last day of 777 and spring/summer transformation challenge

 

have eaten clean all week except mum's birthday meal out last night at the Dartmoor Diner, not really much choic for a DFC member so went for plaice with chips and peas and salad, 2 glasses of water and no pudding or birthday cake, no exercise this week due to back which touch wood seems to be improving slowly so it will be interesting to see what omorrows resluts will be.

Woo hoo

despite not being able to exercise have lost 5 lbs this week, 1.5" from waist and 2.5" from hips, I'd say I'm back on track finally

It's time for 777 again

It's been a week since I last posted, have been eating clean as back still giving me trouble so haven't done any exercise other than a short walk here and there.
Will not being doing any exercise during the 777 week due to the pain I'm suffering with my back, so lets see what results I get from nutrition alone, should be a good experiment. It's also the last week of the Spring/Sumer transformation Challenge, who will win?

 

Pain!

Coming to the end of another week, only managed 2 workouts Monday and Wednesday as back has ceased up since then, Imagine if you ring out a towel my back feels like the knot in the middle, so not too happy, I'm actually missing the exercise!

So this past week was carbs throughout the day, I actually found the food side a little easier but cheated a few times, I  have felt more lathargic this week and have had a couple of afternoon naps.
What suited me best carbs with breakfast, carbs with evening meal or carbs throught the day? not sure really so I think next week I'll try carbs in the evening, with occasional carbs for breakfast as I like my smoothies. The exercise will be on hold for a while so must stick with the clean eating.

If you want to join in with the fun of  Devon Fit Camp, then click on this link, you don't have to live in Devon and attend Camp you can follow the Devon Fit Camp on line programme like I do and still get great results. The next 777 starts on the 27th May

Today's workout

So today was the 300 workout. Last week when I did it I scored 269 today I scored 314 an improvement of 45, woohoo so pleased.

Food revolution Day this Friday

This Friday 17th May at Glanville Mill Ivybridge 12.00 - 16.30

Come and see whats going on

My time with Devon Fit Camp so far

Back in January a work colleague told me all about her friend Claire Morgan-Hughes who runs Devon Fit Camp, it sounded fantastic but to me quite daunting, I’ve never liked exercise, I was big at school and in PE I was always picked last when it was a team event, it knocked my confidence and eventually I didn’t go to PE, I would be in the library doing my homework. I shied away from anything physical from then on and it got to a point where I wouldn’t go anywhere without my husband, if it was something different to the norm for me, he was my support.

I spoke with Claire on the phone, she told me all about DFC and what it involved and put me completely at ease and I poured out my heart to her. Before starting the 777 program in February I was with Weight watchers, I had been there for the past 2 years and had never lost more than 7 lbs in that time it was a consistent yo-yo, lose one week gain the following week and on top of that I was a stone heavier than when I joined them. I was also attending the Weight Management program run by the NHS and getting nowhere with that either. I’d even started making myself sick if I’d eaten something I shouldn’t have, I was desperate

 

I was so excited to start the 777 I just thought I have to give this all my effort, it felt like my last chance I was 21 stone and quite frankly, I was scared of the direction I was heading. I have sleep apnoea, which means I stop breathing while I sleep which made me very tired until I was diagnosed and given a CPAP machine which forces air into my airway to keep me breathing at night, I took sleeping tablets and a lot of painkillers for various aches and pains.

 My first week involved a major headache and extreme fatigue for the first 3 days and then amazingly I felt on top of the world, I loved the food and enjoyed the cooking, the DFC recipe book was a godsend to me, and I have always cooked processed food. Meals straight from freezer to oven to plate, I didn’t have a clue how to cook, but the recipe book was so easy, to follow even for a novice like me. The exercise was tough, twice a day everyday and Claire’s video’s make it look so simple and I’d get frustrated with myself for not being able to do them very well, but I’m learning to except what I’m doing is to the best of my ability and try to be proud of myself for that. The results for that week was 11 lbs off, I was ecstatic

 

I then went on to do the 28 day on-line plan, loved it, not quite such a strict food plan and the exercise was 4 times a week but a longer session. I have now done 3, 777’s and I am loving this way of life. Mostly it has been plain sailing; and I didn’t slip up at all until my 3^rd 777, on the Friday of that week it was the DFC’s 2^nd Birthday Party and I am so pleased I went. Strangers have become good friends and it was great to meet some of them. Members came up to me and told me they had been reading my blog and following me on Facebook and said I was inspiring them, that I was doing so well and to keep going, seriously I felt like a celebrity and I was on such a high when I left, it really boosted me to put my silly little slip behind me and move on.

