Can you be a foodie AND lose weight? I’m determined!!
Like so many people out there, I have had a constant battle my whole life when it comes to weight.
From the day I was born I was a chubby bundle of joy – and all through primary school, high school, uni and my working life – I have been voluptuous, to say the very least.
The thing that annoys me is I’m not one of those stereotypical fat people who sit on the couch eating chips and blocks of chocolate every night. I rarely even eat dessert when we eat out. I love eating good, healthy food.
It’s time to admit that the weight has to go – there are so many reason to do this!
I have actually sat at this computer many times to write about the fact that I really want to lose weight. But, I always delete those posts and go and make myself a nice, comforting risotto. Why? Well, putting the fact that I would like to lose at least 30 kilograms out there for the whole world to see is a pretty daunting thing. It makes it real – it means people are watching me. But, I think it’s the kind of committment I need to make.
Why have I decided to do this now? Well, I think I’m ready. I’m engaged and the happiest I have ever been in my whole life. I’m getting measured for the most beautiful wedding dress in six months and I have my whole life ahead of me. I want to be healthy. I’m 28 years old with a condition called Polycysitc Ovarian Sydrome (PCOS) and anyone who has that know how hard the insulin resistance makes it to lose weight. As a result of this condition, I’m am also a very young diabetic. When I found out I had it – I was so embaressed and didn’t want to tell a soul. But I’m admitting it now because I know there are other people like me out there. I’m not alone. Losing weight will also increase our chances of having a family one day. There are too many reasons why I have to do this and no reason why not!
I want to achieve my goals and eat great food!
I don’t want my blog to become some sort of weight loss haven where all I post is lettuce leaf recipes. Bugger that! As a close family member of mine told me recently” “if I have to eat lettuce leaves for the rest of my life to lose weight, then I’m going to stay fat.” I couldn’t agree more!
But I figure there must be a way to lose weight and still be able to eat delicious food. I don’t expect to be able to eat cake and biscuits everyday – but I still want food to taste good. I want to be able to drizzle some olive oil on my vegies when I roast them. I want to be able to eat avocado and I still want to eat rice and pasta.
I got told the other week that if I’m serious about losing weight, then I need to give these things away. I’m not a dietician - but I just don’t think that’s true. Whatever happened to everything in moderation? I know that if I feel deprived – I’ll binge. It’s as simple as that!
I have tried sooo many diets before! I’m sick of failing!
Over the years I have tried Jenny Craig, no carb diets – eating very little and exercising a lot. In all of these, except Jenny Craig, I have felt completely deprived and all I did all day was think about food and what I’m not allowed to eat. It’s crap, made me feel bad and I just couldn’t stick to it. I also can’t stand eating pre-packaged food on any sort of regular basis. I’d go insane if I can’t cook – so Jenny is out!
To lose weight, I get that changes have to be made
I’m also a bit of a purist when it comes to recipes. I love butter and don’t really like the idea of substituting. I don’t want to eat it if it tastes like crap!
However, I do understand that to lose weight, you have to make changes – so that’s what I am doing! On Sunday, I officially started tracking my eating habits through Weight Watchers and their points system – and so far – it’s been great! You get to eat normal food. Thank God!! I have always felt that my problem is eating too much rice and pasta, and that my serving sizes are too large. This has been confirmed so far and while I have gone to bed peckish – I’m down with that! I also really love soft drink – but I am proud to say I have officially given it away. I’ve had headaches and felt tired and cranky without the sugar – but I’m starting to feel good now 
Portion control is the key … and giving up soft drink all together!
As I said, I’m not just going to stop posting delicious recipes, or going out for dinner – but I am going to think about things more and adopt the mantra that I can eat everything – in moderation! I am excited because I have already made a few recipes and modified things I already cook – and it’s been very yummy so far. Stay tuned for those!
Sharing the gory figures – it’s time to be honest and accountable!
The reason I decided to blog about this is to keep myself honest and on track and to hopefully share stories with other people on a similar journey to me. I have six months before I get measured for my dream wedding dress. It’s now or never! So, I’ve also decided I am going to post a before photo and my measurements. I still can’t believe I am going to post these for everyone to see – but here goes (*cringe!!!*)
Weight: 111.7kg
Waist: 124cm
Hips: 129cm
Bust: 126cm
Arm: 38cm
Dress size: 20
Thighs: 63cm
My first goal: 99kg
Ultimate goal: 80kg
There, I did it! I know – pretty shocking stats there – but let’s hope when I weigh in, things are on the improve!
My first goal is to get under 100kg. The day I reach that, I will be absolutely thrilled! I am a pretty short person, so according to the BMI calculations I should between 50 and 60kg. I don’t think I want to be that small – so I have set my ultimate goal weight to 80kg. I think I’ll be happy and so much healthier if I can get to that
Feel free to share your weightloss stories below. Got any good advice to keep me on track? How about recipes? I need yummy food!
Stay tuned for some recipes I’m trying – including indian cocnut curry – it was amazingly yummy!