4 Steps Forward 4 Steps Back

I had a good 4 days of progress last week, using the Nutri Ninja for breakfasts, limiting carbs and sugar and reducing my portions and then...

I went away for a few days and completely deviated from the plan. Larger portions, poor food choices and convenience options have halted my progress.

It is disappointing, but it feels better to be back at square one than dealing with a gain on top of a gain. After loosing 1 kg, I'm back at 80.5 kgs and now that I'm back home, I can get back to routine.

The reality is, there are always going to be these challenges to test me. Next time I need a better plan to manage the situation and make a commitment to stick to that plan.

There are so many things I could have done to help rather than hinder my progress - like opted for entree size options instead of mains. I could have had the fruit salad option once or twice rather than Eggs Benedict for breakfast every morning. I also could have added a walk or two to my schedule.

The truth is, I wanted to treat myself and enjoy as much as I could. Now I have to deal with those choices and start over..  It's not a disaster or the end of the world, but I can't deny it happened and ignore it. I need to take action this week and stay on track.

Weighty Issue

My weight has gone up quite a bit in the last 2 weeks. I've gone from 78.8 kgs to 80.5kgs and it's not at all a surprise. There are very obvious reasons for it:

Snacking on biscuits and crackers.

Increase in alcoholic beverages.

Increase in carbs at meal times.

Decrease in physical activity.

Decrease in vegetable and fruit intake.

Like I say, it's obvious why my weight is increasing. Now it has to stop!

Some of this has to do with the fact that I'm working more hours and have less time and energy to dedicate to healthy eating and exercise. We are also heading into the Christmas festive period where we have more social events and excess is the norm.  That, however, is no excuse for letting go of my goal to maintain a healthy weight.

I'm starting off my morning with a vege/fruit smoothie and will have to go cold turkey on the snacks and alcohol. I've found its what is easiest for me. I should also increase the physical activity - yoga and walking would help.

Over the next week I will be dedicated to shifting the excess I have accumulated. Its not a large amount  but, that is the point.  I'm not prepared to let my weight get out of control.

Storage Sorted in the Girl's Room

A couple of initiatives have been successful in controlling clutter in the girl's bedroom.

I sat down the other weekend with my youngest daughter and together we organised the mess of hair accessories on the floor.  Using an exisiting storage rack, we sorted them into clips, ties, headbands and bobby pins. The rack is now up on the wall and working well.

I have also introduced 5 plastic storage bins for underneath the girl's bunk bed. 

The girl's have embraced use of the bins. They have two bins each (colour coded) and one extra bin for shared items. They are easy to access and store away and they look good too.  So far the floor space has stayed clear!

A laundry basket for the space is going to be my next focus. I'm still looking for the right option - in the meantime I'm just keeping an eye on the situation and reminding the girl's to use the baskets in the bathroom for dirty laundry.