!  I can't believe the transformation, not only in my face, my body, my clothes, how I am physically, but also emotionally and mentally.  EVERYTHING has changed for the better.  I didn't expect this much to change, I didn't expect me to change so much internally. 

I almost don't recognise the face in the first photo or the person.  I used to be so down on myself, I had no self respect and I hated myself.  Now, I'm like my own personal cheerleader and I can honestly say, without cringing, that I love and respect myself.  I'm still a work in progress and I have my bad days, but there are definitely a lot less bad days.

Getting there! :)

If the weight loss progress ticker above is anything to go by, I am just over half way.  Now, I'm not sure what my "ultimate" weight is, I'll let you know when I get there.  But, if it's going to continue to be as awesome as it was losing the last 40 kgs, I say BRING IT ON!  

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your love and support during this.  I couldn't have done it without you! xxoxx

My precious!

You know that I have to have a weight loss reward and it's probably more than likely going to be makeup related! Surprise, it is! ;)

Now, I may be a little embarrassed of the size of my makeup "collection" and I definitely don't need any more!  So, I decided that an artist is only as good as her tools.  If you're going to get some high quality makeup brushes, you can't go past Hakuhodo brushes.  What makes them so great? They are created from real animal hair (cruelty free).  The brush hairs aren't cut, which makes them extremely soft and they blend like a dream.

I have a Hakuhodo face brush that I bought at IMATS a few years ago (I believe it's the B103BkSL Powder Blush Brush Pointed, but they didn't use to print the numbers on them) and it is my favourite brush, ever.  I purchased the B J142 for blending eyeshadow in the crease and the J005 for applying gel eyeliners and smudging out liner/shadow for smokey eyeshadow looks. 

I can't wait to try them out on my more defined face. :)

As of today, I am now only 6.8 kgs away from a 50 kg loss! :O  I can't believe it! I want to do something really special for this, as this was my first big goal!  I need suggestions please!!! 

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 61 Weightloss Journey

42 KG! Gone! 0.7 kg loss this week

Weightloss Week: 61

Weight lost this week: 0.7 kg (1.54 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 106.8 kg (235 pounds)

Total weightloss: 42 kg (92.6 pounds)

Thoughts on this week

If you have read my blog for a while, you might know that I have jaw problems. I recently found out that I have Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (more info here), I have read that many Chiari 1 Malformation sufferers, like myself, have TMD.  There doesn't seem to be any proven treatment for TMD, however, I am hoping to work through this with my amazing Physio.  

My Physio has recently found a new trouble spot lower in my jaw and did some needling.  Since then, I have been in constant pain and had constant headaches and migraines.  It's amazing how exhausted being in constant pain makes you, it completely drains you.  Due to this, I haven't been blogging.  I hope you can appreciate, that it's almost impossible to concentrate in front of a computer with a constant throbbing head. 

After all of this, I do have some positive news. :)  I went to see my cardiologist last week and it seems after the ablation (read about it here), it has healed itself! This means that I don't have to have the procedure again and it may have cured my heart condition!  I have a heart monitor for the next few weeks to see how I go, but it's looking pretty good. 

Goals for next week

It's going to be Easter, I don't have a problem avoiding chocolate anymore.  But, I will be staying with family, so I may not blog during the next week.

I hope you all have a happy, safe and healthy Easter! 

Guilt is a useless emotion in weight loss, just enjoy and get straight back on it! 

Love, Mel xxoxx

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 60 Weightloss Journey

Week: 60

Weight lost in 5 weeks: 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 107.5 kg (237 pounds)

Total weightloss: 41.3 kg (91 pounds)

Where have I been? Again!

I disappeared again! I feel like I'm letting down a friend when I don't blog for a while!  I had a family emergency and I had to help out.  Family comes first, so I hope you understand!

I wasn't really able to follow the Paleo diet during this time.  I skipped meals and didn't really eat very healthy at all.  It made me realise how much I miss eating healthy and the impact it has on my body.  As of last week I'm back to healthy eating again and I love it!  

