Forty and Fabulous..Almost

Well boys and girls, here we are, the last Forty and Fabulous post.
Ten weeks ago I was but a chubby little Diva with the lofty, if not loopy idea of raising money for a worthy cause while using the threat of public humiliation to lose a pound or two.
Now, ten weeks have past and well..I'm a slightly less chubby and mildly wiser little Diva.

And so the burning question I know you were just staying up nights to hear..Am I fabulous? Did I raise oodles of money? Did you collectively kick my massive can into the stratosphere of utter fabulousness? Well...almost:)

The grand totals after ten weeks are (drum roll please drrrrrrrrr)

18.4 pounds lost and approximately $408 raised for Hamilton foodshare. That does not include any donations made online or directly to Foodshare or the donations in food raised at the party. (Thank you to all of you who came and brought a canned good).

Thankfully..and somewhat amazingly, every $1 donated raises $5 worth of food through HFS's food recovery program. So our modest $408 = $2040 in the hands of Hamilton Food Share.

"Hamilton Food Share’s Food Recovery Program is a collection of innovative systems that takes healthy and good product deemed surplus and un-salable by food industry standards and redirects it onto the tables of the people who need it the most. ...In 2008-2009, Hamilton Food Share raised and distributed almost 48% of all food given out to the 19,602 people that require the services of emergency food programs each month."

As for my fitness goals I am far from the finish line. Ultimately I want to lose forty pounds and while I did not expect to shed them in ten weeks, I must admit I feel somewhat disappointed that I am almost 2 pounds shy of reaching the 1/2 way mark. (damn you extended birthday celebrations:)

The path to perfection is a long and bumpy road with allot preservative and sugar filled obstacles and distractions and million opportunities to cheat and quit. If nothing else this little experiment has taught me the value of persistence and patience. No crash starvation diet will bring lasting results or improve my overall health and well being.

My results, in the grand scheme of things are modest, but I guess respectable. I have received fantastic advice and immeasurable support from all of you friends and family members and I can't thank you enough. Seriously, some of you who've known me a long time deserve medals for continuously supporting and patiently listening to whatever latest ridiculous idea creeps into my dusty attic.

God only knows the number of preposterous plans I've concocted that my ever suffering and faithful circle of family and friends has patiently humoured over the last four decades. But now and again I actually do try to put my money where my mouth is (or in this case..your money where my my mouth is:)

I've gone from 171.4 lbs to 153 and I've dropped 2 dress sizes and together we raised a few of dollars for an important cause. So, not exactly earth shattering results but I'm on my way. Thanks to your help and support I can say with near believable confidence that I am forty and almost fabulous!

Thank you all for your help, advice and support. I am truly grateful.

Be well.

Only three weeks to go...

Well, the vacation is over and gone are the blissful days of waking up whenever I feel like it and sauntering down to prepared meals, room service and nothing but R&R on the schedule. (Hence the extra 2 pounds I packed on after a little too much sun and rum:)

No more all you can eat buffet for me this week. I looked at the quickly elapsing calender and kicked myself in the gargantuan behind. Ok, maybe not literally..but I did manage to get back to working out regularly and putting a little more effort into putting my fork down and watching what I eat. So it was a better week (weight loss challenge wise that is) and I have shed the 2 mojito induced pounds along with almost two more.

The grand total now stands at 14 pounds lost. Tada... So, pretty good I guess. The scale is moving slowly, but at least it is back to moving in the right direction..so I'll take it:)

Thank you to all the people who have been generous with all the great advice these past few weeks. I have tried implementing many of the tips you have passed on. So far I've noticed the best results from eating smaller portions and eating every few hours, not drinking my calories and not eating late at night. And of course water, water and more water.

In terms of working out to lose weight, I've experienced the best results on the weeks when I work out early mornings before I eat breakfast. As well as mixing cardio and strength training.

I have a long way to go, but any progress is good I guess.