 

I have now nearing the end of my 13^th week and I feel amazing, I am currently 30 lbs lighter and have lost 19 inches and dropped 2 dress sizes. I feel taller, leaner, stronger and happier. I seem to have a permanent smile these days and my confidence is increasing no end, I no longer need the sleeping tablets, I fall asleep quickly and sleep right through the night, and I don’t take any form of pain relief anymore. I hope when I reach my goal I won’t need the CPAP machine anymore, you see sleep Apnoea is linked to obesity. People at work and the other mums in the playground are starting to notice now and the positive comments from them make my smile even bigger, I’ve had a few that have tested me but I am stronger and my sights are firmly set on my goal.

 

 I love the way the whole package is organised, the 24/7 support from the Facebook group, and the various events that bring everyone together, can’t wait to attend the Food Revolution Day on the 17^th May I’m sure I’ll learn something new. I especially love the food plan and how it changes each week or sometimes each day keeps it fresh, it doesn’t get boring or stale, I believe this is what is really good for me personally, also since eating clean I don’t feel hungry anymore which is great and I haven’t craved anything when I’ve fallen off the plan its just been a mindless slip. Training at home is tough sometimes but I have a wonderful husband who gets the stopwatch out and times me, shouts support to keep going he’s my “Claire at home!” When I can, I train at camp, I don’t feel silly or self-conscious, I feel supported and encouraged Claire is on hand to  guide you with your technique and its good to get it done first thing, it sets up for the rest of the day and  training outdoors certainly helps keep you cool!

I see this as my way of life now, I’m loving every minute of it and feel that I will continue to do so, please keep following my blog and posts, I appreciate the support and guidance from each and everyone of you and I’m sure every member does and I hope I meet more of you very soon at the various events and functions so please say Hi if you see me

Coping with Relapses

Had my NHS Weight Management meeting tonight, had some lovely compliments from the other group members which was fab.

Tonights meeting was all about coping with relapses and listening to the other members and how they deal with falling off the plan, I came to realise I have come along way with dealing with this.

 If I fell off the plan, that was it for the week, until I next weighed in. Then I got to the stage where the rest of the day would be off the plan and you say "I'll start again tomorrow" and I did but now with the help of ny online friends at Devon Fit Camp and my family I can but that cheat behind me and start again there and then. I've learnt a cheat makes me feel very negatively, gutted, cross, depressed with myself but I try to use those feelings to prevent it from happening again.

This has taken some time to perfect, years, and I'm not saying its easy but with support and learning to forgive yourself and move on a little bump doesn't have to become a mountain and ruin the hard hard work you've put in, so learn to forget the little slips and move on straight away and keep striving for the goal you want to reach.

A little update

well I trained at camp 2 days ago and I'm still feeling sore and stiff.

This week has been about carbs in the morning, its been ok have enjoyed smothies, eggs with rye bread etc but have felt a little more tired in the day and doing my exercise after work has been a little tougher, wonder what's install for us next week?

Almost coming to end half way point of the spring/summer transformation challenge so Monday I will be weighing and taking my measurements again along with midway photos, so check back in a few days.

 

Positivity has returned

So after a slight blip last week I'm back on track, so whats happened since my last post?  
         
Devon Fit Camp had its 2 year birthday party and it was fab to finally meet people in person. I had so many positive comments and encouragement from everyone, it was quite overwelming and put me on a real high. I talk to people on a daily basis through the DFC facebook group page but people I hadn't even spoke to said they were following my story and that I inspired them! me! The facebook group is great for sharing tips, recipes and encouragement, I visit it all the time.

Friday 17 May 2013 is Food Revolution Day, Glanville Mill, Ivybridge 12.00 to 4.30pm a global day of action for people everywhere to come together to celebrate real food and learn where it comes from and how to cook it.I'll be there will you?

Then on the 23rd May I have a meal with other DFC members to raise funds for the Riding for the disabled.
 So good times to come

What were my results for April's 777? A lost of 7 lbs and measurements remained the same, total loss now 30 lbs and 21.5"

Want to join Devon Fit Camp? click here to sign up

Day 4 of 3rd 777

Its been a tough week so far............................

Have tried to inspire and support those new to 777 but the talk of it being difficult and tough to some people has pulled me down a little.  People talking of craving various things has had me craving and I did slip one day and had a chocolate biscuit with a cup of coffee, did I enjoy it? no I was really cross with myself and I have continued to struggle each day. My meals have been clean but seriously lacking in vegetables and I haven't enjoyed them. I have done workout 1 everyday but haven't done workout 2. feeling quite low at the moment need to sort myself out, sorry for the miserable post but its how I feel at the moment

Devotee day 27 and looking forward to....................