I almost can't believe I'm at a 40kg weightloss!  Losing 50 kgs and being under 100 kgs was my first big milestone and I'm so close!  It seemed so far away when I first started and almost impossible and I'm so thrilled to have gotten this far. 

Thank you for your support and encouragement! Thank you for your patience and putting up with me and my disappearing acts!

How are you doing? What is your first big goal?

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 55 Weightloss Journey

Week: 55

Weight lost in 4 weeks: 1.7 kg (3.75 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 110 kg (242.50 pounds)

Total weightloss: 38.8 kg (85.54 pounds)

Where have I been?

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this previously but I have just started seeing a Physiotherapist that specialises in migraines. A few weeks in she asked me if I had jaw problems and it was actually one of the first symptoms I had. 

In the last month after jaw stretches, massage and dry needling I have been in constant pain.  I've been living on pain killers three times a day.  I'm still in pain while writing this, even though I've had pain killers.  I'm sure you can imagine that it is not easy to write a blog in constant pain.  

I'm sure that there is a connection between my jaw and migraines and this pain is only for now.  If it means that I can get rid of daily debilitating migraines, I'm happy to be in constant pain for a while. 

I also underwent an Electrophysiology study (heart study, read more about it here) where they attempted to burn out the extra pathway due to the Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome I have (read about it here).  Unfortunately it wasn't successful and I may need to have the procedure again.  I will need to speak to my cardiologist in a month to see if this is required.  I recovered from the procedure quickly and even though there are risks involved, as far as procedures go, this one isn't too invasive. 

I feel like I'm finally getting some answers in regards to my health and what is really going on. After 2 years, 3 neurologists, 1 neurosurgeon, 2 cardiologists, 1 nutritionist, 1 physiotherapist and 2 great GPs, I think I'm getting closer to a solution! 

I have been told by many that my weight isn't causing my issues because after losing this much weight I would have seen some improvements.  This doesn't mean that I am going to stop losing weight or eating healthy.  This is what I have control over, health wise and it's been the best thing that I have ever done for myself. 

Goals for next week

I have lost weight in the last month but I know that I could have lost more.  I haven't been eating as healthy as I could or should.  Next week I'm going straight back to Paleo and eating healthy.  Keep me in line everyone! ;)

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 51 Weightloss Journey

Week: 51 - 0.7 kg loss - Total Loss: 37.1 kg

Week: 51

Weight lost this week: 0.7 kg (1.54 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 111.7 kg (246 pounds)

Total weightloss: 37.1 kg (81.79 pounds)

Thoughts on this week

Wow! I can't believe that I'm 3kgs off a 40kg loss! Crazy! My first big goal is to make it to 100kgs and it's really not that far away either! This week has been tough due to my health.  I've been pretty unwell most of the week but I'm slowly getting more and more tests done and slowly getting to the bottom of it.  Due to this, it has been really challenging to get in exercise.  I just have to be patient and push on my good days.

I haven't been counting calories since I've been on Paleo and it seems to be working for me.  I just make sure I eat when I'm hungry and drink enough water. 

Goals for next week

I really want to balance out my meals more.  I need to read up more on Paleo as I haven't really.  I know what isn't allowed but I need to ensure that I'm getting enough protein, fats, carbs (from veggies) in each meal.

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 50 Weightloss Journey

0.7 kg loss this week, 36.4 kg loss in total! Whoo hoo!

Week: 50

Weight lost this week: 0.7 kg (1.54 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 112.4 kg (247.8 pounds)
Total Weightloss: 36.4 kg (80.24 pounds)

Thoughts on this week

 It has been very challenging the last few months as I have not been well.  I haven't been able to exercise but I do now have control over my diet, so I focus on that and not what I can't control.  I can't control my symptoms, so I just have to work with them, through them when I can and make the most of my good days.  I'm hoping there will be more of them this year!