Only three weeks left for the fundraising portion of this challenge but a lifetime (and hopefully a very long lifetime) left to live with this slightly less than perfect body of mine. So I guess I have to just keep cleaning out the attic and the basement so to speak and try to keep it fit and clean. Hell, no matter where I go, there I am..so might as well learn to like to address:)

Until next week, thanks for the ongoing advice and be well.

Cheers!

One little, two little, three little mojitoes...

Ah well, it's been up and down for the past three weeks. First I gained a couple, then lost couple..then, I went to Cuba for a week and a few Mojitoes and an all inclusive resort in the sun later and I gained couple (actually I precisely gained 1 and 3/4 pounds back..let's be specific here!)So the total weight loss is holding steady at a measly little ten pounds.

It's a bit discouraging after 7 weeks to have only lost ten, but I guess I'm somewhat thankful I didn't gain it all back on vacation. (I even managed to get up early enough to work out a couple of times before it got too blisteringly hot and all ambition to exercise was soundly drowned out by the allure of a warm beach, cool water and cold drink..damn you island temptress!) I know, I know, you're feeling oh so sorry for me right now.

Although on the grand scheme of things I am doing well, I have become very aware of the fact that I am fast approaching the end of the fundraising aspect of this little endeavour. Less than four weeks left! Forty is furiously gaining on me and I am far from fabulous! What's a slightly neurotic, somewhat plumpish girl deep in the throngs of yet another mid-life crisis to do when she has reached the impasse of the diet plateau?

Finding the answer to that I guess is this week's challenge. How do I change up my exercise and diet routine to blast past the plateau? And how do I do it in the minute amount of time and energy left in between taking care of the kids, homework sessions, karate classes, kung fu classes, softball, football, cleaning, cooking and what else? Oh yeah, working. Ha..should be a breeze (famous last words)

So, dear readers and sponsors, those of you sponsoring me on a 'per pound' basis, suffice it to say I haven't bankrupted anyone this week! Anyone with advise on fixes to the diet blues please feel free to share them here!

Until next read dear readers, be well and be strong in mind and body.

Ciao

Three Steps Forward, one step back

Well dear friends and family, my weekly progress report seems to have turned into a bi-weekly report. The chaos of life just keeps getting in the way of having a few moments to write to you. But do not fret, I am still working on this little project.

This report I'm afraid to say is a little bitter sweet. I am just finally starting to recover form one of the worst colds I've ever had so week 4 was a bit of a difficult one in terms of keeping up with my work outs. That and a big Mother's day meal made for a tough go. But I still managed to lose 1/2 a pound, so while I was a little disappointed at the small progress, at least it was progress.

Week 5 was really disappointing. I felt a bit better and got in more workouts, and while I was good most of the week, I spent this past weekend at a family gathering for my Mom's birthday, which of course meant food, food and more food and I gained that 1/2 pound back. Very disappointing.

I do take a bit of comfort in the fact that working out is getting a tad easier and, it's a small victory, but I do have one pair of pants that is getting baggy. OK, so it's a size 16, but hey..it's baggy and I'll take it dammit!;)

So, week four and I am holding steady at 10 pounds lost. Good news for those of you sponsoring me on a "per pound" basis::)) No so great for me, but I know the trick here is to not let one mild set back knock me off track.

It's a new week though, and I guess the lesson learned here is that although focussing on allot of exercise and activity is healthy over all, it is only 1/2 of the weight loss formula. Clearly just cutting out my bad habits is not enough of a diet plan. Time for me to find something of an organized regimen in terms of food and to stick to it.

That will be a challenge, but no one said it would be easy.

So dear readers, until next time, be well and take care. And anyone who know a good book or website on vegetarian dieting, I would greatly appreciate it. As always, thank you all for all the feedback, advice and words of encouragement. They are keeping me honest and are really appreciated.

Thanks!

Nat

Week 3 - OOPS..what happended to week 2?

So, it occurred to me that week 2 came and went and I failed to post a blog. I am so sorry about that faithful readers and followers. Life suddenly became crazy and hectic (well crazier and more hectic than usual) and I failed to hold up my end of the bargain. After all, you can't read and comment on my wisdomless words if I fail to impose them on you can you?