So Thursdays workout was hardcore, legs felt the burn and Fridays workout was tough as thighs were sore and today my legs definately feel like they have been worked hard, so have been and purchased some more epsom salts for a nice soak in the bath later.

Monday see's the start of my third 777 and I can't wait to boost my system and see some big results again (hopefully). Have the dreaded photo's to post again but like seeing the difference between each set of photos

Looking forward to Friday were I finally get to meet some online friends at the DFC's 2 year birthday party. will it be 777 friendly?



 

Day 25 as a devotee

So it's day 25, a day of fasting for 22-24 hours from the last meal I ate yesterday. The fasts are surprisingly easy for me, helps that since eating the DFC way I very rarely feel hungry. Todays workout however was a tough one, pushed myself as much as physically posible until my arms couldn't hold me anymore. Had a few tears as I was one round away from completing the workout but feel better now knowing I couldn't have worked any harder today. I can feel my legs toning up nicely and my trousers are getting baggier which is giving me a buzz.

Its almost time for the next 777 so if you fancy joining us to lose 7lbs in 7 days for £7 click here.

Spring / Summer Transformation Challenge - the last 7 days

So this past week has been a little harder due to the fact that I wasn't feeling on top form. I seemed to wake every morning with a really sore which improved as the day went on but didn't completely dissapear. Also I felt very tired and had a constant dull headache, then yesterday I was quite chesty. I attempted the exercises most days but wasn't able to give it all the effort I usually do, however i continued to eat clean. Tried a couple of new meals this week. cottage pie with a veggie topping and a butternut squash and pepper soup with chicken, tonight I made Pizza chicken which has been a big hit with other members this week. All three were delicious and were liked by the family too (bonus).

Butternut Squash and sweet poato soup with chicken













So despite not being able to exercise to my full potential last week I still dropped 1/2" from two areas and had a 3.5lb weight loss

Spring/Summer transformation Challenge - Day 1

Off out for the day, so had a smoothie for breakfast coconut milk, strawberries, blueberries, banana and spinach. lunch Chilli heated and put in a food flask, took some cashew nuts and a DFC breakfast bar. Family had a hot chocolate so I ordered boiled water to add my own tea bag and had to pay £1 for it. Home late so had a chicken fried rice from the chinese.

Day 8 Devotee

Started taking recomended supplements today, one is a little hard to swallow but I'm sure will be worth it.

Decided to keep a journal from now on, I'm listing the exercise and nution for the day on the left and what I eat on the right, I'll add in Photos and measurements from time to time too as well as thoughts and feelings.

End of second 777

Lost 7lbs and 1" from waist and 0.5" from thighs.

This is a new goal picture.

Back to 777 day 1

Breakfast today Vegetable smoothie, looks like its glowing I was dubious but it actually tasted quite nice.

omlete abd salad for lunch and beef and veg stew for tea.

Did well with this mornings exercise, 4 and a bit rounds

Day 25 of 28 (Fitness Test)

So today it is the day to re take the fitness test so how did it compare to the last one?

Press ups     last time 13 and 11
                  This time 19 and 20

Squats         last time 20 and 20
                  This time 21 and 25

Burpees          last time 5 and 5
                     This time 7 and 7

f/ward lunges last time 13 and 13
                     This time 17 and 20

Rev lunges     last time 15 and 15
                     This time 22 and 20

Plank last time 30 secs and 30 secs
          this time 30 secs and 35 secs

Improvement there I think also the burpees are no longer the easier version

Day 23 of 28

Well I could feel a change but wasn't seeing it in the mirror until Claire Morgan-Hughes put a before and now picture side by side for me.

I feel amazing, more energy, sleep better and don't need to take sleeping tablets in order to go to sleep and I don't need painkillers for the aches and pains I was getting. I'm feeling stronger, leaner more supple, my confidence is starting to increase and above all very happy

I feel my walking pace is faster than it was and also my stride feels longer. 

Day 18 0f 28

So I did the 7-7-7 program and now on day 18 of 28 so 25 days since joining DFC.

Here is my latest photo , I certainly feel as happy as I look. My trousers are too big too

 

Day 14 of 28

Haven't blogged for a few days, so lets catch up.

I have never been one for cooking it was always processed food straight from the freezer to the oven quick 20 minute meals. Ocasionally I'd cook a lasagne or bolognase but it would be using jars or packets. Since joining DFC, 3 weeks ago I have cooked every meal, everyday from scratch. My food cupboards are gradually changing from tins and packets of rubbish to wholesome foods, such as nuts, seeds, oraganic, gluten free,wheat free etc.