Goals for next week

I haven't been drinking near enough water and this is really the time I should be!  It's far too hot not to be!  I'm going to really start trying next week and I want to share some tips with you all.

How are you all doing?

If there is anything you would like me to post about, please let me know!

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 49 Weightloss Journey

Today is a new day...refresh, refresh, refresh!

Week: 49

  

Weight lost in 2 weeks:0.4 kg (0.88 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 113.1 kg (249 pounds)

Total weightloss: 35.7 kg (78.7 pounds)

Thoughts on this year

I totally overindulged over Christmas!  Wine, chocolate, the lot!  I must say though that I didn't indulge as much as I would have the previous years.  If I have learnt anything this year it is balance and to dust yourself and move on.  You can't beat yourself up for making mistakes and tomorrow is a new day.  

If I didn't, those scales above would have told a completely different story!  I would have lost more weight in week 48 (sorry I didn't post, it was very busy leading up to Christmas) and put it back on but I didn't let it stop me getting back on track.  But I'm totally planning on having some wine tonight! ;)  It's all about balance!

I was so afraid to start this blog but it has been one of the best things that I have ever done!  I was so afraid of judgement and nasty comments but what I got was the complete opposite and I could not be more appreciative.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I know I always thank my followers but honestly I don't feel like I can thank you enough!

  I started this blog so that I could be accountable, I thought that if one person read this blog and I inspired just one person it would be completely worth it.  This year I have had so many of you supporting me and telling me I that I inspire you!  When you tell me that I inspire you, it truly blows me away!

I can't wait to achieve even more next year and have you all along for the ride!  If you want to start, DO IT NOW!  I will NEVER regret the day that I started and neither will you.  But you will regret every day that you don't try! 

Why lose tomorrow?

All the best!

Have fun tonight!

Love Mel xxoxx

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 47 Weightloss Journey

See ya never again 35.3kgs!

Weightloss Week:47

Weight lost in 5 weeks: 3.1kg (6.83 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 113.5kg (250 pounds)

Total weightloss: 35.3kg (77.82 pounds)

Thoughts on the last few weeks...

 I'm not going to lie and sugarcoat a shit... it's been tough!  I go through stages where my symptoms aren't as severe and then back to the really challenging stages where I feel like death.  The last few weeks I've been really unwell and instead of blogging during this time, I usually take a break until I'm feeling okay again.  But I really shouldn't do this and I should be blogging all the time, even on the sugarless shit days! 

Today is one of the challenging days.  I feel like someone has kicked me in the guts, I've been nauseous all day and anti-nausea medication doesn't help.  I'm exhausted, my whole body aches and feels weak.  I feel unbalanced when I walk and get constant vertigo.  Plus I've taken my daily dose of Aspro Clear due to a migraine this morning.  I don't want to sound like I'm complaining but I just want to explain what my situation is like and perhaps you can appreciate why I'm away from this blog for periods of time.  I will try my hardest not to do this from now on.

   

Goals for next week

Now, getting back to something more positive...I've now lost over 35kgs!  I still almost can't believe it!  If I can lose 35kgs in a year, just think of what I can do next year!  My goal for next week..."just keep swimming" ;)

OMG Dessert! - Weight Loss Journey Week 43 - Day 3

Week 43
Day 3 - Friday
15/11/2014

OMG Dessert!

Lemon water to start the day

I've been trying really hard to drink more water lately, so I try to come up with ways to bring it into my daily routine.  In the evening I slice up a lemon, fill the bottle with water (this one has a built in infuser) and leave it in the fridge overnight.  This gives the lemon plenty of time to flavour the water. 

I try to drink a glass every morning before any food or other drinks.  Drinking water first thing in the morning can speed up your metabolism and lemon water has loads of healthy benefits.

Will it blend? Yes, will it taste good though?

Breakfast: Smoothie...will it blend?

Needing to use up some fruit I thought I would just throw this into the blender and see what I'd get.  I don't usually gamble with my smoothies but I couldn't be bothered researching a recipe (super lazy).