So, my apologies, and/or to those of you who welcomed the break from my inane and often pointless blabbing...you're welcome!

Week 2 weigh was a bit nerve wracking but I found that I had lost a respectable 2 pounds making that a total loss of 6 pounds.

Week 3 did not have a stellar start I must admit. I was out for a late dinner and a drink early in the week, although I did manage to not scoff down the entire roasted vegetable roti by eating more slowly than my normal "swallow everything within sight at light speed before anyone notices that the food has hit the table". By actually letting it hit bottom I felt full about half way through a large meal, and, get this...I stopped eating! I know that seems obvious to most normal human beings, but I have unconsciously trained myself to eat for the sake of eating for 39 years. (Hey I grew up the youngest of 6 kids, so it was a basic law of the jungle upbringing of eat fast or go hungry:) So to actually put some thought into what I am shoving into my mouth and weather or not I am actually hungry is a revelation for me.

I've also learned that on the occasion where I might have a drink, I enjoy a simple Vodka and Soda with a slice of lime.

Work out wise I was pretty good about training hard as often as possible. I haven't managed to wake up early enough any day this past week to ride my bicycle to work (just keep hitting that snooze button) but I have incorporated Dr Rachelle's concept of "High Intensity Interval Training" and oh my god is my butt sore! And, on the first glorious Sunday of the spring, I took the family hiking for a good 4 hours. (Incidentally, it is indeed time to break out the sun block..the back of my neck is now lovely shade of lobster red).

OK, so insert drum roll here! The weight lost for week 3 is...... 4 pounds! Making it a grand total of 10 pounds lost. Tada!! And so goes the water weight. I expect the amount of pounds I lose on a weakly basis to slow down somewhat at this point.

I must say I'm fairly happy and proud. Although I don't feel a huge change in how my clothes fit yet, it does feel encouraging to see that number on the scale shrinking every Monday. By the way, I think publicly weighing in Monday mornings may well have been my best incentive to keep from cheating too much. Knowing I have to tell everyone how I did every Monday keeps me fairly honest on the weekends.

I am starting to notice an improvement in my energy level and my ability to feel satisfied by less food. So there is allot to be said for small healthy snacks throughout the day when you feel hungry, drinking allot of water and fitting in some sort of physical activity into everyday (even 10 minutes is better than nothing).

I am also now the proud owner or a stationary bike which I picked up at a garage sale for $20. I spent twenty minutes on it tonight while waiting for a load of laundry to finish and with my work book in hand and I had a brilliant million dollar idea I simply feel compelled to share with you all. Forget the stationary bikes that have little tv screens attached to them so you can watch your favorite show while sweating and panting away. What we should have is a stationary bike with a television that is powered by riding the bike itself. Imagine if you could only find out if Bella chooses Edward or Jacob by peddling at 30 km per hour? What a nation of skinny biatches we'd be! It has probably already been invented, but hey, if not, that's my million dollar idea for you. You're welcome.

That's all for this week. As always, thank you all so much for the constant words of encouragement and fantastic advice. I am trying to incorporate it all, though I'm sorry Laurie, I still take cream in my coffee. Do you have a brand of coffee you recommend?

Next week - to crunch or not to crunch? How do you tackle the flabby abs? And in my case... thunder thighs and gargantuan behind. Yes, this baby's got back!

Until next week, be well

Well..it's a start.

First and foremost, let me say a GIANT THANK YOU to all of you amazing friends and family who are being so supportive of this little endeavor. Not just the great comments and tips I am getting on this site, but through e-mails and facebook. You've given me some great ideas, and I plan to try everything till I find what works best for me. If I get the green light, I will share some of the amazing advice I've received so far.

Thank you also for all the pledges of support for Hamilton Food Share. It is definitely a worthy cause. I will post donation information at the bottom of this blog.