I'm enjoying the cooking and experimenting with different foods, I'll give anything ago once.

I find the exercises tough but part are getting easier, my squats are getting lower and I can do a sit up.

I'm energy levels are continuing to increase and my mood has been good andconstant not highs and lows.

so at the end of 3 weeks, first week 7-7-7 and 14 days of the 28 day plan what are the results so far?

under bust I have lost 2"
waist I have lost 3"
abdomen I have lost 4"
Thighs I have lost 1"
Hips I have lost 1/2"
arms I have lost 1"

and a weight loss of 14 1/4 lbs

I'm really happy and feel the results

day 8 of 28

So todays workout I did yesterday as Monday's are a busy day for me, it was titled Monday Meyhem and it was tough. I pushed myself hard to get through it and was chuffed with how I did. Legs were very wobbly after had to sit and recover for a while

The week has been good, food stayed clean tried some recipes which were really tasty and would definately do again.

Weighed and lost 2lbs so thats 13lbs in 2 weeks, haven't got around to measuring yet, may leave it for another week.

Day 6 of 28

Today is day 6 almost the end of the first week and I'm feeling good.

Very chilly today so decided on soup for lunch for a change. Below is one from DFC recipe book which can be found here. Its sweet potato and lentil soup and was delicious and only too 20 minutes.........

day 4 of 28

Eaten well today
Smoothie for breakfast salad at lunch with hot chicken and chicken stir fry for tea.
Never thought I'd be satisfied having so little carbs, but I am, I don't feel hungry anymore, and I've had no cravings.....

The family and I went to Trago yesterday and my daughter and husband commented on the way home, how I was striding ahead of them and bouncing down the steps on the way to the shop  and on the way back to the car park  I strode up the hill alone, normally I'm hanging on to hubby to pull me up the hill and on the way home I would fall asleep, not this time, feeling good

Todays exercise was tough on my legs, and I had a cry afterwards as some exercises are harder as my tummy gets in the way and it makes me cross, but hubby pointed out that as the tummy strinks I'll be able to improve the exercises which is the whole point in doing them in the first place.

Note to self do your best and stop aiming for perfection.

Tonight's Tea

Lamb and mint stir fry

day 3 of 28

Ok yesterday didn't really happen was up from midnight with a tummy bug, hubby thinks I may have had a duff egg. So had a hand full of cashew nuts in the morning, slept till 3pm then had a tin of tomato soup, drunk lots of water and fruit tea and had a smoothie at 9pm. wasn't fit for the exercise.

today is meant to be a rest day but as I didn't do the exercise yesterday, I will do it today,

Have a great day everyone and stay clean

28 day program - Day 1

Day 1 has been good
Exercise tough but got through it, look forward to repeating it in 4 weeks time to see how I've improved.
Food for today quite simple but very tasty, Banana omelete for breakfast, a veg stir fry for lunch, and a goats cheese and onion omelet for tea, not very inventive today but been quite busy.

End of 7-7-7 start of 28 day program

So its the end of the 7-7-7 program, its been a tough journey to begin with but has certainly got easier, I haven't had any cravings except for wanting a coffee when I make one for hubby. My feelings of hunger have gradually disappeared and I've found I now become fuller quicker and rarely finish a meal, which is unheard of for me, I always cleared my plate, which was an issue for me as I was often left feeling bloated and uncomfortable, but clearing my plate had become HABIT!

So what were my results...........................

chest -  49" remained the same
waist- 47" loss of 1.5"
abdomen 55" loss of 2"
thighs 29" loss of 1"
hips 50.5" loss of 0.5"
arms 15" loss of 0.5"

weight 19st 9lbs loss of 11lbs

happy I certainly am

so whats next?

well today I start on the 28 day program, I'll continue to eat clean but the exercise is not quite so intence, please continue to check in and follow my blog to see how my journey unfolds

Day 7 of 7-7-7

Some days have been  a struggle and emotional, but today day 7 if feel alive.
I have noticed a vast improvement in my skin, it was good before but now its glowing it seems slimmer, firmer an my eyes brighter. My hair normally needs a daily wash  but today I haven't needed to. My trousers / skirts are looser and I definately have more energy. Normally after work I'd have a nap before continuing with the rest of the day.
My water intake has increased and I have followed the food guidelines to the letter although a do struggle to get lots of veg in. I haven't been hungry and I haven't craved anything.