Apple, pear, spinach, avocado and chia

I added two apples, a pear, half an avocado, some spinach from the garden and some chia seeds.  It was okay but not the best smoothie I've had.  I definitely like the Green Monster Smoothie better.

Who needs Patties anyway? Pffft

Lunch: Failed Turkey Patties Salad :)

Thinking I'd be prepared today I thought I'd make turkey patties with steamed vegetables on the side...let's just say I forgot about the most essential part of the patty, binding.  That's right, being Paleo I forgot that I can't use flour, I did add an egg but that didn't turn out.  So, I ended up with turkey mince and steamed veggies with salad.  Shhh... don't tell anyone!

Stuff them, so they can stuff you! :)

Dinner: Turkey Stuffed Capsicums
Recipe HERE

At least these turned out lovely! ;)  I kept half the turkey mince from lunch and made these delicious stuffed capsicums.  They were pretty yummy and quick to make.
   
PS - Thanks sis for the idea! <3

Will you DATE me? NANA :P

Dessert: Date Me Banana Pudding
Recipe HERE

I really didn't feel like I'd eaten enough today, especially after my walk in the afternoon.  I was still quite hungry after dinner and I really wasn't sure what to have.  I thought that yummy desserts were a thing of the past due to Paleo, but I was wrong. 

I searched for quick Paleo recipes and found this recipe.  I didn't have all the ingredients and wanted to add some of my own, so I thought I'd give it a try.  I'm so glad I did!  It was so delicious!  It was sweet, spicy and to me it tasted like a full-fat banana and date muffin!  The texture was a little soft but that didn't stop me from demolishing it!  Definitely making that again! It's so quick too!

The puns shall never end.  Pffft FIGures :P
(Image from www.kappit.com)

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

Exercise: Walking
49 Minutes, 502 Calories Burned
Glasses of water: 8

I walked further today than yesterday but I burned more calories today, yay!  I know that I won't be able to push myself everyday so I appreciate the days that I can.

Sunset porn for you ;)

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 42 Weightloss Journey

Goodbye 32.2 kgs of toxic sadness! ;)

Week Forty Two

Weightloss Week 42

Weight lost in 4 weeks: 1.4 kg (3.08 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 116.6 kg (257 pounds)

Total weightloss: 32.2 kg (70.98 pounds)

Well, hello! We meet again!

I know, I know, I've been a bad blogger!  I've disappeared time and time again!  After my last post I was really ill and ended up with Shingles (adult Chicken Pox) on my face!  It was very painful and exhausting time, so I hope you can excuse me! 

I previously completed a month of a Gluten free diet and then a month of a Dairy free diet (under the recommendation of my Neurologist).  I'm sorry that I didn't blog during this time.  I was, until recently, still ordering the Lite n' Easy dinners (that were either Gluten or Dairy free) and doing my own breakfasts, lunches and snacks. 

I have since seen a Neurosurgeon who suggested that I now try a Paleo "diet".  In the last few weeks I have been slowly cutting out processed food and carbohydrates and obviously, Lite n' Easy.  I have to try this new way of eating due to my health.  If it fixes even a few of my symptoms, it's totally worth it.

I'll be blogging my experience, food, meals and recipes with you.  Hopefully, it will help those of you who would like to phase out Lite n' Easy too.  Don't get me wrong, I think Lite n' Easy is fantastic for the quality of the food and what it teaches you about eating and portion sizes.  But for me, the plan was to gradually go off Lite n' Easy, but I didn't realise I would be starting it so soon! 

Goals for next week

I really want to get back into this blog and share this exciting new chapter with you all!  I miss you all so much!

I'm really determined to stick to Paleo and find new and interesting ways of preparing food as I don't want to be eating boiled Chicken and steamed Broccoli every night for dinner!

I've also started getting back out there and exercising again!  I'm so happy I finally can!  I'm going to be sharing this with you all too!

Lets do this! :)