The Mistress of the Universe…

Last week I felt as if I had hit a bit of a plateau which was disheartening enough to make me want to reach for a few bars of chocolate, wash them down with several large glasses of chilled white wine and refuse to leave my sofa again. Ever.

It felt as if all the sacrifice was having too little effect: my waist had got smaller but not in direct proportion to my social life; my clothes felt slightly bigger but not in relation to the chunk of my time spent exercising.

So I went to see Nahid. She’s the Mistress of the Good Vibes Universe and so should have all the answers. (She’s also petite and has the best shoe collection I’ve ever seen). Nahid took me through my food and exercise diary and gave me some pointers.

1) Be aware of your food. Look at your plate, see what is on it and concentrate on it as you eat. This is a new one for me. I seem to have accumulated a Pavlovian eating habit; when eating on my own, I only ever seem to eat in front of a screen whether it’s my computer or a television. So I wonder if I’m missing out the enjoyment of my food because my mind is elsewhere.

2) Eat more slowly. It takes 20 minutes for us to feel full up so lower your portion size and take 20 minutes to eat it. Chew each mouthful and take some breaks. It also helps to drink water throughout as well. Based on point number one, the concept of time disappears. But I have a nasty feeling that I sit at my desk and wolf my food down in a manner that may alarm my colleagues.

3) No carbs after 6pm. There are opposing schools of thought on this one. But The Mistress is a big believer and when you ask for advice, it’s only polite to heed it. Plus I can see how the science might work. In reality, this is the one thing I had hoped to avoid. I comfort eat and the idea of a plate of mash of an evening can bring a tear of joy to my eye. But, Nahid is petite, she says it works. I need to give it a shot.

After less than a week I feel lighter, motivated once again and haven’t felt deprived of anything. I had initially wondered what on earth I’d eat when I removed carbs, but actually there’s lots out there. This week I’ve had: steak, mange tout and spinach in a mushroom and pepper sauce; meatballs; chicken, carrots and peas with a tarragon and pancetta sauce and frittata with salad.

So, I’m not reaching for the chocolate just yet, The Mistress recommends nuts and blueberries….

I drink, therefore…

 February 3rd 2008

Weight 9 stones 6lbs. Weight loss: 4 lbs.

I don’t drink enough water and it’s something I resolve to change every year, convinced by all those glossy celebs and work colleagues who swear by it. That’s why this video made me laugh. Water tastes of nothing, it makes me temporarily breathless and I just find going to the loo fifteen times a day a bit boring.

However, I’ve been forcing myself to drink water throughout the day. As expected, the benefits came after the outbreak of spots and the slightly bloated feeling, but I stuck with it and my skin has cleared up and I do feel better in general.

Personally though, I suspect feeling great is all due to laying off the booze. It wasn’t easy to start with and I must admit to a couple of lapses, but come on, I am also in the throes of a new relationship (and all of the additional benefits that brings).

The most I ever abstained for prevously was a month. On those occasions it’s merely been a case of postponing all social events until the next month, and hitting the first drinking day in a tequila bar, at noon, rapidly making up for lost time.

It feels vastly different this time. There’s no counting down the days because it’s simply too far ahead to contemplate. And I can’t postpone my closest friends for three months without boring myself to insanity on a sofa with just a cat for company. Incredibly, I have stopped drooling at the very thought of a glass of wine but admittedly I’ve been in bed at 10pm most evenings with a book and a mug of (low cal) hot chocolate .

But the success has continued this week. I’m down to nine and a half stones with my clothes and trainers on, my clothes feel continue to feel looser, there are two lines from my breats to my tummy, my bum is much tighter and I’m really enjoying my Power Plates and spinning sessions.

I think I’m due a reward this week as we come up to half way; I’m going to spend some of my saved beer money on something longer lasting such as a slinky top…