Tomorrow I am going to continue with the 28 day program

7-7-7 Day 3

Slept well last night and woke just before the alarm, body very stiff and sore today so once the kettle had boiled and the washing machine had been started I'd loosened up enough to do the exercises, i managed 4 reps of set 1 and 1  rep of set 2. hard work bot got through them again, yay, but they are hard and I get quite emotional about it, maybe I'm being too hard on myself?

Enjoyed all my meals today and did a walk with the family at 8pm then had a lovely soak in the bath.
My husband has been great, getting up early to spur me on through my exercises and time me, even does burpees with me!

well off to bed early tonight as can no longer sit on my butt, my gluts hurt too much

7-7-7 Day 2

Hi, well today has been tough, woke with a slight headache had my pint of water and all was good, then cooked breakfast sat to eat it and suddenly felt very sick, was unable to eat my breakfast so left it. took kids to school and still feeling very sick almost didn't go to fit camp, but thought, no bite the bullet whats the worse that can happen, (I'll throw up). Well got there everyone was very welcoming, and as I got into the exercise the sickness subsided, maybe it was just nerves?
managed to get through the whole 50minutes which was a huge surprise to me as I've never done exercise like this and I actually felt good, no sickness and the headache had eased and I was proud of myself.
despite fit camp being manageable its been an emotional day, didn't fancy much to eat today even though I felt hungry at meal times, so just went for scrambled egg for lunch and a fairly plain tea.
Dreaded work out 2 but hubby got his stopwatch out and speared me on and again, I DID IT, yay.
headache quite prominent again this evening but I'm drinking all that I'm told and have been promised it will ease soon.

So hot bath and bed for me now and bring on tomorrow x 

7-7-7 Day 1

Well today has been very different for me, woke slightly earlier than usual drank my pint of water (warm with a slice of lemon) while the computer woke did my mobility matrix, that was ok, then the exercises, not as easy as Claire makes them look! and the warm down. Exercise very different to what I'm use to so struggled and managed 1 set in the allocated time.
Then after getting ready for work and sorting the kids breakfast time......
difficult eating that amount, so managed half of what's on the plate.

by 10am headache started to appear and by lunchtime it was bad, and I was hungry too, enjoyed my lunch but didn't like the avocado.

Evening meal chicken was very tasty, ate most of this meal, still felt a bit hungry but couldn't eat it all, its very different from the food I normally eat, and it's going to take some getting use to, but it was tasty and the slight feeling of hunger after the meal gradually settled.

 

Water consumption, didn't manage it all,3 litres and 1 litre fruit tea

 

After work I met the lovely Claire Morgan-Hughes and was made to feel really welcome and supported.

Tomorrow I have a day off and I'm going to attend the 9am fit camp, nervous, yes.......I'll let you know tomorrow how I get on.

new beginnings

 Well its 10/2/13 and in September I will be turning 40 so I have signed up to Devon fit Camp for some help, to get fitter, healthier and slimmer.
Tomorrow Monday 11th February I am starting the 7-7-7 program and I have to say I've been very excited but am starting to get a little nervous now. I think with anything new you get a little anxious but once I get going I'll be on a mission to succeed. I'm keen to find out the food plan and what new exercise is in store for me. I am doing 7-7-7 from home as I can't make camp due to my work hours and child care, but hope to be able to attend should I have a day off.
I have battled with my weight since about 10 /11 years old and have tried many plans over the years, weight watchers, slimming world, slim fast and other meal replacement diets, I've never been one for exercise especially since kids at school laughed and bullied me about my size, but recently I've been trying different things and OMG I'm actually craving exercise. Ok so today is about preparing for tomorrow, will need to rise earlier than normal to get work out 1 done before getting the children to school and then heading to work. Also need to prepare for tomorrows meals.
catch you later
karen

Ok so tomorrow is DAY 1

food plan is

Breakfast
3-4 egg veg omelette with onion, pepper & spinach

Lunch
prawn & avacardo salad

Evening Meal
Grilled chicken, veg and small sweet potato

5.5litres of water........................

managed 2 litres of water yesterday so will have to up the anti today in prep for tomorrow.

bought the recipe book and there is a prawn, mango and avacardo salad in the lunch section so will adapt that for the lunch. I've never been a good cook or enjoyed cooking so thought the recipe book would be great for me the meals look really easy to do which is ideal, click on word recipe book to go straight to the shop and get it for yourself.
If I remember to take photos of the meals I'll add them to tomorrows post.
Please feel free to leave a comment below let me know what your planning to do with your ingredients for each meal, it would be a huge help to me.
 

Starting photos