OK,so down to business. I can officially report that as of my weigh-inn (carefully monitored by my merciless task masters, Debbie and Annette..thanks ladies), that I am now a full 4 pounds lighter. Well, it's a start I guess. Not quite the stellar start I was hoping for with the initial shedding of the water weight. But then, I haven't done any radical dieting this week.

Week one has consisted mostly of just writing down everything I eat (which is enough to curb allot of bad habits right there when you have to stare at it in black and white....I ate how many bags of popcorn with that movie???) And I worked on (and still working on) losing the sugar addiction. Hey..I haven't had any chocolate this week, and miraculously..no one in my immediate vicinity has died! Though the neighbourhood dogs are turning tale and running at the sight of me. Guess that makes me the scariest biatch on the block now:)

Haven't gone cold turkey on the morning and evening timmi's with double cream yet though..let's not get crazy. Innocent lives are at stake. I will work on at least switching to (ugh) Milk.

Activity wise, I've heard it said that the latest research suggests that to lose weight you need to do 90 minutes of vigorous exercises per day. Well..that is well beyond my energy level or available time. I am, however, making a point of doing some sort of physical activity everyday. I have karate lessons twice a week, which helps. I try biking to work at least once a week, and if I don't have allot of time, 10 to 15 minutes of cardio or running in the morning and at night.

I've been been thinking of joining an intense 10 week boot camp program, the problem is finding the time. Any tips on creative ways of fitting in working out in a busy life would be appreciated.

That's my progress so far. Thanks again to all my friends and followers (woot, woot..I have 4 official followers on my blog. I feel like John Grisham!:)

For my local pledgers,I will contact you directly to collect your donations at the end of this campaign. For my out of town supporters, or anyone who feels inclined, you can make a donation online to Hamilton Food Share on their website at http://www.hamiltonfoodshare.org/ and clicking on "Donate Now". If I can ask one favor of anyone donating online, in the "comments section" of the donation page, please state that you are donating for Nathalie's Fabulous by Forty campaign.

That's all for this week beautiful people. Soon I will start posting some (eeekk) before shots. But, that's just so I can stun you all with the "after" photos when I'm a hot tamale of a beach bunny::)) Till then, be well, and in the words of a very wise fish.."just keep swimming!"

Day 1 and 40 pounds to go. Here Goes Nothing!

What was I thinking?

Maybe it's just a mild panic attack about the idea of turning 40, or maybe this is just another phase in my budding, menopausal, full fledged raging hormones, foaming at the mouth mid-life crisis, but lately I seem to be a glutton for punishment and public humiliation. Why else would I willingly decide to post my age and my weight issues on the internet for all the world to see and mock? (Well at least anyone with a computer, an internet connection and an odd inclination for reading obscure blogs by an aging, slightly overweight wanna be writer).

But then nothing motivates me like the threat of public humiliation and if my weight problems and self esteem issues can be put to good use then that's just a bonus. So while I'm losing weight in order to become a more healthy and active me, (and let's be perfectly honest, because I want to be able to look at myself in a full length mirror wearing some hot little black dress or tankini and actually think.."hot damn, I am one sexy momma!") as an added incentive I've decided to not only go public with my goal of becoming fabulous by forty, but to raise funds and awareness about the growing problem of poverty and hunger in our communities.

I am asking friends, family and, what the heck, strangers alike to sponsor me on a per pound basis for total pounds lost (or lump sum donation) by my 40th birthday. All monies raised in my weight loss campaign will go directly to Hamilton Food Share to help feed the over 19,600 people who use food banks in our community every month. Anything over $10.00 will receive a charitable tax receipt from Hamilton Food Share.

So it's Day 1 and 11 weeks to go before the end if this challenge and then on to the ultimate goal of shedding 35 to 40 pounds before I reach my medically fit weight for my height. I welcome all comments, diet tips, nutrition advice and exercise routines. I also appreciate all forms of support be they monetary for Food Share, advice and encouragement, or just relentless teasing and torment.

Here goes nothing!