Niamh’s diary, week 4: Unfortunately I had to drop out last week due to a bad throat. I could eat hardly anything because the pain of my throat was unreal, ending up with sleepless nights. All along I thought I might be getting a cold and the sore throat was it coming on. But I couldn't eat anything and the pain got worse as the week went on, so I kind found myself going off plan. Went to the doctors on Friday and have ulcers on my throat and inflamed tonsils. So sadly I consider last week a write off. I'm not feeling much better this week, but will try harder, just choose my meals wisely and opt for as much soft food as I can.
Claire says: That wasn't an easy week for you at all Niamh, what you didn't say in your little diary was that I know it was your husbands birthday at the weekend and you went out for a meal that you couldn't enjoy. That's going to add to your feeling of disappointment and upset with everything. The best advice I can give you today is to take things easy this week. Your no. 1 focus in the coming days is to get better and don't risk your recovery. So eat smaller meals more regularly and keep your fluids up. I know how determined you are, so I have every confidence that once you've got your spring back in your step that the diet will follow. The best of luck, we all have weeks where we have no control over what happens, so put it behind you and this will only be a blip on an otherwise excellent weight loss journey.
Sinead’s diary, week 4 Another bad week for me - I had a very chaotic week work wise, and found it difficult to fit 'eating properly' in- That of course is a cop out from me; I choose to have a mint crisp for lunch instead of a sandwich, telling myself it was okay as I was having a bad day! Of course one mint crisp inevitably leads to more junk, so last week I really did go off the rails! I did post a 1.75 LB loss on Tuesday though. So I suppose it was a week of swings and roundabouts! My squash partner let me down again, but I have decided to advertise in the club for a new one, so that my efforts aren't relying on someone else. The less excuses that I have the better! This week, hasn't started so well, either a cake bar for breakfast and some mint aero balls, a cup of soup and a slice of bread for lunch. Oh dear, oh dear.....Some words of advice for me please mentors!
Claire says: I'm afraid I'm prone to think cop-out too, but that fact that you have recognised not only where you went wrong, but why, means you have the power to turn this around, you know exactly what you have to do. I'm pleased to see you're still losing, but I am worried about the sugar craving cycle you have found yourself in. I know it was a busy week, but it's worth pointing out that sweet sugary snacks are about the worst thing to eat in these situations. Your blood sugar levels, and therefore your energy and moods, will swing and you just won't have to fuel to see you through the day. It may seem as though taking a break to have a proper meal is time you can't afford - but it will recharge your batteries, give you a well deserved break and with a proper meal, you will be able to last longer, without the slumps and tiredness that sugary snacks will only lead to.
My advice for the days ahead is to make a concerted effort to eat a healthy breakfast, it make a hugely positive step towards you taking control of your food and not your food controlling you. Planning will help too, make sure you have healthy snacks and quick to prepare lunches - a healthy sandwich for instance -and keep hydrated too. You've no more excuses, you know exactly what you need to do and I'm positive you shall. Best of luck in the search for a squash partner, but don't forget - you won't have the energy & you'll lose the game if you're not eating well, so another reason to get back on track again.
Vanessa’s dairy week 4So onto the last leg of the LBD diet now, so for these final weeks I'm going to be really good and follow my plan to a tee (as much to my efforts anyway). Last week went well, however I was starting to get disheartened as I wasn't really seeing results on the scales, although I was feeling it with my clothes. So I measured myself at the weekend and I've lost an inch from my waist, which I'm thrilled about. Yay! And my Mum commented over the weekend on how 'slim' I look. So I'm feeling back on track for the final two weeks, it's just a pity this is the most tempting season of all. So I've been reading our dining out guide to help me prepare for the festive feasts that are booked for the weeks ahead.
Claire says: I'm delighted that you decided to take that tape measure out Vanessa, all too often we can get hung up on the needle or numbers on the scales and forget that there are other ways of recording your success. I could read how upset and distressed you were getting with all your hard work. The simple step of measuring your waist was all that was needed to put the smile back on your face and confirm that it was all worth it. Compliments from your mum too - bonus points! I know you're going to be looking fabulous in that little black dress of yours - I should warn all the glamourpusses in Customer Services that they will have some competition from you at the Christmas Party this year!
Use all the tools available to you to stay focused and positive, because we all have difficult weeks but keeping regular records of all the good things you achieve can keep your motivation up even when things are going against you and you're at a low ebb. All the best to everybody!