A bit of a bump in the road

Well, we all go through rough patches and I'm going through a doozy. Long term relationship is over but instead of hitting the chocolate I hit the road...cycling and walking like a demon. Unfortunately, I over did it and have been told not to do any exercise for at least two weeks...It's going to be hard because exercise produces good endorphins which lift your mood, plus I was feeling pretty good after losing 4kg. Now, I could feel sorry for myself and binge and wallow but I'm not going to...I'm going to be careful what I eat and do as much gentle exercise as possible...it may not be 'exercise' in the true sense of the word but you can burn calories by just standing more or getting up and walking every now and then...taking the stairs or going for a stroll at lunch time. I'm lucky because my girlfriends have been great and supportive. Now, I'm aware that some people feel isolated when their relationship ends and so I ask everyone, if you know or even just think someone is struggling or feeling alone, reach out to them...it will make them better and maybe even save a life but it will make you feel better too :) I invite people to post their own personal experiences and share so we can all help each other here. Until next time...be kind to yourselves - and others xx

How hard can dieting be?

I've been quite lucky really because until recently, I haven't really needed to watch my weight but it kinda creeps up on you doesn't it? An extra kilo after my first child then another after the second one...I hit my forties and boy does everything start to change shape. The heaviest I have been is 74kg which for some people may not seem a lot but you know when they say the last few kg are the hardest to get rid of? well, when you've only got a few kg to lose it seems impossible...it never seems to budge. So, I started exercising but then I realised that it's also what you eat - duh! I started by cutting sugar out of my diet, no sugar added to cereal or drinks, no fizzy drinks, no sweets/chocolate. Yes it's hard and sometimes I treat myself but the less I eat, the less I crave it. I have cut down on carbs, white rice is out, potatoes cut right down, white bread etc My diet now consists of fruit, vegies, chicken, fish, turkey, kangaroo, mushrooms and eggs. It's not as hard or boring as it sounds...stir fry's are a favourite and salads, omelettes etc. The trick is to add herbs and spices - added flavour. There is another part to this diet that I'll talk about next time... Until then, set your goals and be determined - but don't be too hard on yourself either - a small treat every now and then can save a huge binge if you go cold turkey.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life..

Ok, I've had this blog site for a number of years and haven't done anything with it. I guess it was just too hard to know where to start but then again, sometimes we over think things don't we? So...this is as good a place to start as any :) I am approaching 50 years old and not doing too bad for my age. I have struggled a bit with weight gain as I get older but I've never had the time or patience for diets and calorie counting etc...I didn't ever really understand a lot of the concepts and trying to sustain an exercise regime had it's own problems. Everyone is different so obviously one size does not fit all - no pun intended :) I want all women to feel wonderful and be happy, life is too short to live with hangups and that feeling of disatisfaction. I am going to start sharing my journey with everyone and hope to inspire and help other women like me.